Prostate-specific antigen levels in patients with risk factors for prostate carcinoma disorders / Níveis de antígeno específico da próstata em pacientes com fatores de risco para transtornos do carcinoma da próstata

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serum concentration and the presence of risk factors for prostate diseases in adult patients with urogenital infections. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of PSA in 60 patients aged 40 to 65 years, from January to December 2013. PSA quantification was performed in serum by solid-phase chemiluminescence in two label cycles: 1. mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb); and 2. goat polyclonal antibody (pAbs). After each cycle the free antigen was removed. The readings were taken on the INMULITE ONE Siemens® automated equipment. From the PSA, 0.0-2.5 ng/ml was used to calculate the antigen distribution trend, and a bivariate statistical analysis of PSA was as opposed to previous exams, and endogenous and environmental risk factors detected. Results: Patients between 50-60 years of age, with a family history of urogenital and sexually transmitted infections, toxic habits, and exposure to occupational risk prevailed. Sixty-two percent of patients presented normal PSA levels, and the remaining presented slightly elevated and very high PSA levels. In the statistical analysis, a significant association (p < 0.001) of PSA was found as opposed to previous tests. A significant association (p = 0.001) was also found between PSA versus age, family history, personal pathological history, toxic habits, and risk exposure. Conclusion: The high association rate found between PSA versus age and other risk factors could be used as a predictive value for prostate cancer (Pca) or other prostate disorders.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre el nivel sérico del antígeno prostático específico (APE) y la presencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedades de próstata en pacientes adultos con infecciones urogenitales. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico, transversal acerca del APE en 60 pacientes con edades entre 40 y 65 años, de enero a diciembre del 2013. La cuantificación del APE fue realizada en suero por quimioluminiscencia en fase sólida en dos ciclos de marcadores utilizando: 1. anticuerpo monoclonal de ratón (mAb); y 2. anticuerpo policlonal de cabra (pAbs). Después de cada ciclo, el antígeno libre se eliminó. Las lecturas se realizaron en un equipo automatizado Immulite One Siemens®. Se utilizaron 0-2,5 ng/ml del APE para determinar el nivel de distribución del antígeno, y su análisis estadístico bivariado se estableció en comparación con exámenes anteriores y factores de riesgo endógenos y relativos al entorno. Resultados: Prevalecieron los pacientes entre 50 y 60 años de edad, con antecedentes familiares de infecciones urogenitales y de trasmisión sexual, hábitos tóxicos y exposición a riesgos laborales. Sesenta y dos por ciento de los pacientes presentaron niveles adecuados de APE; los demás, niveles ligeramente elevados y muy elevados. En el análisis estadístico, una asociación significativa (p < 0,001) de APE fue descubierta versus exámenes previos. También se descubrió una asociación significativa (p = 0,001) de APE versus edad, antecedentes familiares, antecedentes patológicos personales, hábitos tóxicos y exposición a riesgo. Conclusión: El alta asociación encontrada entre APE versus edad y otros factores de riesgo podría ser usada como valor predictivo para cáncer de próstata (CaP) u otras enfermedades prostáticas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre o nível sérico do antígeno prostático específico (PSA) e a presença de fatores de risco para doenças da próstata em pacientes adultos com infecções urogenitais. Materiais e métodos: Estudo analítico transversal do PSA em 60 pacientes com idades entre 40 e 65 anos, de janeiro a dezembro de 2013. A quantificação do PSA foi realizada em soro por quimioluminescência em fase sólida em dois ciclos de marcadores: 1. anticorpo monoclonal de rato (mAb); e 2. anticorpo policlonal de cabra (pAbs). Depois de cada ciclo, o antígeno livre foi retirado. As leituras foram feitas no equipamento automatizado INMULITE ONE Siemmens®. Do PSA foram usados 0-2,5 ng/ml para calcular a taxa de distribuição do antígeno, e sua análise estatística bivariada foi apresentada em oposição a exames anteriores e a fatores de risco endógenos e relativos ao ambiente. Resultados: Prevaleceram os pacientes entre 50 e 60 anos de idade, com histórico familiar de casos de infecções urogenitais e sexualmente transmissíveis, hábitos tóxicos e exposição a riscos ocupacionais. Sessenta e dois por cento dos pacientes apresentaram níveis adequados de PSA; os demais, níveis levemente elevados e muito elevados. Na análise estatística, uma associação significativa (p < 0,001) de PSA foi descoberta em oposição a exames anteriores. Uma associação significativa (p = 0,001) de PSA também foi descoberta em oposição a idade, histórico familiar, histórico patológico pessoal, hábitos tóxicos e risco à exposição. Conclusão: A alta taxa de associação encontrada entre PSA em oposição à idade e a outros fatores de risco poderia ser usada como valor preditivo para câncer de próstata (Pca) ou outras doenças prostéticas.

A novel monoclonal antibody to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X capsular polysaccharide and its potential use in quantitation of meningococcal vaccines.

A novel murine hybridoma monoclonal antibody (MAb) was produced against the capsular polysaccharide (CP) of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X (MenX) in order to develop a sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitation of the meningococcal polysaccharide. The MAb only reacted with the CP from MenX and did not react with CPs from N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W (MenA, MenC, MenY, MenW). The affinity constant (Ka) of the MAb measured by non-competitive ELISA was 7.25 × 10(7) M(-1). The application of this MAb in a sandwich ELISA was demonstrated by its ability to properly quantitate three lots of an experimental meningococcal CP-based vaccine. The MAb obtained in this work could be a valuable reagent for the detection and quantitation of future meningococcal vaccines containing MenX CP.

Four monoclonal antibodies against capsular polysaccharides of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y and W135: its application in identity tests.

Murine hybridoma monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced against the capsular polysaccharide (CPs) of serogroups A, C, W135 and Y meningococci (MenA, MenC, MenW, MenY) in order to develop immunological reagents for the identification of meningococcal polysaccharides. Each serogroup-specific MAb reacted with the CPs from its homologous serogroup only and did not react with CPs from the other three serogroups. The affinity constant (Ka) of the four MAbs measured by non-competitive ELISA was 6.62 × 10(9), 2.76 × 10(9), 1.48 × 10(9) and 3.8 × 10(9) M(-1) for MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY MAbs respectively. The application of these MAbs for identity tests was demonstrated by their abilities to correctly identify the CPs from serogroups A, C, W135 and Y in meningococcal CPs-based vaccines through ELISA. The MAbs obtained in this work are a very valuable set of tools for study meningococcal polysaccharides vaccines.

Immune adjuvant effect of V. cholerae O1 derived Proteoliposome coadministered by intranasal route with Vi polysaccharide from Salmonella Typhi.

The proteoliposome derived from Vibrio cholerae O1 (PLc) is a nanoscaled structure obtained by a detergent extraction process. Intranasal (i.n) administration of PLc was immunogenic at mucosal and systemic level vs. V. cholerae; however the adjuvant potential of this structure for non-cholera antigens has not been proven yet. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of coadministering PLc with the Vi polysaccharide antigen (Poli Vi) of S. Typhi by the i.n route. The results showed that Poli Vi coadministered with PLc (PLc+Poli Vi) induce a higher IgA response in saliva (p<0.01) and faeces (p<0.01) than Poli Vi administered alone. Likewise, the IgG response in sera was higher in animals immunised with PLc+Poli Vi (p<0.01). Furthermore, IgG induced in sera of mice immunised with PLc+Poli Vi was similar (p>0.05) to that induced in a group of mice immunised by the parenteral route with the Cuban anti-typhoid vaccine vax-TyVi, although this vaccine did not induce a mucosal response. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that PLc can be used as a mucosal adjuvant to potentiate the immune response against a polysaccharide antigen like Poli Vi.

Biodistribución de IgA secretora purificada de calostro humano en fluidos biológicos de ratón Balb/c / Biodistribution of the secretory IgA purified from human colostrum in biological fluids of Balb/c mice

La IgA secretora humana (IgAsh) es estructural y funcionalmente liberada por el ambiente mucosal, con la capacidad de neutralizar antígenos, participa en la aglutinación y exclusión de estos y previene la adherencia de patógenos a las superficies del epitelio mucosal. En este estudio se evaluó la biodistribución de la IgAsh purificada de calostro, después de su administración por vía intranasal, en el modelo de ratón Balb/c y se determinaron los niveles de esta inmunoglobulina en diferentes fluidos biológicos mediante ELISA. Los resultados mostraron la presencia del anticuerpo en saliva de los animales del grupo que recibió la IgAsh en todos los intervalos de tiempo estudiados. En las muestras de lavado tráqueo-bronquial se obtuvo solo la presencia del anticuerpo a las 2 y 3 h posteriores a la inoculación. A partir de los resultados obtenidos consideramos interesante en el futuro utilizar este modelo experimental para evaluar el papel protector de esta inmunoglobulina como candidato terapéutico frente a la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis(AU)

The human secretory IgA (IgAsh) is structural and functionally released by the mucosal environment, with the ability to neutralize antigens and participating in promoting the binding and exclusion of them and preventing the adhesion of pathogens to mucosal epithelial surfaces. In this study, the biodistribution of hsIgA purified from colostrum was evaluated, after being administered intranasally to BALB/c mice model and the levels of this immunoglobulin in several biological fluids were determined by ELISA. Results showed the presence of antibody in saliva samples from animals that received the IgAsh, which was significantly higher than levels found in samples from non-treated animals, at all time intervals. In samples of tracheobronchial lavage, high antibody levels were only obtained two and three hours after the inoculation of the animals of the group that received the IgAsh, compared to the non-treated group. According to the results obtained, we consider interesting to evaluate the protective role of this immunoglobulin as a therapeutic candidate against the infection by M. tuberculosis in a near future(AU)

AFCo1 as nasal adjuvant of capsular polysaccharide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C induces systemic and mucosal immune responses.

Increasing emphasis is being placed on the mucosal administration of vaccines in order to stimulate mucosal as well as systemic responses. Findings from our group suggest that proteoliposome-derived cochleate (AFCo1) acts as a potent mucosal adjuvant. As an alternative to chemical conjugation, the current study aimed to determine the benefit of using AFCo1 to improve the mucosal and systemic immune responses to capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (PsC), a model of a thymus-independent (TI) antigen. Therefore, intranasal (i.n.) immunization of 3 doses 1 week apart with AFCo1 plus PsC in mice was conducted. Highly specific anti-PsC IgA responses and an anti-PsC IgG response were obtained. The subclass pattern induced against PsC was similar to that induced with the meningococcal vaccine. In summary, AFCo1 as nasal adjuvant was demonstrated to be capable of eliciting mucosal and systemic specific responses against a TI antigen.

Mucosal and systemic immune responses of mice to tetanus toxoid coadministered nasally with AFCo1.

Mucosal immune responses are an early and important line of defense against pathogens. The current understanding of the mucosal immune system allows us to consider the use of nasal immunization for induction of antigen-specific immune responses at the mucosal surface and the systemic compartment. Mucosal adjuvants are key for developing novel mucosal vaccines and represent 1 approach to improving mucosal and systemic immunity. However, few mucosal vaccine adjuvants are currently approved for human use. Neisseria meningitidis B proteoliposome-derived cochleate (AFCo1 - Adjuvant Finlay Cochleate 1) has been demonstrated to be a potent mucosal adjuvant. The present work demonstrates that intranasal immunization of 3 doses of tetanus toxoid (TT) coadministered with AFCo1 in mice promotes high systemic and mucosal responses. The anti-TT IgG serum titers and the mucosal anti-TT IgA in saliva and vaginal wash were significantly higher than TT alone. The analysis of antibody subclasses showed that intranasal administration of AFCo1 + TT induced not only IgG1 but also IgG2a anti-TT antibodies at levels comparable to those obtained with TT vaccine (vax-TET). These data support the fact that AFCo1 is a potent mucosal adjuvant in nasal immunization to a coadministered protein antigen.

[Correlation between symptoms and survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma]. / Correlación de los síntomas de los pacientes con cáncer de células renales con la supervivencia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between type of presentation in patients with renal cell carcinoma and survival. METHODS: Longitudinal retrospective study of 42 patients with clinical and histological diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between July 2002 and September 2007 at University Hospital Manuel Fajardo. The following variables were studied: Sex, age, clinical presentation: 1) asymptomatic: 2) symptomatic: 3) paraneoplastic syndrome; tumor stage (TNM 1997) and survival. RESULTS: There is a predominance of men over women, the age of greater incidence was between the fifth a and seventh decades. The tumors were classified as: asymptomatic 7%, 3/42; symptomatic 67%, 28/42, with flank pain 31%, 13/42; with hematuria 24%, 10/42, and tumor 10%, 4/42, the classic triad of hematuria, flank pain and mass was 2.3%, 1/42 of the patients and paraneoplastic syndrome 24%, 11/42. The patients with non-metastatic disease were 57%, 24/42 and 43%, 18/42 presented metastases. Five-year survival for patients with RCC by TNM stage was T1, 100% ( 12/12) , T2, 97% (11/12) , T3, 36% (4/11) , T4, 0% (0/7) . The survival of localized and metastatic RCC was 95%, 23/24 and 22%, 4/18 cases respectively and all stage was 64% (27/42). CONCLUSIONS: The asymptomatic RCCs were smaller; pain, hematuria, and mass were the most common manifestations in symptomatic RCC. The prognosis is dismal in patients with RCC showing paraneoplastic syndromes.

[Survival of patients with advanced renal carcinoma treated with interferon]. / Sobrevida de los pacientes con carcinoma renal avanzado tratados con interferón.

OBJECTIVES: To determine survival of patients with metastatic renal carcinoma treated with interferon. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal study with 18 patients with the diagnosis of metastatic renal carcinoma treated in the University Hospital Manuel Fajardo between July 2002 and September 2007 with radical surgery and alpha 2b recombinant interferon, either adjuvant or as monotherapy. RESULTS: 74% (14/18) of the patients were males, 26% (5/18) females. 72% (13/18) underwent radical surgery plus interferon, and 28% (5/18) received interferon monotherapy. Complete response was observed in 22% (4/18); 78% (14/18) had progression. One, 2, 4 and 5-year survivals were 50%, 33%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant response was found. There was not tumor regression in any case using interferon. Survival was better in cases undergoing radical nephrectomy plus interferon than cases treated with interferon monotherapy.

Correlación de los síntomas de los pacientes con cáncer de células renales con la supervivencia / Correlation between symptoms and survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma

OBJETIVO: Analizar la correlación existente entre los síntomas de los pacientes con Carcinoma de Células Renales y la supervivencia.MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo longitudinal de 42 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histológico de carcinoma de células renales tratados durante el período comprendido entre julio del 2002 a septiembre 2007 en el hospital Universitario Manuel Fajardo. Se analizaron las variables de: sexo, edad, forma de presentación de la enfermedad (asintomática, sintomática y síndrome paraneoplásico), estadio tumoral de la clasificación de TNM y sobrevida.RESULTADOS: El hallazgo asintomático se presentó en el 7%, 3/42 de los casos y se manifestaron por síntomas el 67%, 28/42, el dolor en el 31%, 13/42, la hematuria en el 24%, 10/42, el tumor en el 10%, 4/42, la tríada clásica (dolor, tumor y hematuria) en el 2.3%, 1/42 de los pacientes. El resto de los enfermos el 24%, 11/42 acudieron por síndrome paraneoplásico. El 57%, 24/42 al momento del diagnóstico no tenían metástasis y el 43%, 18/42 con enfermedad metastásica. La supervivencia para los estadios no metastásicos fue del 95%, 23/42 y para el metastásico del 22%, 4/18.CONCLUSIONES: El diagnóstico de carcinoma de células renales asintomático fue muy pobre, la presentación más frecuente fue el dolor, la hematuria y la masa palpable y representa la mayoría de las veces enfermedad avanzada. Los pacientes con síndrome paraneoplásicos tienen grave pronóstico con una baja supervivencia(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between type of presentation in patients with renal cell carcinoma and survival.METHODS: Longitudinal retrospective study of 42 patients with clinical and histological diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between July 2002 and Septem-ber 2007 at University Hospital Manuel Fajardo. The following variables were studied: Sex, age, clinical presentation: 1) asymptomatic: 2) symptomatic: 3) paraneoplastic syndrome; tumor stage (TNM 1997) and survival. RESULTS: There is a predominance of men over women, the age of greater incidence was between the fifth a and seventh decades. The tumors were classified as: asymptomatic 7%, 3/42; symptomatic 67%, 28/42, with flank pain 31%, 13/42; with hematuria 24%, 10/42, and tumor 10%, 4/42, the classic triad of hematuria, flank pain and mass was 2.3%, 1/42 of the patients and paraneoplastic syndrome 24%, 11/42. The patients with non-metastatic disease were 57%, 24/42 and 43%, 18/42 presented metastases. Five-year survival for patients with RCC by TNM stage was T1, 100% (12/12), T2, 97% (11/12), T3, 36% (4/11), T4, 0% (0/7). The survival of localized and metastatic RCC was 95%, 23/24 and 22%, 4/18 cases respectively and all stage was 64% (27/42).CONCLUSIONS: The asymptomatic RCCs were sma-ller; pain, hematuria, and mass were the most common manifestations in symptomatic RCC. The prognosis is dismal in patients with RCC showing paraneoplastic syndromes(AU)

Sobrevida de los pacientes con carcinoma renal avanzado tratados con interferón / Survival of patients with advanced renal carcinoma treated with interferon

OBJETIVO: Determinar la sobrevida de los pacientes con carcinoma renal metastásico tratados con Interferón.MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo longitudinal de 18 pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Fajardo entre julio del 2002 a septiembre del 2007, con diagnóstico de carcinoma renal metastásico tratados con cirugía radical e Interferón Alfa 2b recombínante adyuvante a la cirugía o como monoterapia.RESULTADOS: El 74%, 14/18 de los pacientes fueron masculinos, el 26%, 5/18 femeninos. Al 72%, 13/18 se les realizó cirugía radical más Interferón y el 28%, 5/18 se le administró el Interferón como monterapía. Se observó respuesta completa en el 22%, 4/18 y progresión en el 78%, 14/18. La sobrevida fue del 50%, 33%, 28% y 22% a 1, 2, 4 y 5 años respectivamente.CONCLUSIONES: No se encontró respuesta significativa. No hubo regresión de la carga tumoral en ningún caso con el uso del Interferón. La sobrevida fue mejor en los casos que se les realizó nefrectomía radical más Interferón que en los casos tratados con Interferón como monoterapia(AU)

OBJECTIVES: To determine survival of patients with metastatic renal carcinoma treated with interferon.METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal study with 18 patients with the diagnosis of metastatic renal carcinoma treated in the University Hospital Manuel Fajardo between July 2002 and September 2007 with radical surgery and alpha 2b recombinant interferon, either adjuvant or as monotherapy.RESULTS: 74% (14/18) of the patients were males, 26% (5/18) females. 72% (13/18) underwent radical surgery plus interferon, and 28% (5/18) received interferon monotherapy.Complete response was observed in 22% (4/18); 78% (14/18) had progression. One, 2, 4 and 5-year survivals were 50%, 33%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No significant response was found. There was not tumor regression in any case using interferon. Survival was better in cases undergoing radical nephrectomy plus interferon than cases treated with interferon monotherapy(AU)

Vax-SPIRAL®, vacuna trivalente (Canicola-Icterohaemorragiae-Pomona): capacidad protectogénica cruzada frente al reto con L Ballum de alta patogenicidad en el modelo Hámster Sirio Dorado

En Cuba, desde 1997 se viene aplicando en grupos de riesgo una vacuna contra la leptospirosis (vax-SPIRAL®)dirigida contra los serogrupos Canicola, Icterohaemorragiae y Pomona. Sin embargo, en los últimos años la situación epidemiológica del país ha variado y en la actualidad el serogrupo Ballum alcanza la más alta incidencia, haciéndose necesario conocer el grado de protección de vax-SPIRAL® frente a este serogrupo. Para ello se evaluó la protección cruzada de vax-SPIRAL® frente al serogrupo L Ballum en el modelo animal Hámster Sirio Dorado, con una y dos dosis de esta vacuna. Se emplearon, además, diferentes dosis de la vacuna y diferentes lotes vacunales. En todos los casos se determinó la prevalencia de leptospira en los principales órganos diana, luego del reto contra 100 y 10 000 DL50 de las cepas de L Ballum altamente virulentas (cepas 12399, 42600 y 60). Los resultados mostraron un 100 por ciento de protección de los animales inmunizados frente a la infección letal y el estado de portador con una y dos dosis de la vacuna. En ningún caso se apreciaron síntomas característicos de infección en los órganos diana(AU)

The vaccine against Leptospirosis (vax-SPIRAL®) has been applied in risk groups against serogroups Canicola,Icterohaemorragiae and Pomona in Cuba since 1997. However, the epidemiological situation has changed and presently, the serogroup Ballum reaches the highest incidence. As a consequence, a study was conducted to know the grade of protection ofvax-SPIRAL® against this serogroup. In this study the cross protection of vax-SPIRAL® against serogroup L Ballum with one and two doses of the vaccine was evaluated in Syrian Golden Hamster model. In addition, different doses of the vaccine and different vaccinal lots were used. Prevalence of leptospira in target organ after the challenge with 100 and 10 000 DL50 of highly virulent L Ballum strains (strains 12399, 42600 y 60) was determined in all cases. The results showed a complete crossprotection of immunized animal against lethal infection and the carrier state with one and two doses of the vaccine. Characteristic symptoms of the infection were not observed in the target organs(AU)

Study of a Leptospirosis Outbreak in Honduras Following Hurricane Mitch and Prophylactic Protection of the vax-SPIRAL® Vaccine.

Honduras was one of the Central American countries most severely hit by Hurricane Mitch. Torrential rains and heavy flooding created conditions conducive to a leptospirosis outbreak in the country. A group of Cuban scientists studied 68 patients from the Department of Cort�s - one of the country's hardest hit areas - presenting clinical and epidemiological profiles indicative of leptospirosis. Blood and serum samples were taken from all subjects. A microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to identify Leptospira strains and to assess protection conferred by vax-SPIRAL® (Cuban leptospirosis vaccine) against the isolated strain. Prevalence of leptospires in the kidneys and liver was also verified. A male predominance was found in the group aged 15-49 years. Municipalities in this Department with the largest number of cases were San Pedro Sula, La Lima, and Chamelec�n. The most frequent symptoms included fever, headache, myalgia, and generalized discomfort. Over 80% of subjects reported presence of rodents in their homes, as well as contact with stagnant water and domestic animals. The strain isolated from positive blood cultures was from the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup, which was highly virulent in the animal model used. Protection was 100% in hamsters inoculated with vax-SPIRAL® and subsequently challenged with the Honduran strain. Additionally, macroscopic analysis of organs from immunized animals that survived the challenge showed no signs of leptospirosis infection.

Evaluación antitumoral y toxicológica de los extractos alcohólicos de Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit / Toxicity studies and an antitumoral evaluation of the alcoholic extracts for P. tithymaloides

Con el propósito de determinar la posible actividad contra carcinomas que se reporta para la especie P. tithymaloides por la Medicina tradicional, se realizó el estudio de toxicidad y la evaluación antitumoral de los extractos alcohólicos de hojas (IRH) y tallos (IRT) de P. tithymaloides (Itamo real) sobre el tumor ascítico de Ehrlich (TAE). Para ello se emplearon ratones NMRI (3 grupos a razón de 10 animales por grupos en cada experimento) administrándose en el estudio de toxicidad dosis única de 2000 mg/Kg. de ambos extractos por vía oral (vo), mientras que para la evaluación antitumoral, los animales fueron inicialmente inoculados con células tumorales experimentales (TAE) y tratados con IRT e IRH a concentraciones de (25, 50, 100) mg/Kg. por vía oral (vo), un control positivo con 5-flouracilo (20 mg/Kg.) intraperitoneal (iv) y un control negativo cloruro de sodio 0.9% (vo), evaluándose los signos toxicidad a través de Test de Irwin y determinándose el porcentaje de aumento de sobrevida (AS); los resultados fueron analizados por el método de Kapplan-Meler y se compararon las curvas de sobrevida para cada grupo, mediante el Test de Lomg-Rank con un porcentaje de 95 por ciento de confianza (p<0.05). Los resultados demostraron que en ninguno de los extractos existe actividad antitumoral en el modelo experimental empleado y que a las dosis de 50 mg/Kg. de peso se observó una ligera prolongación de la vida de los animales en comparación con el resto de las dosis y una menor sobrevida a las dosis de 100 mg/Kg. de peso s(AU)

With the aim to determine possible effect against carcinomas, in accordance with reports from traditional medicine for P. tithymaloides, toxicity studies and an antitumoral evaluation of the alcoholic extracts from leaves (IRH) and stalks (IRT), on Ehrlich ascistic tumor (TAE) were carried out. NMRI mices were used (3 groups of 10 animals in each experiment); Animals were given a dose of 2000 mg/Kg from each extract in toxicity studies. For antitumoral evaluations, experimimental tumoral cell (TAE) were given to the mice initially and then were treated with IRT and IRH at concentrations of 25 mg /Kg 50 mg/ Kg and 100 mg/ Kg p.o. Positive control animals received 5 fluoracile (20 mg/ Kg.) i.p. and negative controls were treated with saline solution of sodium chloride (0.9 percent NaCl) p.o. Toxicity signs were evaluated via an Irwin test. Survival increase percentages (AS) were also determined. Results were analyzed by the Kapplan- Meler statical method and the survival curves were compared for each group by the Long Rank test (p<0.05) . Result did not confirm presences of antitumoral activity in any of the extracts evaluated to experimental model carried out. For the 50 mg / Kg dose of IRH a slight increase of the animals lifespan as compared to the rest of the administered doses. There was a lower survival with 100mg/Kg of IRH(AU)

Evaluación antitumoral y toxicológica de los extractos alcohólicos de Pedilanthus tithymaloides (L) Poit / Toxicity studies and an antitumoral evaluation of the alcoholic extracts for P. tithymaloides

Con el propósito de determinar la posible actividad contra carcinomas que se reporta para la especie P. tithymaloides por la Medicina tradicional, se realizó el estudio de toxicidad y la evaluación antitumoral de los extractos alcohólicos de hojas (IRH) y tallos (IRT) de P. tithymaloides (Itamo real) sobre el tumor ascítico de Ehrlich (TAE). Para ello se emplearon ratones NMRI (3 grupos a razón de 10 animales por grupos en cada experimento) administrándose en el estudio de toxicidad dosis única de 2000 mg/Kg. de ambos extractos por vía oral (vo), mientras que para la evaluación antitumoral, los animales fueron inicialmente inoculados con células tumorales experimentales (TAE) y tratados con IRT e IRH a concentraciones de (25, 50, 100) mg/Kg. por vía oral (vo), un control positivo con 5-flouracilo (20 mg/Kg.) intraperitoneal (iv) y un control negativo cloruro de sodio 0.9 (vo), evaluándose los signos toxicidad a través de Test de Irwin y determinándose el porcentaje de aumento de sobrevida (AS); los resultados fueron analizados por el método de Kapplan-Meler y se compararon las curvas de sobrevida para cada grupo, mediante el Test de Lomg-Rank con un porcentaje de 95 por ciento de confianza (p<0.05). Los resultados demostraron que en ninguno de los extractos existe actividad antitumoral en el modelo experimental empleado y que a las dosis de 50 mg/Kg. de peso se observó una ligera prolongación de la vida de los animales en comparación con el resto de las dosis y una menor sobrevida a las dosis de 100 mg/Kg. de peso.

With the aim to determine possible effect against carcinomas, in accordance with reports from traditional medicine for P. tithymaloides, toxicity studies and an antitumoral evaluation of the alcoholic extracts from leaves (IRH) and stalks (IRT), on Ehrlich ascistic tumor (TAE) were carried out. NMRI mices were used (3 groups of 10 animals in each experiment); Animals were given a dose of 2000 mg/Kg from each extract in toxicity studies. For antitumoral evaluations, experimimental tumoral cell (TAE) were given to the mice initially and then were treated with IRT and IRH at concentrations of 25 mg /Kg 50 mg/ Kg and 100 mg/ Kg p.o. Positive control animals received 5 fluoracile (20 mg/ Kg.) i.p. and negative controls were treated with saline solution of sodium chloride (0.9 percent NaCl) p.o. Toxicity signs were evaluated via an Irwin test. Survival increase percentages (AS) were also determined. Results were analyzed by the Kapplan- Meler statical method and the survival curves were compared for each group by the Long Rank test (p<0.05) . Result did not confirm presences of antitumoral activity in any of the extracts evaluated to experimental model carried out. For the 50 mg / Kg dose of IRH a slight increase of the animals’ lifespan as compared to the rest of the administered doses. There was a lower survival with 100mg/Kg of IRH.

Evaluación de la toxicidad por dosis única de la vacuna antitetánica vax-TET en ratas Sprague Dawley / Evaluation of toxicity by single dose of the tetanus vaccine vax-TET in Sprague Dawley rats

La vacuna vax-TET® está indicada en la prevención del tétanos y es efectiva si se logra un completo y apropiado esquema de inmunización. Para investigar el potencial tóxico de este producto se realizó una prueba toxicológica con una dosis única, por vía intramuscular, en un volumen de 0,2 mL en ratas Sprague Dawley. La composición de la vacuna de ensayo probada fue la misma de la vacuna comercial. Los animales fueron observados diariamente en buscade síntomas locales y sistémicos de toxicidad. Se realizaron mediciones del consumo de agua y alimento, así como del peso corporal. Dos semanas después de la inoculación las ratas fueron sacrificadas por métodos de eutanasia sin dolor y sometidas a necropsia. No se observaron muertes ni síntomas de toxicidad en los animales estudiados. Tampoco se encontraron diferencias de interés toxicológico entre los grupos experimentales en cuanto a las variables medidas. El estudio anatomopatológico reveló la presencia de formaciones granulomatosas de tipo macrofágico asociadas, fundamentalmente, al hidróxido de aluminio. Estos resultados permitieron concluir que, bajo las condiciones delestudio y según los criterios establecidos, esta vacuna no produce efectos adversos en el modelo animal usado, por lo que se considera potencialmente no tóxica para humanos(AU)

The tetanus vaccine vax-TET® is indicated for the prevention of tetanus and it is effective if a complete and adequate immunization scheme is achieved. In order to investigate the toxic potential of this product, a toxicological test at single dose(0,2 ml), by intramuscular route was developed in Sprague Dawley rats using the same substance concentrations suggested by the manufacturer. The animals were daily observed looking for local and systemic symptoms of toxicity. Water and food consumption and body weight were also monitored during the experiment. Two weeks after inoculation, rats were slaughteredand submitted to necropsy studies. No deaths or toxicity symptoms were observed in the animals studied. No differences of toxicological interest were found among experimental groups regarding the variables measured. The anatomic-pathological study showed the presence of granulomatous formations mainly associated to aluminium hydroxide in the formulation. It wasconcluded that under the study conditions and following the established criteria, this vaccine does not produce any adverse reactions in the animal model used, suggesting a low potential toxicity in humans(AU)

Estudio de un brote de leptospirosis en Honduras tras el paso del huracán Mitch y potencialidad profiláctica de vax-SPIRAL®

En Honduras, uno de los países de Centroamérica más afectados por el huracán Mitch, debido a las fuertes lluvias e inundaciones, se crearon las condiciones idóneas para el desarrollo de un brote de leptospirosis. Un grupo de especialistas cubanos realizamos unestudio a 68 pacientes con un cuadro clínico epidemiológico sospechoso de leptospirosis entre los pobladores del Departamento de Puerto Cortés, una las regiones más comprometidas. A todos los pacientes se les tomó una muestra de sangre para hemocultivo y obtención de suero. Se empleó la técnica de aglutinación microscópica (MAT) para la identificación de las cepas de leptospira y para evaluar la protección conferida por vax-SPIRAL® (vacuna antileptospirósica cubana) frente al reto con la cepa aislada y se verificó la prevalencia de leptospiras en los riñones e hígado. Se observó un predominio de pacientes del sexo masculino, en un grupo entre 15-49 años. Los municipios de este Departamento con un mayor número de casos fueron San Pedro Sula, La Lima yChamelecón. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre, cefalea, mialgias, malestar general, entre otros. Más del 80 por ciento de los individuos manifestaron la presencia de roedores en sus viviendas y que tuvieron contacto con aguas estancadas y animalesdomésticos. La cepa aislada del hemocultivo positivo fue del serogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae, muy virulento en el modelo animal empleado. Se evidenció el 100 por ciento de protección de los hámsteres inmunizados con vax-SPIRAL® y retados con la cepa de Honduras. El análisis macroscópico de los órganos de los animales inmunizados que sobrevivieron al reto al 100 or ciento, reveló la ausencia de signos característicos de la infección(AU)

Hurricane Mitch affected Central America with vast flooding caused by rainfall resulting in leptospirosis outbreaks. Honduras was one of themost affected countries, where a group of researchers worked in the isolation and confirmation of this outbreak. 68 patients from different locations of Puerto Cortes Department with suspicious symptoms of Leptospirosis were studied. All of them were taken a blood samples for hemoculture and serum obtaining. Microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was used to identify leptospira strains and to evaluate the protection conferred by vax-SPIRAL® (Cuban leptospiral vaccine) against challenge with the isolated strain and verify the prevalence of leptospira in kidneys and liver. A predominance of male patients was observed in a group between 15-49 years. Municipalities of thisdepartment with greater number of cases were San Pedro Sula, La Lima and Chamelecón. The most frequent symptoms were: fever, headache, myalgias, general discomfort among others. More than 80 percent of individuals manifested presence of rodents in their housing and had contact with accumulated water and domestic animals. The isolated strain of the positive hemoculture was from serogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae, very virulent in the animal model used. 100 per cent protection of hamsters immunized with vax-SPIRAL® and challengedwith the Honduras strain was evidenced while microscopic analysis of immunized animal organs which survived to the challenge at 100 percent revealed absence of signs characteristic of infection(AU)

Evaluación en animales del efecto protector de una inmunoglobulina anti Pseudomonas aeruginosa para uso terapéutico / Evaluation in animals of the protective effect of an anti Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa constituye uno de los agentes patógenos oportunistas de mayor frecuencia de aislamiento en los diversos procesos infecciosos, por lo que es reconocido como un gran problema de salud a nivel mundial. Al no existir un fármaco de alta efectividad ni vacunas disponibles contra esta bacteria, se emplea una terapia con inmunoglobulinas polivalentes comerciales que de forma combinada con los antibióticos contribuyen a eliminar la infección, aunque los preparados disponibles en el mercado no contienen concentraciones suficientemente elevadas de anticuerpos específicos contra este microorganismo. En este trabajo se llevó a cabo la evaluación en un modelo animal de una inmunoglobulina anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa para uso terapéutico mediante un ensayo de reto con una cepa virulenta. Se evaluó dosis y vía de administración de la misma, así como el valor profiláctico o terapéutico de los anticuerpos. Esta gammaglobulina resultó ser protectora en animales mostrando una sobreviviencia cercana a un 75 por ciento en comparación con el grupo control no protegido y además se logra eliminar el estado de portador en los individuos infectados(AU)