Metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer: worst prognosis in patients with metachronous metastases.

PURPOSE: To describe the overall survival and progression-free survival in patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma with synchronous and metachronous metastatic involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 101 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who had metastatic involvement at diagnosis or during follow-up, who were treated at the National Cancer Institute between January 1, 2010 and December 31 of 2015. RESULTS: 81 patients (80.2%) were women and the mean age at diagnosis was 49 years (12-80). Synchronous metastases were detected in 54.5% of patients and metachronous metastasis was diagnosed in 45.5% of patients, in whom the mean time between initial diagnosis and the finding of distant metastases was 5 years. Pulmonary involvement occurred in almost all patients, with 131I uptake in 58% of synchronous metastases and in 21% of metachronous. There were 10 events in the patients with 131I-avid metastases with a median time to progression that was not reached, and there were 23 events in patients with 131I-refractory metastases with a median time to progression of 96 months; The median time to progression was significantly longer in patients with synchronous metastases compared to those with metachronous metastases (Not reached vs 95 months, P = 0.017) The 5-year overall survival rate was 95% to the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The present study contributes to the expansion of the knowledge about this clinical course of DTC with the finding of a worst prognosis in patients with metachronous metastases.

Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin and Tropomyosin as a Dietary Source of Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Bioactive Peptides: An In Silico Study / Troponina y Tropomiosina de Músculo Esquelético como Fuente Alimentaria de Péptidos Bioactivos Antidiabéticos y Antihipertensivos: Estudio In Silico

Background: The nutraceutical properties of food hydrolysates rely on multiple biochemical interactions involving the modulation of enzymes and cellular receptors. Numerous bioactive peptides released from troponin and tropomyosin digestion have been identified. Their characterization has mostly been performed by hydrolysis catalyzed by proteases unrelated to the human digestive system. Objective: This study aimed to determine the bioactive profile of beef, pork, and chicken meat by analyzing the frequency and pharmacokinetics of biopeptides released from troponin and tropomyosin. Methods:In silico digestion and biopeptide release frequency were studied by three parameters; bioactive fragments release frequency (AE), frequency percentage (W), and mean occurrence (AS), all stated on the BIOPEP-UWM platform. Further on, hydrolysis end-products were screened based on gastrointestinal-absorption probability and pharmacokinetic profiling performed on SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction, and ADME/Tlab bioinformatics web tools. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way ANOVA test. Results: Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting biopeptides exhibited the highest release frequency. Moreover, W and ASparameters showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the myofibrillar isoforms assessed. Seven biopeptides were classified as highly absorbable and reported optimal drug-likeness compliance. Although biopeptides hold good pharmacokinetic properties, the therapeutic potency of biopeptides showed to be lower than those of DPP-IV and ACE-inhibiting drugs. Conclusions: Troponin and tropomyosin are rich dietary sources of bioactive peptides, mainly DPP-IV and ACE inhibitors. Digestion end-products are mainly dipeptides with optimal pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties, suggesting a potential therapeutic application in hypertensive and hyperglycemic disorders

Antecedentes: Las propiedades nutracéuticas de los hidrolizados de alimentos dependen de múltiples interacciones bioquímicos que involucran la modulación de enzimas y receptores celulares. Se han identificado numerosos péptidos bioactivos liberados de la digestión de troponina y tropomiosina, pero su caracterización se ha llevado a cabo principalmente por hidrólisis catalizada por proteasas ajenas al sistema digestivo humano. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el perfil bioactivo de la carne de res, cerdo y pollo mediante el análisis de la frecuencia y farmacocinética de los biopéptidos liberados de la troponina y la tropomiosina. Métodos: Se estudió la digestión in silico y la frecuencia de liberación de biopéptidos mediante dos parámetros; frecuencia de liberación de fragmentos bioactivos (AE), frecuencia porcentual (W) y ocurrencia media (AS), ambos indicados en la plataforma BIOPEP-UWM. Más adelante, los productos finales de la hidrólisis se examinaron en función de la probabilidad de absorción gastrointestinal y el perfil farmacocinético realizado en las herramientas bioinformáticas SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction y ADME/Tlab. El análisis estadístico se llevó a cabo mediante una prueba ANOVA de una vía. Resultados: Los biopéptidos inhibidores de la dipeptidil peptidasa IV (DPP-IV) y la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (ECA) exhibieron la mayor frecuencia de liberación. Además, los parámetros W y ASno mostraron diferencias significativas (p> 0.05) entre las isoformas miofibrilares evaluadas. Siete biopéptidos se clasificaron como altamente absorbibles e informaron un cumplimiento óptimo de similitud con el fármaco. Aunque los biopéptidos tienen propiedades farmacocinéticas adecuadas, su potencia terapéutica demostró ser menor que la de los fármacos inhibidores de la DPP-IV y la ACE. Conclusiones: La troponina y la tropomiosina son una fuente dietética rica en péptidos bioactivos, principalmente DPP-IV e inhibidores de la ACE. Los productos finales de la digestión son principalmente dipéptidos con propiedades farmacocinéticas óptimas y similares a la de los fármacos, lo que sugiere una aplicación terapéutica factible en trastornos hipertensivos e hiperglicémicos

Efectos deletéreos en el desarrollo de los niños a causa de la exposición temprana a pantallas: revisión de la literatura

Desde la década de los 90 debido al aumento en el consumo de material audiovisual y particularmente desde el inicio del confinamiento por la pandemia de COVID-19, la humanidad ha estado más expuesta al uso de pantallas, siendo los niños una población vulnerable al estímulo ambiental debido a que están atravesando períodos críticos importantes en su desarrollo. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura en PubMed, Google Scholar y Lilacs. Aplicando los criterios de exclusión e inclusión se obtuvieron 53 referencias de las cuales se desarrolló la revisión. Se encontró que la excesiva exposición a pantallas es perjudicial para los niños al producir alteraciones del lenguaje, la sociabilidad, ciclo sueño-vigilia, el sistema límbico, la conducta y el sistema mesolímbico dopaminérgico; los cuales pueden afectar su desarrollo normal, dependiendo principalmente de la edad al momento de la exposición, del tiempo y si hay acompañamiento o no.

Since the 1990s, due to the increase in the consumption of audiovisual material and particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic confinement, the population has been more exposed to development. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar and Lilacs. Applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 53 references were obtained, from which the review was developed. It was found that excessive exposure to screens is harmful to children as it produces alterations in language, sociability, sleep-wake cycle, limbic system, behavior and mesolimbic dopaminergic system; which can affect the normal development of a child, depending mainly on the age at the time of exposure, the time and whether there is accompaniment or not.

Tachykinin/neurokinin 3 receptor antagonists: In silico ADME/T analysis of novel compounds for menopause hot flashes therapy

SUMMARY Introduction: Neurokinin-B receptor (NK3R) activation is tightly involved in the onset of vasomotor symptoms during menopause, yet there are still no NK3R antagonistic drugs approved for hot flashes therapy. Determining the pharmacokinetic properties of current drug candidates is crucial for scaffold identification and prediction of feasible outcomes in future clinical trials. Aim: To develop a pharmacokinetic profile of new NK3R blockers with hot flashes reducing activity and by comparing them with trial-suspended NK3R antagonists (Osanetant & Talnetant), it is expected to identify enhanced properties in novel compounds. Methodology: For in silico evaluation, Smiles were retrieved from PubChem and DrugBank, and further analysis was carried out through ADMETlab and SwissADME to calculate compounds drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics. Results: Pavinetant & Fezoline-tant and SB-222.200 & SB-218.795 exhibited higher compliance with drug-likeness rules and more suitable physicochemical properties when compared to Osanetant & Talnetant. ADME/T evaluation showed considerable disparities between groups, yet no significant difference was reported. Pharmacokinetic properties varied irregularly among studied compounds. Conclusion: Novel NK3R antagonists exhibit enhanced properties when compared to formerly suspended ones. Fezolinetant is predicted to have more favorable outcomes based on in silico evaluation.

Introducción: la activación del receptor de neuroquinina-B (NK3R) está estrechamente relacionada con la aparición de síntomas vasomotores durante la menopausia, no obstante, a la fecha no se reportan fármacos antagonistas de NK3R aprobados para el manejo de sofocos. La evaluación de las propiedades farmacocinéticas de los compuestos inhibidores de NK3R resulta indispensable para la identificación de potenciales farmacóforos y para la estimación de posibles resultados en ensayos clínicos. Objetivo: determinar las características farmacocinéticas de los nuevos compuestos inhibidores de NK3R con propiedades reductoras de los fogajes asociados a la menopausia, y por medio de un análisis comparativo con los antagonistas de NK3R cuyo ensayo clínico fue suspendido (Osanetant & Talnetant), se espera identificar propiedades superiores en los nuevos compuestos desarrollados. Metodología: se obtuvieron los códigos Smiles a partir de PubChem y DrugBank, posteriormente, el análisis se basó en el cálculo de las propiedades farmacocinéticas y drug-like mediante las plataformas ADMETlab y SwissADME. Resultados: Pavi-netant & Fezolinetant y SB-222.200 & SB-218.795 exhiben mejores propiedades fisicoquímicas y cumplen a mayor cabalidad las reglas drug-likeness al compararse con Osanetant & Talnetant. La evaluación ADMET reveló variaciones entre los grupos, pero ninguna fue significativa. Las propiedades farmacocinéticas varían de forma irregular entre los distintos compuestos. Conclusiones: los antagonistas de NK3R recientemente desarrollados exhibieron propiedades superiores frente a los compuestos de ensayos suspendidos. Los resultados del estudio in silico permiten deducir que el Fezolinetant podría tener mejores resultados en futuros ensayos clínicos.

Introdução: a ativação do receptor de neuroquinina-B (NK3R) está intimamente relacionada ao aparecimento de sintomas vasomotores durante a menopausa, entretanto, até o momento não há relatos de drogas antagonistas de NK3R aprovadas para o manejo das ondas de calor. A avaliação das propriedades farmacocinéticas de compostos inibidores de NK3R é essencial para a identificação de potenciais farmaco-foros e para a estimativa de possíveis resultados em ensaios clínicos. Objetivo: determinar as características farmacocinéticas dos novos compostos inibidores de NK3R com propriedades redutoras de ondas de calor associadas à menopausa, e através de uma análise comparativa com os antagonistas de NK3R cujo ensaio clínico foi suspenso (Osanetant & Talnetant), espera-se identificar propriedades superiores nos compostos recém-desenvolvidos. Metodologia: os códigos Smiles foram obtidos do PubChem e DrugBank, posteriormente, a análise foi baseada no cálculo das propriedades farmacocinéticas e farmacocinéticas utilizando as plataformas ADMETlab e SwissADME. Resultados: Pavinetant & Fezolinetant e SB-222.200 & SB-218.795 apresentam melhores propriedades físico-químicas e atendem mais plenamente às regras de ""drug-likeness" quando comparados ao Osanetant & Talnetant. A avaliação ADMET revelou variações entre os grupos, mas nenhuma foi significativa. As propriedades farmacocinéticas variam irregularmente entre os diferentes compostos. Conclusões: os antagonistas de NK3R recém-desenvolvidos exibiram propriedades superiores em relação aos compostos de teste suspensos. Os resultados do estudo in silico permitem-nos deduzir que o Fezolinetant poderá ter melhores resultados em futuros ensaios clínicos.

SDHB exon 1 deletion: A recurrent germline mutation in Colombian patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) (known as PPGL in combination) are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal ganglia. About 40% of the patients with PPGL have a hereditary predisposition. Here we present a case-series of 19 unrelated Colombian patients with a clinical diagnosis of PPGL tumors that underwent germline genetic testing as part of the Hereditary Cancer Program developed at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Colombia (INC-C), the largest reference cancer center in the country. Ten of 19 patients (52.63%) were identified as carriers of a pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variant in a known susceptibility gene. The majority of the P/LP variants were in the SDHB gene (9/10): one corresponded to a nonsense variant c.268C>T (p.Arg90*) and eight cases were found to be carriers of a recurrent CNV consisting of a large deletion of one copy of exon 1, explaining 42% (8/19) of all the affected cases. Only one additional case was found to be a carrier of a missense mutation in the VHL gene: c.355T>C (p.Phe119Leu). Our study highlights the major role of SDHB in Colombian patients with a clinical diagnosis of PGL/PCC tumors and supports the recommendation of including the analysis of large deletions/duplications of the SDHB gene as part of the genetic counselling to improve the detection rate of hereditary cases and their clinical care.

Salivary alpha amylase and cortisol levels as stress biomarkers in children with cerebral palsy and their association with a physical therapy program.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the main causes of physical disabilities in childhood. There is evidence that CP children display high levels of stress, which could interfere with learning processes and interpretation of relevant sensory information during motor skills acquisition and socialization. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare basal levels of stress biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase) of healthy children (HC) and children with CP, and to investigate whether a physical therapy session using the neurodevelopmental technique (NDT) interferes with these levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 86 children (HC: n = 45 and CP: n = 41) with matching age, sex, socioeconomic status, and sampling time. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were measured by means of electrochemiluminescence and spectrophotometry methods. A single saliva sample was collected in the HC group to determine basal levels. For CP group three samples were collected: a first sample was taken 20-30 min prior to the intervention, while two post-intervention samples were collected (5 and 20 min) to evaluate individual changes in salivary stress biomarkers. RESULTS: Higher basal cortisol concentration was found in CP children when compared to HC group. Moreover, CP children showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels 20 min after NDT intervention. No significant differences were observed in alpha-amylase values. CONCLUSION: Present results show that CP causes alteration in basal cortisol values at childhood and suggest that CP children respond to environmental regulatory factors such as NDT, in attempt to reduce stress.

Uso de metformina y un inhibidor de SGLT2 en el manejo de lipodistrofia congénita generalizada. Reporte de caso / Use of metformin and an SGLT2 inhibitor to treat congenital generalized lipodystrophy. Case report

Resumen Introducción. La lipodistrofia congénita generalizada (LCG) es un síndrome genético autosómico recesivo extremadamente raro que se caracteriza por ausencia generalizada de tejido adiposo, deficiencia en la producción de hormonas como la leptina y complicaciones metabólicas potencialmente serias como diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), esteatohepatitis e hipertrigliceridemia. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 17 años con un diagnóstico tardío de LCG y con diabetes mellitus (erróneamente clasificada como tipo I), hipertrigliceridemia severa e infecciones a repetición. Luego de introducir metformina y un inhibidor del SGLT2 en el manejo de la paciente, se logró un adecuado control metabólico. Conclusión. Con frecuencia, el desconocimiento de algunas enfermedades huérfanas lleva a diagnósticos erróneos y, por tanto, a tratamientos inadecuados que en algunos casos pueden empeorar la condición clínica de los pacientes. Por lo anterior, en el caso de la LCG, es necesario que la comunidad médica tenga una mejor comprensión de sus aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos para brindar un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos.

Abstract Introduction: Generalized congenital lipodystrophy (GDL) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic syndrome characterized by generalized absence of adipose tissue, deficient production of hormones such as leptin, and potentially serious metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), steatohepatitis and hypertriglyceridemia. Case presentation: This is the case of a 17-year-old female patient with a late diagnosis of GDL and with diabetes mellitus (erroneously classified as type 1), severe hypertriglyceridemia and recurrent infections. Adequate metabolic control was achieved after the introduction of metformin and an SGLT2 inhibitor. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about some orphan diseases usually leads to misdiagnosis and, therefore, to inadequate treatments that may worsen the clinical condition of patients. Therefore, in the case of GDL, the medical community should have a better understanding of its diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in order to provide timely diagnosis and treatment.

Síndrome de Cushing exógeno de difícil diagnóstico / Exogenous Cushings syndrome with a difficult diagnosis

Resumen Introducción: el síndrome de Cushing (SC) es un grupo de signos y síntomas causados por la exposición crónica al exceso de glucocorticoides. El uso de fármacos con glucocorticoides es la causa más frecuente, pero algunos productos vendidos como suplementos nutricionales o medicamentos naturistas para el control de los dolores articulares pueden contenerlos de forma oculta, lo cual dificulta el enfoque diagnóstico Presentación del caso: paciente de 40 años con signos clínico típicos de síndrome de Cushing con resultados discordantes en las pruebas diagnósticas para identificar su origen. Finalmente se logra establecer que el paciente consumía de forma crónica un producto "naturista" conocido como artrin®, el cual fue analizado en el laboratorio de la institución con resultados positivos para cortisol. Conclusión: la exposición crónica a glucocorticoides exógenos, ya sea subrepticia, desconocida o prescrita, causa SC y debe distinguirse tempranamente de las formas endógenas para evitar la realización de pruebas diagnósticas y tratamientos inadecuados.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1500).

Abstract Introduction: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a group of signs and symptoms caused by chronic exposure to excessive glucocorticoids. The use of medications containing glucocorticoids is the most common cause, but they may be hidden in some products sold as nutritional supplements or naturopathic medications, which makes the diagnostic approach more difficult. Case presentation: this was a 40-year-old patient with typical clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome and discordant results of diagnostic tests to identify its origin. It was ultimately determined that the patient had been chronically taking a "naturopathic" product known as artrin®, which was analyzed in the institution's lab and found to contain cortisol. Conclusion: chronic exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids, whether surreptitious, unknown or prescribed, causes CS and should be promptly distinguished from endogenous forms to avoid inappropriate diagnostic tests and treatments.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1500).

Hepatic metastasis of a parathyroid carcinoma treated with intra-arterial embolization / Metástasis hepática de un carcinoma de paratiroides tratada con embolización intraarterial

Abstract This paper reports the case of a patient with parathyroid carcinoma and metastatic parathyroid carcinoma in the liver, as well as persistent hypercalcemia resistant to the management with zoledronic acid and cinacalcet. The patient was treated with intra-arterial embolization using polyvinyl alcohol microspheres in the right hepatic artery, achieving an excellent biochemical control after the intervention.

Resumen Se reporta el caso de una paciente con carcinoma de paratiroides metastásico al hígado con hipercalcemia de muy difícil control pese a manejo con ácido Zoledrónico y Cinacalcet. La paciente fue llevada a embolización intraarterial con microesferas de alcohol polivinílico de la arteria hepática derecha, con lo que se obtuvo un excelente control bioquímico después de la intervención.

Embolización de metástasis hepáticas en insulinoma maligno: de la hipoglicemia a la hiperglicemia / Embolisation of liver metastasis in malignant insulinoma: from hyperglycaemia to hypoglycaemia

Resumen Se describe el caso de un paciente de 75 años sin antecedentes de relevancia, que fue diagnosticado con insulinoma maligno en estado avanzado, con metástasis hepáticas, con síntomas por hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica refractaria al tratamiento, y con diazóxido y octreotide de acción corta. El paciente presentó una respuesta clínica poco esperada a la embolización transarterial de metástasis hepáticas, pues a pesar de que persisten las lesiones tumorales, desarrolló hiperglucemia persistente y requirió manejo con insulina. Adicionalmente, se hace una breve revisión de la literatura sobre las opciones terapéuticas disponibles para el tratamiento sintomático de la hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica.

Abstract The case is presented of a 75 year-old man who was diagnosed with malignant insulinoma in an advanced stage with diffuse liver metastases and symptoms due to hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia refractory to treatment with diazoxide and short-acting octreotide. The patient had an unexpected clinical response to trans-arterial embolisation of liver metastases, since, despite still having the tumour, he developed persistent hyperglycaemia that required insulin treatment. A brief review of the literature is also presented on the treatment options for hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.

Serum Galanin Levels in Young Healthy Lean and Obese Non-Diabetic Men during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Galanin (GAL) is a neuropeptide involved in the homeostasis of energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of GAL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in lean and obese young men. This cross-sectional study included 30 obese non-diabetic young men (median 22 years; mean BMI 37 kg/m(2)) and 30 healthy lean men (median 23 years; mean BMI 22 kg/m(2)). Serum GAL was determined during OGTT. The results of this study include that serum GAL levels showed a reduction during OGTT compared with basal levels in the lean subjects group. Conversely, serum GAL levels increased significantly during OGTT in obese subjects. Serum GAL levels were also higher in obese non-diabetic men compared with lean subjects during fasting and in every period of the OGTT (p < 0.001). Serum GAL levels were positively correlated with BMI, total fat, visceral fat, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides and Leptin. A multiple regression analysis revealed that serum insulin levels at 30, 60 and 120 minutes during the OGTT is the most predictive variable for serum GAL levels (p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum GAL levels are significantly higher in the obese group compared with lean subjects during an OGTT.

Patient with neuropsychiatric symptoms and insulinoma of difficult preoperative localization / Paciente con síntomas neuropsiquiátricos e insulinoma de difícil localización preoperatoria

This paper describes the case of a patient with neuropsychiatric symptoms who was diagnosed with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with high suspicion of insulinoma, even after conventional diagnostic imaging was unable to locate it. A selective angiography of the pancreatic arteries and a calcium stimulation test were conducted to determine its location. The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy using an intraoperative ultrasound, resulting in the disappearance of her symptoms.

Se describe el caso de una paciente con síntomas neuropsiquiatricos, a quien, finalmente, se le diagnosticó hipoglucemia hiperinsulinemica con alta sospecha de Insulinoma, aunque las imágenes diagnosticas convencionales no lograron localizarlo. Fue necesaria la realización de arteriografía selectiva de arterias pancreáticas y test de estimulación con calcio para su ubicación. La paciente fue llevada a pancreatectomia distal con ecografía intraoperatoria, consiguiendo la resolución de los síntomas.