Renal damage induced by the pesticide methyl parathion in male Wistar rats.

Little information is apparently available regarding the nephrotoxic effects induced by pesticides. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of low doses of methyl parathion (MP) on the structure and function of the kidney of male Wistar rats. A corn oil (vehicle) was administered to control rats, whereas treated rats received MP at 0.56 mg/kg orally (1/25 of LD50), every third day, for 8 weeks. At the end of each week following MP exposure, creatinine and glucose levels were measured in plasma, while glucose, inorganic phosphate, total proteins, albumin, and activity of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) were determined in urine. Kidney histological study was also performed. Compared with control rats, MP significantly increased plasma glucose and creatinine levels accompanied by decreased urinary flow rate and elevated urinary excretion rates of glucose, phosphate, and albumin. Further, the activity of GGT in urine was increased significantly. The proximal cells exhibited cytoplasmic vacuolization, positive periodic acid Schiff inclusions, and brush border edge loss after 2 or 4 weeks following MP treatment. Finally, renal cortex samples were obtained at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of MP treatment, and the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. The mRNA expression levels of BAX and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also determined (RT-PCR). MP significantly decreased renal GSH levels, increased GPx activity, as well as downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α and BAX. Densitometry analysis showed a significant reduction in TNF-α and BAX mRNA expression levels at 2 and 4 weeks following MP treatment. Low doses of MP produced structural and functional damage to the proximal tubules of male rat kidney.

Alelo C del polimorfismo rs2209972 del gen de la enzima degradadora de insulina y enfermedad de Alzheimer en diabéticos tipo 2. Estudio de casos y controles / C allele of the rs2209972 single nucleotide polymorphism of the insulin degrading enzyme gene and Alzheimer's disease in type 2 diabetes, a case control study

Background and objective: In the last few decades we have witnessed an interesting transformation of the population pyramids throughout the world. As the population's life expectancy increases, there are more chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and dementias, and both of them have shown an association. General objetive: To determine the association between Alzheimer's disease in diabetic patients and the insulin degrading enzyme in outpatients of a second level Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. Materials and methods: This was a case control study in which we included outpatients from the Geriatrics Clinic of a Hospital in Northeastern Mexico. Cases were patients with a Mini Mental Score Exam (MMSE) below 24 and DSM-IV criteria for Dementia. Controls were patients who had MMSE scores greater than 24. Results: Data from 97 patients were analyzed. Regarding physical examination and the results of laboratory tests, there were no differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). A 98% prevalence of the insulin degrading enzyme was documented in the sample studied. We found an association between a homozygous status for the CC genotype and Dementia with an estimated Odds Ratio (OR) of 2.5 (CI 95% 1.6–3.3) on the bivariate test, while, on the multivariate analysis, the OR was estimated 3.3 (CI 95% 1.3–8.2). Conclusions: Evidence shows that cognitive impairment is more frequent among those exposed to the C allele of the rs2209972 SNP of the insulin degrading enzyme gene (AU)

Fundamento y objetivo: En las últimas décadas se ha producido una transformación en las pirámides poblacionales, con un aumento en la expectativa de vida, lo que conlleva un mayor número de enfermedades crónico-degenerativas, como son la diabetes mellitus y la demencia, que han mostrado tener una asociación estrecha, pero cuya etiología aún está por discernir. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el alelo C de la enzima degradadora de insulina y la enfermedad de Alzheimer en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. Material y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles, en el cual se incluyeron pacientes de la clínica de Geriatría del Hospital General del Noreste de México. Los casos fueron aquellos con una puntuación en el Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) menor de 24 y criterios para demencia de acuerdo con el DSM-IV. Los controles fueron pacientes con MMSE superior a 24. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 97 pacientes. No hubo diferencias respecto a las características basales clínicas y de laboratorio entre los casos y los controles (p > 0,05). Se documentó una prevalencia de 98% del alelo C de la enzima degradadora de insulina. Encontramos una asociación entre homocigosidad para el genotipo CC de la enzima degradadora de insulina y enfermedad de Alzheimer, con una OR de 2,5 (IC 95% 1,6–3,3) en el examen bivariado, y en el examen multivariado se encontró asociación con una OR de 3,3 (IC 95% 1,3–8,2). Conclusiones: La evidencia muestra una asociación entre deterioro cognitivo y presencia del alelo C del polimorfismo rs2209972 del gen de la enzima degradadora de insulina (AU)

C allele of the rs2209972 single nucleotide polymorphism of the insulin degrading enzyme gene and Alzheimer's disease in type 2 diabetes, a case control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the last few decades we have witnessed an interesting transformation of the population pyramids throughout the world. As the population's life expectancy increases, there are more chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and dementias, and both of them have shown an association. GENERAL OBJETIVE: To determine the association between Alzheimer's disease in diabetic patients and the insulin degrading enzyme in outpatients of a second level Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case control study in which we included outpatients from the Geriatrics Clinic of a Hospital in Northeastern Mexico. Cases were patients with a Mini Mental Score Exam (MMSE) below 24 and DSM-IV criteria for Dementia. Controls were patients who had MMSE scores greater than 24. RESULTS: Data from 97 patients were analyzed. Regarding physical examination and the results of laboratory tests, there were no differences between the two groups (p>0.05). A 98% prevalence of the insulin degrading enzyme was documented in the sample studied. We found an association between a homozygous status for the CC genotype and Dementia with an estimated Odds Ratio (OR) of 2.5 (CI 95% 1.6-3.3) on the bivariate test, while, on the multivariate analysis, the OR was estimated 3.3 (CI 95% 1.3-8.2). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence shows that cognitive impairment is more frequent among those exposed to the C allele of the rs2209972 SNP of the insulin degrading enzyme gene.

[Risk factors associated with breast cancer women's in Durango, Mexico]. / Factores de riesgo asociados con el cáncer de mama en mujeres del estado de Durango, México.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a public health problem worldwide and is a priority for developing countries like ours, to establish preventive and early detection measures. In Mexico since 2006 breast cancer than cervical cancer as a cause of death in women aged 30-54 years and threatens all socioeconomic groups. The known risk factors for the occurrence of this neoplasm are early menarche, nulliparity, late age parity and late menopause and family history of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors associated with breast cancer in women in the State of Durango. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Epidemiological study of 50 cases and 100 con- trols aged between 35 and 69 years old. For the calculation of sample size Schlesselman tables were used. The data was collected and analyzed in SPSS V15. We used descriptive statistics and odds ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Age had a mean of 50.60 years and a deviation ±9,599 for cases and 50.73 (SD ± 10.08) for controls. The hereditary familial history of breast cancer OR = 5.182 (Cl 1694-15855), higher age at first pregnancy at 30 years of age OR = 3.582 (95% CI .1.121-11.439). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that reproductive and hereditary familial history may influence the development of breast cancer, which is a multifactorial disease.

Asociación entre el polimorfismo c.1-765G>C del gen de la COX-2 y el deterioro cognitivo en individuos diabéticos de 65 o mas años de un Servicio de Geriatría en Monterrey, México / Association between polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene and cognitive impairment in individuals 65 years or more with diabetes from a Geriatric Service in Monterrey, Mexico

Background and objective: Cognitive impairment and dementia are common geriatric syndromes in diabetic patients. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Cyclooxygenases (COX) 1 and 2 participate in inflammation. The polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene might be protective against cognitive decline in Mexicans with diabetes mellitus through its reduced promotor activity. To determine the association between polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene and cognitive impairment in elderly adults with diabetes. Patients and methods: Case-control study. We included diabetic patients from the Geriatric Clinic of General Hospital No. 17 who were over 65 years and accepted to participate. Cases were patients with a score of 24 or less on the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and with DSM IV criteria for dementia. Controls were those with MMSE scores of 25 or greater. Results: We included 97 patients (50 cases and 47 controls). There were no differences regarding clinical and laboratory characteristics between cases and controls. The frequency of the C allele and the CG genotype was higher in controls than in cases and this difference remained significant in a multivariate analysis with an odds ratio of 0.012 (95% CI 0.001-0.091) and 0.009 (95% CI 0.001-0.076) in the bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively, using the GG genotype frequency as a reference. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment in Mexican patients with diabetes is associated with less exposure to the CG genotype of the c.1-765G>C polymorphism of COX2 (AU)

Fundamento y objetivo: El deterioro cognitivo y la demencia son síndromes geriátricos frecuentes en los pacientes con diabetes. La inflamación es crucial en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y del deterioro cognitivo. Las ciclooxigenasas (COX) 1 y 2 participan en la inflamación. El polimorfismo c.1- 765G>C de la COX-2 protegería contra el deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores diabéticos mexicanos por su menor actividad promotora. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el polimorfismo c.1-765G>C del gen de la COX-2 y el deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores diabéticos. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de tipo casos y controles. Se incluyeron pacientes diabéticos de la clínica de Geriatría del Hospital General de Zona No. 17, mayores de 65 años que aceptaron participar. Los casos fueron los pacientes con puntuación de 24 o menor en el Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) y criterios DSM-IV para demencia. Los controles tenían una puntuación de 25 o mayor en el MMSE. Resultados: Se incluyeron 97 pacientes (50 casos y 47 controles). No hubo diferencias respecto a las características clínicas y de laboratorio entre los casos y los controles. La frecuencia del alelo C y del genotipo CG fue mayor en los controles que en los casos, y dicha diferencia permaneció significativa en el análisis multivariado, con una razón de momios de 0,012 (IC 95% 0,001 a 0,091) y de 0,009 (IC 95% 0,001 a 0,076), en el análisis bivariado y multivariado, respectivamente, tomando como referencia la frecuencia genotípica GG. Conclusión: El deterioro cognitivo en pacientes mexicanos con diabetes se asocia con una menor exposición al polimorfismo c.1-765G>C del gen de la COX-2 (AU)

Association between polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene and cognitive impairment in individuals 65 years or more with diabetes from a Geriatric Service in Monterrey, Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cognitive impairment and dementia are common geriatric syndromes in diabetic patients. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Cyclooxygenases (COX) 1 and 2 participate in inflammation. The polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene might be protective against cognitive decline in Mexicans with diabetes mellitus through its reduced promotor activity. To determine the association between polymorphism c.1-765G>C of the COX2 gene and cognitive impairment in elderly adults with diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case-control study. We included diabetic patients from the Geriatric Clinic of General Hospital No. 17 who were over 65 years and accepted to participate. Cases were patients with a score of 24 or less on the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and with DSM IV criteria for dementia. Controls were those with MMSE scores of 25 or greater. Results We included 97 patients (50 cases and 47 controls). There were no differences regarding clinical and laboratory characteristics between cases and controls. The frequency of the C allele and the CG genotype was higher in controls than in cases and this difference remained significant in a multivariate analysis with an odds ratio of 0.012 (95% CI 0.001-0.091) and 0.009 (95% CI 0.001-0.076) in the bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively, using the GG genotype frequency as a reference. CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment in Mexican patients with diabetes is associated with less exposure to the CG genotype of the c.1-765G>C polymorphism of COX2.

The grade-response relation between severity of peritonitis and serum cytokine concentrations explains Mannheim Peritonitis Index threshold.

AIM: To explore the gradient between the acute-phase response (APR) and peritonitis of differing severity. METHODS: In 202 patients with peritonitis, we determined serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The severity of peritonitis was graded in accordance with the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI). The grade-response relation between the severity of peritonitis and each analyte was explored. RESULTS: A statistically significant association was found between the medians of severity of peritonitis and IL-6 (p < 0.025), TNF-alpha (p < 0.01), CRP (p < 0.033), IL-10 (p < 0.0001), and IL-13 (p < 0.004). Both TNF-alpha and IL-10 had a direct, and IL-13 an indirect, relation to severity, whereas CRP and IL-6 tended toward linear behavior in equilibrium. A significant association persisted between individual MPI scores and IL-6 (p < 0.002), TNF-alpha (p < 0.002), CRP (p < 0.002), and IL-10 (p < 0.001), but not IL-13 (p = 0.646). CONCLUSION: Around the mean value of grade II peritonitis, the equilibrium between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is lost. This change coincides with the 26-point threshold for the MPI.

Leptin in sepsis: a well-suited biomarker in critically ill patients?

The value of monitoring serum leptin in critically ill patients is important for early diagnosis and differentiation between sepsis and non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The early diagnosis of sepsis, the identification of its origin, and an adequate therapeutic management are crucial to overcome sepsis-associated mortality. Cytokine levels are an obvious choice as sepsis markers, since cytokines are key mediators of the inflammatory response to sepsis. Leptin, a hormone mainly generated by adipocytes, acts centrally in the hypothalamus to regulate body weight and energy expenditure. There is, however, strong evidence that leptin is also involved in cell-mediated immunity and cytokine crosstalk. The finding that a serum leptin threshold of 38 microg/l can distinguish between sepsis and non-infectious SIRS (sensitivity 91.2%, specificity 85%) is the major finding in the article by Yousef and colleagues (in this issue). Much remains to be learned about the precise mechanisms by which leptin signaling participates in sepsis and non-infectious SIRS. This knowledge will potentially contribute to new therapeutic approaches.

Human papillomavirus infections in women seeking cervical Papanicolaou cytology of Durango, Mexico: prevalence and genotypes.

BACKGROUND: HPV infection in women from developing countries is an important public health problem. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalences of HPV infection and HPV genotypes in a female population of Durango City, Mexico. Also to determine whether any socio-demographic characteristic from the women associated with HPV infection exists. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety eight women seeking cervical Papanicolaou examination in three public Health Centers were examined for HPV infection. All women were tested for HPV DNA PCR by using HPV universal primers. In addition, all positive HPV DNA PCR samples were further analyzed for genotyping of HPV genotype 16, 18 and 33. Socio-demographic characteristics from each participant were also obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of four hundred and ninety-eight (4.8%) women were found infected by HPV. HPV genotype 16 was found in 18 out of the 24 (75%) infected women. Two of them were also coinfected by HPV genotype 18 (8.3%). In the rest 6 PCR positive women, genotyping for HPV genotypes 16, 18 and 33 were negative. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV in women of Durango City is low; however, most infected women have high risk HPV genotype. The women who were studied showed low frequency of risk factors for HPV infection and this may explain the low prevalence of HPV infection. The high frequency of high risk HPV genotypes observed might explain the high rate of mortality for cervical cancer in our region.

Reciprocal modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and type I collagen genes in rat hepatic stellate cells.

Collagen degradation by matrix metalloproteinases is the limiting step in reversing liver fibrosis. Although collagen production in cirrhotic livers is increased, the expression and/or activity of matrix metalloproteinases could be normal, increased in early fibrosis, or decreased during advanced liver cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cells are the main producers of collagens and matrix metalloproteinases in the liver. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether they simultaneously produce alpha1(I) collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNAs. In this communication we show that expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA is reciprocally modulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta1. When hepatic stellate cells are co-cultured with hepatocytes, matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA is up-regulated and alpha1(I) collagen is down-regulated. Injuring hepatocytes with galactosamine further increased matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA production. Confocal microscopy and differential centrifugation of co-cultured cells revealed that matrix metalloproteinase-13 is localized mainly within hepatic stellate cells. Studies performed with various hepatic stellate cell lines revealed that they are heterogeneous regarding expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13. Those with myofibroblastic phenotypes produce more type I collagen whereas those resembling freshly isolated hepatic stellate cells express matrix metalloproteinase-13. Overall, these findings strongly support the notion that alpha1(I) collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNAs are reciprocally modulated.

Repercusión bibliométrica de adoptar el inglés como idioma único de publicación / Bibliometric repercussions of adopting english as the language of publication

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la reconversión del francés al inglés de los Annales de I' Institut Pasteur en sus índices bibliométricos. Marco de referencia. Las revistas del Instituto Pasteur cuentan con prestigio académico avalado por cien años de antigüedad y ocho premios Nobel de fisiología y medicina. Dichas revistas se encuentran capturadas por el ISI lo que permite analizar sus cambios bibliométricos. Diseño. De 1974 a 1992 se estudió, mediante análisis de regresión, la asociación entre porcentaje de artículos en inglés y : a) su factor de impacto; b) el lugar ocupado entre las revistas dew igual temática. Se calcularon los coeficientes de determinación (r²) de ambas regresiones. resultados. El r² global del porcentaje de artículos en inglés y el factor de impacto fue de impacto fue de 0.108; y los coeficientes de porcentaje de inglés y ubicación entre las revistas de igual temática fueron 0.178, 0.045 y 0.122 para microbiología, inmunología y virología respectivamente. Conclusión. la reconversión no modificó el factor de impacto de los Annales de I' Institut Pasteur