A yoga and compassion meditation program reduces stress in familial caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients.

Familial caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease exhibit reduced quality of life and increased stress levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program on the perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in familial caregivers. A total of 46 volunteers were randomly assigned to participate in a stress-reduction program for a 2-month period (yoga and compassion meditation program-YCMP group) (n = 25) or an untreated group for the same period of time (control group) (n = 21). The levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and morning salivary cortisol of the participants were measured before and after intervention. The groups were initially homogeneous; however, after intervention, the groups diverged significantly. The YCMP group exhibited a reduction of the stress (P < 0.05), anxiety (P < 0.000001), and depression (P < 0.00001) levels, as well as a reduction in the concentration of salivary cortisol (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that an 8-week yoga and compassion meditation program may offer an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol in familial caregivers.

PTPN22 polymorphism is related to autoimmune disease risk in patients with Turner syndrome.

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) clearly have an increased risk for autoimmune diseases. Recently, an allelic variation (C1858T) of the PTPN22 gene was revealed to be associated with the development of autoimmunity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism in women with Turner syndrome (TS) compared to controls. Case-control study comprises 142 women with TS (cases) and 180 healthy and fertile women without a history of autoimmune disease (controls). Detection of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism (rs2476601) was performed by TaqMan real-time PCR. The chi-square test was used to compare allele and genotype frequencies between groups and to estimate the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. All P-values were two-tailed, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Genotypes CC, CT and TT of the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism presented frequencies of, respectively, 67.6%, 28.2% and 4.2% in the TS, and 82.8%, 16.1% and 1.1% in the control group (P = 0.0043). Alleles C and T were present in, respectively, 81.7% and 18.3% of the patients with TS (P = 0.001, OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.39-3.54) and in 90.8% and 9.2%, respectively, of the controls. The data suggest that in Brazilian patients with TS, the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism may be an important genetic factor predisposing to autoimmune disease risk.

Lower resting metabolic rate and higher velocity of weight gain in a prospective study of stunted vs nonstunted girls living in the shantytowns of São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that stunting increases the risk of obesity in developing countries, particularly among girls and women, but the underlying reasons are not known. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stunting, weight gain, and resting metabolic rate. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A prospective study was conducted over 36 months with girls from shantytowns in São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 15 stunted girls (S) were compared with 15 nonstunted (N) ones of similar weight for height ratio. INTERVENTIONS: Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry, and the socioeconomic status was determined by interviews in the household. In addition, body composition was measured by skinfold thickness, while the growth rate was calculated dividing the change in weight and the change in height by the follow-up period. RESULTS: The results of the present study, when combined, revealed that the S group had a lower resting metabolic rate throughout the follow-up period with the differences being significant at 24 and 36 months of follow-up, associated with an increase in the rate of weight gain and a decrease in lean mass, when compared to the N group. CONCLUSIONS: These changes are known to be risk factors for obesity and may help to explain the particularly higher prevalence of obesity in women in urban areas of developing countries.

Changes in the fecal concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites in captive male jaguars (Panthera onca) in response to stress

In the present study we determined the efficacy of the measurement of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolite concentrations to monitor adrenal and testicular activity in the jaguar (Panthera onca). Three captive male jaguars were chemically restrained and electroejaculated once or twice within a period of two months. Fecal samples were collected daily for 5 days before and 5 days after the procedure and stored at -20ºC until extraction. Variations in the concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites before and after the procedure were determined by solid phase cortisol and testosterone radioimmunoassay and feces dry weight was determined by drying at 37ºC for 24 h under vacuum. On four occasions, fecal cortisol metabolite levels were elevated above baseline (307.8 ± 17.5 ng/g dry feces) in the first fecal sample collected after the procedure (100 to 350 percent above baseline). On one occasion, we did not detect any variation. Mean (± SEM) fecal androgen concentration did not change after chemical restraint and electroejaculation (before: 131.1 ± 26.7, after: 213.7 ± 43.6 ng/g dry feces). These data show that determination of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolites can be very useful for a noninvasive assessment of animal well-being and as a complement to behavioral, physiological, and pathological studies. It can also be useful for the study of the relationship between adrenal activity and reproductive performance in the jaguar.

Changes in the fecal concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites in captive male jaguars (Panthera onca) in response to stress.

In the present study we determined the efficacy of the measurement of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolite concentrations to monitor adrenal and testicular activity in the jaguar (Panthera onca). Three captive male jaguars were chemically restrained and electroejaculated once or twice within a period of two months. Fecal samples were collected daily for 5 days before and 5 days after the procedure and stored at -20 degrees C until extraction. Variations in the concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites before and after the procedure were determined by solid phase cortisol and testosterone radioimmunoassay and feces dry weight was determined by drying at 37 degrees C for 24 h under vacuum. On four occasions, fecal cortisol metabolite levels were elevated above baseline (307.8 +/- 17.5 ng/g dry feces) in the first fecal sample collected after the procedure (100 to 350% above baseline). On one occasion, we did not detect any variation. Mean (+/- SEM) fecal androgen concentration did not change after chemical restraint and electroejaculation (before: 131.1 +/- 26.7, after: 213.7 +/- 43.6 ng/g dry feces). These data show that determination of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolites can be very useful for a noninvasive assessment of animal well-being and as a complement to behavioral, physiological, and pathological studies. It can also be useful for the study of the relationship between adrenal activity and reproductive performance in the jaguar.

Development according to pubertal stage in Brazilian children and adolescents with short-term diabetes.

The anthropometric status and metabolic control of 51 recently diagnosed Brazilian schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes (DM1), during the first 5 years of the disease, were compared with those of normal children (60 girls and 132 boys) belonging to the same environmental condition and pubertal stage. Metabolic control was evaluated on the basis of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels. The criteria of the National Center for Health Statistics were used for anthropometric evaluation. FPG (205 +/- 51 mg/dl for girls vs 200 +/- 34 mg/dl for boys) and % above upper normal limit of median HbA1c (1.8% for girls vs 2.5% for boys with diabetes) were not significantly different during follow-up. The Z-score of the last height evaluation was lower in the girls' group (-0.14 vs -0.53, P<0.05). By forward stepwise analysis, the Z-score of the initial height was statistically significant as a determinant factor for height at the end of the study in both girls and boys with DM1. The Z-score of weight at last evaluation was not different from that at diagnosis in either sex. However, analysis according to pubertal stage showed a tendency to a weight increase in the girls. The weight recovery and height loss in girls with DM1 follows the trend of the normal Brazilian population.

Development according to pubertal stage in Brazilian children and adolescents with short-term diabetes

The anthropometric status and metabolic control of 51 recently diagnosed Brazilian schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes (DM1), during the first 5 years of the disease, were compared with those of normal children (60 girls and 132 boys) belonging to the same environmental condition and pubertal stage. Metabolic control was evaluated on the basis of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels. The criteria of the National Center for Health Statistics were used for anthropometric evaluation. FPG (205 + or - 51 mg/dl for girls vs 200 + or - 34 mg/dl for boys) and percent above upper normal limit of median HbA1c (1.8 percent for girls vs 2.5 percent for boys with diabetes) were not significantly different during follow-up. The Z-score of the last height evaluation was lower in the girls' group (-0.14 vs -0.53, P<0.05). By forward stepwise analysis, the Z-score of the initial height was statistically significant as a determinant factor for height at the end of the study in both girls and boys with DM1. The Z-score of weight at last evaluation was not different from that at diagnosis in either sex. However, analysis according to pubertal stage showed a tendency to a weight increase in the girls. The weight recovery and height loss in girls with DM1 follows the trend of the normal Brazilian population

Pre-parturition profile of steroids and prostaglandin in cows with or without foetal membrane retention.

Retained foetal membranes in cattle is one of the most common complications associated to the reduction in milk yield and impaired fertility in dairy cattle. In order to determine some endocrine mechanisms controlling parturition and delivery of foetal membranes, plasma concentrations of steroids and prostanoids were determined in 20 healthy Holstein cows. Samples were taken within the interval of 5 days pre-parturition to 12h after calving. Progesterone (P4) levels were similar in cows with (PR) and without (NPR) placental retention. While the estradiol-17beta (E2) peak at parturition was lower in PR than in NPR cows, cortisol levels were greater in PR cows 12 and 24h pre-parturition. The Prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite (PGFM) levels were higher at parturition in NPR compared with the PR group, but 12h later, these levels in the PR group increased so that concentrations were greater as compared with NPR cows. The Prostaglandin E2 metabolite (PGEM), 24, 48 and 72 h pre-parturition, were higher in PR cows. However, the PGFM:PGEM ratio was greater in cows up NPR at all time when included, indicating the importance of higher levels of Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) than Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for normal placental delivery. In conclusion, placental retention was related to both estrogen and PGF2alpha deficiency, which may be a consequence of metabolic stress leading to PGE2 and maternal cortisol synthesis before parturition.

Reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for estrogen determination in equine biological samples.

Equine unsaturated estrogens are the main components of brand formulations indicated for hormonal replacement therapy in both hypogonadic and postmenopausal women. These hormones are produced by the fetoplacental unit during equine gestation. A method is described for the quantitative determination of equilenin (EL), equilin (EQ), 17alpha-dihydroequilin (17dEQ), and estrone (El) in the plasma of a pregnant mare. Blood samples are obtained weekly during pregnancy by jugular venipuncture using sodium ethylenediaminetetracetic as the anticoagulant. For the quantitation of these estrogens, plasma is submitted to enzymatic hydrolysis followed by liquid-liquid extraction. A high-performance liquid chromatographic system equipped with a UV detector set at 220 nm and an ODS Hypersil column is used. The method met precision, specificity, and accuracy requirements. The hormonal levels determined in one target mare throughout pregnancy were 97.91 to 449.13, 116.47 to 266.02, 74.92 to 235.54, and 84.26 to 300.03 ng/mL, reaching a maximum towards the 25th, 20th, 33rd, and 27th weeks, respectively, for E1, EL, EQ, and 17dEQ. The method was successfully tested by quantitating these estrogens in the plasma from a pregnant mare. Its applicability to the study of estrogen bioavailability and bioequivalence is suggested.

[Influence of socioeconomic conditions in the nutritional changes and at rest metabolic rate in school children living in shantytowns of the city of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Influência das condições socioeconômicas nas alterações nutricionais e na taxa de metabolismo de repouso em crianças escolares moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo.

PURPOSE: A cross-sectional study was carried out to characterize the alterations in the resting metabolic rate (RMR), and socioeconomic conditions of 15 stunted (DP= height/age < 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) and 15 nonstunted (EU= height/age > 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) school girls living in shantytowns of São Paulo. METHODS: Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry. Socioeconomic data was collected during home visits by administration of a questionnaire. RESULTS: The mildly stunted group had a higher RMR when expressed as Kcal/kg body weight (EU= 40,5 Kcal/kg/day; DP=44,4 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05) and lean body mass (EU= 49, 2 Kcal/kg/day; DP=52,5 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05). Stunting was associated with maternal illiteracy (EU= 13,3%; DP=57,1%; p<0.05), income per capita (EU=US$107,14; DP=US$54,40; p< 0.05), number of parasites per child (EU=0; DP=1; p<0.05), birth order (EU=2; DP=4; p< 0.05), and number of siblings (EU=4; DP=6; p<0.01). Stunting was best predicted by income per capita and maternal illiteracy by using multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Although the two groups had normal weight/height, the group with mild stunting showed socioeconomic and metabolic alterations, typical of a malnourished condition.

Influência das condições socioeconômicas nas alterações nutricionais e na taxa de metabolismo de repouso em crianças escolares moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo / Influence of socioeconomic conditions in the nutritional changes and rest metabolic rate in school children living in shantytowns of the city of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal para avaliar a taxa de metabolismo de repouso (TMR) e condições socioeconômicas em 15 crianças escolares do sexo feminino; eutróficas (EU= estatura/idade > ou = 95 por cento e peso/idade entre 90-110por cento) e 15 com desnutrição pregressa (DP= estatura/idade < 95 por cento e peso/estatura entre 90-110 por cento) moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se a TMR por calorimetria indireta, e a situação socioeconômica por entrevista domiciliar. RESULTADOS: O grupo DP apresentou TMR mais alta quando expressa por unidade de peso corpóreo (EU= 40,5 Kcal/kg/dia; DP=44,4 Kcal/kg/dia, p<0,05) e por quilograma de massa magra (EU= 49,2 Kcal/kg/dia; DP=52,5 Kcal/kg/dia, p<0,05); e diferenças significantes para renda per capita, analfabetismo materno, número de parasitas por criança, número de ordem entre os filhos e número de irmãos. Em análise multivariada as variáveis associadas à desnutrição foram renda per capita e analfabetismo materno. CONCLUSÕES: Embora os dois grupos tenham peso/estatura normais, a presença de baixa estatura leve foi acompanhada por alterações metabólicas e socioeconômicas típicas de um quadro de desnutrição.

Y-chromosome identification by PCR and gonadal histopathology in Turner's syndrome without overt Y-mosaicism.

OBJECTIVE: The frequency of gonadoblastoma is high in patients with Turner's syndrome bearing cells with Y or partial Y-chromosome. About 60% of patients with Turner's syndrome have a 45,X karyotype. In 30% of them a Y-sequence is disclosed by DNA analysis. To identify patients at risk of developing gonadoblastoma, a PCR based assay with SRY, ZFY and DYZ3 specific primers was carried out to detect different Y-sequences in the DNA of peripheral lymphocytes from patients with Turner's syndrome. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Peripheral blood karyotypes from 36 patients with Turner's syndrome were studied. Patients with proven Y-chromosomal material were excluded. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. SRY and ZFY genes and DYZ3 repetion of Y-chromosome were amplified by PCR. Patients with clinical signs of hyperandrogenism or with positive Y-sequences by PCR underwent gonadectomy. The gonadal tissues were examined for Y-sequences using PCR, morphology and immunohistochemical study. MEASUREMENTS: Turner's syndrome and signs of hyperandrogenism were evaluated both clinically and through laboratory tests. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was employed in gonadal morphology studies. The presence of testosterone was detected by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Two patients who had Y-positive blood samples and three hyperandrogenic (2 hirsutes, 1 virilized) Y-negatives underwent gonadectomy. PCR was carried out on their gonadal tissue. The tissue from the two patients without hyperandrogenism was Y-positive. The gonadal tissue from the three hyperandrogenics was Y-negative. Gonadal morphology disclosed hilus cell hyperplasia in the 3 hyperandrogenic Y-negatives and in one Y-positive patient; stromal luteoma and hyperthecosis in the virilized patient, cystadenofibroma in one hirsute patient and gonadoblastoma in one Y-positive. Testosterone was detected immunohistochemically in the hilus cell hyperplasia, stromal luteoma and hyperthecosis found in the hyperandrogenic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular study was sensitive and useful in the evaluation of patients at risk of developing gonadoblastoma. Other nontumour, gonadotrophin-dependent and Y-independent mechanisms which deserve the same medical approach may be involved in the genesis of hyperandrogenic signs in Turner's syndrome.

The influence of 6 months of oral anabolic steroids on body mass and respiratory muscles in undernourished COPD patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of oral anabolic steroids on body mass index (BMI), lean body mass, anthropometric measures, respiratory muscle strength, and functional exercise capacity among subjects with COPD. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. SETTING: Pulmonary rehabilitation program. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three undernourished male COPD patients in whom BMI was below 20 kg/m2 and the maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) was below 60% of the predicted value. INTERVENTION: The study group received 250 mg of testosterone i.m. at baseline and 12 mg of oral stanozolol a day for 27 weeks, during which time the control group received placebo. Both groups participated in inspiratory muscle exercises during weeks 9 to 27 and cycle ergometer exercises during weeks 18 to 27. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Seventeen of 23 subjects completed the study. Weight increased in nine of 10 subjects who received anabolic steroids (mean, +1.8+/-0.5 kg; p<0.05), whereas the control group lost weight (-0.4+/-0.2 kg). The study group's increase in BMI differed significantly from that of the control group from weeks 3 to 27 (p<0.05). Lean body mass increased in the study group at weeks 9 and 18 (p<0.05). Arm muscle circumference and thigh circumference also differed between groups (p<0.05). Changes in PImax (study group, 41%; control group, 20%) were not statistically significant. No changes in the 6-min walk distance or in maximal exercise capacity were identified in either group. CONCLUSION: The administration of oral anabolic steroids for 27 weeks to malnourished male subjects with COPD was free of clinical or biochemical side effects. It was associated with increases in BMI, lean body mass, and anthropometric measures of arm and thigh circumference, with no significant changes in endurance exercise capacity.

Puberty and growth rate in thoroughbred fillies.

We measured progesterone and estradiol levels from birth to the beginning of adult life in 10 Thoroughbred fillies from the Equilia Stud Farm in Avaré SP, Brasil. The animals were measured and weighed monthly for the determination of body development and of a possible correlation between the rate of weight and height gain and the onset of detectable sex hormone levels. Jugular blood was collected twice a week and stored at -20 degrees C until assay of progesterone by a solid phase RIA with a sensitivity of 0.32 nmol L and of estradiol by liquid phase RIA adapted to low levels (3.67 pmol L ). The fillies were born with high serum levels of both hormones, which fell to undetectable levels by the first week of life. A variation in growth rate was observed, with the highest levels occurring from birth to the 3rd month of life, followed by a reduction until 15 mo of life, when fast growth was resumed. The monthly weight gain was 1.5% when the fillies reached puberty and 5.4% during the next month, (P < 0.05, Friedman test). During this second period of accelerated growth after the beginning of progesterone production at detectable levels (above 0.318 nmol L ), the parameters of skeletal growth did not differ (P > 0.05). The month of onset of puberty was the month of lowest weight gain in the life of the fillies, and it coincided with the highest insolation period. In conclusion, horses, like all other developed vertebrates, have a double pattern of development, with the acceleration observed at puberty depending on sex steroids, which in turn coincides with the highest insolation period. Gonadal activity characterized by serum progesterone levels was low from birth to the onset of puberty. After puberty the progesterone cycles were similar to those of adult animals with a mature hypothalamic-gonadal axis.

FRAXA premutation associated with premature ovarian failure.

A family is described in which six females in three generations experienced premature ovarian failure (POF). In three of them a FRAXA premutation was documented and the carrier status of a fourth female could be inferred, because her son had the fragile X syndrome. These findings provide further evidence for a nonrandom association between POF and the FRAXA premutation.

Efeito de diferentes gonadotrofinas sobre o crescimento folicular e a ovulaçäo na cobaia (Cavia porcellus) / Effect of different gonadotrophins on the follicular development and ovulation in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Para estudar a resposta superovulatória em cobaias, frente a vários esquemas de tratamentos com diferentes gonadotrofinas, foram utilizadas 60 fêmeas, divididas em 10 grupos de 6 animais cada um. Em uma 1§ fase, formada por 6 grupos, cada grupo recebeu um dos seguintes tratamentos: PMSG; FSH-p em dose única; FSH-p em 3 doses; FSH-h; HMG e soluçäo de NaCl 0,9 por cento (grupo controle), respectivamente. Numa 2§ fase, constituída por 4 grupos, cada um recebeu 22 UI de FSH-h, 15 UI de FSH-h; HMG e soluçäo de NaCl 0,9 por cento (grupo controle), respectivamente. Nos 3 grupos experimentais da 2§ fase foi aplicada também PGF2alfa. Todos os grupos, com exceçäo dos 2 controles, receberam também HCG. Os 3 primeiros grupos da 1§ fase tiveram ovulaçäo bloqueada, sendo que a PMSG causou luteinizaçäo generalizada dos folículos e as demais gonadotrofinas induziram luteinizaçäo folicular precoce com aprisionamento dos óvulos. Na 2§ fase, obteve-se um número médio de ovulaçöes em um grupo e a superovulaçäo de 2 animais. Concluiu-se que a PGF2alfa participa dos mecanismos de ovulaçäo na cobaia e que é possível obter aumento do crescimento folicular múltiplo com o emprego de FSH-h + HCG e HMG + HCG, associados ou näo à PGF2alfa

Serum levels of prostate-specific antigen in normal boys throughout puberty.

Serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured in a group of 132 normal boys distributed in stages 1-5 of puberty. A highly sensitive (0.005 ng/mL) immunofluorometric assay was developed and used in the study. PSA levels were generally undetectable in state I and rose sharply from stage II to III and from stage III to IV. A significant positive correlation was found between PSA and testosterone levels, PSA and LH levels, PSA and age, PSA and testicular volume, as well as PSA and pubertal stage. Our findings indicate that PSA levels measured with highly sensitive assays can be of utility in the hormonal evaluation of puberty in boys.

Diagnostic difficulties in a case of true precocious puberty

A case of true precocious puberty of cerebral origin is reported in a girl with hydrocephaly, calcification of the pineal region and previous pulmonary tuberculosis

Effects of intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid on estrous cycle in rats.

Kainic acid (KA) is a powerful convulsant and neurotoxic agent. In the present paper the acute and long term effects of intrahippocampal KA administration on estrous cycle and on serum concentrations of progesterone were studied in adult female rats. Following KA injection, 3 distinct periods were observed: 1) acute period (24-48 h), 2) silent period (21-30 days), and 3) chronic period, characterized by the appearance of spontaneous recurrent seizures (30-45 days). KA administration did not affect progesterone levels during the acute period. In contrast, during the silent period, KA-treated animals exhibited irregular estrous cycling and decreased progesterone levels. These results are of interest in view of a possible link between epileptic phenomena and hormone secretion.

Effects of intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid on estrous cycle in rats

Kainic acid (KA) is a powerful convulsant and neurotoxic agent. In the present paper the acute and long term effects of intrahippocampal KA administration on estrous cycle and on serum concentrations of progesterone were studied in adult female rats. Following KA injection, 3 distinct periods were observed: 1) acute period (24-48 h), 2) silent period (21-30 days), and 3) chronic period, characterized by the appearance of spontaneous of spontaneous recurrent seizures (30-45 days). KA administration did not affect progesterone levels during the acute period. In contrast, during the sislent period, KA treated animals exhibited irregular estrous cycling and decreased progesterone levels. These results are of interest in view of a possible link between epileptic phenomena and hormone secretion