Transcriptomic and genomic analysis provides new insights in molecular and genetic processes involved in zucchini ZYMV tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Cucurbita pepo is highly susceptible to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and the resistance found in several wild species cannot be considered as complete or broad-spectrum resistance. In this study, a source of tolerance introgressed in C. pepo (381e) from C. moschata, in True French (TF) background, was investigated 12 days post-inoculation (DPI) at transcriptomic and genomic levels. RESULTS: The comparative RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) of TF (susceptible to ZYMV) and 381e (tolerant to ZYMV) allowed the evaluation of about 33,000 expressed transcripts and the identification of 146 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 381e, mainly involved in photosynthesis, transcription, cytoskeleton organization and callose synthesis. By contrast, the susceptible cultivar TF triggered oxidative processes related to response to biotic stimulus and activated key regulators of plant virus intercellular movement. In addition, the discovery of variants located in transcripts allowed the identification of two chromosome regions rich in Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), putatively introgressed from C. moschata, containing genes exclusively expressed in 381e. CONCLUSION: 381e transcriptome analysis confirmed a global improvement of plant fitness by reducing the virus titer and movement. Furthermore, genes implicated in ZYMV tolerance in C. moschata introgressed regions were detected. Our work provides new insight into the plant virus recovery process and a better understanding of the molecular basis of 381e tolerance.

Complex migration history is revealed by genetic diversity of tomato samples collected in Italy during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Native to South America, the tomato is now grown almost worldwide. During its domestication and improvement, important selection signatures were fixed in certain agronomic and adaption traits. Such traits include fruit morphology, which became a major target for selection over the centuries. However, little is known about precisely when some mutations arose and how they spread through the germplasm. For instance, elongated fruit variants, originating both via mutations in SUN and OVATE genes, may have arisen prior to domestication or during tomato cultivation in Europe. To gain insights into the tomato admixture and selection pattern, the genome of two tomato herbarium specimens conserved in the Herbarium Porticense (PORUN) was sequenced. Comparison of the DNA of herbarium samples collected in Italy between 1750 and 1890 with that of living tomato accessions yielded insights into the history of tomato loci selection. Interestingly, the genotype of the more recent sample (LEO90), classified in 1890 as the oblungum variety, shows several private variants in loci implicated in fruit shape determination, also present also in wild tomato samples. In addition, LEO90, sampled in the nineteenth century, is genetically more distant from cultivated varieties than the SET17 genotype, collected in the eighteenth century, suggesting that elongated tomato varieties may originate from a cross between a landrace and a wild ancestor. Findings from our study have major implications for the understanding of tomato migration patterns and for the conservation of allelic diversity and loci recovery.

Empowering crop resilience to environmental multiple stress through the modulation of key response components.

Crop plants have developed a multitude of defense and adaptation responses to protect themselves against invading pathogens and challenging environmental stresses, mostly operating jointly. The plant perception of overall stress induces a coordinated response mediated by complex signaling networks. Experimental evidences proved that plant response to combined biotic and abiotic stresses substantially diverge from the responses to individual stresses. Moreover, the cross-talk of signaling pathways involved in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses is pivoted on several converging elements able to simultaneously modulate the timing and amplitude of the overall plant response. Comprehensively, the interaction between biotic and abiotic stresses can dramatically changes the plant response to the individual stress and the phenotypical outcome of each stress factor. System biology and data mining can synergistically help biologists in finding out regulative mechanisms and key genes controlling the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Deploying new genetic engineering solutions can rely on the modification of genes involved in resistance/tolerance processes and/or in the modulation of regulatory elements. Finally, a model of the engineered crop for enhanced tolerance to pressures resulting from invasive pathogens and abiotic constraints in semiarid and warm environment is discussed.

Investigation of orthologous pathogen recognition gene-rich regions in solanaceous species.

Pathogen receptor proteins such as receptor-like protein (RLP), receptor-like kinase (RLK), and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) play a leading role in plant immunity activation. The genome architecture of such genes has been extensively investigated in several plant species. However, we still know little about their elaborate reorganization that arose during the plant speciation process. Using recently released pepper and eggplant genome sequences, we were able to identify 1097 pathogen recognition genes (PRGs) in the cultivated pepper Zunla-1 and 775 in the eggplant line Nakate-Shinkuro. The retrieved genes were analysed for their tendency to cluster, using different methods to infer the means of grouping. Orthologous relationships among clustering loci were found, and interesting reshuffling within given loci was observed for each analysed species. The information obtained was integrated into a comparative map to highlight the evolutionary dynamics in which the PRG loci were involved. Diversification of 14 selected PRG-rich regions was also explored using a DNA target-enrichment approach. A large number of gene variants were found as well as rearrangements of sequences encoding single protein domain and changes in chromosome gene order among species. Gene duplication and transposition activity have clearly influenced plant genome R-gene architecture and diversification. Our findings contribute to addressing several biological questions concerning the parallel evolution that occurred between genomes of the family Solanaceae. Moreover, the integration of different methods proved a powerful approach to reconstruct the evolutionary history in plant families and to transfer important biology findings among plant genomes.

Exploring tomato Solanum pennellii introgression lines for residual biomass and enzymatic digestibility traits.

BACKGROUND: Residual biomass production for fuel conversion represents a unique opportunity to avoid concerns about compromising food supply by using dedicated feedstock crops. Developing tomato varieties suitable for both food consumption and fuel conversion requires the establishment of new selection methods. RESULTS: A tomato Solanum pennellii introgression population was assessed for fruit yield, biomass phenotypic diversity, and for saccharification potential. Introgression lines 2-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-2, 10-2 and 12-4 showed the best combination of fruit and residual biomass production. Lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose content and saccharification rate showed a wide variation in the tested lines. Within hemicellulose, xylose value was high in IL 6-3, IL 7-2 and IL 6-2, whereas arabinose showed a low content in IL 10-2, IL 6-3 and IL 2-6. The latter line showed also the highest ethanol potential production. Alkali pre-treatment resulted in the highest values of saccharification in most of lines tested, suggesting that chemical pretreatment is an important factor for improving biomass processability. Interestingly, extreme genotypes for more than one single trait were found, allowing the identification of better genotypes. Cell wall related genes mapping in genomic regions involved into tomato biomass production and digestibility variation highlighted potential candidate genes. Molecular expression profile of few of them provided useful information about challenged pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The screening of S. pennellii introgression population resulted very useful for delving into complex traits such as biomass production and digestibility. The extreme genotypes identified could be fruitfully employed for both genetic studies and breeding.

Osteoinmunología: Una visión integrada de los sistemas inmunológico y óseo. Nuevas perspectivas de las enfermedades óseas / Osteoimmunology: An Integrated Vision of Immune and Bone Systems. Novel Perspectives for Bone Disease

Esta 3ª parte se propone comentar los mecanismos inmunológicos involucrados en el deterioro de la masa ósea en algunas enfermedades autoinmunes. Dado que estas son numerosas (múltiples componentes del Síndrome Poliglandular Autoinmune, Enfermedad celíaca, Síndrome de Crohn, colitis ulcerosa, HIV, patologías reumatológicas, anemia perniciosa, asma bronquial e incluso periodontitis), se eligieron cuatro afecciones que actualmente podrían tener un mayor interés: La Artritis Reumatoidea por ser la patología paradigmática del deterioro óseo; la posmenopausia, donde se describe poco el rol autoinmune; el HIV, por la prolongada sobrevida actual con mayores posibilidades de lesiones óseas y la Periodontitis, como una incursión en el compromiso odontológico, a veces poco conocido por el médico. En muchos casos el conocimiento de estos mecanismos ha contribuido a la generación de medicamentos específicos logrando éxitos terapéuticos con mejor calidad de vida. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 51:197-204, 2014 Los autores declaran no poseer conflictos de interés.

The objective of this communication is to review the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of bone damage in some autoimmune diseases. As they are numerous (autoimmune polyendocrinopathy , celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, HIV, rheumatic diseases, bronchial asthma, pernicious anemia, periodontitis, etc.), we selected only four: Rheumatoid Arthritis, because of its typical bone lesions; post­menopause, because the immune components are not so often described; HIV, because of the current longer survival time with higher possibilities of bone lesions, and Periodontitis, in order to have an overview of dental aspects of this pathology. In many cases, knowledge of these mechanisms has contributed to the de­velopment of specific drugs that have led to therapeutic success and an improved quality of life. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 51:197-204, 2014 No finantial conflicts of interest exist.

Osteoinmunología: Una visión integrada de los sistemas inmunológico y óseo. Nuevas perspectivas de las enfermedades óseas / Osteoimmunology: An Integrated Vision of Immune and Bone Systems. Novel Perspectives for Bone Diseases

Dado que tanto las células inmunes como las hematopoyéticas se originan en la médula ósea no es sorprendente la interrelación entre ambos sistemas. Si bien las células de linaje osteoblástico son las principales para influenciar la diferenciación y la activación osteoclástica, las células del estroma que originan osteoblastos, las células hematopoyéticas no estromales, los linfocitos, junto con interleukinas y factores de crecimiento, también afectan la función de las células óseas. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 51:25-29, 2014 Los autores declaran no poseer conflictos de interés.

As both the immune and hematopoietic cells originate in the bone marrow, it is not surprising that there should be an interaction between these two systems. While osteoblasts have the main capacity to influence differentiation and activation of osteoclasts, osteoblast-producing stromal cells, non-hematopoietic stromal cells, lymphocytes, interleukins and growth factors also affect bone cell function. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 51:25-29, 2014 No financial conflicts of interest exist.

Osteoimmunología: Una visión integrada de los sistemas inmunológico y óseo. Nuevas perspectivas de las enfermedades óseas / Osteoimmunology: An Integrated Vision of Immune and Bone Systems. Novel Perspectives for Bone Diseases

La osteoinmunología es un campo de investigación dedicado al estudio de la interacción entre el sistema inmune y el tejido óseo. Numerosas evidencias demuestran que ambos comparten mecanismos regulatorios. Esta interacción se produce por contacto directo entre las células de ambos sistemas y por la acción de mediadores regulatorios inmunes, citoquinas y factores de crecimiento. El objeto de esta revisión es proporcionar una visión global de la interacción entre las células óseas y las células inmunes y el rol que desempeñan en el mutuo desarrollo y función. El mayor conocimiento de la interacción de estos dos sistemas conduce a una mejor interpretación del papel de la inmunología en la patogénesis de la pérdida de la masa ósea.(AU)

Osteoimmunology is a research field that deals with the study of the interaction between the immune system and bone tissue. Enough evidence demonstrates that they share regulatory mechanisms. This interaction occurs through direct contact between the cells of both systems and by the action of immune regulatory mediators, cytokines and growth factors. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the interaction between bone and immune cells and the role they play in the mutual development and function. A greater knowledge of the interaction of these two systems will allow a better understanding of the role of immunology in the pathogenesis of bone mass loss.(AU)

Osteoimmunología: Una visión integrada de los sistemas inmunológico y óseo. Nuevas perspectivas de las enfermedades óseas / Osteoimmunology: An Integrated Vision of Immune and Bone Systems. Novel Perspectives for Bone Diseases

La osteoinmunología es un campo de investigación dedicado al estudio de la interacción entre el sistema inmune y el tejido óseo. Numerosas evidencias demuestran que ambos comparten mecanismos regulatorios. Esta interacción se produce por contacto directo entre las células de ambos sistemas y por la acción de mediadores regulatorios inmunes, citoquinas y factores de crecimiento. El objeto de esta revisión es proporcionar una visión global de la interacción entre las células óseas y las células inmunes y el rol que desempeñan en el mutuo desarrollo y función. El mayor conocimiento de la interacción de estos dos sistemas conduce a una mejor interpretación del papel de la inmunología en la patogénesis de la pérdida de la masa ósea.

Osteoimmunology is a research field that deals with the study of the interaction between the immune system and bone tissue. Enough evidence demonstrates that they share regulatory mechanisms. This interaction occurs through direct contact between the cells of both systems and by the action of immune regulatory mediators, cytokines and growth factors. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the interaction between bone and immune cells and the role they play in the mutual development and function. A greater knowledge of the interaction of these two systems will allow a better understanding of the role of immunology in the pathogenesis of bone mass loss.

Overview of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) candidate pathogen recognition genes reveals important Solanum R locus dynamics.

To investigate the genome-wide spatial arrangement of R loci, a complete catalogue of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) nucleotide-binding site (NBS) NBS, receptor-like protein (RLP) and receptor-like kinase (RLK) gene repertories was generated. Candidate pathogen recognition genes were characterized with respect to structural diversity, phylogenetic relationships and chromosomal distribution. NBS genes frequently occur in clusters of related gene copies that also include RLP or RLK genes. This scenario is compatible with the existence of selective pressures optimizing coordinated transcription. A number of duplication events associated with lineage-specific evolution were discovered. These findings suggest that different evolutionary mechanisms shaped pathogen recognition gene cluster architecture to expand and to modulate the defence repertoire. Analysis of pathogen recognition gene clusters associated with documented resistance function allowed the identification of adaptive divergence events and the reconstruction of the evolution history of these loci. Differences in candidate pathogen recognition gene number and organization were found between tomato and potato. Most candidate pathogen recognition gene orthologues were distributed at less than perfectly matching positions, suggesting an ongoing lineage-specific rearrangement. Indeed, a local expansion of Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)-NBS-leucine-rich repeat (LRR) (TNL) genes in the potato genome was evident. Taken together, these findings have implications for improved understanding of the mechanisms of molecular adaptive selection at Solanum R loci.

Genetic and genomic approaches for R-gene mediated disease resistance in tomato: retrospects and prospects.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world's most important vegetable crops. Managing the health of this crop can be particularly challenging; crop resistance may be overcome by new pathogen races while new pathogens have been introduced by global agricultural markets. Tomato is extensively used as a model plant for resistance studies and much has been attained through both genetic and biotechnological approaches. In this paper, we illustrate genomic methods currently employed to preserve resistant germplasm and to facilitate the study and transfer of resistance genes, and we describe the genomic organization of R-genes. Patterns of gene activation during disease resistance response, identified through functional approaches, are depicted. We also describe the opportunities offered by the use of new genomic technologies, including high-throughput DNA sequencing, large-scale expression data production and the comparative hybridization technique, whilst reporting multifaceted approaches to achieve genetic tomato disease control. Future strategies combining the huge amount of genomic and genetic data will be able to accelerate development of novel resistance varieties sustainably on a worldwide basis. Such strategies are discussed in the context of the latest insights obtained in this field.

Prevención y tratamiento de la osteoporosis en cáncer de próstata: Recomendaciones / Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in prostate cancer: Recommendations

La osteoporosis y las fracturas óseas son observadas con frecuencia como una complicación de la terapia de deprivación androgénica en hombres con cáncer de próstata. Varias terapias utilizadas en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata, en particular la terapia de privación de andrógenos para el cáncer de próstata, están asociadas con una significativa pérdida de la masa ósea y con aumento en el riesgo de fractura. El uso de bifosfonatos parece atenuar la pérdida ósea, aunque el impacto a largo plazo sigue siendo incierto debido al insuficiente seguimiento. Varios agentes, tales como denosumab y toremifene, han mostrado ser prometedores en la reducción del riesgo de fractura en estos pacientes. El tratamiento adyuvante endocrino con deprivación androgénica puede considerarse un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de osteopenia, osteoporosis y fractura ósea, pudiendo ser mitigada por el tratamiento apropiado de bifosfonatos. La identificación de factores de riesgo para osteoporosis en cada paciente podría colaborar en la toma de decisión acerca del inicio del tratamiento con bifosfonatos en pacientes con la terapia de deprivación androgénica. Los pacientes deben ser instruidos sobre aquellos factores relacionados con este riesgo. Modificaciones en estilo de vida podrían beneficiar su salud general y ósea.

Osteoporosis and bone fractures are frequently overlooked complications of androgen deprivation therapy in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Several therapies commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancers, particularly in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, are associated with significant bone loss and with an increase in fracture risk. The use of bisphosphonates seems to attenuate bone loss, although the long-term impact remains unclear because of insufficient follow-up. Several agents, such as denosumab and toremifene, have shown to be promising in reducing fracture risk in these patients. Adjuvant endocrine therapy with androgen deprivation can be considered a risk factor for the development of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and bone fracture, which can be mitigated by appropriate bisphosphonate therapy. Clear identification of risk factors for osteoporosis in individual patients could help in decision-making about whether to initiate treatment with bisphosphonates in patients under androgen deprivation therapy. Patients need to be educated about this risk and other measures to avoid this complication, including lifestyle modifications that may benefit their general and bone health.

Impacto óseo en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama: PARTE II / Bone impact in breast cancer treatment

El cáncer de mama es uno de los tumores más frecuentes en la mujer. Más del 70 % de estas pacientes presenta en la lesión marcación positiva para receptor de estrógeno, receptor de progesterona o ambos En la última década la mortalidad por cáncer de mama ha disminuido entre 6-8 %. Ésto podría deberse a la detección temprana de la lesión, al tratamiento coadyuvante con quimioterapia y tratamiento hormonal, ya sea con bloqueo de estrógenos o ablación ovárica. La depleción de estrógenos establece incremento de la resorción ósea, disminución de la masa ósea y aumento en la tasa de fractura por osteoporosis. La introducción de los inhibidores de la aromatasa ofrece resultados promisorios en el tratamiento del estadio temprano del cáncer de mama. Sin embargo varios estudios clínicos han demostrado que la deprivación de estrógenos inducida por los mismos daña seriamente la salud ósea. Debido a esto, la evaluación sistemática de estas pacientes que incluye la medición de la masa ósea, el estudio del metabolismo mineral y la determinación de factores de riesgo para osteoporosis, sería necesaria para introducir medidas de prevención y/o tratamiento. El uso de bifosfonatos podría ser de utilidad ya que aumenta la masa ósea y reduce la remodelación ósea, aunque no ha sido demostrada su utilidad en reducir la tasa de fractura en este grupo de pacientes.

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent tumors in women. More than 70 % of these patients develop endocrine-responsive disease with estrogen receptor-positive, progesterone receptor-positive tumors or both. In the last decade, breast cancer mortality has decreased by 6-8 %. This could be due to early screening and to adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy as well as hormonal treatment, either with estrogen blockage or ovary ablation. Estrogen depletion implies an increase in bone resorption, bone mass decrease and growth of the osteoporotic fractures The introduction of aromatase inhibitors offers promissory results in the early-stage breast cancer treatment. However, many clinical trials have demonstrated that estrogen deprivation induced by aromatase inhibitors seriously affects bone health. A systematic evaluation of these patients, including bone mass measurement, assessment of mineral metabolism and determination of risk factors for osteoporosis would be necessary to introduce prevention and/or treatment measures. Bisphosphonates may be useful since they increase bone mass and reduce bone remodeling, although their usefulness in reducing the fracture rate has not been demonstrated in this group of patients.

Prevención y tratamiento de la osteoporosis en pacientes con Mieloma múltiple, estadios iniciales de Carcinoma de mama y Cáncer de próstata / Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in multiple myeloma, early stages of breast cancer and prostate cancer

Se ha efectuado una revisión de los trabajos sobre la fisiopatología del MM y sobre el tratamiento de las lesiones osteoporóticas que se presentan en casi todos los casos. Es sabido que los bifosfonatos son sumamente efectivos por lo que se comentan los actuales esquemas de tratamiento tomando en cuenta los recientes consensos. Hay un acuerdo prácticamente unánime en la eficacia del pamidronato y el zoledronato endovenosos aplicados mensualmente durante dos años, siendo aceptado el uso del clodronato oral en Europa pero no en EE.UU. Aunque mejorarían la calidad de la sobrevida, los bifosfonatos no la prolongarían. Se refieren las precauciones que habría que tomar para evitar la osteonecrosis de mandíbula, una complicación de las dosis altas de bifosfonatos que se ha comunicado con mayor frecuencia durante los últimos años. Se destaca la importancia de la consulta odontológica frecuente y del permanente cuidado dental.

The aim of this review is to discuss recent findings in the physiopathology and treatment of osteoporotic lesions present in almost all patients with MM. The efficacy of bisphosphonates is well known, so we summarize the current treatment schedules according to the most recent consensus. Pamidronate and Zoledronate are equally effective and universally accepted. They should be administered intravenously on a monthly basis for two years. Oral clodronate is accepted in Europe but not in USA. Even if bisphosphonates provide a better quality of life, they do not increase survival. Because osteonecrosis of the jaw has been repeatedly reported after high doses of bisphosphonates, we discuss the necessary precautions to prevent this condition emphasizing frequent dental care and examinations.

Medición de 25-hidroxivitamina D sérica: comparación de dos inmunoensayos / Measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in serum: comparison of two immunoassays

La concentración sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25-OHD) es utilizada como indicador del estado nutricional de Vitamina D (VD). El método más utilizado para medirla es el RIA. El desarrollo reciente de métodos automatizados no radiactivos facilitaría la práctica diaria de laboratorio y el diagnóstico de necesidad de suplementación. Objetivos: Comparar los datos de 25-OHD obtenidos usando un RIA y un método de quimioluminiscencia (QLIA) automatizado disponible en nuestro medio. Materiales y métodos: Concentraciones de 25-OHD se midieron en suero de 45 pacientes: 8 hombres y 37 mujeres; 18 no suplementados y 27 suplementados con VD (n=5 con VD2 y n=22 con VD3). Las mediciones de 25-OHD se realizaron con un RIA y un QLIA automatizado (LIAISON), ambos DiaSorin. Se calcularon los coeficientes de variación intraensayo (CV intra) e interensayo (CV inter) para ambos métodos. Análisis estadístico: la comparación entre métodos se realizó con los programas Analyse-it y Med Calc Se consideró significativa una p<0.05. Resultados: Los CV% intra e inter fueron: para RIA menores de 10,6 y 19,9 vs QLIA menores de 8,0 y 13.2, respectivamente. En la población total y en el subgrupo no suplementado con VD los datos de RIA vs QLIA fueron: coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (0,9259 vs 0,9412), Bias%: (6.1 vs 2.7), coeficiente de concordancia (0,9244 vs 0,9329). Conclusiones: 1) Ambas metodologías son adecuadas para mediciones de 25OHD, especialmente en casos no medicados con VD, 2) La tendencia hacia un mayor bias% observado en pacientes suplementados con VD no parecería ser atribuible a variabilidad metodológica, y sugeriría que la VD exógena o alguno de sus metabolitos interactuaría en forma diferente en la medición de 25-OHD por cada una de las metodologías utilizadas. Mayor número de casos es necesario a fin de confirmar esta hipótesis.

Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is used as an indicator of nutritional status of Vitamin D (VD). The methodolgy more frequently used for its measurement is RIA. The recent development of automated non-radioactive methodologies would help the laboratory daily practice to diagnose the need for supplementation. Objectives: To compare the data of 25-OHD obtained using a RIA and an automated chemiluminescence method (CLIA) automated available in our country. Materials and methods: Concentrations of 25-OHD were measured in serum of 45 patients: 8 men and 37 women, 18 unsupplemented and 27 supplemented with VD (n=5 with VD2 and n=22 with VD3). For 25-OHD measurements we used a RIA and a QLIA under an automated platform (LIAISON), both DiaSorin. We calculated intra-assay (intra) and interassay (inter) coefficients of variation (CV%) for both methods. Statistical analysis: comparison between methods was conducted with Analyse-it and Med Calc softwares; p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The intra and inter CV% were below 19.9 and 10.6 for RIA vs 8.0 and 13.2 for CLIA, respectively. In the overall population and in the subgroup never supplemented with VD, data for RIA vs CLIA were: Pearson correlation coefficient (0.9259 vs 0.9412), Bias% (6.1 vs. 2.7), concordance coefficient (0.9244 vs 0.9329). Conclusions: 1) Both methods are suitable for measurements of 25OHD, particularly in cases not medicated with VD, 2) The trend toward greater bias% observed in patients supplemented with VD does not appear to be attributable to methodological variability, and suggests that exogenous VD or its metabolites interact differently in the measurement of 25-OHD by each of the methodologies used. A higher number of cases is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Adenoma atípico de paratiroides: intermediario entre adenoma y carcinoma / Atypical parathyroid adenoma. Intermediary between adenoma and carcinoma

Introducción: El hiperparatiroidismo primario está ocasionado en un 85% de los casos por un adenoma, y en 1-3% por un carcinoma de paratiroides. Existen dificultades para la diferenciación histológica entre los mismos. Para este caso, se ha postulado el concepto de ôadenoma atípicoõ.Objetivo: Presentar dos casos y definir el adenoma atípico de paratiroides.Lugar de aplicación: Hospital polivalente de alta complejidad.Material y método: Presentación de dos casos de adenoma atípico de paratiroides.Discusión: Los carcinomas de paratiroides son raros, y su diferenciación de los adenomas es difícil. Los rasgos histológicos característicos de carcinoma han sido identificados en adenomas. El grupo de neoplasias denominado ôadenoma atípicoõ muestra varios de estos caracteres, pero falla en evidenciar indiscutiblemente la malignidad.Conclusión: Proponemos reservar la denominación de ôadenoma atípico de paratiroidesõ para aquellos tumores de la glándula paratifoidea cuyas características de presentación clínica y anatomopatológica no son concluyentes para la distinción definitiva de malignidad.

Assessment of genetic variability of haploids extracted from tetraploid (2n = 4x = 48) Solanum tuberosum.

The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic variability of haploids (2n = 2x = 24) extracted from tetraploid Solanum tuberosum through 4x x 2x crosses with Solanum phureja. Molecular and phenotypic analyses were performed to fingerprint the genotypes used and to evaluate their potential use in breeding programs. AFLP analysis revealed the presence of specific bands derived from the tetraploid seed parent S. phureja, as well as ex novo originated bands. On average, 210 bands were visualized per genotype, 149 (70%) of which were common to both parental genotypes. The percentage of S. tuberosum specific bands ranged from 25.1% to 18.6%, with an average of 22%. The fraction of genome coming from S. phureja ranged from 1.9% to 6.5%, with an average value of 4%. The percentage of ex novo bands varied from 1.9% to 9.0%. The presence of S. phureja DNA is very interesting because it indicated that S. phureja pollinator is involved in the mechanism of haploid formation. The characterization for resistance to Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and potato virus X (PVX) provided evidence that haploids may express traits that are lacking in the tetraploids they come from, which can be useful for both genetic studies and breeding purposes. It is noteworthy that genotypes combining resistance to both diseases and good pollen stainability were identified. Other possible breeding implications owing to the presence of S. phureja genome in the haploids analyzed are discussed.

[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: its relationship with thyroid function and phosphate calcium metabolism]. / Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Evaluacion de la función tiroidea y del metabolismo fosfocálcico.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease involving motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. Previous studies reported the coexistence of motor neuron disease with thyroid dysfunction and primary hyperparathyroidism. These findings suggested an eventual role of the previously mentioned endocrine disorders and the development of ALS. OBJECTIVE: Identify thyroid dysfunction and changes in mineral metabolism in patients affected by sporadic ALS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 41 in ward patients from June 1998, to June 2001. All of them were diagnosed with sporadic ALS. The following laboratory test were performed: thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), serum calcium, serum phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and ionic calcium concentrations. RESULTS: None of the studied patients was found to be hyperthyroid. Two patients had elevated TSH and normal T4, these findings suggested subclinical hypothyroidism. Elevated PTH was found in one patient; another had primary hyperparathyroidism. Low serum calcium was found in three patients and elevated phosphate was found in another four. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings do not allow us to assert a pathogenic association between thyroid dysfunction or alteration of phosphate calcium metabolism and ALS.

Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Evaluación de la función tiroidea y del metabolismo fosfocálcico / Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Its relationship with thyroid function and phosphate-calcium metabolism

Introducción. La esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA) es una enfermedad degenerativa progresiva que afecta motoneuronas de la médula espinal, tronco encefálico y corteza motora cerebral. Se ha comunicado la coexistencia de enfermedad de motoneurona y patología tiroidea, al igual que la asociación de hiperparatiroidismo primario y afectación de las neuronas motoras espinales, hechos que condu jeron a la discusión de una eventual relación patogénica entre las alteraciones metabólicas enunciadas y el cuadro neurológico señalado. Objetivo. Tratar de identificar alteraciones de la función tiroidea y del metabolismo fosfocálcico en pacientes con ELA. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos de laboratorio de 41 pacientes internados desde junio de 1998 hasta junio de 2001 con el diagnóstico de ELA esporádica. Se consideraron los valores de tirotrofina (TSH), tiroxina (T4), tiroxina libre, calcemia, fosfatemia, hormona paratiroidea (PTH) intacta y calcio iónico. Resultados. Ningún paciente presentó hipertiroidismo; dos pacientes exhibieron TSH aumentada con T4 normal, lo que sugería la posibilidad de un hipotiroidismo subclínico. Un paciente mostró PTH aumentada. Un paciente presentó hiperparatiroidismo primario. Tres enfermos exhibieron calcemia baja y otros cuatro fosfatemia alta. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos hechos en esta serie de pacientes no permiten aseverar la existencia de asociación patogénica entre alteraciones de la función tiroidea o del metabolismo fosfocálcico y la ELA (AU)

Introduction. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease involving motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. Previous studies reported the coexistence of motor neuron disease with thyroid dysfunction and primary hyperparathyroidism. These findings suggested an eventual role of the previously mentioned endocrine disorders and the development of ALS. Objective. Identify thyroid dysfunction and changes in mineral metabolism in patients affected by sporadic ALS. Patients and methods. We retrospectively analyzed data from 41 in-ward patients from June 1998, to June 2001. All of them were diagnosed with sporadic ALS. The following laboratory test were performed: thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), serum calcium, serum phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and ionic calcium concentrations. Results. None of the studied patients was found to be hyperthyroid. Two patients had elevated TSH and normal T4, these findings suggested subclinical hypothyroidism. Elevated PTH was found in one patient; another had primary hyperparathyroidism. Low serum calcium was found in three patients and elevated phosphate was found in another four. Conclusions. All these findings do not allow us to assert a pathogenic association between thyroid dysfunction or alteration of phosphatecalcium metabolism and ALS (AU)

Evaluation and use of plant biodiversity for food and pharmaceuticals.

Many epidemiological studies have shown the importance of fruit and vegetables in the human diet so as to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and several forms of cancer. The use for food and pharmaceuticals of two of the most widely grown and genetically well-known species in the world, the tomato and the potato, is reviewed. Tomatoes are important sources of vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene. It has been demonstrated that lycopene has anti-oxidant properties and interferes with the growth of cancerous cells. At the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics in Portici, interesting results have been obtained with the constitution of stable tomato hybrids having a high content of lycopene and vitamin C. Many of the parental lines used in constituting the hybrids come from interspecific crosses. Potato is also very important in the human diet for its content of high quality proteins, mineral salts and vitamins and it has many medicinal properties. The use of diploid wild species to transfer traits such as high content of vitamin C, mineral salts and high quality proteins into the cultivated potato through ploidy manipulation is discussed.