Post-finasteride syndrome

Abstract Finasteride is a 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia since 1997. Over time, it has been considered a safe and well-tolerated drug with rare and reversible side effects. Recently there have been reports of adverse drug-related reactions that persisted for at least three months after discontinuation of this drug, and the term post-finasteride syndrome arose. It includes persistent sexual, neuropsychiatric, and physical symptoms. Studies to date cannot refute or confirm this syndrome as a nosological entity. If it actually exists, it seems to occur in susceptible people, even if exposed to small doses and for short periods, and symptoms may persist for long periods. Based on currently available data, the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors in patients with a history of depression, sexual dysfunction, or infertility should be carefully and individually assessed.

Protease inhibitor and metabolic alteration / Inhibidor de la proteasa y alteraciones metabólicas

Protease inhibitors (PIs), part of HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therap) are selective, competitive inhibitors of protease, a crucial enzyme to viral maturation, infection and replication. A lipodystrophic syndrome has been reported in individuals treated with HAART, and associated to hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertrigliceridemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hypreinsulinemia. The HAART-associated metabolic abnormalities were first associated with protease inhibitors, Ritonavir mostly, but the mechamisns that underlie these metabolic alterations are to date, not completely understood. Since PIs are candidate to be the drug of choice for other diseases treatment, such as the Hepatitis C, malaria and some types of cancer, it seems to be important to clarify the metabolic alterations associated to PIs. Wistar rats were treated twice a week with 30mg/kg Ritonavir for 4 and 8 weeks. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides and glycemic levels were measured by the end of each period of time selected. To avoid confunding effects of food intake, the animals were fasted 16 hours before. Our results showed rapid increase in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and glycemic levels. No significant differences were observed for HDL-C or VLDL serum levels. Our study addresses the importance to observe the possible family history of dyslipidemia or diabetes, and control any other cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors when using protease inhibitors.

Los inhibidores de la proteasa (IP), que forman parte de la terapia HAART (terapia antirretroviral altamente activa), son inhibidores selectivos y competitivos de la proteasa, enzima crucial para la maduración, infección y replicación viral. Un síndrome lipodistrófico, asociado a hiperglucemia, hipercolesterolemia, hipertrigliceridemia, hiperlipidemia, hipertensión e hiperinsulinemia, ha sido relatado en pacientes tratados con HAART. Las anomalías metabólicas asociadas a la HAART fueron relacionadas, inicialmente, a los inhibidores de la proteasa, principalmente el Ritonavir, pero los mecanismos que relacionados a estas alteraciones metabólicas son poco comprendidos. Dado que los IP son posibles candidatos a fármacos de elección para tratamiento de otras enfermedades, como hepatitis C, malaria y algunos tipos de cáncer, es importante esclarecer las alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a los inhibidores de la proteasa. Ratas Wistar fueron tratadas dos veces por semana con 30 mg/kg de Ritonavir por 4 y 8 semanas. Fueron determinados los niveles de colesterol total, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglicéridos y glucemia, al final de cada período considerado. Para evitar la interferencia de la ingestión de alimentos en las determinaciones de laboratorio, los animales fueron sometidos a un ayuno previo de 16 horas. Nuestros resultados mostraron un rápido aumento sérico de los niveles de triglicéridos, colesterol total, LDL-C y glucemia. No se observaron diferencias significativas para los niveles séricos de HDL-C o VLDL. Nuestro estudio apunta a la importancia de considerar los posibles antecedentes familiares de dislipidemia o diabetes, y controlar cualquier otro factor de riesgo cardiovascular y de diabetes cuando se utilizan los inhibidores de la proteasa.

Metabolic profile and cardiovascular risk factors among Latin American HIV-infected patients receiving HAART

OBJECTIVE: Determine the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities (MA) and estimate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Latin American HIV-infected patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: A cohort study to evaluate MA and treatment practices to reduce CVD has been conducted in seven Latin American countries. Adult HIV-infected patients with at least one month of HAART were enrolled. Baseline data are presented in this analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4,010 patients were enrolled. Mean age (SD) was 41.9 (10) years; median duration of HAART was 35 (IQR: 10-51) months, 44 percent received protease inhibitors. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome was 80.2 percent and 20.2 percent, respectively. The overall 10-year risk of CVD, as measured by the Framingham risk score (FRF), was 10.4 (24.7). Longer exposure to HAART was documented in patients with dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The FRF score increased with duration of HAART. Male patients had more dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, smoking habit and higher 10-year CVD than females. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional risk factors for CVD are prevalent in this setting leading to intermediate 10-year risk of CVD. Modification of these risk factors through education and intervention programs are needed to reduce CVD.

Alterações metabólicas, terapia antirretroviral e doença cardiovascular em idosos portadores de HIV: [revisão] / Metabolic abnormalities, antiretroviral therapy and cardiovascular disease in elderly patients with HIV: [review] / Alteraciones metabólicas, terapia antirretroviral y enfermedad cardiovascular en adultos mayores portadores de VIH: [revisión]

Um dos fenômenos mais atuais da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS) é o surgimento de uma nova população vulnerável: os idosos. Um dos fatores responsáveis por este aumento é o desenvolvimento da terapia antirretroviral combinada (TARV), que tem proporcionado uma melhor qualidade e expectativa de vida do portador de HIV. Entretanto, a TARV está associada a efeitos adversos como dislipidemia, diabete melito e resistência à insulina, os quais se constituem como fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular. Com o impacto da TARV no metabolismo glicídico e lipídico, surgiram muitos estudos associando a infecção pelo HIV e a doença cardiovascular, assim como, os seus fatores de risco e a utilização da TARV, porém, poucos deles relatam sobre a cardiotoxicidade desta Terapia em idosos. Este artigo tem o objetivo de revisar as principais alterações metabólicas causadas pelo uso da terapia antirretroviral e o seu impacto no aumento do risco de doenças cardiovasculares nos idosos portadores de HIV.

One of the most recent phenomena related to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the emergence of a new vulnerable population: the elderly. One of the factors that account for this increase is the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has provided better quality of life and life expectancy for HIV-positive patients. However, ART is associated with adverse effects such as dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Due to the impact of ART on lipid and glucose metabolism, many studies were published involving HIV infection and cardiovascular disease, as well as their risk factors and the use of ART, but few of them reported on the cardiotoxicity of this therapy in the elderly. The objective of this study is to review the main metabolic changes caused by the use of antiretroviral therapy and its impact on an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly people with HIV.

Uno de los fenómenos más actuales del síndrome de la inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) es el surgimiento de una nueva población vulnerable: los adultos mayores. Uno de los factores responsables de este incremento es el desarrollo de la terapia antirretroviral combinada (TARV), que ha proporcionado una mejor calidad y expectativa de vida del portador de VIH. Sin embargo, la TARV está asociada a efectos adversos como dislipidemia, diabetes melito y resistencia a la insulina, los que se constituyen como factores de enfermedad para riesgo cardiovascular. Con el impacto de la TARV en el metabolismo glucídico y lipídico, surgieron muchos estudios asociando la infección por el riesgo y la enfermedad cardiovascular, así como, sus factores de VIH y la utilización de la TARV, sin embargo, pocos de ellos relatan sobre la cardiotoxicidad de esta terapia en adultos mayores. Este artículo tiene por objeto revisar las principales alteraciones metabólicas causadas por el uso de la terapia antirretroviral y su impacto en el aumento del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares en los adultos mayores portadores de VIH.

Alteraciones metabólicas asociadas al uso de terapia antipsicótica: [revisión] / Atypical antipsychotic induced weight gain and metabolic disorders: [revision]

The advent of new antipsychotic drugs has improved the treatment of schizophrenic patients as well as those suffering from other severe psychiatric disorders. Its widespread use, however, has been associated to the development of obesity and metabolic disturbances such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and increased coronary risk. This has caused a serious concern, due to the high cardiovascular mortality that prematurely affects these patients. The etiology of these abnormalities is still a matter of debate, although it is generally believed that the new antipsychotic drugs have a control stimulating effect on appetite, and their use is associated to an increased level of cortisol and to an insulin-resistance state. In addition, there is an increase in inflammatory mediator and cytokine production, induced by the pathophysiology of the schizophrenic process itself and also caused by the direct action of the antipsichotic drugs. In spite of the mounting evidence, the metabolic management of these patients is still deñcient. A cióse follow-up in the initial stages of the antipsychotic treatment is recommended, as well as giving advice about diet and physical exercise. Finally, when obesity or other conditions associated to metabolic syndrome appear, the recommendation is to switch to drugs with less secondary effects or to add adjuvant medications to improve the overall evolution of these patients.

Consenso Brasileiro sobre antipsicóticos de segunda geração e distúrbios metabólicos: [revisão] / Brazilian Consensus on second-generation antipsychotics and metabolic disorders: [review]

OBJETIVO: Discutir os aspectos atuais do tratamento com os antipsicóticos, levando-se em consideração o perfil de efeitos metabólicos, tais como ganho de peso, diabetes, dislipidemias e síndrome metabólica. Tais fatores aumentam o risco de doença cardiovascular, que é a principal causa de morte nos portadores de esquizofrenia. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma reunião de consenso com psiquiatras especialistas em esquizofrenia e endocrinologistas, os quais, com base nas evidências provenientes de ampla revisão da literatura, elaboraram um documento com recomendações que auxiliam a prática clínica. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: A avaliação periódica dos efeitos adversos metabólicos em pacientes que fazem uso de antipsicóticos é fundamental para a prática clínica, especialmente nos caso de antipsicóticos de segunda geração. O equilíbrio entre eficácia e tolerabilidade deve ser cuidadosamente considerado em todas as etapas do tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss current aspects of use of antipsychotics considering their metabolic side effects profile, which includes weight gain, dyslipidemias, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Such metabolic effects increase the risk of mortality by cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death among schizophrenic patients. METHOD: A consensus meeting was held, with participation of endocrinologists and psychiatrists specialists in schizophrenia and, based on a literature review, an article was elaborated emphasizing practical and helpful recommendations to clinicians. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring metabolic side effects is essential to patients taking antipsychotics, particularly in the case of second generation antipsychotics. Efficacy and tolerability should be carefully balanced in all phases of treatment.

Minimizing side effects of systemic corticosteroids in children.

Corticosteroids are potent drugs used in management of various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The antiinflammatory effects of corticosteroids cannot however be separated from their metabolic effects. Children are more vulnerable to their side effects, particularly the effects on growth, immunity and adrenal suppression. It is essential for the treating physician to be aware of the side effects and the measures to be taken to minimize them. A side effect that is unique to children is growth suppression, which is helped by alternate day treatment. Administration of small doses of prednisolone (10-15 mg/day or velocity significantly. The potency of dexamethasone and betamethasone in suppressing growth is nearly 18 times higher than that of prednisolone. There is some evidence that the administration of growth hormone can reverse these changes.

Psychotropic Drug Induced Metabolic Disorders.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in April, the leading cause of death contibuting to that shortened lifespan is not the patients’ mental illness, but rather something largely preventable cardiovascular disease. Metabolic disorders are known complications of newer antipsychotics. The term Metabolic Syndrome refers to a syndrome consisting of central obesity as indicated by excessive visceral fat, plasma lipid abnormalities, glucose dysregulation, and high blood pressure. The metabolic syndrome develops gradually, different drugs have differential propensity to cause it. This is a dreadful condition as it induces medical morbidities, which may be life threatening in patients. The criteria for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome propsed by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) are the most current and widely used but are not universally accepted. Common manifestations are dyslipidemia, hypertension, weight gain, increase in blood glucose etc. This review covers the latest available information on the drug — induced metabolic syndrome. Risk factors and mechanisms are discussed.

Hiperlipidemia y otras alteraciones metabólicas asociadas al uso de inhibidores de proteasa del VIH: patogénesis y perspectivas terapéuticas / Metabolic abnormalities associated with the use of protease inhibitors for the treatment of the HIV-infection: pathogenesia and therapeutic perspectives

El empleo de los nuevos agentes anti-retrovirales para el tratamiento de la infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) ha cambiado el curso de la epidemia por éste. Debido a que estos medicamentos fueron introducidos con premura a la práctica clínica, no es sorprendente que hasta ahora estemos observando algunos de sus efectos colaterales. El empleo de los inhibidores de proteasa se ha asociado con el desarrollo de hipercolesterolemia, acidosis láctica, enfermedad isquémica coronaria prematura y una alteración en la distribución de la grasa corporal denominada lipodistrofia. Considerando que la mayoría de los pacientes deberán seguir recibiendo en forma crónica inhibidores de proteasa dentro de sus esquemas de tratamiento, este artículo hace una extensa revisión sobre las medidas preventivas y terapéuticas para evitar el desarrollo de complicaciones cardiovasculares a corto plazo que afecten considerablemente su calidad de vida.

Los refrescos y la salud / Soft drinks and health

Objetivo. Analizar los artículos publicados sobre consumo de refrescos y describir los posibles beneficios, riesgos y daño a la salud relacionados con él. Fuente de información. Se realizó búsqueda y revisión en el sistema de discos compactos MEDLINE de enero de 1970 a enero de 1997 con las palabras soft drink, beverages, carbonated beverages, cola, Coca-Cola y sweetening-agents. Selección de estudios. Se revisaron 99 estudios en los que se describen daños o beneficios para la salud en estudios clínicos o experimentales. Extracción de los datos. Se consideraron todos los artículos en que se describió con claridad al menos un efecto benéfico o dañino relacionado con el consumo de refrescos. Resultados. Se identificarón 25 efectos dañinos y 7 efectos posiblemente benéficos. Los datos se clasifican en usos profilácticos y terapéuticos, caries dental y otros trastornos de los dientes, trastornos del metabolismo de los minerales, enfermedad ácido péptica, neoplasias, factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular, efectos sobre el sistema nervioso central, reproducción, alergia, contaminantes y misceláneos. Conclusiones. La alta prevalancia de exposición y el consumo excesivo de refrescos, pueden representar un problema de salud pública en México. El análisis de los datos muestra que el consumo de refresco puede no ser tan inocuo como generalmente se cree. Muchos de los informes son anecdóticos, sin diseño metodológico adecuado. Se identifica un campo de investigación amplio en esta área