Tumor de cuerpo carotídeo en adolescente. Reporte de un caso / Carotid body tumor in an adolescent. A case report

Introducción. Los paragangliomas del cuerpo carotídeo son neoplasias infrecuentes y representan el 0,6 % de los tumores de cabeza y cuello. La edad de presentación promedio es la quinta década de vida. El objetivo de este artículo fue describir un caso de paraganglioma del cuerpo carotídeo en una adolescente. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente adolescente con paraganglioma de cuerpo carotídeo derecho, de 5x3x3 cm, Shamblin III. Se analizaron la historia clínica, los exámenes diagnósticos, la técnica quirúrgica utilizada y su evolución correspondiente. La información fue obtenida a partir de la ficha clínica, previa autorización por consentimiento de los padres de la paciente. Resultados. Se hizo resección quirúrgica completa y reparo vascular con injerto de vena safena invertida, con evolución favorable y permeabilidad completa del puente vascular, sin secuelas. Conclusión. Este caso podía corresponder a un tumor de etiología familiar, dada su edad temprana de presentación. Se hizo necesario complementar su estudio con imágenes y objetivar el compromiso vascular asociado para la planificación quirúrgica. En estos pacientes, la complejidad de su localización y el compromiso vascular del tumor requiere de un equipo multidisciplinario, con cirujanos de cabeza y cuello y cirujanos vasculares para un resultado exitoso.

Introduction. Carotid body paragangliomas are rare, representing 0.6% of head and neck tumors, with average age of presentation in the fifth decade of life. The objective of this article is to describe a clinical case of carotid body paraganglioma in an adolescent. Clinical case. Review and analysis of the clinical case, reviewing its clinical history, study tests, surgical technique used and its corresponding evolution. Information obtained from the clinical record prior authorization by consent of the patient's parents. Results. Adolescent patient with paraganglioma of the right carotid body, 5x3x3 cm, Shamblin III. With complete surgical resection and inverted saphenous vein graft, favorable evolution, with complete permeability of the vascular bridge, without sequelae. Conclusion. This case could correspond to a tumor of familiar etiology, given its early age of presentation. It is necessary to complement the study with images and to objectively determine the associated vascular involvement for surgical planning. In these patients, the complexity of their location and vascular involvement of the tumor requires a multidisciplinary team with head and neck and vascular surgeons for a successful outcome.

Mecanismos neuroendocrinos a la base de la asociación entre salud mental materna y lactancia / Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying the association between maternal mental health and breastfeeding

La lactancia materna es fundamental para la salud del infante y se ve influida por diversos factores, entre ellos la salud mental materna. En particular, las madres que tienen síntomas depresivos tienen mayor riesgo de presentar dificultades de lactancia y de interrumpir tempranamente la lactancia exclusiva y la lactancia en general. Por otra parte, la lactancia materna actúa como un factor protector de la salud mental materna en algunas circunstancias, en tanto las dificultades de lactancia tienen un impacto negativo en la salud mental de la mujer. La presente revisión describe algunos de los mecanismos fisiológicos que subyacen al establecimiento y la mantención de la lactancia, asociados a la prolactina, la oxitocina, la dopamina y la serotonina, así como a la experiencia de la lactancia y la presencia de dificultades en esta área, y como estas interactúan con las dificultades emocionales de la madre. Se ofrece un modelo integrativo que considera aspectos hormonales y fisiológicos para comprender la asociación compleja y bidireccional entre el establecimiento de una lactancia exitosa y la salud mental materna.

Breastfeeding is essential for infant health and development. It is influenced by multiple factors, including maternal mental health. In particular, mothers who present depressive symptoms are at greater risk of presenting breastfeeding difficulties and presenting shorter exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding in general. On the other hand, breastfeeding acts as a protective factor for maternal mental health in some circumstances. Also, breastfeeding difficulties have a negative impact on womens mental health. This review describes some of the physiological mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of lactation, associated with prolactin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. As well as how the lactation experience and the presence of difficulties in this area interact with the mothers emotional functioning. An integrative model is proposed, which considers hormonal and physiological aspects involved in the complex and bidirectional association between breastfeeding successful establishment and maternal mental health.

Efetividade das essências florais no trabalho de parto e nascimento: avaliação dos parâmetros obstétricos e neuroendócrinos / Efectividad de las esencias florales en el trabajo de parto y nacimiento: evaluación de los parámetros obstétricos y neuroendócrinos / Effectiveness of flower essences in labor and birth: evaluation of obstetric and neuroendocrine parameters

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a efetividade da terapia floral associados aos fatores que potencializam a dor e o estresse no processo de parturição por meio de parâmetros obstétricos e neuroendócrinos. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado, triplo cego, placebo controlado, realizado com 164 parturientes de risco obstétrico habitual, subdivididas entre dois grupos para as quais foram ministradas essência floral Five Flower e placebo, respectivamente. Avaliou-se aspectos obstétricos e neuroendócrinos por meio da análise bioquímica dos hormônios Beta-endorfina e Cortisol salivar antes e ao término da intervenção. Resultados A essência floral modulou os fatores que potencializam a dor no trabalho de parto, isto é, rotura das membranas amnióticas, fase ativa e indução do parto. Houve aumento dos níveis de Beta-endorfina juntamente com a diminuição de uma contração em mulheres com rotura das membranas ovulares e com indução. Em relação ao estresse, houve constância dos valores do Cortisol para o Grupo Experimental, não alterando seu valor na fase ativa, rotura das membranas ovulares ou indução. A Essência Five Flower mostrou-se eficaz na redução de uma hora e vinte e cinco minutos do tempo do trabalho de parto no Grupo Experimental. Conclusão A terapia floral realizada, mostrou-se eficaz no controle da dor e estresse durante o trabalho de parto, refletindo positivamente na sua brevidade e qualificando seu desfecho.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la efectividad de la terapia floral asociada a los factores que potencializan el dolor y el estrés en el proceso de parto por medio de parámetros obstétricos y neuroendócrinos. Métodos Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, triple ciego, placebo controlado, realizado con 164 parturientas de riesgo obstétrico normal, subdivididas en dos grupos en que se les administró esencia floral Five Flower y placebo. Se evaluaron aspectos obstétricos y neuroendócrinos por medio del análisis bioquímico de las hormonas betaendorfina y cortisol salival antes y al final de la intervención. Resultados La esencia floral reguló los factores que potencializan el dolor en el trabajo de parto, es decir, ruptura de las membranas amnióticas, fase activa e inducción del parto. Hubo aumento de los niveles de betaendorfina junto con la reducción de una contracción en mujeres con ruptura de las membranas ovulares y con inducción. Con relación al estrés, hubo constancia de los valores de cortisol en el grupo experimental, sin aumento de su valor en la fase activa, ruptura de las membranas ovulares o inducción. La esencia Five Flower demostró ser eficaz para la reducción de una hora y veinticinco minutos de tiempo de trabajo de parto en el grupo experimental. Conclusión La terapia floral realizada demostró ser eficaz en el control del dolor y del estrés durante el trabajo de parto, con un impacto positivo en su brevedad y en la cualificación de su desenlace.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of floral therapy associated with factors that strengthen pain and stress in the labor process through obstetric and neuroendocrine parameters. Methods Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed with 164 parturients at usual obstetric risk subdivided into two groups to which Five Flower floral essence and placebo were administered. Obstetric and neuroendocrine aspects were evaluated through biochemical analysis of the beta-endorphin and cortisol hormones through salivary samples before and after the intervention. Results The flower essence modulated the factors that strengthen pain in labor, that is, rupture of amniotic membranes, active phase and induction of labor. There was an increase in beta-endorphin levels along with one less contraction in women with ruptured ovular membranes and labor induction. Regarding stress, cortisol values were constant for the Experimental group, and did not change in the active phase, rupture of the ovular membranes or induction. The Five Flower essence proved to be effective in reducing labor time by 1 hour 25 minutes in the Experimental group. Conclusion The floral therapy used proved to be effective in controlling pain and stress during labor, and reflected positively on its agility and qualified its outcome.

Tumor neuroendocrino primario testicular: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the testis. A case report and literature review

Los tumores neuroendocrinos primarios del testículo son una entidad muy infrecuente, dando cuenta del 1% de las neoplasias testicu-lares. Clínicamente se presentan indolentes, por una masa testicular. En tumores localizados, rara vez presentan síndrome carcinoide. La orquiectomía radical es el tratamiento de elección; el pronóstico es excelente en etapas precoces. Las terapias adyuvantes no han mostrado utilidad.Se presenta un caso de un hombre de 53 años con una masa testicular palpable de larga evolución. Se realiza orquiectomía radical. La biopsia muestra un tumor neuroendocrino bien diferenciado. Sin evidencia de metástasis en etapificación. Se define en comité onco-lógico, realizar seguimiento.

Pharmacogenetic Correlates of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in the Chinese Population / 神经科学通报·英文版

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) is a common adverse effect of this treatment, particularly with second-generation antipsychotics, and it is a major health problem around the world. We aimed to review the progress of pharmacogenetic studies on AIWG in the Chinese population to compare the results for Chinese with other ethnic populations, identify the limitations and problems of current studies, and provide future research directions in China. Both English and Chinese electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies. We determined that > 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 19 genes have been investigated in association with AIWG in Chinese patients over the past few decades. HTR2C rs3813929 is the most frequently studied single-nucleotide polymorphism, and it seems to be the most strongly associated with AIWG in the Chinese population. However, many genes that have been reported to be associated with AIWG in other ethnic populations have not been included in Chinese studies. To explain the pharmacogenetic reasons for AIWG in the Chinese population, genome-wide association studies and multiple-center, standard, unified, and large samples are needed.

Anatomical and histological characteristics of the nervous system of the Chilean giant mussel, Choromytilus chorus (Molina 1782) (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) / Características anatómicas e histológicas del sistema nervioso del mejillón gigante, Choromytilus chorus (Molina 1782) (Bivalvia, Mytilidae)

The anatomy and histology of the nervous system in the mussel Choromytilus chorus were studied. Juvenile specimens of C. chorus and adult broodstock were collected in Laraquete Cove, Chile (37°09'S; 37°11'O). The juveniles were used for histological analysis and the adults for a macroscopic description of anatomical. The histological description was carried out by Gallego´s trichrome technique. The macroscopic analysis showed that nervous system network includes three pairs of ganglia of orange color and little size (20-40 mm) (cerebral, pedal and visceral) located in the anterior, middle and posterior zone of the specimen, respectively. The histological analysis showed many type de cells inside the ganglia (neurosecretory, granulated and glial cells). The ganglia network could be involving in regulating several physiological processes in the mussels through of their neurosecretions.

Se estudió la anatomía e histología del sistema nervioso en el coro Choromytilus del mejillón. Se recolectaron especímenes juveniles de C. coros y reproductores adultos en Laraquete Cove, Chile (37 ° 09'S, 37 ° 11'O). Los especímenes juveniles se utilizaron para el análisis histológico y los adultos para una descripción macroscópica de anatómica. La descripción histológica se realizó mediante la técnica de tricrómico de Gallego. El análisis macroscópico mostró que la red del sistema nervioso incluye tres pares de ganglios de color naranjo y poco tamaño (20-40 mm) (cerebral, pedal y visceral) localizados en la zona anterior, media y posterior de la muestra, respectivamente. El análisis histológico mostró muchos tipos de células dentro de los ganglios (células neurosecretoras, granuladas y gliales). La red de ganglios podría estar involucrada en la regulación de varios procesos fisiológicos en los mejillones a través de sus neurosecreciones.

Tumor neuroendocrino ileal con síndrome carcinoide de difícil control / Neuroendocrine ileal tumor with difficult to control carcinoid syndrome

Resumen Los tumores neuroendocrinos son neoplasias infrecuentes y de abordaje complejo. Actualmente se necesitan más ensayos clínicos aleatorizados para establecer el manejo óptimo de los pacientes afectados por metástasis hepáticas no resecables. Aportamos un caso de TNE metastásico en el que se indicó trasplante hepático por sintomatología derivada del síndrome carcinoide no controlable con el tratamiento médico habitual. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 161-164).

Abstract Neuroendocrine tumors are infrequent neoplasms with a complex approach. Currently, more randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the optimal management of patients affected by unresectable liver metastases. A case of metastatic NET in which hepatic transplantation was indicated due to symptoms derived from the carcinoid syndrome that cannot be controlled with the usual medical treatment is provided.

Microbiome-Linked Crosstalk in the Gastrointestinal Exposome towards Host Health and Disease / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

The gastrointestinal exposome represents the integration of all xenobiotic components and host-derived endogenous components affecting the host health, disease progression and ultimately clinical outcomes during the lifespan. The human gut microbiome as a dynamic exposome of commensalism continuously interacts with other exogenous exposome as well as host sentineling components including the immune and neuroendocrine circuit. The composition and diversity of the microbiome are established on the basis of the luminal environment (physical, chemical and biological exposome) and host surveillance at each part of the gastrointestinal lining. Whereas the chemical exposome derived from nutrients and other xenobiotics can influence the dynamics of microbiome community (the stability, diversity, or resilience), the microbiomes reciprocally alter the bioavailability and activities of the chemical exposome in the mucosa. In particular, xenobiotic metabolites by the gut microbial enzymes can be either beneficial or detrimental to the host health although xenobiotics can alter the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. The integration of the mucosal crosstalk in the exposome determines the fate of microbiome community and host response to the etiologic factors of disease. Therefore, the network between microbiome and other mucosal exposome would provide new insights into the clinical intervention against the mucosal or systemic disorders via regulation of the gut-associated immunological, metabolic, or neuroendocrine system.

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Kallmann Syndrome: Past, Present, and Future

The proper development and coordination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are essential for normal reproductive competence. The key factor that regulates the function of the HPG axis is gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Timely release of GnRH is critical for the onset of puberty and subsequent sexual maturation. Misregulation in this system can result in delayed or absent puberty and infertility. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are genetic disorders that are rooted in a GnRH deficiency but often accompanied by a variety of non-reproductive phenotypes such as the loss of the sense of smell and defects of the skeleton, eye, ear, kidney, and heart. Recent progress in DNA sequencing technology has produced a wealth of information regarding the genetic makeup of CHH and KS patients and revealed the resilient yet complex nature of the human reproductive neuroendocrine system. Further research on the molecular basis of the disease and the diverse signal pathways involved will aid in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of CHH and KS patients as well as in developing more precise genetic screening and counseling regime.

Peripheral Biomarker Candidates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

There is high variability in the manifestation of physical and mental health problems following exposure to trauma and disaster. Although most people may show a range of acute symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, chronic and persistent mental disorders may not be developed in all individuals who were exposed to traumatic events. The most common long-term pathological consequence after trauma exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, comorbid conditions including depression, anxiety disorder, substance use-related problems, and a variety of other symptoms may frequently be observed in individuals with trauma exposure. Post-traumatic syndrome (PTS) is defined collectively as vast psychosocial problems that could be experienced in response to traumatic events. It is important to predict who will continue to suffer from physical and mental health problems and who will recover following trauma exposure. However, given the heterogeneity and variability in symptom manifestations, it is difficult to find identify biomarkers which predict the development of PTSD. In this review, we will summarize the results of recent studies with regard to putative biomarkers of PTSD and suggest future research directions for biomarker discovery for PTSD.

Anti-depressive mechanism of Fufang Chaigui prescription based on neuroendocrine hormone and metabolomic correlation analysis / 中国中药杂志

To elucidate the anti-depressive effect of Fufang Chaigui prescription and its mechanism and investigate its effect on neuroendocrine hormone, rats were included into a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model for 28 d, and drugs were administered at the same time. During the period, rats' behaviors were observed and the blood was collected by using ELISA to determine representative hormone concentrations of HPAA, HPTA and HPGA. The changes in endogenous metabolites were analyzed by using H NMR metabolomics to seek the potential biomarkers. Results showed Fufang Chaigui prescription could improve the behaviors of CUMS rats obviously, increase contents of ACTH, CORT, T₃and decrease contents of TSH and TESTO and regulate the levels of lactate, α-glucose, choline, N-acetylglycoprotein, trimethylamine oxide and leucine to get closer to the contents of control group. The results of correlation analysis indicated that HPTA was associated with glycometabolism, amino acid metabolism and choline metabolism. And HPAA was related to glycometabolism and amino acid metabolism. However, HPGA was only correlated with glycometabolism. In conclusion, Fufang Chaigui prescription could show an obvious anti-depressive effect and its underlying mechanism might involve regulations of neuroendocrine function and pathways of glycometabolism, amino acid metabolism and choline metabolism.

The Gut-Brain Axis: The Missing Link in Depression

The gut microbiota is essential to human health and the immune system and plays a major role in the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Based on evidence, the gut microbiota is associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic disorders, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorders. In the past few years, neuroscientific research has shown the importance of the microbiota in the development of brain systems. Recent studies showed that the microbiota could activate the immune and central nervous systems, including commensal and pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Gut microorganisms are capable of producing and delivering neuroactive substances such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid, which act on the gut-brain axis. Preclinical research in rodents suggested that certain probiotics have antidepressant and anxiolytic activities. Effects may be mediated via the immune system or neuroendocrine systems. Herein, we present the latest literature examining the effects of the gut microbiota on depression.

Effects of nitric oxide on magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus involve multiple mechanisms

Physiological evidence indicates that the supraoptic nucleus (SON) is an important region for integrating information related to homeostasis of body fluids. Located bilaterally to the optic chiasm, this nucleus is composed of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) responsible for the synthesis and release of vasopressin and oxytocin to the neurohypophysis. At the cellular level, the control of vasopressin and oxytocin release is directly linked to the firing frequency of MNCs. In general, we can say that the excitability of these cells can be controlled via two distinct mechanisms: 1) the intrinsic membrane properties of the MNCs themselves and 2) synaptic input from circumventricular organs that contain osmosensitive neurons. It has also been demonstrated that MNCs are sensitive to osmotic stimuli in the physiological range. Therefore, the study of their intrinsic membrane properties became imperative to explain the osmosensitivity of MNCs. In addition to this, the discovery that several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides can modulate their electrical activity greatly increased our knowledge about the role played by the MNCs in fluid homeostasis. In particular, nitric oxide (NO) may be an important player in fluid balance homeostasis, because it has been demonstrated that the enzyme responsible for its production has an increased activity following a hypertonic stimulation of the system. At the cellular level, NO has been shown to change the electrical excitability of MNCs. Therefore, in this review, we focus on some important points concerning nitrergic modulation of the neuroendocrine system, particularly the effects of NO on the SON.

Effects of modified Ganmai Dazao decoction on neuroendocrine system in patients with climacteric depression / 中国中药杂志

Clinical study of modified Ganmai Dazao decoction in the treatment of yang deficiency climacteric depression and observe the effects of modified Ganmai Dazao decoction on neuroendocrine system in patients with yang deficiency climacteric depression. 86 cases were randomly divided into treatment group treated with modified Ganmai Dazao decoction and control group treated with Deanxit. The curative effect was evaluated with Hamilton's depressive scale (HAMD) and pittsburgh sleep quality scale (PSQI) before and at the end of the two and four weeks of the treatment, the serum levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH) were detected before and after the four weeks of the treatment The results showed that the total effective power of treatment group was 88.4% and the total effective power of control group was 81.4% after four weeks interference, with insignificant difference between the two groups. After two and four weeks of the treatment, the score of HAMD decreased remarkably in both groups (P < 0.01), with insignificant difference between the two groups in same phase. After two and four weeks of the treatment, the total score of PSQI decreased remarkably in both groups (P < 0.05), with significant difference between the two groups after four weeks (P < 0.01). After four weeks of treatment, the serum levels of 5-HT and NE increased (P < 0.01), with insignificant difference between the groups. After four weeks of treatment, the serum levels of E2 increased obviously (P < 0.05), the levels of FSH decreased obviously (P < 0.05), the levels of LH decreased insignificant, with insignificant difference between two groups. This study indicates that modified Ganmai Dazao decoction has obvious therapeutic effects in the treatment of climacteric depression, and showed equivalent efficacy with Deanxit, and modified Ganmai Dazao decoction has better effect on improving the sleep quality in patients than Deanxit, the effect of improved clinical symptoms may be through adjusted levels of 5-HT, NE, E2, FSH and LH of climacteric depression.

Preoperative management of chronic disease

With the innovation and improvements in medical science, longer life expectancy has been achieved and growing population is being diagnosed and treated as chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease or hypertension. These chronic diseases often affect multiple organs of cardiovascular and neuroendocrine system and blunt regulatory function which is crucial for the defense response against external and internal harmful stresses. The risk of perioperative complications including cardiovascular events is also higher in poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension. Therefore it is very important to evaluate and manage these problems preoperatively. This paper reviews preoperative management of common chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.

Changes of intracellular cholesterol metabolism in neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer and their significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the roles of intracellular cholesterol metabolism in neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation of prostate cancer based on an androgen-independent prostate cancer NE cell model induced by androgen deprivation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>LNCaP cells were cultured in androgen-depleted medium, and NE phenotypes were identified by observing the changes in cell morphology, molecular markers (SgIII, NSE and CgA) and cell proliferation. The expression and distribution of cholesterol and Sg III were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of the key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The LNCaP cells showed shrinking bodies and extending axons after androgen deprivation, and all the molecular markers, such as Sg III, NSE and CgA, significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, while the cell proliferation was obviously inhibited (P < 0.05). The cholesterol distribution in the LNCaP cells after NE differentiation presented remarkable aggregation at the axon terminals. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of cholesterol between the two types of cells, nor in the changes of the expressions of key genes LDL-R, SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transient androgen depletion could successfully induce NE differentiation of LNCaP cells, and the intracellular cholesterol could re-distribute into axon terminals to enhance the formation of neurosecretory granules.</p>

Leptin as a Modulator of Neuroendocrine Function in Humans

Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted by adipocytes in proportion of the amount of energy stored in fat, plays a central role in regulating human energy homeostasis. In addition, leptin plays a significant permissive role in the physiological regulation of several neuroendocrine axes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, -thyroid, -growth hormone, and -adrenal axes. Decreased levels of leptin, also known as hypoleptinemia, signal to the brain a state of energy deprivation. Hypoleptinemia can be a congenital or acquired condition, and is associated with alterations of the aforementioned axes aimed at promoting survival. More specifically, gonadotropin levels decrease and become less pulsatile under conditions of energy deprivation, and these changes can be at least partially reversed through leptin administration in physiological replacement doses. Similarly, leptin deficiency is associated with thyroid axis abnormalities including abnormal levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and leptin administration may at least partially attenuate this effect. Leptin deficiency results in decreased insulin-like growth factor 1 levels which can be partially ameliorated through leptin administration, and leptin appears to have a much more pronounced effect on the growth of rodents than that of humans. Similarly, adrenal axis function is regulated more tightly by low leptin in rodents than in humans. In addition to congenital leptin deficiency, conditions that may be associated with decreased leptin levels include hypothalamic amenorrhea, anorexia nervosa, and congenital or acquired lipodystrophy syndromes. Accumulating evidence from proof of concept studies suggests that leptin administration, in replacement doses, may ameliorate neuroendocrine abnormalities in individuals who suffer from these conditions.

Efeito da sobreposição de um modelo de obesidade neuroendócrina experimental e hipertensão arterial sobre a pressão arterial, peso corporal e parâmetros metabólicos e renais de ratos / Effects of the overlapping between an experimental model of neuroendocrine obesity with arterial hypertension under blood pressure, body weight and metabolic and renal parameters in rats

INTRODUÇÃO: A elevação do índice de massa corporaleapresençadesíndromemetabólica se associam com diminuição da função renal e o aparecimento de doença renal terminal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da sobreposição de um modelo de obesidade experimental e hipertensão arterial sobre a pressão arterial, peso corporal e parâmetros metabólicos e renais de ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados ratos machos das cepas Wistar e espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR). Os grupos MSG receberam glutamato monossódico no período neonatal (WST + MSG e SHR + MSG). Os animais controles receberam salina no período neonatal (WST e SHR). Após completarem três meses de vida, por 12 semanas foram pesados e tiveram a pressão arterial de cauda aferida semanalmente. A determinação de microalbuminúria foi realizada nas semanas 0, 4, 8 e 12. Ao final do período de acompanhamento, coletou-se sangue para glicemia de jejum, creatinina e perfil lipídico. Os rins foram retirados, corados e o índice de esclerose glomerular foi calculado. RESULTADOS: A administração de MSG produziu maior ganho percentual de peso corporal, elevação da glicemia de jejum e maior grau de lesão glomerular nos ratos WST -MSG e SHR -MSG quando comparados aos seus controles. Houve maior excreção urinária de albumina nos ratos do Grupo SHR + MSG quando comparados aos SHR. Não houve diferença estatística na pressão arterial de cauda, creatinina e parâmetros do metabolismo lipídico. CONCLUSÕES: A associação de obesidade neuroendócrina e a hipertensão arterial promoveram alterações morfológicas e funcionais no glomérulo mais severas do que aquelas observadas nos ratos somente hipertensos.

INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index and the metabolic syndrome are associated with decreased renal function and the development of end-stage kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the overlap between an experimental model of obesity and genetic hypertension on the blood pressure, body weight and metabolic and kidney parameters of rats. METHODS: We studied male rats of the Wistar (WST) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) strains. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was administered in the neonatal period to both strains, to make up two groups: WST + MSG and SHR + MSG. Animals in the control groups (WST and SHR) received saline. After completing three months of life, a 12-week follow-up period ensued, during which bi-weekly measurements of body weight (BW) and tail-cuff blood pressure (TCBP) were obtained. Microalbuminuria was analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. At the end of the follow-up period, blood was obtained for fasting glucose, plasma creatinine, and lipid profile determinations. The kidneys were removed, stained, and the glomerular sclerosis index was calculated. RESULTS: The administration of MSG produced higher percentage body weight gain, higher fasting blood glucose and a higher degree of glomerular injury in WST-MSG and MSG-SHR rats, compared to their controls. Greater urinary albumin excretion was observed in SHR + MSG rats, when compared to SHR. There was no statistical difference in the TCBP, creatinine, and lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: The association of neuroendocrine obesity and arterial hypertension promoted morphological and functional changes in the glomerulus. These changes were more severe than those observed in hypertensive-only rats.

Morphologic analysis of mice’s pineal gland

The pineal gland or pineal body is an endocrine gland that constitutes an important part of the neuroendocrine system, due to the secretion of melatonin, a hormone responsible for the seasonal organization of several physiologic and behavioral events of an individual’s life. Experimental researches using animals such as rats, mice and rabbits are often found in the extensive specific literature but aspects related to the morphology of mice’s pineal gland are few. Concerning its small size, the present paper performed a microscopic analysis of serial median sagittal sections of the pineal gland of 13 (thirteen) Swiss mice. The pineal gland of Swissmice was found to be in the median plane below the splenium of the corpus callosus, superior and dorsal to the habenular commissure, and rostral to the rostral colliculi. The pineal gland is closely related to the third ventricle and presents itself with a characteristic tonsillar shape with a stalk. Two types of different cells were identified in the gland, that is, astrocytes and pinealocytes, spreading randomly all over the glandular tissue. Calcifications of the pineal gland were not found in any of the observed animals.