Evaluation of Glucosamine Effect Against Heart and Brain Damage Induced by Y-radiation or Aluminium Chloride in Female Rats

Abstract Glucosamine is known as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and as neuroprotective as well as using to treat many of diseases. This work aimed to investigate the remedial effect of glucosamine (20mg/kg b.wt) against the damage induced by a single dose of γ-radiation (8Gy) or aluminium chloride (AlCl3) (100mg/kg b.wt) in the heart and brain tissues of female rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), LDH and creatine kinase (CPK) were measured. Moreover, gene expression of amyloid protein precursor (APP) and seladin-1 were estimated in the brain tissue. Also, acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and p-tau protein expression were estimated in brain homogenate. Metallothioneine (MT) was estimated in the heart and brain tissues. Heart and brain histopathological examination was performed. Irradiation significantly decreased serum AST, CPK and LDH, as well as MT levels in heart and brain tissues. Also, gene expression of seladin-1 decreased. On the other hand, irradiation significantly increased serum TGs level and brain AchE activity, tau protein, and β-amyloid percursor (APP). AlCl3 administration (21 days) induced disturbance in most of the estimated parameters, especially AST, TGs, and MT. Glucosamine treatment with irradiation or AlCl3 improved most of the measured parameters. In addition, histopathological examination confirmed the biochemical results. In conclusion: Glucosamine could be used to improve the heart and brain damages induced by γ-radiation exposure or AlCl3.

Encefalopatías epilépticas determinadas genéticamente / Genetically determined epileptic encephalopathies

Las encefalopatías epilépticas es un grupo de síndromes epilépticos caracterizados por el deterioro cognitivo más allá de lo esperado debido a la actividad epiléptica. Se caracterizan por presentar resistencia farmacológica grave, electroencefalogramas profundamente anormales, inicio en la niñez temprana, deterioro neurocognitivo, fenotipo variable y resonancia magnética de cerebro usualmente normal. Frecuentemente estos síndromes están genéticamente determinados. Su diagnóstico correcto y oportuno puede contribuir y guiar el consejo médico y terapia adecuada, influyendo así en el pronóstico a corto, mediano y largo plazo. En este artículo se revisan los hallazgos electroencefalográficos, genéticos y opciones terapéuticas más recomendadas, facilitando así la conducta clínica. Las encefalopatías epilépticas incluidas en este artículos abarcan los síndromes de Ohtahara, encefalopatia mioclónica temprana, epilepsia focal migratoria de la infancia, West, Dravet, estado mioclónico en encefalopatías no progresivas, Doose, Lennox-Gastaut, Landau-Kleffner y epilepsia con espiga-onda continuas durante el sueño de onda lenta.

Epileptic encephalopathies is a group of epileptic syndromes characterized by progressive cognitive impairment beyond the expected for the epilepsy activity. They are characterized by severe pharmaco-resistant epilepsy, severely abnormal electroencephalograms, early-age onset, neurocognitve impairment, variable phenotype and usually normal brain MRI. These syndromes are usually genetically determined. A correct and timely diagnosis could help and guide the medical counselling and the correct therapeutic approach improving the short, medium and long term outcomes. In this article we review the electroencephalographic and genetic findings along with the most recommended therapeutic options facilitating the clinical management. We include the following epileptic encephalopathy syndromes: Ohtahara, early myoclonic encephalopathy, epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures, West, Dravet, non-progressive myoclonic status, Doose, Lennox-Gastaut, Landau-Kleffner and continuous spike-wave during sleep epilepsy.

Síndrome de Susac: Una causa poco frecuente de encefalopatía / Susac syndrome, a rare cause of encephalopathy

El síndrome de Susac es una enfermedad rara causada por oclusión autoinmune de la microvasculatura del cerebro, de la retina y del oído interno, lo que provoca la triada clínica característica de disfunción del sistema nervioso central, trastornos visuales y déficit vestíbulo-coclear. El diagnóstico se basa en las manifestaciones clínicas y en estudios complementarios que demuestren el compromiso de los tres sistemas. Existen diferentes tratamientos que incluyen combinaciones de varios fármacos inmunosupresores como corticoides, inmunoglobulina intravenosa, micofenolato mofetilo, entre otros. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 26 años que manifestó hipoacusia izquierda, zumbidos y episodios de vértigo recurrente. Cuatro semanas después agregó visión borrosa bilateral, ataxia cerebelosa y encefalopatía. La resonancia magnética de cerebro mostró múltiples lesiones redondeadas hiperintensas en t2 y FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery), hipointensas en t1 a nivel medial del cuerpo calloso, cápsula interna, cerebelo y pedúnculo cerebeloso medio derecho. La audiometría evidenció hipoacusia perceptual bilateral a predominio del oído izquierdo y en la angiografía por tomografía de coherencia óptica se observó obstrucción de arterias de la capa profunda de la retina. Se diagnosticó síndrome de Susac y se inició tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona por 5 días y mantenimiento con micofenolato, revirtiendo totalmente la encefalopatía, con persistencia de leve ataxia e hipoacusia. Es importante conocer la triada clínica característica y los estudios complementarios necesarios para arribar al diagnóstico, ya que muchas veces se puede demorar el tratamiento inmunosupresor. Nuestro caso tuvo una excelente respuesta a los corticoides.

Susac syndrome is a rare disorder caused by autoimmune-mediated occlusions of microvessels in the brain, retina and inner ear. These occlusions lead to a characteristic clinical triad of central nervous system dysfunction, visual disturbances and vestibule-cochlear deficits. The diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations and complementary studies, which demonstrate the involvement of three systems. There are different treatments that include various immunosuppressive drugs combinations such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil, among others. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman with left hearing loss, tinnitus and episodes of recurrent vertigo, four weeks after bilateral blurred vision, cerebellar ataxia and encephalopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multiple rounded hyperintense lesions in t2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), hypointense in t1, at the middle level of the corpus callosum, internal capsule, cerebellum and right middle cerebellar peduncle. The audiometry evidenced bilateral perceptual hearing loss, predominantly in the left ear. Angiography by optical coherence tomography showed obstruction in the deep layer retina arteries. The Susac syndrome was diagnosed and treatment started with methylprednisolone pulses therapy, intravenously 1000 mg/ day for 5 days, followed by maintenance with mycophenolate, which completely reversed the encephalopathy, with persistence of mild ataxia and hearing loss. It is important to know the clinical triad characteristic and the complementary studies necessary to arrive at the diagnosis, since immunosuppressive treatment can often be delayed. Our case had an excellent response to corticosteroids.

Tuberculoma cerebral en paciente joven inmunocompetente / Cerebral tuberculoma in young immunocompetent patient

RESUMEN La tuberculosis con afección del sistema nervioso central es una afectación infrecuente pero muy grave de esta enfermedad, representa el 1% de todos los casos de tuberculosis. Reportamos el caso de una joven HIV negativa, con daño del sistema nervioso central de tipo miliar a nivel cerebral y sin enfermedad pulmonar. La tuberculosis puede afectar extensamente a sujetos inmunocompetentes y este fenómeno ha sido descripto en muchas series a los largo del tiempo. Ante la sospecha clínica, el seguimiento de un protocolo específico para confirmar el diagnóstico es de vital importancia para el temprano diagnóstico y correcto manejo de una situación que puede comprometer la vida y generar a largo plazo secuelas graves. Se presenta el caso por el reto diagnóstico que ha supuesto y rara presentación en paciente inmunocompetente.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis with central nervous system involvement is an uncommon but very serious disease, with a frecuence of 1% of all cases of tuberculosis. We report the case of a young HIV negative woman, with central nervous system damage of the miliary type in the brain without lung disease. Tuberculosis can extensively affect immunecompetent subjects and this phenomenon has been described in many series over the time. In the presence of clinical suspicion, the follow-up of a specific protocol to confirm the diagnosis is of vital importance for the early diagnosis and correct management of a situation that can compromise life and generate long-term serious sequelae. The case is presented because of diagnostic challenge and a rare presentation in an immunocompetent patient.

Encefalopatía respondedora a corticoides asociada a tiroiditis autoinmune (SREAT). Una causa no habitual de compromiso de conciencia en pediatría, reporte de 2 casos / Steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT): an unusual cause of encephalopathy in children, report of two cases

Introduction: steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is a rare condition in children. The pathogenesis and etiology of SREAT has not yet been clearly identified. Clinical features include acute or subacute encephalopathy with neuropsychiatric symptoms, associated with abnormally elevated thyroid antibodies (TA) and symptoms improvement with corticosteroid treatment. Methods and Patients: we present 2 clinical cases; the first a 6 years 8 months male with cephalic myoclonic seizures and behavioral changes, the second a 12 years 10 months female with 4 hospitalizations for encephatlopathy, dystonia and psychomotor agitation. In both patients thyroid function tests and TA were compatible with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, this associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms did raise the diagnosis of SREAT. Glucocorticoid therapy was started, the first case showed remission of seizures and behavioral improvement, however the second patient had insufficient response, so second line therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin was introduced with good response. This therapy was supplemented by additional long-term glucocorticoids use but when suspended both patients presented relapsing symptoms. Conclusions: Although SREAT is rarely suspected at presentation, it is necessary to consider this diagnosis in patients with encephalopathy, neuropsychiatric symptoms and elevated TA. Further studies are required to elucidate the pathophysiology of this disease and follow-up work to assess comorbidities and long-term complications in pediatric patients.

Mansonic neuroschistosomiasis / Neuroesquistossome mansonica

Mansonic neuroschistosomiasis (MN) is not only the most common but also the most serious ectopic presentation of the infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Both, brain and spinal cord can be independently affected by the infection, but the later is more frequently affected. Brain MN by itself is due to the presence of eggs and/or adult worms in situ and can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Unlike the brain MN, spinal cord mansonic neuroschistosomiasis is more frequently symptomatic. In both forms the intensity, the seriousness and also the clinical characteristics of signs and symptoms depend on the amount of eggs in the compromised region and on the intensity of the inflammatory reaction surrounding the eggs. Cerebrospinal fluid examination and magnetic resonance imaging are important diagnostic tools. Both corticosteroids and drugs against S. mansoni are used in the treatment. The outcome may largely depend upon the prompt use of these drugs.

A neuroesquistossome mansônica (NM) é não apenas a mais comum, mas também a mais grave apresentação da infecção pelo Schistosoma mansoni. Tanto o encéfalo quanto a medula podem ser independentemente afetadas pela doença, embora a última o seja de forma mais frequente. A NM encefálica é secundária à presença dos ovos e/ou da forma adulta do verme in situ, e pode ser sintomática ou não. Ao contrário da forma encefálica, a NM medular é mais frequentemente sintomática. Em ambas as formas a gravidade dos sintomas dependerá na quantidade de ovos na região comprometida e na intensidade da reação inflamatória ao seu redor. Os exames do líquido cefalorraquiano e de imagem por ressonância magnética são importantes ferramentas diagnósticas. Corticosteróides e drogas parasiticidas são usadas no tratamento desta doença, e seu prognóstico dependerá diretamente do rápido uso destas drogas.

Neurosarcoidosis: guidance for the general neurologist / Neurosarcoidose: orientações para o neurologista geral

Neurosarcoidosis (NS) more commonly occurs in the setting of systemic disease. The diagnosis is based on a clinical history suggestive of NS, presence of noncaseating granulomas, and supportive evidence of sarcoid pathology, laboratory, and imaging studies. NS could involve any part of the nervous system and often demands high doses of steroids for symptom control. It presents low response to isolated steroids administration and frequently requires immunosuppressive agents. In NS, lymphocytes are polarized toward an excessive Th1 response, leading to overproduction of TNF-alpha and INF-gama, as well as lL-2 and IL-15. Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the biological activity of TNF-alpha, is a new option in the NS treatment. We revised pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic work up, and treatment of NS as guidance for the general neurologist.

A neurosarcoidose (NS) ocorre frequentemente no contexto de doença sistêmica. O diagnóstico é baseado na história clínica sugestiva de NS, presença de granulomas não-caseosos e achados anatomopatológicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos de sarcoidose. A NS causa manifestações neurológicas variadas, que apresentam, em geral, baixa resposta ao corticoide isoladamente e, portanto, necessitam uso de imunossupressores. Na NS, os linfócitos estão polarizados para resposta Th1 excessiva, levando à produção aumentada de TNF-alfa e IFN-gama, assim como IL-2 e IL-15. Infliximabe, um anticorpo monoclonal quimérico que neutraliza a atividade biológica do TNF-alfa, é uma nova opção no tratamento da NS. Revisou-se a fisiopatologia, as manifestações clínicas, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da NS para orientar neurologistas gerais.

Profilaxis con drogas antiepilépticas en enfermedades neurológicas / Prophylactic treatment with antiepileptic drugs in neurological conditions

El uso profiláctico de drogas antiepilépticas en enfermedades neurológicas como el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico y hemorrágico, la hemorragia subaracnoidea, el traumatismo de cráneo y los tumores cerebrales ha sido motivo de controversia durante muchos años. Estas drogas son indicadas con el fin de disminuir el daño neurológico secundario a las crisis epilépticas. Sin embargo, la escasa evidencia científica disponible para avalar esta hipótesis, las potenciales interacciones farmacológicas, los efectos adversos y algunos informes sobre neurotoxicidad generan dudas en cuanto a esta conducta terapéutica. En esta revisión, analizamos la evidencia acerca del uso profiláctico de drogas epilépticas en las enfermedades neurológicas arriba mencionadas.

Prophylactic use of antiepileptic drugs in neurological conditions such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, head injury, and brain tumors has been matter of debate for many years. These drugs are used for reducing secondary neurological damage caused by epileptic seizures. However, the evidence supporting this indication is scarce. Potential drug interactions, side effects, and even neurotoxicity related to these drugs have raised concern about this therapeutic approach. In this review, we examine the evidence on the prophylactic use of antiepileptic drugs in the neurological disorders above mentioned.

Retinal vasculitis in Susac syndrome: case report / Vasculite retiniana na síndrome de Susac: relato de caso

A 29 year old male was admitted at the emergency room suffering from gradually worsening headache followed by nausea. In the hospital patient presented with lethargy, reduction of consciousness level and bilateral hypoacusis. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed retinal vasculitis. This finding was crucial to the diagnosis of Susac syndrome, a rare disease characterized by vasculopathy of retina, encephalic tissues and cochlea. Patient was treated with immunosuppressors to prevent him from developing severe sequelae of this disease.

Paciente masculino de 29 anos foi admitido em pronto-socorro com quadro de cefaléia progressiva há 10 dias seguida de náuseas. Durante internação evoluiu com letargia, redução do nível de consciência e hipoacusia bilateral. Exame oftalmológico e angiofluoresceinografia evidenciaram vasculite retiniana. Este achado foi essencial para o diagnóstico de síndrome de Susac, uma patologia rara caracterizada por vasculopatia de retina, encéfalo e cóclea. Tratamento imunossupressor foi instituído, prevenindo sequelas graves da doença.

Neurocysticercosis in children.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common cause of seizures and neurologic disease. Although there may be variable presentations depending on the stage and location of cysts in the nervous system, most children (> 80%) present with seizures particularly partial seizures. About a third of cases have headache and vomiting. Diagnosis is made by either CT or MRI. Single enhancing lesions are the commonest visualization of a scolex confirms the diagnosis. Some cases have multiple cysts with a characterstic starry-sky appearance. Management involves use of anticonvulsants for seizures and steroids for cerebral edema. The use of cysticidal therapy continues to be debated. Controlled studies have shown that cysticidal therapy helps in increased and faster resolution of CT lesions. Improvement in long - term seizure control has not yet been proven. Children with single lesions have a good outcome and seizure recurrence rate is low. Children with multiple lesions have recurrent seizures. Extraparenchymal NCC has a guarded prognosis but it is rare in children. In endemic areas NCC must be considered in the differential diagnosis of seizures and various other neurological disorders.

Cerebellar Schistosomiasis: A Case Report with Clinical Analysis

The authors report here a rare case of cerebellar schistosomiasis identified by pathological diagnosis, lacking extracranial involvement. The clinical symptoms included headache, dizziness, and nausea. Studies in blood were normal and no parasite eggs were detected in stool. Computed tomography of brains showed hypodense signal, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signal on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the right cerebellum after intravenous administration of gadolinium. A high-grade glioma was suspected, and an operation was performed. The pathologic examination of the biopsy specimen revealed schistosomal granulomas scattered within the parenchyma of the cerebellum. The definitive diagnosis was cerebellar schistosomiasis japonica. A standard use of praziquantel and corticosteroid drugs was applied, and the prognosis was good. When the pattern of imaging examinations is present as mentioned above, a diagnosis of brain schistosomiasis should be considered.

Paracoccidioidomicose em hemisfério cerebral e tronco encefálico: relato de caso / Paracoccidioidomycosis in cerebral hemisphere and brainstem: case report / Paracoccidioidomycosis in cerebral hemisphere and brainstem: case report

Relata-se sobre um homem de 36 anos com passagem quatro anos antes pela selva amazônica. Admitido após seis meses do aparecimento progressivo de tetraparesia, ataxia de marcha, disfagia, disartria, dispnéia e soluço. A ressonância magnética revelou lesão parietoccipital à direita e no bulbo, sendo esta última maior. Investigações para tuberculose e síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida tiveram resultados negativos. Foi submetido a microcirurgia da lesão do bulbo. O estudo anatomopatológico revelou paracoccidioidomicose. Recebeu tratamento com anfotericina B até 2100 mg, e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim por três meses, e fisioterapia. Voltou às atividades após seis meses do término do tratamento. Comenta-se sobre a participação do sistema imunológico e das citocinas (interleucinas.

We report on a 36 years-old man that had been at the Amazon forest four years before. Six months before the admission he had developed a progressive quadriparesis, gait ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria, difficulty in breathing and hiccup. The gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI showed a lesion into the right parietoccipital area and another into the medulla, that was the largest. There was any evidence of tuberculosis or AIDS. The patient was submitted to microsurgical approach to the medulla. Pathological examination revealed paracoccidioidomycosis. Treatment with anphotericin B till 2100mg was administered followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimetoprim for three months plus physical therapy. The patient went back to his activities six months after the end of the treatment. Comments are presented about the participation of the immunological system and of the cytokines (interleukines.

Effects of Hypertonic (7%) Saline on Brain Injury in Experimental Escherichia coli Meningitis

We sought to know whether hypertonic (7%) saline (HTS) attenuates brain injury by improving cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and down-modulating acute inflammatory responses in experimental bacterial meningitis in the newborn piglet. Twenty-five newborn piglets were assorted into three groups: 6 in the control group (C), 10 in the meningitis group (M), and 9 in the meningitis with HTS infusion group (H). Meningitis was induced by intracisternal injection of 10(8) colony forming units of Escherichia coli in 100 microliter of saline. 10 mL/kg of HTS was given intravenously as a bolus 6 hr after induction of meningitis, thereafter the infusion rate was adjusted to maintain the serum sodium level between 150 and 160 mEq/L. HTS significantly attenuated meningitis-induced brain cell membrane disintegration and dysfunction, as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation products and decreased Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex in M. HTS significantly attenuated acute inflammatory markers such as increased intracranial pressure, elevated lactate level and pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid observed in M. Reduced CPP observed in M was also significantly improved with HTS infusion. These findings implicate some attenuation of the meningitis-induced alterations in cerebral cortical cell membrane structure and function with HTS, possibly by improving CPP and attenuating acute inflammatory responses.

Leucoencephalite aigue du nourrisson traitee par fortes doses de corticoids

The authors report a case of acute post infectious leukoencephalitis observed in a two-years and a half child admitted to our hospital for fever with sudden condition deterioration, obnibulation, coma and paralysis of the 6th and 7th cranial nerve. Cerebrospinal fluid study showed lymphocytosis with negative culture. Head magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated diffuse high signals over the white matter on T2 weighted images so the diagnosis was confirmed. High dose corticosteroid therapy was effective

Tuberculoma en plaque: a case report.

A 14 year old girl presented with a 6-month history of headaches and visual blurring. CT showed a right tentorial enhancing lesion. Angiogram showed no enhancement. Histopathological examination of the excised material was consistent with tuberculoma. The presentation of such unusual intracranial tuberculoma is reported and the literature reviewed on the subject.

Alteraçoes neurorradiológicas cerebrais na degeneraçao combinada de medula: relato de caso / Neuroradiological features of the brain in subacute combined spinal cord degeneration: case report

A carência da vitamina B12 em muitas situaçoes manifesta-se também por alteraçoes neuropsiquiátricas, sendo a mais comum a degeneraçao combinada subaguda da medula espinhal. No sistema nervoso central a repercussao maior é na mielina, sendo a degeneraçao esponjosa e a desmielinizaçao difusa das colunas lateral e posterior da medula as mais típicas alteraçoes patológicas. O mesmo ocorre nos hemisférios cerebrais, sendo que anormalidades nas imagens por ressonância magnética sao esperadas. No entanto muito pouco tem sido relatado e a carência da cobalamina nao figura habitualmente na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais de lesoes desmielinizantes. Relatamos caso de anemia perniciosa com manifestaçoes neurológicas em que a ressonância magnética mostrou alteraçoes compatíveis com desmielinizaçao do feixe piramidal, consequentes, possivelmente, à carência da vitamina B12. Discutimos os achados neuropatológicos da hipovitaminose. Sugerimos que a degeneraçao combinada subaguda da medula deve fazer parte do diagnóstico diferencial radiológico das lesoes desmielinizantes no sistema nervoso central

Central nervous system paracoccidioidomycosis: report of a case successfully treated with Itraconazol

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a primary pulmonary infection that often disseminates to other organs and systems. Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is rare and due to the fact that both clinical alertness and establishment of the diagnosis are delayed, the disease progresses causing serious problems. We report here a case of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis (NPCM), observed in a 55 year-old male, who consulted due to neurological symptoms (left hemiparesis, paresthesias, right palpebral ptosis, headache, vomiting and tonic clonic seizures) of a month duration. Upon physical examination, an ulcerated granulomatous lesion was observed in the abdomen. To confirm the diagnosis a stereotactic biopsy was taken; additionally, mycological tests from the ulcerated lesion and a bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. In the latter specimens, P. brasiliensis yeast cells were visualized and later on, the brain biopsy revealed the presence of the fungus. Treatment with itraconazole (ITZ) was initiated but clinical improvement was unremarkable; due to the fact that the patient was taking sodium valproate for seizure control, drug interactions were suspected and confirmed by absence of ITZ plasma levels. The latter medication was changed to clonazepam and after several weeks, clinical improvement began to be noticed and was accompanied by diminishing P. brasiliensis antigen and antibody titers. In the PCM endemic areas, CNS involvement should be considered more often and the efficacy of itraconazole therapy should also be taken into consideration.