Calcitonin as an analgesic agent: review of mechanisms of action and clinical applications / Calcitonina como agente analgésico: revisão dos mecanismos de ação e das aplicações clínicas

Abstract Background and objectives: Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone regulating the metabolism of calcium in the body. For many years calcitonin has been used to maintain and improve bone mineral density and to reduce the fracture rate. Many studies showed that calcitonin had analgesic role in several painful circumstances. This pain-ameliorating effect is irrelevant to its osteoclastic inhibitory effect and mechanisms like altering Na+ channel and serotonin receptor expression or hypothesis including the endorphin-mediated mechanism were used to explain this effect. In this study we performed a thorough review on the role of calcitonin as an analgesic agent in different scenarios and investigated the fact that calcitonin can be a feasible medication to relieve pain. Method: Many studies focused on the analgesic effect of calcitonin in several painful circumstances, including acute pains related to vertebral fractures, metastasis, migraine and reflex sympathetic dystrophy as well as neuropathic pains related to spinal injuries or diabetes, and phantom pain. Also, calcitonin was showed to be a useful additive to local anesthesia in the case of controlling postoperative pain or trigeminal neuralgia more effectively. However we faced some contradictory data for conditions like lumbar canal stenosis, complex regional pain syndrome, phantom pain and malignancies. Conclusion: This study showed that calcitonin could be helpful analgesic agent in different painful situations. Calcitonin can be considered an eligible treatment for acute pains related to vertebral fractures and a feasible alternative for the treatment of the acute and chronic neuropathic pains where other medications might fail.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A calcitonina é um hormônio polipeptídico que regula o metabolismo do cálcio no organismo. Por muitos anos a calcitonina tem sido usada para manter e melhorar a densidade mineral óssea e reduzir a incidência de fraturas. Muitos estudos mostraram que a calcitonina teve efeito analgésico em várias condições físicas de dor. Esse efeito de melhoria da dor é irrelevante diante de seu efeito inibidor osteoclástico e de mecanismos, tais como a alteração do canal de Na+ e da expressão do receptor de serotonina, inclusive a hipótese do mecanismo mediado pela endorfina, que foram usados para explicar esse efeito. Neste estudo, fizemos uma revisão completa sobre o papel da calcitonina como agente analgésico em diferentes cenários e investigamos o fato de que a calcitonina pode ser uma medicação viável para aliviar a dor. Método: Muitos estudos centraram no efeito analgésico da calcitonina em várias condições de dor, inclusive dores agudas relacionadas a fraturas vertebrais, metástases, enxaqueca e distrofia simpática reflexa, bem como dores neuropáticas relacionadas a lesões medulares ou ao diabetes e dor fantasma. Além disso, a calcitonina mostrou ser um aditivo útil à anestesia local para o controle mais efecaz da dor pós-operatória ou neuralgia do trigêmeo. Porém, nos deparamos com alguns dados contraditórios em condições como estenose do canal lombar, síndrome complexa da dor regional, dor fantasma e malignidades. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou que a calcitonina pode ser um analgésico útil em diferentes condições de dor. A calcitonina pode ser considerada um tratamento elegível para as dores agudas relacionadas a fraturas vertebrais e uma opção viável para o tratamento das dores neuropáticas agudas e crônicas em que outros medicamentos podem falhar.

De la osteología a la osteomiología: tres décadas de aportes originales continuos al análisis biomecánico osteomuscular / From osteology to osteo-myology: three decades of continuous, original contributions to musculoskeletal biomechanical analysis

En consonancia con la orientación tradicional de nuestras investigaciones, la Osteología está incorporando progresivamente el análisis estructural-biomecánico óseo y las interacciones músculo-esqueléticas. En este artículo se sintetizan los aportes originales del CEMFoC a la Osteología moderna en el terreno biomecánico en forma didáctica, para que el lector aprecie sus posibles aplicaciones clínicas. Los hallazgos aportaron evidencias sucesivas en apoyo de dos proposiciones fundamentales: a) los huesos deben interpretarse como estructuras resistivas, biológicamente servocontroladas ("Los huesos tienden siempre a mantener un factor de seguridad que permite al cuerpo trabajar normalmente sin fracturarse" ­ Paradigma de Utah) y b) los huesos interactúan con su entorno mecánico, determinado principalmente por las contracciones musculares, en forma subordinada al entorno metabólico ("Los huesos son lo que los músculos quieren que sean, siempre que las hormonas lo permitan"). Los avances producidos se refieren, tanto cronológica como didácticamente, al conocimiento osteológico en general y al desarrollo de recursos novedosos para el diagnóstico no invasivo de fragilidad ósea, para distinguir entre osteopenias y osteoporosis, y para discriminar entre sus etiologías 'mecánica' y 'sistémica'. Finalmente, el nuevo conocimiento se integra en la proposición de un algoritmo diagnóstico para osteopenias y osteoporosis. El espíritu general de la presentación destaca que la evaluación osteomuscular dinámicamente integrada genera un nuevo espacio de análisis personalizado de los pacientes para la atención de cualquier osteopatía fragilizante con criterio biomecánico. (AU)

In consonance with the traditional spirit of our studies, skeletal research is being progressively focused on the structural-biomechanical analysis of bone and the muscle-bone interactions. In this article, the CEMFoC's members summarize their original findings in bone biomechanics and their potential clinical applications. These findings provided evidence supporting two fundamental hypotheses, namely, A. bones constitute resistive structures, which are biologically servo-controlled ('Bones tend to maintain a safety factor which allows the body to function normally avoiding fractures' ­ the 'Utah paradigm'), and B. the interactions of bones with their mechanical environment mainly are determined by the contraction of local muscles - 'bone-muscle units'), and are subordinated to the control of the metabolic environment ('Bones are what muscles wish them to be, provided that hormones allow for it'). The achievements in the field are presented in a chronological and didactical sequence concerning the general knowledge in Osteology and the development of novel resources for non-invasive diagnosis of bone fragility, aiming to distinguish between osteopenias and osteoporosis and the 'mechanical' and 'metabolic' etiology of these conditions. Finally, the integrated new knowledge is presented as supporting for a proposed diagnostic algorithm for osteopenias and osteoporosis. In general terms, the article highlights the dynamic evaluation of the musculoskeletal system as a whole, opening a new diagnostic field for a personalized evaluation of the patients affected by a boneweakening disease, based on functional and biomechanical criteria. (AU)

Osteoporose: seleção de medicamentos e avanços no manejo clínico / Osteoporosis: medication selection and advances in the clinical management

Osteoporose é um problema de saúde pública importante que acomete mais de metade das mulheres com idade superior a 50 anos. Doença com um enorme impacto sobre a saúde pública, através da morbidade e mortalidade aumentadas, com custos econômicos associados resultantes das fraturas. O objetivo é avaliar e identificar as pessoas de risco para desenvolver fraturas osteoporóticas de fragilidade que necessitam ser tratadas. A abordagem de mulheres com baixa massa óssea e aumento do risco de fraturas deve ser multidisciplinar. A farmacoterapia é apenas uma Steiner ML, Strufaldi R, Fernandes CE das possíveis intervenções. Aspectos como a nutrição orientada, fortalecimento muscular, prevenção de quedas, suplementos vitamínicos e minerais devem ser considerados. O tratamento farmacológico permite a prevenção da perda óssea, a prevenção primária e secundária de fragilidade óssea e deve ser baseado na avaliação do risco de fratura do indivíduo e na relação custo-benefício do medicamento escolhido.

Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem that affects more than half of women aged over 50. This disease has a huge impact on public health through morbidity and increased mortality, and economic costs associated with the resulting fractures. The goal is to assess and identify risk people to develop osteoporotic fragility fractures that need to be addressed. The approach of women with low bone mass and increased risk of fractures should be multidisciplinary. Pharmacotherapy is just one of the possible interventions. Aspects such as the guidance nutrition, muscle strengthening, prevention of falls, mineral and vitamin supplements should be considered. Pharmacological treatment allows preventing bone loss and primary and secondary prevention of osteoporosis and should be based on risk factors and pharmaceutical cost benefit analysis.

role of procalcitonin as a guide for the diagnosis, prognosis, and decision of antibiotic therapy for lower respiratory tract infections

Objectives: To assess the value of PCT as a rapid and sensitive marker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections necessitating antimicrobial treatment and comparing this marker with other markers of infections including C-reactive protein [CRP] and total white-blood cell counts [WBCs]

Patients and methods: Sixty Patients were enrolled in the study, they were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination, laboratory investigations including complete blood count, blood gases, blood chemistry, bacteriological culture for sputum and blood, serology for atypicals, and PCR for respiratory viruses, serum C-reactive protein [CRP] and PCT levels were measured. The patients were divided into two groups, group 1 included 26 patients who were culture negative for bacterial infection and group 2 included 34 patients who were culture positive. Group 2 patients were given antibiotic therapy according to the culture sensitivity

Result: The results revealed that, there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 patients as regards age, sex, clinical manifestations, final diagnosis, white blood cell counts, blood gases, number of admitted patients, intensive care unit admission and length of hospital stay. A significant increase of PCT and CRP levels was detected in group 2 compared to group 1 at initial diagnosis. At cutoff value >0.5 ng/ml, PCT gave a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 88.4%, positive predictive value [PPV] of 91.4%, negative predictive value [NPV] of 92% and diagnostic efficiency of 91.6% for diagnosis of respiratory tract bacterial infections. However, at a cutoff value >8 mg/L, CRP gave a sensitivity of 85.2%, specificity of 76.9%, PPV of 82.8%, NPV of 80% and diagnostic efficiency of 81.7%. After antibiotic therapy PCT and CRP levels dropped in group 2 patients as compared to their pre-treatment levels

Conclusion: Serum PCT level could be used as a novel marker of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up of therapy. This reduces side-effects of an unnecessary antibiotic use, lowers costs, and in the long-term, leads to diminishing drug resistance

Inhalation Therapy of Calcitonin Relieves Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This study was conducted to determine if nasal salmon calcitonin has additional beneficial effects on clinical symptoms, serum NO, IL-1beta, matrix metalloproteinase 3, urinary C-terminal telopeptide type II collagen (CTX-II) levels and MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis (OA) when used concomitantly with exercise therapy. Fifty female patients with knee OA were randomized into two groups. The first group (n = 30) received 200 IU/day nasal salmon calcitonin and a home exercise program; the second group (n = 20) received a home exercise program for 6 months. Compared with baseline,while significant improvements were observed in visual analogue scale (VAS), WOMAC pain, physical function scores, 20-m walking time (P < 0.001) and WOMAC stiffness score (P = 0.041) in the first group, walking and resting VAS, and WOMAC physical function scores were improved (P = 0.029) in the second group after treatment. Significantly increased levels of serum NO and urinary CTX-II (P < 0.001) and significant improvements in the area of medial femoral condyle (P < 0.05) were noted only in the first group. There were significant differences in VAS activation values (P = 0.032) and NO levels (P < 0.001) in the favor of the first group. In conclusion, nasal salmon calcitonin may have possible chondroprotective effects besides its known effects on symptoms in patients with knee OA.

Inhalation Therapy of Calcitonin Relieves Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This study was conducted to determine if nasal salmon calcitonin has additional beneficial effects on clinical symptoms, serum NO, IL-1beta, matrix metalloproteinase 3, urinary C-terminal telopeptide type II collagen (CTX-II) levels and MRI findings in knee osteoarthritis (OA) when used concomitantly with exercise therapy. Fifty female patients with knee OA were randomized into two groups. The first group (n = 30) received 200 IU/day nasal salmon calcitonin and a home exercise program; the second group (n = 20) received a home exercise program for 6 months. Compared with baseline,while significant improvements were observed in visual analogue scale (VAS), WOMAC pain, physical function scores, 20-m walking time (P < 0.001) and WOMAC stiffness score (P = 0.041) in the first group, walking and resting VAS, and WOMAC physical function scores were improved (P = 0.029) in the second group after treatment. Significantly increased levels of serum NO and urinary CTX-II (P < 0.001) and significant improvements in the area of medial femoral condyle (P < 0.05) were noted only in the first group. There were significant differences in VAS activation values (P = 0.032) and NO levels (P < 0.001) in the favor of the first group. In conclusion, nasal salmon calcitonin may have possible chondroprotective effects besides its known effects on symptoms in patients with knee OA.

Fractura subcapital de fémur secundaria a osteoporosis idiopática en el embarazo: a propósito de un caso / Subcapital fracture of the femur due to a idiopathic osteoporosis during pregnancy: a case report

Presentamos el caso de una paciente imposibilitada para la deambulación durante el puerperio, consecuencia de una fractura de fémur producida por una osteoporosis idiopática durante el embarazo. A los 11 meses del parto, la paciente presenta una evolución favorable con tratamiento médico con bifosfonatos y calcio.

We present the case of a mobility disabled person during puerperium as a consequence of a femur fracture due to an idiopathic osteoporosis during pregnancy. Eleven months after delivery, the patient's evolution was favourable with a medical treatment using bisphosphonates and calcium.

Granuloma central de células gigantes: revisión bibliográfica a propósito de un caso clínico / Central giant cell granuloma: a review of the literature a propos of a clinical case

El granuloma central de células gigantes (GCCG) es una lesión benigna de los maxilares que puede ser localmente agresiva o no agresiva, dependiendo de sus características clínicas y radiográficas. El tratamiento clásico para esta lesión ha sido la cirugía; sin embargo, existe un alto grado de recurrencia, especialmente con las lesiones de tipo agresivas. Se han propuesto tratamientos más conservadores, tales como calcitonina sistémica, inyecciones intralesionales de corticoesteroides y de interferón alfa; sin embargo, los resultados han sido controversiales, debido probablemente a que la etiología exacta de la lesión aún no es completamente comprendida. Reportamos un caso clínico de un GCCG de tipo agresivo en una niña de 12 años de edad que fue tratada quirúrgicamente y por medio de calcitonina sistémica. Se presenta además una revisión actualizada de la literatura.

Tratamento da doença de Paget óssea: importância do ácido zoledrônico / Treatment of Paget's disease of bone: importance of the zoledronic acid / Treatment of Paget's disease of bone: importance of the zoledronic acid

A doença de Paget é uma doença esquelética, de distribuição monostótica ou poliostótica, podendo ser causada por uma infecção viral e/ou fatores genéticos. É caracterizada por um aumento da remodelação óssea, resultando em anormalidade da arquitetura óssea. A excessiva reabsorção óssea osteoclástica, seguida secundariamente de aumento da atividade osteoblástica, leva à substituição do osso normal por osso desorganizado, aumentado, e com estrutura enfraquecida, propensa a deformidades e fraturas. A doença de Paget pode ser diagnosticada através de exames radiológicos, cintilografia e exames bioquímicos. O objetivo primário do tratamento é reduzir a dor e o risco do aparecimento das complicações a longo prazo. Atualmente dispõe-se de drogas anti-reabsortivas potentes, as quais controlam a reabsorção óssea e proporcionam uma grande melhora no tratamento. O ácido zoledrônico, um bisfosfonato de última geração, tem a vantagem de maior potência e remissão mais prolongada, além de um tempo de infusão curto.

Paget's disease is a localised monostotic or polyostotic bone disease of unknown origin. It may be caused by a slow viral infection and/or genetic factors. It is characterised by increased bone remodelling and an initially excessive osteoclastic bone resorption, followed by a secondary increase in osteoblastic activity, leading to replacement of the normal bone by a disorganized, enlarged, and weakened osseous structure prone to deformities and fractures. The disease may be diagnosed by radiography, scintigraphy and biochemical tests. The primary aim of treatment is to reduce pain and risk of developing long-term complications. Potent antiresorptive drugs are now available, which control the increased bone remodelling and have led to a dramatic improvement in treatment. Zoledronic acid, a new generation of bisphosphonates, has the advantage of great potency and long duration of remission and a short infusion time.

Tratamiento de la neuropatía diabética periférica con calcitonina / Treatment of the outlying diabetic neuropatia with calcitonina

El manejo de la neuropatía diabética periférica dolorosa (NDPD) sigue siendo un reto debido a la pobre efectividad de los medicamentos corrientemente usados en su tratamiento. Muchos trabajos apoyan la hipótesis del daño vascular como primera alteración. La calcitonina ha probado mejorar la microcirculación a través de su efecto sobre la síntesis de prostaglandinas, además de su potente efecto analgésico. El objeto de este estudio era evaluar la eficacia de la calcitonina sobre el control del dolor y la conducción nerviosa motora en pacientes con NDPD. Se utilizaron 40 pacientes en un modelo doble ciego controlado con placebo, los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos de 10 pacientes cada uno, recibiendo calcitonina o placebo, en forma de ampollas o spray en cada caso, durante seis semanas. Grupo I: 200 UI de calcitonina intranasal interdiaria. Grupo II: 100 UI intramuscular interdiaria. Grupo III: Placebo intranasal y Grupo IV placebo intramuscular. La mejoría del dolor se estimó utilizando una escala de apreciación del dolor. Se evaluaron electrofisiológicamente los nervios tibial anterior derecho e izquierdo. Una importante mejoría clínica del dolor y en la conducción nerviosa motora fue observada en los grupos tratados con calcitonina. La calcitonina parece ser una droga muy útil en el tratamiento de la NDPD. Faltaría determinar los esquemas de tratamiento más adecuados.

Bone repair in rats treated with sodic diclofenac and calcitonin

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical and histologically the bone repair in treated animals with calcitonin and sodic diclofenac. METHODS: Ninety-six femoral defects were created in forty-eight animals distributed in four groups (n=24): either left untreated, treated with the sodic diclofenac or calcitonin or both. Follow-up was 7, 14 and 21 days. Histological sections stained by haematoxylin-eosin was observed under light microscopy (100X) and quantitatively scored for their trabecular formation. The groups and subgroups were compared being used the Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS: Smaller trabecular formation was observed in the animals of the group II and larger trabecular formation in the animals of the group III. Was found significant differences in the comparison between all the groups (Kruskall-Wallis, p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The obtained data suggest that the bone repair is a time-dependent process, which can be delayed by the sodic diclofenac and accelerated by the calcitonina, when used separately. The associated use of calcitonina and sodic diclofenac didn't show to be the best therapeutic option in the treatment of bone defects surgically created.

OBJETIVO: Investigar clínica e histologicamente o reparo ósseo em animais tratados com calcitonina e diclofenaco sódico. MÉTODOS: Foram criados 96 defeitos femorais, em 48 animais distribuídos em quatro grupos (n = 24): não tratados, tratados com diclofenaco sódico ou calcitonina ou ambos. O período de seguimento foi 7, 14 e 21 dias. As secções coradas por hematoxilina e eosina foram observadas sob microscopia óptica (100x) e analisadas quantitativamente em relação à neoformação trabecular. Os grupos e subgrupos foram comparados utilizando-se o teste de Kruskall-Wallis. RESULTADOS: Foi observada menor formação de trabéculas ósseas nos animais do grupo II e maior formação de trabéculas ósseo nos animais do grupo III. Foram encontradas diferenças significantes na comparação entre todos os grupos (Kruskall-Wallis, p <0.05). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos sugerem que o reparo ósseo é um processo tempo-dependente, que pode ser retardado pelo diclofenaco e acelerado pela calcitonina, quando utilizados isoladamente. O uso associado de calcitonina e diclofenaco sódico não mostrou ser a melhor opção terapêutica no tratamento de defeitos ósseos criados operatoriamente.

The Effects of Alendronate and Calcitonin on Cytokines in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A 6-Month Randomized and Controlled Study

The present study was designed to determine if levels of serum cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) -1beta, IL-2, IL-2r, IL-6, IL-6r, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha are different in osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women, and to evaluate the effects of calcitonin and alendronate therapies over a six month period on serum cytokine levels in postmenopausal osteoporotic women. Serum levels of IL-2, TNF-alpha and IL-8 were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05), and serum IL-10, and IL-6r significantly lower in the calcitonin (N=60) and the alendronate (N=60) treatment groups than in the control group (N=50) (p < 0.05). But, no significant difference was apparent between the calcitonin and alendronate treated groups before treatment. Statistically significant changes occurred in patients, with respect to the levels of serum IL-6r, and IL-8 after one month (p < 0.05), in IL-2r, IL-6r, IL-8, IL-10 after three months, and in IL-1beta, IL-6r, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha after six months of calcitonin therapy (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in IL-6r after one month, in IL-8 and IL-10 after three months, and in TNF-alpha after six months in the calcitonin treated group and in the control group, whereas these parameters were significantly different at baseline. In the alendronate treated group, statistically significant changes occurred in the levels of serum IL-1alpha and IL-6 after three months, and in IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-6r and TNF-alpha after six months (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in IL-6r after one month, in IL-10 after three months or in TNF-alpha after six months between the alendronate treatment group and the control group, whereas these parameters were significantly different at baseline. In conclusion, we suggest that; 1) not only IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-11 but also IL-2, IL-8 and IL-10 may have roles in the etiopathogenesis of osteoporosis, 2) calcitonin therapy have a more distinct influence on serum levels of some cytokines and have an earlier effect than alendronate therapy (especially upon IL-2r, IL-8, and IL-10). Nevertheless, further longitudinal studies are needed to identify the cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and to evaluate the influence of different treatments on these cytokines.

Parathyroid carcinoma: difficult management options.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism and these tumours are usually hyperfunctional as opposed to other malignant endocrine tumors. Surgery is the only effective treatment while nonsurgical modalities yield poor results. We report a patient, who presented with palpable mass in the neck and severe hypercalcemia. He underwent debulking surgery and received allendronate, calcitonin, dacarbazine followed by in- situ alcohol instillation with some success.

Osteoporose pós-menopausa: opçöes terapêuticas / Postmenopausal osteoporosis: therapeutic options

O autor realizou uma revisäo na literatura sobre o tratamento atual da osteoporose pós-menopausa, abordando os principais trabalhos voltados para as drogas que efetivamente elevam a BMD e reduzem a freqüência de novas fraturas. Os estrógenos, os moduladores seletivos dos receptores de estrógenos (SERMs), os bisfosfonatos e a calcitonina foram analisados, assim como a utilizaçäo do cálcio e da vitamina D. Conclui com uma proposta de algoritmo prático de tratamento da osteoporose na pós-menopausa imediata e tardia, baseado na avaliaçäo prévia dos resultados da densitometria óssea e dos marcadores bioquímicos ósseos.

Osteoporose: fatores de risco e tratamento / Osteoporosis: risk factors and treatment

O aumento da expectativa de vida está causando maior prevalência de osteoporose. É fundamental que nós, profissionais da saúde, iniciemos a prevenção desta patologia ainda na primeira infância, e a continuemos na adolescência e depois, até no mínimo durante a terceira década de vida. Os custos econômicos serão incomparavelmente menores, com grande ganho na qualidade de vida da população. Faz-se necessário o adequado controle dos fatores de risco, bem como uma orientação terapêutica de acordo com cada paciente e com o grande arsenal terapêutico que hoje possuímos