Blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier dysfunction means reduced CSF flow not barrier leakage - conclusions from CSF protein data / Disfunção da barreira hemato-liquórica significa redução do fluxo de líquido cefalorraquidiano, e não quebra de barreira - conclusões a partir de estudos sobre as proteínas do LCR

ABSTRACT Background: Increased concentrations of serum proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are interpreted as blood-CSF barrier dysfunction. Frequently used interpretations such as barrier leakage, disruption or breakdown contradict CSF protein data, which suggest a reduced CSF flow rate as the cause. Results: Even the severest barrier dysfunctions do not change the molecular size-dependent selectivity or the interindividual variation of the protein transfer across barriers. Serum protein concentrations in lumbar CSF increase with hyperbolic functions, but the levels of proteins that do not pass the barrier remain constant (brain proteins) or increase linearly (leptomeningal proteins). All CSF protein dynamics above and below a lumbar blockade can also be explained, independent of their barrier passage, by a reduced caudally directed flow. Local accumulation of gadolinium in multiple sclerosis (MS) is now understood as due to reduced bulk flow elimination by interstitial fluid (ISF). Nonlinear change of the steady state in barrier dysfunction and along normal rostro-caudal gradients supports the diffusion/flow model and contradicts obstructions of diffusion pathways. Regardless of the cause of the disease, pathophysiological flow blockages are found in bacterial meningitis, leukemia, meningeal carcinomatosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, MS and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. In humans, the fortyfold higher albumin concentrations in early fetal development decrease later with maturation of the arachnoid villi, i.e., with beginning CSF outflow, which contradicts a relevant outflow to the lymphatic system. Respiration- and heartbeat-dependent oscillations do not disturb net direction of CSF flow. Conclusion: Blood-CSF and blood-brain barrier dysfunctions are an expression of reduced CSF or ISF flow rate.

RESUMO Introdução: Concentrações aumentadas de proteínas séricas no líquido cefalorraquidiano são interpretadas como disfunção da barreira (hemato-liquórica) sanguínea do LCR. Interpretações frequentemente usadas, como vazamento de barreira (quebra ou rompimento de barreira), rompimento ou quebra, contradiz os dados de proteína do LCR, que sugerem uma taxa de fluxo reduzida do LCR como a causa. Resultados: Mesmo as disfunções de barreira mais graves não alteram a seletividade dependente do tamanho molecular nem a variação interindividual da transferência de proteína através de barreiras. As concentrações de proteínas séricas no LCR lombar aumentam com as funções hiperbólicas, mas as proteínas que não passam a barreira permanecem constantes (proteínas do cérebro) ou aumentam linearmente (proteínas leptomeningeais). Toda a dinâmica das proteínas do LCR acima e abaixo de um bloqueio lombar também pode ser explicada, independente de sua passagem pela barreira, por um fluxo caudal reduzido. O acúmulo local de gadolínio na esclerose múltipla (EM) é agora entendido como decorrente da redução da eliminação do bulk flow pelo fluido intersticial (FIS). A mudança não linear do estado estacionário na disfunção da barreira e ao longo dos gradientes rostro-caudais normais apoia o modelo de difusão/fluxo e contradiz as obstruções das vias de difusão. Independentemente da causa da doença, os bloqueios fisiopatológicos do fluxo são encontrados na meningite bacteriana, leucemia, carcinomatose meníngea, síndrome de Guillain-Barré, EM e encefalomielite alérgica experimental. Em humanos, as concentrações de albumina quarenta vezes mais altas no desenvolvimento fetal inicial diminuem tarde com a maturação das vilosidades aracnoides, isto é, com o início do fluxo de LCR, o que contradiz um fluxo relevante para o sistema linfático. As oscilações dependentes da respiração e do batimento cardíaco não perturbam a direção do fluxo do LCR. Conclusão: As disfunções das barreiras hemato-liquórica e hemato-encefálica são uma expressão da redução da taxa de fluxo do LCR ou FIS.

Oxidative stress causes plasma protein modification.

We investigated the effect of oxidative systems on plasma proteins using Chloramine-T, a source of free radicals. Plasma specimens from 10 healthy volunteers were treated with 40 mmol/L Chloramine-T (1:1 v/v). Total protein and plasma carbonyl levels were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Identification of plasma proteins modifications was performed by SDS-PAGE, protein and lipid electrophoresis. Protein fragmentation was evaluated by HPLC. Total protein levels of oxidised plasmas were significantly lower (4.08 ± 0.12 g/dL) than control (7.86 ± 0.03 g/dL) (P <0.01). Plasma carbonyl levels were higher (1.94 ± 0.38 nmol/mg protein) in oxidised plasma than that of control (0.03 ± 0.01 nmol/mg protein) (P<0.01). Plasma oxidation had no significant effect on the levels of proteins and lipids. Protein fragmentations were detected in oxidised groups compared to those of the control. We conclude that protein modifications have direct effect on the protein functions, which are related to stress agent, its treatment period(s), and the methodology used for evaluating such experimental results.

Megacolon y vólvulo de sigmoides: incidencia y fisiopatología / Megacolon and sigmoid volvulus: incidence and physiopathology

El megacolon adquirido tiene etiología múltiple y su complicación la torsión sigmoidea (vólvulo) es causa muy frecuente de consulta y admisión en el Instituto de Gastroenterología Boliviano Japonés de Cochabamba, Bolivia. Afecta particularmente a gente de recursos económicos bajos. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y la probable fisiopatología del megacolon y vólvulo de sigmoides en el Instituto de Gastroenterología Boliviano Japonés de Cochabamba Bolivia. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, prospectivo. Se tabulo todos los casos admitidos con diagnóstico de megacolon y vólvulo de sigmoides en un período de 6 años, (2000 - 2006). El protocolo consideró el lugar de procedencia, altitud sobre nivel del mar, hábitos y costumbres, exámenes de laboratorio entre ellos serología para enfermedad de Chagas, tratamiento e histopatología en muestras quirúrgicas de pacientes operados. Resultados: En este periodo de tiempo se admitieron 8954 pacientes en el Hospital. De estos, en 814 (9,09%) casos se diagnosticó obstrucción intestinal baja. 608 (74,7%), correspondió a torsión de sigmoides (vólvulo). La mayoría de ellos provenían del valle central de Bolivia que se encuentra a un promedio de 2560 metros sobre nivel del mar. El diagnóstico radiológico de vólvulo de sigmoides se efectuó en 84% de los casos. La descompresión endoscópica resolvió satisfactoriamente el 88,7%. 98 pacientes 22,12% eran chagásicos conocidos, con reacciones de laboratorio positivas para la enfermedad. Otro grupo de 95 (21,44%) tenían megacolon y vólvulo con reacción negativa para Chagas y antecedentes de ser masticadores de hoja de coca. 79% ingerían alcohol en grado moderado a importante. Conclusiones: El megacolon tiene etiología diversa y es motivo de consulta muy frecuente en el Instituto de Gastroenterología Boliviano Japonés de Cochabamba Bolivia. La causa más frecuente en los pacientes estudiados es la secundaria a Enfermedad de Chagas. Muchos de ellos en el curso evolutivo de la enfermedad, pueden sufrir complicaciones. Una de ellas es el vólvulo de sigmoides, que es la más grave y constituye la primera causa de obstrucción intestinal baja. Se ha demostrado que en la fisiopatología influye también la cocaína. La histopatología de los especímenes resecados quirúrgicamente, reportó esteatosis intestinal en consumidores de hoja de coca con una relación estadísticamente significativa que en portadores de megacolon chagásico, en los que la esteatosis intestinal no era frecuente. La conducta terapéutica en el vólvulo de sigmoides no complicado es la descompresión endoscópica.

The etiology of Megacolon is multiple. One of these causes and the most frequent is Chagas disease. Its complication: sigmoid volvulus was de main diagnosis in the admitted patients at the Bolivian and Japanese Gastroenterological Institute of Cochabamba Bolivia. It usually affects people of a low economic income. In this Gastroenterological Hospital a transversal and prospective study has been done, in order to know the real incidence and the physiopathology of this disease. In a six year period, from 2000 to 2006, 8.954 patients were admitted to the Hospital: of these, 814 (9.09%), where diagnosticated as lower intestinal obstruction. In 608 (74.7%) the final diagnosis was sigmoid torsion. Radiological diagnosis was made in 84% of the patients and endoscopic decompression was successful in 88.7%. As reported in the medical literature, the main cause of megacolon in this part of the world is Chagas disease. In our investigation 22% (98 patients), were serology positive to Chagas disease, and another 21.44 % (95 patients) were serology negative. They were coca leaf chewers. One of coca leaf compounds is cocaine which blocks the adrenaline and noradrenaline degradation by mean of monoamine oxidase inactivation. These two hormones stay a long term of time in the target organ: the large bowel. By this mean chronic and persistent vessel constriction develops intestinal wall atrophy and lower resistance to the intraintestinal pressure.

Proteins and liver function changes in rats following cumulative total body irradiations / Proteínas y cambios de función hepática en ratas tras irradiación corporal total cumulativa

OBJECTIVE: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a choice therapy for the management of some malignancies; it is also a major cause of oxidative stress. The aim of this research is to sequentially document the effect of total body radiation on body function utilizing the sequential changes in liver function enzymes and proteins in rats. METHODS: Serum protein and liver enzymes were assessed using kits in rats exposed to total body radiations of 1.27 Gy/minute in cumulative doses to the fourth radiation at five-day intervals. RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum protein were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with increasing radiation. No significant differences between experimental and control groups for bilirubin concentrations were noted at any time. Serum levels of albumin were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the first to third radiation exposures but reduced at the fourth cumulative dose exposure. CONCLUSION: Variations are associated with acute stress, inflammation which could be due to non-specific stress reaction, while fluctuations could arise as a result of tolerance and repair within the liver. These tests are significant for diagnosis of radiation-induced injury and can be important for evaluation of its severity and correct management.

OBJETIVO: La irradiación corporal total (ICT) es una terapia de elección para el tratamiento de algunos tumores malignos. También es una de las causas principales del estrés oxidativo. El objetivo de esta investigación es documentar el efecto de la radiación corporal total sobre las funciones corporales utilizando los cambios secuenciales en las enzimas de la función hepática y las proteínas en las ratas. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron las proteínas séricas así como las enzimas hepáticas mediante el uso de kits en ratas expuestas a radiaciones corporales totales de 1.27 Gy/minuto en dosis cumulativas hasta la cuarta radiación con cinco días de intervalo. RESULTADOS: La aspartato transaminasa (AST), la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y la proteína sérica fueron elevadas significativamente (p < 0.05) con el aumento creciente de la radiación. No hubo diferencias significativas entre el grupo experimental y el grupo control, observándose concentraciones de bilirrubina todo el tiempo. Los niveles séricos de albúmina aumentaron significativamente (p < 0.05) con la primera de tres exposiciones a la radiación, pero experimentaron una reducción a partir de la cuarta exposición de dosis cumulativa. CONCLUSIÓN: Las variaciones están asociadas con estrés agudo e inflamación que podría deberse a una reacción a estrés no específico, mientras que las fluctuaciones podrían surgir como resultado de la tolerancia y la regeneración dentro del hígado. Estas pruebas son importantes para el diagnóstico de lesiones inducidas por radiación, así como para la evaluación de la severidad y el tratamiento correcto de las mismas.

Standardization of a method of prolonged thoracic surgery and mechanical ventilation in rats to evaluate local and systemic inflammation / Padronização de um modelo de cirurgia torácica prolongada e ventilação mecânica em ratos para avaliação inflamatória local e sistêmica

Purpose: To evaluate the immediate pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response after a long-term operative period. Methods: Wistar rats in the experimental group were anaesthetized and submitted to tracheostomy, thoracotomy and remained on mechanical ventilation during three hours. Control animals were not submitted to the operative protocol. The following parameters have been evaluated: pulmonary myeloperoxidase activity, pulmonary serum protein extravasation, lung wet/dry weight ratio and measurement of levels of cytokines in serum. Results: Operated animals exhibited significantly lower serum protein extravasation in lungs compared with control animals. The lung wet/dry weight ratio and myeloperoxidase activity did not differ between groups. Serum cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-, and IL-10 levels were not detected in groups, whereas IL-6 was detected only in operated animals. Conclusion: The experimental mechanical ventilation in rats with a prolonged surgical time did not produce significant local and systemic inflammatory changes and permit to evaluate others procedures in thoracic surgery.

Objetivo: Investigar a resposta inflamatória pulmonar e sistêmica imediata após longo período operatório. Métodos: Ratos Wistar do grupo experimental foram anestesiados e submetidos à traqueostomia, toracotomia e permaneceram em ventilação mecânica por três horas. O grupo controle não foi submetido ao protocolo operatório. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: atividade da mieloperoxidase pulmonar, níveis de extravasamento de proteínas séricas pulmonares, relação peso pulmonar úmido/seco e medidas dos níveis séricos de citocinas. Resultados: Os animais operados apresentaram menor extravasamento de proteínas séricas nos pulmões comparados aos animais controle. A relação peso úmido/seco e a atividade de mieloperoxidase não diferiram entre os grupos. As citocinas séricas IL-1ß, TNF- e IL-10 não foram quantificáveis nos grupos, enquanto que IL-6 só foi detectada no soro dos animais operados. Conclusão: O modelo experimental de ventilação mecânica em ratos com tempo cirúrgico prolongado não apresentou alterações inflamatórias locais e sistêmicas significantes, permitindo avaliar a resposta inflamatória em outros procedimentos da cirurgia torácica.

Evaluation of IGF-I levels and serum protein profiles of diabetic cats and dogs

In this study, we measured the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels and evaluated the serum protein profiles of diabetic, insulin-treated, and healthy cats and dogs. The total IGF-I concentrations were 33.74 +/- 3.4 ng/mL for normal, 25.8 +/- 4.5 ng/mL for diabetic, and 180.4 +/- 31.4 ng/mL for insulin-treated cats. IGF-I concentrations were 46.4 +/- 6.6 ng/mL for normal, 25.1 +/- 4.1 ng/mL for diabetic, and 303.0 +/- 61.3 ng/mL for insulin-treated dogs. Total serum protein profiles were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Fourteen bands ranging from 25 to 240 kDa in size were observed for cats, and 17 bands ranging from 25 to 289 kDa were observed for dogs. The densities of the bands differed among control, diabetic, and insulin-treated animals. In conclusion, we found that serum protein profiles and IGF-I concentrations were altered in both diabetic and insulin-treated animals. When judiciously interpreted in the light of other clinical and laboratory data, the techniques used in our study provide a valuable modality for measuring the severity of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

White spots on the mucosal surface of the duodenum in dogs with lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis

Distended lacteals, described as expanded white villi in duodenum, are strongly indicative of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia. In the present study, we evaluated the significance of white spots present in the duodenal mucosa of dogs with lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis (LPE). Fifty dogs with LPE were included in this study, and white spots were detected in the duodenal mucosa in 22 dogs during endoscopy. Hypoproteinemia was more frequent in dogs with white spots than in dogs without spots (p = 0.02). Serum protein and albumin concentration were significantly lower in LPE dogs with white spots (p = 0.038) compared to LPE dogs without white spots (p = 0.039). There was a significant correlation between white spots density and lymphatic dilatation histological scores (p = 0.023; rho = 0.481). These results suggest that the presence of white spots in the duodenal mucosa of dogs is not a finding exclusive for intestinal lymphangiectasia. Low serum protein and albumin concentrations together with lymphatic dilatation seem to be related to the presence of white spots in the duodenal mucosa of LPE dogs.

Presión coloidosmótica plasmática, índice de Briones y ascitis en preeclampsia-eclampsia / Plasma colloid osmotic pressure, Briones index and ascites in preeclampsia-eclampsia

Introducción: La fuga capilar en la preeclampsia-eclampsia se puede evaluar calculando la presión coloidosmótica de las proteínas plasmáticas (PCO) y el índice de Briones. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue informar los valores de la PCO y del índice de Briones en preeclampsiaeclampsia, y comparar su correlación con ascitis. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 225 pacientes gestantes con preeclampsia-eclampsia. Se calculó la PCO y el índice de Briones como grupo total y en tres categorías: a) preeclampsia severa sin síndrome HELLP, b) preeclampsia severa con síndrome HELLP y c) eclampsia. Se comparó la correlación de ambos parámetros entre sí y con la ascitis. Pruebas estadísticas: t de Student, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (r). Resultados: La PCO total fue de 20.14 ± 2.52 mm Hg, en 148 casos (65.78 %) resultó normal (21.54 ± 1.60 mm Hg) y en 77 (34.22 %) fue baja (17.55 ± 1.71 mm Hg) (p = 0.058). No hubo diferencia entre las tres categorías (p > 0.05). El índice de Briones total fue de 0.18 ± 0.03, en 87 casos (38.67 %) resultó normal (0.22 ± 0.01) y en 138 (61.33 %) se encontró bajo (0.16 ± 0.01) (p = 0.07). No hubo diferencia entre las tres categorías (p > 0.05). Se documentó ascitis (627.27 ± 85.21 ml) en 11 pacientes (4.89 %). La r de la PCO versus índice de Briones fue de 0.55, PCO versus ascitis fue de −0.03 y del índice de Briones versus ascitis fue de −0.43. Conclusiones: Se encontraron valores bajos de la PCO en 34.22 % y del índice de Briones en 61.33 %. Ambos parámetros tuvieron correlación negativa con la ascitis.

BACKGROUND: Capillary leak in preeclampsia-eclampsia (P-E) can be evaluated by calculating the plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and the Briones index (BI). We undertook this study to report the values of plasma COP and BI in patients with P-E. We compared their correlation with ascites. METHODS: We studied 225 pregnant patients with P-E. We calculated plasma COP and BI as a total group and in three categories: 1) severe preeclampsia (SP) patients without HELLP syndrome, 2) SP patients with HELLP syndrome and 3) patients with eclampsia. We compared the correlation of both parameters as well as the correlation of each with ascites. Student's t test and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Total COP was 20.14 +/- 2.52 mmHg. In 148 cases (65.78%) the results were normal (21.54 +/- 1.60 mmHg) and in 77 cases (34.22%) results were low (17.55 +/- 1.71 mmHg) (p = 0.058). There was no difference among the three categories (p >0.05). Total BI was 0.18 +/- 0.03, in 87 cases (38.67 %) it was normal (0.22 + 0.01) and in 138 cases (61.33 %) it was low (0.16 +/- 0.01) (p = 0.07). There were no differences among the three categories (p >0.05). We documented ascites of 627.27 +/- 85.21 ml in 11 patients (4.89%). The r of the COP vs. BI was 0.55, COP vs. ascites was -0.03 and BI vs. ascites was -0.43. CONCLUSIONS: We found low levels of COP in 34.22% and BI in 61.33% of patients. Both parameters had negative correlation with ascites.

Alteraciones en el metabolismo del zinc relacionadas a la edad / Alterations of zinc metabolic related to aging

Although many studies point to alterations in the organic concentrations of zinc in elderly patients, the mechanisms by which aging might cause changes in the metabolism of this nutrient remain unclear. Thus, we assessed the changes in plasma zinc, zinc binding capacity to plasma protein (ZnBCPP) and saturation index (SI), comparing elderly individus and young adults. The zinc analyses were performed by atonde absorption spectrophotometry. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between the two groups in relation to plasma zinc and SI, but the ZnBCPP did not differ between the younger and older subjects. In agreement with this result, it was shown in the young group that 76 percent (R² = 0.760) of the ZnBCPP variations are explained by the variations in plasma zinc and SI. In the elderly group this measure decreased to 30.5 percent (R² = 0.305). We conclude, therefore, that aging may be a factor associated to changes in control mechanisms and in zinc homeostasis, and could even alter ZnBCPP response patterns and other zinc-related indicators of nutritional status.

A pesar que muchos estudios indicarían que existen alteraciones en las concentraciones orgánicas del zinc en pacientes mayores, los mecanismos por los cuales el envejecimiento podría implicar cambios en el metabolismo de esta nutriente, aún permanecen pocos claros. Buscamos evaluar los cambios relativos al zinc plasmático, a la Capacidad de Ligación del Zinc a la Proteína Plasmática (ZnBCPP) y en el índice de Saturación (SI). Los análisis de zinc fueron realizados por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, comparando personas mayores y adultos jóvenes. Una diferencia significativa fue encontrada (p< 0,001), entre los dos grupos, en relación al zinc plasmático e SI, siendo que la ZnBCPP no cambió entre los jóvenes y adultos mayores. Constatando este resultado, se demostró que en el grupo de jóvenes las variaciones en la ZnBCPP son explicadas en 76 por ciento (R²= 0,760) por las variaciones en el zinc plasmático en el SI. En el grupo de los mayores esta medida disminuye a 30,5 por ciento (R²= 0,305). Concluimos que el envejecimiento puede ser un factor asociado a los cambios en los mecanismos de control y homeostasis del zinc, alternando los patrones de respuesta relativos a ZnBCPP y algunos otros indicadores del estado nutricional relativo al zinc.

Effects of tobacco smoking on alpha-2-macroglobulin and some biochemical parameters in Thai males.

This cross-sectional study was carried out among smokers and nonsmokers from suburban and urban residential areas in Bangkok, Thailand. One hundred eighty-six smokers and 102 nonsmokers, who voluntarily participated in the study, were investigated. The levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), albumin, total protein, and other biochemical and hematological parameters as well as body mass index (BMI) measurements were taken. The levels of A2M, BUN and WBC counts were significantly higher in smokers than nonsmokers. Total protein and albumin concentrations were significantly lower in smokers than nonsmokers, but the levels of other biochemical parameters did not differ between the two groups. The relationship between BMI and median A2M levels in the smoker and nonsmoker groups showed the higher the BMI, the lower the serum A2M levels. Smokers had a higher percentage of hyperalpha-2-macroglobulinemia than nonsmokers. A2M concentrations correlated inversely with BMI, BUN, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and the quantity of cigarettes smoked for the total period of smoking (cigarette pack-years). Multiple regression analysis revealed that albumin and cigarette pack-years were the most closely related variables to A2M concentrations among smokers. These findings suggest cigarette smoking affects inflammation markers, increasing A2M and WBC and decreasing albumin. This effect may be the mechanism responsible for the development of chronic disease states associated with smoking since cigarette smoke contains many toxic compounds harmful to health.

Proteinograma sérico em muares naturalmente infectados pela Burkholderia mallei / Serum proteinogram in mules naturally infected by the Burkholderia mallei

The Burkholderia mallei is the causing bacterium of glanders, illness of high morbidity and lethality for the equides, and also one zoonosis. Recently diagnostic in the Pernambuco and Alagoas States/Brazil, it comes decimating populations of equides in the Zone of Forest Region of these states, causing great damages to the sugar cane plantation activity that it uses such animals as traction. The objective this work was to investigate the proteins alterations caused by glanders. Had been studied ninety adult mules, of different races, destined to the work, proceeding from the sugar cane plantation region, Zone of Forest, in the Pernambuco State/Brazil. These were divided in three groups: G1: thirty animals with negative serology for glanders; G2: thirty animals with positive serology for glanders and without apparent symptoms and G3: thirty animals with positive serology for glanders and with apparent symptoms. The gotten results, referring the medium of the parameters studied respectively for G1, G2 and G3 had been: total serum protein 7.33; 7.73 and 7.46g/dl; albumin 2.57; 2.43 and 1.81g/dl; globulins 4.37; 4.86 and 5.64g/dl; albumin/ globulins ratio 0.55; 0.47 and 0.34g/dl; alpha-globulin 1.06; 1.33 and 1.33g/dl; beta-globulin 1.10; 1.21 and 1.80g/dl and gamma-globulin 2.21; 2.32 and 2.51g/dl. It is concluded that the variations for the studied parameters were significant; the increase of the globulins characterizes an antigenic stimulus in the sick animals, as well as an inversion in the albumin/globulins ratio for the animals with apparent clinic in relation to the excessively animal ones. These findings could be considered in the diagnosis, prognostic and in future research that they aim at to study forms of immunization against this illness.

A Burkholderia mallei é a bactéria causadora do mormo, doença de alta morbidade e letalidade para os eqüídeos, e também uma zoonose. Recentemente diagnosticada nos estados de Pernambuco e Alagoas, vem dizimando populações de eqüídeos na Região da Zona da Mata destes estados, causando grandes prejuízos à atividade canavieira que utiliza tais animais como tração. Objetivou-se com este trabalho investigar as alterações protéicas causadas pelo mormo. Foram estudados 90 muares adultos, de diferentes raças, destinados ao trabalho, provenientes da região canavieira, Zona da Mata, do Estado de Pernambuco. Estes foram divididos em três grupos: G1: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente negativos para o mormo; G2: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e sem sintomatologia clínica aparente e G3: composto por trinta animais sorologicamente positivos e com sintomatologia clínica aparente. Os resultados obtidos, referentes à média dos parâmetros estudados para G1, G2 e G3 foram respectivamente: proteína sérica total 7,33; 7,73 e 7,46g/dl; albumina 2,57; 2,43 e 1,81g/dl; globulinas 4,37; 4,86 e 5,64g/dl; relação albumina/globulinas 0,55; 0,47 e 0,34g/dl; alfaglobulina 1.06; 1.33 e 1,33g/dl; beta-globulina 1,10; 1,21 e 1,80g/dl e gama-globulina 2,21; 2,32 e 2,51g/dl. Conclui-se que as variações para os parâmetros estudados foram significativas, o aumento das globulinas caracteriza um estímulo antigênico nos animais positivos, bem como uma inversão na relação albumina/globulinas para os animais com clínica aparente em relação aos demais animais. Estes achados poderão ser considerados no diagnóstico, prognóstico e em pesquisas futuras que visem estudar formas de imunização contra esta importante enfermidade.

Comportamento das concentrações séricas e urinárias de creatinina e uréia ao longo de uma periodização desenvolvida em futebolistas profissionais: relações com a taxa de filtração glomerular / Comportamiento de las concentraciones séricas y urinarias de creatinina y urea a lo largo de una periodicidad desarrollada en futbolistas profesionales: relaciones con la tasa de filtración glomerular / Behavior of the creatinine and urea seric and urinary concentrations during a periodization developed in professional soccer players: relations with the glomerular filtration rate

As determinações de creatinina e uréia têm sido utilizadas para avaliar o impacto do treinamento físico. Portanto, o principal objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o comportamento das concentrações séricas e urinárias de creatinina e uréia em futebolistas profissionais ao longo de uma periodização. Participaram do estudo 18 jogadores de futebol que foram avaliados no início (T1), meio (T2) e fim (T3) de uma periodização específica. Os atletas foram submetidos às avaliações antropométrica e de determinação da capacidade aeróbia e da eficiência do metabolismo anaeróbio alático. As concentrações de creatinina e uréia dos atletas foram mensuradas no soro e na urina, além da taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG), determinada por três métodos distintos, sendo um independente e dois dependentes do volume urinário. A análise das respostas das variáveis em T1, T2 e T3 foi realizada por Anova one-way, seguida de post hoc de Newman-Keuls, assim como foi aplicado teste de correlação de Pearson. Para todos os casos o nível de significância prefixado foi de 5 por cento. Houve melhora nos parâmetros aeróbio (p < 0,01) e anaeróbio alático (p < 0,01) ao longo da periodização, assim como foi verificada diminuição do volume urinário (p < 0,05) ao longo do estudo. As concentrações de creatinina apresentaram comportamento oposto quando determinadas no soro (p < 0,05) e na urina (p < 0,01) ao longo da periodização, não apresentando correlações significativas. Todos os métodos de determinação de TFG mostraram redução dos valores (p < 0,05) em resposta ao treinamento periodizado. Foram observadas correlações significativas entre todos os métodos em T1, e também em T2 e T3 apenas entre os métodos dependentes do volume urinário. De acordo com os resultados, é possível concluir que as concentrações de creatinina determinadas no soro e na urina de futebolistas profissionais foram sensíveis ao programa de treinamento desenvolvido; contudo, apresentaram comportamentos...

The creatinine and urea responses have been extensively used to evaluate the physical training impact. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of serum and urinary creatinine and urea concentrations during a soccer training program. Eighteen Brazilian soccer players were evaluated at the beginning (T1), in the middle (T2) and at the end (T3) of a soccer training program. The athletes had their anthropometric characteristics, aerobic capacity and alactic anaerobic metabolism efficiency assessed. Besides the measurement of serum and urinary creatinine and urea concentrations, the athletes had their creatinine clearance evaluated by three different methods. While the first method was independent from the urinary volume, the others were dependent. Anova one-way test followed by Newman-Keuls and Pearson product-moment coefficient were used to verify the responses and correlations of the data to the soccer training program. A significance level of 5 percent was chosen. The soccer training program led to an increase in aerobic (p < 0.01) and alactic anaerobic (p < 0.01) performances, however, the urinary volume diminished along the experiment (p < 0.05). The serum (p < 0.05) and urinary (p < 0.01) creatinine concentrations presented an opposite behavior during the soccer training program, in addition, there were not observed significant correlations between this parameters in any period of the study. The creatinine clearance assessed by the three different methods decreased in response to the training (p < 0.05). Significant correlations for all methods were observed only in T1. However, the urinary volume dependent methods were statistically correlated in T2 and T3. According to results, it can concluded that the serum and urinary creatinine concentrations were sensible to the training program developed, but presented opposite behaviour. This probably occurred due the limitations of the urinary method to assay creatinine...

Las respuestas de urea y creatinina han sido extensamente usadas para evaluar el impacto del entrenamiento físico. De ahí que el propósito de nuestro estudio ha sido el de investigar el comportamiento del suero y la creatinina urinaria y las concentraciones de urea durante el entrenamiento de fútbol. Fueron evaluados 18 jugadores brasileños de fútbol al inicio (T1), a la mitad (T2) y en el final (T3) de un programa de entrenamiento de fútbol. En los atletas se midieron la eficiencia de sus características antropométricas, capacidad aeróbica y metabolismo anaeróbico alatico. Sumadas a las medidas de suero y creatinina urinaria y concentraciones de urea, también se evaluó en los atletas la eliminación de creatinina mediante tres métodos diferentes. Mientras que el primer método fue independiente del volumen urinario, los otros fueron dependientes. Para verificar las respuestas y la correlación de datos en el programa de entrenamiento de fútbol se utilizó el test de ANOVA (one-way), seguido del coeficiente de Newman-Keuls y Pearson, producto-momento y escogimos un nivel de significancia de 5 por ciento. El programa de entrenamiento de fútbol midió un incremento en el desempeño aeróbico (p < 0.01) y un desempeño alatico anaeróbico (p < 0.01), más aún, el volumen de orina disminuyó a lo largo de la experiencia (p < 0.05). Las concentraciones de suero (p < 0.05) y creatinina urinaria (p < 0.01) presentaron un comportamiento opuesto durante el programa de entrenamiento, en contrapartida, no se observó correlación significativa entre los parámetros durante el periodo de estudio. La medición hecha de la eliminación de creatinina por los tres métodos disminuyó como respuesta al entrenamiento. Se observó correlación significativa para T1 en todos los métodos. Sin embargo, el volumen de orina dependiente del método fue correlacionado estadísticamente en T2 y T3. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, podemos concluir que las concentraciones séricas y...

Nonenzymatic glycation of plasma proteins in smokers.

Glycation is known to play a key role in complications of many pathophysiological processes. The present study was carried out to assess whether there are abnormalities of nonenzymatic glycation of proteins in smokers. Fourteen current smokers and 10 healthy nonsmokers were enrolled for the present study. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin, fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were evaluated. A significant rise in the mean levels of fructosamine and total plasma glycated proteins were found in smokers when compared with controls. Significant difference in insulin values was observed between these two groups. When Pearson's correlation analysis was performed, no significant correlation was found between fasting plasma glucose with either fructosamine or total plasma glycated protein levels. These data suggest an increased glycation of proteins in smokers independent of glucose concentration.

Modulatory influence of juvenile hormone analogue (JHa) and 20-hydroxyecdysone on lipophorin synthesis in red cotton bug, Dysdercus cingulatus Fabr.

Topical supply of methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue (JHa) caused notable morphological disturbance in insects. Topical supply of methoprene to newly emerged adult female D. cingulatus caused notable disturbance and induced a dramatic reduction in the total haemolymph protein pattern and lipophorin production in tissues like fat body, ovary and haemolymph. Total protein concentration in haemolymph also showed significant reduction in 1 day old insects but increased slightly as age advanced. Application of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) to 2-day-old adult female stimulated protein synthesis intensively. Lipophorin levels in fat body and ovary also simultaneously increased. Densitometric analysis revealed that methoprene inhibits while 20-HE stimulates lipophorin production in D. cingulatus.

Laboratory approach in Thai patients with venous thrombosis.

This retrospective study aimed to analyze laboratory findings in Thai patients with venous thrombosis in Phramongkutklao Hospital from August 1997 to October 2004. Blood samples obtained from 166 patients with ages ranging from 10 months to 87 years were tested for protein S (PS), protein C (PC), antithrombin (AT), factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A. It was found that low levels of PS, PC, and AT were observed in 23 patients (13.9%), 21 patients (12.7%) and 11 patients (6.6%), respectively. The incidence of combined low levels of anticoagulant factors occurred in 23 patients (13.9%). Three patients (1.8%) were positive for FVL. All patients were negative for prothrombin G20210A. Additionally, 85 patients (51.2%) were negative for all tests. In conclusion, it is recommended that the screening tests for anticoagulant factors PS, PC and AT be used to investigate the causes of thrombosis in Asian populations due to their cost-effectiveness. However, the detection of gene mutations inducing thrombosis should be considered.

Influence of sublethal ammonia toxicity on some physiological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan) fingerlings.

Fingerlings of Labeo rohita subjected to sublethal unionized ammonia (0.132mg/l) for 30 days exhibited significant changes. Increase in haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, plasma glucose, plasma cholesterol and plasma lactic acid levels whereas, decrease in plasma chloride, liver and muscle glycogen, hepatosomatic index and DNA/RNA ratio of muscles with stable plasma protein was observed. Metabolic recovery was not observed within 30 days of exposure.

Serum zinc and hormonal profile in male dialysis patients receiving human recombinant erythropoietin

INTRODUÇAO: Em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise crônica (HD), o tratamento com eritropoetina humana recombinante (rHuEpo) está associado a melhora no bem-estar geral e na qualidade de vida. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os níveis dos hormônios sexuais e do zinco em pacientes sob HD e em uso de rHuEpo em comparacão com pacientes sem tratamento com essa droga. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Dois grupos de doze pacientes do sexo masculino cada um, submetidos à HD, sendo um deles sem uso de rHuEpo (grupo 1) e o outro utilizando a droga (grupo 2), foram selecionados para um estudo transversal, comparando-se os níveis séricos do zinco, da albumina, dos hormônios FSH, LH, prolactina, testosterona e do hematócrito. RESULTADOS: No grupo 2, os valores de testosterona (4,65 vs. 3,5ng/ml), hematócrito (30,5 vs. 22 por cento), albumina (3,9 vs. 3,7g/dl) e zinco (62,5 vs. 50,5microg/dl) foram significativamente maiores do que no grupo 1 (p < 0,05). DISCUSSAO: Sugere-se que, em pacientes recipientes da rHuEpo, os níveis mais altos de hematócrito, zinco, albumina e testosterona possam ser fatores que contribuam para melhorar a disfuncão sexual e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes hemodialisados. CONCLUSAO: Os pacientes em HD em uso da rHuEpo apresentaram níveis mais elevados de testosterona, zinco e hematócrito quando comparados com os pacientes sem a terapia hormonal.

The effect of glucantime™ on the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m

OBJETIVO: A marcação de hemácias sangüíneas (C) com 99mTc é muito utilizada nos procedimentos diagnósticos na medicina nuclear. Drogas podem alterar este método de marcação e modificar a biodisponibilidade de radiofármacos. Neste trabalho, foi avaliada a influência de glucantime na marcação de elementos sangüíneos com 99mTc. MÉTODOS: Sangue foi retirado de ratos e incubado com glucantime. Adicionou-se cloreto estanoso e 99mTc. Após centrifugação, plasma (P) e (C) foram isolados. Amostras de P e C foram precipitadas com TCA 5 por cento, centrifugadas e separadas em frações solúveis (FS) e insolúveis (FI). Os percentuais de atividade total injetada (por cento ATI) em C, FI-P e FI-C foram calculados (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: O %ATI em C diminuiu, em relação ao controle, nas seguintes concentrações de glucantime (6,25 por cento;12,5 por cento; 25 por cento; 50 por cento; 100por cento), respectivamente: 94,06±1,29 (controle) para 77,15±2,79; para 76,68±1,88; para 75,15±2,79; para 72,64±4,40 e para 63,05±3,84. Em FI-C, o %ATI diminuiu, em relação ao controle, em todas as concentrações de glucantime (3,125 por cento; 6,25 por cento; 12, 5 por cento; 25 por cento; 50 por cento; 100 por cento), respectivamente: 93,34±1,18 (controle) para 78,81±2,76; para 74,76±4,82; para 74,02±5,32; para 64,35±4,82; para 62,81±1,97 e para 54,55±3,58. CONCLUSÕES: Este efeito provavelmente foi devido a produtos presentes nesta droga que podem se complexar com íons (Sn+2 e 99mTcO-4) ou ter um efeito direto ou indireto na concentração intracelular do íon estanoso.

Determination of carbonyl group content in plasma proteins as a useful marker to assess impairment in antioxidant defense in patients with Eales' disease.

PURPOSE: Formation of protein carbonyl groups is considered an early biomarker for the oxidant/antioxidant barrier impairment in various inflammatory diseases. We evaluated the intensity of free radical reactions in patients with Eales' disease, an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the retina. METHODS: Twenty patients with Eales' disease in active vasculitis stage, 15 patients with Eales' disease in healed vasculitis stage and 20 healthy control subjects were recruited for the study. Plasma protein carbonyl groups,plasma glutathione (GSH) superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined in erythrocytes. RESULTS: Plasma protein carbonyl content was elevated by a factor of 3.5 and 1.8 respectively in active and healed vasculitis stages. The increase of carbonyl group content in active and healed stage of patients with Eales' disease correlated with diminished SOD activity and GSH content. There was also increased accumulation of TBARS in active and healed vasculitis stages of Eales' disease, and this correlated with diminished SOD activity. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that protein carbonyl group content increases with severity of Eales' disease. The increase in carbonyl content correlated with diminished antioxidant status. This confirms an earlier report that free radical mediated tissue damage occurs in Eales' disease. The determination of protein carbonyl content may be used as a simple biomarker to monitor the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in controlling retinal vasculitis in patients with Eales' disease.

Pharmacokinetics, tissue residue and plasma protein binding of ofloxacin in goats

Ofloxacin was administered to six male goats intravenously (5 mg/kg) to determine its kinetic behavior, tissue residue, in vitro plasma protein binding and to compute a rational dosage regimen. The concentration of ofloxacin in plasma and tissue samples collected at prescheduled time were estimated by using HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental model and plasma protein binding was estimated by equilibrium dialysis technique. The therapeutic concentration (> or = 0.5 microgram/ml) was maintained up to 36 h and the initial concentration at 2.5min (14.76 +/- 0.47 microgram/ml) declined to 0.05 +/- 0.03 microgram/ml at 96 h with a secondary peak (0.64 +/- 0.15 microgram/ml) at 24 h. The mean AUC, AUMC, t1/2, MRT, Cl and Vd were calculated to be 58.94 +/- 19.43 microgram h/ml, 1539.57 +/- 724.69 microgram h2/ml, 15.58 +/- 1.87 h, 22.46 +/- 2.71 h, 135.60 +/- 31.12 ml/h/kg and 2.85 +/- 0.74 L/kg respectively. Significantly high concentration of drug was detected in different tissues after 24 h of intravenous dosing of 5mg/kg, at 24 h interval for 5 days. The in vitro plasma protein binding of ofloxacin was found to be 15.28 +/- 0.94%. Based on these kinetic parameters, a loading dose of 5mg/kg followed by the maintenance dose of 3mg/kg at 24 h dosing interval by intravenous route is recommended.