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1.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 41(1): 129-136, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27677620

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Dietary obesity is usually linked with hypothalamic leptin resistance, in which the primary impact is an interference in the homeostatic control of body weight and appetite. Notably, proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are the most abundant phenolic compounds present in human diet, modulate adiposity and food intake. The aim of this study was to assess whether PACs could re-establish appropriate leptin signalling in both the hypothalamus and peripheral tissues. DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were fed either a standard chow diet (STD group, n=7) or a cafeteria diet (CD) for 13 weeks. The CD-fed rats were treated with either grape-seed PAC extract (GSPE) at 25 mg per kg of body weight per day (CD+GSPE group, n=7) or with the vehicle (CD group, n=7) for the last 21 days of the study period. Specific markers for intracellular leptin signalling, inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the hypothalamus, liver, mesenteric white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle were analysed using immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: GSPE treatment significantly reduced the food intake but did not reverse the hyperleptinemia and body wt gain assessed. However, the animals treated with GSPE exhibited greater hypothalamic activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, which was associated with a rise in the Pomc mRNA levels compared with the CD group. In addition, this restoration of leptin responsiveness was accompanied by lower local inflammation and increased Sirt1 gene expression. The effects of the GSPE treatment in the peripheral tissues were not as evident as those in the hypothalamus, although the GSPE treatment significantly restored the mRNA levels of Socs3 and Ptp1b in the skeletal muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The use of GSPE reduces hyperphagia and improves the central and peripheral leptin resistance associated with diet-induced obesity. Our results suggest that GSPE could exert these effects partially by increasing Sirt1 expression and preventing hypothalamic inflammation.


Subject(s)
Diet, High-Fat , Hypothalamus/drug effects , Leptin/metabolism , Obesity/metabolism , Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics , Proanthocyanidins/pharmacology , STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Animals , Body Weight , Disease Models, Animal , Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects , Grape Seed Extract/pharmacology , Hypothalamus/metabolism , Lipid Metabolism/drug effects , Male , Rats , Rats, Wistar
2.
Pediatr Obes ; 11(4): 251-7, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26132470

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Infants born small-for-gestational-age (SGA) who develop post-natal weight catch-up are at risk for insulin resistance, central adiposity and cardiovascular disease in later life, even in the absence of overweight. OBJECTIVE: In young (age 3-6 years) non-obese SGA children, we assessed arterial health (as judged by intima-media thickness [IMT]) and abdominal fat distribution (subcutaneous, visceral, preperitoneal and hepatic components by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and/or ultrasound [US]) besides a selection of endocrine markers. METHODS: Comparisons of measures in SGA (n = 27) vs. appropriate-for-GA (AGA) children (n = 19) of similar height, weight and body mass index. Longitudinal outcomes (age 3-6 years) were carotid IMT (cIMT); fasting glucose, circulating insulin, IGF-I and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin; abdominal fat partitioning by US. Cross-sectional outcomes (age 6 years) were aortic IMT (aIMT) and abdominal fat partitioning by MRI. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 years, cIMT and IGF-I results were higher and HMW adiponectin lower in SGA than AGA children; at 6 years, SGA subjects had also a thicker aIMT and more pre-peritoneal and hepatic fat, and were less insulin sensitive (all P values between <0.05 and <0.0001). cIMT correlated positively with pre-peritoneal fat, particularly at 6 years. Post-SGA status and weight gain in early childhood (between 3 and 6 years) were independent predictors of cIMT at 6 years, explaining 48 % of its variance. CONCLUSION: SGA children aged 3-6 years were found to have a thicker intima- media and more pre-peritoneal and hepatic fat than AGA children of comparable size.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Fat/physiopathology , Carotid Intima-Media Thickness , Child Development , Obesity, Abdominal/physiopathology , Pediatric Obesity/physiopathology , Abdominal Fat/diagnostic imaging , Adiponectin/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Blood Glucose , Body Mass Index , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Small for Gestational Age , Insulin Resistance , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism , Male , Weight Gain
3.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 39(5): 742-6, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25599612

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and 21 (FGF21) have been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults. We assessed the circulating concentrations of these factors in human neonates and infants, and their association with the endocrine-metabolic changes associated to prenatal growth restraint. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Circulating FGF19 and FGF21, selected hormones (insulin, insulin-like growth factor I and high- molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin) and body composition (absorptiometry) were assessed longitudinally in 44 infants born appropriate- (AGA) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA). Measurements were performed at 0, 4 and 12 months in AGA infants; at 0 and 4 months in SGA infants; and cross-sectionally in 11 first-week AGA newborns. RESULTS: Circulating FGF19 and FGF21 surged >10-fold in early infancy from infra- to supra-adult concentrations, the FGF19 surge appearing slower and more pronounced than the FGF21 surge. Whereas the FGF21 surge was of similar magnitude in AGA and SGA infants, FGF19 induction was significantly reduced in SGA infants. In AGA and SGA infants, cord-blood FGF21 and serum FGF19 at 4 months showed a positive correlation with HMW adiponectin (r=0.49, P=0.013; r=0.43, P=0.019, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that these early FGF19 and FGF21 surges are of a physiological relevance that warrants further delineation and that may extend beyond infancy.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Fibroblast Growth Factors/blood , Obesity/blood , Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor/metabolism , Adult , Body Composition , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Female , Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Insulin Resistance , Male , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/metabolism , Signal Transduction
4.
Placenta ; 34(4): 331-4, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23410724

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) is a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation acting as an inhibitor of adipogenesis; Pref-1 is highly expressed in embryonic tissues and placenta supporting a role in embryonic and fetal growth. The potential impact of placental Pref-1 expression in human pre- and postnatal development is unclear. OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESES: To assess the contribution of placental Pref-1 to fetal and postnatal growth. POPULATION AND METHODS: Placentas (N = 99) were collected at term delivery from singleton infants, who were born either appropriate (AGA; n = 59) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA; n = 40). Auxological data of all subjects were obtained at birth. In a subset of subjects (n = 31) we also obtained weight data at 4 mo and at 1 yr, together with body composition assessment (by DXA) at the age of 1 yr. Placental expression of Pref-1 was quantified by real-time PCR; the housekeeping gene GAPDH was used for comparisons. RESULTS: Pref-1 was significantly downregulated in the placentas from SGA babies as compared to AGA controls (P = 0.005). In SGA infants placental Pref-1 expression associated positively to body weight at 4 and 12 mo (r = 0.44, P = 0.05; r = 0.66, P = 0.001 respectively); at age 12 mo, placental Pref-1 expression was inversely related to total fat mass and positively correlated with total lean mass (r = -0.59, P = 0.01; and r = -0.59, P = 0.01,respectively). CONCLUSION: Placental Pref-1 expression in SGA fetuses was decreased and associated with postnatal body weight, suggesting a role of Pref-1 in the regulation of postnatal development.


Subject(s)
Child Development , Infant, Small for Gestational Age/growth & development , Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/biosynthesis , Membrane Proteins/biosynthesis , Weight Gain , Adult , Body Composition , Calcium-Binding Proteins , Down-Regulation , Female , Fetal Development , Gestational Age , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Placenta/metabolism , Pregnancy
5.
Obes Surg ; 23(1): 17-23, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22918551

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a major underlying mechanism for the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with increased body weight. We aimed to assess the impact of weight loss induced by an intensive very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) on arterial wall function in severely obese patients (SOP). METHODS: Thirty-four SOP were admitted to the metabolic ward of the hospital for a 3-week period. A VLCD characterized by a liquid diet providing 800 kcal/day was administered. The small artery reactivity to postischemic hyperemia index (saRHI), a surrogate marker of endothelial function, was assessed before and 1 week after hospital discharge. Anthropometry and biochemical parameters were also measured. Obese and non-obese age- and gender-matched groups were recruited for baseline comparisons. RESULTS: SOP had significantly lower saRHI compared with obese and non-obese individuals. SaRHI significantly increased after the intervention in SOP (1.595 ± 0.236 vs. 1.737 ± 0.417, p = 0.015). A significant improvement in glucose (p = 0.026), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.049), LDLc (p < 0.001), and inflammatory parameters was observed. Body weight loss was associated with a higher saRHI (r = -0.385, p = 0.033), and it was the main determinant of saRHI variation independently of confounders (ß -0.049, IC 95 % -0.091-0.008, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss induced by a VLCD in SOP improved small artery reactivity, and it was associated with the amelioration of metabolic and inflammation markers. Endothelial dysfunction may be softened by body weight loss interventions and useful in the management of cardiovascular risk factors in SOP.


Subject(s)
Caloric Restriction , Cardiovascular Diseases/diet therapy , Hyperemia/diet therapy , Obesity, Morbid/diet therapy , Weight Loss , Analysis of Variance , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Hyperemia/epidemiology , Hyperemia/physiopathology , Insulin Resistance , Male , Middle Aged , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Obesity, Morbid/epidemiology , Obesity, Morbid/physiopathology , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiology
6.
HIV Med ; 14(4): 233-40, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23171036

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance in viral infections is common. We have explored the effectiveness of metformin for alleviating insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients and assessed the relevance of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) rs11212617 variant in the clinical response with the rationale that metformin modulates cellular bioenergetics in an ATM-dependent process. METHODS: HIV-infected patients (n = 385) were compared with controls recruited from the general population (n = 300) with respect to the genotype distribution of the ATM rs11212617 variant and its influence on selected metabolic and inflammatory variables. We also followed up a subset of male patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection (n = 47) who were not receiving antiviral treatment and for whom metformin was prescribed for insulin resistance, which tends to have a higher incidence and severity in coinfected patients. RESULTS: Among the HIV-infected patients, human cytomegalovirus (91.9%) and HCV (62.3%) coinfections were frequent. Selected metabolic and/or inflammatory variables were significantly altered in infected patients. Treatment with metformin in HIV and HCV coinfected patients was well tolerated and significantly increased the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. The minor allele (C) of the rs11212617 variant was associated with treatment success and may affect the course of insulin resistance in response to metformin (odds ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.39; P = 0.005). There were no differences between treated and untreated patients in viral loads or variables measuring immune defence, indicating that toxicity is unlikely. CONCLUSIONS: We provide novel data suggesting that identification of the ATM rs11212617 variant may be important in assessing the glycaemic response to metformin treatment for insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients.


Subject(s)
Coinfection/metabolism , Cytomegalovirus Infections/metabolism , HIV Infections/metabolism , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Insulin Resistance , Metformin/therapeutic use , Adult , Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins , Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Cytomegalovirus/isolation & purification , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Female , Genotype , HIV Infections/virology , Humans , Insulin Resistance/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
7.
Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis ; 22(2): 95-102, 2012 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20708393

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abdominal obesity (AO) is associated with endothelial function (EF) alteration and increased global cardiovascular (CV) risk. Therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLSC) reduce CV risk, but the impact on EF assessed by peripheral artery tonometry (PAT) is unknown. In this study, we aimed to prospectively assess the effects of TLSC on EF measured by PAT in increased CV risk patients with AO. METHODS AND RESULTS: 150 patients with AO and moderate CV risk were randomized to groups receiving a one-year intervention of either conventional medical care (control group, CG) or an intensive TLSC program (intervention group, IG). Vascular studies (EF by PAT, intima-media thickness (IMT)) and lifestyle (LS) assessment were performed before and after intervention. The PAT ratio improved in the IG and worsened in the CG. The global CV risk was reduced (P = 0.017) in the IG due to a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), increase in HDL cholesterol and ApolipoproteinA1 (P = 0.013). More individuals in the IG than in the CG quit smoking (P = 0.001) and increased their physical activity (P = 0.014). The improvement in at least two LS components was associated with a PAT ratio increase (2.44 IC: 95% 0.99-6.00, P = 0.051). The PAT ratio increase determined less IMT progression (-1.1 IC: 95% 0.91-1.00, P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Good adherence to a TLSC program reduces global CV risk and determines PAT ratio improvement. The PAT ratio increase is the main determinant of lower IMT progression.


Subject(s)
Arteries/pathology , Life Style , Obesity, Abdominal/therapy , Peripheral Arterial Disease/therapy , Adult , Aged , Anthropometry , Endothelium/metabolism , Female , Humans , Male , Manometry , Middle Aged , Obesity, Abdominal/complications , Peripheral Arterial Disease/complications , Prospective Studies
8.
Curr Mol Med ; 11(6): 453-64, 2011 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21663591

ABSTRACT

Atherosclerosis in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease affects wide portions of numerous arteries in lower extremities. The resulting active inflammation in a considerable amount of arterial tissue facilitates systemic detection via measurement of inflammation-related variables. We reasoned that the combined assessment of defense against oxidative stress, in the form of paraoxonase-1 (PON1), and monocyte migration measured as circulating (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), may play a role in the evaluation of these patients. Plasma CCL2 and serum PON1-related variables, assessed by their interaction with functional genetic variants, were measured in a cross-sectional study in patients with symptomatic PAD. We found that PON1 activity and concentration were significantly lower and CCL2 concentration higher in PAD patients compared to controls, that the combination of plasma CCL2 and PON1- related values, especially PON1 concentration differentiated, almost perfectly, controls from patients and that the expression of CCL2 and PON1 generally co-localized in the atherosclerotic lesion. Since no association with genetic variants was found, such a relationship is probably the result of the disease. Our data suggest a coordinated role between CCL2 and PON1 that may be detected in blood with simple measurements and may represent an indicator of the extent of atherosclerosis.


Subject(s)
Aryldialkylphosphatase/blood , Atherosclerosis/metabolism , Chemokine CCL2/blood , Peripheral Arterial Disease/blood , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aryldialkylphosphatase/genetics , Atherosclerosis/pathology , Chemokine CCL2/genetics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oxidative Stress , Peripheral Arterial Disease/drug therapy , Peripheral Arterial Disease/genetics , Peripheral Arterial Disease/metabolism
9.
Phytomedicine ; 18(5): 414-24, 2011 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21211952

ABSTRACT

The incidence of obesity and related metabolic diseases is increasing globally. Current medical treatments often fail to halt the progress of such disturbances, and plant-derived polyphenols are increasingly being investigated as a possible way to provide safe and effective complementary therapy. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a rich source of polyphenols without caloric and/or stimulant components. We have tentatively characterized 25 phenolic compounds in rooibos extract and studied the effects of continuous aqueous rooibos extract consumption in mice. The effects of this extract, which contained 25% w/w of total polyphenol content, were negligible in animals with no metabolic disturbance but were significant in hyperlipemic mice, especially in those in which energy intake was increased via a Western-type diet that increased the risk of developing metabolic complications. In these mice, we found hypolipemiant activity when given rooibos extract, with significant reductions in serum cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations. Additionally, we found changes in adipocyte size and number as well as complete prevention of dietary-induced hepatic steatosis. These effects were not related to changes in insulin resistance. Among other possible mechanisms, we present data indicating that the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the resulting regulation of cellular energy homeostasis may play a significant role in these effects of rooibos extract. Our findings suggest that adding polyphenols to the daily diet is likely to help in the overall management of metabolic diseases.


Subject(s)
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Aspalathus/chemistry , Energy Intake/drug effects , Liver/metabolism , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Polyphenols/pharmacology , 3T3-L1 Cells , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/drug effects , Adipose Tissue, White/drug effects , Adipose Tissue, White/enzymology , Animals , Cholesterol/blood , Cholesterol, Dietary/administration & dosage , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Disease Models, Animal , Eating/drug effects , Enzyme Activation/drug effects , Fatty Liver/etiology , Fatty Liver/prevention & control , Liver/drug effects , Liver/enzymology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Transgenic , Plant Extracts/administration & dosage , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Polyphenols/administration & dosage , Polyphenols/chemistry , Triglycerides/blood , Weight Gain/drug effects
10.
HIV Med ; 11(4): 225-31, 2010 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19845792

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: HIV-infected patients show an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk resulting, essentially, from metabolic disturbances related to chronic infection and antiretroviral treatments. The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the agreement between the CVD risk estimated using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and the observed presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients; (2) to investigate the relationships between CVD and plasma biomarkers of oxidation and inflammation. METHODS: Atherosclerosis was evaluated in 187 HIV-infected patients by measuring the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). CVD risk was estimated using the FRS. We also measured the circulating levels of interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and paraoxonase-1 activity and concentration. RESULTS: There was a weak, albeit statistically significant, agreement between FRS and CIMT (kappa=0.229, P<0.001). A high proportion of patients with an estimated low risk had subclinical atherosclerosis (n=66; 56.4%). In a multivariate analysis, the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in this subgroup of patients was associated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.285; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.084-1.524; P=0.004], body mass index (OR 0.799; 95% CI 0.642-0.994; P=0.044), MCP-1 (OR 1.027; 95% CI 1.004-1.050; P=0.020) and oxidized LDL (OR 1.026; 95% CI 1.001-1.051; P=0.041). CONCLUSION: FRS underestimated the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients. The increased CVD risk was related, in part, to the chronic oxidative stress and inflammatory status associated with this patient population.


Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects , Atherosclerosis/complications , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Carotid Arteries/pathology , HIV Infections/complications , Adult , Age Factors , Aryldialkylphosphatase/metabolism , Atherosclerosis/chemically induced , Atherosclerosis/pathology , Biomarkers/blood , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/blood , Cardiovascular Diseases/complications , Carotid Arteries/diagnostic imaging , Chemokine CCL2/blood , Epidemiologic Methods , Female , HIV Infections/blood , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome/complications , HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome/etiology , Humans , Interleukin-6/blood , Lipoproteins, LDL/blood , Male , Oxidative Stress , Tunica Intima/pathology , Tunica Media/pathology , Ultrasonography
11.
Phytomedicine ; 17(3-4): 186-91, 2010 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19765963

ABSTRACT

Diet supplementation and/or modulation is an important strategy to significantly improve human health. The search of plants as additional sources of bioactive phenolic compounds is relevant in this context. The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds including hydroxycitric and chlorogenic acids. Using this extract we have shown an effective protection of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the cellular death induced by H(2)O(2) and a significant role in the production of inflammatory cytokines. In vitro, the extract promotes the production of IL-6 and IL-8 and decreases the concentration of MCP-1 in supernatants in a dose-dependent manner. In humans, the ingestion of an acute dose of the extract (10g) was well tolerated and decreased plasma MCP-1 concentrations significantly without further effects on other cytokines. This effect was not due to a concomitant increase in the antioxidant capacity of plasma. Instead, its mechanisms probably involve a direct inhibition of inflammatory and/or metabolic pathways responsible for MCP-1 production, and may be relevant in inflammatory and chronic conditions in which the role of MCP-1 is well established. If beneficial effects are confirmed in patients, Hibiscus sabdariffa could be considered a valuable traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases with the advantage of being devoid of caloric value or potential alcohol toxicity.


Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Cell Survival/drug effects , Chemokine CCL2/blood , Hibiscus/chemistry , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Adult , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Cell Culture Techniques , Chemokine CCL2/biosynthesis , Female , Flowers , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide , Interleukin-6/biosynthesis , Interleukin-8/biosynthesis , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Phenols/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Reference Values , Young Adult
12.
HIV Med ; 11(4): 260-5, 2010 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20002780

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: HIV infection and its treatment are associated with dyslipidaemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Accurate high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol values are necessary for the management of these abnormalities, but current methods have not been properly assessed in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess in HIV-infected patients the consistency and accuracy of a synthetic polymer/detergent homogeneous assay used to measure HDL cholesterol concentrations and to evaluate the impact of storage. METHODS: HDL cholesterol was measured using a synthetic polymer/detergent homogeneous method in samples from HIV-infected patients and healthy subjects for each of the storage regimens: baseline, after 1 week at 4 degrees C, and after 12 months at -80 degrees C. The ultracentrifugation and precipitation assays were used for comparison. RESULTS: Three out of every 20 samples from HIV-infected patients had discrepant HDL cholesterol values with respect to the ultracentrifugation method. Overestimation was associated with high C-reactive protein concentrations and underestimation with plasma gamma-globulin concentrations, an effect that was amplified by any of the storage conditions tested. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is needed when using the synthetic polymer/detergent homogeneous method for direct measurement of HDL cholesterol concentrations in HIV-infected patients. This assay is of limited use in clinical trials in which frozen samples are analysed.


Subject(s)
Cholesterol, HDL/blood , HIV Infections/blood , Specimen Handling/methods , Adult , Apolipoprotein A-I/blood , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Chemical Precipitation , Data Interpretation, Statistical , False Negative Reactions , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymers , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Ultracentrifugation/methods , gamma-Globulins/analysis
13.
J Am Acad Dermatol ; 36(5 Pt 2): 837-40, 1997 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9146562

ABSTRACT

We describe aleukemic leukemia cutis (ALC) in a 50-year-old woman who presented with numerous skin nodular lesions and lack of peripheral blood and bone marrow involvement until late in the evolution of her disease. We emphasize the value of immunohistochemical studies to distinguish ALC from cutaneous large cell lymphoma.


Subject(s)
Leukemia, Myeloid , Leukemia , Leukemic Infiltration , Skin/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Leukemia/diagnosis , Leukemia/pathology , Leukemia, Myeloid/diagnosis , Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology , Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis , Middle Aged , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis
20.
Cancer Treat Rep ; 70(11): 1321-3, 1986 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-3464352

ABSTRACT

Nineteen adolescents and adults with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated with teniposide (VM-26) plus cytarabine (ara-C). Eight patients (42%) achieved complete remission. Infection and bleeding secondary to myelosuppression were the most serious complications seen. Responders received periodic reinductions with VM-26 and ara-C, but all relapsed within 16 weeks from remission. Our data demonstrate the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy with VM-26 plus ara-C in adolescent and adult ALL in relapse and suggest testing of this combination in first-line protocols. For remission maintenance, the association of other drug combinations is necessary.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Leukemia, Lymphoid/drug therapy , Acute Disease , Adolescent , Adult , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Cytarabine/administration & dosage , Female , Hematologic Diseases/chemically induced , Humans , Leukemia, Lymphoid/pathology , Male , Nervous System Neoplasms/prevention & control , Teniposide/administration & dosage
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