[Neuropeptides in dermatologic therapy]. / Los neuropéptidos en la terapéutica dermatológica.

The presence of neuropeptides and their specific receptors has been detected in the skin and the epithelial tissues. They are involved in innervation, immunomodulation, glandular secretion, control of cellular proliferation and regulation of blood flow. The fact that they act in so many different ways means that neuropeptides and their agonists and antagonists are now being regarded as potential therapeutic agents in dermatologic diseases. Among the substances which act as antagonists, particular attention should be paid to capsaicin, which has therapeutic potential for three types of indication: peripheral neurologic pain, affections with a neurogenic inflammatory component and pruriginous dermatosis; peptide T with therapeutic potential for psoriasis; and spantide, which might prove useful in dermatoses related to substance P. The influence of topical corticosteroids on the mechanism of action of neuropeptides can explain its efficacy in the treatment of many dermatoses. Among the agonists, the possibility of taking advantage of the vasodilatory activity of the calcitonin gene-related peptide is being considered in Raynaud's disease and erectile disfunction of the penis; and the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone is being studied as a potential means of controlling inflammatory dermatoses of immunological origin.

[Longitudinal anthropometric study of patients treated with hemodialysis maintenance]. / Estudio antropométrico longitudinal en pacientes tratados con hemodiálisis de mantenimiento.

BACKGROUND: Protein-caloric malnutrition occurs commonly in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) therapy and can be detected by several methods. METHODS: In this work, anthropometric techniques are employed to assess the nutritional status of 15 maintenance HD ambulatory patients. Measurements of weight, triceps skinfold thickness and arm muscle area were obtained and followed at 8 and 19 months. RESULTS: In the beginning, 70% of patients had body weight within normal limits, but 53% of them showed reductions in skinfold thickness, more strikingly in women, and 87% of male patients evidenced some degree of muscle wasting. Longitudinal data showed a tendency to fat depletion. CONCLUSIONS: These results point out the need of appropriate diets in these patients to avoid further deterioration in their nutritional status.