Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cortical bone loss and fractures in the elderly.

INTRODUCTION: The role of vitamin D on bone microarchitecture and fragility is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) increases cortical bone loss and the severity of fractures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 287 elderly women with at least one prevalent low-impact fracture. METHODS: Biochemistry, X-rays to identify vertebral fractures (VFs) and to confirm non-vertebral fractures (NonVFs), and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to evaluate bone microstructure. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with body mass index (BMI: r = -0.161, P = 0.006), PTH (r = -0.165; P = 0.005), CTX (r = -0.119; P = 0.043) and vBMD at cortical bone (Dcomp: r = 0.132; P = 0.033) and entire bone (D100: r = 0.162 P = 0.009) at the distal radius, but not at the tibia. Age and PTH levels were potential confounding variables, but in the multiple linear regressions only BMI (95% CI: 0.11-4.16; P < 0.01), 25(OH)D (95% CI: -0.007 to 1.70; P = 0.05) and CTX (95% CI: -149.04 to 21.80; P < 0.01) predicted Dcomp, while BMI (95% CI: 1.13-4.18; P < 0.01) and 25(OH)D (95% CI: 0.24-1.52; P < 0.01) predicted D100. NonVFs predominated in patients with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL (P = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed a decrease in the likelihood of presenting grade 2-3 VFs/NonVFs for every increase in 25(OH)D (OR = 0.962, 95% CI: 0.940-0.984; P = 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.885-0.981; P = 0.007) and D100 at radius (OR = 0.994, 95% CI: 0.990-0.998; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with prevalent fractures, vitamin D deficiency was associated with cortical bone loss and severity of fractures.

Profile of hMSH2 expression in breast tumors and lymph nodes: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: The mismatch repair (MMR) genes play a central role for the onset of cancer. One of these genes is hMSH2. A differential hMSH2 protein expression has been detected in the mononuclear fraction of peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer when compared to healthy women. This work aims to evaluate the expression of hMSH2 in patients diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing treatment at various stages of the disease to verify its potential use as a prognostic marker. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of hMSH2 at different stages of breast cancer in 40 patients biopsy samples were analyzed. RESULTS: hMSH2 has a considerable increased expression in all groups of patients with tumors, when compared to patients without tumors. CONCLUSIONS: immunohistochemistry indeed can be a great tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer, as it is an easy and versatile technique.

Experiencia de traumatismo renal abierto en un Servicio de Urología / Experience of Open Renal Trauma in a Urology Service

Introducción: El traumatismo renal abierto alcanza en zonas urbanas entre un 15-20% del total de traumatismos renales. Es producido principalmente por armas blancas o de fuego; estas últimas son de alta energía y se asocian a lesiones en otros órganos. Se presenta nuestra experiencia en traumatismo renal abierto en los últimos 24 meses. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo. Se evaluaron los pacientes con traumatismo torácico, abdominal y toracoabdominal ingresados entre julio de 2009 y junio de 2011. Se identificaron 14 pacientes con diagnóstico de traumatismo renal abierto con confirmación diagnóstica por imágenes o durante el intraoperatorio. Resultados: Las edades oscilan entre 16 y 37 años, con un promedio de 24,5; 13 casos de 14 fueron hombres. El mecanismo del traumatismo es en un 71% (10/14) por arma de fuego y en un 29% (4/14) por arma blanca. Se clasificó el traumatismo renal según la American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, encontrándose que 3/14 (21%) corresponden a grado II, 4/14 (29%) a grado III, 4/14 (29%) a grado IV y 3/14 (21%) a grado V. El descenso de hematocrito varió entre el 1 y 27%, con un promedio de 13,9%. Se decidió un manejo conservador en 6/14 pacientes, considerándose como tal las cirugías efectuadas por lesión de órgano no urológico. Un total de 6 pacientes (42%) requirió nefrectomía. Hubo lesiones toracoabdominales asociadas en el 79%. Conclusiones: A pesar de la baja incidencia de traumatismo renal abierto, se observa un gran número de pacientes considerando otras series nacionales. Lo anterior probablemente sea debido a las características socioculturales del centro hospitalario (AU)

Introduction: Opened renal trauma in urban areas reaches 15 to 20% of all renal traumas. It is mainly caused by gunshot wounds or knifes. Gunshot wounds are classified as high energy trauma and are usually associated to other organ injuries. We present our experience in opened renal trauma in the last 24 months. Material and methods: Retrospective study: patients with thoracic, abdominal and thoraco-abdominal trauma admitted to the emergency room between July 2009 and June 2011 were studied. Fourteen patients were identified with opened renal trauma, with diagnostic confirmation by imaging study or during surgery. Results: Ages ranged from 16 to 37 years, with a mean age of 24.5 years. Thirteen patients were males. The mechanism of injury was produced by gunshot in 71% (10/14) and by knife in 29% (4/14). The opened renal traumas were classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Of these, 3/14 (21%) belonged to grade II, 4/14 (29%) to grade III, 4/14 (29%) to grade IV and 3/14 to grade V (21%). Fall in hematocrit ranged from 1% to 27%, with an average of 13.9%. Expectant management was done in six patients, however, this management did not take into account those surgeries performed due to non-urologic organ injuries. Six patients (42%) required nephrectomy. Thoraco-abdominal injuries were associated in 11 patients (79%). Conclusions: Despite the low incidence of opened renal trauma, many patients are observed when other national reports are considered, probably due to the socio-cultural characteristics of this hospital (AU)

[Experience of open renal trauma in a urology service]. / Experiencia de traumatismo renal abierto en un servicio de urología.

INTRODUCTION: Opened renal trauma in urban areas reaches 15 to 20% of all renal traumas. It is mainly caused by gunshot wounds or knifes. Gunshot wounds are classified as high energy trauma and are usually associated to other organ injuries. We present our experience in opened renal trauma in the last 24 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study: patients with thoracic, abdominal and thoraco-abdominal trauma admitted to the emergency room between July 2009 and June 2011 were studied. Fourteen patients were identified with opened renal trauma, with diagnostic confirmation by imaging study or during surgery. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 16 to 37 years, with a mean age of 24.5 years. Thirteen patients were males. The mechanism of injury was produced by gunshot in 71% (10/14) and by knife in 29% (4/14). The opened renal traumas were classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Of these, 3/14 (21%) belonged to grade II, 4/14 (29%) to grade III, 4/14 (29%) to grade IV and 3/14 to grade V (21%). Fall in hematocrit ranged from 1% to 27%, with an average of 13.9%. Expectant management was done in six patients, however, this management did not take into account those surgeries performed due to non-urologic organ injuries. Six patients (42%) required nephrectomy. Thoraco-abdominal injuries were associated in 11 patients (79%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low incidence of opened renal trauma, many patients are observed when other national reports are considered, probably due to the socio-cultural characteristics of this hospital.

Experiencia de trauma renal abierto en el Servicio de Urgencias Hospital Padre Hurtado / Open renal trauma experience in the emergency unit of Hospital Padre Hurtado

El trauma renal se presenta en el 10 por ciento de los pacientes traumatizados y se clasifica en abierto o cerrado de acuerdo a su mecanismo. El trauma renal abierto alcanza en zonas urbanas entre un 15-20 por ciento del total de traumas renales. Es producido principalmente por armas blancas o de fuego; estas últimas son de alta energía y se asocian a /lesiones de otros órganos. Se presenta nuestra experiencia en traumatismo renal abierto en los últimos 18 meses. Se evaluaron un total de 196 pacientes con traumatismo torácico, abdominal y toracoabdominal ingresados entre Julio de 2009 y Diciembre de 2010. Se identificaron 9 pacientes con diagnóstico de trauma renal abierta con confirmación diagnóstica por imágenes o durante el intraoperatorio. Las edades oscilan entre 16 y 30 años con un promedio de 22,7; 8 de 9 son de sexo masculino. El mecanismo de trauma es en un 55,5 por ciento (5/9) por arma de fuego y en un 44,5 por ciento (4/9) por arma blanca. Se clasificó el trauma renal según American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Encontrándose que 2/9 (22 por ciento) corresponden a grado ll, 3/9 (33 por ciento) a grado a grado ll,3/9 (33 por ciento) a grado IV y 1/9 (11 por ciento) a grado V. La baja de hematocrito varió entre 1 y 23 por ciento, con un promedio de 11,3 por ciento. Se decidió manejo conservador en 5/9 pacientes: dentro de esto no se consideran las cirugías efectuadas por lesión de órgano no urológico. Un total de 3 pacientes (33,3 por ciento) requirió nefrectomía. Lesiones toracoabdominales asociadas se observaron en 7 de 9 pacientes, siendo las más frecuentes el Bazo (2), Hígado (2), Estómago (2), Diafragma (2) y Colon (2). No hubo muertes en el grupo de estudio en seguimiento de 6 /meses. A pesar de la baja incidencia de trauma renal abierto, se observa un gran número de pacientes considerando otras series nacionales. La anterior, probablemente debido a las características socioculturales del centro hospitalario...

Renal trauma is present in 10 percent of politraumatized patients. It’s classified into opened or closed renal trauma, according to its mechanism. Opened renal trauma in urban areas reaches 15ta 20 percent of all renal traumas. It’s mainly secondary to gunshot wounds or knifes. Gunshot wounds are classified as hi energy trauma and usually are associated to other organ lesions. We present our experience in opened renal trauma in the last 18 months. Retrospective study where 196 patients with thoracic, abdominal and thoraco-abdominal trauma admitted in the emergency room between July 2009 and December 201 0. Nine patients were identified with opened renal trauma, with diagnostic confirmation y imaging study o during surgery. The ages ranged between 16 and 30 years; with an average of 22, 7 years. Eight out of nine patients were males. The mechanism of injury was in 55.5 percent (5/9) produced by gunshot and 44.5 percent (4/9) by knife. The opened renal traumas were classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. We found that 2/9 (22 percent) belonged to grade ll. 3/9 (33 percent) to grade lll. 3/9 (33 percent) to grade IV and 1/9 to grade V (11 percent). The drop in hematocrit ranged between 1percent and 23percent, with an average of 11.3 percent. Five out of nine patients were treated conservatively, excluding surgeries because of neurologic¡ organs. Three patients required nephrectomy. Seven out of nine patients presented association with thoraco-abdominat injuries. The most frequent were spleen (2), liver (2), stomach (2), and diaphragm (2), and colon (2). There was no mortality during a six months follow-up. Despite the low incidence of opened renal trauma, we present a large number of patients according to other national reports, probably due to socio-cultural environment of this hospital...

Decreased collagen types I and IV, laminin, CK-19 and α-SMA expression after bone marrow cell transplantation in rats with liver fibrosis.

Bone marrow cells have frequently been tested in animal models of liver fibrosis to assess their role in hepatic regeneration. The mononuclear fraction of bone marrow cells is of particular interest, as many studies show that these cells may be beneficial to treat hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we used the bile duct ligation model to induce hepatic fibrosis in an irreversible manner, and rats were treated with bone marrow mononuclear (BMMN) cells after fibrosis was established. Analysis of collagen types I and IV, laminin and α-SMA showed a decreased expression of these proteins in fibrotic livers after 7 days of BMMN cell injection. Moreover, cytokeratin-19 analysis showed a reduction in bile ducts in the BMMN cell-treated group. These results were accompanied by ameliorated levels of hepatic enzymes GPT (Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), GOT (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Therefore, we showed that BMMN cells decrease hepatic fibrosis by significantly reducing myofibroblast numbers and through reduction of the collagen and laminin-rich extracellular matrix of fibrotic septa and hepatic sinusoids.

Antiprolactin autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: frequency and correlation with prolactinemia and disease activity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (1) the frequency of antiprolactin (anti-PRL) autoantibodies, and (2) the relationships among anti-PRL autoantibodies, serum prolactin (PRL) levels, and lupus activity. METHODS: In a cross sectional study 259 consecutive patients with SLE were tested for serum PRL levels and anti-PRL autoantibodies based on disease activity. RESULTS: The frequency of anti-PRL was 5% (13/259), and all SLE patients with anti-PRL had hyperprolactinemia. There was lupus activity in 110 patients (42.5%) and there was no significant difference in frequency of anti-PRL autoantibodies between patients with or without lupus activity (5.5 vs 4.7%; p = 0.99). Only a high level of serum PRL was associated with lupus activity independent from other studied variables (p = 0.024). There was a negative but nonsignificant correlation between the titers of anti-PRL autoantibody and SLEDAI (r(s) = -0.16, p = 0.59). Anti-PRL positive patients had higher levels of serum PRL than anti-PRL negative patients (33.2+/-13.8 vs 11.6+/-13.2 ng/ml; p = 0.0001) and a significantly different frequency of hyperprolactinemia (100 vs 11.4%; p = 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The presence of anti-PRL autoantibodies was associated with hyperprolactinemic status and high serum PRL levels; these data suggest that anti-PRL autoantibodies could be the cause of hyperprolactinemia in a subset of patients with SLE. An increase in serum PRL levels proved to be an important independent factor related to lupus activity, but there was no relationship between anti-PRL autoantibodies and lupus activity.

Persistence of macroprolactinemia due to antiprolactin autoantibody before, during, and after pregnancy in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with marked increases in circulating 150-kDa PRL was studied from before conception, throughout pregnancy, and after pregnancy. The clinical features of the patient included idiopathic hyperprolactinemia without clinical symptoms such as amenorrhea and galactorrhea before pregnancy. No clinical lupus activity was present during follow-up. Serum PRL increase during pregnancy in this patient was considerably higher at weeks 27 and 33 than in normal pregnant women. In contrast, serum-free PRL levels were considerably lower at weeks 20, 27, and 33 than in normal pregnant women. A 150-kDa PRL (big big PRL) species persisted as the predominant circulating form of PRL throughout each measurement in this woman with SLE. In contrast, the predominant form of PRL in serum from healthy pregnant women was little PRL (or monomeric PRL). The nature of big big PRL was due to the presence of anti-PRL autoantibodies forming an IgG-23 kDa PRL complex, in accordance with the studies by affinity chromatography for IgG and Western blot analysis. The IgG-PRL complex was fully bioactive in vitro (Nb2 rat lymphoma cell assay). Injection of the serum into the rats demonstrated that the IgG-PRL complex was cleared more slowly than serum containing predominantly monomeric PRL. The data suggest that the IgG-PRL complex has biological activity; the absence of symptoms in this woman may be attributed to the fact that due to its large molecular weight, big big PRL does not easily cross the capillary walls. Delayed clearance may account for increased serum PRL levels in this SLE patient with anti-PRL autoantibodies.

Detection of macroprolactinemia with the polyethylene glycol precipitation test in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with hyperprolactinemia.

The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of the percentage of serum prolactin (PRL) precipitated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the detection of macroprolactinemia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with hyperprolactinemia. Serum samples from SLE patients were examined. Serum PRL was measured by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and samples with hyperprolactinemia (> 20 ng/ml) were submitted to PEG precipitation, gel filtration chromatography and affinity chromatography with protein-G sepharose. A comparative survey was used. Among 259 consecutive serum samples from SLE patients, PRL was > 20.1 ng/ml in 43 samples (16.6%). Gel filtration showed a predominant pattern of macroprolactinemia (> 100 kDa) in 14 (32.6%), a predominant pattern of monomeric PRL (23 kDa) in 27 (62.7%), and a variable pattern in two (4.7%). All sera with a predominant pattern of macroprolactinemia displayed anti-PRL autoantibodies by affinity chromatography for IgG. The best cut-off point for percentage of serum PRL precipitated with PEG for detection of macroprolactinemia was > or = 58.4%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 96.6%, respectively. We can conclude that PEG precipitation is a convenient and simple procedure to screen for the presence of macroprolactinemia in sera from SLE patients. Precipitations > or = 58.4% are indicative of the presence of, and those < 50% the absence of, macroprolactinemia. However, samples with precipitations between 50 and 58.3% require gel filtration chromatography to characterize the predominant molecular form of PRL. Therefore, it is important to take these findings into account in future studies that aim to establish a relationship between PRL and disease activity in SLE.

Differences in the number of micronucleated erythrocytes among young and adult animals including humans. Spontaneous micronuclei in 43 species.

In our previous report we speculated about the possibility that some species had high levels of spontaneous micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) just in a juvenile stage, this is, that the MNE diminish as the reticuloendothelial system matures. Here we show this effect in species including rat, rabbit, pig, dog, cat, gray squirrel, lion, giraffe, white-tailed deer, opossum and even human. The number of spontaneous MNE that we found in 43 species is shown, and the proportions of polychromatic and normochromatic. This is our third report on spontaneous MNE in different species. We obtained 189 peripheral blood samples of mammals, birds and reptiles. From 12 species we obtained only one sample, and 16 were reported previously, but now the size of the sample has been increased. The species with the highest spontaneous MNE were the Vietnamese potbelly pig (with the highest MNE number), Bengal tiger, capuchin monkey, puma, ferret, owl, hedgehog, squirrel monkey, pig and white-tailed deer. These species could be used as monitors for genotoxic events.

Frequency of macroprolactinemia due to autoantibodies against prolactin in pregnant women.

The frequency of macroprolactinemia related to the presence of anti-PRL autoantibodies in the serum of 209 healthy women at different stages of pregnancy was studied. Measurements were taken of serum PRL concentrations before and after chromatographic separation (gel filtration and affinity with proteins A and G) and extraction of free PRL with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Sera from 8 of the 209 women (3.8%) were found to have a significantly high proportion of precipitated PRL by PEG (macroprolactinemia); in these patients, gel filtration showed that a substantial amount of big big PRL (molecular mass >100 kDa) was present (19.0--78.2% vs. 3.8-4.9%, P = 0.009 in normal pregnant women with a normal proportion of precipitated PRL by PEG). The presence of macroprolactinemia was attributable to anti-PRL autoantibodies in 5 of the 8 women. Comparison of serum levels of direct and free PRL between women with macroprolactinemia related to anti-PRL autoantibodies and women without macroprolactinemia showed significant differences (direct PRL: 270.2 +/- 86.9 vs. 203.4 +/- 69.0 microg/L, P = 0.04; and free PRL: 107.0 +/- 75.9 vs. 173.3 +/- 67.6 microg/L, P = 0.002). On the other hand, there was no difference between women with macroprolactinemia not related to anti-PRL autoantibodies and women with macroprolactinemia caused by anti-PRL autoantibodies, nor was there a difference between women with macroprolactinemia not related to anti-PRL autoantibodies and women without macroprolactinemia. There was a positive correlation between titers of the anti-PRL autoantibody and serum PRL levels (r = 0.82, P = 0.09). The presence of the anti-PRL autoantibody had no relation to the patient's age, stage of gestation, or number of previous pregnancies. We concluded that the frequency of macroprolactinemia was 3.8% among healthy, pregnant women, which was caused by a anti-PRL autoantibodies in 62.5% of the cases. The autoantibodies were found in the bloodstream, forming a PRL-IgG complex, in accordance with the following observations: 1) immunoreactive PRL on gel filtration was eluted in the fractions corresponding to the molecular mass of IgG (150 kDa); 2) a significantly high proportion of immunoreactive PRL was retained on an affinity gel for IgG (proteins A and G); and 3) a significantly high proportion of serum PRL bound to IgG was precipitated by protein A. There was a positive correlation between titers of anti-PRL autoantibodies and serum PRL levels. Serum levels of total PRL were higher, and serum levels of free PRL were lower, in pregnant women with anti-PRL autoantibodies than in pregnant women without macroprolactinemia.

Epidermal growth factor and gastrin in scleroderma/CREST syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and gastrin (GA) in saliva, serum, and urine in scleroderma (Scl) and CREST syndrome. METHODS: EGF and GA levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in saliva, serum and urine in 10 patients (51 years, median; range, 35-66 years); 9 females and 1 male with Scl, 3 females with CREST syndrome, and 18 age- and sex-matched controls, 17 females and 1 male free of any systemic inflammatory disease. RESULTS: In serum, the EGF was lower in Scl/CREST than controls (p = 0.02), while GA serum concentrations were higher in Scl/CREST (p = 0.02). In urine, EGF in Scl/CREST was slightly lower than controls (p = NS) and GA concentrations were higher than controls (p = 0.03). In saliva, the EGF levels in Scl/CREST were also slightly lower than controls (p = NS), while GA concentrations in both Scl/CREST and controls were not different (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Low concentrations of EGF in serum probably play a role in the pathogenesis of Scl/CREST. GA concentration can be increased as a consequence of the low levels of EGF because of the structural homology of this peptide with urogastrone, a GA inhibitor factor.

[Participation of hormones and regulating factors in implantation and development of the fetoplacental unit]. / Participación de hormonas y factores reguladores de la implantación y el desarrollo de la unidad fetoplacentaria.

Although the embryo has a genetic program of its own development in order that development and embryonic differentiation take place, as well as normal gestation, a series of coordinated interactions between embryo and the mother, should be established; which are mediated by chemical messengers, autocrine, paracrine and endocrine. In this study, hormonal participation and regulating factors of implantation, and the feto-placental unit development, are analyzed.

[Rosette-forming lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of normal children]. / Linfocitos formadores de rosetas en sangre periférica de niños normales.

The study included 180 healthy children distributted into age groups from newborns to 16 years of age. The subpopulations of early E and EAC (T and B) rosette forming lymphocytes were determined. It was found that the main difference is placed in percentual mean values of the newborn where the value of T lymphocytes is less than for the rest of the ages studied, remaining stable beginning at the age of one year. In newborns, the values of B lymphocytes are greater; later, they drop but remain stable also since the age of one.