Development of a hybrid cell for energy production.

This study focuses on the development of a new hybrid biological material to be applied in the production of electrical energy. These organo-metallic cells are constituted by cyanobacteria (Fischerella muscicola) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were obtained by green synthesis using the extract of the fruit of theBerberis halliiplant as reducing agent with two different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3), 1 and 10 mM. The morphology, physicochemical and electrical properties of the cyanobacteria with and without AgNPs were evaluated. To verify the efficacy of this new material, and the effect of the medium used, Nitrofoska or BG-11, the growth kinetics was evaluated by UV-vis up tot= 63 d with and without renewal of the culture medium and O2/CO2exchange. Through morphological characterizations ofFischerella muscicolait was possible to identify the presence of an associated bacterium identified using molecular techniques asPseudomona guguanensithat could act as a supporting organism in the growth of this cyanobacteria. The studies carried out did not shown cell toxicity for the cultures that have AgNPs and on the other hand, it was observed that the hybrid cells (Cy-AgNPs) are electron carriers recording an increase of up to 57% and 18% in their electrical potential with BG-11 and Nitrofoska culture media, respectively and an increase in the anodic current peak of 6.5% of Cy-AgNPs respect to onlyF. musicola.

Gastric Plication and Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Experimental Model of Obesity: New Insights into Weight Loss, Intake and Metabolic Results.

AIM: Laparoscopic gastric plication (LGP) is a bariatric surgical technique based on the anatomical principles of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), but its effects on the metabolic profile are still uncertain. The aim of our study is to compare the changes in weight, metabolic parameters and gastric histology following intervention by gastric plication (GP) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in an experimental model of obesity. METHODS: To conduct the study, 32 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River®) were fattened by means of a cafeteria diet and randomly assigned to the following experimental groups: group 1: GP (n = 12); group 2: SG (n = 12) and group 3: sham (n = 8). RESULTS: Unlike the SG group, the GP group attained the weight of the sham group at the end of the experiment (week 16). The GP group continued to eat more cafeteria diet than the SG group. In addition, the SG group achieved better glycaemic control than the GP group. Significantly higher plasma ghrelin levels were observed at week 16 in the GP group than in the SG group (2.29 ± 0.5 vs 1.07 ± 0.4, p < 0.05), which also occurred for the glucagon plasmatic levels (62.71 ± 36.2 vs 24.63 ± 9.3, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GP is not as effective as SG and cannot be considered a metabolic surgery due to observed hormonal variations. The animals subjected to a GP continued to have a high appetite for the cafeteria diet unlike the animals submitted to an SG. Hormonal mechanisms possibly related to glucagon and ghrelin may be involved in this metabolic response.

Analysis of Gastric Physiology After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) With or Without Antral Preservation in Relation to Metabolic Response: a Randomised Study.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most common techniques in bariatric surgery, but there is no consensus on the optimal distance from the pylorus to start the gastric transection. The aim of this study is to determine the differences in gastric emptying, gastric distension and metabolic response between two starting distances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomised study of 60 patients (30 patients with the section at 3 cm and 30 patients at 8 cm from the pylorus). We calculate at 6 and 12 months from surgery gastric emptying by scintigraphy (T1/2 min), gastric volume by CT scan (cc) and metabolic response by blood sample analysis (glucose, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, GLP-1, GIP and C-peptide). RESULTS: Gastric emptying increases the speed significantly in both groups but is greater in the 3-cm group (p < 0.05). Dividing groups into type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients, the speed in non-diabetic patients is significantly higher for the 3-cm group. Residual volume increases significantly in both groups, and there are no differences between them. One year after surgery, there are significant improvements in the hyperinsulinaemia in the patients of the 3-cm group with respect to the 8-cm group, but only in diabetic patients. No differences between groups are found regarding changes in GLP-1 or GIP. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric emptying is faster in patients with antrum resection. The distance does not influence the gastric emptying of diabetic patients. Other mechanisms may explain metabolic response besides GLP-1 and its association with improvements in diabetes via gastric emptying.

Mapping of the circulating metabolome reveals α-ketoglutarate as a predictor of morbid obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity severely affects human health, and the accompanying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid and non-invasive methods to detect this condition may substantially improve clinical care. METHODS: We used liquid and gas chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-QTOF-MS) analysis in a non-targeted metabolomics approach on the plasma from morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery to gain a comprehensive measure of metabolite levels. On the basis of these findings, we developed a method (GC-QTOF-MS) for the accurate quantification of plasma α-ketoglutarate to explore its potential as a novel biomarker for the detection of NAFLD. RESULTS: Plasma biochemical differences were observed between patients with and without NAFLD indicating that the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes decreased ß-oxidation energy production, reduced liver function and altered glucose metabolism. The results obtained from the plasma analysis suggest pathophysiological insights that link lipid and glucose disturbances with α-ketoglutarate. Plasma α-ketoglutarate levels are significantly increased in obese patients compared with lean controls. Among obese patients, the measurement of this metabolite differentiates between those with or without NAFLD. Data from the liver were consistent with data from plasma. Clinical utility was assessed, and the results revealed that plasma α-ketoglutarate is a fair-to-good biomarker in patients (n=230). Other common laboratory liver tests used in routine application did not favourably compare. CONCLUSION: Plasma α-ketoglutarate is superior to common liver function tests in obese patients as a surrogate biomarker of NAFLD. The measurement of this biomarker may potentiate the search for a therapeutic approach, may decrease the need for liver biopsy and may be useful in the assessment of disease progression.

Diabetes surgery in type 2 BMI 24-29 vs IMC 30-34 diabetic patients: is there differences among restrictive, malabsorptive and gastric bypass procedures?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a public health problem with a prevalence of 345 million people worldwide that it may double by the year 2030 and have a high costs and mortality. Gastrointestinal surgery is accepted as a form of treatment that was already suggested for obese in 1987 by Pories, confirmed for obese patients by the metaanalysis of Buchwald and the direct comparison of gastric bypass with medical treatment in the study of Schauer that demonstrate a 4 fold greater resolution rate of DM with surgery. Improvement occurs immediately after surgery, before the patients lose weight in with BMI > 35; but there is doubt if the existent evidence is enough to extrapolate these results to patients with BMI < 35 and especially with BMI < 30, in spite that four reviews in patients with this BMI and DM2 demonstrated the same results when stomach, duodenum and part of jejunum is bypassed as happen gastric bypass (better results with this of one anastomosis than of two anastomosis, Roux-en-Y) BPD. For patients with a BMI between 30 and 35 restrictive techniques: LAGB and SGL are good but not better than the mixed: RYGB, BAGUA, or SG-DJB with remission from 60 to 100%, minor in the derivative: BPD and above on the IID with a 81% of remission. There are no differences in the metabolic control in comparison to the obese, It is progressively better with DJB, SDS, IID and BAGUA especially in patients who do not require insulin, have less time with disease, have normal C peptide levels, and not so much relation with the initial BMI that is only important to decide the degree of restriction. Although several mechanisms has been suggested for explaining these results such as caloric intake, hormonal changes, bypass of the anterior or early stimulation of posterior intestine, fundectomy, intestinal gluconeogenesis and others, new ones will appear in the near future.

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es un problema de salud pública, con una prevalencia de 345 millones de personas, que puede duplicarse para el año 2030 y con importante repercusión en costes y mortalidad. La cirugía gastrointestinal es aceptada como una forma de tratamiento sugerida en obesos desde 1987 por Pories, y confirmada por el meta-análisis de Buchwald y la comparación directa del bypass gástrico con el mejor tratamiento médico en el estudio de Schauer que pone de manifiesto un índice de remisión 4 veces mayor con la cirugía. La mejoría ocurre inmediatamente después de la cirugía, antes de la pérdida de peso en pacientes con IMC > 35; pero hay duda si la evidencia existente es suficiente para extrapolar estos resultados a pacientes con IMC < 35 y especialmente con IMC < 30, a pesar de existir cuatro revisiones en pacientes con este IMC y DM2 que demuestran los mismos resultados que en obesos cuando se puentea estómago, duodeno y parte del yeyuno como pasa en el bypass gástrico y la DBP. Para pacientes con IMC entre 30 y 35 las técnicas restrictivas: BGAL Y GVL son buenas pero no superiores a las mixtas: BGYR, BAGUA o GV-BDY con remisión desde 60 a 100%, menor en las derivativas: DBP y mayor en la IID con un 81% de remisión. En pacientes con sobrepeso no existen diferencias en el control metabólico respecto a los obesos. Es progresivamente mejor con DBP, CDC, IID y BAGUA sobre todo en pacientes que no requieren insulina, tienen menos tiempo con la enfermedad o con un nivel de peptido C normal, factores determinantes y no así el IMC inicial que sólo influye en el volumen de restricción. Aunque se han sugerido distintos mecanismos para explicar los resultados como ingesta calórica, hormonales, teoría del intestino anterior o posterior, fundectomía , neoglucogénesis intestinal y otros, aparecerán más en un futuro no lejano.

Liver lipocalin 2 expression in severely obese women with non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has been related to obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance. However, its relation with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has hardly been studied. METHODS: We examined LCN2 circulating levels and its protein and gene expression in liver from women with severe obesity and NAFLD. We analyzed the liver histology of 59 white severely obese women (BMI ≥40 Kg/m²): 15 subjects presented normal liver histology or non-significant liver disease (NL), 18 simple steatosis (SS) and 26 non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We determined the anthropometric and metabolic features of the women. LCN2 levels were determined by an ELISA and liver mRNA expression by real time RT-PCR. We also studied LCN2 expression in HepG2 liver cells under various inflammatory stimuli. RESULTS: Liver LCN2 protein and gene expression were higher in NAFLD than in obese with NL. Liver LCN2 gene expression correlated with SS (r=0.351, p=0.016), and its protein expression correlated with NASH (r=0.705, p=0.003). LCN2 expression was detected in HepG2 cells after the administration of TNFα, IL6, resistin or adiponectin. LCN2 expression was induced by TNFα, IL6 and resistin. CONCLUSIONS: Liver LCN2 is related to NAFLD in severely obese women. Up-regulation of LCN2 expression is detected in HepG2 cells after exposure to TNFα, IL6 and resistin. These results suggest that LCN2 expression is induced under liver harmful conditions.

Homozygous Hb Stanleyville-II [alpha2 78(EF7) Asn>Lys; HBA2:c.237C>A, not C>G] associated with genotype -α 3.7/-α 3.7 in two Brazilian families.

INTRODUCTION: Several hemoglobin variants have electrophoretic behavior similar to hemoglobin S, which may lead to false diagnosis for sickle-cell disorders in newborn screening programs. A homozygous hemoglobin with S mobility was detected in two unrelated babies in Brazil. METHODS: Isoelectric focusing and high-performance liquid chromatography assays, gene sequencing, and restriction fragment length polymorphism with AfeI were used to characterize the hemoglobin. RESULTS: Hb Stanleyville-II and -α(3.7) /-α(3.7) type I deletion in the α-globin gene was diagnosed. Parents were heterozygous for both Hb Stanleyville-II and α-thalassemia. Hypochromia and microcytosis were probably due to the homozygous α-thalassemia. CONCLUSION: Stanleyville-II gene mutation is HBA2:c.237C>A, or C>G, and this information on the Globin Gene Server should be updated; AfeI test is a fast and accurate method to detect it; NBS programs should consider the possibility of Hb Stanleyville-II whenever IEF shows one band in the HbS position, and another one between S and C.

Frequency of 8 CFTR gene mutations in cystic fibrosis patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, diagnosed by neonatal screening

The nature and frequency of cystic fibrosis mutations in Brazil is not uniform due to the highly varied ethnic composition of the population. The average frequency of the F508del mutation has been reported to be 48.6 percent. Other common mutations in Brazil are G542X, R1162X, and N1303K. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of 8 mutations (F508del, G542X, R1162X, N1303K, W1282X, G85E, 3120+1G>A, and 711+1G>T) in a sample of 111 newborn patients with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by the Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program of Minas Gerais State. The mutations were tested by allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR with specially designed primers. An allele frequency of 48.2 percent was observed for the F508del mutation, and allele frequencies of 5.41, 4.50, 4.05, and 3.60 percent were found for the R1162X, G542X, 3120+1G>A, and G85E mutations, respectively. The genotypes obtained were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These data demonstrate that the 8-mutation panel studied here has extensive coverage (68 percent) for the cystic fibrosis mutations in Minas Gerais. These data improve our knowledge of cystic fibrosis in Brazil, particularly in this region. In addition, this investigation contributed to the establishment of a sensitive and population-specific mutation panel, which can be helpful for molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Frequency of 8 CFTR gene mutations in cystic fibrosis patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, diagnosed by neonatal screening.

The nature and frequency of cystic fibrosis mutations in Brazil is not uniform due to the highly varied ethnic composition of the population. The average frequency of the F508del mutation has been reported to be 48.6%. Other common mutations in Brazil are G542X, R1162X, and N1303K. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of 8 mutations (F508del, G542X, R1162X, N1303K, W1282X, G85E, 3120+1G>A, and 711+1G>T) in a sample of 111 newborn patients with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by the Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program of Minas Gerais State. The mutations were tested by allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR with specially designed primers. An allele frequency of 48.2% was observed for the F508del mutation, and allele frequencies of 5.41, 4.50, 4.05, and 3.60% were found for the R1162X, G542X, 3120+1G>A, and G85E mutations, respectively. The genotypes obtained were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. These data demonstrate that the 8-mutation panel studied here has extensive coverage (68%) for the cystic fibrosis mutations in Minas Gerais. These data improve our knowledge of cystic fibrosis in Brazil, particularly in this region. In addition, this investigation contributed to the establishment of a sensitive and population-specific mutation panel, which can be helpful for molecular diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

One hundred one simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations: long-term outcomes at a single center.

INTRODUCTION: Among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease, simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation is associated with increased survival compared with solitary kidney transplants or dialysis. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study was performed on 101 consecutive SPK transplantation performed in our center over the last 20 years. We excluded six pancreas alone, eight pancreas after kidney, and four retransplantations. We analyzed demographic characteristics and patient and graft survivals. We also compared patient and pancreatic graft survivals between three periods: 1989 to 1999, 2000 to 2003, and 2004 to 2007. In the first period, bladder drainage was performed in all patients. In the second and third periods, it was replaced by enteric drainage. RESULTS: Overall patient survival was 83.2%. Kidney graft loss occurred in 12 (11.8%) patients and pancreas graft loss in 21 (20.7%) patients. Overall pancreatic graft survival was 79.2% with a 1-year value of 87.1%. By periods, pancreatic graft survival was 75% during the bladder drainage era; 76.9% in the second period; and 85.7% in the third period (P = .88). CONCLUSION: SPK transplantations in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease were associated with improving pancreas graft survival throughout the study period.

Evaluación de la actividad hipotensora del Maytenus krukovii (chuchuhuasi) en rata conciente / Maytenus krukovii (chuchuhuasi) effects on blood pressure and cardiac frequency in conscious rats

Maytenus krukovii (chuchuhuasi), oriunda de la amazonía sudamericana, tradicionalmente se le atribuye acción analgesica, antiinflamatoria, afrodisíaca entre otros; investigaciones reportan acción analgésica con intermediación de receptores opiáceos, efecto antipirético, antiinflamatorio y gastroprotector. El presente estudio experimental indagó acerca de la acción sobre la presión arterial y frecuencia cardiaca del chuchuhasi en rata conciente. Se utilizaron 10 ratas albinas machos, a las que se les administró vía oral, 1000 mg/kg de extracto metanolico de chuchuhuasi, se registraron básales y controles de presión arterial y frecuencia cardiaca a las 1, 3, 4 y 24 horas, utilizando el LE 5000 Meter Pressure. Los resultados obtenidos muestran comparados con los valores basáles, actividad hipotensora del Maytenus Krukovii destacándose el máximo efecto a la hora de administración arterial sistólica (238 vs. 181 mmhg), diastolica (200 vs 129 nmhg) y media (299 vs 187 mmhg); respecto a la frecuencia cardiaca Maytenus Krukovii mostró actividad bradicárdica, siendo su máximo efecto a las 3 horas de administrar el chuchuhuasi (430 vs 386 latidos por minutos). Se concluye en que Maytenus krukovii presenta acción hipotensora y cronotropa negativa.

Maytenus krukovii (chuchuhuasi), is originary from the South America Amazonian Forest, traditionally anti-inflammatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac proporties are atributed to this plant. Research reports suggest analgesic action by intermediation of opioid receptors, antipyretic effect, antiinflammatory and gastro protective actions. The presente experimental study inquited about the action of chuchuhuasi on blood pressure and cardiac frequency on conscious rats. Ten male albino rats were administered orally with 1000 mg/kg of methanolic extract of chuchuhuasi. Basal blood pressure and cardiac frequency were registared alt hour 1, 3, 4 and 24, using LE 5000 Meter Pressure. Results obtained show comparative values regarding basal values, with hipontensive activity of Maytenus krukovii. The maximum values is detected at the first hour of administration, systolic blood pressure (238 vs. 181 mmHg), diastolic (200 vs. 129 NMHG) and media (299 vs. 187 mmHg); were obtained. Redarding cardiac frequency, Maytenus krukowii showed bradychardic activity the highest effect recorded after 3 hours (430 vs. 386 beats/minute). We conclude that Maytenus krukovii has hypotensive action and negative chronotropic effects.

Cancer incidence and survival in kidney transplant patients.

Immunosuppression after organ transplantation is associated with a markedly increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and malignancies, including posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and solid organ cancer. This study sought to investigate the incidence of malignancies and the clinical characteristics and risk factors of the renal transplant patients with solid organ tumors and NMSC. We included 1017 patients who received a kidney transplant in our hospital from 1979 to 2007. Results were contrasted with a cohort of patients from the same center without malignancies. The mean follow-up of patients in our series was 10 years. The mean age at presentation of the malignancy was 61 +/- 5 years. The malignancy and NMSC incidences were 6% and 5%, respectively. Patients with malignancy had a longer posttransplant time and greater recipient and donor age. In the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for developing NMSC were: male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 3.1, P = .004); greater patient age (HR 1.09, P < .001), longer posttransplant time (HR 1.2, P = .004) and tacrolimus treatment (HR 4.4, P = .001). Risk factors associated with developing any malignancy were: patient age (HR 1.06, P < .001), number of grafts (HR 3.2, P = .019), tacrolimus treatment (HR 2.5, P = .035), and time posttransplantation (HR 1.2, P = .011). The mean times to development of an NMSC, solid organ malignancy, on PTLD were 7.5, 6.1, or 3.9 years, respectively. The mean survival time from the diagnosis of any malignancy was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval, 0.12-30) for solid organ malignancies and 1 month (95% confidence interval, 0.24-1.87) for PTLD.

Renal function in patients with cadaveric kidney transplants treated with tacrolimus or cyclosporine.

INTRODUCTION: Renal function predicts graft survival in kidney transplant patients. This study compared the 2-year evolution of renal function in patients treated with cyclosporine or tacrolimus in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone. METHODS: We studied 1558 cadaveric renal transplant recipients from 14 Spanish hospitals between January 2000 and December 2002. Of these, 1168 were treated with tacrolimus and 390 with cyclosporine. The primary efficacy endpoint was long-term renal function. Renal function was measured by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by creatinine clearance calculated from the Cockcroft-Gault formula. This report summarizes the 2-year results. RESULTS: At 24 months the tacrolimus group showed significantly better serum creatinine (1.5 +/- 0.7 vs 1.8 +/- 0.8 mg/dL, P < .001) and GFR (60.5 +/- 20.9 mL/min vs 47.9 +/- 10.0, P < .001) than the cyclosporine group. Additionally, recipients with ideal graft donors (23.5 +/- 2.8 vs 24.0 +/- 2.9 years) had a better serum creatinine at 2 years (1.23 +/- 0.2 vs 1.5 +/- 0.4 mg/dL, P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that tacrolimus was an independent factor associated with better renal function: odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval (1.2 to 2.2), P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a renal transplant treated with tacrolimus in combination with MMF and prednisone displayed better renal function at 2 years than those who received cyclosporine.

Estudio retrospectivo de las denuncias por malpraxis* médica en la provincia de Málaga / Retrospective study of medical malpractice suits in the province of Malaga (Spain)

Las denuncias contra los médicos son cada vez más frecuentes. Un hecho que hasta hace poco era relativamente anecdótico, se ha convertido en una situación jurídica habitual en la actualidad. El propósito de este estudio es recopilar los datos que desde nuestro punto de vista son más relevantes, de los existentes en los archivos del IML de Málaga, correspondientes a las denuncias por malpraxis en esta provincia. El objetivo es realizar una aproximación global, dada la nueva estructura del trabajo medico legal, a determinados aspectos periciales y aportar nuevos criterios a la hora de realizar dichas periciales. Al mismo tiempo se analiza la práctica de la medicina en esta provincia y su relación con los pacientes

Suits against doctors are now more frequent than ever. A situation that was almost anecdotic some years ago have become very common nowadays. The aim of this study is to compile main data which, from our point of view, are more relevant of the obtained from the files of the Institute of Legal Medicine of Malaga (Spain) related to the medical malpractice suits in this province. The objective is to carry out an approach, taken into account the new structure of the medico-legal work, to some expert witness report and to propose new criteria to perform those evaluations. At the same time, the practice of medicine in this province and its relation with the patients are analyzed

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus in renal allograft recipients: A prospective multicenter study at 2 years.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation (PTDM). A total of 1783 nondiabetic renal allograft recipients transplanted from January 2000 to December 2002 were included. Diabetes was diagnosed following American Diabetes Association criteria. While 1276 patients were treated with tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and steroids, 507 patients received cyclosporine-ME (CsA), MMF, and steroids. PTDM incidence at 6, 12, and 24 months was 14.2%, 12.8%, and 13.3%, respectively. Cumulative incidence during the follow-up was 21.6%. Only 121 of the diabetic patients (47.6%) at 6 months remained diabetic at 24 months. Furthermore, 60 patients of 116 patients on insulin at 6 months (51.7%) remained on treatment at 24 months. The cumulative incidence of PTDM was similar in the two immunosuppressive treatments (19.7% on CsA-MMF vs 22.3% on Tac-MMF; P = NS). However, at 24 months, 14 of 50 diabetic patients on CsA-MMF (28%) and 74 of 161 patients on Tac-MMF (45.9%) were on insulin treatment (P < .05). By Cox regression analysis, age older than 60 years (RR 1.61; 95%CI 1.28-2.04; P < .001), body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 at transplantation (RR 1.66; 95%CI 1.27-2.16; P < .001), and immunosuppression with Tac (RR 1.30; 95%CI 1.02-1-66; P = .033) were associated with PTDM. In conclusions, the incidence of PTDM at 24 months in immunosuppressive protocols including MMF is about 22%, and it is associated with older age, increased BMI, and immnunosuppression with Tac.

[Acute rejection of kidney transplant is associated with induction of replicative senescence in CD8+ T lymphocytes]. / Senescencia replicativa en células T CD8+ de pacientes con rechazo agudo en trasplante renal.

Acute renal rejection repeatedly activates immunocompromised CD8 + T cells. Maintained activation of CD8 + T cells can induce a process of replicative senescence. In the present study, we will evaluate in CD8 lymphocytes from patients undergoing acute renal rejection characteristics of replicative senescence such as: a) low expression of CD28 molecule; b) telomere shortening and c) increase production of proinflammatory cytokines. The study was carried out in CD8 + T cells from 14 patients transplanted without clinical evidences of acute renal rejection, 14 patients kidney transplanted with clinical and anatomopathological evidences of acute renal rejection, 8 healthy controls. The results shown that in peripheral blood and renal biopsy of patients with acute renal rejection there is a significant increment of the population of T cells CD28-CD8+, with short telomere length, as compared with healthy controls and patients without acute renal rejection. The presence of senescent cells was associated with high levels of IL-10 and IFN-Y in plasma and urine. In conclusion our study suggest that the CD8 + T cells of patients with acute renal rejection suffer a process of replicative senescence.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue cytokine production is not responsible for the restoration of systemic inflammation markers during weight loss.

CONTEXT: It has been suggested that weight loss can improve systemic inflammation associated with obesity by decreasing the adipose production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This suggestion, however, remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of weight loss on peripheral inflammatory markers and subcutaneous adipocytokine production. DESIGN: Patients were studied at baseline, at the end of the weight loss period, and after 2 weeks of weight stabilisation. SUBJECTS: Nineteen morbid obese non-diabetic patients and 20 lean control subjects. INTERVENTION: During the weight loss period patients followed a 6-week low-calorie diet. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma levels of inflammatory markers, maximal in vitro whole-blood cytokine production, subcutaneous adipose tissue expression and content of several cytokines. RESULTS: Obese subjects had higher circulating levels of C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin IL-6, IL-1 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR). Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in CRP, SAA, leucocytes and plasma IL-6. Maximal in vitro cytokine production of IL-1 and sTNFR1 increased during this period. Weight loss did not induce significant changes in the adipose concentrations of IL-6, IL-1 or sTNF-receptors. However, adipose expression of IL-6, IL-1, TNFalpha, membrane cofactor protein-1 and adiponectin increased at the end of the weight loss period. During weight maintenance, circulating inflammatory parameters increased and in some cases returned to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A low-calorie diet is associated with an improvement in the systemic inflammatory status. This seems to be due to energy restriction rather than to adipose mass loss, since inflammatory levels return to baseline soon after weight stabilisation. Furthermore, a negative energy balance and fat mobilisation are associated with increased subcutaneous cytokine adipose expression.

Comparison between a two-drug regimen with tacrolimus and steroids and a triple one with azathioprine in kidney transplantation: results of a European trial with 3-year follow up.

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of two immunosuppressant regimens in kidney transplantation based on the administration of tacrolimus-one of them with tacrolimus, azathioprine, and corticosteroids (n=239) and the other with tacrolimus, and corticosteroids (n=236). After completing the initial 3-month study, the patients remaining in the study (197 and 195, respectively) were assessed for 3 years. The incidence of acute rejection (AR) episodes treated during this period was 28.8% with dual-drug therapy and 29.7% with triple-drug therapy. Late AR: episodes between 4 and 36 months were scarce (3.3% in dual and 4.2% in triple therapy). Chronic rejection incidence was 7.7% and 8.9%, respectively. The patients who experienced AR episodes during the first 3 months developed chronic rejection more frequently than those who did not suffer AR. Patient survival at 3 years was 95% vs 95.6%, and graft survival was 86.6% vs 86.5% (NS). Doses and blood levels of tacrolimus were similar in the two groups. Adverse effects were similar among both treatment groups. Median SCr was 123.8 micromol/L vs 114.9 micromol/L in patients who did experience AR: 145.9 micromol/L vs 132.6 micromol/L in those with early AR; and 194.5 micromol/L vs 152 micromol/L in those who presented with late AR. Need for de novo posttransplant insulin was 4.2% in the dual-drug group and 3.8% in the triple-drug cohort. These results demonstrate that, after 3 years of follow up, there were similar efficacy data among the dual- and triple-drug regimens. Thus, addition of azathioprine does not contribute any advantage in the middle term.

Chilaiditi syndrome associated with transverse colon volvulus: first report in a paediatric patient and review of the literature.

A hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the colon, known as Chilaiditi's sign, is usually discovered by chance during the study of another event, given that its presentation is normally asymptomatic. When this finding is accompanied by clinical symptoms, either intermittent or persistent, it is known as Chilaiditi syndrome. It may be associated with intestinal obstruction due to twisting. The association of Chilaiditi syndrome and transverse colon volvulus is exceptional. To date only three cases have been reported, all in adult males. Among the common predisposing factors were anatomical alterations of the intestine such as elongation of the colon and a history of prior abdominal surgery. The clinical symptoms were due to the intestinal obstruction. We present the first description in the paediatric population of an association of transverse colon volvulus and Chilaiditi syndrome whose predisposing factors, clinical symptoms and treatment differed from those reported in the non-paediatric cases published to date.