Saline-Tolerant Pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp. Isolated from a Geothermal Power Plant.

Few studies have been conducted in the cooling systems of power plants; they have focused on Naegleria fowleri, leaving a gap in the knowledge of other pathogenic free-living amoebae in this environment. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of saline-tolerant pathogenic Acanthamoeba in a geothermal power plant. The identification of isolated amoebae at genus level was carried out, observing their morphological characteristics; the determination of genotype and species of Acanthamoeba was performed via molecular biology (PCR). Water temperature ranged from 18 to 43 °C and conductivity from 4.0 × 104 to 8.7 × 104 µS/cm; this last value was greater than the seawater value. Only five amoeba genera were found. Acanthamoeba was in all the sampling sites, showing high saline tolerance. The high temperature, but mainly high conductivity, were the environmental conditions that determined the presence of pathogenic free-living amoebae in the hot water. All the strains of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni killed the mice, having a mortality of 40 to 100%. Acanthamoeba genotypes T10 and T5 were identified, T10 is rarely isolated from the environment, while T5 is more frequent. This is the first time that genotypes T5 and T10 have been reported in the environment in Mexico.

Actitudes y vivencias sobre la diversidad sexual de profesionales de salud de la zona centro-sur de Chile / Attitudes and experiences about sexual diversity of health professionals in the central-south zone of Chile

Resumen Antecedentes: Les profesionales de salud establecen una relación con personas LGBTIQA+ desde sus propios significados que se manifiestan en actitudes negativas o positivas en cada encuentro con estas personas. Objetivo: Describir las actitudes hacia la diversidad sexual de profesionales de salud del centro-sur de Chile. Método: Estudio cualitativo realizado en cinco ciudades del centro-sur de Chile. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad y grupos de discusión a 41 profesionales, en su mayoría de género femenino y matronas. Se realizó un análisis fenomenológico para la descripción de las actitudes y vivencias asociadas con la diversidad sexual. La validez de los datos se aseguró a través de la auditoría durante el proceso investigativo y la triangulación de analistas. Resultados: Les profesionales de la salud entrevistades usan definiciones basadas en el conocimiento popular y la cultura predominante para estructurar sus vivencias personales y profesionales hacia la diversidad sexual. Conclusiones: Las vivencias tienen en común una percepción favorable en el recambio generacional, motivación al aprendizaje de competencias culturales que valoricen la diversidad sexual y una baja o nula formación profesional; en este sentido, el rol del Estado y de las universidades es muy importante en la formación inicial y continua en este tema.

Abstract Background: Health professionals establish a relationship with LGBTIQA+ users from their own meanings that are manifested in negative or positive attitudes in each encounter with them. Objective: To describe the attitudes towards sexual diversity of health professionals in South-Central Chile. Method: Qualitative study conducted in five cities in Central-Southern Chile. In depth interviews and discussion groups were conducted with 41 professionals, mostly women and midwives. A phenomenological analysis was carried out to describe the attitudes and experiences associated with sexual diversity. The validity of the data was ensured through the audit during the research process and the triangulation of analysts. Results: The health professionals interviewed use definitions based on popular knowledge and predominant culture to structure their personal and professional experiences of sexual diversity. Conclusions: The experiences have a favorable perception of generational change in common, motivation to learn cultural competences that value sexual diversity and low or no professional training; in the sense, the role of the State and universities play an important role in the initial and continuous training on this issue

Isolation and Identification of Naegleria Species in Irrigation Channels for Recreational Use in Mexicali Valley, Mexico.

Members of the genus Naegleria are free-living amoebae that are widely distributed in water and soil environments. Moreover, Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic amoeba species that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Since most reported infections due to N. fowleri are reported in recreational waters worldwide, this study was aimed to describe the presence of these amoebic genus in Mexicali Valley irrigation channels of recreational use. A total of nine water samples were collected and processed by triplicate, in nine different sites of the Valley. After filtering and culturing the samples, plates were examined, and the observed amoebae were morphologically identified at the genus level. In addition, the pathogenicity of these amoebic isolates was checked, and molecular characterization was performed by PCR/sequencing. The results revealed the presence of Naegleria spp. in all the channels sampled. Finally, molecular identification confirmed the presence of five different species of Naegleria: N. fowleri, N. australiensis, N. gruberi, N. clarki and N. pagei. The presence of these protists, particularly N. fowleri, should be considered as a potential human health risk in the region.

Expression changes of BIK in breast cancer tissues of different histological subtypes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the expression levels of BIK in breast cancer (BC) tissues of different histological subtype and to delve into the participation of BIK in this type of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BIK and p-BIK (the phosphorylated form) protein expressions were tested by immunohistochemistry in BC tissue microarrays (Tumoral [n = 90] and adjacent [n = 40] tissues). RESULTS: The data revealed an overexpression of BIK in invasive ductal (Grades I, IIA, and IIB) and in lobular (Grades IIA and IIB) carcinomas compared to their respective adjacent tissues. By contrast, canalicular carcinoma (Grades I and IIB) and phyllodes tumors had very low expression levels of BIK. Only levels of p-BIK were shown to be increased in invasive ductal carcinoma (Grades I, IIA, and IIB). Meanwhile, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed lower BIK levels in MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells than in MDA-MB-231 and human mammary epithelial cells. In agreement with this, BIK protein was shown to be overexpressed in MDA-MB 231 relative to MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an association between BIK expression and the BC tumor subtype under study, which could be related to different BIK functions in the BC subtypes.

OBJETIVO: Determinar el grado de expresión de BIK en tejidos de cáncer de mama de diferente subtipo histológico para ahondar en la participación de BIK en este tipo de cancer. MÉTODO: Por medio de inmunohistoquímica se determinó la expresión de BIK y de su forma fosforilada (p-BIK) en microarreglos de tejidos (tumores [n = 90] y tejidos adyacentes [n = 40]) y líneas celulares. RESULTADOS: Los datos mostraron una sobreexpresión de BIK en los carcinomas de tipo ductal invasivo (grados I, IIA y IIB) y lobular (grados IIA y IIB) con respecto a sus tejidos adyacentes respectivos. En contraste, el carcinoma canalicular (grados I y IIB) y los tumores filoides mostraron una baja expresión de BIK en relación con sus tejidos adyacentes respectivos. El análisis de la qPCR mostró una menor expresión de BIK en las células MCF-10A y MCF-7 en comparación con las células MDA-MB-231 y HMEC. En concordancia con esto, la expresión proteica de BIK fue mayor en las células MDA-MB 231 que en las células MCF-7. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados mostraron una asociación entre la expresión de BIK y el subtipo tumoral en estudio, lo cual sugiere una función diferencial de BIK en el cáncer de mama.

Estrategias de intervención psicológica de acuerdo a las condiciones clínicas y las variables biopsicosociales del adolescente en la consulta odontológica: Revisión de la literatura / Psychological Intervention Strategies According to the Clinical Conditions and the Biopsychosocial Variables of the Adolescent in the Dental Practice: Review of the Literature

RESUMEN Epidemiológicamente, los adolescentes conforman un subgrupo poblacional con indicadores bucodentales que ameritan atención en el ámbito de la salud pública. Asimismo, la mayoría de las facultades de odontología orientan la enseñanza odontológica dirigida al niño y al adulto, donde la atención enfocada al adolescente se suele diferir. Además, el desconocimiento en las alteraciones biopsicosociales y las particularidades clínicas inherentes a la adolescencia, hacen la atención de estos pacientes potencialmente compleja. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es realizar una revisión de la literatura con el fin de ofrecerle al profesional las herramientas o recursos psicológicos (habilidades blandas) para el abordaje de la población adolescente que asiste a la consulta odontológica. Actualmente, la "Odontohebiatría" describe la atención integral e interdisciplinaria de la salud bucodental de los adolescentes, con énfasis en la prevención y la estética bucodental. De esta forma, la odontología moderna demanda una participación activa del profesional, el cual debe estar familiarizado con las afecciones clínicas y las variables psicológicas que puedan afectar al adolescente; asimismo, también se considera importante la instrucción y el adiestramiento en estrategias de intervención psicológica para ofrecer una atención adaptada a este grupo etario.

ABSTRACT Epidemiologically, the teenagers make up a population subgroup with oral indicators that need attention in the field of public health. In addition, the majority of the dental faculties orient the dental education directed to the child and the adult, where the attention focused to the teen is usually deferred. Moreover, the ignorance in the biopsychosocial alterations and the clinical peculiarities inherent to adolescence, make the attention of these potentially complex patients. Therefore, the objective of this article is to carry out a review of the literature in order to offer the professional the tools or psychological resources (soft skills) for the approach of the adolescent population that attends the dental consultation. Currently, the "Odontohebiatría" describes the comprehensive and interdisciplinary care of adolescent oral health, with an emphasis on oral prevention and esthetics. In this way, modern dentistry demands an active participation of the professional, who must be familiar with the clinical conditions and the psychological variables that may affect the teenager; also, it is considered important the instruction and training in strategies of psychological intervention to offer an attention adapted to this age group.

AgNPs: The New Allies Against S. Mutans Biofilm - A Pilot Clinical Trial and Microbiological Assay.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of a new formulation containing silver nanoparticles, named Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF), to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on children's dental enamel. The variations in dental biofilm pH and in the Simplified-Oral-Hygiene-Index (OHI-S) also were evaluated after the treatment with NSF. This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover and prospective pilot clinical trial study in which 12 schoolchildren, aged between 7-8 years, had their dental enamel treated with two solutions: S1 - Nano Silver Fluoride and S2 - negative control (saline solution), in different experimental moments. The dental biofilm adhered to enamel treated with NSF had lower values of S. mutans viability (absorbance) and colony forming units (CFU) than the S0 (baseline) and S2. There was a statistically significant difference between the OHI-S mean values of S0 and S1. There were no differences between the biofilm pH (both before and after the use of the test substances) and among the different groups. These properties suggest that NSF has bactericidal effect against S. mutans biofilm and it may be used for clinical control and prevention of dental biofilm formation.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxicity evaluation of colloidal chitosan - silver nanoparticles - fluoride nanocomposites.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of colloidal chitosan - silver nanoparticle - fluoride nanocomposites (CChAgNpFNc), with different silver nanoparticle shapes and sizes. The syntheses of CChAgNpFNc were performed with silver nitrate added to a chitosan solution, addition of a sodium borohydride solution and solid sodium fluoride. Solution of ascorbic acid was added to synthesize larger silver nanoparticles. CChAgNpFNc obtained: S1- 100% spherical, 8.7±3.1nm; S2- 97% spherical, 15.0±7.9nm and 2.5% triangular, 22.2±9.5nm; S3- 77.3% spherical, 31.8±10.4nm, 15.9% triangular, 27.1±10.1nm and 6.8% elliptical, 33.2±7.8nm; and S4- 75.2% spherical, 43.2±14.3nm; 23.3% triangular 38.2±14.8nm, and 1.5% elliptical 38.4±11.6nm. The CChAgNpFNc showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, by microdilution technique. The influence on the growth of microorganisms was evaluated using a fluorescence assay, and showed an increasing lag phase and a decreasing log phase. Cytotoxicity was investigated using Artemia salina and MTT assays. The S3 and S4 samples exhibited low cytotoxicity. The S1 and S2 samples inhibited murine macrophages and revealed lethal dose concentrations above 1000mg/mL that were classified as moderately toxic. Thus, CChAgNpFNc are potential options for the control of multiple-drug-resistant microorganisms and do not represent substantial risks to human health.

Terapia de revascularización percutánea en pacientes portadores de estenosis crítica carotídea-coronaria: resultados en un hospital y a largo plazo / Percutaneous revascularization therapy in patients of critical carotid-coronary stenosis: results in hospital and long term

Objetivo: Analizar la morbimortalidad a 30 días y 6 meses en pacientes sometidos a una intervención percutánea (IP) por estenosis critíca carotídea (EAC)-coronaria (EACo) en un centro hospitalario de alto volumen, experto en el tratamiento de la enfermedad multivascular. Antecedentes: El tratamiento óptimo de los pacientes con EAC y EACo concomitante sigue siendo controvertido. Ha sido reportada una variedad de estrategias terapéuticas, incluyendo a la cirugía de revascularización coronaria (BACo), sola o en combinación con la revascularización percutánea o quirúrgica de la arteria carótida. Material y métodos: Entre enero de 1998 y junio de 2013 fueron tratados 118 (149 lesiones) pacientes consecutivos con EAC (estenosis carotídea sintomática en el 37.6%) y EACo en forma estadiada o simultánea a IP carotídeo-coronario con stent. El objetivo primario (PP) fue evaluar la incidencia de los eventos cardiacos y cerebro-vasculares mayores (ECVM) (muerte, infarto al miocardio y accidente vascular cerebral mayor) en los 30 días posteriores, tanto al primero como segundo procedimiento. Con un EuroSCORE (ES) promedio de 2.75 ± 1.5. Resultados: A 30 días, la incidencia de PP fue de 4.02%; la muerte global infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) y accidente vascular cerebral mayor (AVCM) ocurrieron en el 2.01, 1.34 y 0.67% respectivamente; no observamos diferencia en AVC mayor y muerte en el grupo Sx versus Asx, 2.14% versus 2.14%, p = 0.809; ambos grupos, sin embargo, en el infarto fue mayor en Asx versus Sx 4.3% versus 0%, p = 0.053. Se hizo un seguimiento a seis meses de 140 lesiones tratadas; cuatro pacientes se sometieron a revascularización coronaria, uno falleció, tres de ellos presentaron IAM y muerte cardiovascular, 0% de AVC ipsilaterales; 1.4% presentó reestenosis in stent carotídeo tratándose con angioplastia balón (ATP). Conclusiones: En los pacientes con EAC y EACo concomitante, un tratamiento percutáneo combinado se compara muy favorablemente con las experiencias quirúrgicas o híbridos con evidente menor ECVM. Tal estrategia puede ser especialmente más adecuada a pacientes complejos con alto riesgo quirúrgico.

Objectives: To analyze the morbidity and mortality at 30 days and 6 months in patients taken to a Percutaneous Intervention (PI) for critical Carotid and coronary stenosis in a center of high volume expert in the treatment of multivessel disease. Background: The optimal treatment of patients with Carotid and Coronary disease concomitant remains controversial. A variety of therapeutic strategies, including coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), alone or in combination with percutaneous or surgical revascularization of the carotid artery have been reported. Material and methods: Between January 1998 and June 2013, 118 patients with (149 lesions) carriers of Coronary and Carotid disease (symptomatic carotid stenosis in 37.6%) were treated as staged or simultaneous PI Carotid-Coronary stenting. The primary endpoint (EP) to assess the incidence of major cerebrovascular and cardiac events (MACE) (death, myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident major) within 30 days after the first and second proceedings, with EuroSCORE (ES) 2.75 ± 1.5 avg. Results: The incidence of EP was 4.02%, global death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cerebral vascular accident major (CVAM) occurred in 2.01, 1.34 and 0.67% respectively. In group Asx versus Sx we not observed a greater difference in the CVAM and death 2.14% versus 2.14%, p = 0.809 both groups, however in AMI was higher in Asx versus Sx group 4.3% versus 0%, p = 0.053. At 6 month follow up 4 patients underwent CABG one dies, 3 patients more presented AMI and death, 0% ipsilateral CVA, 1.4% had carotid stent restenosis with being treated PTA. Conclusions: In patients with carotid and coronary stenosis concomitant, combined percutaneous treatment compares very favorably to previous surgical or hybrid experiences less obvious MACE. This strategy may be particularly suited to more complex patients with high surgical risk.

Cierre percutáneo primario del defecto del tabique interventricular postinfarto con el dispositivo de Amplatzer: resultados inmediatos y seguimiento a largo plazo / Primary percutaneous closure of postinfarction septal defect with Amplatzer device: immediate results and long-term follow-up

Introducción: La reparación quirúrgica inmediata de una comunicación interventricular que complica el infarto agudo del miocardio (CIV post-IAM) se asocia con la alta mortalidad. El cierre con dispositivo percutáneo parece ser seguro y efectivo en pacientes con CIV post-IAM; reportamos los resultados inmediatos y a largo plazo en la utilización del dispositivo Amplatzer en el cierre primario de una CIV post-IAM. Material y métodos: De junio del 2006 a enero del 2014, 17 pacientes portadores de una CIV post-IAM se sometieron a un cierre percutáneo con Amplatzer a una edad promedio de 66.8 ± 5.5, 82.4% en shock cardiogénico (ShC), el 35.3% recibieron tratamiento trombolítico (TT) en ventana, el tiempo promedio del diagnóstico de CIV al cierre percutáneo (IP) fue de 8.7 ± 5.8 días. Resultados: Con un seguimiento actual de 13.25 ± 12.6 meses, el éxito del procedimiento fue del 100%, el shunt (QP:QS) se redujo de 2.9 ± 0.95 a 1.5 ± 0.40 L/min p = 0.0001, 12 pacientes (70.6%) se sometieron a una Angioplastía Coronaria Transluminal Percutánea (ACTP) del vaso culpable posterior al cierre de la CIV. La mortalidad a 30 días fue de 52.9%, siendo más alta en el paciente con ShC versus no-ShC 64.3 versus 0% p = 0.043 OR 2.8 (IC 95% 1.38-5.6). Conclusión: El cierre primario de CIV post-IAM es una técnica muy promisoria que puede ser realizada con una alta tasa de éxito y mínimas complicaciones y puede ser tomado como una alternativa a la cirugía. Sin embargo, a pesar de ser una técnica menos invasiva, la mortalidad permanece alta y muy evidente en el paciente en ShC.

Introduction: The immediate surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect complicating acute myocardial infarction (VSD post-AMI) is associated with high mortality. The percutaneous closure device is safe and effective in patients with post-infarction VSD; we report the immediate and long term results in the use of the Amplatzer device in the primary closure of post infarction VSD. Material and methods: From June 2006 to January 2014, 17 patients carriers of post-infarction VSD underwent percutaneous Amplatzer closure with a mean age 66.8 ± 5.5, 82.4% in cardiogenic shock (CS), 35.3% were thrombolyzed (TT) in window, the average time to percutaneous closure of VSD 8.7 ± 5.8 days. Results: With a current monitoring of 13.25 ± 12.6 months procedural success were in 100% shunt (QP:QS) was reduced from 2.9 to 1.5 ± 0.40 ± 0.95 L/min p = 0.0001, 12 patients (70.6%) undergoing PTCA the culprit vessel post-closure of the VSD. Global mortality at 30 days was 52.9%, being higher in patients with CS versus 64.3 versus 0% no-CS p = 0.043 OR 2.8 (CI 95% 1.38-5.6). Conclusion: The primary closure of postinfarction VSD is a very promising technique that can be performed with a high success rate and minimal complications and may be taken as an alternative to surgery. However despite being a less invasive technique remains high mortality very evident in patients in CS.

Clinical and molecular characterization of a patient with 15q21.2q22.2 deletion syndrome.

We report on a 16-year-old girl with a complex phenotype, including intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, and obesity. During her infancy, she presented with weak sucking, global developmental delay, and later with excessive eating with central obesity. The girl was clinically diagnosed with probable Prader-Willi syndrome. Chromosomal analysis showed a de novo deletion 46,XX,del(15)(q21q22). However, the use of the Affymetrix CytoScan HD Array defined the exact breakpoints of the deleted 15q21q22 region. The imbalance, about 10.5 Mb in size, is to date the second largest deletion ever described in this chromosomal region. In addition, our patient carries a microdeletion in the 1q44 region and a gain in 9p24. The array result was arr[hg19] 9p24.1(6,619,823-6,749,335)×3, 1q44(248,688,586-248,795,277)×1, 15q21.2 q22.2(50,848,301-61,298,006)×1. Although our patient presents additional chromosomal alterations, we provide a correlation between the clinical findings and the phenotype of the 15q21 deletion syndrome.

A proteomic approach of pediatric astrocytomas: MiRNAs and network insight.

Pediatric astrocytomas, a leading cause of death associated with cancer, are the most common primary central nervous system tumors found in children. Most studies of these tumors focus on adults, not on children. We examined the global protein and microRNA expression pattern by 2D SDS-PAGE, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), and RT(2) miRNA PCR Array System. Proteomic studies revealed 49 proteins with changes on the expression. Interactome showed that vimentin, calreticulin, and 14-3-3 epsilon protein are hub proteins in these neoplasms. MicroRNA analyses demonstrated for the first time novel microRNAs involved in the astrocytoma biology. In conclusion, our results show that novel proteins and microRNAs with expression changes on pediatric astrocytoma could serve as biomarkers of tumor progression. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Astrocytomas are tumors that progress rapidly and that invade surrounding tissues. Although some drugs have been developed to treat these neoplasms, the mortality of patients is still very high. In this study, we describe for the first time, to our knowledge, some proteins and miRNAs associated with the biology of astrocytic tumors that could be postulated as possible diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Altogether, our results indicate that large-scale analyses allow making a fairly accurate prediction of different cellular processes altered in astrocytic tumors.

[The post-synaptic glycine receptor mediates in a transitory and sustained way the glycinergic inhibition in the vertebrate retina]. / El receptor postsinaptico de glicina media de forma transitoria y sostenida la inhibicion glicinergica en la retina de los vertebrados.

INTRODUCTION: Glycine and the gamma-aminobutyric acid are the principal inhibitory neurotransmitters in the vertebrate retina. The inhibitory action of glycine is mediated by the post-synaptic glycine receptor, a chloride-selective channel, constituted by three beta and two alpha subunits (alpha(1)-alpha(4)), which is antagonized by the alkaloid strychnine. In the retina, it is known that all alpha isoforms are expressed at the level of the inner synaptic layer with a very low colocalization. The glycine receptor formed by either alpha1 or alpha(3) shows rapid kinetics, whereas alpha(2) or alpha(4) receptors respond tonically. The use of transgenic mice has allowed the study of the different glycine receptor alpha subunits in the glycinegic neurotransmission of the mammalian retina. AIM: To describe the participation of the glycine receptor in the inhibitory neurotransmission particularly in the retina. DEVELOPMENT: In this review we describe the experiments that have allowed the localization and the involvement of the alpha subunit isoforms in specific transmission circuits of the vertebrate retina. CONCLUSIONS: The localization of the glycine receptor conformed by different isoforms of the alpha subunit in specific neuronal types, indicate the presence of glycinergic circuits that encode information differently in the retina.

The age incidence of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Mexico City.

The objective of this population-based survey was to assess the peak age of incidence of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children in Mexico City (MC). All patients were classified according to their immunophenotype, and only B-cell precursor and T-lineage were analyzed. Rates of incidence were calculated x10 children. Of the 364 children from MC who were included in this study, immunophenotyping had been performed for 81.6%. The frequency of B-cell precursor ALL was 76.1%, whereas T lineage ALL showed a frequency of 23.6%. Peak age for ALL was 2 to 3 years of age. B-cell precursor ALL was the major contributor to peak age; T lineage ALL showed a peak among 1 and 3 years of age. We conclude that the age peak for children with ALL in MC is within the ranges reported for developed countries and that B-cell precursor ALL is the main contributor to these peak.

Zinc sulfate inhibits the enterohepatic cycling of unconjugated bilirubin in subjects with Gilbert's syndrome.

We have previously observed that UCB binds to ZnSO4 in vitro, and suppressed the biliary bilirubin secretion in the hamster. The aim of this study was designed to investigate whether Zn salts might inhibit the enterohepatic cycling of UCB in subjects with Gilbert s syndrome. Fifteen patients with Gilbert s syndrome and 5 normal healthy volunteers were included in this study according to the following criteria: fasting hyperbilirubinemia, no hemolysis, and free of any medication. Patients were randomly assigned to receive acute o chronic treatment. Subjects treated in acute form and normal healthy volunteers were treated with 40 mg of ZnSO4 in a single dose, where as patients treated in chronic form received 100 mg ZnSO4 in a single dose daily for 7 days. The serum UCB levels (mg/dL) decreased from 2.64 +/- 1.04 to 2.02 +/- 0.87 (p < 0.001) and 1.8 +/- 0.36 to 1.48 +/- 0.32 (p < 0.005) in subjects treated in acute an chronic form respectively, but not in the control group. Whereas, the serum Zn levels (mg/dL) increased from 96.3 +/- 16.8 to 118.8 +/- 19. 5, (p < 0.01) and from 117.6 +/- 8.5 to 130.7 +/- 6.6 (p < 0.03) in subjects treated in acute an chronic form and also in subjects in the control group (98.0 +/- 7.3 to 128.0 +/- 21.9) p < 0.03. This study showed that acute and chronic oral administration of ZnSO4 decreased serum UCB levels significantly in subjects with Gilbert s syndrome. Most likely by the inhibition of the "normal" enterohepatic cycling of UCB.