Exploring the potential anti-thyroid activity of Acetyl-L-carnitine: Lactoperoxidase inhibition profile, iodine complexation and scavenging power against H2O2. Experimental and theoretical studies.

L-Acetylcarnitine (ALC), a versatile compound, has demonstrated beneficial effects in depression, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, and other conditions. This study focuses on its antithyroid activity. The precursor molecule, L-carnitine, inhibited the uptake of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and it is possible that ALC may reduce the iodination process of T3 and T4. Currently, antithyroid drugs are used to control the excessive production of thyroid hormones (TH) through various mechanisms: (i) forming electron donor-acceptor complexes with molecular iodine, (ii) eliminating hydrogen peroxide, and (iii) inhibiting the enzyme thyroid peroxidase. To understand the pharmacological properties of ALC, we investigated its plausible mechanisms of action. ALC demonstrated the ability to capture iodine (Kc = 8.07 ± 0.32 x 105 M-1), inhibit the enzyme lactoperoxidase (LPO) (IC50 = 17.60 ± 0.76 µM), and scavenge H2O2 (39.82 ± 0.67 mM). A comprehensive physicochemical characterization of ALC was performed using FTIR, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, along with theoretical DFT calculations. The inhibition process was assessed through fluorescence spectroscopy and vibrational analysis. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to predict the binding mode of ALC to LPO and to gain a better understanding into the inhibition process. Furthermore, albumin binding experiments were also conducted. These findings highlight the potential of ALC as a therapeutic agent, providing valuable insights for further investigating its role in the treatment of thyroid disorders.

Reduction of Serum Concentrations and Synergy between Retinol, ß-Carotene, and Zinc According to Cancer Staging and Different Treatment Modalities Prior to Radiation Therapy in Women with Breast Cancer.

The procedures used for breast cancer treatment are able to increase the level of oxidative stress and cause depletion of antioxidants. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of retinol, ß-carotene, and zinc, according to breast cancer staging, considering different treatment modalities prior to radiation therapy and the synergistic action between these micronutrients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study comprising a cohort of patients with breast cancer which was carried out prior to radiation therapy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: G1 comprised women who had undergone breast-conserving surgery, G2 comprised those who had undergone chemotherapy, and G3 those who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and chemotherapy. Serum concentrations of retinol, ß-carotene, and zinc were quantified. Breast cancer staging was based on the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) classification of malignant tumors, a type of staging tool for different cancers. RESULTS: A total of 230 patients were assessed. A decrease of the serum concentrations of the micronutrients assessed as the staging level of the disease increased was observed. Surgery alone had a greater negative impact on serum concentrations of retinol. Considering the treatments prior to radiotherapy, patients undergoing surgery alone and chemotherapy associated with surgery had higher percentages of deficiency of ß-carotene and retinol. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of zinc, retinol, and ß-carotene, showing a synergy between these micronutrients. CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the serum concentrations of the assessed micronutrients was observed, according to the increase in breast cancer staging. The synergy between the micronutrients must be considered in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the adverse effects of irradiation to normal cells.

Safety of Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Stroke in Patients with an Active Malignancy: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence is scarce regarding the safety of alteplase for acute stroke in patients with an active malignancy. METHODS: We reviewed medical records for patients with both conditions treated at our institution over a 2-year period. RESULTS: Five patients were identified, of which only one developed an asymptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage, and no systemic bleedings occurred. Functional outcomes and stroke severity, as measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale, were favourable upon discharge. CONCLUSION: In the absence of active bleeding or known malignancy of the central nervous system, intravenous alteplase seems a reasonable option for patients with an active cancer and acute stroke.

Metvan, bis(4,7-Dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline)sulfatooxidovanadium(IV): DFT and Spectroscopic Study-Antitumor Action on Human Bone and Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines.

The complex bis(4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenantroline)sulfatooxidovanadium(IV), commonly known as Metvan, was prepared using a known synthetic procedure. Its optimized molecular structure was obtained by DFT calculations, as it was impossible to grow single crystals adequate for a crystallographic study. The complex was also characterized by a detailed analysis of its infrared spectrum, supported by the theoretical calculations, and also by some data derived from its Raman spectrum. In addition, cytotoxicity studies were performed using human osteosarcoma (MG-63) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines. The results show that Metvan impaired cell viability of both cancer cell lines in a low concentration range (0.25-5.0 µM).

Strategies to Improve Activity Recognition Based on Skeletal Tracking: Applying Restrictions Regarding Body Parts and Similarity Boundaries.

This paper aims to improve activity recognition systems based on skeletal tracking through the study of two different strategies (and its combination): (a) specialized body parts analysis and (b) stricter restrictions for the most easily detectable activities. The study was performed using the Extended Body-Angles Algorithm, which is able to analyze activities using only a single key sample. This system allows to select, for each considered activity, which are its relevant joints, which makes it possible to monitor the body of the user selecting only a subset of the same. But this feature of the system has both advantages and disadvantages. As a consequence, in the past we had some difficulties with the recognition of activities that only have a small subset of the joints of the body as relevant. The goal of this work, therefore, is to analyze the effect produced by the application of several strategies on the results of an activity recognition system based on skeletal tracking joint oriented devices. Strategies that we applied with the purpose of improve the recognition rates of the activities with a small subset of relevant joints. Through the results of this work, we aim to give the scientific community some first indications about which considered strategy is better.

Assessing empathy and managing emotions through interactions with an affective avatar.

Assistive technologies can improve the quality of life of people diagnosed with different forms of social communication disorders. We report on the design and evaluation of an affective avatar aimed at engaging the user in a social interaction with the purpose of assisting in communication therapies. A human-avatar taxonomy is proposed to assist the design of affective avatars aimed at addressing social communication disorder. The avatar was evaluated with 30 subjects to assess how effectively it conveys the desired emotion and elicits empathy from the user. Results provide evidence that users become used to the avatar after a number of interactions, and they perceive the defined behavior as being logical. The users' interactions with the avatar entail affective reactions, including the mimic emotions that users felt, and establish a preliminary ground truth about prototypic empathic interactions with avatars that is being used to train learning algorithms to support social communication disorder evaluation.

USE OF 125IODINE SEEDS (ROLLIS) FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE LOCALIZATION OF NONPALPABLE BREAST LESIONS: ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLANT OF 338 SEEDS IN 284 PATIENTS / Uso de sementes de iodo-125 (ROLLIS) para localização intraoperatória de lesões impalpáveis da mama: análise do implante de 338 sementes em 284 pacientes

Objective: To analyze the feasibility, efficacy and results of the use of 125Iodine seeds for intra-operative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions. Method: Retrospective review of 284 patients, referred by various breast specialist surgeons, with radiologically detected but clinically nonpalpable microcalcifications or nodules, submitted to pre-operatory 125Iodine seed implant, between July 2012 and September 2016. A total of 338 seeds were implanted in ordinary radiologic departments, supported by ultrasonography or mammography exams, chosen according to the morphologic aspect of the lesion. Radioguided surgical procedure took place on the same day or few days after the implant of the seeds, with the help of a radiation detector called Gamaprobe, which directs the surgeons towards the radioactive seeds and to the lesion to be resected. Results: All implants were performed as outpatient procedures, with patients immediately returning to their daily activities. No complications such as pain, bleeding, infeccion and haematoma were recorded. Pathologists had no difficulty in preparing the surgical specimens for histopathologic analysis. Surgical safety margins were considered adequate in all pathologic reports, with no need for re-operations. The healing process was not jeopardized by radiation, and the surgeons were pleased with the improvement on intraoperative lesions localizations and shortening on operatory time. Cosmetic results were well accepted by the patients. Conclusion: The 125Iodine seed implant is an effective alternative method for intraoperative localization of radiologically detectable and clinically nonpalpable breast lesions.

Objetivo: Avaliar a exequibilidade e a eficácia do método de implante de sementes de 125Iodo (ROLLIS) para localização intraoperatória de lesões impalpáveis da mama. Método: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, incluindo 284 pacientes com nódulos ou microcalcificações mamárias, visíveis na mamografia e/ou ultrassonografia, porém, clinicamente impalpáveis, submetidas a implantes de sementes de 125Iodo, de julho de 2012 a setembro de 2016, sendo implantado um total de 338  sementes. As  pacientes foram encaminhadas por diversos mastologistas que executaram cirurgias radioguiadas com auxílio de detector de radiação denominado Gamaprobe, realizadas no mesmo dia do implante ou vários dias após, seguindo a agenda do centro cirúrgico, da equipe médica e a conveniência da paciente. Resultados: Os implantes foram realizados em regime ambulatorial, com imediato retorno das pacientes às atividades cotidianas, não sendo registrada qualquer complicação como dor, hemorragia, infecção ou hematoma. Os patologistas não constataram prejuízo no processamento do espécimen cirúrgico. O processo cicatricial se efetuou normalmente, obtendo-se plena satisfação por parte dos cirurgiões, que referiram maior facilidade na localização intraoperatória das lesões e diminuição no tempo operatório. O resultado cosmético também foi beneficiado, sendo bem aceito pelas pacientes. As margens cirúrgicas foram consideradas adequadas em todos os casos, graças à avaliação feita pelo patologista e às ampliações executadas no momento da cirurgia, dispensando re-excisões. Conclusão: O implante de sementes de 125Iodo (ROLLIS) é uma técnica segura e eficaz para localização intraoperatória de lesões radiologicamente visíveis, porém clinicamente impalpáveis, da mama.

Photo release of nitrous oxide from the hyponitrite ion studied by infrared spectroscopy. Evidence for the generation of a cobalt-N2O complex. Experimental and DFT calculations.

The solid state photolysis of sodium, silver and thallium hyponitrite (M2N2O2, M=Na, Ag, Tl) salts and a binuclear complex of cobalt bridged by hyponitrite ([Co(NH3)5-N(O)-NO-Co(NH3)5]4+) were studied by irradiation with visible and UV light in the electronic absorption region. The UV-visible spectra for free hyponitrite ion and binuclear complex of cobalt were interpreted in terms of Density Functional Theory calculations in order to explain photolysis behavior. The photolysis of each compound depends selectively on the irradiation wavelength. Irradiation with 340-460nm light and with the 488nm laser line generates photolysis only in silver and thallium hyponitrite salts, while 253.7nm light photolyzed all the studied compounds. Infrared spectroscopy was used to follow the photolysis process and to identify the generated products. Remarkably, gaseous N2O was detected after photolysis in the infrared spectra of sodium, silver, and thallium hyponitrite KBr pellets. The spectra for [Co(NH3)5-N(O)-NO-Co(NH3)5]4+ suggest that one cobalt ion remains bonded to N2O from which the generation of a [(NH3)5CoNNO]+3 complex is inferred. Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations confirm the stability of this last complex and provide the theoretical data which are used in the interpretation of the electronic spectra of the hyponitrite ion and the cobalt binuclear complex and thus in the elucidation of their photolysis behavior. Carbonate ion is also detected after photolysis in all studied compounds, presumably due to the reaction of atmospheric CO2 with the microcrystal surface reaction products. Kinetic measurements for the photolysis of the binuclear complex suggest a first order law for the intensity decay of the hyponitrite IR bands and for the intensity increase in the N2O generation. Predicted and experimental data are in very good agreement.

Prevalência da cervicalgia nos funcionários do HSPM / Prevalence of neck pain in HSPM staff

A queixa de dor na região cervical é um importante fator na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos na sociedade. A cervicalgia pode ser dividida entre aguda e degenerativa. A dor é o sintoma mais comum a ser relatado, mas pode vir acompanhado de alterações visuais, tonturas, náuseas e distúrbios de equilíbrio. A postura viciosa da cabeça está associada a prevalência da cervicalgia, sendo a posição anteriorizada a com maior risco de gerar essa sintomatologia. Metodologia: a população estudada foi a de funcionários públicos do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. O preenchimento de um questionário semiestruturado pela clínica de ortopedia da coluna, de respostas simples, seguido de um exame físico com manobras específicas para avaliação de dor cervical foram realizados. Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência desta doença nos funcionários do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. Resultados: foram entrevistados 75 funcionários, com uma média de 47,91 anos, apresentando desvio padrão (DP) de 11,38. Foi constatado com desvio padrão de 9,62. Conclusão: prevalência de 46,7% de cervicalgia nos funcionários públicos do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo.

Prevalência da cervicalgia nos funcionários do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo / Prevalence of neck pain in employees of the Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo

RESUMO Introdução: a queixa de dor na região cervical é um importante fator na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos na sociedade. A cervicalgia pode ser dividida entre aguda e degenerativa. A dor é o sintoma mais comum a ser relatado, mas pode vir acompanhado de alterações visuais, tonturas, náuseas e distúrbios de equilíbrio. A postura viciosa da cabeça está associada a prevalência da cervicalgia, sendo a posição anteriorizada a com maior risco de gerar essa sintomatologia. Metodologia: a população estudada foi a de funcionários públicos do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. O preenchimento de um questionário semiestruturado pela clínica de ortopedia da coluna, de respostas simples, seguido de um exame físico com manobras específicas para avaliação de dor cervical foram realizados. Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência desta doença nos funcionários do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. Resultados: foram entrevistados 75 funcionários, com uma média de 47,91 anos, apresentando desvio padrão (DP) de 11,38. Foi constatado com desvio padrão de 9,62. Conclusão: prevalência de 46,7% de cervicalgia nos funcionários públicos do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo. Palavras-chave: Cervicalgia. Prevalência. Trabalhadores.

Experimental and DFT characterization, antioxidant and anticancer activities of a Cu(II)-irbesartan complex: structure-antihypertensive activity relationships in Cu(II)-sartan complexes.

The coordination compound of the antihypertensive ligand irbesartan (irb) with copper(II) (CuIrb) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, FT-Raman, UV-visible, reflectance and EPR spectroscopies. Experimental evidence allowed the implementation of structural and vibrational studies by theoretical calculations made in the light of the density functional theory (DFT). This compound was designed to induce structural modifications on the ligand. No antioxidant effects were displayed by both compounds, though CuIrb behaved as a weak 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(·)) scavenger (IC50 = 425 µM). The measurements of the contractile capacity on human mesangial cell lines showed that CuIrb improved the antihypertensive effects of the parent medication. In vitro cell growth inhibition against prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and DU 145) was measured for CuIrb, irbesartan and copper(II). These cell lines have been selected since the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor (that was blocked by the angiotensin receptor blockers, ARB) has been identified in them. The complex exerted anticancer behavior (at 100 µM) improving the activity of the ligand. Flow cytometry determinations were used to determine late apoptotic mechanisms of cell death. Experimental and DFT characterization of an irbesartan copper(II) complex has been performed. The complex exhibits low scavenging activity against DPPH(·) and significant growth inhibition of LNCaP and DU 145 prostate cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry determinations were used to determine late apoptotic mechanisms of cell death. This compound improved the antihypertensive effect of irbesartan. This effect was observed earlier for the mononuclear Cu-candesartan complex, but not in structurally modified sartans forming dinuclear or octanuclear Cu-sartan compounds.

Retinol, ß-carotene and oxidative stress in systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: patients suffering systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) constitute a group susceptible to elevated levels of oxidative stress. This study's aim is to evaluate the state of oxidative stress and levels of serum retinol and ß-carotene in these patients. METHODS: forty-six patients were divided into 2 groups: those those without diet (G1; n=18) and those with enteral nutritional support (G2; n=28). Serum levels of retinol and total carotenoids were measured. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and Apache scores were also calculated. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. RESULTS: the patients' median age was 66.9 (SD=19.3) years. Lower concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were found in 68.6 and 66.7% of G1, respectively. In G2, despite average vitamin A levels being 8078 + 4035, retinol and ß-carotene were considered insufficient (31.2 and 33.4%, respectively). No difference was noted between the 2 groups, according to the variables studied, with the exception being PCR and ß-carotene (p=0.002; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: the data presented in this study supports the need to establish/revise clinical practices in treating SIRS patients, in light of this micronutrient's role in the immune system and antioxidant defense without it interfering with its toxicity.

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, thermal behavior and spectroscopic analysis of 1-(1-naphthoyl)-3-(halo-phenyl)-thioureas complemented with quantum chemical calculations.

Two novel 1-(1-naphthoyl)-3-(halo-phenyl) substituted thioureas, namely 1-(1-naphthoyl)-3-(2,4-di-fluoro-phenyl)-thiourea (1) and 1-(1-naphthoyl)-3-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-thiourea (2), were synthesized and fully characterized. The X-ray crystal and molecular structures have been determined resulting in a planar acylthiourea group, with the C=O and C=S adopting a pseudo-antiperiplanar conformation. An intramolecular N-H⋯O=C hydrogen bond occurs between the thioamide and carbonyl groups. The crystal packing of both compounds is characterized by extended intermolecular N-H⋯S=C and N-H⋯O=C hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the acylthiourea moiety. Compound 2 is further stabilized by π-stacking between adjacent naphthalene and phenyl rings. The thermal behavior, as well as the vibrational properties, studied by infrared and Raman spectroscopy data complemented by quantum chemical calculations at the B3PW91/6-311++G(d,p) support the formation of these intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the UV-Vis spectrum is interpreted in terms of TD-DFT quantum chemical calculations with the shapes of the simulated absorption spectra in good accordance with the experimental data.

Fibrilación auricular paroxística en el contexto de cefalea en racimos / Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation within the context of cluster headaches

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Retinol, β-carotene and oxidative stress in systemic inflammatory response syndrome / Retinol, β-caroteno e estresse oxidativo na síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica.

Objective: patients suffering systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) constitute a group susceptible to elevated levels of oxidative stress. This study’s aim is to evaluate the state of oxidative stress and levels of serum retinol and β-carotene in these patients. Methods: forty-six patients were divided into 2 groups: those those without diet (G1; n=18) and those with enteral nutritional support (G2; n=28). Serum levels of retinol and total carotenoids were measured. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and Apache scores were also calculated. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels. Results: the patients’ median age was 66.9 (SD=19.3) years. Lower concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were found in 68.6 and 66.7% of G1, respectively. In G2, despite average vitamin A levels being 8078 + 4035, retinol and β-carotene were considered insufficient (31.2 and 33.4%, respectively). No difference was noted between the 2 groups, according to the variables studied, with the exception being PCR and β-carotene (p=0.002; p=0.01). Conclusion: the data presented in this study supports the need to establish/revise clinical practices in treating SIRS patients, in light of this micronutrient’s role in the immune system and antioxidant defense without it interfering with its toxicity. .

Objetivo: pacientes que apresentam a síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SIRS) constituem um grupo suscetível a níveis elevados de estresse oxidativo. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar o estado de estresse oxidativo e os níveis séricos de retinol e β-caroteno nesses pacientes. Métodos: quarenta e seis pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: aqueles sem dieta (G1; n = 18) e aqueles com suporte nutricional enteral (G2, n = 28). Foram investigadas as concentrações séricas de retinol e carotenoides totais, proteína C reativa, estresse oxidativo e escore Apache. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado por dosagem da peroxidação lipídica e estimado por meio da dosagem de TBARS (substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico). Resultados: a média de idade dos pacientes foi de 66,9 (±19,3). Baixas concentrações de retinol e carotenoides foram encontradas em 68,6 e 66,7% do G1, respectivamente. No G2, a concentração sérica média de vitamina A foi de 8078 (± 4035), e o retinol e o β-caroteno apresentaram percentual de inadequação de 31,2 e 33,4%, respectivamente. Não foi observada nenhuma diferença entre os dois grupos, de acordo com as variáveis estudadas, com exceção do PCR e do β-caroteno (p=0,002; p=0,01). Conclusão: os dados apresentados neste estudo indicam a necessidade de estabelecer/rever práticas clínicas no tratamento de pacientes com SIRS, tendo em conta o papel desse micronutriente no sistema imunológico e na defesa antioxidante, sem que isso interfira na sua toxicidade. .

A new oxidovanadium(IV) complex of oxodiacetic acid and dppz: spectroscopic and DFT study. Antitumor action on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line.

The oxidovanadium(IV) complex of oxodiacetic acid (H2ODA) and dppz (dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c] phenazine) of stoichiometry [VO(ODA)(dppz)]·3H2O could be synthesized for the first time by reaction between [VO(ODA)(H2O)2] and dppz. It was characterized by infrared and electronic spectroscopies. Its optimized molecular structure was obtained by DFT calculations, as it was impossible to grow single crystals adequate for crystallographic studies. The antitumor action of the complex on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell line was also investigated. It was found that it caused a concentration-related inhibitory effect in the concentration range between 5 and 25 µM and diminished the cell viability ca. 45% in the range from 25 to 100 µM, without dose/response effects in this range. These biological effects are, in general, similar to those previously reported for the related [VO(ODA)(ophen)]·1.5H2O complex.

Determining the molecular basis for the pH-dependent interaction between 2'-deoxynucleotides and 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole in its ground and electronic excited states.

Interaction between norharmane and three different 2'-deoxynucleotides (dNMP) (2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP), 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate (dAMP) and 2'-deoxycytidine 5'-monophosphate (dCMP)), in aqueous solution, was studied in the ground state by means of UV-vis and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and in the first electronic excited state using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the norharmane-dNMP interaction dependence on the pH was examined. Possible mechanisms for the interaction of both ground and electronic excited states of norharmane with nucleotides are discussed. Spectroscopic, molecular modeling and chemometric analysis were performed to further characterize the chemical structure of the complexes formed and to get additional information concerning the interaction between dNMPs and norharmane.

Relationship between two year PSA nadir and biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy / A relação entre PSA nadir de dois anos e recidiva bioquímica no tratamento do câncer de próstata com braquiterapia de semente de iodo-125

Objective To evaluate the relationship between two year PSA nadir (PSAn) after brachytherapy and biochemical recurrence rates in prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods In the period from January 1998 to August 2007, 120 patients were treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy alone. The results analysis was based on the definition of biochemical recurrence according to the Phoenix Consensus. Results Biochemical control was observed in 86 patients (71.7%), and biochemical recurrence, in 34 (28.3%). Mean PSAn was 0.53 ng/ml. The mean follow-up was 98 months. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, with two year PSAn < 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy (74 patients; 61.7%), and group 2, with two year PSAn ≥ 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy (46 patients; 38.3%). Group 1 presented biochemical recurrence in 15 patients (20.3%), and group 2, in 19 patients (43.2%) (p < 0.02). The analysis of biochemical disease-free survival at seven years, stratified by the two groups, showed values of 80% and 64% (p < 0.02), respectively. Conclusion Levels of two year PSAn ≥ 0.5 ng/ml after brachytherapy are strongly correlated with a poor prognosis. This fact may help to identify patients at risk for disease recurrence. .

Objetivo Avaliar os valores de PSA nadir (PSAn) dois anos após braquiterapia e sua relação com a taxa de recidiva bioquímica. Materiais e Métodos Cento e vinte pacientes foram tratados no período de janeiro de 1998 a agosto de 2007. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a braquiterapia isolada. Os resultados foram analisados com base na definição de recidiva bioquímica do Consenso Phoenix. Resultados Oitenta e seis pacientes (71,7%) tiveram controle bioquímico e 34 (28,3%) apresentaram recidiva bioquímica. O PSAn médio foi 0,53 ng/ml. O seguimento médio foi 98 meses. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1, com PSAn < 0,5 ng/ml dois anos após a braquiterapia (74 pacientes; 61,7%), e grupo 2, com PSAn ≥ 0,5 ng/ml dois anos após a braquiterapia (46 pacientes; 38, 3%). O grupo 1 teve recidiva bioquímica em 15 pacientes (20,3%) e o grupo 2 em 19 pacientes (43,2%) (p < 0,02). A análise da sobrevida livre de doença bioquímica de sete anos, estratificada pelos dois grupos, apresentou valores de 80% e 64% (p < 0,02), respectivamente. Conclusão Os níveis de PSAn ≥ 0,5 ng/ml dois anos após a braquiterapia estão fortemente correlacionados com mau prognóstico. Este fato pode ajudar a identificar pacientes com risco de recidiva da doença. .