[D-repeat polymorphism in the ASPN gene in knee osteoarthritis in females in Torreón, Coahuila. Case-control study]. / Polimorfismo del D repetido en gen ASPN en osteoartritis de rodilla en mujeres de Torreón, Coahuila. Estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and disabling disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It may affect any ethnic group and causes variable degrees of disability. Various risk factors have been associated with the development and progression of this condition, such as: age, genetic and occupational factors, trauma, menopause, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and gender, among others. Distinguishing these factors, whether individually or altogether, is important to prevent or diagnose and treat the disease early on. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 260 females in Torre6n, Coahuila, to analyze the relationship between primary knee osteoarthritis and the D-repeat polymorphism in the ASPN gene (asporin). 130 females with knee osteoarthritis and 130 healthy female controls were included. RESULTS: In this study, menopause and the D16 allele variant were found to be significant risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (p = 0.002, OR 2.656, CI 95% 1.412-4.998; p = 0.026, OR 2.418, CI 95% 1.111-5.263, respectively). The D12 variant was found to be a significant protective allele. CONCLUSIONS: As far as we know, this is the first case-control study in Mexican women that suggests that menopause and the D-repeat polymorphism in the ASPN gene are associated with knee OA.

[Platelet aggregation model in vivo (rabbits)]. / Modelo de agregación plaquetaria in vivo (conejos).

The purpose of this study was to establish a blood platelet aggregation model that would permit "in vivo" (New Zealand rabbits) evaluation of hemodynamic and microscopic parameters. The platelet aggregation was induced by the administration of collagen I.V. 75 micrograms/kg/min, which produced a decrease of systolic arterial pressure from mean = 69 to mean = 55 mm Hg and diastolic pressure from mean = 43 to mean = 27 mm Hg, with ventricular increase from mean = 25 to mean = 41 mm Hg. Aspirin, dypiridamol or sulfinpyrazone was administered 10 mg/kg, half hour before the administration of collagen and prostacycline 100 mg/kg/min starting 3 minutes before until 10 minutes after the collagen injection. With the joint administration of collagen and aspirin, collagen and dypiridamol both systolic and diastolic arterial pressure were lowered with no modification in the ventricular values. No hemodynamic changes were observed with the joint administration of sulfinpyrazone-collagen or prostacycline-collagen. Histology demonstrated multiple vascular lung thrombosis with the administration of collagen and in less intensity when jointly administered with an antiaggregant drug. This model permits to measure hemodynamically and histologically pro and antiaggregant substances.