Ozone oxidative postconditioning ameliorates joint damage and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress in PG/PS-induced arthritis in rats.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent chronic condition present in ~1% of the adult population. Many pro-inflammatory mediators are increased in RA, including Reactive Oxygen Species such as nitric oxide NO, pro-inflammatory cytokines as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and other molecules. Ozone oxidative postconditioning has regulatory effects on some pathological targets associated with RA. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ozone therapy in PG/PS-induced arthritis in rats in point of joints inflammation and morphology. Moreover, cytokines, nitric oxide and oxidative stress levels in spleen homogenates were evaluated. Ozone treatment ameliorated joint damage, reduced TNF-α concentrations as well as TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA levels. Besides, cellular redox balance, nitric oxide and fructolysine levels were reestablished after ozone oxidative postconditioning. It was concluded that pleiotropic ozone's effects clarify its therapeutic efficacy in RA. Decreasing inflammation and joint injury, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1ß transcripts and re-establishment of cellular redox balance after ozone treatment were demonstrated.

Application of ozone therapy in the vestibulocochlear syndrome.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ozone therapy in the treatment of 50 patients with peripheral vestibulocochlear syndrome. Ozone was injected in the cervical region C2-C3, for 20 sessions. Evaluation criteria was based in the evolution of nystagmus, tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. Also, oxidative stress parameters were measured. Results demonstrated that patient improvements, according to vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and nystagmus, were of 90, 80, 65 and 100%, respectively. These patients were initially under condition of systemic oxidative stress, however, at the end of the study a redox balance was achieved. No side effects were observed.

[Rectal ozone therapy for patients with pulmonary emphysema]. / La ozonoterapia en pacientes con enfisema pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: Ozone therapy may stimulate antioxidant systems and protect against free radicals. It has not been used formerly in patients with pulmonary emphysema. AIM: To assess the effects of rectal ozone therapy in patients with pulmonary emphysema. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty four patients with pulmonary emphysema, aged between 40 and 69 years, were randomly assigned to receive rectal ozone in 20 daily sessions, rectal medicinal oxygen or no treatment. Treatments were repeated three months later in the first two groups. At baseline and at the end of the study, spirometry and a clinical assessment were performed. RESULTS: fifty patients completed the protocol, 20 receiving ozone therapy, 20 receiving rectal oxygen and 10 not receiving any therapy. At baseline, patients on ozone therapy had significantly lower values of forced expiratory volume in the first second (fEV1) and fEV1/forced vital capacity. At the end of the treatment period, these parameters were similar in the three treatment groups, therefore they only improved significantly in the group on ozone therapy. No differences were observed in other spirometric parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal ozone therapy may be useful in patients with pulmonary emphysema.

Therapeutic efficacy of topical OLEOZON® in patients suffering from onychomycosis.

The results of the use of ozonised sunflower oil (OLEOZON(®)) in the treatment of onychomycosis, based on its known antimycotic action and good skin tolerance, by means of a controlled randomised phase III assay are presented. A total of 400 outpatients were randomly divided into two groups: experimental, treated with topical OLEOZON(®), two times per day and control, treated also two times per day, with ketoconazole cream 2%, for 3 months. A patient was considered cured when the sick nails regained the normal colour, growth and thickness, with a negative mycological study. In the experimental group, a regression of signs was achieved from the first month of treatment, while in the control group, it was obtained after the third month of treatment. All patients treated with OLEOZON(®) had improvement in their condition (9.5%) or were cured (90.5%). However, in the control group, only 13.5% of patients were cured, 27.5% improved and 59% remained the same, with significant differences between both the groups. After 1 year of follow-up, experimental and control groups presented 2.8% and 44.4% of relapses, respectively. Topical OLEOZON(®) demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of onychomycosis, superior to that of ketoconazole. No side effects were observed.

Ozone oxidative post-conditioning in acute renal failure.

OBJECTIVES: The ischaemia-reperfusion process is largely mediated by reactive oxygen species. Taking into account that a transient and controlled administration of ozone is able to upregulate cellular antioxidant enzymes, a morphological, biochemical and functional renal study was performed in rats undergoing warm renal ischaemia. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups. All except the negative controls underwent 60 min' bilateral renal ischaemia followed by 10 days' reperfusion. The positive control group received no further treatment. The ozone group received an ozone/oxygen mixture (ozone dose 0.5 mg/kg) immediately after the ischaemia and daily for the 10 days' reperfusion; the oxygen group were given the same concentration of oxygen alone (13 mg/kg). Biochemical parameters fructosamine, phospholipase A2, catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured, as well as renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. KEY FINDINGS: Renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate decreased significantly in the positive controls and the oxygen group whereas values in the ozone group were similar to those in the negative control group. With respect to the biochemical parameters, ozone maintained a homeostasis redox, with significant increases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and similar values for phospholipase A2 and fructosamine compared with the negative control group. Fewer morphological alterations were seen in kidneys from the ozone group. No advantages were obtained in the positive control and oxygen groups. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of ozone may be explained by upregulation of the antioxidant defence system and beneficial effects on blood circulation and in oxygen metabolism. Ozone treatment may represent a therapeutic approach for minimising renal damage after transplantation.

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is mediated by A1 adenosine receptors in a rat model of liver ischemia/ reperfusion.

The liver is damaged by sustained ischemia in liver transplantation, and the reperfusion after ischemia results in further functional impairment. Ozone oxidative preconditioning (OzoneOP) protected the liver against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of A(1) adenosine receptor on the protective actions conferred by OzoneOP in hepatic I/R. By using a specific agonist and antagonist of the A(1) subtype receptor (2-chloro N6 cyclopentyladenosine, CCPA and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, DPCPX respectively), we studied the role of A(1) receptor in the protective effects of OzoneOP on the liver damage, nitiric oxide (NO) generation, adenosine deaminase activity and preservation of the cellular redox balance. Immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) was performed. OzoneOP prevented and/or ameliorated ischemic damage. CCPA showed a similar effect to OzoneOP + I/R group. A(1)AR antagonist DPCPX blocked the protective effect of OzoneOP. OzoneOP largely reduced the intensity of the p65 expression, diminished TNF-alpha production, and promoted a reduction in HSP-70 immunoreactivity. In summary, OzoneOP exerted protective effects against liver I/R injury through activation of A(1) adenosine receptors (A(1)AR). Adenosine and (.)NO produced by OzoneOP may play a role in the pathways of cellular signalling which promote preservation of the cellular redox balance, mitochondrial function, glutathione pools as well as the regulation of NF-kappaB and HSP-70.

Eficacia y seguridad del OLEOZON tópico en el tratamiento de pacientes con impétigo / Efficacy and security of topical OLEOZON in the treatment of patients with impetigo

Se realizó un ensayo clínico fase III, multicéntrico, abierto, paralelo, aleatorizado y controlado, para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del OLEOZON® tópico (aceite de girasol ozonizado) en el tratamiento de pacientes con impétigo. Se conformaron 2 grupos: uno tratado con OLEOZON® y otro con crema de Mupirocina 2%. Ambos tratamientos se aplicaron de forma tópica, 3 veces al día hasta la cura de las lesiones o hasta un máximo de 10 días. Se incluyeron 136 niños de 0 a 14 años de edad con diagnóstico clínico y bacteriológico de impétigo, vírgenes de tratamiento o con al menos 72 horas sin tratamiento específico tópico o sistémico y con el consentimiento de sus padres. Para determinar la eficacia se realizó la prueba unilateral de equivalencia de las proporciones a la variable principal del estudio: respuesta clínica. La seguridad del tratamiento fue evaluada a través del tipo e intensidad del evento adverso. De acuerdo al análisis realizado la proporción de pacientes curados clínicamente en el grupo OLEOZON® no resultó inferior en un 20% a la proporción de pacientes curados en el grupo de Mupirocina, por lo que se consideran tratamientos equivalentes. Un 92.9% (39/42) de los pacientes del grupo OLEOZON® curaron, mientras que en el grupo de Mupirocina el 100% de los pacientes (59/59) lograron igual respuesta. Ambos tratamientos resultaron ser seguros a las dosis según el esquema de administración aplicados en el estudio.

Ozonoterapia combinada en el tratamiento del paciente portador de hernia discal lumbar: estudio preliminar / Combined ozone therapy in the treatment of the patient with lumbar herniated disc: preliminary study

Se estudió el efecto de la ozonoterapia por vía rectal e intramuscular (paravertebral) sobre variables clínicas y hallazgos imagenológicos en pacientes portadores de hernia discal lumbar. Es conocido que la hernia discal lumbar es causa de sacrolumbalgia y en muchos de los casos llega a invalidar al paciente, constituyendo un problema de salud importante en el mundo actual. A pesar de que existen diferentes esquemas de tratamientos (conservadores y quirúrgicos) para abordar el paciente con hernia discal, muchas veces estos fracasan. Teniendo en cuenta, por otra parte, las propiedades de la ozonoterapia sobre el metabolismo del oxígeno y sobre mediadores de la inflamación, fue objetivo de este trabajo valorar el efecto de la ozonoterapia sobre la calidad de vida en pacientes con hernia discal lumbar. Para desarrollar este estudio se utilizó una muestra de 37 pacientes portadores de hernia discal lumbar, a estos se les midió por escala la fuerza muscular y el grado de reflectividad osteotendinosa, así como la intensidad del dolor antes y al finalizar el tratamiento con ozono, además se realizaron estudios imagenológicos antes y después de haber concluido el esquema terapéutico. Los resultados mostraron que la terapia con ozono reflejo un efecto beneficioso en las variables clínicas estudiadas en estos pacientes además de incidir significativamente en el mejoramiento desde el punto de vista imagenológico.

Infecciones en el paciente neutropénico con cáncer / Infections in neutropenic patient with cancer

Los procesos sépticos en los pacientes inmunocomprometidos y con enfermedades malignas asociadas causan una elevada morbimortalidad. El riesgo de desarrollar una infección está directamente relacionado con la intensidad y duración de la neutropenia, evaluado este último aspecto mediante el conteo absoluto de neutrófilos. Es importante determinar el gérmen causal, así se logra administrar una terapia más racional y evita la aparición de cepas resistentes por el empleo de un tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico de amplio espectro. Debe realizarse una evaluación cuidadosa de los pacientes, lo que permite ubicarlos en las categorías de bajo o de alto riesgo de desarrollar infecciones. De esta manera se recoge la información necesaria para elegir un tratamiento empírico inicial por vía oral o intravenoso, y un manejo extra o intrahospitalario de acuerdo a las características de cada paciente. La profilaxis antibacteriana con fluoroquinolonas constituye un aspecto controversial en los pacientes neutropénicos con cáncer, aunque algunos estudios recientes han proporcionado evidencia clara de su eficacia.

Ozone/oxygen mixture modifies the subcellular redistribution of Bax protein in renal tissue from rats treated with cisplatin.

BACKGROUND: Cellular events in cisplatin-mediated nephrotoxicity include apoptosis induction, decreased protein synthesis, changes in the subcellular redistribution of Bax mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA injury, increased lipid peroxidation, depletion of glutathione and decrease in enzymatic activity of renal antioxidant enzymes. In previous papers we have shown that intra-rectal (i.r.) ozone/oxygen mixture protected and induced a significant recovery in cisplatin-induced renal damage and was related to a significant increase in the antioxidant system in renal tissue. METHODS: This study was undertaken to examine the effect of the ir applications of ozone/oxygen mixture in the renal expression pattern of Bax proteins in rats treated with cisplatin. A group of male Sprague-Dawley rats was pretreated with 15 i.r. applications of ozone/oxygen (1.1 mg/kg) before intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (6 mg/kg). Another group was treated with five i.r. applications of ozone/oxygen mixture after cisplatin administration. Serum creatinine was measured thereafter. Subcellular distribution of Bax in renal tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ozone pretreatment prevented the increase in serum creatinine levels and completely inhibited the acute tubular necrosis induced by cisplatin in renal tissue, diminishing the expression of Bax. Ozone treatment after cisplatin application reduced the increase in serum creatinine levels and the renal necrosis, inducing a lesser decrease of the Bax expression in cisplatin-treated kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of Bax in renal tissue seems to play an important role in the protection and recovery in cisplatin-nephrotoxicity achieved by ozone/oxygen mixture.

Therapeutic efficacy of ozone in patients with diabetic foot.

Oxidative stress is suggested to have an important role in the development of complications in diabetes. Because ozone therapy can activate the antioxidant system, influencing the level of glycemia and some markers of endothelial cell damage, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ozone in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic feet and to compare ozone with antibiotic therapy. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 101 patients divided into two groups: one (n = 52) treated with ozone (local and rectal insufflation of the gas) and the other (n = 49) treated with topical and systemic antibiotics. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated by comparing the glycemic index, the area and perimeter of the lesions and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and endothelial damage in both groups after 20 days of treatment. Ozone treatment improved glycemic control, prevented oxidative stress, normalized levels of organic peroxides, and activated superoxide dismutase. The pharmacodynamic effect of ozone in the treatment of patients with neuroinfectious diabetic foot can be ascribed to the possibility of it being a superoxide scavenger. Superoxide is considered a link between the four metabolic routes associated with diabetes pathology and its complications. Furthermore, the healing of the lesions improved, resulting in fewer amputations than in control group. There were no side effects. These results show that medical ozone treatment could be an alternative therapy in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Ozone therapy on rats submitted to subtotal nephrectomy: role of antioxidant system.

Chronic renal failure (CRF) represents a world health problem. Ozone increases the endogenous antioxidant defense system, preserving the cell redox state. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ozone/oxygen mixture in the renal function, morphology, and biochemical parameters, in an experimental model of CRF (subtotal nephrectomy). Ozone/oxygen mixture was applied daily, by rectal insufflation (0.5 mg/kg) for 15 sessions after the nephrectomy. Renal function was evaluated, as well as different biochemical parameters, at the beginning and at the end of the study (10 weeks). Renal plasmatic flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the urine excretion index, and the sodium and potassium excretions (as a measurement of tubular function) in the ozone group were similar to those in Sham group. Nevertheless, nephrectomized rats without ozone (positive control group) showed the lowest RPF, GFR, and urine excretion figures, as well as tubular function. Animals treated with ozone showed systolic arterial pressure (SAP) figures lower than those in the positive control group, but higher values compared to Sham group. Serum creatinine values and protein excretion in 24 hours in the ozone group were decreased compared with nephrectomized rats, but were still higher than normal values. Histological study demonstrated that animals treated with ozone showed less number of lesions in comparison with nephrectomized rats. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly increased in nephrectomized and ozone-treated nephrectomized rats in comparison with Sham group. In the positive control group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed the lowest figures in comparison with the other groups. However, ozone/oxygen mixture induced a significant stimulation in the enzymatic activity of CAT, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as reduced glutathione in relation with Sham and positive control groups. In this animal model of CRF, ozone rectal administrations produced a delay in the advance of the disease, protecting the kidneys against vascular, hemorheological, and oxidative mechanisms. This behavior suggests ozone therapy has a protective effect on renal tissue by downregulation of the oxidative stress shown in CRF.

Effects of ozone oxidative preconditioning on TNF-alpha release and antioxidant-prooxidant intracellular balance in mice during endotoxic shock.

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of antioxidant endogenous systems in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Our aim is to analyze the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on serum TNF-alpha levels and as a modulator of oxidative stress on hepatic tissue in entodoxic shock model (mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture which was administered intraperitoneally (0.2, 0.4, and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily for five days before LPS (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). TNF-alpha was measured by cytotoxicity on L-929 cells. Biochemical parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), enzymatic activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S transferase were measured in hepatic tissue. One hour after LPS injection there was a significant increase in TNF-alpha levels in mouse serum. Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture reduced serum TNF-alpha levels in a dose-dependent manner. Statistically significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels after LPS injection were observed in mice pretreated with ozone intraperitoneal applications at 0.2 (78%), 0.4 (98%), and 1.2 (99%). Also a significant increase in TBARS content was observed in the hepatic tissue of LPS-treated mice, whereas enzymatic activity of glutathion-S transferase and glutathione peroxidase was decreased. However in ozone-treated animals a significant decrease in TBARS content was appreciated as well as an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results indicate that ozone oxidative preconditioning exerts inhibitory effects on TNF-alpha production and on the other hand it exerts influence on the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of cell redox state by the increase of endogenous antioxidant systems.

Protection by ozone preconditioning is mediated by the antioxidant system in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure is a dose-limiting factor of cisplatin chemotherapy. Here, we show the protective effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-pro-oxidant balance for preservation of the cell redox state by increasing antioxidant endogenous systems in various in vivo and in vitro experimental models. AIMS: To analyze the protective role of ozone oxidative preconditioning against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with 15 intrarectal applications of ozone/oxygen mixture at 0.36, 0.72, 1.1, 1.8 and 2.5 mg/kg before cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg). Serum and kidneys were extracted and analyzed 5 days after cisplatin treatment for determinations of the renal content of glutathione, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, renal concentration and enzymatic activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. RESULTS: Ozone pretreatment prevented the increase in serum creatinine levels, the glutathione depletion and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities induced by cisplatin in the rat kidney. Also, the renal content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances was decreased by ozone therapy. These protective effects of ozone were dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Intrarectal ozone therapy prevented effectively the renal antioxidant unbalance induced by cisplatin treatment.

Algunos aspectos genéticos, moleculares y clínicos del cáncer colorrectal hereditario no polipoideo / Some genetic, molecular and clinical aspects of nonpolyposis hereditary colorectal cancer

Se hizo una revisión con el objetivo de profundizar en el conocimiento del cáncer colorrectal hereditario no polipoideo; resaltando su evolución histórica, así como sus características genéticas, moleculares y clínicas que condicionan el manejo clínico adecuado de los pacientes con esta afección y de los familiares en riesgo. La primera referencia al carácter hereditario del cáncer colorrectal fue a finales del siglo pasado, y el conocimiento actual de su base molecular, identificación clínica y diagnóstico genético es fruto de las investigaciones que se han llevado a cabo en este campo desde entonces. El cáncer colorrectal hereditario no polipoideo es una patología que representa aproximadamente 4 por ciento del total de cáncer colorrectal

Reversion by ozone treatment of acute nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ozone therapy has become a useful treatment for pathological processes, in which the damage mediated by reactive oxygen species is involved. Several lines of evidence suggest that cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity is partially mediated by reactive oxygen species AIMS: To analyze the effect of ozone administration after cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with five intra-rectal applications of ozone/oxygen mixture at 0.36, 1.1 and 1.8 mg/kg after cisplatin intraperitoneal injection (6 mg/kg). Serum and kidneys were taken off 5 days after cisplatin treatment. Creatinine was measured in the serum and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione content were analyzed in renal homogenate. RESULTS: Ozone treatment diminished the increase in serum creatinine levels, the glutathione depletion and also reversed the inhibition of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities induced by cisplatin in the rat kidney. Also, the renal content of thiobarbituric reactive substances was decreased by ozone/oxygen mixture applied after cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Intrarectal applications of ozone reversed the renal pro-oxidant unbalance induced by cisplatin treatment by the way of stimulation to some constituents of antioxidant system in the kidney, and thereby it decreased the renal damage.

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha release during endotoxic shock by ozone oxidative preconditioning in mice.

Ozone oxidative preconditioning is a prophylactic approach, which favors the antioxidant-prooxidant balance for preservation of the cell redox state by increasing antioxidant endogenous systems in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning on the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the serum of mice treated with lipopolysaccaride (LPS). Pretreatment with an ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture was administered intraperitoneally (0.2, 0.4 and 1.2 mg/kg) or by rectal application (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) once daily during five days before LPS (0.1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). TNF-alpha was measured by cytotoxicity on L-929 cells. One hour after LPS injection, a significant mean increase of TNF-alpha in mouse serum was observed. Ozone/oxygen gaseous mixture reduced serum TNF-alpha levels in a dose-dependent manner. Statistically significant decreases in TNF-alpha levels after LPS injection were observed either with ozone intraperitoneal applications at 0.2 (78 %), 0.4 (98.5 %) and 1.2 (98.6 %) mg/ kg or by rectal application at 0.2 (46.2 %) and 0.4 (97.4 %) mg/kg. These results indicate that ozone oxidative preconditioning inhibits TNF-alpha production.

Péptido beta amiloide, proteína Tau y enfermedad de Alzheimer / Amyloid-beta peptide, Tau protein and AlzheimerÆs disease

Se realizó una actualización sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer, que constituye la causa más frecuente de demencia. Se establecieron aspectos relacionados con los cromosomas 21 y 17. Mutaciones en el gen de la proteína precursora amiloidea, localizado en el cromosoma 21, son responsables de 5 a 20 porciento de los casos de enfermedad de Alzheimer familiar precoz. La proteína precursora amiloidea al ser procesada por una vía amiloidogénica origina el beta amiloide, el cual se deposita en las placas seniles y causa efectos tóxicos directos sobre las neuronas. En el cromosoma 17 se encuentra el gen que codifica la síntesis de la proteína Tau. Mutaciones en este gen provocan una fosforilación irreversible de la proteína que impiden su función normal y facilitan su autoagregación, formando los ovillos neurofibrilares. Aunque aún en estudio, se acepta que el depósito de beta amiloide constituye una de las primeras causas de la enfermedad, sin embargo, la única correlación establecida entre la intensidad de la enfermedad y las lesiones patológicas se da con los ovillos neurofibrilares

Presenilinas, Apo E y enfermedad de Alzheimer / Presenilins, Apo E and AlzheimerÆs disease

Se hizo una revisión sobre la identificación y el aislamiento de los genes que codifican para la presenilina 1 y 2 (cromosoma 14 y 21 respectivamente), así como la detección de mutaciones, lo que constituye uno de los logros de la estrategia genética para el estudio de la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Estas investigaciones han contribuido a explicar un porcentaje de los casos con antecedentes familiares e inicio precoz de la afección. El gen de la Apo E, fundamentalmente la presencia del alelo e4 localizado en el cromosoma 19 se asocia con la enfermedad de Alzheimer familiar de inicio tardío. Se trataron aspectos que evidencian el notable avance alcanzado en el conocimiento de los eventos fisiopatogénicos, aún sin esclarecer del todo, que subyacen en la causa más frecuente de demencia