Search NEL Online

Case Reports 2014; 35(3): 179-182 PubMed PMID: 24977964 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal:therapeutic use, Bromocriptine:therapeutic use, Female, Humans, Pituitary Neoplasms:drug therapy, Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune:drug therapy, Prolactinoma:drug therapy,.   

: Excessive prolactin release and/or receptor action may be implicated in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders. We report here a case of a woman who developed Graves' disease and subclinical autoimmune adrenal failure, and was diagnosed as having autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2. Because of coexisting microprolactinoma she was treated with bromocriptine for 24 months. This treatment resulted in a normalization of thyroid and adrenal function tests (with the exception of 21-hydroxylase antibodies) and reduced monocyte cytokine release. Our study indicates that bromocriptine and probably also the remaining prolactin-lowering agents produce anti-inflammatory effects and may prevent or delay the progression of autoimmune disorders of endocrine glands....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2014; 35(2): 142-148 PubMed PMID: 24878978 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Baroreflex:physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases:diagnosis, Endothelium, Vascular:physiopathology, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Polysomnography, Prognosis, Risk Factors, Severity of Illness Index, Sleep Apnea, Obstructive:complications,.   

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction (ED), accelerated atherosclerosis and autonomic dysfunction might be the key players responsible for development of vascular diseases in patients with OSA. In a population with suspected OSA and low burden of cardiovascular risk factors, we therefore aimed to investigate the association between potential cardiovascular risk factors including OSA-specific indices, ED and autonomic activity.

METHODS: ED was investigated using reperfusion hyperaemia index (RHI). OSA was assessed using standard polysomnography, autonomic activity was assessed using baroreflex sensitivity (BRS).

RESULTS: We enrolled 31 patients (42.1±11.7 years) with OSA. Significant inverse correlation was found between RHI and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (r=-0.550, p=0.001) and between RHI desaturation index (r=-0.533, p=0.002). Positive correlation was found between RHI and minimal nocturnal oxygen saturation (r=0.394, p=0.028). In a multiple regression model AHI was the only significant variable to predict RHI (β=-0.522, p=0.003). We found no correlation between RHI and BRS. RHI in the population with severe OSA (AHI above 30) was significantly lower than RHI in the rest of the population (p=0.012).

CONCLUSION: AHI was the only significant independent predictor of impaired endothelial function as expressed by RHI. RHI showed no association with BRS in patients with OSA....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Case Reports 2014; 35(2): 89-94 PubMed PMID: 24878972 Citation  Keywords:  Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing:genetics, Adult, Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis:complications, DNA Mismatch Repair:genetics, Fatal Outcome, Female, Humans, MutL Protein Homolog 1, Neuroendocrine Tumors:etiology, Nuclear Proteins:geneti.   

: Neuroendocrine tumors rarely occur in the cervix or other components of the reproductive system. These tumors have been associated with microsatellite instability, are very aggressive and often associated with poor outcome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome that has also been associated with microsatellite instability. Here we report a 34-year-old female with Lynch syndrome and a family history of loss of DNA mismatch of the hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer repair gene expression who presented with a neuroendocrine tumor of her cervix as the first manifestation of Lynch syndrome. This is the first case reported of a neuroendocrine tumor of the cervix in a patient with Lynch syndrome. We also review the relationship between Lynch Syndrome and neuroendocrine tumors....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2014; 35(2): 129-136 PubMed PMID: 24878971 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Antidepressive Agents:pharmacology, Depressive Disorder:drug therapy, Disease Models, Animal, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Helplessness, Learned, Male, Panax:chemistry, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts:chemistry, Polygala:chemistry, Rats, Rats, Wist.   

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate whether SYG, a Chinese herbal formula, could produce antidepressant-like effects in learned helplessness (LH) model and chronic mild stress (CMS) model in rats. The mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action was investigated by exploring BDNF signaling way in the hippocampus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: SYG was administrated for 5 consecutive days (100 and 200 mg/kg/day, intragastrically) in the learned helplessness model; SYG was administered daily by gastric gavages during both the 5-week stress session and behavior tests periods in the chronic mild stress model (100 and 200 mg/kg). The serum corticosterone level was measured in the learned helplessness model. Levels of BDNF and Tyrosine-related kinase B (TrkB), were evaluated in the hippocampus of chronic mild stress model.

RESULTS: A deficit in avoidance learning and higher corticosterone level were observed in learned helplessness rats. SYG significantly reduced this deficit and reversed the corticosterone alteration. CMS induced significant reduction of sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test, an increased latency to feed in the novelty-suppressed feeding test and an increased immobility time in the forced swim test as compared to the control. It was also found that BDNF and TrkB levels were decreased in CMS model. Chronic treatment of SYG significantly suppressed the behavioral changes and up-regulated the BDNF signal pathway in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SYG alleviates depression induced by LH and CMS model. The antidepressant-like activity of SYG is likely mediated by activation the BDNF signal pathway in the hippocampus....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2013; 34(8): 792-797 PubMed PMID: 24522021 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Epigenesis, Genetic:genetics, Genetic Predisposition to Disease:epidemiology, Genotype, Humans, Male, Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2):genetics, Middle Aged, Polymorphism, Genetic, Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2:genetics, Risk Factors, .   

OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidences support the importance of epigenetic control in schizophrenia pathogenesis. One of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation process through homocysteine metabolism is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). The most extensively studied variant in the MTHFR gene is the C677T polymorphism, resulting in reduced enzyme activity and elevated homocysteine level.

METHODS: In sample of 192 schizophrenics and 213 healthy controls an increasing risk of schizophrenia associated with MTHFR 677 CT+TT genotype was found (OR=1.6, p=0.021). Association was also evaluated by considering the C677T polymorphism as an interaction with COMT Val158Met and ADRA2A C-1291G polymorphisms previously associated with schizophrenia risk using a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Previous studies of MTHFR*COMT (C677T*Val158Met) interaction in relation to schizophrenia resulted in inconsistent results. In our sample this interaction did not significantly differ between schizophrenics and control subjects. On the other hand analysis of MTHFR*ADRA2A (C677T*C-1291G) interaction revealed significant association between ADRA2A CC+CG genotype in the MTHFR TC+TT carriers (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support role of noradrenergic functions as well as previously proposed role of epigenetic control in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Further relevant studies including larger sample size and more markers are needed to prove our results....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2013; 34(7): 635-642 PubMed PMID: 24464001 Citation  Keywords:  Aged, Apolipoprotein E2:genetics, Apolipoprotein E4:genetics, Cognition:drug effects, Cognition Disorders:epidemiology, Dementia:epidemiology, Estrogen Replacement Therapy:methods, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Polymorphism, Genetic, Postmenopause:drug eff.   

OBJECTIVE: The results of many studies revealed that estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT) may modify dementia development risk in relation to the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphisms. However, the mechanism and subsequently clinical importance of such an effect are still unexplained. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of EPT on cognitive functioning of women in their postmenopausal life in relation to APOE polymorphism.

METHODS: The group of 214 women was recruited (106 out of this group with EPT) to the study. The inclusion criteria were: minimum two years after the last menstruation, FSH concentration over 30 U/ml and no dementia signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Computerized battery of Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnostic cognitive functions. APOE genotype was performed by multiplex PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance in STATISTICA software.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The women after menopause have reduced neurocognitive index (NCI) and cognitive functions. NCI and all studied cognitive functions of the patients depended significantly on APOE polymorphisms. The presence of APOE4 corresponded with decreased cognitive functions as opposed to APOE2 which was present in women with better level of cognitive functions. Constantly using EPT correlated with three cognitive functions: memory, verbal memory and processing speed, which were significantly worse for women taking EPT than not taking ones. The interaction between APOE polymorphisms and EPT application was significant only for processing speed. EPT applying women with ε2/ε3 and ε4 obtained better scores in processing speed than women not taking EPT with these APOE polymorphisms. The opposite situation concerned women with ε3/ε3, women taking EPT achieved worse processing scores in comparison with those not taking EPT. It should be noted that APOE polymorphism assessment may be a factor in predicting the effect of EPT on cognitive functioning in postmenopausal period....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2013; 34(4): 309-313 PubMed PMID: 23803869 Citation  Keywords:  Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel:instrumentation, Female, Humans, Hyperlipoproteinemias:diagnosis, Lipoprotein(a):analysis, Lipoproteins:analysis, Male, Middle Aged, Nephelometry and Turbidimetry,.   

OBJECTIVE: Identification of lipoprotein subfractions in lipoprotein profile by Lipoprint LDL system, where a lipoprotein(a), an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, migrates with. The concentration of lipoprotein(a) in serum over 0.3 g/l increases the risk of athero-thrombosis and a brain stroke. The persons with increased levels of lipoprotein(a) and contemporarily increased cholesterol level in serum, are at increased risk of the inception of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event even 3-times.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a general group of subjects with increased serum concentration of lipoprotein(a) a lipoprotein profile analysis was performed. The general group of subjects was divided into two groups: subgroup with the lipoprotein(a) concentration in the range between 0.3-0.8 g/l and a subgroup with the lipoprotein(a) concentration over 0.8 g/l, to learn if the lipoprotein(a) particles of different serum concentration and different size do not migrate in different positions of the lipoprotein spectrum. For the analysis of serum lipoproteins an innovated electrophoresis method on polyacrylamide gel (PAG) - Lipoprint LDL system USA, was used. Lipids: a total cholesterol and triglycerides in serum were analysed by an enzymatic method CHOD PAP (Roche Diagnostics, FRG), lipoprotein(a) was analysed by an immuno-nephelometric method (Roche Diagnostics, FRG).

RESULTS: In the Lipoprint LDL system using a polyacrylamide gel (PAG) for the lipoprotein separation, lipoprotein(a) migrates in the position IDL2-IDL3. In the band of IDL2 a high Lp(a) values can be identified, when the increment of IDL2 subfraction is over the value of 0.015 g/l, i.e. 15 mg/dl (reference range for IDL2) and when the increment of IDL3 subfraction is over the value of 25 mg/dl, i.e. 0.025 g/l (reference range for IDL3).

CONCLUSIONS: A clear contribution of new method is: identification of the lipoprotein subpopulations where the lipoprotein(a) migrates with different migration position for the mild increased lipoprotein(a) concentration and high lipoprotein(a) concentration in serum was not confirmed....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2013; 34(1): 62-70 PubMed PMID: 23524626 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Axonal Transport:physiology, Horseradish Peroxidase:pharmacokinetics, Lactic Acid:pharmacology, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Myelin Sheath:physiology, Nerve Regeneration:drug effects, Polyesters, Polymers:pharmacology, Rats, Rats, Sprague-.   

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the poly(dextrogyr-levogyr) lactide acid-triiodothyronine (PDLLA-T3) seeded with Schwann cells conduit for repairing sciatic nerve defect.

MATERIALS & METHODS: The rats were divided into three groups: autologous nerve transplantation (Group A), PDLLA-T3 + Schwann cells (Group B) and PDLLA + Schwann cells (Group C).

RESULTS: Myelin sheath thickness was significantly greater in Group A compared with Group B and Group C. The regenerated nerves had nearly normal structure in Group A, and in Groups B and C nerve tissues filled in the anastomotic site and angiogenesis was noted. The mean number of myelinated nerve fibers and neurons in Group B was greater than in Group C.

CONCLUSIONS: PDLLA-T3 is superior to PDLLA alone for repairing nerve defects....

Read abstract  Full text PDF