Search NEL Online

Comparative Study 2007; 28(2): 153-158 PubMed PMID: 17435670 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Anorexia Nervosa:genetics, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor:genetics, Case-Control Studies, Child, Disease Susceptibility, Female, Genotype, Humans, Personality:genetics, Phenotype, Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide, Risk,.   

OBJECTIVES: Polymorphisms in BDNF gene has been proposed, as susceptibility loci for stress-related psychiatric disorders. Several lines of molecular and biochemical evidence point to the role of BDNF in anorexia nervosa (AN). Personality traits may constitute the intermediate phenotypes between genes and vulnerability to AN.

METHODS: BDNF Val66Met and -270C/T polymorphisms were genotyped in 149 patients with AN and 100 healthy control females. Temperamental traits in all subjects were measured with Temperament and Character Inventory. First in case-control analysis, we assessed, if analyzed genotypes confer risk for AN. Next, the association of BDNF gene variants with personality dimensions in patients and control subjects was analyzed.

RESULTS: No significant differences between patients with anorexia nervosa and controls in frequency of genotypes and alleles were observed. AN patients with Met allele showed higher Harm avoidance (Anova F=4.70; p=0.03) than Val/Val homozygotes. AN patients, who carried the T allele of BDNF -270C/T polymorphism showed higher Persistence (Anova F=4.04; p<0.05) and Harm avoidance (Anova F=7.93; p=0.006) than C/C homozygotes, however after correction for multiple testing only the latter association remained statistically significant. No significant relationship between Val/Met 66 genotype and -270C/T genotype with personality was observed in healthy females.

CONCLUSIONS: These results may suggest, that BDNF -270 C/T polymorphism may influence the personality trait associated with higher risk of AN....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Comparative Study 2007; 28(2): 170-174 PubMed PMID: 17435667 Citation  Keywords:  Animals, Brain Ischemia:drug therapy, Drug Evaluation, Preclinical, Erythropoietin:administration & dosage, Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery:drug therapy, Injections, Intraperitoneal, Male, Neuroprotective Agents:administration & dosage, Rats, Rats, Spr.   

OBJECTIVE: Majority of severe disabilities in adults are caused by stroke. The aim of our study is to learn the effects of erythropoietin (EPO), on infarct size in cerebral ischemia and to determine neurological behavioral scores and histopathological evaluation.

MATERIAL & METHODS: In this study 30 adult Sprague-Dawney rats were used. Cerebral ischemia was constituted by intraluminal filament method with a 4-0-nylon suture. Reperfusion was started after two hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The rats were randomly divided into two groups as follow: control and EPO groups. Saline 0.9% (0.5 ml/kg) and EPO (5 000 U/kg) was administered intraperitoneally in the groups. Three coronal slices in two millimeters thickness were obtained from cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem, and were stained with a 2% solution of triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Transparent sheets were placed over each section and the areas of the brain and infarct were measured. The neurological scores were determined at 24th, 48th and 72nd hours after reperfusion.

RESULTS: Percent of ischemic area (%) in cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem level in EPO groups were less than those of control group (p<0.0001). In addition, we determined that EPO group was better than controls of neurologic score and histopathologically after cerebral ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that EPO may decrease ischemic area in experimental cerebral ischemia in rats and it seems that EPO may be beneficial....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Comparative Study 2007; 28(2): 175-181 PubMed PMID: 17435666 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Female, Genetic Diseases, Inborn:diagnosis, Gestational Age, Humans, Maternal Age, Nuchal Translucency Measurement:methods, Poland, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, First, Retrospective Studies, Risk Factors,.   

UNLABELLED: THE AIMS OF THE STUDY WERE: To evaluate range and median values of NT in a large, unselected Polish population; to determine the value of the 95th percentile and the median values for NT for given weeks of late 1st trimester pregnancy and to determine the level of chromosomal aberration risk corresponding to the values of the 95th percentile in the examined groups; to examine the possible correlation between CRL, NT width as well as the mother's age with the risk of the most frequent chromosomal aberrations.

MATERIAL & METHODS: We have retrospective analyzed 7,866 pregnant women. All fetuses of this women had NT measurement performed, as well as CRL and assessed of the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities. The group of pregnant women was divided into 2 subgroups: until and above 35 years old. All population group was divided into 3 subgroups depending on gestational age (11, 12 and above 13th weeks of gestation).

RESULTS: The median of NT in all population group was 1.5 mm and 95th percentile was 2.4 mm, whilst in group with low risk median of NT and 95th percentile were the same and in group with high risk of chromosomal abnormalities respectively 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. There were strong correlations between maternal age and the risk of most frequent chromosomal abnormalities from NT.

CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results of median values and the 95th percentiles of NT in the examined group and the age groups under 35 and 35 plus are similar to these quoted by FMF. The risk levels of trisomy of 21st chromosome were similar to the reference values used by FMF. With gestational age, NT value increases in a non-linear way, therefore it is incorrect to use the term "a normal value" for NT, therefore, only the risk level calculated with the dedicated software using NT and CRL measurements with maternal age should be stated....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2007; 28(1): 33-38 PubMed PMID: 17277734 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Antidepressive Agents:therapeutic use, Anxiety:physiopathology, Combined Modality Therapy, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Panic Disorder:physiopathology, Prefrontal Cortex:physiopathology, Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors:therap.   

BACKGROUND: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can modulate cortical activity. The goal of our study was to assess whether rTMS would facilitate effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with panic disorder.

METHOD: Fifteen patients suffering from panic disorder resistant to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) therapy were randomly assigned to either active or to sham rTMS. The aim of the study was to compare the 2 and 4 weeks efficacy of the 10 sessions 1 Hz rTMS with sham rTMS add on SRI therapy. We use 1 Hz, 30 minutes rTMS, 110% of motor threshold administered over the right dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The same time schedule was used for sham administration. Fifteen patients finished the study,. Psychopathology was assessed using the rating scales CGI, HAMA, PDSS and BAI before the treatment, immediately after the experimental treatment and 2 weeks after the experimental treatment by an independent reviewer.

RESULTS: Both groups improved during the study period but the treatment effect did not differ between groups in any of the instruments.

CONCLUSION: Low frequency rTMS administered over the right dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex after 10 sessions did not differ from sham rTMS add on serotonin reuptake inhibitors in patients with panic disorder....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Clinical Trial 2007; 28(1): 17-20 PubMed PMID: 17277731 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adrenal Medulla:physiology, Adult, Choice Behavior:physiology, Humans, Impulsive Behavior:metabolism, Male, Saliva:chemistry, Sympathetic Nervous System:physiology, Testosterone:metabolism, alpha-Amylases:analysis,.   

OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding the role of the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system in self-control and impulsivity in intertemporal choice (delay discounting), although the roles of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems have been extensively examined. This study was aimed to examine the relationships between salivary alpha-amylase (sAA, a non-invasive biological marker of adrenergic/SAM activities) levels and hyperbolic discounting, which is of interest in psychoneuroendocrinology and neuroeconomics.

METHODS: We assessed degrees to which delayed monetary gains were discounted (hyperbolic discount rates) in healthy male students. Participants' sAA were also assessed.

RESULTS: We observed negative relationships between sAA and hyperbolic discounting of small, medium, and large monetary gains.

CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that subjects with low sAA are impulsive in intertemporal choice. Implications for the roles of adrenergic and SAM systems in self-control in intertemporal choice are discussed....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Journal Article 2007; 28(1): 21-25 PubMed PMID: 17277730 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Aged, Appetite Regulation:physiology, Body Weight:physiology, Deep Brain Stimulation:adverse effects, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Parkinson Disease:physiopathology, Retrospective Studies, Subthalamic Nucleus:physiopathology, Weight Gain,.   

: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (DBS STN) is an effective treatment method in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) providing marked improvement of its major motor symptoms. In addition, non-motor effects have been reported including weight gain in PD patients after DBS STN. Using retrospective survey, we aimed to evaluate weight changes in our patients with advanced PD treated with DBS STN. We inquired 25 PD patients (16 men, 9 women), of mean age 55 (42-65) years, mean PD duration 15 (9-21) years, who previously received bilateral DBS STN. We obtained valid data from 23 patients. In the first survey, 1 to 45 months after DBS, weight gain was found in all patients comparing to pre-DBS period. The mean increase was 9.4 kg (from 1 to 25 kg). The patients' mean body mass index (BMI) increased from 23.7 to 27.0 kg/m2, i.e. by 3.3 kg/m2 (+2 to +6.1 kg/m2). In the repeated survey one year later, in 12 of the patients body weight moderately decreased, 3 did not change, and 6 patients further increased their weight. Possible explanations of body weight gain after DBS STN include a reduction of energy output related to elimination of dyskinesias, improved alimentation or direct influence on function of lateral hypothalamus by DBS STN....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Controlled Clinical Trial 2007; 28(1): 28-32 PubMed PMID: 17277729 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation:pharmacology, Circadian Rhythm:drug effects, Depressive Disorder, Major:drug therapy, Female, Fluoxetine:pharmacology, Humans, Male, Melatonin:metabolism, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Saliva:metabolism,.   

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to explore the response of melatonin circadian rhythm to fluoxetine treatment and its relationship with clinical therapeutic effect.

METHODS: This study investigated salivary melatonin in 13 outpatients with major depressive disorder and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Depressed patients received six weeks fluoxetine (20 mg/day) treatment, and saliva was collected before and four weeks after treatment. In sampling days, a total of 12 time-point salivary melatonin was measured over 24-hours. Multioscillator cosinor model was used to fit the rhythms.

RESULTS: There was no difference of circadian melatonin rhythms in depressed patients, and melatonin was not significantly lower after fluoxetine treatment. To our surprise, the melatonin amplitude (Before minus After) was positively correlated with the improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores at day 42 whereas there was no such correlation at day 28.

CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin rhythms were similar between depressed patients and matched healthy controls. The interesting finding that the difference of salivary melatonin amplitude was correlated with the clinical improvement after six weeks fluoxetine treatment deserve further study....

Read abstract  Full text PDF

Clinical Trial 2007; 28(1): 59-64 PubMed PMID: 17277725 Citation  Keywords:  Acute Disease, Adult, Anticonvulsants:administration & dosage, Female, Humans, Injections, Intravenous, Middle Aged, Migraine Disorders:complications, Pain:etiology, Pain Measurement, Prospective Studies, Treatment Outcome, Valproic Acid:administration & .   

: This multicenter study investigated the safety and efficacy of intravenous valproate in acute migraine attacks and the possible impact of prophylactic valproate pre-treatment. Thirty-six patients established on migraine prophylaxis were administered 500 mg sodium valproate intravenously against acute migraine attacks. Pain development was assessed by visual analogue scale up to a 24 hours follow up interview to detect e.g. possible relapse symptoms. A subgroup analysis examined whether prophylactic treatment with valproate affected its acute anti-migraine efficacy. A meaningful headache reduction within two hours was achieved in all 12 patients with and in 20 out of 24 patients without valproate prophylaxis. Headache-associated signs and symptoms were substantially reduced. No serious side-effects were reported. The results confirm the therapeutic value of intravenous valproate in acute migraine attacks described in literature and show a beneficial effect on all investigated efficacy parameters with a trend to even better response in patients receiving valproate prophylaxis....

Read abstract  Full text PDF