Supportive care after active periodontal treatment: a review

This review concerns the most significant questions regarding supportive (maintenance) care after active periodontal treatment: the effectiveness and ideal frequency of maintenance appointments, the adequacy of the supportive therapy according to patient needs, the possible alternatives to currently accepted protocols, and the relative value of personal oral hygiene in the overall context of supportive care. Periodontal diseases are infections with a high potential for recurrence, progressive loss of attachment and eventually, tooth loss. Current therapies for periodontal diseases are highly predictable in arresting disease activity. Supportive periodontal care has been shown to be very effective in maintaining support when adapted to each particular case. Nevertheless, current maintenance therapies may be unsuccessful in preventing further loss of attachment in a small number of sites for some patients. Tests aiming at bacterial identification and the subgingival application of antimicrobials may be helpful in the management of such cases, however the practical value in a specific setting is not known. There is growing evidence of the fundamental role of personal oral hygiene in supportive periodontal care. In cases with rapid and severe periodontal destruction and where local and/or systemic risk factors are present, personal oral hygiene becomes a key factor in the long-term preservation of periodontal support.

Intramedullary cysticercosis cured with drug treatment. A case report

STUDY DESIGN

A report of a patient with cervical intramedullary cysticercosis is presented.

OBJECTIVES

To report the first case of intramedullary. cysticercosis cured with drug management only, which supports the hypothesis that management with anthelmintics might be successfully used in this form of cysticercosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Intramedullary cysticercosis is a rare manifestation of neurocysticercosis. Every treated patient reported to date has undergone surgery, frequently necessary for diagnosis. Since the anthelmintics praziquantel and albendazole were shown to be effective in parenchymal brain cysticercosis, these drugs have been considered potentially useful in patients with intramedullary cysticercosis. Nevertheless, no case yet had been reported to be cared with only medical therapy.

METHODS

The treatment of a patient who suffered multiple cysticercal reinfestations of the nervous system is presented.

RESULTS

The patient received prolonged treatment with albendazole because of superimposed cerebral reinfestations. During this treatment, she suffered acute paraparesis, and cervical magnetic resonance imaging showed cyst-like lesions with linear gadolinium enhancement and perilesional edema, indicative of dying cysticerci and inflammatory host reaction. Dexamethasone was added, and progressive neurologic improvement followed with complete resolution of intramedullary lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative diagnostic suspicion of cysticercosis is important in patients with intramedullary cystic lesions because specific drug treatment is available. Treatment with anthelmintics, particularly albendazole, should be considered in patients with intramedullary cysticercosis before surgery. Corticosteroids may be added to the therapeutic regimen because this may reduce the perilesional edema and prevent neurologic deterioration during the course of anthelmintic treatment.

New trifluoromethyl ketones as potent inhibitors of esterases: 19F NMR spectroscopy of transition state analog complexes and structure-activity relationships

A variety of trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs) have been studied as inhibitors of the antennal esterases of the Egyptian armyworm Spodoptera littoralis. The chemicals behaved as tight slow-binding inhibitors, the beta-thio derivatives being the most potent ones, particularly 3-octylthio-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one (OTFP) with an IC50 of 0.08 microM. Other TFMKs, containing a propenyl group at the non-polar end of the molecule as in the natural pheromone structure (compounds 4, 8 and 9), were also notably active. Correlation studies of inhibition with lipophilicity (log P) indicated that the optimum log P values for activity of the beta-thio compounds are in the range of 3.03-5.11, while a higher lipophilicity (range 5.37-5.89) was required among the devoid of sulfur ketones. 19F NMR studies, carried out with OTFP, showed that the inhibitor binds the enzyme in a reversible manner, forming an adduct (probably a hemiacetal) of tetrahedral geometry with the active site of the enzyme. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such a study on a natural esterase extract has been undertaken.

Central venous catheter infections in AIDS patients receiving daily home therapy for cytomegalovirus disease

We studied the infection rate of long-term intravenous access used for daily home treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in 61 AIDS patients who had 75 central venous catheters implanted for antiviral maintenance therapy between February 1989 and December 1994. In 39 patients (64%) the risk factor for AIDS was intravenous drug abuse. Sixty-three catheters were Hickman type and 12 were totally implanted ports. The cumulative follow-up time was 19000 catheter-days (52 patient-years), with median duration of placement of 249 days. The infection rate was 0.22 infections per 100 catheter days. The probability of remaining free of catheter-related sepsis was 58% at 6 months. In 25 cases (61%) antimicrobial therapy without catheter removal was successful. Three patients died because of a catheter-related infection (mortality rate 7.3%). Infection-free survival time was not related to the risk factor for AIDS (p = 0.44) or type of device (p = 0.41). The total infection rate in these patients receiving daily home maintenance therapy for CMV disease through a long-term catheter was similar to that in other AIDS patients receiving weekly treatment in hospital facilities.

[Tuberculosis of the otorhinolaryngologic region: laryngeal and extra-laryngeal forms]

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess all patients with ENT symptoms whose histologic and/or microbiologic diagnosis confirmed tuberculosis.

METHODS

All the anatomopathologic studies performed in the ENT unit in the authors' hospital in which the presence of acid-alcohol resistant bacilli were observed. All cases of cervical adenitis were not included.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with the following localizations were studied: 14 laryngeal tuberculosis and 4 extra-laryngeal tuberculosis (2 oropharyngeal, 1 otic and 1 sinusal). In the laryngeal forms, all patients were male except for one, and all were smokers. The duration of the symptoms was greater than 3 months in all the cases. Unilateral cord involvement was most commonly found, and in 2 cases this was associated with carcinoma of the vocal cord. Twenty-nine percent did not present with coincident pulmonary tuberculosis. None of the extra-laryngeal forms showed pulmonary involvement. All the patients were women and only 1 was smoker, the symptomatology was greater than 3 months in all cases and all required biopsy for achieving diagnosis. The evolution with medical treatment was favorable in all cases. During the same time period, 2300 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed in the authors' hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculosis of the upper respiratory tract is infrequent. Pulmonary involvement is common, although in this series this was only found in 71% of all laryngeal forms. Diagnosis is difficult, except in cases of coinciding pulmonary involvement and usually requires surgery for biopsy. Response to medical treatment is usually good.

Difluoropalmitic acids as potential inhibitors of the biosynthesis of the sex pheromone of the Egyptian armyworm Spodoptera littoralis--IV

2,2-, 3,3- and 4,4-Difluoropalmitic acids (1-3) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Acids 2 and 3 were prepared through fluorination of the corresponding dithioacetal-protected ketoesters followed by enzymatic saponification. The acids 1-3 were evaluated in vivo as inhibitors of the beta-oxidation step of the biosynthesis of (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate, the major component of the sex pheromone of the Egyptian armyworm Spodoptera littoralis. Only, the 2,2- and 3,3-derivatives, i.e. those containing the two fluorine atoms at the positions involved in the chain-shortened step, have been found to be active, the activity being similar to or lower than that displayed by the corresponding monofluorinated acids.

[Frequency of the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

There are differences in the clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis (LB) in different parts of the world. The aim of this work was to analyze its clinical manifestations in Spain.

METHODS

We evaluated by ELISA and IFI the sera of 1,500 patients with clinical suspicion of LB between January 1987 to February 1993. Spanish criteria of LB (amplified CDC criteria of LB for epidemiological purpuse) were used. Clinical and serological data were evaluated with the patients' physicians and other etiologies were reasonably excluded in accepted cases of LB.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients of 138 with a positive serology (46%) met the LB criteria. Neurological manifestations were presented by 40 patients (62.5%) (in control group 23%, p < 0.05) cutaneous lesions by 20 patients (31%), articular manifestations by 18 patients (28%) (in control groups 56%; p < 0.05) and cardiac manifestations in two. Cutaneous manifestations included 17 erythema migrans, 2 acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and 1 lymphocytoma). Artritis was present in 18 cases. Neurological manifestations included 16 cases of meningitis (2 with encephalitis), 11 of craneal neuropathy and 25 of peripheral neuropathy (13 of polyneuropathy). Cardiac manifestations acepted was 2 atrioventricular blockade. We detected 21% of false positive serology and in 33% of the positive cases, the LB criteria was not met.

CONCLUSIONS

The low percentage of cutaneous manifestations is probably due to the fact that this series consist predominantly of hospital patients. In Spain, as in the rest Europe the predominant manifestations are neurological, however artritis are not infrequent manifestations.

Correlation between in vitro resistance to fluconazole and clinical outcome of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients

Fifty episodes of oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients were analyzed prospectively in order to evaluate the clinical response to fluconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of fluconazole for the Candida strains isolated from the pharynx were correlated with the clinical response. Treatment with fluconazole (100 mg/day) was successful in 86% of the cases. A good clinical outcome followed in 97% of the cases when a strain sensitive to fluconazole was isolated. This figure fell to 22% when the strain was resistant to fluconazole (p < 0.001). The rate of post-treatment colonization was high (87%), and selection of non-albicans Candida species occurred in 23% of the cases. In conclusion, fluconazole treatment for oropharyngeal candidiasis of HIV-infected patients was useful in most cases, but less sensitive non-albicans species can be selected. Most treatment failures were associated with increased MICs of fluconazole for the strains isolated before treatment; therefore, susceptibility testing is recommended as an aid in clinical decision-making for the use of the azole group of drugs.

Colonization and infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: associated factors and eradication

OBJECTIVES

To identify characteristics associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection, and to evaluate the efficacy of systemic and topical antimicrobials in the eradication of MRSA carriage among hospitalized patients.

DESIGN

A case-control study was done to identify associations. Odds ratios were estimated by unconditional multiple logistic regression. Cohort study was done to evaluate MRSA decolonization efficacy by an oral regimen. Patients infected or colonized with MRSA received a 5-day course of oral (160 mg/800 mg) trimethoprim-sulfametroxazole twice daily and 600 mg of rifampin once daily as decolonization treatment. The proportion of MRSA-free patients after decolonization treatment was determined. Persistence of clearing was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

SETTING

Ramón y Cajal Hospital, a 1,249-bed, tertiary-care teaching hospital in Madrid, Spain.

PATIENTS

One hundred ninety-two patients with hospital-acquired MRSA infection/colonization and 195 MRSA-free random controls.

RESULTS

Six factors were associated independently with MRSA infection/colonization: age (every 10 years of age, odds ratio [OR] = 1.3); ward (surgical, OR = 1; medical, OR = 3.1; intensive care unit, OR = 60); previous hospitalization (OR = 6.9); coma (OR = 25.3); invasive procedures (each, OR = 1.7); 3 or more weeks of hospitalization (OR = 3.8). We failed to show antibiotic therapy to be an independent risk factor for MRSA hospital infection/colonization. Overall, MRSA eradication was 64.2% by day 2 to 9 after completion of treatment. Kaplan-Meier product limit survival analysis showed that the probability of remaining MRSA-free was 65.3% (SE = 0.09) at 32 days after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results offer a rationale for reduction of MRSA infection/colonization in the hospital by interventions aimed at early identification of patients at higher risk, at prompt discharge of patients, and at preventing dissemination while performing invasive procedures. They also provide estimates of antibiotic treatment efficacy to reduce the reservoir of MRSA in the hospital.

Quinacrine: sclerosing agent of the utero-tubal junction in women, with anticarcinogenic actions in transplanted tumors in mice

Quinacrine, an acridine derivative that was in widespread use as an anti-malarial, has been shown to have both sclerosant and anticarcinogenic actions. The sclerosant action of quinacrine has been used to produce occlusion of Fallopian tube in both experimental animals and women, and several clinical studies are reviewed. Both actions of quinacrine are potentiated by steroidal and non-steroidal antiprostaglandins as well as by ionic copper. Combinations of quinacrine with antiprostaglandin drugs, and also with copper, improved the efficacy of quinacrine when used for female sterilization and reduced side effects. A review of the experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that quinacrine has no carcinogenic effects.

Ligand specificity of pheromone-binding proteins of the processionary moth

Photoaffinity labeling of proteins extracted from sensory hairs and antennal branches of the processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa with a tritium-labeled diazoacetate analogue of the sex pheromone (Z)-13-hexadecen-11-ynyl acetate revealed a 15-kDa pheromone-binding protein in male moth sensory hairs (SH-15). A different 15-kDa protein in male antennal branches (B-15) was not photolabeled. All extracts except male sensory hairs showed a photolabeled 20-kDa protein; a photolabeled male 30-kDa protein in the branches (B-30) was also observed. The 20-kDa proteins in the sensory hairs (SH-20) and branches (B-20) showed differing affinities for the photoaffinity analogues; moreover, SH-15 exhibits higher affinity for the natural pheromone, (Z)-13-hexadecen-11-ynyl acetate, than for its alcohol metabolite and other analogues in competitive displacement experiments. The affinity shown by the pheromone-binding protein for the metabolic product suggests that the alcohol may be also transported by the binding protein. Interestingly, a shift in labeling from SH-15 to SH-20 was produced in the presence of an excess of the natural pheromone, its alcohol and other analogues. The binding showed little discrimination among structurally similar analogues of the pheromone, while saturated and aromatic molecules showed little affinity for the proteins of either sensory hairs or antennal branches.

The actin-binding protein, lymphocyte-specific protein 1, is expressed in human leukocytes and human myeloid and lymphoid cell lines

Lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) was originally reported as a lymphocyte-specific actin-binding protein using murine LSP1 probes. Subsequently, we identified LSP1 in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and showed that it is the overexpressed 47-kDa protein in neutrophil actin dysfunction with 47- and 89-kDa abnormalities. This suggests that regulation of LSP1 expression in myeloid cells may be a functionally important event. LSP1 expression in human leukocytes, lymphoid cell lines, and myeloid cell lines (PLB985, HL60, and U937), uninduced (U) or induced to granulocytic (GI) or monocytic (MI) differentiation, was analyzed by Northern blot and immunoblot. By immunoblot, LSP1 is strongly expressed in PMN, less expressed in lymphocytes and monocytes (30-40% and 55-65% of the PMN level, respectively). By immunoblot and Northern blot, LSP1 is minimally expressed in U-PLB985 and U-HL60 (&lt; 10% of the PMN level) and is weakly expressed in the B lymphoid cell line Daudi, but is not expressed in the pro-B, pre-B, T lymphoid cell lines tested, U-U937 or MI-U937. LSP1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in GI-PLB985, GI-HL60, and MI-HL60. In HL60, LSP1 mRNA and protein increase in parallel to a maximum of eightfold the basal level on days 5 to 6 of granulocytic differentiation and four- to fivefold the basal level on day 3 of monocytic differentiation. The results show that LSP1 is expressed in all human leukocytes, and its expression is up-regulated during granulocytic and monocytic differentiation of myeloid cells in vitro. Since its overexpression is implicated in the functional pathogenesis of a novel human neutrophil motile dysfunction and microfilamentous cytoskeletal abnormality (NAD 47/89), finding LSP1 in all human leukocytes suggests that it plays a role in regulating microfilamentous cytoskeleton structure and motile function in all leukocytes. Since the protein is not lymphocyte specific and is an F-actin binding protein, and its isoforms are expressed in stromal and embryonic mesenchymal cells, we propose that the protein's name be changed to leufactin, as an abbreviated form of leukocyte F-actin binding protein.

Effects and mode of action of 1,4-naphthoquinones isolated from Calceolaria sessilis on tumoral cells and Trypanosoma parasites

The naphthoquinones 2-hydroxy-3-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (CS-1), (-)-2,3,3-trimethyl-2-3-dihydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-quinone (CS-3), and 2-acetoxy-3-(1,1-dimethylallyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone (CS-5) isolated from Calceolaria sessilis were tested against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, the TA3 tumor cell line and the methotrexate-resistant subline TA3-MTX-R. Naphthoquinone CS-3 was the most active; the 50% culture growth inhibition (I50) on T. cruzi (Tulahuén and LQ strain and DM28c clone) was at concentrations ranging from 2.1 to 5.2 mumolar. Also CS-3 inhibited TA3 and TA3-MTX-R culture growth with an I50 of 2.1 and 3.8 mumolar, respectively. Naphthoquinone CS-3 inhibited the respiration of the tumor cells by interfering with the electron transport at some point between NADH and ubiquinone. The respiration of T. cruzi was not inhibited by naphthoquinone CS-3. Naphthoquinone CS-3 produced a temporary increase of oxygen consumption in T. cruzi and tumor cells, suggesting the generation and participation of free radicals.

The actin-binding protein, lymphocyte-specific protein 1, is expressed in human leukocytes and human myeloid and lymphoid cell lines

Lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) was originally reported as a lymphocyte-specific actin-binding protein using murine LSP1 probes. Subsequently, we identified LSP1 in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and showed that it is the overexpressed 47-kDa protein in neutrophil actin dysfunction with 47- and 89-kDa abnormalities. This suggests that regulation of LSP1 expression in myeloid cells may be a functionally important event. LSP1 expression in human leukocytes, lymphoid cell lines, and myeloid cell lines (PLB985, HL60, and U937), uninduced (U) or induced to granulocytic (GI) or monocytic (MI) differentiation, was analyzed by Northern blot and immunoblot. By immunoblot, LSP1 is strongly expressed in PMN, less expressed in lymphocytes and monocytes (30-40% and 55-65% of the PMN level, respectively). By immunoblot and Northern blot, LSP1 is minimally expressed in U-PLB985 and U-HL60 (< 10% of the PMN level) and is weakly expressed in the B lymphoid cell line Daudi, but is not expressed in the pro-B, pre-B, T lymphoid cell lines tested, U-U937 or MI-U937. LSP1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in GI-PLB985, GI-HL60, and MI-HL60. In HL60, LSP1 mRNA and protein increase in parallel to a maximum of eightfold the basal level on days 5 to 6 of granulocytic differentiation and four- to fivefold the basal level on day 3 of monocytic differentiation. The results show that LSP1 is expressed in all human leukocytes, and its expression is up-regulated during granulocytic and monocytic differentiation of myeloid cells in vitro. Since its overexpression is implicated in the functional pathogenesis of a novel human neutrophil motile dysfunction and microfilamentous cytoskeletal abnormality (NAD 47/89), finding LSP1 in all human leukocytes suggests that it plays a role in regulating microfilamentous cytoskeleton structure and motile function in all leukocytes. Since the protein is not lymphocyte specific and is an F-actin binding protein, and its isoforms are expressed in stromal and embryonic mesenchymal cells, we propose that the protein's name be changed to leufactin, as an abbreviated form of leukocyte F-actin binding protein.

Intestinal and extraintestinal cryptosporidiosis in AIDS patients

In a prospective study in AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea, the overall prevalence of intestinal cryptosporidiosis was 15.6% (43/275). The prevalence was higher in homosexual patients (33.3%) than in intravenous drug abusers (10.6%) (p < 0.001). Extraintestinal infection was present in 30% (13/43) of the patients with known intestinal cryptosporidiosis. Eight of the 13 (61.5%) patients with extraintestinal cryptosporidiosis had Cryptosporidium in the bile and 7 of 13 (16.28%) had it in the sputum. Of the seven patients with Cryptosporidium in the sputum, four had respiratory symptoms and an abnormal chest radiograph, although another pulmonary pathogen was isolated simultaneously. Two other patients from whom Cryptosporidium was the sole respiratory pathogen isolated had no respiratory symptoms and normal chest radiographs. The seventh patient had pulmonary symptoms, interstitial infiltrate on chest radiograph and excessive activity on a pulmonary Gallium scan; Cryptosporidium was the only organism detected in induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. The mean CD4+ lymphocyte count in patients with extraintestinal cryptosporidiosis was 55 cells/mm3.

AM5, a protein-associated polysaccharide, stimulates hematopoiesis and modulates the expression of endogenous hematopoietic growth factors in murine long-term bone marrow cultures

We have investigated the mechanism behind the hematopoietic stimulation mediated by AM5, a protein-associated polysaccharide that stimulates in vivo the murine hematopoietic system. A dose-dependent increase in hematopoietic progenitors was observed in long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) treated in vitro with AM5. The stimulatory effect was more marked in colony-forming units-granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) than in CFU-spleen (CFU-S) progenitors and also more significant in the supernatant than in the adherent layer. This stimulatory effect was reversible, and continuous stimulation with high doses of AM5 was conductive to a progressive exhaustion of the culture. The analysis of the CFU-GM stimulating activity present in the supernatant of AM5-treated cultures revealed a dose-dependent induction of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating activity (GM-CSA), in contrast with control cultures in which no CSA was detected. Northern blots of LTBMC-adherent layers obtained after in vitro treatment with AM5 revealed a significant mRNA expression for interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage CSF (M-CSF) and granulocyte CSF (G-CSF), in contrast with adherent layers from untreated cultures which only expressed, in detectable levels, M-CSF and stem cell factor (SCF). The SCF expression was down-modulated in AM5-treated cultures. Our results strongly suggest that the hematopoietic stimulation induced by AM5 is mediated by the modulated expression of endogenous hematopoietic growth factors.

Right-sided endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in drug abusers

A prospective, open, and randomized study of right-sided endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in drug abuse patients is reported. The following parenteral treatments were compared. Group A patients were treated with 2 g of cloxacillin every 4 h and 1.5 mg of gentamicin per kg of body weight every 8 h for 2 weeks. Group B patients were treated with teicoplanin at 10 mg/kg/12 h on the 1st to 3rd days, 6 mg/kg/12 h on the 4th to 7th days, and 7 mg/kg/24 h on the 8th days. Drug abusers with bacteremia caused by S. aureus and suggestive signs of endocarditis were included. Clinical failures were observed in one patient in group A and in four of six patients in group B. Three patients in group B developed breakthrough bacteremia with teicoplanin-susceptible strains on days +6, +14, and +19. Serum teicoplanin levels and serum bactericidal titers showed a decrease in the 2nd week, when dosages received were 7 mg/kg/day. In conclusion, in treatment of right-sided endocarditis caused by S. aureus in drug abusers with teicoplanin, the use of dosages of 7 mg/kg/day is not recommended even if patients have received dosages of 12 mg/kg/day during the 1st week.

Inhibition of tumoral cell respiration and growth by nordihydroguaiaretic acid

The effects of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), best known as an inhibitor of lipoxygenase activities, on the culture growth, oxygen consumption, ATP level, viability, and redox state of some electron carriers of intact TA3 and 786A ascites tumor cells have been studied. NDGA inhibited the respiration rate of these two tumor cell lines by preventing electron flow through the respiratory chain. Consequently, ATP levels, cell viability and culture growth rates were decreased. NDGA did not noticeably inhibit electron flow through both cytochrome oxidase and ubiquinone-cytochrome b-c1 complex. Also, the presence of NDGA changed to redox state of NAD(P)+ to a more reduced level, and the redox states of ubiquinone, cytochrome b and cytochromes c + c1 changed to a more oxidized level. These observations suggest that the electron transport in the tumor mitochondria was inhibited by NDGA at the NADH-dehydrogenase-ubiquinone level (energy-conserving site 1). As a consequence, mitochondrial ATP synthesis would be interrupted. This event could be related to the cytotoxic effect of NDGA.

Quinacrine and copper, compounds with anticonceptive and antineoplastic activity

Changes in the evolution of a malignant transplantable tumor in mice to whom quinacrine, copper and zinc were supplied in drinking water are reported. Male AJ mice were inoculated in the right thigh with 1,000,000 TA3 or TA3 MTXR tumoral cells. Three experiments were designed with different types of tumors and different schedules of quinacrine and cations administered in drinking water. The animals that received quinacrine or quinacrine plus copper in drinking water had significantly smaller tumors, and some groups had a high rate of complete tumor regression (up to 60%). Quinacrine and copper have synergistic antineoplastic activity. Zinc salts do not improve the antitumoral effect of quinacrine. The relevant fact of this experiment lies in the fact that a large number of women using IUDs with copper could occasionally be treated with quinacrine.