Effects of cafeteria diet feeding on beta3-adrenoceptor expression and lipolytic activity in white adipose tissue of male and female rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of short term (15 days) cafeteria diet feeding on the expression of beta3-AR in vivo and its association with lipolytic stimulation induced by beta3-AR agonist CGP12177A in isolated white adipocytes.

ANIMALS

Six female and 6 male Wistar rats (at 4 weeks of age) were fed on a cafeteria diet plus standard diet for 15 days. The remaining 12 age- and sex-matched rats always received standard diet only.

MEASUREMENTS

White gonadal adipose tissue was isolated and used for the determination of beta3-AR and leptin expression, and for in vitro studies of lipolytic activity.

RESULTS

Control male rats had higher levels of both beta3-AR and leptin mRNA in white adipose tissue than their female counterparts. Both male and female rats up-regulated the levels of both beta3-AR and leptin mRNA in response to 15 day cafeteria diet feeding. Noradrenaline- and isoprenaline-induced lipolysis were significantly increased in fat cells from control females compared to their male counterparts. CGP12177A stimulation resulted in significantly higher glycerol release in fat cells from cafeteria diet-fed female rats, whereas there were no differences due to dietary treatment in male rats. The maximal lipolytic response of forskolin (stimulating adenylyl cyclase) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (cyclic AMP analogous) was not affected by sex or cafeteria diet feeding.

CONCLUSION

Cafeteria diet feeding brings about higher excess body weight and impaired adipose tissue lipolytic activity in female rats compared to male rats. Thus, the higher levels of beta3-AR mRNA induced by cafeteria feeding are not indicative per se of an increase of the lipolytic response of the adipocytes. The changes seen in other adrenoceptor subtypes (beta1 and beta2) may be more determinant of the overall lipolytic response of adipocytes.

Response of atrial natriuretic factor to acute extracellular fluid volume in patients with pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with pheochromocytoma have been reported to show high plasmatic atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levels. Its source may not be the atrium because blood volume, the most important physiological stimulus for ANF release, is usually reduced in these patients.

METHODS

To evaluate ANF secretion functional integrity, we studied three patients with pheochromocytoma before and after surgical removal of the tumor. Extracellular fluid (ECF) volume, plasmatic ANF levels, and plasmatic renin activity (PRA) were measured. ANF was measured before and after an acute saline load of 1.5L in 90 min.

RESULTS

Before surgery, ECF volume was normal or reduced, and PRA was normal but decreased after the saline load. By contrast, ANF was elevated and did not change after the saline load. After surgery ANF decreased, ECF volume rose, and the saline load induced a significant increase of plasma ANF and reduction of PRA. ANF was present in significant amounts in tumoral tissue homogenates.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the tumor was the source of ANF in these patients with pheochromocytoma because high levels of ANF, despite reduced or normal ECF volume, as well as unresponsiveness to acute saline infusion, were found before surgery with subsequent normalization after tumor removal.

[Vancomycin and teicoplanin use as antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery: pharmacoeconomic study]

BACKGROUND

To assess the economical impact of vancomycin use versus teicoplanin use as antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing cardiac surgery for valve replacement (VR) and coronary artery by-pass (CABS) procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an ancillary cost minimization analysis of a double blinded, parallel groups, randomised clinical trial (RCT), with the main objective of comparing the safety and efficacy of these antibiotics. 500 patients were included in the study; 267 in the CABS group and 233 in the VR group. The CABS patients received 1 g vancomicin or 400 mg teicoplanin, plus 150 mg netilmicin. The VR group received a second dose of each drug after extracorporeal circulation. In order to calculate the costs we considered the direct cost of the drug, the i.v. mix and the administration costs, together with personnel and structure costs. We considered two different situations: the administration of drugs within the surgical room theatre and in the medical ward.

RESULTS

The demographic data of both groups were comparable. The frequency of severe adverse drug reactions (ADR) were similar (0.4%) in both groups, as well as the post-operative infection rates (8.6%). Differences were seen in the frequencies of low severity ADRs: 20.4% in the vancomycin group and 1.6% in the teicoplanin group. When the antibiotics were administered in the surgical room, among CABS patients the costs were 8,265 pts. for the teicoplanin group and 12,005 pts. for the vancomycin group; while among VR patients, costs were respectively 11,661 pts. and 14,528 pts. Administration costs of teicoplanin and vancomycin within a medical ward setting, however, the costs were 6,740 pts. and 2,809 pts. for CABS patients, and 5,308 pts. and 10,140 pts. for VR patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The costs of antibiotic prophylaxis among cardiac surgery patients heavily depends on the setting and circumstances of drug administration. The minimization cost analysis indicates that teicoplanin is the most cost-effective option if the drug is administered within the surgical area, while vancomycin is the less costly option when administered within the medical ward. However, if the second option is to be chosen, it is necessary to assure the right plasmatic drug levels of the antibiotic at the beginning of the surgical procedure.

Solid-phase microextraction for the determination of systemic and non-volatile pesticides in river water using gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorous and electron-capture detection

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method combined with gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorous and electron capture detection for the analysis of the pesticides terbumeton, metribuzine, isomethiozine, pyridafenthion and triadimenol in river water has been developed. For this purpose, polyacrylate and polydimethylsiloxane coated fibres have been utilised and the factors affecting throughput, precision and accuracy of the SPME method have been investigated and optimised. These factors include: matrix influence, adsorption time, pH, salt effect, desorption time, temperature and also the lapse of time between sampling and injection. The performed analytical procedure showed detectability ranging from 2.0 ng l(-1) to 3.0 microg l(-1) and precision from 1.9 to 27.7% (as relative standard deviation) depending on the pesticide, the fibre and the detector used. The results demonstrate the suitability of the SPME method to analyse these non-volatile pesticides in river water.

Identification of heptadecanoic and C19 cyclopropane fatty acids in the lipid fraction of Zymomonas mobilis

In the present paper the presence of heptadecanoic acid and C19 cyclopropane fatty acid in Zymomonas mobilis is reported. The former has not been mentioned as a component of the lipid fraction of this microorganism, and the presence of the latter is not well documented.

The social value of health programmes: is age a relevant factor?

In cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) it is usually assumed that a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) is of equal value to everybody, irrespective of the patient's age. However, it is possible that society assigns different social values to a QALY, according to who gets it. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of weighting health benefits for age in CEA. We also examine the possibility that age-related preferences depend on the size of the health gain. An experiment was performed to test these hypotheses. The assessment of results suggests that the patient's age is a relevant factor when assessing health gains.

Benign regenerative nodules with copper accumulation in a case of chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome: CT and MR findings

Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare disease characterized by hepatic outflow obstruction due to different causes. Hepatic nodules in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome are rare and can be due to hepatocellular carcinoma and benign regenerative nodules. Imaging descriptions of regenerative nodules in cirrhotic livers are numerous, but the imaging findings of benign regenerative nodules associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome have only recently been reported. We present the computed tomographic and magnetic resonance features of benign regenerative hepatic nodules with copper accumulation in a patient with chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Magnetic resonance imaging of pyomyositis in 43 cases

PURPOSE

To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in pyomyositis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-three patients with proven muscle infection (30 males, 13 females) ranging in age from 14 to 86 years (mean 42 years) were studied with MRI. The initial clinical diagnose were soft tissue infection (n=27), neoplasm (n=12), thrombophlebitis (n=3), and lymphedema (n=1). Spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained in all cases and STIR sequence in 6. Spin-echo T1-weighted images after Gd-DTPA injection were obtained in 16 cases. The signal intensity findings, the extent of the abnormalities in the soft tissue (muscle, fascial and subcutaneous involvement), the presence of fluid collections, and the involvement of neighbouring bone and joint were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A hyperintense signal on T2-weighted and STIR images were detected in all patients. Fluid collections were seen in 21 cases as localized areas of hypointensity on the T1-weighted images, and highly hyperintense areas on the T2-weighted images. In four patients a rim of high signal intensity was seen around the fluid collection on the T1-weighted images. On contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images there was diffuse enhancement in the patients without fluid collections that was heterogeneous in seven and homogeneous in two. After Gd-DTPA all fluid collections showed a central area without enhancement and a well-defined enhancing peripheral rim. Involvement of adjacent structures included subcutaneous tissue (n=25), bone marrow (n=14), fascial planes (n=15) and joints (n=11).

CONCLUSION

MRI is useful in the assessment of pyomyositis and in determining the location and extension. A hyperintense rim on unenhanced T1-weighted images and peripheral enhancement after Gd-DTPA are useful for identifying the number, size, and location of soft-tissue abscesses.

Kinetics of simazine advanced oxidation in water

Comparison of the effects and kinetics of UV photolysis and four advanced oxidation systems (ozone, ozone/hydrogen peroxide, ozone/UV radiation and UV radiation/hydrogen peroxide) for the removal of simazine from water has been investigated. At the conditions applied, the order of reactivity was ozone < ozone/hydrogen peroxide < UV radiation < ozone/UV radiation and UV radiation/hydrogen peroxide. Rate constants of the reactions between ozone and simazine and hydroxyl radical and simazine were found to be 8.7 M-1s-1 and 2.1 x 10(9) M-1s-1, respectively. Also, a quantum yield of 0.06 mol.photon-1 was found for simazine at 254 nm UV radiation. The high value of the quantum yield corroborated the importance of the direct photolysis process. Percentage contributions of direct reaction with ozone, reaction with hydroxyl radicals and direct photolysis were also quantified.

Complete rupture of the distal semimembranosus tendon with secondary hamstring muscles atrophy: MR findings in two cases

Complete rupture of the hamstring muscles is a rare injury. The proximal musculo-tendinous junction is the most frequent site of rupture. We present two cases of complete rupture of the distal semimembranosus tendon, which clinically presented as soft-tissue masses. MR imaging permitted the correct diagnosis. There has been only one other such case reported.

Carbon source regulation of a dextranase gene from the filamentous fungus Penicillium minioluteum

The regulation of dextranase (dexA) gene expression in the filamentous fungus Penicillium minioluteum grown on different carbon sources was studied. Growth in the presence of dextran leads to high expression of the dextranase enzyme, but growth in starch, glucose, glycerol, lactose and sorbitol did not. Dextran induced dexA gene expression at the mRNA level. However, in cultures containing dextran plus glucose or glycerol, the transcript was detected 24 h later than in the case where dextran was the only carbon source. When the glucose or glycerol concentration in the dextran-containing medium was kept at about 1% (w/v), no dextranase-transcripts were detected. It was found that both glucose and glycerol inhibited enzyme synthesis, because 1% (w/v) addition of both carbon sources to dextran-growing cultures was able to abolish the inducing effect of dextran. Our results suggest that dextran utilization responds to both specific induction and to glucose and glycerol repression, providing evidence that P. minioluteum dexA expression is regulated by the carbon source at the transcriptional level.

Nutritional value of Holothuria forskali protein and effects on serum lipid profile in rats

Two groups of rats were fed on diets with protein from a marine specie holothuria (Holothuria forskali) or casein (for the control group) during 16 days with the aim of assessing the nutritional value of the holothuria protein. Several serum lipid levels were also determined. The results of the nutritive parameters indicate that except for True Digestibility (which did not differ significantly between the two groups) all other indicators were significantly lower for the holothuria fed group. HDL-cholesterol level was significantly higher in the holothuria fed group, while triglyceride level was lower.

Anatomical evaluation of the caprine mammary gland by computed tomography, radiology and histology

An anatomical study of the mammary gland by computed tomography, X-rays and histology was carried out. Three canarian breed goats were used. Identification of the udder structures by different methods represented the basis of this study. Using these techniques the internal and external organization of the caprine mammary gland was studied.

[Warthin's tumor in the neck]

Papillar lymphomatous cystoadenoma on the neck as first stage of development. Other lesions of this nature in atypical areas as larynx, minor salivary glands or oropharynx has been described, but is not frequent on heterotopic location so peculiar. In that case the real diagnostic problem was the differential with neck masses. Description of the case and review of the literature.

[The practical clinical guidelines of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología on coronary surgery]

Surgery in coronary disease, including myocardial revascularization and the surgery of mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, has shown to improve the symptoms, quality of life and/or prognosis in certain groups of patients. The expected benefit in each patient depend on many well-known factors among which the appropriateness of the indication for surgery is fundamental. The objective of these guidelines is to review current indications for cardiac surgery in patients with coronary heart disease through an evaluation of the degree of evidence of effectiveness in the light of current knowledge (systematic review of bibliography) and expert opinion gathered from various reports. Indications and the degree of recommendation for conventional coronary artery bypass grafting have been established for each of the most frequent anatomo-clinical situations defined by clinical symptoms (stable angina, unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction) as well as by left ventricular function and extend of coronary disease. Furthermore, the subgroups with the greatest surgical risk and stratification models are described to aid the decision making process. Also we analyse the rational basis and indication for the new surgical techniques such as minimally invasive coronary surgery and total arterial revascularization. Finally, the indication and timing of surgery in patients with mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction are considered.

[Urinary infection caused by non typhi Salmonella]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to know the frequency and the clinical characteristics of urinary infection by non typhi Salmonella in our area in Spain.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical histories of patients with urinary infection by non typhi Salmonella diagnosed in the Hospital General del Guadalajara from January 1990 to July 1999 were reviewed.

RESULTS

During the period studied nine patients with urinary infection by non typhi Salmonella were diagnosed, representing 0.056% of the urinary infection diagnosed in our hospital over the same period. All the patients presented underlying disease and five were undergoing immunosuppressor treatment. Four patients presented urological disease. The most frequent serogroup was Salmonella enteritidis (7 cases). All the episodes were symptomatic. The same microorganism was isolated in stools in four patients. The evolution was favorable in five of the nine cases. Recurrence was observed in two patients and secondary bacteremia in one. Six patients required antibiotic treatment over two or more weeks. The mean length of treatment was of 2.5 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary infection by non typhi Salmonella is predominantly observed in patients undergoing immunosuppression or with urological disease. Prolonged antibiotic treatment is recommended due to its bad evolution.

Combined pharmacologic therapy in a rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment, previously used to prevent fibrosis after glaucoma surgery, to inhibit an experimental model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

METHODS

Two groups of albino rabbits were used. In the control group (group 1, n = 14), experimental PVR was induced using vitrectomy, retinotomies, cryotherapy and intraocular injection of platelet-rich plasma. In the experimental group (group 2, n = 15), after PVR was induced, the following treatment was administered for 4 weeks: systemic methylprednisolone, sodium diclofenac and colchicine combined with topical atropine 1%, adrenaline 10% and dexamethasone phosphate 0.1%. Follow- up consisted of fundus examination for 4 weeks. Results were classified according to Fastenberg's classification. Only retinal detachments were considered to compare the two groups. Nonparametric test was used.

RESULTS

Retinal detachments were observed in 85.7% of group 1 and 33.3% of group 2 at the end of the follow-up (p<0.01). No major systemic complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined therapy seems to be useful for treating experimental PVR.

Dapsone prevents morphological lesions and lipid peroxidation induced by quinolinic acid in rat corpus striatum

Increasing doses of dapsone were tested on rats administered intrastriatally with quinolinic acid in order to evaluate a possible protective action of this drug on the striatal lesions produced after the excessive activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Morphological lesions were evaluated 7 days after the intrastriatal injection of quinolinate (240 nmol/microl) by light microscopy, and the ratio of neuronal damage per field was also estimated as a quantitative index of the striatal toxicity. Quinolinate alone produced extensive necrosis and loss of striatal neurons. No protective effects on the striatal tissue from quinolinate-treated rats were observed at lower doses of dapsone (6.25 and 9.375 mg/kg). However, at higher doses (12.5 and 25 mg/kg), dapsone prevented significantly the striatum from quinolinate toxicity. Dapsone alone had no effect on the striatal tissue from control rats. A single dose of dapsone (12.5 mg/kg) was tested also on the index of lipid peroxidation 2 h after the striatal injection of quinolinate, resulting in a significant protection (78% vs. QUIN). Findings of this study, in accordance with our previous reports, demonstrate the ability of dapsone to prevent the neuronal damage associated with the excitatory action of quinolinate via overactivation of NMDA receptors, and provide evidences to support the hypothesis that this drug is acting against the pattern of toxicity elicited by agonists of glutamate receptors.

[Partial Currarino syndrome in a non-pediatric patient. A rare cause of bacterial meningitis]

Enterogenic meningitis is an infrequent cause of central nervous system infection. Among these causes the Currarino syndrome may be found presenting sacral agenesis, presacral mass and anorectal stenosis. This syndrome normally causes enterogenic meningitis in the early years of life. The case reported corresponds to a 24-year-old male presenting polymicrobial meningitis with fecal flora germs (anerobic enterococci, Bacteroides fragilis and Escherichia coli). These clinical findings led to radiologic lumbar study with the diagnosis of Currarino syndrome. The existence of neuroenteric fistulas justifies the development of fecal flora meningitis. The nosology of the syndrome as well as the therapeutic strategy are reviewed.