[Natalizumab and reduction of carbonylated proteins in patients with multiple sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

The sensitivity of the central nervous system to oxidative damage and its relationship with inflammatory response are well known. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress is present in the establishment and development of multiple sclerosis (MS). One of the most recent treatments in this process is natalizumab, a monoclonal antibody.

AIM

To evaluate whether the therapeutic effect of natalizumab is associated with the severity of the disease and the oxidative damage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Researchers recruited twenty patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) undergoing therapy with natalizumab and distributed, according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), in two groups: RRMS-1 (EDSS < 5) and RRMS-2 (EDSS ≥ 5). Blood samples were taken for an oxidative profile study.

RESULTS

Data showed a decrease in carbonylated proteins following treatment with natalizumab. The reduction in oxidative damage rated as protein oxidation is significant between the previous (baseline) situation of the patient and after 14 months' treatment. The most significant decrease coincided with the patients with the highest levels of severity in the process. Although it has not been possible to establish a correlation, the statistical significance is higher for patients in the RRMS-2 group treated with natalizumab. The antioxidant systems, on the other hand, did not display any statistically significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Natalizumab brings about a reduction in carbonylated protein levels.

Melatonin versus vitamin E as protective treatment against oxidative stress after extra-hepatic bile duct ligation in rats

The aims of the present study were first to compare the effects of melatonin and vitamin E on the cholestasis syndrome and their protective effect on liver injury, and second, to evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes after treatment with these antioxidant drugs. Cholestasis was achieved in adult male Wistar rats by double ligature and section of the extra-hepatic biliary duct. Hepatic and plasma oxidative stress markers were evaluated by changes in the amount of lipid peroxides, measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma and homogenates of hepatic tissue. Serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (AP), and gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) were used to evaluate the severity of cholestasis, and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were used to evaluate the hepatic injury. Both vitamin E and melatonin were administrated 1 day before and 7 days after bile duct ligation. Acute ligation of the bile duct was accompanied by a significant increased in MDA and a decrease in GSH levels in both plasma and liver, as well as a significant reduction in antioxidant enzymes activities. The overall analysis of both treatments showed that melatonin (500 microg/kg daily) offered significantly better protection against cholestasis and a superior protective effect on hepatic injury than did vitamin E (15 mg/kg daily). Although vitamin E treatment resulted in a reduction of parameters of oxidative stress, the results were significantly better after a much lower daily dose of melatonin. Moreover, melatonin treatment was associated with a significant recovery of antioxidative enzymes. In conclusion, the present paper demonstrates a correlation between the intensity of biliary tract obstruction and increased free radical generation, as well as a direct correlation between the level of oxidative stress and the biochemical markers of liver injury. Melatonin (at a much lower dose than vitamin E) was much more efficient than vitamin E in reducing the negative parameters of cholestasis, the degree of oxidative stress and provided a significantly greater hepatoprotective effect against the liver injury secondary to the acute ligation of the biliary duct.

Simultaneous occurrence of the 5q- syndrome and multiple myeloma

We report a case of the 5q- syndrome with simultaneous occurrence of multiple myeloma, characterized by a very complicated course. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such an association.

Measurement of the longitudinal and transverse vibration frequencies of a rod by speckle interferometry

A heterodyne interferometric system was used to detect the normal and tangential components of the displacement at one point of a sample when it is vibrating freely in its natural modes, arising from transient excitation. A cylindrical aluminium rod was the test sample. An analysis of the spectrum associated with the in-plane and out-of-plane displacements made it possible to determine the values of the longitudinal and transverse natural frequencies.

Lip stent for positive pressure in keloid treatment

The fabrication of a device to exert pressure on a keloid of the lip is described. In addition to providing uniform and adjustable compression, it is strong enough to resist distortion. It is also lightweight, easy to insert and remove, comfortable to wear, esthetically pleasing, easy to clean and fabricate, and inexpensive. The prosthesis is a two-component device made from clear acrylic resin assembled with a spring and screw. The stent should remain in place 12 hours a day for 6 to 12 months.

Interceptive correction of anterior crossbite

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate a passive method to correct anterior crossbite of only one incisor by creating a composite inclined plane. A total of 15 children were selected, aged 6 to 8. The results at the end of one week showed that in all cases the incisor was in normal position.

Internal bleaching of severe tetracycline discolorations: four-year clinical evaluation

Two hundred fifty-eight teeth severely discolored by tetracycline were treated with an internal bleaching technique. Endodontic treatment was required in all teeth before the walking bleaching procedure could be undertaken. Four years of clinical and radiographic evaluation revealed good esthetic results for all patients. Endodontic procedures were considered to be successful, and not one patient showed external cervical resorption after 4 years. This type of treatment is a valid alternative to porcelain laminate veneers for those teeth that exhibit severe tetracycline discoloration and in which the dental enamel and anatomic crown are intact.