Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease in Argentina

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) in Argentina. GD patients from 28 centers were consecutively included from April 2012 to 2014. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine and the femoral neck or the total proximal femur for patients ≥20 yr of age, and by whole-body scan in the lumbar spine in patients <20 yr of age. In children, mineral density was calculated using the chronological age and Z height. OP diagnosis was determined following adult and pediatric official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. A total of 116 patients were included, of which 62 (53.5%) were women. The median age was 25.8 yr. All patients received enzyme replacement therapy, with a median time of 9.4 yr. Normal BMD was found in 89 patients (76.7%), whereas low bone mass (LBM) or osteopenia was found in 15 patients (13%) and OP in 12 patients (10.3%). The analysis of the pediatric population revealed that 4 patients (9.3%) had LBM and 3 (7%) had OP (Z-score ≤ -2 + fractures height-adjusted by Z), whereas in the adult population (n = 73), 11 patients (15%) had LBM or osteopenia and 9 (12.3%) had OP. Bone marrow infiltration and the presence of fractures were significantly correlated with the presence of OP (p = 0.04 and <0.001, respectively). This is the first study in Argentina and in the region describing the frequency of OP or LBM in GD patients treated with imiglucerase using the official position of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry.

Immunological characteristics of the armadillo, Dasypus sabanicola

The immunological responses of the armadillo are of interest because of its susceptibility to generalized lepromatoid infection with Mycobacterium leprae. In this study, specimens of Dasypus sabanicola were found to have a typical mammalian distribution of lymphoid cells in thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and blood. Their complement was active in bactercidal, protozoan immobilization and haemolytic systems. Blood lymphocytes responded to phytohaemagglutinin and to pokeweed mitogen. Sensitization with ovalbumin in CFA resulted in the production of circulating precipitins; strong Arthus reactions were detectable in the sensitized animals. Responses of cell-mediated immunity to DNCB and to M. tuberculosis were very discrete. Heat-killed M. leprae elicited granulomatous reactions characterized by microscopic necrosis, but without abundant lymphocytic infiltration; skin tests and lymphocytic transformation were generally negative in the animals injected with M. leprae.