Depression and somatisation influence the outcome of total hip replacement

Depression, somatisation and pain beliefs influence outcome of several painful musculoskeletal disorders. Their influence on the postoperative outcome of total hip replacement was investigated. A total of 79 patients who underwent primary total hip replacement completed questionnaires preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively addressing depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-German version), pain beliefs (Pain Beliefs Questionnaire) and somatisation (Screening of Somatoform Disorders-2) as well as outcome [Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36)]. Depressive patients showed a median preoperative WOMAC sum score of 30 compared to 45 in other patients and a postoperative score of 72 compared to 85, and patients with somatoform disorder of 32 compared to 46 preoperatively and 73 versus 86 postoperatively. Patients with high somatisation and depression scores feel worse in their hips and in general well-being before and after surgery, but they experienced the same benefit from total hip replacement as those with low scores.

Calmodulin-stimulated particulate guanylate cyclase in crayfish hepatopancreas

1. A particulate guanylate cyclase from crayfish hepatopancreas membranes was investigated with respect to its dependence on Ca2+ and calmodulin. Addition of Ca2+ to EGTA-treated membranes increased cyclase activity by 100%. 2. Calmodulin stimulated the activity about 5-fold. 3. This effect could be abolished by the calmodulin antagonist compound 48/80. 4. These results present evidence that the particulate guanylate cyclase of crayfish hepatopancreas is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzyme. 5. The implications of this observation upon glycogen metabolism of crustaceans are discussed.