Increased levels of somatostatin in rat ankles with adjuvant arthritis

Levels of somatostatin were investigated in the ankles and spinal cords of rats suffering from acute and chronic adjuvant arthritis. As measured by radioimmunoassay, somatostatin showed significantly higher concentrations only in chronic arthritic ankles. No significant difference was observed in somatostatin levels between the spinal cords of normal and arthritic groups. Using immunohistochemical labeling and electron microscopy, we observed increased somatostatin labeling in the mature bone matrix, monocytes, and polymorphonuclear cells of bone marrow and macrophage-like synovial cells of chronically arthritic rats. Understanding the mechanism(s) which lead to increased somatostatin in chronic arthritic joints may result in more effective treatment methods.     

B‐mode and power Doppler sonographic findings in the long bicipital tendon in ankylosing spondylitis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasound findings of long head of biceps tendon in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Anthropometric measurements were carried out and disease activity and functional status were evaluated with BASDAI, BASFI, Dougados Functional Index (DFI) and Articular Index (DAI) in 30 patients with AS. The Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) was performed. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured on bilateral long head of biceps tendon and B‐mode and power Doppler ultrasound were carried out. Focal changes (hypoechogenic areas within the tendon), calcification of the tendon, and fluid collection inside or outside the tendon sheath at bicipital groove (peritendinous hypoechoic rim) and vascularity of the peritendinous region were assessed. A cumulative ultrasound score (CUSS) was obtained. Results: Focal changes were present in five tendons of four patients. Calcification of the tendon was present in three tendons of three patients. Biceps tendon sheath effusion (peritendinous hypoechoic rim) was observed in 10 tendons of eight patients. Thirteen tendons of eight patients had discernible flow signals, six were inside the tendon sheath (within the hypoechoic rim) and seven were outside the tendon sheath. Cumulative US score correlated significantly with DFI and ESR. There was not a significant correlation between CUSS and total PPT. Conclusion: Ultrasound examination of the long head of biceps tendon gives detailed information of the tendon and PDUS has the potential to be able to show inflammatory activity of the tendon.     

Mood and metabolic consequences of sleep deprivation as a potential endophenotype’ in bipolar disorder

It has been commonly recognized that circadian rhythm and sleep/wake cycle are causally involved in bipolar disorder. There has been a paucity of systematic research considering the relations between sleep and mood states in bipolar disorder. The current study examines the possible influences of sleep deprivation on mood states and endocrine functions among first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. Blood samples were taken at two time points in the consecutive mornings at predeprivation and postdeprivation periods. Participants simultaneously completed the Profiles of Mood States at two time points after giving blood samples. Plasma T3 and TSH levels increased after total sleep deprivation in both groups. Sleep deprivation induced TSH levels were reversely associated with depression–dejection among healthy controls. A paradoxical effect was detected for only the first-degree relatives of the patients that changes in plasma cortisol levels negatively linked to depression–dejection and anger–hostility scores after total sleep deprivation. Plasma DHEA levels became correlated with vigor-activity scores after sleep deprivation among first-degree relatives of bipolar patients. On the contrary, significant associations of depression–dejection, anger–hostility, and confusion–bewilderment with the baseline plasma DHEA levels became statistically trivial in the postdeprivation period. Findings suggested that first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder had completely distinct characteristics with respect to sleep deprivation induced responses in terms of associations between endocrine functions and mood states as compared to individuals whose relatives had no psychiatric problems. Considering the relationships between endocrine functions and mood states among relatives of the patients, it appears like sleep deprivation changes the receptor sensitivity which probably plays a pivotal role on mood outcomes among the first-degree relatives of patients with bipolar disorder.