Cardiac cryopreservation at subzero temperatures: study of systolic and diastolic function

We studied the alterations produced in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after applying a protocol of cryopreservation at subzero temperatures. Isolated rabbit hearts were used for the study with 5% polyethylene glycol (PM 4000) being the cryoprotective agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cryoprotectant solution CP-16 was used on the explanted heart in three phases: induction, storage and thawing. After 60 minutes at -1.6 C and thawing at 2.7 C/min, the heart was connected to a Langendorff system and perfused anterogradely with Krebs-Henseleit buffer. We analyzed the systolic and diastolic parameters before and after cryopreservation, thereby establishing a comparative statistical study. RESULTS: Following cryopreservation we found a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the peak and developed pressure of the left ventricle with an upward, left displacement of the ventricular function curve. This is indicative of improvement in systolic function. However, the diastolic function showed worsening, with a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in mean stiffness, decrease in differential stiffness (p < 0.05) and upward, left displacement of the diastolic pressure-volume curve. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our results we concluded that: a) PM 4000 polyethylene glycol maintains the heart biological viability during cryopreservation at subzero temperatures, and b) after an cryopreservation left ventricular diastolic function worsens with an increase in systolic function.     

Kaurane diterpenes as mitochondrial alterations preventive agents under experimental oxidative stress conditions

Context: Foliol, linearol, and sidol are the most common diterpenes found in Sideritis L. spp. (Lamiaceae) with a wide range of demonstrated properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Objective: For the first time, the present work was studied for the potential protective role of these kaurane-type diterpenes on mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by H₂O₂ in the human astrocytoma U373-MG cell line and in the rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line.

Materials and methods: Mitochondrial protection was assayed at 5 and 10?µM concentrations for 24?h (for kaurane diterpenes) and H₂O₂ as oxidative stress inducer (0.1?mM for PC12 cells and 1?mM for U373-MG, for 30?min). ATP concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activity as well as in cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium levels were assessed by fluorometric techniques, by using specific fluorescent probes.

Results: Pretreatments for 24?h with linearol and sidol, prior to H₂O₂ exposure, acted as mitochondrial alterations preventive agents by increasing membrane potential (over 40–60% in PC12 cells and over 10–20% in U373-MG), restoring both cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis (linearol at 10?µM caused a 3.5-fold decrease in cytosolic calcium concentration in PC12 cells), decreasing caspase-3 activity (over 1.25–1.5-fold for linearol and sidol) and avoiding ATP depletion (linearol increased over 20% ATP level in both cell types).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that linearol and sidol could provide protective activity by targeting mitochondria in response to the deleterious changes induced by H₂O₂.     

Actualización del tratamiento tópico en psoriasis: aportación de la combinación de calcipotriol y dipropionato de betametasona en espuma

Topical agents are the first-line treatment for mild and moderate psoriasis, but factors such as frequency of administration, organoleptic properties, and the limited short term results can reduce treatment adherence and effectiveness.Innovations in topical treatments are linked not only to the discovery of new molecules, but also to the reformulation of existing active ingredients based on improvements to administration, organoleptic properties, bioavailability, and ease of use. Calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol foam is a new formulation in which the active ingredients are dissolved in a mixture of volatile propellants that evaporate quickly, leaving a supersaturated solution of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate that enhances penetration into the epidermis.In this article, we take a look at the new calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate aerosol formulation and briefly review the main evidence supporting the use of topical treatments for psoriasis.     

Effect of tranexamic acid on postoperative bleeding in pediatric heart surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a single dose of tranexamic acid on bleeding and requirement for blood product transfusion in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of closed cohorts undergoing pediatric heart surgery was carried out. The children weighed between 4 and 10 kg. Reoperated and cyanotic patients were included in the sample. The treatment group received 50 mg x kg(-1) of tranexamic acid before surgery. Analyzed data collected during the first 24 hours after surgery were biochemical parameters, bleeding, use of blood products, and D-dimer levels. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients, 25 in the treatment group, were enrolled. Patients on treatment had 24.8% less bleeding in the first 24 hours after surgery (P = .02). The transfusion of blood products was 20% less in the treatment group, although the difference was not significant except in the subgroup of patients who were reoperated. In that group the amount of blood products transfused was 72% less than in the control group (P = .05). D-dimer levels were also lower in the treatment group (P = .003). No adverse effects attributable to the treatment were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A single preoperative dose of tranexamic acid to inhibit fibrinolysis reduces bleeding 24.8% in pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The effect is greater in reoperated patients, leading to a reduction in their requirement for transfusion. The use of this therapy in these patients is therefore highly justified.     

Lippia: traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology: a review.

The chemical composition, pharmacological activity and traditional uses of 52 species attributed to the genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) as used in the South and Central America, and Tropical Africa, were revised and compared. A survey of the available literature shows that these species are used mostly for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and as seasoning. Additionally, some of these Lippia species showed antimalarial, spasmolitic, sedative, hypotensive and, anti-inflammatory activities. Generally, the essential oil or the phenolic compounds (flavonoids) from these plant extracts are assumed to be the active principles.     

Polimorfimos en genes de respuesta inflamatoria en cáncer renal metastásico

Inflammation has been implicated as an etiological factor in different human cancers. Allelic variations in the genes implicated in inflammation are candidates as genetic determinants or markers of renal carcinoma risk. The present study investigates whether polymorphisms of the genes that give rise to increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines are associated with an increased risk of renal carcinoma. To this effect, a number of case-control studies were designed to assess the correlation between renal carcinoma and polymorphisms il10-1082 a/g (rs 1800896), il10-592 a/c (rs 1800872), il10-819 c/t (rs 1800871), il10-1082 a/g, il4-590 c/t (rs 2243250), tnf-a-308 a/g (rs 1800629), rantes-403 g/a (rs 2107538), il1-a-889 c/t (rs 1800587), mcp-1 2518 g/a (rs 1024611), ctla-4/+49 a/g (rs 231775) and ctla-4 ct60 a/g (rs 3087243) in 127 renal carcinoma patients and in 176 healthy subjects.The results obtained in relation to cytokine polymorphism il-10-1082 a/g indicate that ag heterozygosity status is the principal risk factor in relation to locally advanced or metastatic tumor stage and renal carcinoma. in the case of the molecule ctla4, the results obtained in renal cancer reveal an association between the polymorphisms of the ctla-4 gene and an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. a high genotypic frequency of polymorphisms ctla4/ct60-aa and ctla4/a49g-aa is observed in patients with renal cell carcinoma versus the controls. an association has been established between polymorphism ctla4/ct60 and tumor grade in patients with renal cell carcinoma. logistic regression analysis has confirmed these data, demonstrating a high frequency of the aa genotype in patients with high-grade tumors.The results obtained support the hypothesis that different genetic factors implicated in the regulation of adaptive immune responses, stromal cell composition and local cytokine production levels may be crucial elements in the modification of the clinicopathological parameters of renal carcinoma.