Melatonin normalizes clinical and biochemical parameters of mild inflammation in diet‐induced metabolic syndrome in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin to affect mild inflammation in the metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by a high‐fat diet in rats. Adult Wistar male rats were divided into four groups (n = 16/group): (i) control diet (3% fat); (ii) high‐fat (35%) diet; (iii) high‐fat diet + melatonin; and (iv) melatonin. Rats had free access to high‐fat or control chow and one of the following drinking solutions for 10 wk: (a) tap water; (b) 25 μg/mL of melatonin. Plasma interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured at two time intervals, that is, the middle of daylight period and the middle of the scotophase. In addition, a number of somatic and metabolic components employed clinically to monitor the MS were measured. Melatonin decreased the augmented circulating levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and CRP seen in obese rats and restored the depressed levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10. Rats fed with the high‐fat diet showed significantly higher body weights and augmented systolic blood pressure from the third and fourth week onwards, respectively, melatonin effectively preventing these changes. In high‐fat‐fed rats, circulating low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentration augmented significantly, melatonin being effective to counteract these changes. Melatonin‐treated rats showed a decreased insulin resistance, the highest values of plasma high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and the lowest values of plasma uric acid. The results indicate that melatonin is able to normalize the altered biochemical pro‐inflammatory profile seen in rats fed with a high‐fat diet.     

The anterolateral ligament: A cadaveric study in fetuses

The aim of this study was to determine the presence and morphology of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee in a sample of fetuses. We hypothesized that the ALL is present in sample fetuses and its origin is not related to repetitive stresses throughout life. Forty fresh‐frozen knees from cadaveric fetuses were dissected using a standard technique. The ALL and other structures in the anterolateral compartment of the knee were identified. The details of the femoral and tibial attachments, course and relationships with anatomical structures of the ALL were identified, recorded, and quantitatively characterized. The ALL was identified in 100% of the dissected knees. We found three anatomical patterns regarding the femoral attachment: (1) Proximal and posterior to the fibular collateral ligament (55%); (2) Together with the fibular collateral ligament (25%); and (3). Anterior and distal to it (20%). The ALL was extracapsular with an oblique course attaching into the anterolateral aspect of the tibia, midway between the midpoint of Gerdy's tubercle and the fibular head. The ALL has a strong attachment to the lateral meniscus, creating two fascicles: proximal or meniscofemoral and distal or meniscotibial. The ALL is a constant, extracapsular anatomical structure in the anterolateral compartment of the knee, present from the later prenatal period of life. Its morphology shows three different patterns of femoral attachment in relation to the fibular collateral ligament position, a strong attachment in the lateral meniscus, and a constant tibial attachment. Clin. Anat. 30:625–634, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Factores reguladores del recambio óseo: estrógenos y vitamina D

Bone tissue responds to gonadal steroid hormones and vitamin D. Bone turnover is the process of replacing deteriorated tissue, and estrogens play a significant role at the tissular, cellular and molecular levels. After menopause, bone resorption predominates and increases the risk of osteoporosis. The vitamin D endocrine system also regulates bone metabolism through specific receptors and non-genomic mechanisms. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread among the general population and has been related to low sun exposure and low dietary intake. Vitamin D supplementation is an important antiresorptive measure and helps to maintain musculoskeletal health.     

Effect of selective and nonselective muscarinic blockade on cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder emptying in man

In this study we investigated the effect of selective (M₁) and non-selective (M₁ and M₂) pharmacologic blockade of muscarinic receptors on cholecystokinin-induced gallbladder emptying. After validating the method of study, the gallbladder function was evaluated in 15 normal volunteers by quantitative biliary scintigraphy, and the effect of intravenous atropine (0.15 mg/10 kg) and pirenzepine (10 mg) was analyzed in each subject. Atropine significantly reduced the ejection period and the ejection fraction of gallbladder evacuation. Pirenzepine reduced the ejection period, but the ejection fraction remained unchanged. We conclude that the effect of cholecystokinin on gallbladder motility is mediated through muscarinic receptors. Our results suggest that M₂ receptors, but not M₁ receptors, are involved in this response.     

Predicting successful prosthetic rehabilitation in major lower-limb amputation patients: a 15-year retrospective cohort study

Objective

To determine and compare specific factors that could be associated and predictive with successful prosthetic rehabilitation in major lower-limb amputations.