Involvement of the opioid system in the anxiolytic-like effects induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol

RATIONALE: Recent studies have shown that several pharmacological actions induced by cannabinoids, including antinociception and reward, involve the participation of the endogenous opioid system. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to examine the possible involvement of the different opioid receptors in the anxiolytic-like responses induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). METHODS: The administration of a low dose of THC (0.3 mg/kg) produced clear anxiolytic-like responses in the light-dark box, as previously reported. The effects of the pretreatment with the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist, SR 141716A (0.5 mg/kg), or the micro -opioid receptor antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine (5 mg/kg), the delta-opioid receptor antagonist, naltrindole (2.5 mg/kg) and the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (2.5 mg/kg) were evaluated on anxiolytic-like responses induced by THC. RESULTS: SR 141716A completely blocked the anxiolytic-like response induced by THC, suggesting that this effect is mediated by CB(1) cannabinoid receptors. The micro -opioid receptor antagonist beta-funaltrexamine and the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole, but not the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, abolished THC anxiolytic-like effects, suggesting an involvement of micro - and delta-opioid receptors in this behavioural response. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the endogenous opioid system is involved in the regulation of anxiety-like behaviour by cannabinoids and provide new findings to clarify further the interaction between these two neuronal systems.     

Healthcare Access and Utilization Among Women 40 and Older at the U.S.-Mexico Border: Predictors of a Routine Check-Up

Mexican Americans are more likely to experience barriers to access and utilization of healthcare services than any other U.S. Hispanic group. In Mexico, where the majority of the population has access to care, the pressing issue is the underutilization of preventive services among adults. This study was conducted to assess access and utilization barriers among a U.S.-Mexico border population. A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted during 1999–2000 in a pair of contiguous U.S.-Mexico border communities. Household surveys were administered to U.S. and Mexican women, 40 years of age and older, to assess healthcare access and utilization, participation in chronic disease screenings, orientation toward prevention and personal history of chronic disease. Analysis indicates few statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among access and utilization variables by country. Mexican participants were more likely to have a regular source of care and to have had a blood sugar test within the past 12 months. U.S. participants more often reported having had a Pap smear and mammogram during the previous year. Factors independently positively associated with having had a routine check-up during the past 12 months included age and having a regular provider or place to go when sick. Only going to the doctor when ill was independently inversely associated with routine check-ups in the past 12 months. Findings suggest that U.S. and Mexican border populations are similar with regard to healthcare access and utilization characteristics. Efforts to increase utilization of preventive health screenings among women are needed at the U.S.-Mexico border.     

Unraveling the diagnostic clues of depression and GAD: the primary care challenge

Anxiety and depression are commonly encountered in primary care, with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 10%. These disorders are associated with significant and persistent impairment in functioning, risk of suicide, and substantial economic cost. Comorbidity of depression and anxiety is frequent and intensifies the burden of illness. However, patients with anxiety and depression often present to primary care physicians (PCPs) with ill-defined somatic symptoms, and both disorders are under-recognized and under-treated. PCPs should be aware that the typical presentation of anxiety and depression may not be with classical psychological symptoms, but rather with vague somatic symptoms that are often hard to treat and result in frequent repeat visits. Once anxiety and depression are accurately recognized, most patients can successfully be managed in primary care. A wide range of effective drugs is available, allowing selection of an optimal treatment for each patient. Antidepressants are effective as monotherapy in comorbid patients, and newer agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Adherence to medication can be improved if drug treatment is integrated into a package of patient education and support. PCPs have a vital role to play in identifying anxiety and depression amongst their patients, and building a therapeutic partnership to achieve successful treatment.     

Occupational chemical risk: elements for a diagnostic in Spain

BACKGROUND: Lack of information and accurate knowledge about the properties of chemicals and the exposure derived from its use; hinder health and safety measures to protect exposed workers. The aim of this study is to identify the elements that will help us draw a balance of chemical hazards in Spain and register the most dangerous chemicals at the workplace (by sector or field of activity). METHODS: Study of secondary sources, identification of risk perception by workers' representatives and study of the approach on chemical risk in risk assessments. The last step is to set up a Chemical Exposure Database arranged by industrial sectors. RESULTS: Great volumes of production and consumption of chemicals, generalization of exposure, but insufficient data on specific use; little information is provided on specific dangerous factors of commonly used chemicals; chemicals are barely identified in risk assessments. High levels of exposure in industrial sectors; damage is not adequately registered; there are difficulties in risk perception. Set-up of a preliminary database on exposure by sector of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Data is collected; information sources and procedures, which allow a forecast of chemical risk, are identified. A database on exposure by sector of activity is developed (to be checked and enhanced as new evidence is found).     

The Human Sexual System in the Context of the Health Sciences

Before the lack of systematic sexual formation in the medical curriculum, we propose a sexual model based on the theory of the systems of Bertanalaffy, originator of the organisation of the paradigm of the sciences in the 20th century. A proof of it is that of medicine, abandoning the term apparatus to utilise systems, a concept that implies interrelationship, equilibrium and biogenesis, articulating its knowledge in locomotive, respiratory, digestive, excretory, circulatory endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems etc, The absence of the Sexual System is responsible for the scarcity of economic and research investment in the biological dimension of sexuality. Indeed, it does not exist as material on the page of knowledge, Throughout the article we present the anatomical subsystems that comprise it, the laws of the system and its ends. Its incorporation as a system would make obligatory instruction in sexuality, contribute to the advance of biological research and to assistance. It would end with the concept of quality to be constitutive and determinant of the human.     

3D-QSAR, synthesis, and antimicrobial activity of 1-alkylpyridinium compounds as potential agents to improve food safety

Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an alkylpyridinium compound has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to reduce bacterial contamination in poultry. Although CPC is very effective and has a very good safety record, its relatively high lipophilicity may limit its use in high fat containing foods such as beef. In this study we present the CoMFA analysis (3D-QSAR) of the antimicrobial activity of 60 N-alkylpyridinium compounds against different bacteria. CoMFA contours showed that the activity is highly influenced by the steric factor. Based in these contours we designed new candidates, which were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic data. MIC activity over Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms validated the 3D-QSAR study.     

Effects of Cassava Juice (Manihot esculenta Crantz) on Renal and Hepatic Function and Motor Impairments in Male Rats

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a plant that contains neurotoxins such as linamarin and lotaustraline. Its long-term consumption is associated with neuronal damage and contributes to the development of motor impairment in humans and rats. We investigated the effects of the consumption of cassava juice on renal and hepatic function and motor impairments in male rats. The rats received the vehicle, non-toxic and toxic doses of cassava juice, or linamarin as a pharmacological control, over 35 consecutive days. The effects were evaluated in an open field test, rotarod, and swim test. The toxic cassava dose and linamarin resulted in motor impairments in the rotarod and swim test from day 7 of treatment. The toxic cassava dose and linamarin increased the parameters that indicate renal and hepatic damage, with the exception of total protein and albumin levels. Behavioral variables that show motor incoordination (i.e., latency to fall in the rotarod) were negatively correlated with biochemical parameters of renal and kidney damage, whereas spin behavior was positively correlated. Our data indicate that chronic oral consumption of cassava juice caused renal and hepatic damage that was correlated with motor coordination impairment in rats, similarly to their principal neurotoxic compound, linamarin.     

Prevalence of hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus in elderly kibbutz members

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus (DM) in elderly (aged 65–92 years) kibbutz members in Northern Israel. Method: The medical records of 1096 elderly (642 females and 454 males) residing in 11 kibbutzim were reviewed for data regarding thyroid function tests (TSH and FT4) and fasting blood glucose. Fasting blood glucose levels above 7.8 mmol/l was considered diagnostic for diabetes mellitus. Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 14% (9.7% in males and 18.2% in females) and that of DM was 11.5% (12.1% in males and 11.1% in females). In 74% of the diabetics the diagnosis was made after the age of 60 years. Distribution of treatment modalities in diabetics was as follows: diet only 42%, oral hypoglycemic agents 52% and Insulin 6%. Subclinical hypothyroidism (serum TSH levels above 4.5 mU/L with normal FT4 levels) was detected in 38% of all the hypothyroid subjects. Conclusion: The data suggest that diabetes mellitus and primary hypothyroidism are common disorders in elderly subjects. DM in the elderly can usually be handled with diet and oral hypoglycemic drugs. Since the clinical features of hypothyroidism in the elderly are often atypical, we suggest that elderly subjects should be screened for hypothyroidism.     

Identification and partial characterisation of hyaluronidases in Lonomia obliqua venom.

By studying Lonomia obliqua (caterpillar) venom we were able to detect a lytic activity on purified hyaluronic acid. The venom hydrolyses purified chondroitin sulphate, but was unable to degrade either heparan sulphate or dermatan sulphate. Moreover, through purified hyaluronic acid-degrading kinetic assays, we observed that this lytic activity was caused by a hydrolase rather than lyase enzyme. In addition, by using the Reissig colorimetric reaction, we detected this hyaluronic acid hydrolase action as a beta-endohexosaminidase enzyme originating terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues rather than beta-endoglucuronidase, which may originate glucuronic acid residues. Zymogram analysis of the venom detected 49 and 53 kDa molecules with hyaluronic acid lytic activity. An examination of these hyaluronic acid degrading activities as a function of pH showed that these hydrolases had no apparent activities at a pH below 5.0 and higher than 8.0 and displayed their optimal activities at pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Finally, through a fluorescence reaction to hyaluronic acid and confocal microscopy, we confirmed this cleaving action upon hyaluronic acid organised on the extracellular matrix of the dermis of rabbit. The data provide experimental evidence of the presence of hyaluronidases in the L. obliqua venom, probably involved in the harmful effects of the venom.