Peripheral biomarkers and illness activity in bipolar disorder

Recent evidence suggests that peripheral markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotrophins may be altered during mood episodes in bipolar disorder. These can be seen as proxies of peripheral toxicity or markers of illness activity. Here we report an en bloc assessment of a set of previously described biomarkers in different mood states (n = 60) as well as in healthy subjects (n = 80). To make the point that these are ominous changes, we obtained the same measures from a group of septic patients (n = 15) as a “positive” control group. In this sample, we measured serum levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin 3, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, total reactive antioxidant potential, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl content. Several of the markers discriminated between the bipolar and control groups, especially when patients were in acute episodes. In some cases, toxicity was as high in bipolar disorder as that seen in patients with sepsis. We believe these findings highlight the potential of using biomarkers to assess illness activity in bipolar disorder.     

Some non-equilibrium phenomena in the malic acid/water/Polysorbate 81 system

Topical formulations undergo radical structural changes after application and the action on the skin is not directly related to the original structure of the formulation. This fact has been well established in the scientific literature. However, and more essential, is the fact that these changes in the formulation structure are not equilibrium ones. Especially so, with the hydroxy acids, which are widely used in cosmetic and dermatological treatment of skin. The article reports the first investigation into the non-equilibrium conditions in a hydroxy acid system. Different phases in the title system, which were not in mutual equilibrium, were brought in contact while avoiding convection. The transfer of substance between them was estimated from the changes in volume of each phase. The results showed, unexpectedly, that the systems were far from equilibrium even after prolonged times in contact. The kinetics of the changes varied to significant degree, from extremely slow, when solid phases were involved to fast for liquid phases. In one case was observed a separated layer, which was not found in the phase diagram under equilibrium conditions.     

Plasma malondialdehyde levels and CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood cells of breast cancer patients

Introduction  Breast cancer is one of the most common neoplasms in women and is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in the control of lymphocyte traffic, a critical component of systemic immunity. CXCR4 mRNA could be involved in the development of variety of diseases. Lipid peroxidation, the result of nonenzymatic autooxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, presents numerous harmful effects on biological systems and has been implicated in diseases like cancer. This study examined CXCR4 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma from blood donors and breast cancer patients. Materials and methods  CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood cells from 59 breast cancer patients and 76 healthy blood donors was analyzed by real-time PCR. Plasma MDA was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Conclusion  In all stages, MDA levels in total breast cancer patients (1.41 ± 0.11) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those in healthy subjects (0.34 ± 0.03). No statistically significant difference occurred between CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood cells from breast cancer patients (1.69 ± 1.05) and the normal healthy control group (1.8 ± 0.65). However, stage II samples differed statistically (4.3 ± 1.72) from control, total cancer patients and stages I, III and IV samples.     

Comparative study of nanohydroxyapatite microspheres for medical applications

This study concerns the preparation, physical, and in vitro characterization of two different types of hydroxyapatite (HA) microspheres, which are intended to be used as drug-delivery systems and bone-regeneration matrices. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-1 and HA-2) were prepared using the chemical precipitation synthesis with H(3)PO(4), Ca(OH)(2), and a surfactant, SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), as starting reagents. The HA powders were dispersed in a sodium alginate solution, and spherical particles were obtained by droplet extrusion coupled with ionotropic gelation in the presence of Ca(2+). These were subsequently sintered to produce HA-1 and HA-2 microspheres with a uniform size and interconnected microporosity. Both powders and microspheres were characterized using FTIR and X-ray diffraction. Moreover, SEM and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to analyze the microspheres, and TEM was used to analyze the powders. Results showed that pure HA and mixtures of HA/beta-TCP in the nanometer range and needlelike shape were obtained for HA-1 and HA-2 powders, respectively. Neutral Red, scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate the behavior of osteoblastic-like MG-63 cells cultured on HA microspheres surfaces for 7 days. Results showed that good adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts on the HA microspheres surface. Cells built bridges between adjacent microspheres, forming microspheres-cells clusters in both types of materials.     

Possible Breathing Influences on the Control of Arterial Pressure After Sino-aortic Denervation in Rats

Purpose of Review

Surgical removal of the baroreceptor afferents [sino-aortic denervation (SAD)] leads to a lack of inhibitory feedback to sympathetic outflow, which in turn is expected to result in a large increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). However, few days after surgery, the sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and MAP of SAD rats return to a range similar to that observed in control rats. In this review, we present experimental evidence suggesting that breathing contributes to control of SNA and MAP following SAD.The purpose of this review was to discuss studies exploring SNA and MAP regulation in SAD rats, highlighting the possible role of breathing in the neural mechanisms of this modulation of SNA.

Recent Findings

Recent studies show that baroreceptor afferent stimulation or removal (SAD) results in changes in the respiratory pattern.

Summary

Changes in the neural respiratory network and in the respiratory pattern must be considered among mechanisms involved in the modulation of the MAP after SAD.

     

Updates in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes

The disorders of the central nervous system associated with cancer by remote immune-mediated mechanisms are a heterogeneous group. These disorders encompass the classic paraneoplastic disorders and the recently recognized autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface or synaptic proteins that occur with or without cancer association. In the last decade, the new surge of interest in neuronal diseases associated with anti-neuronal antibodies led to the rapid discovery of new forms of disease that have different manifestations and were not previously suspected to be immune mediated. The recognition of these syndromes is important because it may lead to early detection of an underlying malignancy and prompt initiation of treatment, improving chances for a better outcome.