Human metabolism: pathways and clinical aspects

Metabolism describes the series of chemical reactions that are concerned with the provision of energy to biological systems. They may be divided into reactions involved in energy yield (catabolism: demand exceeds supply), and energy storage (anabolism: supply exceeds demand). Regulation of these pathways is critical for homeostasis, and derangements in metabolism are seen in a wide variety of pathological processes. Understanding metabolism is key to the treatment of many diseases, notably diabetes, as well as underpinning clinical nutritional support.     

Presentation and management of traumatic occipital spur fracture

Occipital spur is an abnormal bony outgrowth of the external occipital protuberance (EOP). We describe an interesting and previously unreported case of fracture of an occipital spur following trauma. Our 20-year-old male patient was treated in the emergency department (ED) and discharged home without complication. Neurosurgical consultation was obtained but is not requisite for these injuries. Greater awareness of this unique presentation may help to expedite future emergency department treatment.     

Triterpenoid saponins, new metalloprotease snake venom inhibitors isolated from Pentaclethra macroloba.

We report here the antiproteolytic and antihemorrhagic properties of triterpenoid saponin inhibitors, named macrolobin-A and B, from Pentaclethra macroloba, against Bothrops snake venoms. The inhibitors were able to neutralize the hemorrhagic, fibrin(ogen)olytic, and proteolytic activities of class P-I and P-III metalloproteases isolated from B. neuwiedi and B. jararacussu venoms. Clotting and fibrinogenolytic activities induced by snake venoms and isolated thrombin-like enzymes were partially inhibited. Furthermore, the potential use of these inhibitors to complement antivenom therapy as an alternative treatment and/or used as molecular models for development of new therapeutical agents in the treatment of snake bite envenomations needs to be evaluated in future studies.     

Growth hormone signalling: sprouting links between pathways, human genetics and therapeutic options.

Our molecular understanding of growth hormone-induced signal transduction has improved significantly over the past decades. At the same time, human population genetics and the analysis of genetically engineered animals have led to the discovery of genes that control specific aspects of the overall growth process. Although, currently, growth disorders are still diagnosed and treated on empirical bases, it might soon be possible to stratify patients predominantly by genetic defect, with treatment based on our molecular understanding of the role of the affected gene in the disease.     

Government advice on peanut avoidance during pregnancy – is it followed correctly and what is the impact on sensitization?

BACKGROUND: In 1998, the UK government issued precautionary advice that pregnant or breast-feeding women with a family history of atopy, may wish to avoid eating peanuts during pregnancy and lactation. This study aimed to assess the compliance with this recommendation and investigate its impact upon peanut sensitization. METHODS: A total of 858 children born immediately after the advice were followed for 2 years and assessed for peanut sensitization. A standardized questionnaire was used to ascertain history of atopy and maternal exposure to peanuts during pregnancy. Following parental consent children were skin prick tested to assess sensitization to peanuts. RESULTS: Sixty-five per cent of mothers had avoided peanuts during pregnancy. Forty-two per cent of the mothers had heard about the government advice, and half modified their diet as a consequence. Neither maternal nor family history of atopy had any significant effect on peanut consumption. Parity did play a role, and mothers having their first child were twice as likely to change their diet (P<0.001). Mothers of 77% of the children sensitized to peanuts had avoided peanuts during pregnancy. In this cohort study maternal consumption of peanut during pregnancy was not associated with peanut sensitization in the infant. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mothers in this cohort avoided peanut consumption during pregnancy. It is likely that either the government advice is misunderstood by mothers, or that those who communicate the advice have not fully explained who it is targeted at.