Archives of medical research
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Accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk are frequently reported in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. In this article the authors attempt a review of the current understanding of the relationship between vascular risk and OSA syndrome based on large cohort studies that related the disease to several cardiovascular risk factors and vascular pathologies. We also discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms that may be involved in this relationship, starting with endothelial dysfunction and its mediators. ⋯ Moreover, circulating microparticles from activated leukocytes (CD62L_MPs) are higher in patients with OSA and there is a positive correlation between circulating levels of CD62L_MPs and nocturnal hypoxemia severity. Finally, circulating level of endothelial microparticles and circulating endothelial cells seem to be increased in patients with OSA. Also, endothelial progenitor cells are reduced and plasma levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor are increased.
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Eradication of poliomyelitis seems to be more feasible than ever. During recent years the strategy has reached milestone goals, faced new challenges, and re-configured by itself. In this text we describe the current situation of the polio eradication efforts worldwide and present an analysis of the potential implications and needs regarding vaccination in the coming years.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of brain edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In the clinic it is essential to limit the development of ICP after TBI. In the present study, the effects of melatonin on these parameters at different time points and alterations of oxidant factors as one of the probable involved mechanisms have been evaluated. ⋯ Melatonin decreases brain edema, BBB permeability and ICP, but increases VCS after TBI. These effects are probably due to inhibition of oxidative stress.
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Altered levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf mtDNA) have been recently detected in several cancer types and have been proposed as a promising noninvasive diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. There has been no report regarding quantification of ccf mtDNA in patients with Ewing's sarcoma (EWS). ⋯ These results suggest that serum ccf mtDNA has the potential capacity as a novel and convenient noninvasive biomarker for molecular diagnosis of EWS. Scrutinizing quantitative changes of serum ccf mtDNA may provide valuable clues for better management of EWS patients.
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Comparative Study
Airflow obstruction in never smokers in five Latin American cities: the PLATINO study.
Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mostly related to tobacco smoking, a variable proportion of COPD occurs in never smokers. We investigated differences between COPD in never smokers compared with smokers and subjects without COPD. ⋯ Never smokers comprised 26% of all individuals with airflow obstruction. Obstruction was associated with female gender, older age and a diagnosis of asthma or tuberculosis.