Effects of food nutrient content, insect age and stage in the feeding cycle on the FMRFamide immunoreactivity of diffuse endocrine cells in the locust gut

We have studied the influence of variations in dietary protein and digestible carbohydrate content, of insect age and of time during the feeding cycle on the endocrine cells of the ampullar region of the midgut in the African migratory locust Locusta migratoria L. Morphometric analysis of FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity was used as an indirect measure of the amount of FMRFamide-related peptides (FaRPs) stored in the gut endocrine cells. There was a highly significant correlation between FaRP content and the nutritional quality of the food, measured relative to the concentrations and ratio of protein to digestible carbohydrate in a nutritionally optimal diet. The direction of the relationship between FaRP content and diet quality varied with age during the fifth stadium. On day 1, FaRP levels increased with the nutritional quality of the food, while on day 4 the opposite relationship was observed. Release of peptide was triggered by the onset of a meal during ad libitum feeding, with cell FaRP levels returning to premeal values within 15 min of the meal ending. The results also suggested that cell contents were released during food deprivation beyond the normal intermeal interval. Locusts switched for a single meal during ad libitum feeding on day 4 from a low- to a high-carbohydrate food did not respond by reducing endocrine cell FaRP content. Our results show a relationship between the diffuse gut endocrine system and feeding and nutrition in locusts. The ampullar endocrine cells are in three-way contact with the midgut luminal contents, with the primary urine from the Malpighian tubules and with the haemolymph. They are thus ideally positioned to play an integrative receptor-secretory function in the regulation of a variety of post-ingestive processes, such as enzyme secretion, absorption, gut motility or nutrient metabolism

Dietary influences over proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the locust midgut

We have studied the influence of variations in dietary protein (P) and digestible carbohydrate (C), the quantity of food eaten, and insect age during the fifth instar on the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the epithelial cells of the midgut (with special reference to the midgut caeca) in the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. Densitometric analysis of PCNA-immunostained cells was used as an indirect measure of the levels of expression of PCNA, and a PCNA cellular index (PCNA-I) was obtained. Measurements of the DNA content of the cells have also been carried out by means of microdensitometry of Feulgen-stained, thick sections of midgut. A comparison between the PCNA nuclear level and the DNA content was performed. The PCNA levels were significantly different among the cells of the five regions studied: caeca, anterior ventricle, medial ventricle, posterior ventricle and ampullae of the Malpighian tubules. We have studied in more detail the region with highest PCNA-I, i.e. the caeca. The quality and the quantity of food eaten under ad libitum conditions were highly correlated with both the PCNA and DNA levels in the caeca cells. Locusts fed a diet with a close to optimal P:C content (P 21%, C 21%) showed the highest PCNA and DNA content. In locusts fed a food that also contained a 1:1 ratio of P to C but was diluted three-fold by addition of indigestible cellulose (P 7%, C 7%), a compensatory increase in consumption was critical to maintaining PCNA levels. Our measurements also showed that the nuclear DNA content of the mature and differentiated epithelial cells was several-fold higher than the levels in the undifferentiated stem cells of the regenerative nests. These results, combined with the low number of mitotic figures found in the regenerative nests of the caeca and the marked variation in PCNA levels among groups, suggest that some type of DNA endoreduplication process may be taking place. Our data also indicate that the DNA synthetic activity in the midgut is related to feeding in locusts. The possible dietary and nutritional regulatory mechanisms and the significance of the differences found are discussed

Congenital infiltrating lipoma of the upper limb in a patient with von Willebrand disease

Infiltrating lipoma is a rare variety of lipoma, characterized by an infiltration of the adipose tissue of the muscles. Infiltrating lipomas are usually classified in two groups: intermuscular infiltrating lipoma and intramuscular infiltrating lipoma. Most are acquired, and they usually appear in middle-aged individuals. Exceptionally, they are congenital. In such cases they are not related to other diseases. We report an 8-year-old boy with a congenital infiltrating lipoma of the upper limb and von Willebrand disease. Both diseases are linked to an alteration in chromosome 12, but this clinical association seems to be random rather than causal

Adrenomedullin functions as an important tumor survival factor in human carcinogenesis

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a pluripotent regulatory peptide initially isolated from a human pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor) and subsequently shown to play a critical role in cancer cell division, tumor neovascularization, and circumvention of programmed cell death, thus it is an important tumor cell survival factor underlying human carcinogenesis. A variety of neural and epithelial cancers have been shown to produce abundant amounts of AM. Recent findings have implicated elevation of serum AM with the onset of malignant expression. In addition, patients with tumors producing high levels of this peptide have a poor prognostic clinical outcome. Given that most human epithelial cancers display a microenvironment of reduced oxygen tension, it is interesting to note that AM and several of its receptors are upregulated during hypoxic insult. The existence of such a regulatory pathway has been implicated as the basis for the overexpression of AM/AM-R in human malignancies, thereby generating a subsequent autocrine/paracrine growth advantage for the tumor cell. Furthermore, AM has been implicated as a potential immune suppressor substance, inhibiting macrophage function and acting as a newly identified negative regulator of the complement cascade, protective properties which may help cancer cells to circumvent immune surveillance. Hence, AM's traditional participation in normal physiology (cited elsewhere in this issue) can be extended to a primary player in human carcinogenesis and may have clinical relevance as a biological target for the intervention of tumor progression

Expression of complement factor H by lung cancer cells: effects on the activation of the alternative pathway of complement

The complement system is important in immunosurveillance against tumors. However, malignant cells are usually resistant to complement-mediated lysis. In this study, we examine the expression of factor H, an inhibitor of complement activation, and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), its alternatively spliced form, in lung cancer. We also evaluate the potential effect of factor H/FHL-1 in the protection of lung cancer cells against the activation of the complement cascade. By Northern blot analysis we demonstrate a high expression of factor H and FHL-1 in most non-small cell lung cancer cell lines, although neuroendocrine pulmonary tumors (small cell lung carcinoma and carcinoid cell lines) had undetectable levels. Western blot analysis of conditioned medium showed the active secretion of factor H and FHL-1 by cells that were positive by Northern blot. Expression of factor H/FHL-1 mRNA was also shown in a series of non-small cell lung cancer biopsies by in situ hybridization. Interestingly, many cultured lung cancer cells were able to bind fluorescence-labeled factor H to their surfaces. Deposition of C3 fragments from normal human serum on H1264, a lung adenocarcinoma cell line, was more efficient when factor H/FHL-1 activity was blocked by specific antibodies. Blocking factor H/FHL-1 activity also enhanced the release of anaphylatoxin C5a and moderately increased the susceptibility of these cells to complement-mediated cytotoxicity. In summary, we demonstrate the expression of factor H and FHL-1 by some lung cancer cells and analyze the contribution of these proteins to the protection against complement activation

Edad del donante y su influencia en la supervivencia del injerto

INTRODUCTION: In 2007 in Spain 43% of donors were older than 60 years. This produces a worse graft quality and probably a worse survival. OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to analyze the influence of donor age on graft survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyze retrospectively 216 renal consecutive transplants realized between 2000 and 2008. A univaried and multivaried study (Cox regression) was performed and Kaplan-Meyer test with log rank for graft survival. RESULTS: Follow-up mean of 40 months (+/-33,4 SD). The univaried analysis of graft survival showed that donor age had a significative influence on graft survival. (OR=1,03; 95% CI 1,01-1,05) (p: 0,009). Studying the relation between donor and recipient age we find an inverse correlation (Pearson's Correlation: 0,55. p<0,0001), but there are significative differences after the adjustment for recipient age. (OR: 1,02; 95% CI 1,01-1,04) (p: 0,04). Optimal cut-point value determined by the ROC analysis was 60 years. The graft survival of donors over 60 years is 79% (95% CI; 74-84%) and 71% (95% CI; 65-77%) at 3 and 5 years in contrast with 94% (95% CI; 94-96%) and 90% (95% CI; 88-92 in donors under 60. (p: 0,002). The multivaried study of the influential factors on graft survival reveals that donor age dichotomized in older or younger than 60, the presence of a surgical immediate reintervention and a delayed graft function were independent influence factors. CONCLUSIONS: Donor age over 60 years has a negative and independent prognostic influence on graft survival

Impact of renal retransplantation on graft and recipient survival

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of retransplantation in graft and recipient survival. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study in 419 renal transplants and studied the influence of retransplantation in graft and patient survival. A homogeneity study was performed between the two groups with a Student`s T and a chi-square tests. Graft survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meyer and log rank tests. RESULTS: Of 419 transplants, 370 (88.3%) were first transplantations, 45 (10.7%) second transplantations and 4(1%) third ones. Mean follow-up of the whole group was 72.5 months (+/-54.1 SD). There were no differences in follow-up between groups (Mean Follow-up 73.1 months +/-54.4 SD in first transplantations vs. 61.6 months +/-51.2 SD in repeat transplantation. p >0.05). The actuarial graft survival showed no differences between patients with first transplantation and those with a repeat one. [3 and 5 year SV of 89% (95% CI: 87-91%) and 84%(95% CI: 82-86%) Vs 88% (95% CI; 83-93%) and 85% (95% CI:i; 80-90%) respectively]. After adjusting for all the heterogeneity variables we still did not find differences on graft survival. The actuarial recipient survival showed no differences between patients with first transplantation and those with a repeat one. [3 and 5 year SV of 98% and 96% Vs.97%]. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences of graft and recipient survival between patients with a first transplantation and those with a repeat one

Factores influyentes en el tiempo hasta la progresión bioquímica después de prostatectomía radical

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the time-influencing clinical-pathological factors for biochemical progression of an equal series of patients from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 278 patients with biochemical progression following prostatectomy. We considered biochemical progression to be PSA>0.4 ng/ml. We performed the trial using the Cox model (univariate and multivariate) and using the Student's t-test to compare averages. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 4 (±3 DE) years, the univariate study showed a mean until progression for the Gleason score 2-6 in the biopsy of 824 days and 543 for the Gleason score 7-10 (p=0.003). For negative surgical margins, the mean was 920 days and 545 for positive margins (p=0.0001). In the case of a Gleason score 2-7 in the specimen, the mean was 806 days and 501 for a Gleason score 8-10 (p=0.001). Lastly, the mean for the cases with Ki-67 negative in the specimen ( 10%) (p=0.003). In the multivariate study, Ki-67 (OR 1.028; IC 95% 1-1.01; p=0.0001) and Gleason score 8-10 (OR 1.62; IC 95% 1.5-2.45; p=0.026) in the specimen, and initial PSA >10 ng/ml (OR 1.02; IC 95% 1.01-1.04; p=0.0001) were independent variables. Using these variables, we designed a predictive model with three groups. The time until the progression of each group was 1,081, 551 and 218 days respectively. CONCLUSION: The Gleason score 7-10 in the prostate biopsy, the presence of Ki-67, the positive margins and the Gleason score 8-10 in the specimen, and the initial PSA > 10 ng/ml are time-influencing factors until biochemical progression. Pathological Gleason score 8-10, PSA > 10 ng/ml and Ki-67 are independent factors

Complicaciones quirúrgicas en el trasplante renal y su influencia en la supervivencia del injerto

Objectives: To analyze surgical complications in kidney transplantation and their influence on graft survival. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was made of the early and late surgical complications occurring in 216 consecutive kidney transplants performed at our institution and their influence on graf tsurvival. Results: At least one surgical complication occurred in 82(38%)of the 216 transplantations, and 68(31%)required some type of repeat surgery,23 in the early post operative period and 45 more than 3 months after surgery. Mean follow–up was 48 months(SD þ/ 33.4), and median follow–up 48 months(range,0–166months). No recipient or donor factor spredisposing to surgical complications were found. Graft survival was significantly shorter in patients with surgical complications [3-and 5-year survival rates of 86%(95%CI83%–89%)and 78%(95%CI73%–82%)as compared to 92% (95%CI90%–94%)and 88%(95%CI85%–91%),p:0.004].Early repeat surgery, venous thrombosis, and wound infection were among the complications having an independent influence on graft survival. A multivariate analysis of graft survival in the whole groups howed early repeat surgery to bea factor with an independent prognostic value (OR:4.7;95%CI2.2–10,po0.0001). Delayed function and donor age older than 60 years were the other independent influential factors. Conclusion: Surgical complications have an influence on graft survival.Then eed for early repeat surgery, delayed function, and donor age older than 60 years are independent predictors of graft survival

Estudio de los hallazgos de la gammagrafía renal inmediata y su influencia en la supervivencia del injerto renal

Introduction: We assessed the effect of the findings of the renal gammagraphy (99mTc-DTPA) taken in the first 24 hours after the transplant in the survival of the kidney transplant. Materials and method: We retrospectively studied 413 kidney transplants carried out between January 1994 and December 2008, with emphasis on normal gammagraphic findings or alterations in the vascular, parenchymal and excretory stages, as well as their effect on the survival of the graft. Results: Of the 413 transplants, 44 (10.7%) presented alterations in the vascular stage, 256 (62%) in the parenchymal stage and 269 (65.1%) in the excretory stage. The mean follow-up of the entire group was 72.5 months (± 54.1 DE). The univariate analysis shows that the survival of the graft is significantly less in patients with alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9 — 4.9 p < 0.001), in the excretory stage (OR: 2.5; IC 95% 1.5 - 4; p = <0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2.21; IC 95% 1.3-3.36; p = 0.001). The multivariate studies of the gammagraphic variables that affect the survival of the graft show that the presence of alterations in the vascular stage (OR: 3; IC 95% 1.9-4.9; p < 0.001) in the parenchymal stage (OR: 2; IC 95% 1.2-3.3; p = 0.005) are directly related to survival. This data is also confirmed by means of the actuarial survival analysis of the graft at 3 and 5 years. Conclusions: The presence of alterations in the vascular stage and in the parenchymal stage of the renal gammagraphy immediately after the transplant are variables that affect the survival of the graft