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Biomedical subjects

D Montero

Publications and source records attributed to D Montero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Modulation of ACTH-induced cortisol release by polyunsaturated fatty acids in interrenal cells from gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata.

Highly unsaturated fatty acids are essential components of cellular membranes of vertebrates and can modulate physiological processes, including membrane transport, receptor function and enzymatic activities. In gilthead sea bream, dietary deficiencies of essential fatty acids of marine fish raise the basal cortisol levels and alter the pattern of cortisol release after stress. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of different essential fatty acids on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-induced cortisol production and release in fish, through in vitro studies of sea bream interrenal cells maintained in superfusion and incubated with different types of fatty acids and eicosanoid production inhibitors. Results showed the first evidence of the effect of certain fatty acids on cortisol production by ACTH-stimulated interrenal cells in fish. Both arachidonic acid (ARA) and particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) promoted cortisol production in sea bream interrenal cells. Moreover, incubation with indometacin (INDO) reduced the increased cortisol production induced by EPA and ARA, suggesting mediation by their cyclooxygenase-derived products. Docosahexaenoic acid stimulated cortisol production to a lesser extent than that caused by EPA or ARA, but the inhibitory effect of INDO was not as marked as it was for the other fatty acids. In contrast, supplementation with dihomogammalinolenic acid reduced cortisol production, denoting the inhibitor effect of this fatty acid in cortisol secretion.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗
PubMed2005

Effect of dietary lipids on plasma fatty acid profiles and prostaglandin and leptin production in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of substitution of fish oil by vegetable oils rich in oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids on gilthead seabream plasma and leukocyte fatty acid compositions and prostaglandin (PG) and leptin production. Juvenile seabream of 24 g initial body mass were fed four iso-energetic and iso-proteic experimental diets for 281 days. Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids was markedly affected by the inclusion of vegetable oils (VO). ARA (arachidonate), EPA (eicosapentaenoate) and DHA (docosahexaenoate) were preferentially incorporated into polar lipids of plasma, and DHGLA (di-homogammalinoleate) accumulated with increased vegetable oil inclusion. Dietary treatments resulted in alterations of DHGLA/ARA ratios, but not ARA/EPA. ARA-derived PGE(2) production in plasma was not affected by vegetable oils, in agreement with similar eicosanoid precursor ratio (ARA/EPA) in leukocytes total lipids and plasma phospholipids among fish fed with the different dietary treatments. Feeding vegetable oils leads to a decrease in plasma EPA which in turn reduced plasma PGE(3) concentration. Moreover, PGE(3) was the major prostaglandin produced in plasma of fish fed fish oil based diet. Such findings point out the importance of EPA as a precursor of prostaglandins in marine fish, at least for the correct function of the blood cells, and correlates well with the predominant role of this fatty acid in immune regulation in this species. A negative correlation was found between plasma PGE(2) and leptin plasma concentration, suggesting that circulating levels of leptin may act as a metabolic signal modulating PGE(2) release. The present study has shown that increased inclusion of vegetable oils in diet for gilthead seabream may profoundly affect the fatty acid composition of plasma and leukocytes, specially HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acids), and consequently the production of PGE(3), which can be a major PG in plasma. Alteration in the amount and type of PG produced can be at least partially responsible for the changes in the immune system and health parameters of fish fed diets with high inclusion of VO.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Single (B or C), dual (BC or BD) and triple (BCD) viral hepatitis in HIV-infected patients in Madrid, Spain.

INTRODUCTION: There are very limited data about the prevalence of multiple hepatitis virus infections in HIV infected individuals. In HIV uninfected individuals with triple BCD hepatitis, hepatitis D virus (HDV) appears to be the dominant virus. However, in HIV infected patients with triple hepatitis it is not known if HDV replication inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. METHODS: We calculated the prevalence of single (B or C), dual (BC) and triple (BCD) hepatitis in 423 HIV-infected patients with positive HCV serum antibodies and/or positive serum HBsAg. In patients with multiple infections we performed an evaluation of serum markers of HBV, HCV and HDV replication. RESULTS: The prevalence of multiple hepatitis was 4.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-6.7%). Multiple hepatitis occurred only among patients who acquired HIV through injection drug use. The most common multiple hepatitis was triple BCD. Patients with hepatitis BC and past or chronic hepatitis D were significantly more likely to have cirrhosis and a negative serum HBeAg and HCV PCR than patients with single hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Patients with chronic hepatitis D showed uniform suppression of HBV and HCV replication markers. CONCLUSIONS: In our geographic area approximately 5% of HIV infected patients with hepatitis suffer multiple hepatitis virus infection. In patients with triple hepatitis BCD virus infection, HDV appears to be the dominant virus causing inhibition of both HBV and HCV replication.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Glomerulonephritis and immunosuppression associated with dietary essential fatty acid deficiency in gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L., juveniles.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient diet on growth, immune status and renal morphology of juvenile gilthead sea bream, using two diets: a control diet containing 2% (DW) of n-3 high unsaturated fatty acid (n-3 HUFA) and a diet formulated to be deficient in EFA for this species and containing 0.5% DW of n-3 HUFA (diet NFA). After 9 weeks of feeding the EFA-deficient diet fish showed a reduction in growth compared with the control group (107.48 +/- 9.14 and 123.14 +/-11.87 g final weight respectively). Fish fed the NFA diet showed a reduction in the erythrocyte volume together with increased erythrocyte fragility, haemoglobin content and red blood cell count in comparison with fish fed the control diet. EFA deficiency also reduced cellular immunity in terms of neutrophil activity and the number of circulating lymphocytes. The serum alternative complement pathway was markedly reduced in fish fed the EFA deficient diet. Fish fed the control diet showed glomeruli with a well-defined Bowman's space and normal renal tubes. However, up to 88% of fish fed the EFA-deficient diet showed alterations in renal morphology affecting at least 50% of the glomeruli, which showed extreme dilation of capillaries and occlusion of Bowsman's capsule. Mesangial proliferation and diffuse thickening of the capillary walls, as well as renal tube degeneration, were also observed.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Long-term preservation of fungal isolates in commercially prepared cryogenic microbank vials.

Since 1994, 6,198 yeasts and 391 molds belonging to 25 and 37 species, respectively, were stored in Microbank cryogenic vials at >/=-130 degrees C in liquid nitrogen and at -70 degrees C in a freezer. All of the isolates, with the exception of 45 yeasts and 15 dermatophytes, were recovered from both storage temperatures. Good reproducibility was demonstrated for amphotericin B, fluconazole, and voriconazole MICs determined for random isolates.

Arthrodermataceae↗
PubMed2003

Response to confinement in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is characterised by an increased biosynthetic capacity of interrenal tissue with no effect on ACTH sensitivity.

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of confinement stress on plasma cortisol levels and on the sensitivity of the interrenal cells to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Confining sea bass at 70 kg m(-3) for 24 h resulted in elevated plasma cortisol levels at all times (0.1, 1, 4 and 24 h) and corresponded to a reduced cortisol content in head-kidney homogenates after 0.1 and 1 h of confinement. An increased activity of the interrenal cells was also indicated by the enlarged nuclear diameters measured after 1 and 4 h of confinement. In vitro superfusion experiments showed that 4 h of confinement resulted in an increased basal unstimulated release of cortisol from head-kidney tissues compared with that in unstressed control fish. Although the stimulation factor (cortisol release as percent increase above basal) of the stressed fish was significantly lower than in controls, no difference in the maximal stimulated release (in absolute amounts) was evident between stressed and control fish. Care must be taken when interpreting superfusion data, as to whether the stressor actually leads to a reduction in interrenal sensitivity, or is due to an alteration in the basal release of cortisol.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2001

Low vitamin E in diet reduces stress resistance of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles.

This study investigates the effect of dietary vitamin E on juveniles of gilthead seabream under stressful situations, focusing on the effects on growth, haematology, some immune parameters and plasma cortisol as indicators of stress. Two sardine meal-based experimental diets, one of them supplemented with 150 mg of alpha tocopherol kg(-1) of diet (control) and another one without vitamin E supplementation (diet NE), were assayed under two different stress conditions: overcrowding as a chronic stressor (during 15 weeks) and repetitive chasing as an acute repetitive stressor. Low levels of vitamin E in the diet depleted alternative complement pathway activity [from 167.23 U ml(-1) (control fish) down to 100.99 U ml(-1)] and also nonspecific haemagglutination. Also, fish fed a non-supplemented diet showed an elevation of plasma cortisol basal levels without a stressor influence [from 3.91 ng cortisol ml(-1) plasma (control fish) up to 21.70 ng cortisol ml(-1) plasma]. Low levels of vitamin E in the diet also produced an increase of erythrocyte fragility. Under chronic stress, fish fed the vitamin E-deficient diet showed a reduction in growth and survival, and alterations in haematological parameters, such as an additional haemoconcentration in response to overcrowding when compared with control fish. Under repetitive stress, fish fed the vitamin E deficient diet showed faster elevation of plasma cortisol levels in response to stress and a lower survival rate than control fish. Production of oxygen radicals by blood neutrophils was reduced under repetitive stress in fish fed the non-supplemented diet. These results suggest that fish fed the vitamin E-deficient diet had lower stress resistance.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

[Ticlopidine use in Spain: a pharmacy-based drug utilization study].

BACKGROUND: In 1997 a program was set up to improve the use of ticlopidine. In the present study we assess whether this objective was achieved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a pharmacy-based cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Out of 346 patients interviewed, 56% presented an off-label indication for ticlopidine. In 23% of patients the daily dose used was lower or higher than the recommended. Only 28% patients had the fortnightly blood monitoring performed at the time of interview. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ticlopidine in Spain is not consistent with the summary of product characteristics and the program set up to improve it did not achieve a satisfactory result.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and upper gastrointestinal bleeding: population based case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. DESIGN: Population based case-control study. SETTING: General practices included in the UK general practice research database. SUBJECTS: 1651 incident cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 248 cases of ulcer perforation among patients aged 40 to 79 years between April 1993 and September 1997, and 10 000 controls matched for age, sex, and year that the case was identified. INTERVENTIONS: Review of computer profiles for all potential cases, and an internal validation study to confirm the accuracy of the diagnosis on the basis of the computerised information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Current use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other antidepressants within 30 days before the index date. RESULTS: Current exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors was identified in 3.1% (52 of 1651) of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding but only 1.0% (95 of 10 000) of controls, giving an adjusted rate ratio of 3.0 (95% confidence interval 2.1 to 4.4). This effect measure was not modified by sex, age, dose, or treatment duration. A crude incidence of 1 case per 8000 prescriptions was estimated. A small association was found with non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (relative risk 1.4, 1.1 to 1.9) but not with antidepressants lacking this inhibitory effect. None of the groups of antidepressants was associated with ulcer perforation. The concurrent use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increased the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding beyond the sum of their independent effects (15.6, 6.6 to 36.6). A smaller interaction was also found between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and low dose aspirin (7.2, 3.1 to 17.1). CONCLUSIONS: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The absolute effect is, however, moderate and about equivalent to low dose ibuprofen. The concurrent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors greatly increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Use of antihypertensive drugs in Spain, 1985-1995].

BACKGROUND: This study has analysed the trend of antihypertensive drugs consumption in Spain from 1985 to 1995, its economical impact and the correlation with the available scientific evidence. The utilization of calcium channel blockers in the context of the recent controversial about their safety profile was also evaluated. METHODS: Drugs from the ATC groups C02, C03 (excluding C03C), C07, C08 (excluding nimodipine and nicardipine) and C09 were included (ATC classification, 1996 version). Drug utilization data and cost figures were obtained from the databases ECOM and FAR-90 of the Ministry of Health. These databases contain the number of packages sold in community pharmacies that are charged to the National Health System. Data are expressed in defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day (DHD). The cost is expressed in current and constant pesetas. RESULTS: The use of antihypertensives increased from 34.78 DHD in 1985 to 103.55 DHD in 1995. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and calcium channel blockers (CCB) are responsible for 89% of the total increase. Thiazides and beta-blockers showed a mild increase, although its relative contribution to the total figures declined from 72 to 32% at the end of the period. Rauwolfia alcaloids and antiadrenergic drugs sales were negligible (0.4% of total sales in 1995). Within the thiazides, consumption was concentrated in products containing > or = 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide or equivalent. Enalapril, captopril, nifedipine and the fixed-dose association of hydrochlorothiazide with amiloride were the most widely used drugs. The cost of antihypertensive drugs in current pesetas raised eight times through the study period reaching 105,501 millions pesetas in 1995; 89% of the cost corresponded to ACEI and CCB. Expressed in constant pesetas the cost increase was four fold. The recent controversia about CCB did not have influence on its consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of use of antihypertensive drugs in Spain does not follow the available scientific evidence. Drugs with less documented effectiveness are the most prescribed; even considering the same effectiveness, efficiency is lower for drugs with higher utilization rates. The available presentations for thiazides makes their utilization in the optimal dosification difficult.

Adrenergic Antagonists↗
PubMed1997

[Evolution of antidepressive drug consumption in Spain. The impact of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors].

BACKGROUND: The pattern of use of antidepressive drugs in Spain through 1985-1994 is studied. Special emphasis is given to the impact of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors introduction at the end of the eighties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information on drug utilization was obtained from the databases of the Ministry of Health which contain the number of packages sold in community pharmacies and charged to the National Health System. Data are expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day. RESULTS: The use of antidepressants (excluding fixed-dose combinations) increased from 2.7 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day in 1985 to 9.3 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day in 1994 (247%). All the subgroups contributed. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors utilization was 4.71 DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day in 1994, representing 71% of the overall increase during the study period. The consumption of fixed-dose combinations decreased in 17%. Since 1991 fluoxetine is the antidepressant most widely used. The consumption through pensioner prescriptions is proportionally higher for second generation antidepressants than for the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Antidepressive drugs consumption in Spain increased three times in the last ten years, though it is still below the estimated point prevalence of depression. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors introduction has modified the pattern of use of antidepressants but their impact on the use of the rest of the group has been apparently low.

Antidepressive Agents↗
PubMed1996

Hypnotic drug use in Spain: a cross-sectional study based on a network of community pharmacies. Spanish Group for the Study of Hypnotic Drug Utilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how hypnotic drugs are used in Spain, specifically, (1) to characterize the user population in some simple demographic (e.g., sex, age) and clinical (e.g., type of insomnia, type of physician who prescribed the drug) variables; (2) to estimate the proportion of long-term users (> 3 mo); (3) to determine the frequency of different administration schedules; (4) to determine whether the kind of hypnotic drug prescribed according to the duration of its effect correlates with the type of sleep disorder or patient age; and (5) to compare the dosage used by the elderly with that used by adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional pharmacy-based study. SETTING: A network of 318 community pharmacies throughout Spain. SUBJECTS: Patients (n = 5324) requesting a hypnotic drug for insomnia who agreed to take part in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distribution of the use of hypnotic drugs by age, sex, type of insomnia, type of physician, specific hypnotic drug, daily dosage, treatment schedule, and duration of treatment. RESULTS: Women (67%) and the elderly (58%) constituted the largest subgroups in the sample. Difficulties in sleep onset and in sleep maintenance as single disorders were reported by 38% and 37% of users, respectively. Prescriptions were written by general practitioners in 80% of cases. Daily use was reported by 88% and long-term use (> 3 mo) by 72% of the users. Long-term treatment was two- to threefold more frequent in the elderly than in middle-aged subjects. Intermediate-action hypnotic drugs were used by 59% of subjects, short-action drug by 24%, and long-action drugs by 17%. The type of hypnotic drug prescribed was not related to the kind of sleep disorder or the age of patients. Specialists prescribed long-action hypnotic drugs more often than did general practitioners. No relevant differences were observed between dosages used by the elderly and those used by adults. In both groups the dosage taken by most patients, regardless of the drug, corresponded to the available strength. Substitution drugs for triazolam belonged to the intermediate-action class in 53% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations on hypnotic drug use are largely not followed in Spain. Most patients are taking hypnotic drugs daily, over long time periods, and without an adequate dosage titration according to age. Measures should be taken to correct this situation.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Hematological recovery in Sparus aurata after bleeding. A time course study.

To determine the hematological recovery after blood loss in gilthead sea bream juveniles, an experimental anemia was induced by caudal blood extraction. Seventy fish were used for experimental hemorrhage and another 35 were used as controls. Blood samples were taken after 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days in both control and anemic groups. After bleeding, besides a reduction in the direct hematic constants, a peak in the mean cell volume value, together with a decrease in mean cell hemoglobin concentration after bleeding, suggested erythrocyte swelling. The increase in MCH suggested the occurrence of hyperchromic erythrocytes. Recovery of RBC number started between 2 and 4 days after bleeding and seemed to be related to erythroblast release to circulation. Total recovery was completed after 8 days of bleeding. The recovery patterns for hematological parameters of sea bream are discussed in relation to applied work on this species.

Anemia↗