Biomedical subjects

I Díaz-Armesto

Publications and source records attributed to I Díaz-Armesto.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

[Brain-derived growth factor: current aspects].

INTRODUCTION: The neurotrophins are a family of proteins which are closely related structurally and functionally and include nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived nerve factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) and more recently neurotrophin-6 (NT-6). BDNF is one of the most important endogenous proteins for control of survival, growth and differentiation of certain neurone populations both in the peripheral and central nervous systems. DEVELOPMENT: The ARNmt of the BDNF is found in nearly all regions of the brain. The highest levels are those of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The large number of effects attributed to BDNF are probably due to the union of this protein to its specific receptor on the cell surface, which leads to the formation of a complex which enables transmission of the signal caused by activation of the specific neurone pathway. Since discovery, BDNF has been detected and/or measured by different methods from biological assay to the application of molecular biology techniques. These methods have permitted analysis of the biochemical characteristics of this factor and its behaviour in different tissues. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper we review the most relevant aspects of distribution, biological actions of BDNF on different neurone populations, its clinical usefulness in neurological disorders, routes of administration and side effects.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Endogenous nerve growth factor in patients with Alzheimer s disease].

INTRODUCTION: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the best characterized neurotrophic polypeptide. Initially it was postulated that alterations in the expression of NGF within its production sites may be responsible for the consistent atrophy and loss of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in dementing illness such as Alzheimer s Disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: We analyze the NGF concentration in serum from control and patients with AD in order to elucidate something alteration in this fluid related with AD neuropathology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We applied a twosite enzyme immunoassay to determine NGF levels in sera of patients with AD. RESULTS: Sera from Alzheimer s patients (36+/-7 pg/ml) showed slight but non significant reduction in NGF levels when compared with age related controls (66+/-18 pg/ml). On the another hand, the NGF concentrations in AD patients and control subjects to the sex were following: female AD patients showed a mean of 33.27+/-10.43 pg/ml vs 57.83+/-22 pg/ml founded in female controls, while the mean value for male AD patients was 40.87+/-12.29 pg/ml vs 37.47+/-12.28 pg/ml for the male controls. In all the cases studied, no significant differences were observed according to Student t-Test. CONCLUSIONS: Even when no significant differences were observed between controls and AD patients, the results show a tendency NGF concentration decrease in this illness. Certainly, NGF is produced not only in the forebrain but throughout the body, for this reason, more studies, including the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid would be useful to define the real relationship between NGF concentration changes in serum and AD-related changes in endogenous NGF concentrations, taking into account increasing levels by exogenous NGF administration could still be useful in maintaining the cholinergic neurons.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Participation of interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 in the aetiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease].

OBJECTIVES: In this study we review the major concepts related to the immunological aspects which have currently been shown to be, perhaps, one of the basic factors of the so called neuroimmune cascade which characterizes Alzheimer s disease (AD). We emphasise the mechanisms causing these alterations, their repercussions and implications in this disease. DEVELOPMENT: There is a close relationship between the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, due to the presence of molecules such as the interleukins which permit this connection, for example: the IL 1 and IL 6 are involved in the immunological events which occur in AD, in which it has been suggested that the cell damage and neurodegeneration which occurs may be due to a neuroimmune reaction together with inflammatory mechanisms. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that in the coming years, the population affected will reach a total of 423 million persons aged over 65, including a prevalence of 13.9% of persons aged between 70 and 89 years with AD. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to have clear, precise, reliable knowledge of the neuroimmune mechanisms involved in AD, if we take into account that the quantitative determination of interleukins may be a key to the overall evaluation of patients with AD. It may also be a useful tool for the follow up of patients treated by a method of neuro restoration. This is useful when classifying each patient and will lead to a better quality of life.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Neurotrophin therapy. Some bioethical considerations].

Bioethics , which provides a new ethical outlook on human life, is a term used in public health and biomedical research issues. It is for this reason that, in this paper, we decided to analyse certain aspects associated with the ethical considerations we must bear in mind when conducting research in humans, although the purpose of doing so is to cure or to improve the quality of life of people who suffer from certain diseases, many of which are fatal. Reasons are put forward to make it necessary to doubt which is the strategy with the most favourable benefit/risk relation for those who will undergo such interventions. We describe Alzheimer s disease and discuss the possible use of neurotrophic drugs in the treatment of this disorder (NGF therapy). We also emphasise the care that will have to be taken in each of the stages of development of the research. That is why we are witnessing the emergence of a new culture that is needed to regulate the multiple interventions that can be performed on life, and to guarantee the primacy of what is good, both for the human being of today and those of generations to come.

Adult↗