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Biomedical subjects

M Pacheco

Publications and source records attributed to M Pacheco.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Anguilla anguilla L. liver ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, glutathione S-transferase, erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities, and endocrine responses to naphthalene and beta-naphthoflavone.

The effects of naphthalene (NAP) and beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) on phase I biotransformation and genotoxicity in Anguilla anguilla L. were evaluated. Phase II biotransformation and cortisol levels were also assessed in NAP-treated fish. Two groups of eels were exposed to either a NAP or a BNF concentration range (0.1-2.7 microM) for different exposure periods (2-72 h). An early significant ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) activity inhibition was observed, especially for the highest NAP concentrations at 2-6 h exposure and for BNF at 2h exposure. However, a significant EROD activity increase was detected from 16 to 72 h exposure for NAP and from 4 to 72 h exposure for BNF. The cytochrome P450 (P450) content was not dose related. However, with regard to BNF exposure, P450 was the first biomarker to respond. Liver alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was measured as an indicator of hepatic health condition. ALT results demonstrated that the EROD activity decrease, previously described for NAP, was not related to tissue damage. Nevertheless, the highest BNF concentrations were demonstrated to induce liver damage and to impair the EROD activity response. An increased genotoxic response, measured as erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA), was observed during the first 8h NAP exposure. However, for exposures longer than 8 h, ENA frequency returned to the control levels. This response profile may reflect a considerable DNA repair capacity and/or a metabolic adaptation providing an efficient NAP biotransformation and consequent detoxification. BNF revealed no ENA alterations for all concentrations and exposure lengths. In the NAP experiment a causal relationship between immature erythrocytes (IE) and ENA frequency disappearance was not found. BNF results with regard to IE frequency revealed an ability to alter the balance between erythropoiesis and removal of erythrocytes. Liver glutathione S-transferase activity was significantly induced after 2 and 48 h NAP exposure. A cortisol-impaired response seems to occur from 4 to 24 h NAP exposure, demonstrating an endocrine disruption. However, an adaptation process seems to occur after 48 h, since the plasma cortisol had a tendency to increase. The present findings confirm the usefulness of the adopted biomarkers. The ecological risk associated with aquatic contamination by NAP was also confirmed by the present data.

Anguilla↗

The pesticide malathion induces alterations in actin cytoskeleton and in cell adhesion of cultured breast carcinoma cells.

We have studied the effects of the organophosphorous pesticide malathion on cell viability, actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion complex E-cadherin/beta-catenin, and Rho and Rac1 GTPases from the human mammary carcinoma cell line MCF-7. Malathion induced cell lethality, determined by the MTT assay, depending on the treatment conditions. Cells incubated with low concentrations of malathion, 16-32 microg/ml, showed high survival rates (>95%) at any evaluated time (1-5 days), whereas complete cell lethality was found using 512 microg/ml and 5 days of treatment. Deep morphological changes were induced with high doses of 64 and 128 microg/ml, and long incubation time (5 days); cells showed perinuclear vacuoles, rounding, shrinkage, and a gradual loss of adhesion. These changes were related to a decrease in the expression of the adhesion molecules, E-cadherin and beta-catenin, and to the distribution and reactivity of actin microfilaments to TRITC-phalloidin. Disruption of microfilaments, accompanied by the collapse of actin to perinuclear region, were characteristic of cells with loss of adhesion. At lower concentrations, some cells presented deformations on the plasma membrane as lamellipodia-like structures, which were particularly evident from 32 to 128 microg/ml. Conversely, we observed an increase in the expression of Rho and Rac1 GTPases, modulators of actin cytoskeleton and cell adhesion.

Actins↗

Naphthalene and beta-naphthoflavone effects on Anguilla anguilla L. hepatic metabolism and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities.

The effects of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) such as naphthalene (NAP)--an environmental contaminant--and beta-naphthoflavone (BNF)--a model substance (PAH-like compound)--were investigated in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) over 3-, 6-, and 9-day exposure (0.1-2.7 microM). Both xenobiotics revealed to be strong biotransformation (phase I) inducers. After 3-day exposure, liver ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was significantly increased by all NAP and BNF tested concentrations. At 6 and 9 days, liver EROD activity was significantly induced mainly by the highest NAP and BNF concentrations. Liver cytochrome P450 content was significantly induced after 3-day exposure to 0.9 and 2.7 microM BNF and 9-day exposure to 0.1, 0.3 and 0.9 microM NAP. Liver alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was measured as an indicator of hepatic health condition, revealing a significant decrease after 6-day exposure to 0.9 microM BNF. Genotoxicity measured as erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) was detected in all BNF treated fish on day 6, whereas on day 9, ENA frequencies returned to control levels, significantly decreasing at 0.9 microM BNF exposure. Immature erythrocytes (IE) frequency demonstrated a decreasing tendency along the BNF experiment and concomitantly with the above ENA response. The present experimental results elect EROD activity in A. anguilla as a useful short- to medium-term biomarker of exposure to both PAH and PAH-like compounds. However, some problems can emerge in the presence of high xenobiotic concentrations. Concerning genotoxicity, it is hypothesized that ENA response depends on different factors such as the exhaustion of the detoxification process, the balance erythropoiesis/erythrocytic catabolism and the DNA repairing capacity.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Biotransformation, endocrine, and genetic responses of Anguilla anguilla L. to petroleum distillate products and environmentally contaminated waters.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) was exposed to diesel oil water-soluble fraction (DWSF) and gasoline water-soluble fraction (GWSF). The potential of these fractions to induce endocrine disruption, carbohydrate, and xenobiotic metabolism effects, as well as genotoxic responses, was investigated in a time-course laboratory study (3 h to 6 days). Both water-soluble fractions induced a time-related increase in liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, as well as the appearance of erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) after a 6-day exposure, revealing its genotoxic properties. Initially, DWSF exposure revealed an inhibition of the typical stress responses demonstrated by plasma cortisol and lactate decrease. Nevertheless, this effect progressively disappeared, allowing a plasma glucose and lactate increase after 6 days of exposure. Fish exposed to GWSF exhibited a liver alanine transaminase (ALT) activity increase after a short exposure while the longest exposure revealed liver damage expressed as an ALT activity decrease. A field caging experiment, carried out in a harbor area (Aveiro Lagoon, Portugal), and a complementary laboratory experiment were designed to assess the influence of the daily tide dynamic on polyaromatic hydrocarbon water distribution and effects on liver EROD and ALT activities, as well as ENA frequency. Eels exposed to low- and high-tide harbor waters, in the laboratory, exhibited a similar degree of genotoxicity, whereas clear differences were observed as EROD induction. In the field experiment, caged eels did not display significant responses enhancing the relevance of natural environmental factors on toxicity mechanisms as well as on the apparent lack of toxicity in harbor waters.

Anguilla↗

Tissue distribution and temperature-dependence of Anguilla anguilla L. EROD activity following exposure to model inducers and relationship with plasma cortisol, lactate and glucose levels.

Anguilla anguilla L. ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) elevation by 2.7 microM beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) 3 days water exposure, or 4 mg/kg ip exposure, was studied in four different organs--liver, kidney, gills, and intestine. The results demonstrated a significant increase in liver EROD activity for the two previous conditions, whereas kidney EROD activity only increased during the intraperitoneal exposure. A. anguilla was also exposed during 8, 16, and 24 h to water contaminated with 2.7 microM BNF or benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) at 20 degrees C and 25 degrees C. Both compounds significantly increased liver EROD activity from 8 up to 24 h. There was no significant difference in liver EROD activity elevation by both compounds, either at 20 degrees C or 25 degrees C. Liver EROD activity was demonstrated to be one of the first warning systems concerning the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water. A. anguilla 3 h exposure to diesel oil water-soluble fraction (DWSF) significantly increased plasma cortisol and significantly decreased plasma lactate. A prolonged exposure beyond 3 h, i.e. 4 h, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days to the previous conditions demonstrated a significant liver EROD activity elevation from Day 2 up to 6, and a significant increase in erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) at Day 6.

Animals↗

Amazonian onchocerciasis: parasitological profiles by host-age, sex, and endemicity in southern Venezuela.

This paper describes, for the human onchocerciasis focus of southern Venezuela, the age profiles of Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial (mf) and nodule prevalence, mf intensity, and mf aggregation for the whole examined population (836 Yanomami people) living in 20 villages, and for these communities classified according to endemicity levels (hypoendemic: < or = 20 %; mesoendemic: 21-59 %; hyperendemic: < or = 60 % infected). Mf prevalence and intensity increased with age, particularly in the hyperendemic areas, and there were no marked differences between the sexes. The prevalence of nodules followed the same age pattern. Fifty percent mf prevalence was reached in the 15-19 year age-class when the population was taken as a whole; nearly in the 10 to 14-year-olds for the hyperendemic level, in those aged 20-29 years in mesoendemic areas, and not reached at all in hypoendemic villages. The degree of mf aggregation was measured by the k value of the negative binomial distribution and by the variance to mean ratio (VMR). The relationship between the standard deviation (S.D.) of mf counts and the mean mf density was also explored. These 3 indices (k, VMR, and S.D.) showed a tendency to increase with both mean mf load and host age. Since infection intensity and host age were themselves positively related, it was not possible to draw definite conclusions about age-specific changes of parasite aggregation. There was not a significant decrease of mf intensity after an earlier peak neither was there a shift towards younger ages of the maximum no. of mf/mg reached as the endemicity level increased. These results are discussed in relation to detection of density dependence in the human host, selection of an indicator age-group for rapid epidemiological assessment (REA) methods, and strategies of ivermectin distribution in the Amazonian focus. It is recommended that, for the Amazonian onchocerciasis focus, the indicator group for REA consists of all those aged 15 years and over.

Adolescent↗

Biochemical and genotoxic responses of adult eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) to resin acids and pulp mill effluent: laboratory and field experiments.

The potential of a secondary-treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKPME) and resin acids (RAs) to induce liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) in adult Anguilla anguilla L. was investigated in laboratory and field experiments. Hepatic health was assessed by measurement of liver alanine transaminase (ALT). One single intraperitoneal injection of abietic acid (AA) or dehydroabietic acid (DHAA), at the same molar dose (14.7 micromol/kg), was given and fish were examined 3 days later. Only AA induced a significant increase in EROD activity while both RAs significantly increased the frequency of ENAs. A 3-day dose-response experiment (concentration range up to 2.7 microM) was also carried out for the same two water-diluted RAs. Both RAs induced a dose-related significant increase in EROD activity, presenting the same NOAEL (between 0.03 and 0.1 microM), while liver ALT activity significantly decreased. Both RAs revealed a mutagenic potential, measured as induction of ENAs, displaying the same NOAEL (between 0. 1 and 0.3 microM). A laboratory experiment with 3 days of BKPME exposure revealed NOAELs between 12.5 and 25% for EROD activity and between 6.25 and 12.5% for ENA frequency. An additional laboratory experiment with 50% BKPME demonstrated that the minimal time necessary to induce a significant increase in EROD activity in the eel was 6 h. In a field experiment, caged eels were exposed in the river, at different distances (left bank: site 1-50 m; right bank: site 2-100 m, site 3-600 m, site 4-2000 m) from the BKPME sewage outlet. Liver EROD activity significantly increased at 1 and 3 days of exposure, with the exception of site 2, whereas ENAs were induced after 3 days of exposure at site 3.

Anguilla↗

Platelet function during cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass with low-dose aprotinin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether two low-dose regimens of aprotinin influence platelet function. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial. SETTING: University teaching hospital performing 600 cardiac operations per year. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine patients scheduled for cardiac surgery undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of expected duration of 60 minutes or more. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized into three groups. Group C (control) included 21 patients who did not receive aprotinin. In group A2, 17 patients received 14,286 kallikrein inhibitor units (KIU)/kg (2 mg/kg) of aprotinin before surgery, followed by a continuous infusion of 7,143 KIU/kg/h (1 mg/kg/h) until the end of surgery. In group A4, 19 patients received 28,572 KIU/kg (4 mg/kg) of aprotinin before surgery, followed by the same infusion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements were significantly less in group A4. Changes in platelet number and function were similar in the three groups. Platelet aggregation was assessed in four periods: before CPB (T1), post-CPB (T2), and 2 hours (T3) and 4 hours (T4) after CPB. Platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, 1 and 2 micromol/L; ristocetin, 1 mg/mL; and arachadonic acid (AA), 1.4 mmol/L, decreased at T2 (p < 0.001) in all groups, and for the ristocetin and AA groups, remained at less than baseline values at T3 and T4. In five patients from each group, platelet receptors for glycoprotein IIb-IIIa (GPIIb-IIIa) and expression of platelet activation markers, guanosine monophosphate 140 (GMP-140) and lysosomal protein, were measured by flow cytometry before and after CPB. Modifications in the expression of GPIIb-IIIa were always modest and without statistical significance. Platelet activation markers, GMP-140 or lysosomal protein, nearly doubled from baseline to post-CPB only in the A4 group, whereas they remained stable in both other groups (statistically not significant). CONCLUSION: The two regimens of aprotinin, both considered low dosage, did not exert a protective effect on platelet function. Neither dose produced changes in platelet GPIIb-IIIa or platelet activation markers. However, bleeding and transfusion needs were decreased.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Increased MAP1B expression without increased phosphorylation in manganese-treated PC12Mn cells.

Regulation of MAP1B expression and phosphorylation is thought to play an important role in neuronal development, particularly with regard to axon growth. The present work utilizes a novel PC12 cell variant [26] which exhibits many of the early morphological features of neurite outgrowth when stimulated with manganese chloride. Expression of MAP1B was determined by immunoblots and phosphorylation was assessed by metabolic radiolabeling with [32P]orthophosphate or with a phospho-specific antibody. The results indicate that MAP1B protein levels rise within 12 to 24 h, but there is no significant change in the phosphorylation of MAP1B. The latter conclusion is based on (i) experiments utilizing SMI 31, a monoclonal antibody that specifically reacts with phospho-MAP1B and (ii) assessments of both MAP1B phosphorylation and MAP1B protein within that same isloated protein band on Western blots. Thus, manganese increases MAP1B expression without affecting its relative phosphorylation. Although manganese does not cause neurite formation in the parental PC12 cell line, manganese is capable of inducing transient neurite regeneration from NGF-primed cells. These studies provide further evidence that the onset of neurite outgrowth may proceed without increased phosphorylation of MAP1B. During sustained neurite regeneration, however, NGF increases phosphate incorporation into MAP1B. Based on all of these findings, we conclude that early phases of neurite outgrowth (cell spreading and formation of short tapered extensions) do not necessarily require elevated phosphorylation of MAP1B.

Animals↗

Antigenic homology of HIV-1 GP41 and human platelet glycoprotein GPIIIa (integrin beta3).

Fifty-eight of 89 serum samples (65.17%) from HIV-1-infected individuals at various disease stages contain antibodies that react with a platelet peptide located in the cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta3, glycoprotein GPIIIa (aa749-761; sequence DRKEFAKFEEERA). Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic platelet peptide also react with the structurally homologous HIV-1 gp41-derived peptide (EKNEQELLELDKW(A)) and bind to a Western blot band with molecular weight corresponding to HIV-1 gp41. These findings point to molecular mimicry between HIV-1 and a human membrane protein found in platelets and other cells that could be of pathologic consequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Memory T lymphocytes during infection and tuberculosis infection and disease].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of naive and memory T cells (as determined by CD45 isoforms) in recent tuberculosis infection and in pulmonary and pleural forms to the disease. To relate such subpopulations to serum levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). METHODS: T cell subpopulations (CD3, CD4, CD8), naive (CD45RA), memory (CD45RO) and activated CD24+ T cells (IL-2 receptor) were measured in the peripheral blood and pleura of patients with recent tuberculosis infection (n = 7), pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 22) and tuberculosis pleurisy (n = 12). Serum levels of sIL-2 and IL-6 were determined in 13 patients with pleural or pulmonary tuberculosis and their relation to CD45RA and CD45RO subsets was analyzed. RESULTS: T lymphocytosis involving all the subpopulations studied, including naive and memory T cells, was detected, although the RA:RO ratio did not change in relation to control levels. Marked increases in memory T cells and CD24+ T cells were found for patients with tuberculous pleurisy. sIL-2 and IL-6 levels were unrelated to naive and memory T cell subpopulations. CONCLUSIONS: T lymphocytosis involving all T cell subsets can be observed in recent tuberculosis infection; both naive and memory T cells are implicated, although neither one predominates over the other. In tuberculous pleurisy there is compartmentalization of memory and activated T cells, which presumably play important roles in the local immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Adolescent↗

[Comparative study of the efficacy of two types of BCG vaccines administered in different doses].

BACKGROUND: In 1993, WHO and UNICEF recommended the administration of 0.05 ml doses of BCG, instead of 0.1 ml, to newborns. This recommendation was adopted by the Chilean Ministry of Health, using the Mérieux vaccine. Subsequently, different Health Services detected a high percentage of children without BCG scar at the time of their growth and development control. AIM: To assess the efficacy of BCG vaccination in a double blind randomized fashion, using two vaccine types and different doses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Newborns of two public hospitals of Santiago were randomly assigned to receive the Tokio or Mérieux BCG strains in doses of 0.05 or 0.1 ml. Ninety five to 125 days after vaccination, vaccine scar was measured and inmunogenicity was assessed using the tuberculin test. RESULTS: Six hundred newborns (150 in each group) were included in the protocol and results were assessed in 408. The percentage of children with a PPD reaction of 0 mm was 9.3, 3.7, 7.8 and 0% with the Mérieux vaccine in doses of 0.1 ml, Tokio vaccines in doses of 0.1 ml, Mérieux vaccine in doses of 0.05 ml and Tokio vaccine in doses of 0.05 ml, respectively. In the same groups the scar diameters were 6.4 +/- 3.4, 7.3 +/- 2.7, 5.6 +/- 2.8 and 7.3 +/- 2.9 mm. The observed differences for each group are significant, depending on the type of strain and dose, but favoring the Tokio type of vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: The BCG scar diameters obtained in this study are similar to those obtained in previous works in 1984 and 1986. This scar is the evidence of vaccination that nurses detect in health controls. Therefore the use of 0.1 doses for vaccination, that result in better scars and PPD response, is recommended.

BCG Vaccine↗

Induction of EROD activity and genotoxic effects by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and resin acids on the juvenile eel (Anguilla anguilla L.).

The purpose of this research is the study of total ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (NA) induction by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and resin acids (RAs) on the juvenile eel Anguilla anguilla L. Juvenile eels were exposed, during 3 days, to the same molar concentration range (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.9, and 2.7 microM) of beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP)--PAHs--and abietic acid (AA) and dehydroabietic acid (DHAA)--RAs--and one alkylating agent, such as cyclophosphamide (CP). Results revealed that both PAHs are able to significantly increase total EROD activity at 0.9 and 2.7 microns, and both RAs at 0.3 microM, whereas NA frequency was significantly increased by BP at 0.9 microM and DHAA at 2.7 microM. BNF was found to be the most potent EROD inducer, and BP exhibited the highest mutagenic potential. An additional experiment was carried out in order to study the BNF total EROD and NA induction over a period of 3, 6, and 9 days. An increased length of exposure, beyond 3 days, does not proportionally increase total EROD activity. However, 6 and 9 days BNF exposure significantly increases NA, reaching the (NA) levels previously determined for 3 days 0.9 microM BP exposure.

Abietanes↗

A hospital/school science fair mentoring program for middle school students.

The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the James P. Timilty Middle School established a partnership to enhance science education, promote faculty development, and improve the health status and academic performance of all Timilty students. This article describes one of the Partnership's Science Connection programs, the Science Fair Mentoring Program, designed to enhance middle school science education, inform urban early adolescents about professions in the health field, inspire them to pursue postsecondary study in the health sciences, and prepare them for rigorous academic work in high school. In this program, hospital-based clinical and research staff mentor young adolescent students. The authors describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Science Fair Mentoring Program as an innovative learning experience.

Adolescent↗

[Analysis of experience in an integrated program of hospital rheumatological service and primary care].

BACKGROUND: In order to improve the health quality at the Primary care level, the Catalonian Health Authority (Servei Catala de la Salut) has begun a reform of the medical and surgical specialties. In this reform process the Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain, has taken part in the incorporation of several medical and surgical hospital specialists to primary care within its influence area. In this study, we describe the results of the collaboration between Hospital health care and Primary care on rheumatic complaints during one year. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive study of some clinical and epidemiological variables of the population visited during one year (1995), at the Primary care level by the Rheumatologist. Our area has a population of 90,612 people, and its located in Barcelona City, Ciutat Vella Variables of study were collected during the period of time between January and December 1995. The following variables were recorded: age, gender, referral cause, rheumatologic diagnosis, intra-articular and peri-articular corticosteroid injections perform, techniques used for the diagnosis of rheumatic disease, follow-up level Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Visits performed were 2,668 on 1,384 patients. Fifty-two percent were first visits, 48% were follow-up visits (Ratio first visits Nolfow-up visits: 0.57). Fifty-one percent of the patients were > 65 years old. Unspecific polyarthralgias, chronic low back pain, gonalgia and pathology of the shoulder were the most frequent complaints (> 50%). Osteoarthritis and soft-tissue diseases were the most frequent diagnosis with a percentage of 41% and 30.7%, respectively. Connective tissue diseases and spondyloarthropathies had account for 3.8% of global diagnosis. X-ray film has been the commonest technique used for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases (80.5%). The waiting list for first visit initially has been 5 weeks, and at the end of study it has been 3 weeks. Ten percent of patients had been referred to the Hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration between Hospital care rheumatology and Primary care, improves the diagnostic quality, as well as it decreases the waiting list and allows the patients' control at the most appropriate care level.

Adolescent↗

Anguilla anguilla L. stress biomarkers recovery in clean water and secondary-treated pulp mill effluent.

The eels' recovery from capture, anoxia, and transport is improved by the dechlorinated filtered aerated tap water temperature increase and increased water salinity. The eels' 6-hr recovery from capture, anoxia, and transport, at 25 degrees C in 50% secondary-treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent, as plasma lactate and cortisol uptake, is depressed. However, either farm or wild eels' exposure to the 50% secondary-treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent, after 188 hr recovery from capture, anoxia, and transport, induces plasma lactate increase and prevents interrenal cortisol release to the blood, decreasing its plasma concentration.

Anguilla↗