Biomedical subjects

O A Castillo

Publications and source records attributed to O A Castillo.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Isolated soy protein improves endothelial function in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women.

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausia and hypercholesterolemia are related to endothelial dysfunction, a pathogenic event in atherosclerosis. Soy protein reduces plasma cholesterol, but there is scanty information about its effect on endothelial function. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of isolated soy protein compared to caseinate on plasma lipoproteins and endothelial function in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of the Catholic University of Chile. SUBJECTS: Eighteen healthy, postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were recruited, included and completed the protocol. INTERVENTIONS: During the trial, all patients followed a low fat/low cholesterol diet and were randomly assigned to receive isolated soy protein or matching caseinate for 4 weeks, and then the alternative treatment until week 8. At pre-study and at the end of the first and second period, plasma lipoprotein levels and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery) were evaluated. RESULTS: Plasma total and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration were significantly lower with the low fat/low cholesterol diet compared to pre-study, either with caseinate or soy protein. No significant differences in plasma lipid concentration between caseinate or soy protein interventions were observed. FMD did not change with the caseinate. In contrast, when soy protein was administered, FMD was significantly higher compared to pre-study (9.4+/-1.8% vs 5.3+/-1.2%; P<0.05) and compared to caseinate intervention (9.4+/-1.8% vs 4.9+/-1.5%; P<0.033). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women, soy protein improves endothelial function, regardless of changes in plasma lipoproteins.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

The parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPP+ induces phosphorylated c-Jun in dopaminergric neurons of mesencephalic cultures.

The stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) cascade serves a critical role in the apoptotic death of neuronal cells in response to a variety of cellular stresses. Recent in vitro and in vivo evidence has directly implicated this kinase in the death of dopaminergic nigral neurons in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease (PD). To assess the involvement of c-Jun, a key transcription factor substrate of SAPK (also known as c-Jun N-terminal kinase, or JNK) in the MPTP-induced death of dopaminergic nigral neurons, we determined the ability of MPP+, the active toxin metabolite of MPTP, to induce the phosphorylated form of c-Jun in dopaminergic neurons in nigral (ventral mesencephalon) cultures. At a dose of MPP+ that specifically induces apoptotic changes in nuclear morphology in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (dopaminergic) cells in these cultures, MPP+ induces nuclear phospho-c-Jun immunoreactivity (IR). The peak induction of phospho-c-Jun IR was observed 16h after beginning MPP+ exposure, and preceded the maximal induction of apoptotic nuclear changes by approximately 8h. These data support an important role for the SAPK/JNK pathway including its c-Jun transcriptional target in the apoptotic death of dopaminergic nigral neurons in the MPTP model of PD.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

PubMed1994

A unique fasciocutaneous flap for posterior urethral repair.

The anatomic restrictions produced by male to female gender reassignment surgery necessitated a new surgical solution to treat a traumatic posterior urethral stricture. Aesthetic considerations were of paramount importance to the patient. A unique use of the pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap is presented which satisfied the reconstructive needs of well-vascularized tissue for reconstruction of the posterior urethral segment, and addressed the patient's aesthetic concerns. Correction of the posterior urethral stricture was successful, and the flap donor site inconspicuous. This procedure has not been described previously for urethral reconstruction and is an additional regional source of vascularized tissue for urethral repair.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Multilocular cysts of kidney. A study of 29 patients and review of literature.

Multilocular renal cyst is a distinct renal tumor whose gross external appearance and absence of normal renal tissue within the septa of loculi distinguish it clearly from other renal cystic lesions. Interlocular septa may contain either (1) fibrous tissue alone or (2) embryonic tissue separating adjacent loculi. Of 29 patients with multilocular renal cysts, 24 underwent a renal-sparing procedure, and only 5 had radical nephrectomy. None of the histologic specimens showed evidence of immature renal tissue or neoplasia. Patients were followed from three months to eight years (mean, 39 months), and no evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease was found. Because it is difficult to distinguish multilocular renal cyst from cystic Wilms tumor and multicystic clear cell carcinoma on the basis of imaging studies alone, surgical intervention is the only effective method to differentiate multilocular renal cyst from a malignant lesion of the kidney.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Augmentation cystoplasty and the artificial genitourinary sphincter.

In 18 patients with urinary incontinence secondary to decreased bladder compliance and sphincteric incompetence, augmentation cystoplasty and the artificial genitourinary sphincter were combined successfully to produce complete urinary control. Insertion of the sphincter was simultaneous with augmentation cystoplasty in 11 patients. In 6 patients the artificial sphincter was placed before augmentation cystoplasty. One patient underwent placement of a sphincter subsequent to enterocystoplasty and failed Young-Dees reconstruction of the vesical neck. It is noteworthy that in all 6 patients who underwent sphincteric placement before bladder augmentation decreased bladder compliance and urinary incontinence developed with time, and upper tract deterioration developed in 2 patients. Fifteen patients empty the bladder by intermittent self-catheterization, and 3 teenagers void by relaxation of the pelvic musculature and abdominal straining. In selected patients with complex urinary incontinence augmentation cystoplasty and placement of an artificial genitourinary sphincter cuff can be combined successfully without increase in morbidity over that with either procedure performed separately.

Adult↗