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Biomedical subjects

A Gil

Publications and source records attributed to A Gil.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Ovarian metastases caused by cholangiocarcinoma: a rare Krukenberg's tumour simulating a primary neoplasm of the ovary: a two-case study.

INTRODUCTION: Ovarian metastases represent 10% of all ovarian malignancies. They are characterized by their ability to occasionally reproduce mimicking the clinical and morphological appearance of primary tumours, making diagnosis difficult. Most of these tumours originate in the digestive tract, the best known being Krukenberg's tumour in the stomach. Cholangiocarcinomas are rare neoplasias that very rarely affect the ovary. Their retroperitoneal location and low histological specificity in the ovary may lead to a misdiagnosis. This makes it necessary to accurately assess all clinical, radiological and morphological symptoms so as to avoid inappropriate treatments in affected patients. CASE REPORT: Two cases of biliary cholangiocarcinomas simulating an ovarian neoplasia are reported.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Exogenous nucleosides alter the intracellular nucleotide pool in hepatic cell cultures. Implications in cell proliferation and function.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary nucleotides are reported to influence the growth and functioning of the liver. The objective of the study was to evaluate the uptake and incorporation of exogenous nucleosides by hepatic cells, and the potential implications for cell proliferation and function. METHODS: Liver stellate cell line CFSC-2G and primary hepatocytes in single and mixed cultures were exposed to mixtures of nucleosides and the concentrations of nucleoside derivatives were determined in the cultures, by high-performance liquid chromatography. Cell proliferation (DNA synthesis, cell cycle) and function (adenylate charge, albumin content, mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity) were also evaluated. RESULTS: The exogenous nucleosides increased the intracellular concentrations of UTP, UDP-glucose, CDP-choline and NAD(+), in the single cultures of CFSC-2G and hepatocytes. Modification of the intracellular nucleotide pool paralleled changes in cell functional status, as indicated by increased adenylate charge and albumin content in hepatocyte cultures and in their co-cultures with CFSC-2G, and by increased succinate dehydrogenase activity in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: Exogenous nucleosides were taken up by CFSC-2G and hepatocytes, which modified the intracellular concentrations of nucleotides, improved the functional status of hepatocytes, and partially restored the impaired adenylate charge of the co-cultures.

Albumins↗
PubMed2003

Virgin olive and fish oils enhance the hepatic antioxidant defence system in atherosclerotic rabbits.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the lipid profile and antioxidant defence system in liver mitochondria from rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis. METHOD: An atherogenic control group were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol. Four groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet enriched in different oils: sunflower oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil and fish oil. A control group was fed with a standard chow. RESULTS: The atherogenic diet caused important changes in the hepatic mitochondria lipid profile and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence system accompanied with an increase in the content of hydroperoxides in liver mitochondria. The administration of virgin olive and fish oils showed a better profile in the antioxidant system as well as decrease in the content of hydroperoxides. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of cholesterol- and lard-enriched diet leads to a high impairment in the hepatic antioxidant defence system. However, the replacement of that diet by other unsaturated fat-enriched diets using virgin olive, sunflower and fish oil enhances hepatic antioxidant defence system, virgin olive and fish oil diet provide the best results.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Greater dietary variety is associated with better biochemical nutritional status in Spanish children: the Four Provinces Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although dietary variety has been associated with a better nutritional profile, its possible role in obesity raises doubts about its overall health benefits. In this study, we examined the association between dietary variety and anthropometric variables, food intake and various food intake biomarkers in Spanish children. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1112 children aged 6-7 years from Cadiz, Murcia, Orense and Madrid, who were selected by means of the random cluster-sampling of schools. Information concerning food and nutrient intake was obtained using a food frequency questionnaire, and a dietary variety index (DVI) was calculated on the basis of the number of different foods consumed more than once a month. The anthropometric variables (weight and height), and plasma lipid and vitamin levels were determined using standardised methods. Our results show that the body mass index (BMI) did not vary substantially as a function of DVI: it was 16.9 in the lowest DVI tertile and 17.2 in the highest (p=0.20). Unlike BMI, the DVI positively correlated (p<0.05) with the plasma levels of alpha and beta-carotene, lycopene, retinol, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin E, with energy intake, and with most of the foods, particularly vegetables, fruit and sausages (respective correlation coefficients of 0.43, 0.26 and 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary variety is associated with a better food and nutritional profile in Spanish children. Nevertheless, the presence of a positive association between the DVI and energy intake, and the consumption of sausages and pre-cooked products calls for the recommendation of a varied diet of healthy foods, such as cereals (especially whole grains), fruits and vegetables.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed2003

Role of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant nutrition.

OBJECTIVE: To review briefly the influence of dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) on tissue composition and functionality in early infancy. Moreover, the influences of LC-PUFA sources on plasma composition as well as the effects of these fatty acids on intestinal repair after malnutrition are discussed. RESULTS: Human milk not only supplies essential fatty acids but also contains up to 2% of the total fatty acids as LC-PUFA, of which arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are considered the most important. Plasma and erythrocyte levels of both AA and DHA are decreased in infants fed artificial standard milk formulae. However, the supplementation of formulae with these fatty acids in amounts close to that of human milk leads to tissue LC-PUFA patterns similar to those of breast-fed infants. However, the bioavailability of LC-PUFA depends on the typical LC-PUFA source; egg phospholipids increases both AA and DHA in plasma phospholipids and HDL more than a mixture of tuna and fungal triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary LC-PUFA affects positively the growth and development of the infant and ameliorates the visual and cognitive functions, particularly in preterm infants. Likewise, LC-PUFA improves intestinal repair in severe protein-energy malnutrition; therefore, its qualitative and quantitative dietary supply should be considered.

Dietary Fats, Unsaturated↗
PubMed2003

Nutritional risks in the Spanish population: results of the eVe study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the vitamin status of different groups within the Spanish population. DESIGN: Pooled analysis of cross-sectional population nutritional regional studies and meta-analysis of smaller studies in population subgroups performed in Spain between 1990 and 1999. SUBJECTS: In total, 10 208 participants in eight random population studies aged 25-60 y and participants in 76 studies included in the meta-analysis. INTERVENTIONS: The data from different nutritional studies performed on sample populations representative of eight regions of Spain were integrated into a single database. A meta-analysis was also performed on the results of nutritional studies on the Spanish population involving subjects of other ages and status (all published between 1990 and 1999). RESULTS: The mean intakes observed after the integration of the eight regional studies, and in the meta-analysis study, were similar to those recommended, although a considerable percentage of people had insufficient intakes. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required, but the vitamin status of the Spanish population clearly shows room for improvement, especially with respect to vitamins B(2), B(6), A, E, D and folates. Bearing in mind that adequate vitamin intakes are associated with protection from a range of diseases, steps should be taken to correct the imbalances recorded.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Safety and effectiveness of replacing standard doxazosin with doxazosin in the gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) formulation in elderly hypertensive patients.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using doxazosin standard formulation in elderly hypertensive patients who were either uncontrolled or newly diagnosed, and replacing standard doxazosin with doxazosin in the gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) formulation. We designed a postmarketing surveillance, open-label non-comparative, multicentre, clinical study covering primary care patients aged 65 years or older diagnosed with essential uncontrolled arterial hypertension. The study covered a period of 6-9 months, divided into two phases. Phase I involved a minimum of three and maximum of six months in treatment with standard doxazosin; phase II began with the changeover from standard doxazosin to the GITS formulation and lasted 12 weeks. Of the 1705 patients initially enrolled, 1292 (75.8%) completed the study. Reduction in systolic blood pressure was 22.3 mmHg (13.7%) in phase I, and 3.9 mmHg (2.77%) in phase II; reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 12.4 mmHg (13.2%) in phase I, and 2.4 mmHg (2.9%) in phase II. The percentage of controlled patients was 40.5% (691/1705) by the end of phase I and 45.3% (776/1705) by the end of phase II. A total of 154 patients suffered adverse events (AE), 127 during phase I and 27 in phase II. We conclude that doxazosin in its two formulations is effective and safe for the purpose of lowering blood pressure in elderly patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma associated with celiac disease masked by cavernous lymphangioma.

We present the case of a patient admitted to our emergency ward with a clinical setting of acute abdominal pain and a history of cavernous lymphangioma, diagnosed in another center by exploratory lapartomy. The patient presented complete analysis including serology tests, as well as an abdominal CT scan that revealed multiple large size retroperitoneal cysts. In view of the clinical symptomatology and results of the tests, a second CT scan was carried out upon admission. As a result of the findings obtained, a second exploratory laparotomy was carried out in which intestinal resection of the perforated jejunal loop and largest cysts was performed. Pathological anatomy diagnosed an intestinal lymphoma associated with enteropathy and abdominal cysts compatible with cavernous lymphangioma. In this work we describe both pathologies, the most characteristic aspects are analyzed and the etiology and possible relation between both entities is discussed.

Celiac Disease↗
PubMed2002

Surface pressure-area isotherms and fluorescent behavior of phospholipids containing labeled pyrene.

In this work, the surface and fluorescent behavior of three phospholipids containing a pyrene molecule in one of their hydrocarbon chains was studied. Differences between the isotherms provided by the different monolayers can be attributed to the orientation of the head group in the phospholipids at the air/water interface. This assertion is supported by the fluorescent behavior of monolayers of phospholipids containing labeled pyrene (Py-DPPE, Py-DPPC, and Py-DPPG).

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed2002

Sunflower, virgin-olive and fish oils differentially affect the progression of aortic lesions in rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis.

In this study we report the effects of sunflower, virgin olive and fish oils on the progression of aortic lesions. A total of 24 male New Zealand rabbits (six per each group) were fed for 50 days on a diet containing 3% lard and 1.3% cholesterol, to induce atherosclerosis. An atherogenic control group (A) was killed after this period and three groups were fed for an additional period of 30 days with a diet composed of (1.75 g of supplemented oil and 98.25 of standard chow): sunflower oil (S), virgin olive oil (O) and fish oil (F). A control group (n=6) was fed with a standard chow diet for 80 days. LDL lipid composition and histological analysis of aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assayed. The atherogenic diet caused a significant increase of cholesterol levels in LDL and aorta tissue. Cholesterol ester content rose significantly in the aortic arch of groups S, O and F. Fatty streaks were found in all aortic sections, although only group S showed a significant progression of the lesion compared with group A. We conclude that the replacement of a high cholesterol-saturated fat diet by another cholesterol free-unsaturated fat diet does not regress atherosclerosis in rabbit. However, sunflower oil provokes a significant progression in lesion development, whereas diet enrichment with extra virgin olive oil and, to a lesser extent, fish oil, stops this progression.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory diseases.

Inflammation is overall a protective response, whose main goal is to liberate the human being of cellular lesions caused by micro-organisms, toxins, allergens, etc., as well as its consequences, and of death cells and necrotic tissues. Chronic inflammation, which is detrimental to tissues, is the basic pathogenic mechanism of hypersensitivity reactions against xenobiotics. Other frequent pathologies, for instance atherosclerosis, chronic hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver cirrhosis, lung fibrosis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis are also chronic inflammatory diseases. Chemical mediators of inflammation are derived from blood plasma or different cell-type activity. Biogenic amines, eicosanoids and cytokines are within the most important mediators of inflammatory processes. The different activities of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) versus those derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3) are one of the most important mechanisms to explain why n-3, or omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in many inflammatory diseases. Dietary supplements ranging 1-8 g per day of n-3 PUFA have been reportedly beneficial in the treatment of IBD, eczema, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, recent experimental studies in rats with experimental ulcerative colitis, induced by intrarectal injection of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid, have documented that treatment with n-3 long-chain PUFA reduces mucosal damage as assessed by biochemical and histological markers of inflammation. Moreover, the defence antioxidant system in this model is enhanced in treated animals, provided that the n-3 PUFA supply is adequately preserved from oxidation.

Fatty Acids, Omega-3↗
PubMed2002

Modulation of the immune response mediated by dietary nucleotides.

Dietary nucleotides have been reportedly beneficial, especially for infants, since they positively influence lipid metabolism, immunity, and tissue growth, development and repair. Rapidly proliferating tissues, such as the immune system or the intestine are not able to fulfil the needs of cell nucleotides exclusively by de novo synthesis and they preferentially utilize the salvage pathway recovering nucleosides and nucleobases from blood and diet. In the present review we describe the modulatory effect of dietary nucleotides on the immune system together with some of their effects on gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Dietary nucleotides influence lymphocyte maturation, activation and proliferation. Likewise, they affect the lymphocyte subset populations in both the small intestine and blood. Moreover, they are involved in enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and delayed hypersensitivity as well as allograft and tumour responses. In addition, they contribute to the immunoglobulin response in early life, having a positive effect on infection. In fact the incidence and duration of acute diarrhoea is lower in infants fed supplemented-nucleotide formulas. The molecular mechanisms by which dietary nucleotides modulate the immune system are practically unknown. Dietary nucleotides have been shown to enhance the production and the genetic expression of IL-6 and IL-8 by foetal small intestinal explants. Dietary nucleotides may influence protein biosynthesis as well as signal membrane transduction mediated by the interaction of exogenous nucleosides and their receptors may also contribute to modulate the expression of a number of genes, some of which can directly affect the levels of intestinal cytokines.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Budesonide enema in pouchitis--a double-blind, double-dummy, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pouchitis has been suggested to be a recurrence of ulcerative colitis in a colon-like mucosa. Topical steroids are a valid therapeutic alternative for distal forms of ulcerative colitis. AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of budesonide enema in the treatment of pouchitis compared with oral metronidazole. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with an active episode of pouchitis (defined as a pouchitis disease activity index score >or= 7) and no treatment during the previous month were randomized to receive either budesonide enema (2 mg/100 mL at bedtime) plus placebo tablets or oral metronidazole (0.5 g b.d.) plus placebo enema in a prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, 6-week, controlled trial. RESULTS: Based on the intention-to-treat principle, we detected a significant improvement in disease activity at the end of the first week with both drugs (P < 0.01). After that, improvement was moderated until stabilization at 4 weeks in both treatments. The per protocol analysis showed that both drugs had similar efficacy in terms of disease activity, clinical and endoscopic findings. Fifty-eight per cent and 50% of patients improved (decrease in pouchitis disease activity index >or= 3) with budesonide enema and metronidazole, respectively (odds ratio, 1.4; confidence interval, 0.2-8.9). Adverse effects were observed in 57% of patients given metronidazole and in 25% of patients given budesonide. CONCLUSIONS: Budesonide enemas are an alternative treatment for active pouchitis, with similar efficacy but better tolerability than oral metronidazole.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

Epidemiology of pneumonia hospitalizations in Spain, 1995-1998.

OBJECTIVES: This epidemiological survey was undertaken to estimate the burden of hospital admissions for pneumonia in Spain during a four-year period (1995-1998). METHODS: Data were obtained from the national surveillance system for hospital data. RESULTS: There were 231,512 hospital admissions for pneumonia (ICD 9 CM 480-486; first listed diagnosis) during this period, that is an annual incidence of 177 cases per 100,000 population. The incidence was higher in children <5 years of age and in persons >or=65 years compared with other age groups. The annual cost of these hospitalizations to the National Health Care System was of 127 million ECUS. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures, such as vaccination of population groups at high risk, to reduce pneumonia-related morbidity could result in large cost savings to the National Health Care System.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Nucleotides as semiessential nutritional components.

Dietary nucleotides are required nutrients for some tissues under certain circumstances. A lack of dietary nucleotides negatively influences protein synthesis in both the liver and the small intestine of rats. Ribosome degradation has been observed as being among the mechanisms responsible for this effect. Dietary nucleotides can also modulate gene expression by interaction with specific transcription factors, in both the liver and the small intestine.

Diet↗
PubMed2002

Serum selenium and risk of large size colorectal adenomas in a geographical area with a low selenium status.

OBJECTIVE: Selenium is a fundamental nutrient to human health that might have anticarcinogenic effects. Previous studies have assessed the possible relationship of selenium status to colorectal adenomas with controversial results. We primarily aimed to assess the relationship of serum selenium status with the presence of large size colorectal adenomas in subjects living in a poor selenium region. The serum selenium status in colorectal cancer was also evaluated. METHODS: Serum selenium levels were measured in 28 patients with large size sporadic adenomatous polyps, 24 patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas, and 35 age-matched healthy individuals. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship of serum selenium to colorectal adenomatous polyps after adjusting for confounding variables (age, sex, smoking habit, and alcohol drinking). RESULTS: Among subjects aged < or = 60 yr, mean serum selenium levels were significantly lower in both patient groups (adenoma, 57.9 +/- 4.3 microg/L; cancer, 43.7 +/- 6.6 microg/L) than in healthy controls (88.9 +/- 8 microg/L) (p = 0.0001). There were no difference among subjects > 60 yr old. A significant inverse association between selenium status and the diagnosis of large size adenomatous polyps after adjusting for confounding variables was found (adjusted p = 0.029). Subjects with higher selenium status (> or = 75th percentile value of 82.11 microg/L) had a lower probability (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.03-0.84) to be in the adenoma group than subjects with lower selenium status (< 82.11 microg/L). This association was more marked in subjects aged < or = 60 yr (adjusted p value = 0.04, OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.007-0.91), and was not significant in older subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that high selenium status may decrease the risk of large size adenomas in a low selenium region, and that this preventive effect seems to be exclusive to subjects < or = 60 yr. These results will need to be confirmed in additional epidemiological studies before recommending selenium supplementation in patients with colon adenomas.

Adenoma↗