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Biomedical subjects

C Sanz

Publications and source records attributed to C Sanz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Effects of SCA40 on human isolated bronchus and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: comparison with rolipram, SKF94120 and levcromakalim.

1. SCA40 (0.1 nM-0.1 mM) produced concentration-dependent suppression of the spontaneous tone of human isolated bronchus (-log EC50 = 6.85 +/- 0.09; n = 10) and reached a maximal relaxation similar to that of theophylline (3 mM). The potency (-log EC50 values) of SCA40 compared to other relaxants was rolipram (7.44 +/- 0.12; n = 9) > SCA40 > or = levcromakalim (6.49 +/- 0.04; n = 6) > SKF94120 (5.87 +/- 0.10; n = 9). 2. When tested against the activity of the isoenzymes of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isolated from human bronchus, SCA40 proved highly potent against PDE III (-log IC50 = 6.47 +/- 0.16; n = 4). It was markedly less potent against PDE IV (4.82 +/- 0.18; n = 4) and PDE V (4.32 +/- 0.11; n = 4). 3. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) stimulated with N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) produced a concentration-dependent superoxide anion generation and elastase release. SCA40 (1 nM-10 microM) produced a concentration-related inhibition of FMLP (30 nM approximately EC50)-induced superoxide production (-log IC50 = 5.48 +/- 0.10; n = 6) and elastase release (-log IC50 = 5.50 +/- 0.26; n = 6). Rolipram was an effective inhibitor of superoxide generation and elastase release (-log IC50 values approximately 8) while SKF94120 and levcromakalim were scarcely effective. 4. FMLP (30 nM) and thimerosal (20 microM) induced leukotriene B4 production and elevation of intracellular calcium concentration in human PMNs. The production of leukotriene B4 was inhibited by SCA40 in a concentration-related manner (-log IC50 = 5.94 +/- 0.22; n = 6) but SCA40 was less effective against the elevation of intracellular calcium. Rolipram was an effective inhibitor of leukotriene B4 synthesis (-log IC50 approximately 7) and intracellular calcium elevation (-log IC50 approximately 6) while SKF94120 and levcromakalim were scarcely effective. 5. It is concluded that SCA40 is an effective inhibitor of the inherent tone of human isolated bronchus. The bronchodilatation produced by SCA40 appears mainly related to PDE inhibition since the potency of SCA40 as a relaxant of human isolated bronchus was found to be close to its potency as inhibitor of PDE III activity isolated from human bronchus. In addition, SCA40 exhibited inhibitory effects on human PMN function stimulated by FMLP. These effects may be related to the ability of SCA40 to inhibit PDE IV from human PMNs while the contribution of PDE V inhibition is uncertain. We found no evidence of a role for levcromakalim-sensitive plasmalemmal K+-channels in human PMNs.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1996

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase IV and intracellular calcium levels in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzyme type IV is the predominant cyclic AMP hydrolytic activity in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). PDE IV inhibitors depress functional responses of PMNs but their influence on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) has not been extensively studied. The present study examined the effects of rolipram (a selective PDE IV inhibitor) on the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced changes of [Ca2+]i in fura-2 loaded human PMNs. Rolipram (1 nM-10 microM) did not alter basal [Ca2+]i values. fMLP (10 nM approximately EC50) produced a transient calcium response, i.e., a peak followed by decay to a residual value above baseline. Peak [Ca2+]i values after fMLP were not altered but a faster decay and a lower residual [Ca2+]i were observed in rolipram (0.1-10 microM)-treated cells. fMLP added after thimerosal (20 microM) produced a peak followed by a sustained oscillatory response. Rolipram (up to 10 microM) did not alter the peak but inhibited the sustained response (-log IC50 = 6.39 +/- 0.12). The inhibitory effects of rolipram may be due to alterations in the mobilization of Ca2+ produced by the increase in the cellular content of cyclic AMP. SKF94120 (a selective PDE III inhibitor) produced minor effects on the fMLP-induced calcium response. SCA40 (a mixed PDE III/IV/V inhibitor) produced similar effects but was less potent than rolipram. Reduction of the calcium response probably underlies the inhibition of PMN functions produced by PDE IV inhibitors.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed1995

[Family medicine research: analysis of papers accepted at national and international congresses].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the thematic content and the origin of the free papers presented at four Family Medicine conferences (two national and two international) during 1992 and 1993; and to check the possibility of differences between Spanish and international lines of research. DESIGN: Descriptive study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,339 papers were classified. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) in the thematic areas of Family Medicine (25.33% in international conferences, 7.77% national), Community Medicine (18.16% international, 28.20% national) and organisation of care (17.68% international, 30.16% national). The provinces with the highest number of contributions at national conferences were Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Zaragoza. At international conferences (WONCA) the greatest number of contributions came from the Scandinavian countries, Holland, the United Kingdom, Israel and Spain. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish investigators do not often tackle questions of under- and post-graduate training, professional attitude, clinical interviews or Bioethics. The papers at national conferences come mainly, in quantitative terms, from large provinces. The lower participation of liberal health systems like the German, French and North-American is noticeable.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome: a multivariate analysis of factors predicting the response to plasma exchange.

The aim of this study was to investigate pretreatment prognostic factors that could be useful in predicting the response to plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS). Thirty-two patients with TTP/HUS, treated with plasma exchange at our institution from 1980 to 1994, were studied. The main clinical and laboratory data at the beginning of plasma exchanges were analyzed by the Cox stepwise logistic regression, applied to either treatment failure or death. Seventeen (53%) patients attained a complete remission and 22 (69%) survived (five in advanced renal failure and long-term hemodialysis). Longer delay in initiating plasma exchanges, presence of stupor or coma, and higher creatinine levels at the beginning of plasma exchanges were independent predictors of treatment failure. Stupor or coma at the beginning of plasma exchanges was the only predictor of mortality from unremitted TTP/HUS. Hemoglobin levels, platelet count, and LDH activity, traditionally envisaged as markers of disease activity, neither correlated with previous duration of TTP/HUS nor had any prognostic value. Early diagnosis of TTP/HUS and prompt initiation of intensive plasma exchange emerged from this study as the most effective interventions for improving the prognosis of TTP/HUS patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Insulin-like growth factor-I regulates cell proliferation in the developing inner ear, activating glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and Fos expression.

The role of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) was investigated during the early development of the inner ear. IGF-I stimulated growth of otic vesicles that were isolated and cultured in vitro. IGF-I induced DNA synthesis, increased cell number, and mitotic rate in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations between 0.1-10 nM. IGF-II also induced growth but with a lower potency, whereas insulin had no effect. In the presence of IGF-I, otic vesicles developed from stage 18 to stage 21 in 24-h cultures, mimicking the normal mitotic pattern and morphogenesis in vivo. IGF-I also stimulated growth in the cochleovestibular ganglion. Binding of 125I-IGF-I to specific receptors occurred with high affinity. An autoradiographic study of sections from otic vesicles showed radiolabeled IGF-I in the epithelium. Immunoreactivity to IGF-I was detected in the otic vesicle and in the cochleovestibular ganglion. Intracellular signaling mechanisms of IGF were explored by studying the turnover of glycosylated phosphatidylinositols and the expression of Fos oncoprotein. IGF-I rapidly increased Fos levels in cultured otic vesicles. Furthermore, antisense oligonucleotides complementary to c-fos were able to inhibit IGF-I-induced growth. Both IGF-I-induced cell proliferation and Fos expression were blocked by an antiinositol phosphoglycan (alpha-IPG) antibody. This work suggests that IGF-I may be a candidate to regulate proliferative growth of the otic primordium during normal development and that this action requires the sequential modulation of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol turnover and Fos expression.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Large-cell anaplastic lymphomas: a genetic and immunophenotypic study].

PURPOSE: To characterize from a genetic point of view a group of non-Hodgkin's anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCL) by Southern blot and PCR methods with different probes (molecular study) and with direct or post 24-78 hours cultures with GTC banding techniques (cytogenetic). To correlate the results to the immunophenotype performed with a complete panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) according to avidin-biotine and alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty cases of ALCL were reviewed and only 19 selected (with frozen or fresh material) because a complete immunohistologic and genotypic correlation had been done. According to CD15 expression two groups were considered, CD15+ (the so-called Hodgkin's related or Hodgkin's like) and CD15- or classical type. RESULTS: Only 26.5% of cases showed immuno -genotypic correlation. Immunohistochemistry is an accurate method for activation, proliferation and B-cell nature, but T-cell cases were not stained because T-cell paraffin markers are not completely specific. CD15 group had only 30% rearranged cases with scarce cytogenetic abnormalities, as it occurs in Hodgkin's disease (HD). ALCL classical type showed 66% rearranged cases, and one of the T-cell cases showed an incomplete t (2:5) translocation or polyploid cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups have different genetic and immunophenotypic behaviour which resembles HD or NHL. CD15 positive cases or ALCL HD-related constitute a borderline entity which has to be recognized because of the different therapy and clinical behaviour.

Hodgkin Disease↗
PubMed1995

[Neoplastic obstructive jaundice: palliative treatment with self-expandable metallic prosthesis].

PURPOSE: Study of the effectiveness and morbidity of palliative treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice with metallic biliary endoprosthesis compared to surgical palliation. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PATIENTS: 35 patients with non-resectable neoplasms causing jaundice were treated with percutaneous stent (pancreatic carcinoma, n = 11; cholangiocarcinoma, n = 11; gallbladder carcinoma, n = 4; extrahepatic metastases of various malignancies, n = 8). CONTROL GROUP: 23 patients with malignant jaundice treated with palliative surgery. RESULTS: Most frequent complications were cholangitis and stent obstruction. The mean hospital stay after the stent placement was 6.8 days, longer in patients with complications (p = 0.035). Recurrence of jaundice was seen in 22.9% of the patients and the rate of readmission was 42.9%. The mean survival was 163.33 days (range 19-522). Reduction in serum bilirubin after BE was significant (215 vs. 82 mmol/l, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Comparing to our previous experience with surgical palliative treatment, there was no significant difference neither in morbidity-mortality, nor recurrence or readmission. Patients with pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma benefit from a shorter hospital stay.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Giving up tobacco and changes in biological parameters].

OBJECTIVE: To study the modifications in some biological parameters in patients who stop smoking. DESIGN: An analytic observational prospective study. SETTING: Urban Health Centre. PARTICIPANTS: 152 patients included in an intervention project against tobacco addiction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Arterial pressure (systolic and diastolic), weight and base cardiac frequency were determined, using standard procedures at the start and end of the study year on smokers who gave up the tobacco habit and on those who continued smoking. Cessation was validated for those who gave up smoking. A non-significant reduction in arterial pressure, an average reduction of 6 beats per minute (p < 0.05) and an average weight increase of 1.5 kg (p < 0.05) were observed in the ex-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Giving up tobacco produces a benefit not comparable to the light increase in weight observed in the ex-smokers. It would be useful to study whether proper dietary advice could minimise weight gain in recent ex-smokers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Platelet activation during hemodialysis measured through exposure of p-selectin: analysis by flow cytometric and ultrastructural techniques.

P-selectin is a platelet protein in alpha-granules that is expressed on their membranes after platelet activation. Using a specific monoclonal antibody (RUU-2.17), we have studied platelet activation during hemodialysis with a cuprophan membrane in eight patients with uremia. Blood samples were obtained before hemodialysis from venipuncture (sample I), at the beginning of the hemodialysis from the arterial (sample II) and venous lines (sample III), and after 2 hours of hemodialysis from the venous line (sample IV). Exposure of P-selectin on platelet surface was studied by flow cytometry, and morphologic and immunocytochemical studies were performed. No differences in P-selectin expression were observed by single-labeling flow cytometry in samples I, II, and IV. However, a significant increase in fluorescence occurred in sample III (percentage of positive platelets [%PP], 18.0% +/- 6.1%) with respect to sample I (%PP, 6.9% +/- 2.0%; p < 0.01). An apparently decreased fluorescence was seen in sample IV (%PP, 8.8% +/- 3.9%) with respect to sample III. Double-labeling flow cytometry showed statistically significant differences between sample I (%PP, 7.1% +/- 2.6%) and sample III (%PP, 19.4% +/- 9.4%; p < 0.01) and IV (%PP, 19.0% +/- 10.1%; p < 0.01), but not between samples III and IV. The ultrastructural study revealed an increasing number of platelet morphologic signs of activation throughout the period of hemodialysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Is prolactin related to activity and emotional reactivity in rats?

Recent studies have shown different relationships between hormones and personality in humans, including a relationship between prolactin levels and impulsivity. The aim of the present work was to study the relationships between basal levels of prolactin and some measures of activity and emotional reactivity in rats. One of the most consistent results showed a negative correlation between basal prolactin levels and activity. This finding is in line with the serotonergic theories of impulsive behavior and with the effects of dopamine upon activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Design and results of the nursing quality assurance program in Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau: an integrated effort.

This paper aims to describe and evaluate the results of the Nursing Quality Assurance (QA) Program in the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. The program was designed in 1987 as part of a global QA program involving all aspects of patients' care. The QA Program was organized at three levels: hospital, ward and joint medical-nursing. During the first 3 years of the study the following activities were carried out: (A) nursing process and results; (B) risk management; (C) patients' opinion; (D) utilization review; (E) ward nursing QA programs. Among other significant results, the program has detected that only 55.6% patients manifest that they sleep well at hospital, hygiene of dependent males (51%) is significantly worse than dependent females (81%) and patients' falls are more prevalent among oriented patients (73%) than disoriented patients (27%). Also a significative improvement has been demonstrated after implementing corrective measures in patients' information (7.5/10-8.1/10) and patients without supervision in emergency areas became from 35% to 0.02%. New nursing records were designed as a result of the QA assessment. The most important conclusion is that the Nursing QA Program is a valid instrument to evaluate general problems in the hospital and concrete problems in each ward.

Female↗
PubMed1993

Platelet activation on hemodialysis: influence of dialysis membranes.

During hemodialysis, platelets are activated and release alpha-granule-specific proteins. GMP-140 is a glycoprotein stored in the alpha-granules of platelets, which is selectively expressed on the plasma membrane of activated platelets. Using a specific monoclonal antibody against this protein (CD 62), we have evaluated the influence of different dialysis membranes on hemodialysis-induced platelet activation in vivo by flow cytometry in nine patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Five membranes were evaluated: Cuprophane, cellulose acetate, polymethylmethacrylate, polysulphone and polyacrylonitrile (AN-69). Blood samples were obtained before hemodialysis and from the inlet and outlet lines five minutes after the beginning of hemodialysis. A significant increase in the GMP-140 expression was observed in samples obtained from the outlet line compared with samples obtained from the inlet line for all membranes evaluated, but the extent of this increase depended on the type of membrane used: Cuprophane 13.95 +/- 3.94%, cellulose acetate 7.4 +/- 4.52%, polymethylmethacrylate 6.93 +/- 4.6%, polysulphone 3.83 +/- 2%, and AN-69 2.14 +/- 2.19% (mean +/- SD). Cuprophane induced the highest degree of platelet activation (P < 0.05). Cellulose acetate and polymethylmethacrylate induced more platelet activation than polysulphone or AN-69 (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that all hemodialysis membranes induce platelet activation but to a variable extent, cuprophane being the most activating membrane, cellulose acetate and polymethylmethacrylate showing an intermediate potential of activation, while the more biocompatible membranes, polysulphone and AN-69, inducing the lowest degree of platelet activation.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

A variant of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia which fails to express a GPIIb-IIIa related epitope that is recognized by a specific monoclonal antibody (C17).

Binding of different antibodies to the GPIIb-IIIa complex in resting (AP2, EDU3, C17) or activated platelets (PAC1) was studied by flow cytometry in a patient with a platelet defect involving GPIIb-IIIa related functions. The patient has a mild history of bleeding. Aggregation induced by ADP and collagen were absent but normal response was obtained with ristocetin. Platelets from the patient do not bind fibrinogen. Perfusion studies with flowing blood showed that patient's platelets have a marked impairment in the process of spreading and aggregate formation on vascular subendothelium. Electrophoretic studies in SDS-polyacrylamide gels demonstrated the presence of normal amounts and normal mobility of GPIIb-IIIa. Fibrinogen was present in the patient's platelets (68-74% of controls). The binding of AP2 and EDU3 to patient's resting platelets was normal as assessed by flow cytometry. In contrast, a decreased presence of the C17 antigen (10 fold lower than control platelets) was detected in resting platelets and a markedly reduced binding of PAC1 was found in thrombin activated platelets. These studies suggest that C17 recognizes an epitope of the GPIIb-IIIa in resting platelets that is implicated in the regulation of adhesive and cohesive properties of GPIIb-IIIa. Studies on this patient might be helpful for the understanding of GPIIb-IIIa functions.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗