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Biomedical subjects

E Ruiz

Publications and source records attributed to E Ruiz.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of nutrition of school children in the population of Sierra de Cádiz (Ubrique)].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to study the nutritional pattern in the school population of a rural town in Cádiz (Spain), with an important industrial development. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We have studied a representative sample of 344 school-children of both sexes between 8 and 15 year-old. Dietary intake was assessed by "24 hour recall" and the CUVALC program was used to transform it in nutrients. In all the age groups daily caloric and nutrients intake was adjusted to that recommended by Spanish people. RESULTS: The results observed showed that specially protein intake was high in all the age groups. Dietary lipid was high (39%). The saturated fatty acids exceeded the level recommended in 100% school children and the intake of carbohydrates (46%) and crude fiber were low. On the other hand, we observed that vitamin D in girls and calories, calcium and iron in both sexes were lower than recommended allowances in some age groups. In addition, the proportional breakfast calories intake was lower (16.6%) than the 25% recommended. CONCLUSIONS: The population of Ubrique, a rural town in Cádiz (Spain) with an important industrial development had a more occidental than mediterranean nutritional profile.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition and guanylate cyclase inhibition on vascular contraction in vitro and in vivo in the rat.

We have investigated the differences between the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (NOSI), L-NMMA, and the guanylate cyclase inhibitors (GCI), methylene blue and LY 83583, in their abilities to increase vasoconstrictor responses in vitro and in vivo. In rat small mesenteric arterial rings, 1 h exposure to the NOSI, L-NMMA (100 microM), and the GCI, methylene blue (10 microM), alone or in combination with L-NMMA, caused a significant reduction in the maximum relaxation to ACh in mesenteric arteries pre-contracted with the thromboxane mimetic U46619 (10 microM). Hence, both NOSI and GCI inhibit endothelium-dependent relaxations to ACh in rat small mesenteric artery. However, 1 h exposure to L-NMMA and L-NNA (both 100 microM), but not methylene blue (10 microM), significantly increased the contractile response to U-46619 (10 microM) in rat small mesenteric artery. It was decided to investigate further this difference between NOSI and methylene blue. In rat small mesenteric arterial rings, L-NMMA (10 microM) and LY 83583 (1-10 microM) significantly increased the contractile response to KCl (40 mM) or to noradrenaline (10 microM), when administered during the contraction. However, methylene blue (1-10 microM) increased the contractile response to KCl but not noradrenaline. In rat aortic rings, L-NMMA (100 microM), methylene blue (1-10 microM) and LY 83583 (1-10 microM) significantly increased the contractile response to KCl (40 mM) or to noradrenaline (1 microM). In the pithed rat preparation, L-NMMA (40.3 micromol kg(-1), i.v.) significantly increased the pressor response both to bolus injection of noradrenaline (3.13 nmol kg[-1]) and to spinal pressor nerve stimulation. However, methylene blue (3.13-15.6 micromol kg[-1]) or LY 83583 (4.0-40.0 micromol kg[-1]), failed to affect pressor responses to either NA or pressor nerve stimulation. Hence, there are differences between NOSI and GCI in their abilities to increase vasoconstrictor responses, especially when comparing responses in vitro and in vivo. This suggests that nitric oxide has actions in addition to activation of guanylate cyclase to modulate vasoconstrictor responses, presumably by membrane hyperpolarisation, and that this action may be more important in vivo.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1997

Action of elgodipine on atherosclerosis development, cell growth, and oncogene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

1. Elgodipine (ELG) had no significant effect on aortic content of cholesterol, plasma cholesterol, or triglycerides concentrations in cholesterol-fed rabbits. However, ELG administration produced a dose-dependent and significant reduction of calcium content of the aorta. 2. In vitro studies showed that ELG was able to inhibit vascular smooth muscle proliferation through a mechanism independent of the expression of the transcription factors c-fos and c-jun.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Liquid chromatographic analysis of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in plasma of traditional coca chewers from Bolivia during exercise.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the amount of cocaine and benzoylecgonine in the plasma of Aymara Indians from the Bolivian Andes after traditional chewing of coca leaves during exercise performance. The determination was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography after solid-liquid extraction. The results showed that such use of coca leaves is well correlated with pharmacologically active concentration of cocaine in plasma.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effect of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) injected into the median eminence on LH secretion in male rats.

We determined the dose-response relationship and examined the time-related effect of CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) injected directly into the Median Eminence (ME) on LH secretion in conscious intact and castrated male rats. Doses of 0.25, 0.75, 1, and 1.5 nmol CRF dissolved in 1 microl of saline (or saline only in the controls) were injected into the ME and blood samples collected 30, 60, 90, and 120 min postinjection to determine by RIA serum LH. CRF at doses of 0.75, 1 and 1.5 nmol significantly decreased serum LH in castrated and intact animals. The lower dose of CRF did not decrease LH in the two groups studied. The results suggest that in males as in females, CRF inhibits by itself LH secretion, at least in part, by a central action in the ME; the inhibitory effect of CRF on LH is similar in castrated and intact males; the dose of 0.25 nmoles of CRF was ineffective in decreasing LH and finally that CRF at ME levels may participate in a variety of stress-related responses, including reproduction inhibition, through LH suppression.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of calcium dobesilate on the synthesis of endothelium-dependent relaxing factors in rabbit isolated aorta.

1. Some cardiovascular disturbances which occur in diabetics are a consequence of alterations in vascular contractility as well as in endothelium-dependent relaxation. 2. Calcium dobesilate (DOBE) is a drug used in diabetic retinopathy and its mechanism of action is not yet understood. 3. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DOBE on synthesis and release of endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF) and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in rabbit isolated aorta. 4. Endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh) (10(-8)-(10(-5) M) increased in the presence of DOBE 10(-5) M only when vascular endothelium was kept intact. 5. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10(-8)-10(-4) M progressively decreased the enhancing effect of DOBE on endothelium-dependent relaxation whereas it was progressively increased by L-Arg. 6. DOBE 10(-5) M increased in a non-significant manner endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by ACh when the arteries were incubated with both L-NAME 10(-4) M and indomethacin 10(-5) M. 7. DOBE (10(-6) M and 10(-5) M) was able to scavenge superoxide anion radicals generated by the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction. 8. These results provide evidence that DOBE is able to affect the vascular disorders associated with diabetes mellitus since it enhances the synthesis of endothelium-dependent relaxing factors.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of CRF injected into the median eminence on GH secretion in female rats under different steroid status.

To evaluate whether the median eminence (ME) is a site of action of CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) on GH secretion and to determine the possible role of estradiol and progesterone in modifying theses secretion, we injected CRF (0.25, 0.75, 1, and 1.5 nmol of peptide dissolved in 1 microliter of water) directly into the ME in three experimental groups of rats: Long-term ovariectomized (OVX); OVX primed by estradiol (OVX +/- E) and OVX primed by estradiol plus progesterone (OVX +/- EP). Blood was collected to determine GH (30, 60, 90, and 120 min postinjection). Serum T3, T4, and glucose levels were measured in OVX +/- E rats 30 min postinjection. CRF at all doses studied significantly decreased serum GH levels in the three experimental groups. Serum T3, T4, and glucose levels were unchanged after CRF administration. The results suggest that: CRF inhibits "per se" GH secretion, at least in part, by a central action in the ME. The inhibitory effect of CRF on GH is independent of the estrogen/progesterone status of the animal. CRF at ME levels may participate in a variety of stress-related responses, including growth inhibition, through GH suppression.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Inhibition of 5'DI and 5'DII L-tiroxine (T4) monodeiodinases. Effect on the hypothalamo-pituitary ovarian axis in adult hypothyroid rats treated with T4.

Hypothyroid female rats were treated with T4 and their 5'DI and 5'DII deiodinases were inhibited by PTU and IOP administration to determine whether the effect of T3 on reproductive function is a primary event at hypothalamo-pituitary levels or ovarian levels. Hypothyroid adult female rats were divided into four groups: Hypothyroid without treatment (H); hypothyroid treated with T4 (H-T4); hypothyroid treated with T4 plus propylthiouracil (H-T4-PTU), and hypothyroid treated with T4 plus iopanoic acid (H-T4-IOP). A group of euthyroid rats (E) was included as control. Estrous cycle, ovarian histological changes and serum estradiol and gonadotropin levels (basal and after GnRH) were searched in all groups. In view of our results and since sexual cycles and puberal pattern in gonadotropin secretion were restored after all treatments we can suggest: That T4 could have an intrinsic effect on reproductive function in adult hypothyroid female rats or that another compensatory T3 mechanism unaffected by IOP could exist. The present report points out that the effect of T3 on reproductive function could be a primary event at hypothalamopituitary levels although an effect at ovarian levels could not be excluded.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

New application of the gastrostomy button for clinical and urodynamic evaluation before vesicostomy closure.

PURPOSE: We report use of the Bard gastrostomy button to occlude vesicostomy and provide access for intermittent catheterization before closure in children with vesicostomy. Evaluation of bladder function in such children usually relies on radiographic and urodynamic studies, which may fail to predict bladder compliance, emptying and continence after closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Buttons were placed before vesicostomy closure in 1 boy with the prune-belly syndrome and 2 girls with cloacal anomalies 2.5 to 10 years old. The patients had undergone vesicostomy using the Blocksom technique soon after birth because of urinary infection, and impairment of bladder emptying and renal function. RESULTS: With the button in place bladder emptying, compliance, continence and possible upper tract changes could be evaluated during several weeks. Button coaptation to the vesicostomy was complete with no urine leakage around the device, allowing easy intermittent drainage through its channel. After 4 weeks the buttons did not have any encrustation or lithiasis and patients were free of urinary infection. Vesicostomy was closed in each patient and the period of temporary closure provided by the button was predictive of future bladder behavior. CONCLUSIONS: This new and original application of the gastrostomy button as a temporary vesicostomy closure may be useful to predict the clinical and urodynamic responses of a defunctionalized bladder in patients with vesicostomy who are candidates for urinary undiversion.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Action of probucol in arteries from normal and hypercholesterolaemic rabbits.

1. The effect of probucol on the vascular reactivity of different arteries isolated from rabbits was studied as well as its effects on the development of atherosclerosis in a cholesterol-fed rabbit model. 2. Probucol 10(-6)-5 x 10(-4)M produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the contractile responses induced by KCI (80 mM), the sequence for the IC50 was: mesenteric artery (5th branch, 4.8 +/- 2.6 x 10(-5) M) > aorta (8.2 +/- 2.3 x 10(-5) M) > femoral artery (> 5 x 10(-4) M). The response to noradrenaline was: mesenteric artery (5th branch, 4.2 +/- 1.3 x 10(-5) M) > aorta (3.2 +/- 3.0 x 10(-4) M) > femoral (> 5 x 10(-4) M). 3. In the aorta, probucol (10(-5)-10(-4) M) shifted the concentration-response curves to Ca2+ downward and to the right. 4. Probucol at 5 x 10(-5) M and 5 x 10(-4) M showed a reduction in the 45Ca2+ uptake in resting, non-stimulated aortic rings as well as the uptake induced by both noradrenaline 10(-6) M and KCI 80 mM. 5. In experiments in vivo, probucol did not affect lipid profiles; however, drug-treatment significantly decreased the cholesterol content of aortic tissue and the extent of intimal surface covered with atherosclerotic lesions. 6. The vascular reactivity was recovered in femoral arteries from rabbits on the atherogenic diet plus probucol. 7. It is concluded that the effect of probucol in vascular smooth muscle can be attributed to an inhibition of Ca2+ entry through both potential- and receptor-operated pathways. Moreover our findings suggest that the effects of probucol on movement of calcium in vascular smooth muscle may play an important role in the mechanism of antiatherogenic properties of this drug.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal damage in adolescents with varicocele].

The incidence of varicocele in adolescent males has been reported to range from 6% to 19%. Our objective was to evaluate if there was any correlation between either varicocele grade or testicular volume and gonadotropin responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LHRH) in 55 adolescents with grade (G) 2 and 3 varicocele, mean age 14.0 years (range: 10-16.8), Tanner stage I, n: 2; II, n: 9; III, n: 15; IV, n: 22; V, n:7. Testicular volume was assessed with Prader orchidometer. Basal and post LHRH serum gonadotropins were determined by radioimmunoassay. Varicocele grades were 2, n: 9; 3, n: 40; bilateral, n: 6. In patients with Tanner stage IV-V, there was a significant correlation between varicocele grade and LH area under the curve post LHRH, r: 0.45. Ipsilateral testicular growth arrest was present in 33 patients (60%) and mean left testicular volume was 77.4 +/- 9.6% (mean +/- SD) when compared to right testicular volume. LH response to LHRH was higher (p < 0.05) in those patients with left testicular volume less than 80%. In conclusion, the finding of higher LH response to LHRH in our patients with more severe ipsilateral testicular growth arrest suggests early Leydig cell dysfunction; both factors can be potential predictors of surgical indication.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Plasma levels of nitrates in patients with Parkinson's disease.

It has been suggested that nitric oxide (NO) could be implicated in the neuronal degeneration of substantia nigra compacta in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To ascertain the possible role of NO as risk factor for PD, we studied the plasma levels of nitrate (oxidation product that provides an indirect estimation of NO), in 68 PD patients and 68 matched-controls. The plasma levels of nitrate did not differ significantly between PD patient and control groups (44.5 +/- 2.46 and 44.8 +/- 2.67 mumol/l, respectively). They were not influenced by antiparkinsonian drug and they did not correlate with age at onset, duration, scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating scales and Hoehn and Yahr staging in the PD group. These data suggest that plasma levels of nitrate are apparently unrelated to the risk for PD.

Aged↗