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Biomedical subjects

H Rico

Publications and source records attributed to H Rico.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Influence of vitamin D administration on bone ultrasound measurements in patients on anticonvulsant therapy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate bone mass status (as measured by bone ultrasound) in patients on anticonvulsant therapy, and the influence that Vitamin D administration exerts over it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured and compared the basal serum levels of 25(OH)D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and phalangeal bone ultrasound (Ad-SOS), in 30 adult patients who were taking anticonvulsant drugs, with a control group of similar age and sex. We then gave the patients a large oral dose of 3 mg (120.000 UI) of 25(OH)D3, and repeated the measurements after one month. RESULTS: Basal 25(OH)D3 and Ad-SOS values were significantly lower, and PTH values significantly higher (P< 0.0001 in all), in the patient group. The low Ad-SOS values for the patients were independent of the treatment, but directly related to basal 25(OH)D3 levels (r = 0.45, P<0.01). There was a negative association between PTH and 25(OH)D3 (r = -0.64, P<0.0001), and no correlation between PTH y Ad-SOS (r = -0.20, p NS). After ingestion of the large dose of the vitamin D, the patient group registered a significant (P<0.0001) increase in 25(OH)D3 levels, their Ad-SOS values increased (P<0.0001) nearly to the mean basal value of the control group, and PTH decreased significantly (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings justify the need to assure adequate vitamin D intake in patients being treated with anticonvulsants, independently of the treatment, age, sex, and activity status, in order to prevent osteomalacia.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2↗
PubMed2000

Microbial evaluation of Spanish potato omelette and cooked meat samples in University restaurants.

The focus of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of Spanish potato omelette and cooked meat samples including pork loin, chicken croquettes, long pork sausage, chicken breast, and meatballs from University restaurants. Microbiological analyses of Spanish potato omelette and cooked meat samples resulted in aerobic plate counts from <1.00 to 2.90 and from <1.00 to 6.04 log10 CFU g(-1), respectively. Total coliforms ranged from <3 to 43 most probable number (MPN) g(-1) and from <3 to >2,400 MPN g(-1) for Spanish potato omelette and meat products, respectively. Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and Lancefield group-D streptococci were detected in 1.7%, 3.5%, and 12.9% of Spanish potato omelette samples, respectively. For cooked meat samples, 8.8%, 7.6%, and 24.6% contained E. coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and Lancefield group-D streptococci, respectively. E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. were not detected. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia spp. were isolated from Spanish potato omelette samples. For cooked meat samples, C. freundii, E. cloacae, and Aeromonas hydrophila were detected. The results suggest that some handling practices should require more attention, and as a consequence, a hazard analysis and critical control point program should be developed and implemented.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Transient dissociation of bone metabolism induced by high performance exercise: a study in elite marathon runners.

Bone metabolism parameters were studied in 18 elite marathon runners (11 men and 7 women) who participated in the Marathon World Cup held at San Sebastian, Spain in 1993. Measurements were made before the race, immediately after the race, and 24 hours after the race. The most interesting finding was increased alkaline phosphatase (P < 0. 0001) and decreased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (P = 0.0035), which suggests that exercise produced uncoupling of the bone cell metabolism. Serum calcium corrected for proteins did not increase with exercise and at the end of the race there was a negative correlation between cortisol, which was significantly higher (P < 0. 0001), and corrected serum calcium (r = 0.53, P = 0.026) that was not present at baseline. Running time showed a significant negative correlation with baseline serum cortisol (r = -0.67, P = 0.0015) and a significant positive correlation with body mass index (r = 0.53, P = 0.0207). The increase in alkaline phosphatase persisted 24 hours after the race, which suggests that exercise produced an intense and sustained effect on osteogenic capacity.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

Effects of alprazolam supplementation on vertebral and femoral bone mass in rats on strenuous treadmill training exercise.

The ability of alprazolam to diminish cortisol response and favor ovarian function could make it useful in the prevention of osteopenia in athletes in selected cases. A sample of 45 female Wistar rats, all 93 days old and with a mean initial weight of 267 +/- 17 g, were studied. Rats were exposed to a high-performance level of exercise and were divided into two groups-one group received an alprazolam supplement and one did not-and compared with controls to determine the effect of alprazolam on bone mass as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DKA). Exercise consisted of treadmill running on 5 out of 7 days during a period of 11 weeks. A steep grade treadmill inclination was used to stimulate high-intensity muscle activity. Final inclination was 17.5 degrees and treadmill speed was 45 cm/second. Upon completion of the experiment, all the rats were killed and the femur and 5th lumbar vertebra were dissected and cleaned. Length, weight, bone mineral content (BMC), and density (BMD) of the whole right femur and 5th lumbar vertebra were measured. In the exercise only group (no alprazolam), the length, weight, BMC, BMD, and femur BMC/final rat weight ratio of the femur, and the vertebral weight, vertebral BMD and BMC, and vertebral BMC/final rat weight ratio were lower than in the control and the exercise-alprazolam groups (P < 0.0167 - < 0.0001). Alprazolam preserves bone mass in rats exposed to intense exercise.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Effects of potassium bicarbonate supplementation on axial and peripheral bone mass in rats on strenuous treadmill training exercise.

We administered a potassium bicarbonate supplement to rats on strenuous treadmill training in order to determine the effect on bone mass and the metabolic acidosis seen with this type of training. A sample of 45 93-day-old female Wistar rats with a mean initial weight of 267 +/- 17 g were studied. The control group (15 rats) was not exercised or given potassium bicarbonate (Ex- PB-). The experimental group (30 rats) was randomly divided into two subgroups of 15 rats each, one that exercised and did not receive potassium bicarbonate (Ex+ PB-) and one that exercised and received potassium bicarbonate (Ex+ PB+), at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day administered by esophageal catheter on exercise days. Training consisted of treadmill running on 5 out of 7 days for a period of 11 weeks. Running time, treadmill speed, and the percent grade were gradually increased until week 7, then maintained until rats were sacrificed at the ened of 11 weeks. The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole right femur and 5th lumbar vertebra were measured. Femoral and vertebral length were also measured. Femur length, weight, BMC, and BMD, and femur BMC/final weight ratio, and vertebral weight, BMD, and BMC, and vertebral BMC/final weight ratio were lower in the Ex+ PB- group than in either the controls or the Ex+ PB+ group (P < 0.01-P < 0.0001); the length of the 5th lumbar vertebra did not differ between groups.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of promethazine on bone mass and on bone remodeling in ovariectomized rats: A morphometric, densitometric, and histomorphometric experimental study.

The effect of promethazine on bone is debated. We studied the effect of promethazine on bone and the mechanism of action involved by densitometric and histomorphometric measurements in female Wistar rats (100 days old, mean weight 25 +/- 20 g). A control group of 15 rats was not manipulated. An experimental group of 15 rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at 100 days of life and fed a diet supplemented with 4.8 mg/kg promethazine hydrochloride (OVX + Prom). The group that underwent OVX and a group of 15 rats that underwent sham ovariectomy (Sham-OVX) were not treated with promethazine. After 30 days, all the rats were killed. Their femur and 5th lumbar vertebra were dissected and cleaned of soft tissue. Femoral length and vertebral height were measured with a caliper and bones were weighed on a precision balance. The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the whole right femurs and 5th lumbar vertebras were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Trabecular bone volume (Cn-BV-TV%), trabecular number (Tb-N mm(-1)), trabecular thickness (Tb-Th microm), and trabecular separation (Tb-Sp microm) were measured in the femurs by histomorphometric study of nondecalcified bone. Our results showed that promethazine significantly inhibited postovariectomy loss of bone mass (P < 0. 0001) by significantly reducing bone resorption, as shown by the smaller trabecular spaces observed in the treated OVX rats (P < 0. 0001).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effect of induced uterine retroversion on bone mass in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of surgical uterine retroversion on bone mass in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-five female Wistar rats were assigned randomly to three groups: 15 unmanipulated rats, 15 rats that underwent uterine retroversion, and 15 rats that underwent sham uterine retroversion (exposure of the uterus to air followed by closure of the abdominal cavity). Sixty days later the rats were killed and their femurs were dissected. Femurs were weighed and measured, and femoral bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: In the group of rats that underwent uterine retroversion, BMC, BMD, and BMC corrected for final body weight were significantly lower (P<0.001) than in the unmanipulated control and sham uterine retroversion groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that uterine retroversion induced a loss of bone mass. We could not determine the mechanism of bone loss; in our opinion, these problem merits further investigations, which currently occupy our interest.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Impact of weight in obese subjects on bone speed of sound.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors determined the effect of obesity on measurements of amplitude-dependent speed of bone ultrasound (Ad-SOS [m/sec]) and compared them to the total body bone mineral content (TBBMC/g). METHODS: A total of 25 women were studied (mean age 41.8 +/- 10.2 years). In all the subjects, body mass index (BMI) exceeded 30 kg/m2 (range, 31.12-47.47 kg/m2); mean body weight was 104 +/- 17 kg. Ad-SOS was measured at the proximal phalanges and TBBMC in whole body with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Correlation study (Fisher's r to z) showed that Ad-SOS correlated negatively with weight (r = -0.85, P < 0.0001) and with TBBMC (r = -0.71, P < 0.0001). The correlation between TBBMC and weight was r = 0.76, P < 0.0001. Body fat percentage correlated partially with TBBMC (r = 0.40, P < 0.05) and negatively with Ad-SOS (r = -0.75, P < 0.0001). When the correlation test was adjusted for weight (partial correlation), the correlation between Ad-SOS and TBBMC was not significant (r = -0.21, P = NS), and the correlation between Ad-SOS and weight continued to be inversely significant (r = -0.67, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a clearly negative effect of weight on Ad-SOS measurements and indicated the limitations of this technique when employed in overweight and obese patients. Broad-band ultrasound attenuation and speed of sound, two commonly measured variables in bone ultrasound studies, may be differently affected by soft tissue.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1998

Changes in body composition in women treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

OBJECTIVE: The changes that agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produce in mineral bone mass are known, but, as far as we know, those produced by these agents in other body compartments are unknown. METHODS: We studied these changes using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 50 eugonadal women treated with decapeptyl (Triptoreline), 3.75 mg injected intramuscularly, at 28-day intervals for 6 months. RESULTS: There were significant increases in fat content (9.5%, P < 0.0005) and weight (1.3%, P < 0.01), and significant decreases in fat-free mass (-1.9%, P < 0.0001) and water content (-1.8%, P < 0.0002). Bone mass was lost in the axial skeleton (-3.6%, P < 0.0001) but not in the peripheral skeleton. CONCLUSIONS: The changes induced in body composition by the GnRH agonists are similar to those of natural menopause.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1998

T score of trabecular and cortical bone in normal postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The T score of the cortical and trabecular bone compartments (T score of BMDTrab and T score of BMDCorti) was calculated in healthy postmenopausal women to determine which bone compartment loses more bone mass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total 134 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 55.1 +/- 6.4 years) and 67 healthy premenopausal women (mean age 36.0 +/- 8.6 years) were studied. Determinations were made using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the nondominant forearm. The postmenopausal women were divided into groups by years since menopause (YSM): two early postmenopausal groups: < 5 YSM and 6-10 YSM; and two late postmenopausal groups: 11-20 YSM and > 20 YSM. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the T score of BMDTrab and the T score of BMDCorti (P < 0.0001). Both correlated negatively and significantly with age (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and neither correlated with weight. The Wilcoxon test showed no significant differences between the trabecular and cortical T scores in the overall group of women. By YSM, only the > 20 YSM group showed significant differences (P < 0.005). The ANOVA post hoc Bonferroni/Dunn test showed a significant difference in the T score of BMDTrab by YSM only in the < 5 YSM versus 11-20 YSM groups (P = 0.007) and in the < 5 YSM versus > 20 YSM groups (P < 0.0001). The T score of BMDCorti by YSM differed significantly only between the < 5 YSM versus 11-20 YSM groups (P < 0.0001) and between the 11-20 YSM and > 20 YSM groups (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: In contrast with what has been postulated in recent studies, our results showed that postmenopausal bone loss was similar in the cortical and trabecular bone compartments in the first 20 years after menopause. Trabecular bone loss was greater than cortical bone loss in late menopause (> 20 years).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Total and regional bone mass and biochemical markers of bone remodeling in metastatic prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The osteolytic activity of metastases of prostate cancer was evaluated in relation to total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) and regional bone mineral content (RBMC). METHODS: Bone mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was measured as a biochemical marker of bone resorption. RESULTS: In 32 patients (mean age 72+/-4 years) compared with 32 controls (mean age 73+/-5 years), there were significant differences in TRAP (P < 0.0001), TBBMC (P < 0.0001), and RBMC in the pelvis (P < 0.0001), legs (P=0.0001), and trunk (P<0.05), but not in the arms and head (P=ns). In the overall group of subjects, the correlation between TBBMC and TRAP was r=-0.68, P < 0.0001. The correlations remained significant in the patient and control groups separately. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of bone mass observed in patients with metastatic prostate cancer was caused mainly by the predominance of bone resorption in the osteoblastic metastases.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1998

Metacarpal radiogrammetry by computed radiography in postmenopausal women with Colles' fracture and vertebral crush fracture syndrome.

Based on the hypothesis that the underlying osteoporotic mechanism of Colles' fracture in postmenopausal women is similar to that of other osteoporotic fractures, that is, cortical bone resorption as opposed to cancellous bone resorption, the rate of corticoendosteal bone loss was compared in 40 normal postmenopausal women [average age 68.4 +/- 7.1 years; 20 +/- 4 years since menopause (YSM)], in 35 postmenopausal women with Colles' fracture (age 69.4 +/- 7.5 years, 22 +/- 8 YSM), in 35 normal postmenopausal women with vertebral crush fracture (age 69.4 +/- 7.5 years, 22 +/- 8 YSM, and in 35 normal premenopausal women (age 36.1 +/- 7.9 years). Radiogrammetry by digital radiography of the second metacarpal was used to measure external (ED) and internal (ID) diameter, cortical thickness (CCT), cortical area (CA), and the ratio of cortical area to total area (CA/TA). The ID values of the groups of postmenopausal women were subtracted from the ID value of the premenopausal women and the result was divided by YSM to obtain the rate of corticoendosteal resorption/year (DeltaC), CA resorption year (DeltaCA) and CA/TA resorption/year (DeltaCA/TA). ID, DeltaC, DeltaCA, and DeltaCA/TA all were larger in the postmenopausal women with Colles' and vertebral crush fractures than in the normal postmenopausal women (ANOVA: all P < 0.0001). ID, CCT, DeltaC, CA, DeltaCA, and DeltaCA/TA did not differ between the two groups of postmenopausal women with fractures. DeltaC was 87% greater in postmenopausal women with vertebral crush fracture and 116% greater in women with Colles' fracture than in normal postmenopausal women. These results indicate that the loss of cortical bone is an important factor in Colles' fracture in postmenopausal women.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Ultrasonographic bone velocity in pregnancy: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Longitudinal changes in bone mass were evaluated with use of ultrasonography and bone remodeling markers in 40 normal pregnant women in relation to their calcium intake. STUDY DESIGN: The study took place at the University of Alcalá Hospital in Madrid. Biochemical markers of bone remodeling and ultrasonographic bone propagation velocity in the proximal phalanxes of fingers 2 to 5 were measured in all three trimesters of pregnancy. Wilcoxon, unpaired and paired t tests, and analysis of variance were used. RESULTS: Ultrasonographic bone propagation velocity (meters per second) was lower in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy (p < 0.0001) compared with the respective preceding trimesters and in the third trimester in the overall group of pregnant women. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in parallel with the ultrasonographic bone propagation velocity decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Gestation was accompanied by a reduction in ultrasonographic bone propagation velocity that was greater in women with low calcium intake.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1998

Effects of zinc supplementation on vertebral and femoral bone mass in rats on strenuous treadmill training exercise.

The hypothesis that a zinc (Zn) deficit may cause osteopenia in athletes is well founded. In rats exposed to strenuous exercise, we evaluated the effect of a zinc supplement on femoral and vertebral bone mass determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Four lots of 93-day-old female Wistar rats were studied. A control group of 30 rats were not manipulated (Zn- Ex- group). The experimental group of 40 rats was fed a diet supplemented with an additional 20% of Zn/kg of feed; this group was divided into two groups of 20 rats each, one that did not exercise (Zn+ Ex-) and one that did (Zn+ Ex+). A group of 15 rats exercised but did not receive a zinc supplement (Zn- Ex+ group). Training consisted of treadmill running for 5 out of 7 days over an 11-week period. Initial speed, running time, and treadmill speed were increased gradually. Analysis of variance with the Bonferroni/Dunn test showed that the length, weight, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur were less in the Zn- Ex+ group than in the others (p < 0.008), and the weight, BMC, and BMD of the fifth lumbar vertebra also were lower in the Zn- Ex+ group than in the others (p < 0.008). These findings confirm the adverse effects of strenuous exercise (treadmill running) on bone tissue in rats and the effectiveness of zinc supplementation in preventing it.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1997

Effect of lead on bone and cartilage in sexually mature rats: a morphometric and histomorphometry study.

The effect of exposure to lead on the longitudinal development of the femur and of its cartilage growth plate was studied in rats. A group of forty-five 50-day-old female Wistar rats was divided into a control group of 20 rats and an experimental group of 25 rats fed a diet supplemented with 17 mg of lead acetate per kilogram of feed for 50 days. On Day 50 all rats were killed and their right femurs were dissected. The femurs were cleaned of soft tissue and femoral lengths were measured with a Vernier caliper and thickness of growth cartilage (GPC-Th micron) by histomorphometry. Final body weights were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the control group than in the rats given the lead-supplemented diet. Femur length did not differ between groups. Histomorphometry of the femur showed that the thickness of growth cartilage was higher (P < 0.05) in the control group. These findings suggested lead-induced inhibition of growth plate development. The growth plate may be one of the key target tissues accounting for the adverse effects of chronic lead exposure on skeletal development.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Vertebral and metacarpal morphometry as indicators of nutritional improvement.

Because of the importance of nutrition in the development of bone mass, we studied the nutritional state, and bone state by means of metacarpal radiogrammetric measurements and vertebral morphometry in a group of 40 premenopausal women born between 1960 and 1970, mean age 29 +/- 5 years, and in another group of 40 postmenopausal women born between 1934 and 1944, mean age 55 +/- 4 years. Both groups were considered normal, the main characteristic distinguishing them being that the women born between 1934 and 1944 grew up in a period of widespread malnutrition in Spain and the women born between 1960 and 1970 grew up in a period of normal nutrition. Protein, carbohydrate and fat intake in these two periods differed significantly (p < 0.0001 in the three cases by Fischer's exact test). The values of the metacarpal measurements, anterior height of the dorsal vertebrae from T-4 to T-12, and posterior height from L-1 to L-4 between the premenopausal and postmenopausal groups of women were significantly different (p < 0.001) (Anova test). These findings show the importance of nutrition in the development of bone mass during childhood.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗