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Biomedical subjects

M Sanz

Publications and source records attributed to M Sanz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Effect of trandolapril on vascular responsiveness in cholesterol-fed rabbit-isolated arteries.

According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular disorders are one of the main causes of morbi/mortality in the western world. The effect of trandolapril (0.3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), a non-sulphydryl angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, on the vascular responsiveness in aorta isolated from hypercholesterolemic rabbits was examined. Three groups of rabbits (n=30) were used: Group 0 (control group); Group 1 (hypercholesterolemic group, 0.5% (wt/wt) cholesterol-enriched diet) and Group 2 (hypercholesterolemic+trandolapril 0.3 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). After 18 weeks of treatment, the rabbits were killed and the thoracic aorta, proximal coronary and mesenteric (5th branch) arteries were isolated, cleaned off and mounted in an organ bath. Trandolapril had no significant effect on plasma cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) or low density lipoprotein (LDL). Despite the lack of effect of the drug on the above-mentioned parameters, treatment with trandolapril improved endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortic and mesenteric rings from hypercholesterolemic rabbits treated with trandolapril. The relaxation induced by 10(-5) M acetylcholine were 65.0+/-4.0%; 24. 0+/-9.4% (P<0.01, n=10) and 51.3+/-7.0% (P<0.01, n=10) in aortic rings from Groups 0, 1 and 2, respectively, and 50.0+/-12.0%; 10. 1+/-10.0% (P<0.01, n=10); 61.0+/-9.7% (P<0.01, n=10) in small mesenteric rings from Groups 0, 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, trandolapril treatment improved the increase in serotonin-induced contraction in proximal coronary arteries with respect to the hypercholesterolemic group. On the other hand, we did not find any differences among the group in endothelium-independent relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside. These results provide evidence that trandolapril restores endothelium-dependent relaxation in hypercholesterolemic rabbit-isolated arteries. These data suggest that trandolapril might have beneficial action in the prevention of vascular alteration involved in atherosclerosis.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2000

Antimicrobial resistance in the subgingival microflora in patients with adult periodontitis. A comparison between The Netherlands and Spain.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections has lead to the emergence of resistant human pathogens. Great differences have been documented between European countries in the use of systemic antibiotics. In parallel, significant differences in levels of resistant pathogens have been documented. AIM: To investigate whether differences in antibiotic use influence the level of antimicrobial resistance of the subgingival microflora of untreated patients with adult periodontitis in The Netherlands and Spain. METHOD: Blood agar plates containing breakpoint concentrations of penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin and clavunalate, metronidazole, erythromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline were used to determine the proportion of bacteria from the subgingival plaque that was resistant to these antibiotics. In the Spanish patients, statistically significant higher mean levels of resistance were found for penicillin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, clindamycin and tetracycline. The mean number of different bacterial species growing on the selective plates was higher in the Spanish patients, as was the % of resistant strains of most periodontal pathogens. A striking difference was observed in the frequency of occurrence of tetracycline-resistant periodontal pathogens. In Spain, 5 patients had > or =3 tetracycline resistant periodontal pathogens, whereas this was not observed in any of the Dutch patients. CONCLUSIONS: The widespread use of antibiotics in Spain is reflected in the level of resistance of the subgingival microflora of adult patients with periodontitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The periodontal abscess: a review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The periodontal abscess is a frequent periodontal condition in which periodontal tissues may be rapidly destroyed. Its importance is based on the possible need of urgent care, the affectation of tooth prognosis, and the possibility of infection spreading. There is scant information in the scientific literature regarding this condition and most of it has been published as case reports and text books, where conclusions are not evidence-based, but rather empirical observations made by recognised clinicians. The aim of this review was to critically analyse all available information on this subject in the dental and medical literature, including information on its prevalence, proposed etiologies and pathogenesis, diagnosis, microbiology and treatment alternatives. SUMMARY: The periodontal abscess is the 3rd most frequent dental emergency, and it is specially prevalent among untreated periodontal patients and periodontal patients during maintenance. Different etiologies have been proposed, and 2 main groups can be distinguished, depending on its relation with periodontal pockets. In the case of a periodontitis-related abscess, the condition may appear as an exacerbation of a non-treated periodontitis or during the course of periodontal therapy. In non-periodontitis related abscesses, impaction of foreign objects, and radicular abnormalities are the 2 main causes. The abscess microflora seems to be similar to that of adult periodontitis, and it is dominated by gram-negative anaerobic rods, including well-known periodontal pathogens. Complications and consequences include tooth loss and the spread of the infection to other body sites. Diagnosis and treatment is mainly based on empiricism, since evidence-based data are not available. The role of systemic antibiotics, in the treatment of periodontal abscesses, is especially controversial.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The periodontal abscess (I). Clinical and microbiological findings.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Little information is available regarding the diagnosis and microbiology of periodontal abscesses. The aim of this descriptive clinical and microbiological study was to provide more information in order to help in the characterisation of the periodontal abscess associated to periodontitis. METHOD: 29 consecutive patients with a periodontal abscess were studied by the assessment of clinical variables, including both subjective (pain, edema, redness and swelling) and objective (bleeding on probing, suppuration, probing pocket depth, tooth mobility and cervical lymphadenopathy) parameters. Microbiological samples were taken for anaerobic microbiology and processed by means of culture. Systemic involvement was also studied through the analysis of blood and urine samples using conventional laboratory standards. RESULTS: 62% of the abscesses affected untreated periodontitis patients, and 69% were associated with a molar tooth. More than 75% of the abscesses had moderate-severe scores related to edema, redness and swelling, and 90% of the patients reported pain. Bleeding occurred in all abscesses, while suppuration on sampling was detected in 66%. Mean associated pocket depth was 7.28 mm, and 79% of teeth presented some degree of mobility. Cervical lymphadenopathy was seen in 10% of patients, while elevated leucocyte counts were observed in 31.6%. The absolute number of neutrophils was elevated in 42% of the patients. High prevalences of putative periodontal pathogens were found, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Bacteroides forsythus. CONCLUSIONS: The periodontal abscess has clear clinical characteristics and is usually associated with severe periodontal destruction. This condition may cause systemic involvement and the lesion generally has a large bacterial mass with a high prevalence of well-recognised periodontal pathogens.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

The periodontal abscess (II). Short-term clinical and microbiological efficacy of 2 systemic antibiotic regimes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this short-term open parallel longitudinal clinical study was to compare the clinical and microbiological efficacy of 2 different antibiotic regimes in the treatment of acute periodontal abscesses. METHOD: After patient selection, a clinical examination was carried out recording the following variables: pain, edema, redness, swelling, bleeding on probing, suppuration, tooth mobility, lymphadenopathy, and probing pocket depth. Microbiological samples were taken from the lesion and the patient was randomly assigned to one of two antibiotic regimes: azithromycin or amoxicillin/clavulanate. Clinical variables were recorded, and microbiological samples were taken, at 3-5 days, 10-12 days and 30 days. Additional mechanical treatment (debridement and scaling) was performed in the third visit (10-12 days). Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and after 10-12 days. Microbiological samples were processed by anaerobic culturing, and isolated periodontal pathogens were tested for antibiotic susceptibility by means of the spiral gradient endpoint methodology. RESULTS: 15 patients took azithromycin, and 14 amoxicillin/clavulanate. Subjective clinical variables demonstrated statistically significant improvements with both antibiotic regimes, which lasted for at least 1 month (p<0.01). Objective clinical variables also showed clear improvements, being statistically significant after 30 days with probing pocket depth in the azithromycin group (p<0.01). Microbiologically, short-term reductions were detected with both antibiotics, however fast recolonization occurred after the third visit. No significant differences were found between both treatment regimes. Antibiotic susceptibilities demonstrated no resistances for amoxicillin/clavulanate, while 2-3 strains of each studied pathogen were resistant to azithromycin. CONCLUSIONS: However, both antibiotic regimes were effective in the short-term treatment of periodontal abscesses in periodontitis patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora of adult patients with periodontitis. A comparison between Spain and The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Countries with a high per capita antibiotic use frequently demonstrate a high level of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and levels of beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora in adult patients with periodontitis in Spain and The Netherlands, and to characterise beta-lactamase producing bacteria in both patient samples. METHOD: Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were consecutively selected and asked to report on: current systemic disorders and medications, history of use of antibiotics, and smoking habits. Clinical variables included probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque, bleeding on probing, and suppuration. Pooled subgingival samples of 4 selected sites were anaerobically cultured in blood agar plates with and without amoxicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Bacterial colonies growing on amoxicillin plates but not on amoxicillin/clavulanate plates were tested for beta-lactamase production. beta-lactamase producing bacteria were isolated and identified. RESULTS: 31 patients were studied in the Spanish group and 30 in the Dutch group. Comparable mean gender and ages were found. Evaluation of previous antibiotic use revealed that, in the previous 12 months, 54.8% of patients in the Spanish group and 10% in the Dutch group reported antibiotic use (p<0.001). The prevalence of beta-lactamase producing bacteria was 87.1% in the Spanish group and 73.3% in the Dutch group. Total counts of beta-lactamase producing bacteria on amoxicillin plates (p<0.01), the mean number of different beta-lactamase producing colonies per patient (p<0.001), and the number of amoxicillin resistant colonies (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the Spanish group. 74 beta-lactamase producing strains in the Spanish group and 33 in the Dutch group were isolated for identification. 23 out of 35 identified strains in the Spanish group, and 32 out of 33 in the Dutch group belonged to Prevotella genus. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of beta-lactamase producing bacteria has been evaluated in two distinct populations, belonging to two European countries with clear differences in antibiotic usage policy. A higher prevalence and a more complex beta-lactamase producing microflora, were found in the Spanish group, associated with a higher antibiotic consumption. This study shows that a higher use of beta-lactam antibiotics is reflected in the % of beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora of patients with periodontitis. This information may be important in the treatment of severe periodontitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Differences in the composition of the subgingival microbiota of two periodontitis populations of different geographical origin. A comparison between Spain and The Netherlands.

The purpose of this study was to compare the subgingival microbiota of two geographically distinct patient populations using identical clinical and bacteriological methods. Adult patients with a diagnosis of periodontitis were consecutively selected according to pre-defined clinical criteria. Microbiological samples were taken from the deepest four sites with bleeding. The samples were plated on blood agar plates, for the determination of the total anaerobic counts and identification of specific bacterial pathogens, and on TSBV and McConkey for isolation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and enteric rods, respectively. Thirty-one patients in Spain and 30 patients in The Netherlands were selected. Both patient groups showed similar clinical characteristics, both in terms of age, gender and periodontal clinical variables. A. actinomycetemcomitans was significantly more prevalent (23.3% vs. 3.2%) in the Dutch group, while Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly more prevalent (64.5% vs. 36.7%) in the Spanish group. Bacteroides forsythus and most commensal periodontal pathogens showed similar prevalences, except Peptostreptococcus micros that was significantly more frequent in the Dutch group (96.7% vs. 74.2%). In summary, the subgingival microbiota from the Spanish group was characterised by a high prevalence of P. gingivalis and low of A. actinomycetemcomitans, while the flora from the Dutch group was characterised by a high prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. micros.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans↗
PubMed2000

Autologous blood cell vs marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in complete remission: an EBMT retrospective analysis.

In order to compare autologous bone marrow (BMT) and blood cell transplantation (BCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first remission (CR1), we retrospectively reviewed the data of 1393 patients registered to EBMT and undergoing either BCT (n = 100), purged (n = 252) or unpurged (n = 1041) BMT. Hematopoietic recovery was significantly quicker after BCT than after either purged or unpurged BMT. The 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS), relapse incidence (RI) and overall survival for the entire population of patients were 52 +/- 1%, 43 +/- 1% and 58 +/- 1% and were significantly influenced by FAB subtype (M3 vs other) and the intervals between diagnosis and CR1 or CR1 and transplant. After BCT, LFS and RI were 44 +/- 6% and 50 +/- 6% and did not differ significantly from that found for unpurged BMT (49 +/- 2% and 45 +/- 2%; P = NS). However, LFS (57 +/- 3%) and RI (37 +/- 3%) of patients undergoing purged BMT were significantly different from that found for BCT patients (P = 0.01 and P = 0.006). As some characteristics of patients undergoing BCT or purged BMT differed significantly (age, intervals between diagnosis and CR1 or CR1 and transplant), the better outcome observed for purged BMT over BCT patients needs to be prospectively investigated.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Long-term follow-up confirms the benefit of all-trans retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia. European APL group.

First results of a randomized trial (APL91 trial) and other randomized or non-randomized studies have shown that ATRA followed by chemotherapy significantly increased event-free survival (EFS) and survival, and decreased the incidence of relapse by comparison to chemotherapy alone in newly diagnosed APL. We present here long-term follow-up of the APL91 trial. In this trial, 101 patients had been randomized between ATRA followed by three courses of daunorubicin-AraC chemotherapy (ATRA group) and the same chemotherapy alone (chemotherapy group). Results were reanalyzed 73 months after closing of patient entry. Updated results of APL 91 trial found a Kaplan-Meier estimate of EFS and relapse rate at 4 years of 63% and 31% in the ATRA group, as compared to 17% and 78% in the chemotherapy group (P= 10(-4) and relative risk 2.95, P= 10(-4) and relative risk 3.68, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival at 4 years was 76% in the ATRA group and 49% in the chemotherapy group (P= 0.026, relative risk 2.7). In the chemotherapy group, seven of the 27 relapses occurred after 18 months, but no relapse was seen after 43 months. In the ATRA group, four of the 17 relapses occurred after 18 months, including two late relapses (at 58 and 74 months). In the chemotherapy group, 23 of the 25 patients who relapsed achieved a second CR with ATRA, and the Kaplan-Meier estimate of second relapse was 40% at 30 months. In the ATRA group, the 10 patients who relapsed and were retreated with ATRA achieved a second CR. In conclusion, long-term results of APL91 trial confirm the superiority of the combination of ATRA and chemotherapy over chemotherapy alone in newly diagnosed APL, and that ATRA should be incorporated in the front-line treatment of APL.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2000

Additional chromosomal abnormalities in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) do not confer poor prognosis: results of APL 93 trial.

In spite of the recent improvement in the outcome of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) with treatment combining all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy (CT), some patients with this disease still have a poor outcome. The prognostic significance of chromosomal abnormalities in addition to t(15;17) in APL is uncertain. We examined the prognostic significance of secondary chromosomal changes in 292 patients included in a European trial who were treated with ATRA and CT. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in addition to t(15;17) was 26% and trisomy 8 was the most frequent secondary change (46% of the cases with secondary changes). No significant differences were seen with regard to age, sex, initial white blood cell count, % of circulating blasts, platelet count, fibrinogen level and incidence of microgranular variants between patients with or without additional rearrangements. Outcome was also similar between patients with t(15;17) alone and patients with t(15;17) and other clonal abnormalities for complete remission (92% vs. 93% respectively), event-free survival at 2 years (76.1% vs. 78.1% respectively), relapse at 2 years (16.7% vs. 11.6% respectively) and overall survival at 2 years (79.9% vs. 79.5% respectively). Analysis according to the type of induction treatment (ATRA followed by CT or ATRA plus CT) or the type of maintenance treatment (with ATRA, low-dose CT or both) also failed to show any difference between the two groups. Thus, in a large cohort of APL patients treated with ATRA and CT, additional chromosomal abnormalities had no impact on prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The metabolic use of energy from dietary fat in broilers is affected by fatty acid saturation.

1. Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of dietary fat on performance and fat and protein accretion in broiler chickens according to the degree of saturation. 2. The first experiment was designed to test 2 sources of dietary fat and 3 levels of dietary energy using a factorial (2x3) experimental design. The foods were formulated to maintain a constant ratio of energy to protein (and other nutrients). There were no significant differences in weight gain, intake, final body weight or food to gain ratio between broilers fed on diets differing solely in the degree of fat saturation. Broilers fed on diets containing animal fat showed higher whole-body fat retention (P=0.02) and lower protein accretion (P=0.03) than those fed on diets containing vegetable oils. 3. In the second experiment, only 1 concentration of fat (tallow, lard or sunflower oil) was incorporated into the experimental diets, providing different energy to protein ratios. The carcase protein content was not affected by dietary fat source, while total fat accretion (P=0.01) and energy retention (P=0.14) were highest in broilers fed on a diet containing tallow. 4. The findings suggest that the degree of saturation of dietary fats affects their metabolic use and fat accumulation in broiler chickens.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2000

Abdominal fat deposition and fatty acid synthesis are lower and beta-oxidation is higher in broiler chickens fed diets containing unsaturated rather than saturated fat.

We evaluated the effects of dietary fat type on fat metabolism and deposition in broiler chickens. Birds were fed diets containing either 8 g dietary saturated (beef tallow) or polyunsaturated fat (sunflower oil)/100 g for 32 d. The abdominal fat deposition of chickens fed the sunflower oil-enriched diet was significantly lower than that of chickens fed the tallow-enriched diet (2.63 +/- 0.47 versus 3.03 +/- 0.44 g/100 g live wt.; P = 0.033). The specific activities of heart carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase were higher (P < or = 0.03) in chickens fed the sunflower oil-enriched diets, indicating a greater rate of beta-oxidation. Liver fatty acid synthetase activity was lower (P = 0.01) in chickens fed the sunflower oil-enriched diet, suggesting reduced hepatic lipogenesis in this group. Postprandial plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed the sunflower oil-enriched diet, indicating a higher rate of dietary lipid clearance from the bloodstream to tissues. In conclusion, the lower fat deposition observed in broilers fed sunflower oil-enriched diets appears to be the net result of an increased rate of lipid catabolism and lower rate of fatty acid synthesis despite higher dietary fat absorption.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Effect of the inclusion time of dietary saturated and unsaturated fats before slaughter on the accumulation and composition of abdominal fat in female broiler chickens.

The aim of this experiment was to assess the effects of four different feeding programs designed to include tallow, a saturated fat at 0, 8, 12, and 28 d prior to slaughter on female broiler performance and the deposition, fatty acid profile, and melting point of abdominal fat. The following treatment groups were established according to dietary inclusion--from 21 to 49 d of age--of: sunflower oil (SUN), sunflower oil followed by tallow during the last 8 d (SUN + 8TALL), sunflower oil followed by tallow during the last 12 d (SUN + 12TALL), and tallow (TALL). The diets were designed to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Abdominal fat deposition increased linearly with increasing number of days in which birds were fed the tallow-enriched diet. However, linear and quadratic response patterns were found between days before slaughter in which the birds were fed the tallow-enriched diet and abdominal fat melting points. This result suggested an exponential response in which 85% of the maximum level was already attained when the dietary fat type changed from an unsaturated to a saturated condition during the last 8 d of the feeding period. The use of an unsaturated fat source during the first stages of growth, and the substitution of a saturated fat for a few days before slaughter, may offer the advantage of lower abdominal fat deposition and an acceptable fat fluidity compared with the use of a saturated fat source during the whole growing and finishing period.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2000

Effect of aflatoxin on performance, hematology, and clinical immunology in lambs.

Twenty-four female lambs were intoxicated with a diet contaminated with 2 ppm aflatoxin for a period of 37 d. Twelve lambs were maintained as the control group. After this period, the lambs were left for 35 d without aflatoxin in their feed. Performance, hematology and clinical immunology were examined in the intoxicated lambs. A non-significant decrease in body weight was observed in the intoxicated lambs during the intoxication period, whereas a significant decrease (P<0.001) in average daily gain was noted on the last day of intoxication and during the clearance period. No significant differences were observed in erythrocyte count, white blood cell count or differential leukocyte count between the groups. Bacteriostatic activity of the serum was lower in the intoxicated lambs, however, there was no effect on serum opsonic activity. Phagocytosis by the neutrophils was higher during the intoxication period and the levels of IgG were elevated in the intoxicated lambs. In vivo cellular immunity was assessed by intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin; the response was lower during intoxication period. These results indicate that a lowering in the average daily gain was the most sensitive indicator of aflatoxicosis in lambs, and that the immune response was altered, which could render the animals more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1999

A randomized comparison of all transretinoic acid (ATRA) followed by chemotherapy and ATRA plus chemotherapy and the role of maintenance therapy in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia. The European APL Group.

All transretinoic acid (ATRA) followed by daunorubicin (DNR)-AraC chemotherapy (CT) has improved the outcome of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by comparison to CT alone. In a randomized trial, (1) we compared 2 induction schedules (ATRA followed by CT [ATRA-->CT] and ATRA plus CT [ATRA+CT, with CT added on day 3 of ATRA treatment]) and (2) we assessed the role of maintenance treatment. Four hundred thirteen patients </=75 years of age and with newly diagnosed APL were included. Induction treatment was stratified on white blood cell (WBC) count and age: patients </=65 years of age and with an initial WBC count of </=5,000/microL (n = 208) were randomized between ATRA-->CT and ATRA+CT (initially randomized patients); patients with a WBC count greater than (high WBC count group, n = 163) and patients 66 to 75 years of age with a WBC count greater than 5,000/microL (elderly group, n = 42) were not initially randomized and received ATRA+CT from day 1 and ATRA -->CT, respectively. All patients achieving CR received 2 additional DNR-AraC courses (only 1 in patients 66 to 75 years of age) and were then randomized for maintenance between no treatment, intermittent ATRA (15 days every 3 months) for 2 years, continuous low-dose CT (6 mercaptopurine + methotrexate) for 2 years, or both, using a 2-by-2 factorial design. Overall, 381 (92%) of the patients achieved complete remission (CR), 31 (7%) suffered an early death, and only 1 patient had leukemic resistance. ATRA syndrome occurred in 64 patients (15%) and was fatal in 5 cases. The CR rate was similar in all induction treatment groups. Event-free survival (EFS) was significantly lower in the high WBC group (P =.0002) and close to significance in the elderly group (P =.086) as compared with initially randomized patients. Relapse at 2 years was estimated at 6% in the ATRA+CT group, versus 16% in the ATRA-->CT group (P =.04, relative risk [RR] =.41). EFS at 2 years was estimated at 84% in the ATRA+CT group, versus 77% in the ATRA-->CT group (P =.1, RR =.62). Two hundred eighty-nine patients were randomized for maintenance. The 2-year relapse rate was 11% in patients randomized to continuous maintenance CT and 27% in patients randomized to no CT (P =.0002) and 13% in patients randomized to intermittent ATRA and 25% in patients randomized to no ATRA (P =.02). An additive effect of continuous maintenance CT and intermittent ATRA was seen, and only 6 of the 74 patients who received both maintenance treatments had relapsed. Overall survival was improved in patients who received maintenance CT (P =.01), and there was a trend for better survival in patients who received maintenance ATRA (P =.22). Our findings strongly suggest that early addition of chemotherapy to ATRA and maintenance therapy combining continuous CT and intermittent ATRA can reduce the incidence of relapse in APL. This effect already translates into significantly better survival for maintenance treatment with continuous CT.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Study of Calcium Dobesilate in Diabetic Rats.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 74% of diabetic patients die of vascular complications. Previous reports have shown that endothelium-dependent relaxation of diabetic vasculature is more sensitive to free radical-induced injury. Calcium dobesilate (DOBE) has been successfully used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The aims of this study were to investigate the in vivo and ex vitro effects of DOBE on both contractile and relaxing responses in isolated diabetic rat aorta. Four groups of rats were used: Wistar rats (Group 0); spontaneously diabetic rats (BB/wor rats) (Group 1); BB/wor rats treated with DOBE 50 mg/kg/day (Group 2); and BB/wor rats treated with 500 mg/kg/day (Group 3). At 180 days after the development of diabetes, the animals were killed and the thoracic aorta were isolated, cleaned off, and mounted in an organ chamber. Two groups of experiments were carried out. In the first group (in vitro), incubation with DOBE 10(-4) in aortic rings isolated from BB/wor rats decreased the contraction induced by noradrenaline (NA) 10(-6) M (1.21 +/- 0.11 g vs 0.67 +/- 0.01 g P < 0.01, n = 8 in diabetic rings with or without the presence of DOBE 10(-4) M, respectively), and this decrease was prevented by propranolol 10(-6) M (1.20 +/- 0.6 g). DOBE 10(-5) and 10(-4) M increased the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by ACh in BB/wor rats [the maximal relaxation with ACh 10(-5) M was 50.0 +/- 5.1 vs 72.0 +/- 11.0 (p < 0.05, n = 8) and 69.0 +/- 7.8 (p < 0.05, n = 8) in BB/wor rats and after the incubation with DOBE 10(-5) and 10(-4) M, respectively], however, incubation with DOBE did not modify the endothelium-independent relaxation in these rats. In the second part of the study (ex vitro), we found an increase in the endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries from diabetic rats treated with DOBE (Groups 2) compared with Group 1 (BB/wor rats) although we did not find any improvement in the endothelium-independent relaxation. Thus, in spontaneously diabetic rats, DOBE restored endothelium-dependent, but not independent, relaxation to normal and also decreased the contractile responses induced by NA through a mechanism that involves beta-adrenergic receptors.

Journal Article↗