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Clinical biologic pathophysiologies of women's sexual dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Data concerning the biologic pathophysiology of desire, arousal, and orgasm in women are limited. AIM: To gain knowledge of biologic pathophysiology of female sexual function. METHODS. To provide state-of-the-art knowledge concerning female sexual dysfunction, representing the opinions of seven experts from five countries developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: An International Consultation in alliance with key urological and sexual medicine societies convened over 200 multidisciplinary specialists from 60 countries into 17 consultation committees. The aims, goals and intentions of each committee were defined. Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee dialogue, open presentation, and debate. RESULTS: Three critical physiologic requirements, including intact sex steroids, autonomic/somatic nerves, and arterial inflow/perfusion pressure to women's genital organs play fundamental roles in maintaining women's sexual function. Despite this, there are nominal data supporting a direct pathophysiologic involvement of abnormal sex steroid values, and/or damage/injury to neurologic and/or blood flow integrity in women with problems in sexual desire, arousal, and/or orgasm. This summary details the available literature concerning hormonal, neurologic, and vascular organic pathophysiologies of women's sexual dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research on clinical pathophysiologies in women's sexual dysfunction is needed. This chapter encompasses data presented at the 2nd International Consultation on Sexual Medicine in Paris, France, June 28-July 1, 2003.

Antidepressive Agents↗

Pathophysiologic glucocorticoid elevations promote bacterial translocation after thermal injury.

Thermal injury results in transient elevations of plasma glucocorticoids and promotes translocation of bacteria from the gut to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) in rats. Translocated organisms are quickly cleared following uncomplicated thermal injury. However, subsequent burn wound infection, in temporal association with sustained pathophysiologic elevations of plasma corticosterone, results in the continued presence of enteric bacteria in the MLN. To study the role of sustained pathophysiologic steroid elevations in the mediation of this prolonged bacterial translocation, Wistar rats were randomly placed in groups receiving one of the following: (i) a 30% total body surface area scald injury with placement of a subcutaneous corticosterone pellet, (ii) a 30% total body surface area scald and a sham pellet implantation, (iii) a sham burn and a corticosterone pellet implantation, or (iv) a sham burn and a sham pellet implantation. The animals were sacrificed on days 1 and 4 after injury, and cultures of the MLN, as well as the liver and spleen, were taken. Implantation of corticosterone pellets resulted in sustained elevations of plasma corticosterone compared with controls not receiving corticosterone pellets, similar to results seen in association with injury and infection. These pathophysiologic elevations were associated with the prolonged presence of organisms in the MLN (90% of burned rats with implanted corticosterone pellets versus 25% of rats with uncomplicated burns on postburn day 4; P less than 0.01), but only in the presence of burn injury. Pathophysiologic glucocorticoid elevations did not lead to progression of translocation to the viscera or blood. Thus, the pathophysiologic glucocorticoid response contributes to the translocation of enteric bacteria and their prolonged presence in the MLN after systemic injury.

Animals↗

The relationship of pineal calcification and melatonin secretion to the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia and Tourette's syndrome.

Despite current intensive research, the pathophysiology of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a serious neurological side effect of neuroleptic treatment, is poorly understood. Prompted by the observation of an increased incidence and severity of abnormal perioral movements in neuroleptic-treated pinealectomized, as compared to intact rats, we suggested that the pineal gland exerts a protective effect which mitigates against the development of TD and, by inference, that reduced melatonin secretion may be related to the pathophysiology of TD. To investigate this proposition further, we studied the association of TD with pineal calcification (PC) on CT scan in chronic schizophrenic patients. Our findings revealed a significant association between TD and PC and suggest, furthermore, that PC may be a neuroradiological marker of TD. Since PC may reflect diminished secretory activity of the gland, these findings support the hypothesis that the pathophysiology of TD is linked to disturbances of melatonin secretion. The clinical and therapeutic implications of these novel findings are discussed. In the following communication, in which we introduce the hypothesis that disturbances of 5-HT and melatonin secretion are related to the pathophysiology of TD. Subsequently, we present a series of studies which relate to the association of TD with PC. We conclude by presenting the hypothesis that disturbances in melatonin secretion may also be relevant to the pathophysiology of Tourette's syndrome.

Adult↗

Bacterial meningitis: recent advances in pathophysiology and treatment.

PURPOSE: To review recent advances in the understanding of pathogenic and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying bacterial meningitis that may lead to the development of adjunctive strategies for treating this disorder. DATA IDENTIFICATION: Studies published from 1975 to 1989 were identified using Index Medicus and by reviewing the bibliographies of identified articles. STUDY SELECTION: We reviewed the experimental and human studies evaluating pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and antimicrobial treatment of bacterial meningitis, as well as those reviews that have contributed to our understanding of meningitis. DATA EXTRACTION: We evaluated the data on the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment of bacterial meningitis and considered in depth the information from animal models that may have potentially important applications in the treatment of human disease. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Penicillin and ampicillin remain the drugs of choice for meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. The third-generation cephalosporins have revolutionized the treatment of gram-negative bacillary meningitis; one such agent, ceftazidime, is also useful for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis. Modification of subarachnoid space inflammation by anti-inflammatory agents may lessen many of the pathophysiologic consequences of bacterial meningitis. A recent study of adjunctive dexamethasone therapy in infants and children with bacterial meningitis showed that the incidence of long-term neurologic sequelae was lower in the corticosteroid group. CONCLUSION: Future therapy for bacterial meningitis will use recent developments in the understanding of pathogenic and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this disease. Additional studies using monoclonal antibodies against specific virulence factors and investigations into the production of inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial cell products may lead to additional treatments that decrease the high morbidity and mortality in patients with bacterial meningitis.

Animals↗

The pathophysiology of agitation.

Agitation is a nonspecific constellation of relatively unrelated behaviors that can be seen in a number of different clinical conditions, usually presenting a fluctuating course. Multiple underlying pathophysiologic abnormalities are mediated by dysregulations of dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and GABAergic systems. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of agitation that operate in the different clinical disorders where agitation occurs are discussed. These pathophysiologic abnormalities are not associated with distinct clinical features. Although there may be a final common pathway, there is no unifying etiologic pathophysiology. The author suggests that the clinician address the underlying pathophysiology through a treatment intervention that addresses the overarching psychiatric disorder. Generally, agents that reduce dopaminergic or noradrenergic tone or increase serotonergic or GABAergic tone will attenuate agitation, often irrespective of etiology.

Aggression↗

Pathophysiologic study of goats with undulation pump total artificial heart: those that survived for more than 1 month.

The undulation pump total artificial heart is an implantable total artificial heart that is being developed at the University of Tokyo. Many advances in our system have been made by the adoption of hardware and software solutions that enabled the animals with the undulation pump total artificial hearts to survive more than 1 month. Pathophysiologic observations were performed for these goats that survived. In this article, the pathophysiologic findings are described in detail for three goats that survived for 46 (goat 9916), 54 (0030), and 63 (0107) days. The microscopic findings indicated that in goat 0107 the histologic changes in key organs occurred at the termination of the experiments. Therefore, the pathophysiologic changes in goats 9916 and 0030 were mainly investigated in this study to evaluate the chronic effect caused by our total artificial heart system. The signs of chronic ischemia and cell dystrophy were observed in both the liver and kidney. Until now, 13 goats had survived more than 1 week and 6 goats survived more than 1 month, including one that survived for 63 days, which is the longest in our experimental series. The pathophysiologic results of goats 9916 and 0030 showed that the undulation pump total artificial heart might still cause some damage to the liver and the kidney. To accomplish long-term survival with the undulation pump total artificial heart, further pathophysiologic studies are required, and the necessary modifications to the total artificial heart system will need to be made.

Animals↗

Pathophysiology of cerebral venous thrombosis--an overview.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a disorder with a unique pathophysiology which needs to be described. A Medline search of all articles detailing pathophysiology of CVST was done, using keywords: cerebral venous thrombosis and pathophysiology. In addition, major texts were reviewed for additional references. The pathophysiology of CVST depends on two interconnected events, local signs due to venous infarct, e.g., hemiparesis and global signs due to raised ICP from an obstructed venous system--papilloedema and isolated intracranial hypertension being one of them. Pathophysiology of CVST is diverse and makes it easier to understand the diversity of clinical presentations.

Cerebral Veins↗

The pathophysiology of canine babesiosis: new approaches to an old puzzle.

The haemoprotozoan parasite, Babesia canis, is the cause of an economically important and potentially life-threatening disease of dogs in South Africa, the pathophysiology of which is incompletely understood. Available literature is reviewed, with emphasis on the pathophysiology of the anaemia and complications of babesiosis. The remainder of the review explores the possibility that pathophysiological mechanisms currently being investigated in human malaria and bovine babesiosis (in which, as in canine babesiosis, an intra-erythrocytic parasite causes multi-systemic pathology) might also be active in B. canis infections. The entity referred to as the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is discussed as a proposed mechanism within which apparently unrelated aspects of babesiosis form a predictable pattern. The molecular mediators of multiple organ dysfunction, including cytokines, nitric oxide and free oxygen radicals, are generated by host tissues, and are now under active study to help elucidate the pathophysiology of malaria. The similarities between the manifestations of different diseases in different host species can be explained by the concept that the disease process is largely mediated by these molecules, generated by the host in response to the parasite, rather than arising directly from the parasite itself. The current direction of malaria research provides a basis for future research into the pathophysiology of canine babesiosis.

Anemia↗

Pathophysiology of venous insufficiency during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a risk factor for venous insufficiency. Up to 30 percent of women will develop venous insufficiency during their first pregnancy, and with each next pregnancy its prevalence is higher. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of venous insufficiency during pregnancy. The role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of venous insufficiency during pregnancy is still a point of discussion. Mechanical compression of enlarged uterus on pelvic veins was the first considered responsible for the occurrence of venous insufficiency during pregnancy. Soon, it was found that hormonal changes in pregnancy cause reduction in venous tone, and this reduction was postulated to be a major factor in pathophysiology of venous insufficiency. In a large number of subsequent studies both hypotheses were tested, being confirmed or rejected, but no consensus has been reached. This paper reviews current knowledge regarding pathophysiology of venous insufficiency during pregnancy, and discusses the possible role that some as yet uninvestigated mechanisms might have in it.

Female↗

Maternal influences on cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is of special clinical significance because of its association with pathophysiologies such as heart disease, renal failure, and stroke. We described the development of a protocol for use with hypertensive rats in which prepubertal exposure to a high salt (8% NaCl) diet results in a pathophysiological syndrome including rapid increase in BP, failure to maintain normal weight gain, renal damage, cerebrovascular lesions, and early mortality. These phenomena are described for the inbred spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and for reciprocal F1 hybrids of a cross between SHR and the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS/Jr) inbred strain. The study with reciprocal F1s revealed striking effects of maternal environment on pathophysiological response to a high salt diet. F1s nurtured by SHR mothers weighed less at 35 days of age, and after exposure to the high salt diet suffered more rapid BP increases, greater incidence of stroke, body weight loss, and mortality, than F1s nurtured by SS/Jr dams. These results suggest that maternal mediation of the nutritional status of the animal may play an important role in determining susceptibility to elevated BP and subsequent pathophysiology associated with exposure to a high salt diet. The implication of these findings for human hypertension is briefly discussed.

Animals↗

Regulation of brain interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) system mRNAs in response to pathophysiological concentrations of IL-1 beta in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is released during pathophysiological processes. IL-1 beta induces neurological manifestations when administered into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at pathophysiological concentrations detected during central nervous system (CNS) infections and other neurological disorders. In the present study, we investigated the regulation of the IL-1 beta system in the CNS in response to the chronic intracerebroventricular (icv) microinfusion of IL-1 beta at estimated pathophysiological concentrations in the CSF. IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and IL-1 beta mRNAs were determined by sensitive RNase protection assays in brain target regions for IL-1 beta (cerebellum, parieto-frontal cortex, hippocampus, and midbrain). The results show that chronic icy microinfusion of IL-1 beta induced significant anorexia, increased the cerebellar IL-1RI mRNA content, increased IL-1Ra and IL-1 beta mRNAs levels in the cerebellum > midbrain > cortex > hippocampus, and induced profiles of IL-1RI mRNA, IL-1Ra mRNA, and IL-1 beta mRNA that were highly intercorrelated. On the other hand, levels of rat glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA and 18S rRNA were fairly constant, and heat-inactivated IL-1 beta had no effect on food intake or on IL-1RI, IL-1Ra, and IL-1 beta mRNAs levels in any brain region. The data suggest the operation of an IL-1 beta feedback system (IL-1 beta/ IL-1Ra/IL-1RI) in brain regions. Dysregulation of the CNS IL-1 beta feedback system may have pathophysiological significance. This may be reflected, for example, in the pathogenicity and severity of neurological diseases, such as CNS infections.

Animals↗

Current concepts in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia: the potential role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain syndrome with an unknown etiology. Recent years added new information to our understanding of FM pathophysiology. Researches on genetics, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of pain modulation, central sensitization, and autonomic functions in FM revealed various abnormalities indicating that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of FM. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide may play an important role in FM pathophysiology, however it is still not clear whether oxidative stress abnormalities documented in FM are the cause or the effect. This should encourage further researches evaluating the potential role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of FM and the efficacy of antioxidant treatments (omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamins and others) in double blind and placebo controlled trials. These future researches will enhance our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this disorder.

Antioxidants↗

Pathophysiology of pulmonary aspergillosis.

A description of the pathophysiology of aspergillosis is followed by a review of investigational considerations of animal models. Because a large body of invasive Aspergillus infection occurs as opportunistic infection, there is a large spectrum of the histopathological feature of lesions demonstrated at the site of infection. Histopathology of the lesions can be understood as a phenotypical representation of interaction between lowered defense mechanisms in the host and the virulence of invading fungi. Detailed observations with a consideration of previous pathological knowledge of infection and inflammation provide much important information useful in predicting the pathophysiology of the patient. Moreover, experimental studies can also provide much insight to elucidate pathogenesis of the infection that emerges from the clinical and pathological investigations. The importance of pathophysiology should be emphasized to understand the implications of radiographic images, clinical symptoms, and laboratory dates. By reviewing these, especially computed tomography (CT) images, we can see that they accurately mirror the histological features of the lesion that can be recognized as a phenotypical representation of pathophysiology of Aspergillus infection. This is also confirmed by the reports emphasizing the importance of CT scans to identify hallmark clinical signs and symptoms of the disease.

Animals↗

Evidence for a role of second pathophysiological stress in prevention of delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region.

In ischemic tolerance experiment, when we applied 5-min ischemia 2 days before 30-min ischemia, we achieved a remarkable (95.8%) survival of CA1 neurons. However, when we applied 5-min ischemia itself, without following lethal ischemia, we found out 45.8% degeneration of neurons in the CA1. This means that salvage of 40% CA1 neurons from postischemic degeneration was initiated by the second pathophysiological stress. These findings encouraged us to hypothesize that the second pathophysiological stress used 48 h after lethal ischemia can be efficient in prevention of delayed neuronal death. Our results demonstrate that whereas 8 min of lethal ischemia destroys 49.9% of CAI neurons, 10 min of ischemia destroys 71.6% of CA1 neurons, three different techniques of the second pathophysiological stress are able to protect against both: CA1 damage as well as spatial learning/memory dysfunction. Bolus of norepinephrine (3.1 micromol/kg i.p.) used two days after 8 min ischemia saved 94.2%, 6 min ischemia applied 2 days after 10 min ischemia rescued 89.9%, and an injection of 3-nitropropionic acid (20 mg/kg i.p.) applied two days after 10 min ischemia protected 77.5% of CA1 neurons. Thus, the second pathophysiological stress, if applied at a suitable time after lethal ischemia, represents a significant therapeutic window to opportunity for salvaging neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region against delayed neuronal death.

Animals↗

Signaling: cellular insights into the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.

Clinical studies over the years have provided evidence that monoamine signaling and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis disruption are integral to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. A full understanding of the pathophysiology from a molecular to a systems level must await the identification of the susceptibility and protective genes driving the underlying neurobiology of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, the complexity of the unique biology of this affective disorder, which includes the predisposition to episodic and often progressive mood disturbance, and the dynamic nature of compensatory processes in the brain, coupled with limitations in experimental design, have hindered our progress to date. Imaging studies in patient populations have provided evidence of a role for anterior cingulate, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. More recent research strategies designed to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying our pharmacologic treatments and their interaction in the regulation of signal transduction as well as more advanced brain imaging studies remain promising approaches. This experimental strategy provides data derived from the physiologic response of the system in affected individuals and addresses the critical dynamic interaction with pharmacologic agents that effectively modify the clinical expression of the pathophysiology.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

Researching the pathophysiology of pediatric bipolar disorder.

We suggest that the core feature of bipolar disorder (BPD) is marked state fluctuations. The pathophysiology of switches into depressed, irritable, and extreme positive valence states requires study, with the latter deserving particular focus because it represents a pathognomonic feature of BPD in both adults and children. Hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of pediatric BPD must account for these marked state fluctuations as well as for specific developmental aspects of the illness. These developmental aspects include marked irritability (in addition to euphoria and depression) and very rapid cycles, along with high rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We review research on neural mechanisms underlying positive valence states and state regulation, focusing on those data relevant to BPD and to development. Researchers are beginning to explore the response of manic patients and control subjects to positive affective stimuli, and considerable research in both nonhuman primates and humans has focused on the cortico-limbic-striatal circuits mediating responses to rewarding stimuli. In control subjects, positive affect affects cognition, and data indicate that prefrontal electroencephalogram asymmetry may differ between control subjects with consistently positive affect and those with more negative affect; however, this latter generalization may not apply to adolescents. With regard to the pathophysiology of state switching in pediatric BPD, data in control subjects indicating that attention regulation plays a role in emotion regulation may be germane. In addition, research detailing physiologic and psychological responses to negative emotional stimuli in bipolar patients and control subjects may increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both irritability and rapid cycling seen in children with BPD. Potential foci for research on the pathophysiology of pediatric BPD include reactivity to standardized positive and negative emotional stimuli, and the interaction between emotion regulation and attentional processes.

Adolescent↗

Signaling networks in the pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorders.

Over the past decade, the focus of research into the pathophysiology of mood disorders (bipolar disorder and unipolar depression in particular) has shifted from an interest in the biogenic amines to an emphasis on second messenger systems within cells. Second messenger systems rely on cell membrane receptors to relay information from the extracellular environment to the interior of the cell. Within the cell, this information is processed and altered, eventually to the point where gene and protein expression patterns are changed. There is a preponderance of evidence implicating second messenger systems and their primary contact with the extracellular environment, G proteins, in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. After an introduction to G proteins and second messenger pathways, this review focuses on the evidence implicating G proteins and two second messenger systems-the adenylate cyclase (cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cAMP) and phosphoinositide (protein kinase C, PKC) intracellular signaling cascades-in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorder and unipolar depression. Emerging evidence implicates changes in cellular resiliency, neuroplasticity and additional cellular pathways in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. The systems discussed within this review have been implicated in neuroplastic processes and in modulation of many other cellular pathways, making them likely candidates for mediators of these findings.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Peptic ulcer pathophysiology.

Despite extensive research, the etiology of peptic ulcer disease remains unclear. Given the multiple processes that control acid and pepsin secretion and defense and repair of the gastroduodenal mucosa, it is likely that the cause of ulceration differs between individuals. Acid and pepsin appear to be necessary but not sufficient ingredients in the ulcerative process. It is clear that the majority of gastric ulcers and a substantial number of duodenal ulcers do not have increased gastric acid secretion. Recent research has focused more on protection and repair of the stomach and duodenum. NSAIDs cause a significant number of gastric and duodenal ulcers; this is probably due to inhibition of prostaglandin production with loss of its protective effects. In the absence of NSAIDs and gastrinoma, it appears that most gastric ulcers and all duodenal ulcers occur in the setting of H. pylori infection. Evidence is mounting in support of H. pylori as a necessary ingredient in the ulcerative process, similar to acid and pepsin. It is not known whether the bacteria or the accompanying inflammation is the more important factor in the pathophysiology. Although the pathophysiology of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer is similar, there are clearly differences between the two groups. Duodenal ulcer is typified by H. pylori infection and duodenitis and in many cases impaired duodenal bicarbonate secretion in the face of moderate increases in acid and peptic activity. These facts suggest the following process: increased peptic activity coupled with decreased duodenal buffering capacity may lead to increased mucosal injury and result in gastric metaplasia. In the presence of antral H. pylori, the gastric metaplasia can become colonized and inflamed. The inflammation or the infection itself then disrupts the process of mucosal defense or regeneration resulting in ulceration. A cycle of further injury and increased inflammation with loss of the framework for regeneration may then cause a chronic ulcer. Gastric ulcer often occurs with decreased acid-peptic activity, suggesting that mucosal defensive impairments are more important. The combination of inflammation, protective deficiencies, and moderate amounts of acid and pepsin may be enough to induce ulceration. Many questions remain in understanding the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease. The physiology and pathophysiology of mucosal regeneration and the mechanisms by which H. pylori and inflammation disrupt normal gastroduodenal function will be fruitful areas of future investigation.

Gastric Acid↗