A epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT) é o tipo mais comum de epilepsia em adultos. Estudos experimentais têm descrito aumento da geração de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) na morte neuronal relacionada à excitotoxicidade, presente em muitas doenças neurodegenerativas, incluindo a epilepsia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a participação das EROs e da NADPH oxidase na morte neuronal no hipocampo de ratos submetidos ao modelo de ELT induzido pela pilocarpina (PILO). Os métodos utilizados foram a dihidroetidina (DHE) para determinar a geração de EROs, Fluoro-Jade B (detecta a degeneração de neurônios) e o tratamento com apocinina (APO), um antioxidante e inibidor da NADPH oxidase durante 7 dias prévios à injeção de PILO. Ratos machos Wistar adultos (n=5/grupo) foram submetidos à indução do status epilepticus (SE) e sacrificados após diferentes períodos (3, 6, 12 e 24 horas do início do SE). O giro denteado (GD) apresentou morte neuronal e aumento da geração de EROs em todos os períodos avaliados após indução de SE. Na região CA1, foi observada morte neuronal após 24 horas e aumento da geração em 6 e 24 horas. Na região CA3 morte neuronal e geração de EROs foram observadas após 24 horas do início do SE. O tratamento com APO diminuiu os níveis de EROs e morte neuronal em todas as regiões avaliadas. Nossos resultados indicam que o estresse oxidativo contribui para a morte neuronal durante o SE induzido por PILO. Além disso, pode-se sugerir que a NADPH oxidase está envolvida nesse processo, uma vez que o tratamento com APO diminuiu a neurodegeneração presente neste modelo de epilepsia / Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most frequent form of epilepsy in adults. Experimental data have described an increase of reactive species oxygen (ROS) generation in relation to the neuronal death related to excitotoxicity, which occurs in many neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of ROS generated by NADPH oxidase in the cell death observed in the hippocampus of rats submitted to the pilocarpine (PILO) model of TLE. Dihydroethidium (DHE) oxidation and Fluoro-Jade B assays were peformed in order to detect ROS generation and neurodegeneration, respectively. Moreover, treatment of rats with apocynin (APO), an antioxidant and NADPH oxidase inhibitor, was also performed for 7 days prior to induction of status epilepticus (SE). Male Wistar rats (n=5/group) were submitted to PILO injection for SE induction and sacrificed after different periods (3, 6, 12 and 24 hours after SE establishment). The dentate gyrus (DG) present clear neurodegeneration, as well as an increase of ROS generation, in all analysed periods. In the CA1 area neuronal death was observed at 24h and ROS generation after 6h and 24h after SE establishment. In the CA3 area neuronal death and ROS generation were detected 24h after SE induction. APO treatment was effective in decreasing both ROS production and neurodegeneration in all three hipocampal areas. These results reinforce the idea that oxidative stress contributes to the neuronal death ensuing after SE induced by pilocarpine. In addition, as the APO treatment decreased neurodegeneration present in this epilepsy model, we suggest an involvement of ROS generated by NADPH oxidase in TLE

A Doença de Wilson (DW) é uma moléstia hereditária, caracterizada pela deficiência de excreção do cobre pelo fígado devido à mutação do gene A TP7B. O distúrbio do olfato ocorre com frequência em doenças neurodegenerativas como na doença de Parkinson (DP) e na doença de Alzheimer (DA). A análise do olfato tem sido utilizada como um instrumento útil no diagnóstico diferencial das diversas formas de parkinsonismo degenerativo, e, especialmente, na diferenciação entre DP e tremor essencial. O diagnóstico precoce na DW é a chave para o sucesso do tratamento. Na hipótese de haver comprometimento do olfato em fases iniciais da doença, esse poderia ser um dado a mais para auxiliar no diagnóstico. Até o presente, há apenas um estudo relacionando a DW com a disfunção do olfato. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o olfato em um grupo de pacientes com DW e confrontar com grupo- controle. No presente estudo, foram analisados 37 portadores de DW com manifestação neurológica, 24 portadores de DW sem manifestação neurológica e 59 controles. Todos os indivíduos foram analisados com relação à idade, ao gênero, ao grau de escolaridade, ao uso de tabaco e ao miniexame do estado mental (MEEM), e os portadores de DW foram avaliados quanto ao tempo de doença, tratamento medicamentoso e escore neurológico. O olfato foi avaliado por meio do teste de identificação de odor 8niffin\' 8ticks (88-16 canetas numeradas e quatro opções de resposta para cada uma). Vinte e quatro indivíduos eram pacientes da DW sem manifestação neurológica (45,83% do gênero feminino) e 37 pacientes apresentavam manifestações neurológicas (56,76% do gênero masculino). O qrupo-controle foi composto por 59 indivíduos, 35 (59,33%) do gênero masculino. As médias de- idade foram de 33,38 ± 9,79 anos no grupo de portadores de DW com manifestação neurológica; 29 ± 9,61 anos no grupo de portadores de DW sem manifestação neurológica e 33,81 ± 10,67 anos no grupo-controle. Todos os pacientes com DW estavam em tratamento: 47(77%) com penicilamina, 7 (11,5%) com trientine e 7 (11,5%) com sais de zinco. As médias de respostas corretas no teste de identificação do odor 88-16 foram: 12,03 ± 2, 21 no grupo de portadores de DW com manifestação neurológica, 12, 15 ± 2,07 no grupo de portadores de DW com manifestação hepática e 12,70 ± 2,03 para o grupo- controle. Na avaliação objetiva do olfato com o teste de identificação do odor SS-16, não foi evidenciada diferença significativa entre os três grupos analisados, mas observou-se que o MEEM e o grau de escolaridade influenciaram significativamente no escore do 88-16 na comparação do grupo de pacientes com DW com manifestação neurológica com os outros dois grupos (grupo-controle e o grupo de portadores de DW com manifestação hepática). No presente estudo, não foi evidenciada disfunção olfatória nos pacientes com DW, mas foi observada diminuição da percepção do olfato em alguns pacientes com DW (com e sem manifestação neurológica). Em relação à disfunção olfatória evidenciada em alguns pacientes com DW na presente análise, algumas considerações são pertinentes e poderiam ter influenciado na identificação do olfato neste grupo de pacientes com DW. O acúmulo de cobre e a produção de radicais livres no sistema nervoso central (SNC) podem desencadear processos de neurodegeneração em estruturas envolvidas no olfato, alterações metabólicas, acúmulo de substâncias neurotóxicas (amônia e manganês) e alterações de neurotransmissores, e contribuir para o surgimento da disfunção olfatória / Wilson\'s disease (WO) is a hereditary disease due to a mutation in ATP7B gene, characterized by deficiency of copper excretion by the liver. Smell disorders are frequently encountered in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson\'s disease (PO) and Alzheimer\'s disease (AO). Smell analysis has been a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of several forms of degenerative parkinsonism, and especially for the differentiation between PO and essential tremor. Early diagnosis in WO is the key for a successful treatment. If there were smell impairment in the early stages of the illness, it could be used as another clue to help on its diagnosis. To the present date, there is only one study connecting WO with smell problems, the aim of this study was to evaluate smell function in a group of WO patients and compare them with a control group. We analyzed 37 WO patients with and 24 WO patients without neurologic symptoms, and 59 controls. Ali subjects were evaluated regarding age, gender, schooling, tobacco use, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the WO patients were also evaluated regarding duration of the illness, medication and neurologic scoring. Smell was analyzed by means of Sniffin\' Sticks smell identification test (SS-16 numbered pens and four options of answer for each pen). Twenty-four subjects with WO had no neurologic symptoms (45.83% female), and 37 patients had neurologic impairment (56,76% male). The control group was composed by 59 individuais, 35 (59,33%) male. Their age average were 33,38 ± 9,79 years for WO neurologic symptoms; 29 ± 9,61 years for WO without neurologic symptoms; and 33,81 ± 10,67 years for the control group. Ali WO patients were on treatment: 47(77%) with penicillamine, 7(11,5%) with trientine, and 7(11,5%) with zinc salt formulations. The average of correct answers in the SS-16 were: 12,03 ± 2,21 for the WO with neurologic symptoms group; 12,15 ± 2,07 for the WO without neurologic symptoms; and 12,70 ± 2,03 for the control group. In the smell testing with SS-16, there was no significant difference among the three groups, but the MMSE scoring and schooling had a significant influence over SS-16 score when comparing WO with neurologic symptoms patients with the other groups (WO patients without neurologic symptoms and control group). There was no smell dysfunction in WO patients in this study, but diminished smell perception was observed in some WO patients (either with or without neurologic impairment). Regarding smell impairment observed in some WO patients in the current analysis, some considerations must be made that could have influenced smell identification in these individuais. Copper accumulation and free radicais production in the central neNOUS system can trigger neurodegeneration processes in structures involved in srnell perception, metabolic impairment, building up of neurotoxic substances (such as ammonia and manganese), and neurotransmitter disorders, contributing to the emergence of srnell dysfunction

A doença de Wilson, moléstia hereditária, caracteriza-se pela deficiência de excreção de cobre pelo fígado, originária da mutação do gene ATP7B. As manifestações neurológicas na doença de Wilson são pleomórficas, observando-se distúrbios do movimento com início insidioso e em idade variável - geralmente na segunda ou terceira décadas de vida. Este estudo, dividido em duas partes, descreve as manifestações neurológicas iniciais em 119 pacientes com doença de Wilson (93 casos-índice e 26 familiares acometidos), avaliados entre 1963 e 2004 dos quais 109 foram através de análise retrospectiva dos prontuários médicos, enquanto aos 10 pacientes restantes se dispensou avaliação clínica prospectiva, a partir de 2002. O início dos sintomas ocorreu na média etária dos 19,4 anos (7-37), e o tempo médio do surgimento dos sintomas ao diagnóstico de 1,1 +/- 1,2 anos (0-5 anos). Entre as manifestações neurológicas mais freqüentes, observaram-se: disartria (91%), distúrbios da marcha (75%), risus sardonicus (72%), distonia (69%), rigidez (66%), tremor (60%) e disfagia (50%). A incidência das manifestações coréia e atetose, 16% e 14%, respectivamente, foi baixa. Manifestações atípicas incluíram convulsões (4,2%) e sinais piramidais (3%). A segunda parte do estudo trata da investigação do genótipo ATP7B em 41 pacientes e suas possíveis correlações com o fenótipo neurológico. Encontraram-se 23 mutações distintas, a mais comum das quais (p.A1135fs) com freqüência alélica de 31,7%. Expressiva associação (p<0,05) se deu entre essa mutação e a manifestação disfagia, ainda que limitada por amostra restrita de pacientes. Também sugestiva foi a associação entre a mutação p.A1135fs e quadros neurológicos precoces e graves. Este é o primeiro estudo a comparar o genótipo ATP7B com as manifestações neurológicas na doença de Wilson / Wilson disease, a rare inborn metabolic error, is characterized by deficient hepatic copper excretion, due to mutations in ATP7B gene. Neurological manifestations may vary, although there is commonly a movement disorder starting in the second or third decade of life. This study is divided in two parts, and it describes the neurological manifestations in 119 patients with Wilson disease (93 index cases and 26 affected family members), which were seen between 1963 and 2004 a retrospective analysis in 109 medical records and prospective clinical evaluation in 10 patients since 2002. The average age of symptoms onset was 19.4 years (ranging from 7 - 37 years), and the mean time between the first symptom and diagnosis was 1, 1 +/- 1, 2 years. The most frequent neurological manifestations observed were: dysarthria (91%), gait disturbance (75%), risus sardonicus (72%), dystonia (69%), rigidity (66%), tremor (60%), and dysphagia (50%). Less frequent manifestations were chorea (16%), and athetosis (14%). Rare neurological presentations were seizures (4,2%), and pyramidal signs (3%). In the second part of this study, we ascertain ATP7B genotype correlations with distinct neurological phenotypes in 41 Wilson disease patients. A total of 23 distinct mutations were detected, and the p.A1135fs frameshift had the highest allelic frequency (31.7%). An association between a p.A1135fs mutation and dysphagia was detected (p<0, 05), but the limited number of patients restricts valuable conclusions. This analysis also suggests an association between this mutation and early and severe neurological presentation. This present study is the first one to evaluate an ATP7B genotype correlation with specific neurological profile in Wilson disease

Orientador: José Paulo Cabral de Vasconcellos / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T03:32:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Medina_FlavioMacCord_D.pdf: 2571030 bytes, checksum: 442e6e86f7bd3a0d6fae088740a1e85e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: Introdução: O fator de complemento H (CFH) é um componente do sistema imunológico que possui ação imunomoduladora sobre a resposta inflamatória. A gravidade da degeneração macular relacionada à idade (DMRI) é determinada em parte por um estado inflamatório sustentado por atividade aberrante da via alternativa do complemento. As evidências na literatura da relação entre o polimorfismo Y402H do gene CFH e a resposta ao tratamento da DMRI exsudativa permanecem controversas. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre as variantes do polimorfismo Y402H do gene CFH e os efeitos funcional e morfológico a curto prazo, assim como a evolução a longo prazo, dos antiangiogênicos em pacientes com DMRI exsudativa. Métodos: Vinte e cinco pacientes recém diagnosticados com DMRI exsudativa foram avaliados em um estudo de curto prazo com acuidade visual medida pela tabela do ETDRS e espessura retiniana central por tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) de alta resolução, submetidos a injeção intravítrea de bevacizumabe e prospectivamente reexaminados em 7 e 28 dias. Quarenta e seis pacientes previamente submetidos ao tratamento com antiangiogênicos tiveram seus prontuários e exames retrospectivamente avaliados em um estudo de longo prazo quanto às evoluções funcional e morfológica ao longo de um ano. Esses parâmetros foram comparados com o genótipo do CFH, cuja análise molecular do polimorfismo Y402H foi realizada por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) e sequenciamento direto. Resultados: No estudo de curto prazo, houve melhora da acuidade visual no dia 28 em relação ao valor inicial (D0 vs. D28) em todos os genótipos. Entretanto, no grupo homozigoto para o alelo de risco (CC), ocorreu diferença apenas no dia 28 em relação ao dia 7 (D7 vs. D28), enquanto nos grupos CT e TT, a acuidade visual melhorou mais precocemente, no dia 7 em relação ao valor inicial (D0 vs. D7). A espessura retiniana central apresentou redução nos grupos CT (D0 vs. D7 e D0 vs. D28) e TT (D0 vs. D28), enquanto não houve mudança significativa no grupo CC. No estudo de longo prazo, foi evidenciada melhora da acuidade visual ao longo de um ano de acompanhamento apenas no grupo de pacientes sem o alelo C, sem diferença significativa no grupo de pacientes com o alelo de risco. A espessura retiniana central apresentou redução nos genótipos CT e TT, enquanto que no grupo CC não houve significância. Número de injeções, persistência de atividade neovascular e percepção subjetiva de melhora não diferiram entre os genótipos. Conclusão: O perfil de genótipo do CFH parece influenciar o efeito funcional e morfológico da injeção intravítrea de bevacizumabe com uma ação mais precoce em pacientes sem o genótipo de risco. A presença do alelo de risco parece estar relacionada à ausência de melhora visual ao longo de um ano de tratamento com inibidores do VEGF. Esses resultados sugerem que o perfil do genótipo do CFH possa exercer efeito farmacogenético nesse grupo de pacientes brasileiros, influenciando negativamente a resposta ao tratamento da DMRI exsudativa com antiangiogênicos / Abstract: Introduction: The complement factor H (CFH) is a component of the immune system that has immunomodulatory action on the inflammatory response. The severity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is determined in part by an inflammatory state sustained by aberrant activity of the alternative complement pathway. Evidences in the literature of the relationship between the Y402H polymorphism of CFH gene and response to treatment of wet AMD remain controversial. Purpose: To evaluate the association between variants of the Y402H polymorphism of CFH gene polymorphism and the short-term functional and morphological effects, as well as long-term evolution, of antiangiogenic drugs in patients with exudative AMD. Methods: Twenty-five patients with newly diagnosed exudative AMD were evaluated in a short-term study with visual acuity on ETDRS chart and central retinal thickness measured with high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), underwent intravitreal injection of bevacizumab and were prospectively reviewed in 7 and 28 days. Forty-six patients previously submitted to treatment with VEGF inhibitors had their medical charts retrospectively evaluated in a long-term study about the functional and morphological evolutions over one year. These parameters were compared with the CFH genotype, whose molecular analysis of Y402H polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Results: In the short-term study, there was improvement in visual acuity at day 28 compared to baseline (D0 vs. D28) in all genotypes. However, in the group homozygous for the risk allele (CC), differences occurred only on day 28 compared to day 7 (D7 vs. D28), while the CT and TT groups, visual acuity improved earlier in the day 7 compared the initial value (D0 vs. D7). The central retinal thickness decreased in groups CT (D0 vs. D7, D0 vs. D28) and TT (D0 vs. D28), while there was no significant change in group CC. In the long-term study, it was noticed improvement in visual acuity over one year of follow-up in the group of patients without the C allele and no significant difference in the group of patients with the risk allele. The central retinal thickness decreased in the CT and TT genotypes, whereas in the CC group the difference was not significant. Number of injections, persistent neovascular activity and subjective perception of improvement did not differ between genotypes. Conclusion: The profile of the CFH genotype seems to influence the functional and morphological effect of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab with an earlier action in patients without the risk genotype. The presence of the risk allele seems to be related to the lack of visual improvement over one year of treatment with inhibitors of VEGF. These results suggest that the profile of the CFH genotype may present pharmacogenetic effect in this group of Brazilian patients, negatively influencing the response to treatment of exudative AMD with antiangiogenic drugs / Doutorado / Oftalmologia / Doutor em Ciências Médicas

This thesis attempts a re-interpretation of late nineteenth-century agricultural depression, specifically in England, by complementing economic histories to suggest a hitherto neglected cultural component equally defined Victorian comprehension of both the phenomenon's geographic distribution and symbolic form. Adopting recent theoretical shifts in historical geography that validate the use of literary evidence in combination with economic data sources, the thesis claims depression was constructed from an accretion of mythologised layers of meaning deposited unconsciously or otherwise. These symbolic forms influenced spatial outcomes both in material and imaginary realms, and the nature of debate at varying levels from fanning debates to intellectual discourses. The thesis examines three distinct examples of the accumulation and distribution of depression symbolism and how each signification was acted upon by different discursive communities. Firstly, attention will be directed towards farming behaviour and the consumption of depression myth. Critically the thesis suggests within farming, depression emerged as a state of mind that inhibited the production of indigenous solutions, thus further propagating depression. Secondly, the thesis moves on to examine how the- technicalities of agrarian debate were seized by wider national debates, thus further codifying the depression with numerous social anxieties such as fin de siecle fears, national destabilisation and racial degeneration. Interestingly, icons of failure conferred upon depression within this higher level of discursive interaction are returned to the parochial level, further influencing farming behaviour. An additional implication suggests the geography of depression is heavily skewed towards a perceived threat to an invented homeland at a time of emergent national identities. Finally, the thesis considers an agrarian-led response to farm failure, the introduction of small holdings and the philosophy of la petite culture, as a potential solution. The theoretical basis of land reform campaigns envisaged a major overhaul of the failed rural order of patrician sponsored agriculture, yet were influenced by the accumulated mythology of depression. Thus farm failure as conceived within imaginary geographies proved as persuasive in interpreting depression as physical expressions of distress in real space.

Abstract Low back pain (LBP) is a truly enervating condition, presenting with considerable negative socioeconomic and health impacts on many levels. Although LBP may be attributed to many factors, there is increasing evidence that disc degeneration (DD) of the lumbar spine is a strong contributing factor, especially among young individuals. Understanding the aetiopathogenesis of DD has changed over the past few decades as numerous studies have indicated that inherited factors are largely responsible for the development of DD. Despite the many genetic associations in DD that have been reported, these associations have proven difficult to validate. The genetic component of DD is still unexplained for the most part. Previous studies have focused on adults, who have been exposed to environmental risk factors of DD, which may mask genetic associations. Thus, investigations among young individuals are well justified. The purpose of this study was to validate the associations between DD defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic polymorphisms in two study populations of Finnish and Danish young individuals. New polymorphisms that have not been associated with DD were also included in the study. Associations with progression of DD were also investigated among Danish individuals. Furthermore, this study aimed to clarify the level of evidence of previously identified associations. Among Finnish individuals, polymorphisms in IL6, SKT and CILP were associated with moderate DD, but the association in CILP was significant only in women. Among Danish individuals, polymorphisms in IL6 and IL1A were associated with early DD and progression of DD. The genetic associations among the Danish teenagers were gender-specific as they were mainly observed in girls. Among both populations, the individuals with DD were significantly taller than individuals without DD. In the systematic analysis of previous reports, polymorphisms in GDF5, THBS2, MMP9, COL11A1, SKT and ASPN were found to have a moderate level of association evidence. The results mostly support earlier findings in adults. However, unexpected differences between genders were observed. In conclusion, this study increased the knowledge of genetics in DD but more investigations are needed to draw any solid conclusions. / Tiivistelmä Alaselkäkipu on yksi merkittävimmistä toimintakykyyn vaikuttavista sairauksista. Alaselkäkivun riskitekijöitä tunnetaan useita, mutta näyttö siitä, että selän välilevyrappeuma on yksi tärkeimmistä riskitekijöistä, erityisesti nuorilla henkilöillä, lisääntyy jatkuvasti. Aiemmat tutkimukset ovat osoittaneet, että perintötekijöillä on merkittävä osuus välilevyjen rappeutumisessa. Useiden geenien on raportoitu vaikuttavan välilevyrappeumaan. Positiivisten tulosten toistaminen on kuitenkin osoittautunut vaikeaksi, ja kokonaiskuva on vielä suurelta osin epäselvä. Aikaisemmat tutkimukset aiheesta ovat keskittyneet aikuisiin, joilla nuoria pidempi altistus ympäristötekijöille saattaa peittää geneettisten tekijöiden yhteyttä. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli varmentaa yhteyksiä magneettikuvauksella (MRI) määritetyn välilevyrappeuman ja geneettisten monimuotoisuuskohtien (polymorfioiden) välillä käyttäen yhtä suomalaisista ja yhtä tanskalaisista nuorista koostuvaa aineistoa. Työssä analysoitiin myös polymorfioita, joita ei ole aiemmin yhdistetty välilevyrappeumaan. Yhteyttä polymorfioiden ja välilevyrappeuman etenemisen välillä tutkittiin tanskalaisessa aineistossa. Lisäksi tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää aiemmin tunnistettujen geneettisten yhteyksien näytön aste. Suomalaisten nuorten aineistossa polymorfiat IL6-, SKT- ja CILP-geeneissä olivat yhteydessä kohtalaista astetta olevaan välilevyrappeumaan. Tanskalaisten nuorten aineistossa polymorfiat IL6- ja IL1A-geeneissä olivat yhteydessä varhaiseen välilevyrappeumaan ja sen etenemiseen. Tanskalaisten nuorten aineistossa nämä yhteydet olivat sukupuolesta riippuvaisia, koska yhteyksiä havaittiin pääasiassa tytöillä. Suomalaisten nuoren aineistossa yhteys CILP-geenissä havaittiin ainoastaan nuorilla naisilla. Kummassakin tutkimusaineistossa nuoret, joilla oli välilevyrappeuma, olivat pidempiä, kuin nuoret, joilla ei ollut välilevyrappeumaa. Aikaisempien tutkimusten systemaattinen analyysi osoitti, että tunnistetun geneettisen yhteyden näytön aste on kohtalainen GDF5-, THBS2-, MMP9-, COL11A1-, SKT- ja ASPN-geenien polymorfioissa. Tutkimusten tulokset ovat pääosin samansuuntaisia aiempien tutkimuksien kanssa, mutta nyt nähty eroavaisuus sukupuolten välillä on uusi havainto. Kokonaisuudessaan tämä väitöstutkimus kasvattaa ymmärtämystä välilevyrappeumasta, mutta lisätutkimuksia aiheesta tarvitaan.

No description available.

No description available.

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by deposition of copper in the body, mainly in the liver and brain. WD patients present with hepatic, neurological, and psychiatric problems. The diagnosis of WD is very challenging, and is performed by taking into account both clinical and biochemical parameters. The treatment of WD exists, which aims at initial chelation therapy followed by maintenance therapy. WD is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene. Till date, more than 600 mutations in ATP7B have already been described from many countries, including India. However, there are a very few large cohort studies which are reported from Indian population. In this study, we have attempted to perform mutation analysis of ATP7B in a large cohort of WD families from Bangalore, south India, and further look into the molecular consequences of the novel mutations identified in the present study.

Abstract Modic changes are vertebral bone marrow signal intensity changes adjacent to the endplates of the degenerated intervertebral discs in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study evaluated the prevalence and the determinants of Modic changes and their association with low back pain symptoms in an occupational cohort of middle-aged Finnish men. The prevalence and the natural course of Modic changes were assessed over a 3-year follow-up period among sciatica patients. Finally, in a patient population, the characteristics of bone marrow changes in MRI were compared to the imaging findings in CT. The prevalence of Modic changes was 56% in an occupational cohort of middle-aged males. Besides age, the determinants of Modic changes and disc degeneration were different. Weight-related factors, which add to the load of the lumbar spine, were associated with Modic changes, whereas whole-body vibration was associated with severe disc degeneration. The prevalence of Modic changes among sciatica patients was 65%, type II change being the most frequent. During the 3-year follow-up, 14% of changes converted to another type, while the incidence of new Modic changes was 6%. Among middle-aged working males, Modic changes located at L5–S1 and type I Modic changes were more likely to be associated with pain symptoms than other types of Modic changes or changes located at other lumbar levels. Thirty-eight percent of the endplates with Modic changes had sclerosis in CT. Of specific Modic types, mixed I/II and II/III associated significantly with endplate sclerosis. Endplate sclerosis was not detected in MRI. In conclusion, Modic changes are a common MRI finding both among patients and middle-aged working males. In addition to age, weight-related factors seem to be important in the pathogenesis of Modic changes. Modic changes can convert from one type to another and type II changes may be less stable than previously assumed. A considerable proportion of Modic changes are sclerotic as observed in CT. Modic changes were always found in combination with a degenerative intervertebral disc and thus they are assumed to be a specific phenotype of degenerative disc disease. Finally, Modic changes may be painful – especially when located at L5–S1 and type I changes.