RESUMEN

The exposure levels of placenta and paired breast milk samples to selected organochlorine compounds and pesticides from Danish and Finnish samples have been investigated. p,p'-DDE is the dominant pollutant, beta-HCH, hexachlorobenzene, endosulfan-I, dieldrin, oxychlordane, cis-heptachlor epoxide and p,p'-DDT being the other major constituents. Their concentrations are linearly correlated between milk and placenta in similar patterns for Danish and Finnish samples. Milk samples have higher levels of these pollutants than placenta on lipid base. However, the apparently not correlated compounds, such as alpha-HCH, pentachlorobenzene, pentachloroanisole and methoxychlor, are generally accumulated more in placenta, which may suggest a tissue specific metabolic activity. Thus, depending on the compound of interest, biomonitoring may be done in placenta only or in both matrices.

Asunto(s)

Monitoreo del Ambiente , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Hidrocarburos Clorados/análisis , Leche Humana/química , Placenta/química , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal , Adulto , Dinamarca , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/análisis , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/metabolismo , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/toxicidad , Contaminantes Ambientales/metabolismo , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Femenino , Finlandia , Humanos , Hidrocarburos Clorados/metabolismo , Hidrocarburos Clorados/toxicidad , Recién Nacido , Insecticidas/análisis , Insecticidas/metabolismo , Insecticidas/toxicidad , Masculino , Leche Humana/metabolismo , Madres , Plaguicidas/análisis , Plaguicidas/metabolismo , Plaguicidas/toxicidad , Placenta/patología , Placentación , Embarazo

RESUMEN

The enantiomeric ratios (ER) of alpha-HCH and o,p'-DDT ((+)-isomer concentration/(-)-isomer concentration) and o,p'-DDD (first eluting enantiomer/second enantiomer) were investigated in 112 human placentas from Finnish boys collected 1997-2001. Both o,p'-DDD and alpha-HCH showed changes in their ER depending on the total concentration of the compound in the sample. Their ERs are approaching a value close to racemic mixture (ER=1) at high concentrations. At low concentrations they often differ from 1. The relationship between concentration and ER is clearly identified and it has been shown that it is not affected by analytical uncertainty. This relationship appears to be important for assessing tissue- and species-specific exposure and risk and it may indicate whether net uptake or metabolic activity is dominant in exposure for the resulting exposure of the enantiomers.

Asunto(s)

DDT/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Hexaclorociclohexano/análisis , Placenta/química , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Finlandia , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Estudios Longitudinales , Estereoisomerismo

Asunto(s)

Hidrocarburos Clorados/efectos adversos , Intercambio Materno-Fetal , Plaguicidas/efectos adversos , Placenta/metabolismo , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal , Femenino , Finlandia , Humanos , Hidrocarburos Clorados/farmacocinética , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Plaguicidas/farmacocinética , Embarazo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have shown striking differences in semen quality and testicular cancer rate between Denmark and Finland. Since maldescent of the testis is a shared risk factor for these conditions we undertook a joint prospective study for the prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism. METHODS: 1068 Danish (1997-2001) and 1494 Finnish boys (1997-99) were consecutively recruited prenatally. We also established prevalence data for all newborns at Turku University Central Hospital, Finland (1997-99, n=5798). Testicular position was assessed by a standardised technique. All subtypes of congenital cryptorchidism were included, but retractile testes were considered normal. FINDINGS: Prevalence of cryptorchidism at birth was 9.0% (95% CI 7.3-10.8) in Denmark and 2.4% (1.7-3.3) in Finland. At 3 months of age, prevalence rates were 1.9% (1.2-3.0) and 1.0% (0.5-1.7), respectively. Significant geographic differences were still present after adjustment for confounding factors (birthweight, gestational age, being small for gestational age, maternal age, parity, mode of delivery); odds ratio (Denmark vs Finland) was 4.4 (2.9-6.7, p<0.0001) at birth and 2.2 (1.0-4.5, p=0.039) at three months. The rate in Denmark was significantly higher than that reported 40 years ago. INTERPRETATION: Our findings of increasing and much higher prevalence of congenital cryptorchidism in Denmark than in Finland contribute evidence to the pattern of high frequency of reproductive problems such as testicular cancer and impaired semen quality in Danish men. Although genetic factors could account for the geographic difference, the increase in reproductive health problems in Denmark is more likely explained by environmental factors, including endocrine disrupters and lifestyle.

Asunto(s)

Criptorquidismo/epidemiología , Peso al Nacer , Criptorquidismo/clasificación , Criptorquidismo/complicaciones , Dinamarca/epidemiología , Finlandia/epidemiología , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Recién Nacido Pequeño para la Edad Gestacional , Masculino , Prevalencia , Neoplasias Testiculares/epidemiología , Neoplasias Testiculares/etiología

RESUMEN

Reports based on national registers of congenital malformations have suggested that the birth rate of hypospadias has increased during the last few decades. Register-based information may, however, have pitfalls because of changes in diagnostics, reporting accuracy and registration system. The aim of this study was to determine the current birth rate of hypospadias in Turku University Central Hospital (TUCH) in Finland. This was a prospective study on live-born boys born in TUCH from 1997 to 1999. In the total birth cohort (n=5,798) as well as in a special subcohort group (n=1,505) 0.3% of boys had hypospadias. Only one scrotal hypospadias was found in a boy who had a chromosomal anomaly. Other hypospadias were glandular or coronal. No increase was found in the birth rate of hypospadias when comparing our result with register-based data of boys born in Finland during the years 1970 to 1986 and surgically treated for hypospadias by the age of 8 years. No difference was found either from malformation register-based data concerning the nationwide birth rate of hypospadias during the years 1993 to 1998. Due to differences in national registration systems between countries, prospective studies with equal assessment criteria are needed in order to make reliable international comparisons.

Asunto(s)

Hipospadias/epidemiología , Tasa de Natalidad , Finlandia/epidemiología , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Tamizaje Neonatal , Vigilancia de la Población , Estudios Prospectivos

RESUMEN

Cryptorchidism and hypospadias share possible risk factors, such as intrauterine growth retardation. According to the data collected by the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring Systems (ICBDMS), apparently increasing trends in the incidence of hypospadias were found in Sweden during the 1960s, and in Norway, Denmark, England and Hungary during the 1970s. In Norway and Denmark, the increase continued in the 1980s, while in the USA it has continued from the 1970s to the 1990s. Finland has shown a lower reported rate of hypospadias than other Nordic countries. However, it is difficult to make comparisons between countries because of variable inclusion criteria. Furthermore, the reliability of the data depends on correct ascertainment and reporting of the cases. The ICBDMS has also collected data on cryptorchidism, but these appear to be unreliable because of a discrepancy with the data from cohort studies. According to two comparable English studies, the incidence of cryptorchidism in full-term boys approximately doubled between the 1950s and the 1980s. Regionally there are large differences: e.g. in Finland the incidence of cryptorchidism is clearly lower than in Denmark. Regional and temporal trends may help to identify environmental factors that might be associated with these disorders.

Asunto(s)

Criptorquidismo/epidemiología , Hipospadias/epidemiología , Sistema de Registros , Animales , Criptorquidismo/etiología , Finlandia , Humanos , Hipospadias/etiología , Incidencia , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo

Asunto(s)

Criptorquidismo/epidemiología , Distribución por Edad , Finlandia , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Masculino

RESUMEN

There is a common genetic variant of LH due to two amino acid changes in the LHbeta subunit, Trp(8)Arg and Ile(15)Thr. In order to compare the relative activities of wild type (wt-LH) and variant LHbeta (v-LHbeta) genes in LH production and secretion, we performed gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation tests for healthy females (n = 7) and males (n = 10) heterozygous for the v-LHbeta allele. Blood samples were drawn up to 180 min after injection of GnRH. The serum samples were subjected to two immunofluorometric assays, one detecting wt hormone, the other detecting equally both LH types. The wt/total ratio increased significantly (P < or = 0.016) after GnRH injection in males. This indicates that the proportion of wt-LH increases in the circulation in men but not in women, and that women consequently secrete relatively more v-LH. An in-vitro bioassay was performed on 0 and 60 min samples, and the bio/immunoreactivity (B/I) ratio decreased in both sexes (P = 0.010-0.012). This supports the previously reported lower B/I ratio of wt. than v-LH, since wt-LH is expected to accumulate in circulation because of its longer half-life. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that wt.- and v-LH respond differently to GnRH stimulation in men and women heterozygous for v-LHbeta. These results are in agreement with previously documented differences of the two forms in circulation, as well as with different promoter activities of the two LHbeta alleles.

Asunto(s)

Variación Genética , Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropina/administración & dosificación , Hormona Luteinizante/sangre , Hormona Luteinizante/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Alelos , Animales , Bioensayo , Estradiol/sangre , Femenino , Heterocigoto , Humanos , Células Intersticiales del Testículo , Masculino , Ratones , Caracteres Sexuales , Testosterona/sangre

RESUMEN

The incidence of impaired testicular descent (cryptorchidism) is high; 1-2% of boys at the age of 3 mo are diagnosed for this condition in western countries. Recent data on mice with targeted disruption of the Insl3/relaxin-like factor (RLF) gene proposed that this factor plays a role in testicular descent in fetal life. Male RLF-/- mice exhibit bilateral cryptorchidism due to developmental abnormalities of the gubernaculum, associated with abnormal spermatogenesis and infertility. In the present study, we have sequenced the promoter region and both exons of the RLF gene in a cohort of 30 boys, seven of whom presented with a possible familial form of cryptorchidism and 23 with sporadic cryptorchidism. One of the nucleotide substitutions detected, G to A at position 178, predicted amino acid change. The mutation was localized to the C-peptide region, resulting in an alanine to threonine change and therefore classified as a conservative mutation. Four of the 30 cases analyzed were homozygous (13%), and 15 were heterozygous for the mutation (50%). However, the same mutation was also found in a control group of 89 men; 10% of them were homozygous, and 39% were heterozygous. Our results indicate that mutations in the RLF gene are not a common reason for cryptorchidism and that the common G178A polymorphism has no apparent relationship with this condition.

Asunto(s)

Criptorquidismo/genética , Hormonas/genética , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , Proteínas/genética , Secuencia de Bases , Cartilla de ADN , Humanos , Insulina , Masculino

RESUMEN

Some environmental chemicals exhibit estrogenic or antiandrogenic activity. Some of these, such as bisphenol A (bis A) and octylphenols, are used in large amounts in many applications. We have analyzed the effects of bis A and octylphenols on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells by measuring the LH receptor-mediated cAMP and progesterone (P) production in cultured mouse Leydig tumor cells (mLTC-1 cells). After preincubation of mLTC-1 cells for 48 h in the presence of bis A or one of the octylphenols in micromolar concentration, the hCG-stimulated cAMP and P formation in these cells was inhibited. Bis A or octylphenols could neither inhibit cAMP nor P formation stimulated by forskolin (Fk) or cholera toxin (CT) nor steroidogenesis stimulated by 8-Br-cAMP. The preincubation of mLTC-1 cells with estradiol or diethylstilbesterol (DES) at the concentration of 10(-8) mol/liter had no inhibitory effect on cAMP formation stimulated by hCG or Fk but P production was inhibited. Similarly, both estrogens inhibited P production stimulated by 8-Br-cAMP. Bis A or octylphenols had no effect on 125I-hCG binding to Leydig cell LH-receptors. Thus, these environmental chemicals appear to inhibit cAMP formation and steroidogenesis in mLTC-1 Leydig tumor cells by preventing the coupling between LH receptor and the adenylate cyclase. Since, estradiol did not inhibit hCG-stimulated cAMP production, the effects of bis A and octylphenols may not be estrogen related. This emphasizes the complexity of endocrine disruption: chemicals show multiple endocrine activities that may disturb several organs in distinct ways.

Asunto(s)

Gonadotropina Coriónica/farmacología , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Estrógenos no Esteroides/toxicidad , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Fenoles/toxicidad , Esteroides/antagonistas & inhibidores , 8-Bromo Monofosfato de Adenosina Cíclica/farmacología , Animales , Compuestos de Bencidrilo , Toxina del Cólera/farmacología , Gonadotropina Coriónica/metabolismo , Colforsina/farmacología , AMP Cíclico/biosíntesis , Tumor de Células de Leydig , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Progesterona/biosíntesis , Receptores de HL/metabolismo , Esteroides/biosíntesis , Células Tumorales Cultivadas

RESUMEN

To address the possibility that stem cell factor (SCF) is a paracrine regulator of germ cell development in the adult rat testis, stage-specific distribution of SCF messenger RNA (mRNA) was investigated with Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses. The highest levels of SCF mRNA were found in stages II-VI of the rat seminiferous epithelial cycle, whereas the lowest levels were in stages VII-VIII. Intermediate levels of SCF mRNA were detected in stages IX-XIV-I of the cycle. The expression of the SCF gene was found to be developmentally regulated, and the expression pattern followed the process of Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation during postnatal life. The effect of mouse recombinant SCF on spermatogonial DNA synthesis was studied using an in vitro tissue culture system for stage-defined seminiferous tubules. A significant increase in DNA synthesis in spermatogonia could be detected when tubule segments from stage XII were cultured in the presence of 100 ng/ml SCF for 48 h (P < 0.05) and 72 h (P < 0.01). This observation was further confirmed with autoradiographic analyses; almost a 100-fold increase in thymidine incorporation in the SCF-treated (100 ng/ml) tubule segments was observed compared with that in untreated samples. The results of the present study suggest that SCF is a Sertoli cell-produced paracrine regulator and acts as a survival factor for spermatogonia in the adult rat seminiferous epithelium in a stage-specific manner.

Asunto(s)

ARN Mensajero/análisis , Epitelio Seminífero/química , Espermatogonias/fisiología , Factor de Células Madre/fisiología , Animales , Northern Blotting , Supervivencia Celular/fisiología , Células Cultivadas , ADN/biosíntesis , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica/fisiología , Masculino , Ratones , Comunicación Paracrina , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley

RESUMEN

Maldescendus testis is a common congenital abnormality occurring in 2-5% of full-term boys at birth in the Western countries. By 3 months of age, the incidence rate spontaneously reduces to 1-2% in this group. The etiology of the disorder is not known, but normal hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis is usually a prerequisite for normal descent of the testes. Abnormal sexual differentiation is associated with maldescent. However, the majority of boys with maldescended testes show no endocrine abnormalities after birth. Several defects in developmental genes, such as homeobox genes and Insl3, have been described to cause cryptorchidism in mice, and disturbances in the regulation of these genes or their mutations may explain etiology of a large part of human testicular maldescent in the future. Increased degeneration of germ cells can be observed in undescended testes after the first year, and therefore early treatment is recommended. Surgical treatment is the most effective and reliable method to bring testes into the scrotum, but hormone treatment with either hCG or GnRH analogues can be considered, particularly in cases where testes can be palpated in high scrotal position. The efficacy of hormone treatment is less than 20% and depends on the initial location of the testis. Nonpalpable testes rarely descend with hormone treatment. Both surgery and hormone treatment can have untoward effects. Treatment with hCG has been associated with an inflammation-like reaction in the testes and an increased rate of apoptosis of germ cells leading to a reduced adult size of the testes. Vascular complications can occur during surgery, particularly in staged orchidopexies. Men with a history of undescended testis have an increased risk of testicular cancer. Impaired fertility is another long-term risk associated to maldescended testes. Fertility potential may be improved by early treatment. Although our knowledge on cryptorchidism has increased considerably during the last decades, many questions remain to be answered: Is the incidence rate increasing? What is causing maldescent? Do hormones have any role in the treatment?

Asunto(s)

Criptorquidismo , Animales , Criptorquidismo/tratamiento farmacológico , Criptorquidismo/epidemiología , Criptorquidismo/patología , Criptorquidismo/cirugía , Salud Global , Hormonas/efectos adversos , Hormonas/fisiología , Hormonas/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Complicaciones Posoperatorias , Testículo/embriología

RESUMEN

Inhibin is a potential tumour suppressor gene product in the gonads. While inhibin gene products may have a role in tumourigenesis, serum inhibin levels can be used as a marker for ovarian tumours derived from granulosa cells. Tumours derived from Sertoli cells, testicular counterparts of granulosa cells, are rare. To assess whether inhibin could be used as a human Sertoli cell tumour marker, serum inhibin and activin levels and inhibin subunit mRNA expression in the testis were studied. Northern blot and in situ hybridization revealed abundant expression of inhibin alpha, beta A, and beta B subunit mRNAs in large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumours found in a 12-year old boy with Carney complex. The tumours were multifocal and bilateral. Serum inhibin levels were clearly elevated at the time of the diagnosis, decreased by 50% after one of the testes was removed, and were low or undetectable after the second orchidectomy six weeks later. Activin was undetectable before the orchidectomies, while a low concentration of activin-A was measured after them. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration increased from normal pubertal value to castration level as expected. Normal seminiferous tubules also showed inhibin subunit alpha and beta B mRNA expression, whereas inhibin beta A mRNA was expressed in normal Leydig cells. These data suggest that serum inhibin reflects Sertoli cell activity and can be used as a human tumour marker.

Asunto(s)

Inhibinas/sangre , Inhibinas/genética , Tumor de Células de Sertoli/genética , Neoplasias Testiculares/genética , Activinas , Niño , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Inhibinas/biosíntesis , Masculino , Tumor de Células de Sertoli/sangre , Tumor de Células de Sertoli/patología , Neoplasias Testiculares/sangre , Neoplasias Testiculares/patología

RESUMEN

The efficacy of hCG treatment was studied in 182 cryptorchid patients. The efficacy of the treatment correlated with the initial position of the testis. None of the abdominal testes reached a normal position, whereas 90% of high scrotal testes descended during the treatment. Fifty-four boys who were treated unsuccessfully with hCG and 29 untreated boys were biopsied. The biopsies were performed on 32 scrotal and 87 maldescended testes to examine the state of the organ and the effects of hCG treatment. In biopsies, the volume densities of seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and blood vessels were counted, and the sections screened for interstitial bleeding. Significant differences between scrotal and maldescended testes were found in all of the volume densities measured. Interstitial bleeding occurred rarely in scrotal testes, whereas in maldescended testes it was frequently apparent. hCG treatment induced a significant increase in the volume density of both interstitial tissue and blood vessels. Even though the hCG treatment induced measurable, possibly harmful, changes both in scrotal and maldescended testes, our data do not prove that hCG treatment causes permanent damage to the testis.

Asunto(s)

Gonadotropina Coriónica/uso terapéutico , Criptorquidismo/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Gonadotropina Coriónica/efectos adversos , Criptorquidismo/patología , Criptorquidismo/cirugía , Hemorragia/etiología , Humanos , Masculino , Túbulos Seminíferos/patología , Testículo/irrigación sanguínea

RESUMEN

Cryptorchidism is associated with histologic changes in the human testis apparent by 2 y of age. The mechanism accounting for these changes is still unknown. To clarify whether apoptosis plays a role in human cryptorchidism, we evaluated its occurrence in cryptorchid testes of 73 prepubertal boys, 43 of whom had received human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment. The histologic samples in our study included both scrotal and inguinal testes. Using an in situ apoptosis detection method, we were able to demonstrate that both interstitial cells and germ cells were affected and that the specific germ cells undergoing apoptosis were exclusively spermatogonia. Apoptosis in situ was further seen in both scrotal and inguinal tests; in scrotal testes the numbers of apoptotic spermatogonia were 170% of those seen in the cryptorchid testes (p < 0.05). Analysis of apoptotic DNA fragmentation from isolated DNA of a few selected biopsy samples served to validate our in situ findings. The amount of germ cell apoptosis analyzed during the 1st mo after hCG treatment was increased in both scrotal and inguinal testes compared with the amount before treatment (p < 0.001). But after the 1st mo it returned to the initial level, suggesting that hCG (and/or androgen) withdrawal increases germ cell apoptosis in the human testis. Our findings lead to the conclusion that apoptosis is a hormonally controlled, normal phenomenon in a human prepubertal testis and that cryptorchidism decreases its occurrence by reducing the number of germ cells capable of undergoing apoptosis.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Gonadotropina Coriónica/uso terapéutico , Criptorquidismo/tratamiento farmacológico , Biopsia , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Niño , Preescolar , Criptorquidismo/epidemiología , Criptorquidismo/patología , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/patología , Masculino , Prevalencia , Valores de Referencia , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

A nationwide Finnish sample of schizophrenics' offspring given up for adoption was compared blindly with matched controls, who were adopted offspring of non-schizophrenic biological parents. The adoptive families were investigated thoroughly using joint and individual interviews and psychological tests. The biological parents were also interviewed and tested. Among the 155 index offspring, the percentage of both psychoses and other severe diagnoses (borderline syndrome and severe personality disorders) was significantly higher than in the 186 matched control adoptees. This supports a genetic hypothesis. However, notable differences between these two groups only emerged in the families which were rated as disturbed. Thus the genetic effect (i.e. the differences between high and low genetic propensity) was only manifested as a psychiatric disorder in the presence of a disturbed family environment. The impact of disturbed family relations was strongest in the presence of the appropriate genotype.

Asunto(s)

Adopción/psicología , Esquizofrenia/genética , Psicología del Esquizofrénico , Medio Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Trastorno de Personalidad Limítrofe/genética , Trastorno de Personalidad Limítrofe/psicología , Niño , Hijo de Padres Discapacitados/psicología , Preescolar , Femenino , Finlandia , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Trastornos Paranoides/genética , Trastornos Paranoides/psicología , Determinación de la Personalidad , Factores de Riesgo , Prueba de Rorschach , Esquizofrenia Paranoide/genética , Esquizofrenia Paranoide/psicología

RESUMEN

The presence and degree of manifestation of Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori in gastroduodenal mucosa were studied in 100 patients (56 men, mean age 51.4 years, and 44 women, mean age 46.5 years) with endoscopically proved chronic erosive gastritis (52 patients), erosive duodenitis (36 patients) and erosive gastroduodenitis (12 patients). The examinations revealed the presence of Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori in mean 77% of the patients with erosive gastritis, duodenitis and gastroduodenitis. Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori was found most often in patients with chronic erosive duodenitis--83.3%, whereas in the patients with erosive gastritis it was found in 73.07%. In 83.33% of the patients with chronic erosive gastritis, duodenitis and gastroduodenitis the campylobacter infection was well manifested--(++) according to Le Bodie et al (1987). The results allow the conclusion that one of the important pathogenetic factors of erosive gastritis, duodenitis and gastroduodenitis is the Campylobacter (Helicobacter) pylori infection of gastroduodenal mucosa.

Asunto(s)

Duodenitis/etiología , Gastritis/etiología , Infecciones por Helicobacter/complicaciones , Helicobacter pylori , Enfermedad Crónica , Duodenitis/epidemiología , Duodenitis/microbiología , Femenino , Gastritis/epidemiología , Gastritis/microbiología , Infecciones por Helicobacter/epidemiología , Infecciones por Helicobacter/microbiología , Helicobacter pylori/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

The degree of the filling up and the dilation of the gall bladder, its functional state as well as the passibility of d. cysticus are evaluated by ultrasound examination and computer determination of the surface and dimensions of the gall bladder. 546 patients, 20-78 years of age (484 women and 62 men) were examined by a pharmacodynamic functional test with chologon (acidum dehydrocholicum) in a dose of 10 mg/kg body mass and sorbitol (in 116 patients) in a dose of 20 g in 100 ml of water. The functional test is easily performed in the course of the ultrasound examination and side effects were registered. The test allows the assessment of the functional state of the gall bladder, the passibility of d. cysticus, the degree and mechanism of the filling up of the gall bladder and the bile ducts with bile. The better filling up of the gall bladder with bile after application of chologon (by passable d. cysticus) ensures better conditions for detecting microgallstones in the gall bladder as well as of diseases linked with its wall--cholesterosis, cancer and polypi of the bladder, etc.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de las Vías Biliares/diagnóstico , Ácido Deshidrocólico , Enfermedades de la Vesícula Biliar/diagnóstico , Sorbitol , Ultrasonografía , Adulto , Anciano , Enfermedades de los Conductos Biliares/diagnóstico , Conducto Cístico/patología , Femenino , Vesícula Biliar/patología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

A case of a 69 years old male patient with primary malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma is presented. The disease resembled clinically, roentgenologically and endoscopically gastric cancer. The diagnosis was proved by histologic examination which revealed lymphoblast sarcoma with significant malignancy. The etiopathogenesis, clinical, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic problems of malignant non-Hodgkin gastric lymphoma are discussed.

Asunto(s)

Linfoma no Hodgkin/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Gástricas/diagnóstico , Anciano , Humanos , Linfoma no Hodgkin/terapia , Masculino , Pronóstico , Neoplasias Gástricas/terapia

RESUMEN

Three cases of Dubin-Johnson syndrome in close relatives--brother, sister and a brother's son--are reported. The clinical characteristics, evolution, diagnostic and differential diagnostic problems as well as the treatment and prognosis of the disease are pointed out.

Asunto(s)

Ictericia Idiopática Crónica/patología , Biopsia con Aguja , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Salud de la Familia , Femenino , Humanos , Ictericia Idiopática Crónica/diagnóstico , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico