RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Doege-Potter syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic phenomenon associated with solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTPs). It is characterized by the presence of severe, sustained, and treatment-refractory hypoglycemia. Hypoglycaemia, which may be the sole symptom at disease onset, is mediated by the secretion of high-molecular-weight insulin-like growth factor (IGF-2). Most tumors exhibit benign behavior, with a 100% survival rate at 5 years. However, 10% of these tumors may display aggressive behavior with local or metastatic recurrence. We present a clinical case of a patient with a benign solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura who presented with symptomatic hypoglycemia and required pulmonary and pleural surgical resection to control the paraneoplastic phenomenon. CASE PRESENTATION: A Hispanic 46-year-old man presented with a 15-day history of transient alterations in consciousness worsened by fasting. The relevant medical history included obstructive sleep apnea treated with continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) and previous smoking. In-hospital studies revealed noninsulinemic hypoglycemia and a benign SFTP. Complete surgical resection was performed while the patient received dextrose fluids and corticosteroids perioperatively for hypoglycemia. Subsequently, the hypoglycemia resolved, and the patient was followed-up without disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Doege-Potter syndrome is challenging to recognize. However, effective treatment can be achieved with a high survival rate. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals about the recognition of this paraneoplasic syndrome patients will improve diagnostic suspicion, biochemical confirmation, the development of diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines, and the creation of predictive indices for aggressive presentations requiring closer monitoring.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Objective: Endometrial cancer (EC) is a heterogeneous disease with recurrence rates ranging from 15 to 20%. The discrimination of cases with a worse prognosis aims, in part, to reduce the length of surgical staging in cases with a better prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) expression and prognostic and morphological factors in EC. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study included 79 EC patients - 70 endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) and 9 serous carcinoma (SC) - and 74 benign endometrium controls. IMP3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry-based TMA (Tissue Microarray), and the results were associated with morphological and prognostic factors, including claudins 3 and 4, estrogen and progesterone receptors, TP53, and KI67. Results: IMP3 expression was significantly higher in SC compared to EEC in both extent (p<0.001) and intensity (p=0.044). It was also significantly associated with worse prognostic factors, including degree of differentiation (p=0.024, p<0.001), staging (p<0.001; p<0.001) and metastasis (p=0.002; p<0.001). IMP3 expression was also significant in extent (p=0.002) in endometrial tumors compared with controls. In addition, protein TP53 and KI67 showed significant associations in extent and intensity, respectively. Conclusion: IMP3 expression was associated with worse prognostic factors studied. These findings suggest that IMP3 may be a potential biomarker for EC poorer prognosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Objective Endometrial cancer (EC) is a heterogeneous disease with recurrence rates ranging from 15 to 20%. The discrimination of cases with a worse prognosis aims, in part, to reduce the length of surgical staging in cases with a better prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) expression and prognostic and morphological factors in EC. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study included 79 EC patients - 70 endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) and 9 serous carcinoma (SC) - and 74 benign endometrium controls. IMP3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry-based TMA (Tissue Microarray), and the results were associated with morphological and prognostic factors, including claudins 3 and 4, estrogen and progesterone receptors, TP53, and KI67. Results IMP3 expression was significantly higher in SC compared to EEC in both extent (p<0.001) and intensity (p=0.044). It was also significantly associated with worse prognostic factors, including degree of differentiation (p=0.024, p<0.001), staging (p<0.001; p<0.001) and metastasis (p=0.002; p<0.001). IMP3 expression was also significant in extent (p=0.002) in endometrial tumors compared with controls. In addition, protein TP53 and KI67 showed significant associations in extent and intensity, respectively. Conclusion IMP3 expression was associated with worse prognostic factors studied. These findings suggest that IMP3 may be a potential biomarker for EC poorer prognosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thromboembolic events occur due to an imbalance in the hemostasis and some factors associated with this condition can be inherited. In order to evaluate the frequency of genotypes considered to be common hereditary risk factors for thrombophilia associated with venous thrombosis (g.1691G>A and g.20210G>A) and hyperhomocysteinemia (g.677C>T and g.1298A>C), samples from voluntary healthy blood donors at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were tested. Methods: We examined 325 blood samples from blood donors collected from October 2017 to July 2018. Blood was collected on filter paper and the DNA was extracted for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis using the qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The calculated frequencies of each genetic variant in heterozygosity were 4% for the FV gene (g.1691G> A), 4% for the F2 gene (g.20210G> A) and 42% and 39% for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), g.677C>T and g.1298A>C, respectively. Only the genetic variants of MTHFR were found in homozygosity, with frequencies of 14% and 6% (g.677C>T and g.1298A>C), respectively. Discussion: Altogether, these results describe the frequencies of genetic variants associated with venous thrombosis and hyperhomocysteinemia in the analyzed group and are important to enhance our current knowledge about the genetic profiles of Brazilian blood donors.

Assuntos

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic events occur due to an imbalance in the hemostasis and some factors associated with this condition can be inherited. In order to evaluate the frequency of genotypes considered to be common hereditary risk factors for thrombophilia associated with venous thrombosis (g.1691G > A and g.20210G > A) and hyperhomocysteinemia (g.677C > T and g.1298A > C), samples from voluntary healthy blood donors at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre were tested. METHODS: We examined 325 blood samples from blood donors collected from October 2017 to July 2018. Blood was collected on filter paper and the DNA was extracted for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis using the qualitative real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The calculated frequencies of each genetic variant in heterozygosity were 4% for the FV gene (g.1691G > A), 4% for the F2 gene (g.20210G > A) and 42% and 39% for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), g.677C > T and g.1298A > C, respectively. Only the genetic variants of MTHFR were found in homozygosity, with frequencies of 14% and 6% (g.677C > T and g.1298A > C), respectively. DISCUSSION: Altogether, these results describe the frequencies of genetic variants associated with venous thrombosis and hyperhomocysteinemia in the analyzed group and are important to enhance our current knowledge about the genetic profiles of Brazilian blood donors.

RESUMO

Annually, about 40,000 persons are stricken by snake bite accidents in Brazil, being most of the cases are inflicted by Bothrops genus, whose venom can induce serious pathophysiological effects, mainly disorders in hemostasis. Bothrops jararaca venom is characterized by three main actions: proteolytic, coagulant and hemorrhagic. Some clotting factors can be activated by components present in the venom, classified as pro-coagulant activators, responsible for activating factor X or factor II of the coagulation cascade, generating thrombin. So far, only one procoagulant activator of Bothrops jararaca venom BjV has been characterized, bothrojaractivase, a 23 kDa PI-type metalloproteinase. In this work, we used chromatographic techniques to isolate other procoagulant components of BjV. Thus, by means of affinity chromatographies, BjV was purified on HisTrap and Blue Sepharose resins. Fractions capable of coagulating human fibrinogen and rabbit plasma were obtained, and this last substrate is only coagulated by pro-coagulant activators of BjV. Such fractions with high clotting activity were analyzed, concentrated and their activities on different substrates were differentiated by the use of specific inhibitors of metalloproteinases and serine proteinases. Studies are still being carried out to understand which coagulation factors are being activated by these fractions, by using chromogenic substrates, electrophoresis runs, and mass spectrometry.

Anualmente, cerca de 40.000 pessoas são acometidas por acidentes ofídicos no Brasil, sendo a maioria dos casos decorrentes de serpentes do gênero Bothrops, cujo veneno pode induzir graves efeitos fisiopatológicos, principalmente distúrbios na hemostasia. O veneno da espécie Bothrops jararaca é caracterizado por três ações principais: proteolítica, coagulante e hemorrágica. Relacionado à atividade coagulante, alguns fatores da cascata de coagulação podem ser ativados por componentes presentes no veneno, classificados como ativadores do tipo pró-coagulantes, responsáveis por ativar o fator X ou o fator II da cascata, gerando trombina. Até o momento, apenas um ativador pró-coagulante do veneno de Bothrops jararaca BjV foi caracterizado, a bothrojaractivase, uma metaloproteinase do tipo PI, de 23 kDa. Neste trabalho, utilizamos técnicas cromatográficas para isolar outros componentes pró-coagulantes do BjV. Deste modo, por meio de cromatografias de afinidade, o BjV foi purificado em resinas de HisTrap e Blue Sepharose. Foram obtidas frações capazes de coagular o fibrinogênio humano e plasma de coelho, um substrato que somente é coagulado por enzimas pró-coagulantes do BjV. Tais frações com altas atividades coagulantes foram analisadas, concentradas e suas atividades sobre diferentes substratos foram diferenciadas pelo uso de inibidores específicos de metaloproteinases e serinaproteinases. Obtivemos duas frações parcialmente purificadas, com alta atividade específica, e que são inibidas por quelante de metais divalentes o-fenantrolina. Essas frações são capazes de coagular o plasma de coelho, sem coagular o fibrinogênio humano. Estudos ainda estão sendo realizados para entender quais fatores da cascata de coagulação estas frações ativam, pela utilização de substratos cromogênicos específicos, análises eletroforéticas e espectrometria de massa.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Screening for genes differentially expressed in placental tissues, aiming to identify transcriptional signatures that may be involved in ZIKV congenital pathogenesis. METHODS: Transcriptome data from placental tissues of pregnant women naturally infected with Zika virus during the third trimester were compared to those from women who tested negative for Zika infection. The findings were validated using both a cell culture model and an immunohistochemistry/morphological analysis of naturally infected placental tissues. RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis revealed that Zika virus infection induces downregulation of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) gene, an essential factor for fetal development. The Caco-2 cell culture model that constitutively expresses IGF2 was used for the transcriptome validation. Asiatic and African Zika virus strains infection caused downregulated IGF2 gene expression in Caco-2 cells, whereas other flaviviruses, such as dengue serotype 1, West Nile and wild-type yellow fever viruses, had no effect on this gene expression. Immunohistochemical assays on decidual tissues corroborated our transcriptome analysis, showing that IGF2 is reduced in the decidua of Zika virus-infected women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results draw attention to IGF2 modulation in uterine tissues, and this finding is expected to support future studies on strategies to ameliorate the harmful effects of Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities and abdominal obesity; its pathophysiologic basis, insulin resistance, has been shown to act as agent in thyroid cell proliferation. Few studies analyze the relationship between metabolic syndrome and thyroid nodular disease, with a substantial knowledge gap. Objective: Determine the association between metabolic syndrome and nodular thyroid disease in a region with adequate iodine intake. Methods: Case-control study. A total of 182 patients referred to radiology to undergo thyroid ultrasonography due to suspicion of thyroid disease. Cases had at least one thyroid nodule greater than 3 mm (n= 91). Controls did not have evidence of thyroid nodules (n= 91). Results: Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between metabolic syndrome and the presence of thyroid nodule (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.41-4.66, p <0.05). Low levels of HDL (OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.54-5.12, p <0.05) and impaired fasting glucose (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.10 to 3.78, p <0.05) were significantly associated with the presence of thyroid nodule, independent of the presence of metabolic syndrome. Multivariate analysis maintained the association between metabolic syndrome and thyroid nodule with an OR of 2.96 (95%CI 1.47 to 5.95, p <0.05); similarly, the associations of low levels of HDL (OR 2.77, 95%CI 1.44 to 5.3, p <0.05) and impaired fasting glucose (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.14 to 4.34, p<0.05) with thyroid nodule remained significant. Conclusion: The thyroid nodular disease is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, specifically decreased HDL and impaired fasting glucose levels were the factors that increased association was found.

Resumen Antecedentes: el síndrome metabólico es un conjunto de anormalidades metabólicas y obesidad abdominal; Se ha demostrado que su base fisiopatológica, la resistencia a la insulina, actúa como agente en la proliferación de las células tiroideas. Pocos estudios analizan la relación entre el síndrome metabólico y la enfermedad nodular tiroidea, con una brecha de conocimiento sustancial. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y la enfermedad tiroidea nodular en una región con una ingesta adecuada de yodo. Métodos: estudio de casos y controles. Un total de 182 pacientes remitidos a radiología para someterse a una ecografía tiroidea debido a la sospecha de enfermedad tiroidea. Los casos tenían al menos un nódulo tiroideo mayor de 3 mm (n = 91). Los controles no tenían evidencia de nódulos tiroideos (n = 91). Resultados: El análisis bivariado mostró una asociación significativa entre el síndrome metabólico y la presencia de nódulo tiroideo (OR 2.56, IC 95%: 1.41-4.66, p <0.05). Los niveles bajos de HDL (OR 2.81, IC 95%: 1.54-5.12, p <0.05) y glucosa en ayunas alterada (OR 2.05, IC 95% 1.10 a 3.78, p <0.05) se asociaron significativamente con la presencia de nódulo tiroideo, independiente de la presencia de síndrome metabólico. El análisis multivariado mantuvo la asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y el nódulo tiroideo con un OR de 2.96 (IC 95% 1.47 a 5.95, p <0.05); de manera similar, las asociaciones de niveles bajos de HDL (OR 2.77, IC 95% 1.44 a 5.3, p <0.05) y glucosa en ayunas alterada (OR 2.23, IC 95% 1.14 a 4.34, p <0.05) con nódulo tiroideo permanecieron significativas. Conclusión: la enfermedad nodular tiroidea se asocia con un mayor riesgo de síndrome metabólico, específicamente la disminución de HDL y los niveles de glucosa en ayunas alterados fueron los factores que aumentaron la asociación.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities and abdominal obesity; its pathophysiologic basis, insulin resistance, has been shown to act as agent in thyroid cell proliferation. Few studies analyze the relationship between metabolic syndrome and thyroid nodular disease, with a substantial knowledge gap. OBJECTIVE: Determine the association between metabolic syndrome and nodular thyroid disease in a region with adequate iodine intake. METHODS: Case-control study. A total of 182 patients referred to radiology to undergo thyroid ultrasonography due to suspicion of thyroid disease. Cases had at least one thyroid nodule greater than 3 mm (n= 91). Controls did not have evidence of thyroid nodules (n= 91). RESULTS: Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between metabolic syndrome and the presence of thyroid nodule (OR 2.56, 95% CI: 1.41-4.66, p <0.05). Low levels of HDL (OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.54-5.12, p <0.05) and impaired fasting glucose (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.10 to 3.78, p <0.05) were significantly associated with the presence of thyroid nodule, independent of the presence of metabolic syndrome. Multivariate analysis maintained the association between metabolic syndrome and thyroid nodule with an OR of 2.96 (95%CI 1.47 to 5.95, p <0.05); similarly, the associations of low levels of HDL (OR 2.77, 95%CI 1.44 to 5.3, p <0.05) and impaired fasting glucose (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.14 to 4.34, p<0.05) with thyroid nodule remained significant. CONCLUSION: The thyroid nodular disease is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, specifically decreased HDL and impaired fasting glucose levels were the factors that increased association was found.

ANTECEDENTES: el síndrome metabólico es un conjunto de anormalidades metabólicas y obesidad abdominal; Se ha demostrado que su base fisiopatológica, la resistencia a la insulina, actúa como agente en la proliferación de las células tiroideas. Pocos estudios analizan la relación entre el síndrome metabólico y la enfermedad nodular tiroidea, con una brecha de conocimiento sustancial. OBJETIVO: determinar la asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y la enfermedad tiroidea nodular en una región con una ingesta adecuada de yodo. MÉTODOS: estudio de casos y controles. Un total de 182 pacientes remitidos a radiología para someterse a una ecografía tiroidea debido a la sospecha de enfermedad tiroidea. Los casos tenían al menos un nódulo tiroideo mayor de 3 mm (n = 91). Los controles no tenían evidencia de nódulos tiroideos (n = 91). RESULTADOS: El análisis bivariado mostró una asociación significativa entre el síndrome metabólico y la presencia de nódulo tiroideo (OR 2.56, IC 95%: 1.41-4.66, p <0.05). Los niveles bajos de HDL (OR 2.81, IC 95%: 1.54-5.12, p <0.05) y glucosa en ayunas alterada (OR 2.05, IC 95% 1.10 a 3.78, p <0.05) se asociaron significativamente con la presencia de nódulo tiroideo, independiente de la presencia de síndrome metabólico. El análisis multivariado mantuvo la asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y el nódulo tiroideo con un OR de 2.96 (IC 95% 1.47 a 5.95, p <0.05); de manera similar, las asociaciones de niveles bajos de HDL (OR 2.77, IC 95% 1.44 a 5.3, p <0.05) y glucosa en ayunas alterada (OR 2.23, IC 95% 1.14 a 4.34, p <0.05) con nódulo tiroideo permanecieron significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: la enfermedad nodular tiroidea se asocia con un mayor riesgo de síndrome metabólico, específicamente la disminución de HDL y los niveles de glucosa en ayunas alterados fueron los factores que aumentaron la asociación.

Assuntos

RESUMO

To attain fully functional biological activity, vitamin-K dependent coagulation factors (VKDCF) are γ-carboxylated prior to secretion from liver. Warfarin impairs the γ-carboxylation, and consequently their physiological function. Bothrops jararaca snake venom (BjV) contains several activators of blood coagulation, especially procoagulant enzymes (prothrombin and factor X activators) and thrombin-like enzymes. In order to clarify the relative contribution of prothrombin and factor X activators to the hemostatic disturbances occurring during experimental B. jararaca envenomation, warfarin was used to deplete VKDCF, prior to BjV administration. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with saline (Sal) or warfarin (War) and inoculated subsequently with BjV or saline, thus forming four groups: Sal + Sal (negative control), Sal + BjV (positive control), War + Sal (warfarinization control), and War + BjV. Three hours after inoculation, prothrombin and factor X levels fell 40% and 50%, respectively; levels of both factors decreased more than 97% in the War + Sal and War + BjV groups. Platelet counts dropped 93% and 76% in Sal + BjV and War + BjV, respectively, and plasma fibrinogen levels decreased 86% exclusively in Sal + BjV. After 6 and 24 h, platelet counts and fibrinogen levels increased progressively. A dramatic augmentation in plasma hemoglobin levels and the presence of schizocytes and microcytes in the Sal + BjV group indicated the development of intravascular hemolysis, which was prevented by warfarin pretreatment. Our findings show that intravascular thrombin generation has the foremost role in the pathogenesis of coagulopathy and intravascular hemolysis, but not in the development of thrombocytopenia, in B. jararaca envenomation in rats; in addition, fibrinogenases (metalloproteinases) may contribute to coagulopathy more than thrombin-like enzymes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Adrenal carcinoma is a rare malignancy of poor prognosis. The most common clinical presentation is secondary to hormone production, while the development of symptomatic hypoglycemia is exceptional. We report the case of a 37 year old-woman admitted to hospital with severe hypoglycemia, hypertension, hypokalemia and amenorrhea. In the laboratory we found hypoglycemia, with low insulin levels, and androgen levels in tumor range. CT of abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneous lesion of solid appearance without a cleavage plane relative to liver parenchyma, and intense contrast enhancement. Retroperitoneal mass was removed, and the patient evolved without complications, blood glucose and potassium were normalized, blood pressure stabilized and menstrual cycles recovered.

Assuntos

RESUMO

El carcinoma suprarrenal es una neoplasia maligna infrecuente y de mal pronóstico. La presentación clínica más común es originada por la producción hormonal excesiva, mientras que el desarrollo de hipoglucemia sintomática es excepcional. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 37 años que ingresó al hospital por síntomas de hipoglucemias graves, hipertensión arterial, hipopotasemia y amenorrea secundaria. En el laboratorio se halló hipoglucemia con insulina inhibida y niveles de andrógenos en rango tumoral. La tomografía computarizada (TC) de abdomen y pelvis mostró voluminosa formación heterogénea de aspecto sólido sin plano de clivaje con respecto al parénquima hepático e intenso realce con contraste. Luego de la extirpación de la masa retroperitoneal, evolucionó con valores de glucemia y potasemia normales, estabilizó la presión arterial y recuperó los ciclos menstruales.

Adrenal carcinoma is a rare malignancy of poor prognosis. The most common clinical presentation is secondary to hormone production, while the development of symptomatic hypoglycemia is exceptional. We report the case of a 37 year old-woman admitted to hospital with severe hypoglycemia, hypertension, hypokalemia and amenorrhea. In the laboratory we found hypoglycemia, with low insulin levels, and androgen levels in tumor range. CT of abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneous lesion of solid appearance without a cleavage plane relative to liver parenchyma, and intense contrast enhancement. Retroperitoneal mass was removed, and the patient evolved without complications, blood glucose and potassium were normalized, blood pressure stabilized and menstrual cycles recovered.

Assuntos

RESUMO

El carcinoma suprarrenal es una neoplasia maligna infrecuente y de mal pronóstico. La presentación clínica más común es originada por la producción hormonal excesiva, mientras que el desarrollo de hipoglucemia sintomática es excepcional. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 37 años que ingresó al hospital por síntomas de hipoglucemias graves, hipertensión arterial, hipopotasemia y amenorrea secundaria. En el laboratorio se halló hipoglucemia con insulina inhibida y niveles de andrógenos en rango tumoral. La tomografía computarizada (TC) de abdomen y pelvis mostró voluminosa formación heterogénea de aspecto sólido sin plano de clivaje con respecto al parénquima hepático e intenso realce con contraste. Luego de la extirpación de la masa retroperitoneal, evolucionó con valores de glucemia y potasemia normales, estabilizó la presión arterial y recuperó los ciclos menstruales.(AU)

Adrenal carcinoma is a rare malignancy of poor prognosis. The most common clinical presentation is secondary to hormone production, while the development of symptomatic hypoglycemia is exceptional. We report the case of a 37 year old-woman admitted to hospital with severe hypoglycemia, hypertension, hypokalemia and amenorrhea. In the laboratory we found hypoglycemia, with low insulin levels, and androgen levels in tumor range. CT of abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneous lesion of solid appearance without a cleavage plane relative to liver parenchyma, and intense contrast enhancement. Retroperitoneal mass was removed, and the patient evolved without complications, blood glucose and potassium were normalized, blood pressure stabilized and menstrual cycles recovered.(AU)

Assuntos