Search

[Objetivos]: La teoría de los radicales libres es una de las más aceptadas para explicar los sucesos que ocurren en el envejecimiento. Es posible que las aguas mineromedicinales (AMm) presenten capacidad antioxidantes per se, y que los efectos antienvejecimiento que con ellas se consiguen no se deban al azar sino a las propias AMm, asociados a su composición y a las técnicas hidrológicas prescritas. Este innovador estudio pretende conocer si las AMm de España tienen capacidad antioxidante per se que pueda tener efectos beneficiosos para retrasar el envejecimiento., [Método]: Se recogieron muestras in situ, con procedimiento adecuado, de 82 AMm procedentes de 63 centros españoles localizados en 13 de las 17 Comunidades Autónomas (CCAA). Se determinó la capacidad antioxidante de las AMm mediante una modificación patentada (Nº ES2323 107B1) del kit BIOXYTECH® AOP490TM (kit PAO de la casa DELTACLON). El ensayo se basa en la reducción del C u + + (presente en un reactivo del kit) a C u + + , debido a la acción combinada de los antioxidantes presentes en la muestra. El Cu+ reacciona con otro reactivo que contiene bathocuproina, compuesto cromogénico que forma un complejo coloreado 2:1 con el Cu+ , y tiene una absorbancia máxima a longitud de onda de 490nm. La determinación analítica se realizó en el Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del CSIC., [Resultados]: Se detectó capacidad antioxidante en 30 de las 82 AMm procedentes de 8 de las 13 CCAA estudiadas: Andalucía (1/6 muestras), Aragón (3/15), Cantabria (2/3), Castilla y León (4/5), La Rioja (1/2), Murcia (1/3) y, fundamentalmente, de Galicia (9/16) y Cataluña (9/18), que son aguas de circulación profunda en grandes fracturas y en rocas con mineralización de sulfuros., [Conclusiones]: Determinadas AMm presentan per se capacidad antioxidante capaz de actuar frente a los efectos oxidativos de los radicales libres. La persona interesada en retrasar su senescencia o aquella con patologías asociadas al daño oxidativo podría elegir acudir a uno u otro balneario, según la capacidad antioxidante de sus AMm. Sería interesante confirmar in vivo el potencial antioxidante de estas AMm con capacidad antioxidante detectada in vitro mediante estudios bien diseñados que aporten información sobre su efectividad y seguridad

The role of hydration in the maintenance of health is increasingly recognized. Hydration requirements vary for each person, depending on physical activity, environmental conditions, dietary patterns, alcohol intake, health problems, and age. Elderly individuals have higher risk of developing dehydration than adults. Diminution of liquid intake and increase in liquid losses are both involved in causing dehydration in the elderly. The water used for drinking is provided through regular public water supply and the official sanitary controls ensure their quality and hygiene, granting a range of variation for most of its physical and chemical characteristics, being sometimes these differences, though apparently small, responsible for some disorders in sensitive individuals. Hence, the advantages of using bottled water, either natural mineral water or spring water, are required by law to specify their composition, their major components, and other specific parameters. It is essential to take this into account to understand the diversity of indications and favorable effects on health that certain waters can offer. This work was supported by a joint project between Leche Pascual Group and the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology about the elderly hydration.

[EN]: [Background]: Stressful conditions lead to the formation of excessive free radicals which represents the greatest threat to cellular homeostasis of aerobic organisms. Burnout is a syndrome of chronic occupational stress. [Objectives]: This work focuses on the determination of both oxidative stress and occupational stress in a medical emergency service staff, and to analyze the effect that performing physical exercise can have on oxidative and occupational stress in these professionals. [Material and methods]: The study sample consisted of 70 professionals working in a medical emergency service and a control group of 80 age-matched healthy individuals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined, as well as burnout with its components. [Results]: No significant variations were observed in SOD, CAT, MDA, or burnout levels as regards to gender. MDA levels increased with age in both the medical emergency service staff and the control group, with significant differences between the medical emergency service staff and the control group for all age groups. Marital status does not influence the variables analyzed. [Conclusions]: Lipid peroxidation and occupational stress (burnout levels) decrease with physical exercise, being lower levels for those who practice it daily. Playing sports regularly, especially when it is not exhausting, is a beneficial practice for preventing both oxidative stress and occupational stress., [ES]: [Fundamento]: Situaciones estresantes conducen a la formación de un exceso de radicales libres, que constituyen la mayor amenaza para la homeostasis celular de organismos aerobios. El burnout es un síndrome de estrés crónico laboral. [Objetivos]: 1. Determinar tanto el estrés oxidativo como el estrés laboral al que se encuentran sometidos profesionales sanitarios de un servicio de urgencias. 2. Analizar la influencia que la práctica de ejercicio físico puede ejercer tanto sobre el estrés oxidativo como sobre el estrés laboral de estos profesionales. [Material y métodos]: Se han analizado 70 profesionales de un servicio de urgencias hospitalarias y un grupo control de 80 individuos sanos y edades similares. En todos se determinó la actividad de superóxido dismutasa (SOD) y catalasa (CAT), los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y del burnout y sus componentes. [Resultados]: No se han observado diferencias significativas entre varones y mujeres ni en la actividad de SOD y CAT, ni en los niveles de MDA ni en los niveles del burnout. Los niveles de MDA aumentan con la edad en profesionales sanitarios y en el grupo control, con diferencias significativas entre distintos grupos de edad. El estado civil no influye en las variables analizadas. [Conclusiones]: La peroxidación lipídica y el estrés laboral (niveles de burnout) disminuyen con la práctica de ejercicio físico, siendo los niveles más bajos para los que hacen ejercicio diariamente. Hacer deporte habitualmente, sobre todo cuando no es agotador, resulta una práctica beneficiosa para la prevención tanto del estrés oxidativo como del estrés laboral.

Trabajo presentado en el 55 Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Geriatría y Gerontología. 2º Congreso de la Sociedad Valenciana de Geriatría y Gerontología, celebrado en Valencia (España) del 12 al 14 de junio de 2013.

Trabajo presentado en las XVII Jornadas de Nutrición Práctica y VIII Congreso Internacional de Nutrición, Alimentación y Dietética celebradas en Madrid (España) del 17 al 19 de abril de 2013.

Trabajo presentado en las XVII Jornadas de Nutrición Práctica y VIII Congreso Internacional de Nutrición, Alimentación y Dietética, celebradas en Madrid (España) del 17 al 19 de abril de 2013.

Trabajo presentado en la conferencia Actualizaciones Clínicas y Terapéuticas en Geriatría, celebrada en Madrid (España) el 12 de junio de 2013.

[EN]: [Background]: Down’s syndrome (DS) individuals have elevated uric acid (UA) urinary levels. [Objective]: To evaluate urinary UA levels variation with physical exercise practice in DS individuals. [Material and methods]: We analysed 29 individuals with DS and 37 individuals without DS (control group) matched by age and sex. Urinary UA levels were determined by Duncan method. Creatinine (Cr) was assessed according to the spectrophotometric Jaffé method. Results: We reported that individuals with DS have significant elevated urinary UA levels compared to controls (315 ± 123 mmol/mmol vs 245 ± 84 mmol/mmol), and we did not observed any significant variation with respect to sex or age. However, up to 20 years a negative correlation between ratio UA/Cr and age was obtained. This correlation was positive starting from 20 years. According to our results this correlation is more accentuated in DS individuals. Urinary UA levels decrease 19.0% in DS individuals and 6.4% in controls when sport is practiced more than occasionally to daily. [Conclusions]: Urinary UA is increased in DS individuals. Urinary UA does not vary significantly according to sex. The daily practice of physical exercise of moderate intensity reduces the urinary excretion of UA in DS individuals., [ES]: [Antecedentes]: Los individuos con síndrome de Down (SD) presentan niveles elevados de ácido úrico (AU). [Objetivo]: Evaluar la variación producida con la práctica de ejercicio físico en los niveles urinarios de AU en individuos con SD. [Material y métodos]: Se ha analizado a 29 individuos con SD de ambos sexos y edades de 4 a 52 años. Se analizaron 37 individuos sanos, sin trisomía 21 de ambos sexos y edades de 5-72 años (controles). Se utilizó el método de Duncan et al para determinar el AU. La creatinina (Cr) se determinó por el método de Jaffé, modificado por Varley y Gowenlock. [Resultados]: Los valores de AU urinario referenciados a Cr son significativamente mayores (p < 0,01) en individuos con SD que en controles (315.266 ± 123.312 mmol/mmol frente a 244.846 ± 83.786 mmol/mmol), y no varían significativamente ni con el sexo, ni con la edad. Sin embargo, tanto en el grupo control, como en el de SD aparece una correlación negativa entre el ratio AU/Cr y la edad hasta los 20 años, que se hace positiva a partir de esta edad. Nuestros resultados muestran una correlación más acentuada en personas con SD. El AU disminuye un 19% en SD y un 6,4% en controles cuando el deporte pasa de practicarse ocasionalmente a diariamente. [Conclusiones]: El AU urinario está aumentado en individuos con SD. El AU urinario no varía significativamente con el sexo. La práctica diaria de ejercicio físico con intensidad moderada reduce la excreción urinaria de AU en el SD.

La presente invención se refiere a un método para valorar la concentración y la capacidad antioxidante del ácido úrico en muestras ya sean biológicas, en muestras procedentes de la industria alimentaria, en cosméticos ... Además mediante la presente invención se permite determinar la capacidad antioxidante sin la contribución del ácido úrico y la capacidad antioxidante total de una muestra., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), A1 Solicitud de patente con informe sobre el estado de la técnica

6 p.-2 tab., Background & objectives: There is evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of many paediatric disorders. We carried out this study to see whether superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was associated with age, sex and rural or urban status in three groups of Spanish people (newborns, children and young). Methods: SOD activity was measured in red blood cells in newborns, children and young Spanish people (n=1212, divided in six groups) using the Minami and Yoshikawa method. Results: The newborns had high levels of SOD activity, but among all age groups studied, SOD showed the highest activity in groups 1 and 2. We also observed that this activity decreased gradually with age until achieving adult levels. No significant variations with respect to sex were detected, except for the >14 to 18 yr age group, in which SOD activity decreased significantly in females. Interpretation & conclusion: Our findings show that SOD activity in newborns, children and young Spanish people is affected by age but not by gender (except from >14-18 yr) or rural or urban status., This study was supported by a grant from the Plan Regional de Investigación de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM).

Procedimiento para determinar poder antioxidante en agua mineromedicinal. Se ha desarrollado un procedimiento para determinar el poder antioxidante en aguas Minero-medicinales (M-m). Estas aguas son conocidas por sus virtudes terapéuticas sobre ciertas enfermedades crónicas e inflamatorias. Además, tienen efectos revitalizadores sobre células y tejidos, contribuyendo a la reparación de la piel, reactivando el metabolismo, eliminando toxinas por sudoración y facilitando la diuresis, atenuando las afecciones articulares como procesos reumáticos y postoperatorios del aparato locomotor y controlando el estrés, en definitiva, mejorando la calidad de vida. A pesar de que se han desarrollado multitud de métodos para determinar el poder antioxidante de alimentos y bebidas, lamentablemente la mayoría de ellos se basan en la detección de compuestos fenólicos y otros componentes antioxidantes que no existen en el agua, y además muchos de ellos han sido diseñados para aplicarse en medios lipídicos, lo que hacía imposible su determinación en el agua., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), B1 Patente con informe sobre el estado de la ténica

[EN]: [Introduction]: many biological features are linked to daily, annual, or seasonal rhythms. One of these features could be the production and urinary excretion of lipoperoxidation products (TBARS), which are modified by crenotherapy with different mineromedicinal waters. The objective of the present article was to analyse whether urinary excretion of TBARS depends on the time of the year in which it is determined. [Material and methods]: urinary samples were obtained from 230 volunteers from the Social Thermalism Program of the Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (Instituto de Mayores y Servicios Sociales [IMSERSO]). There were 115 men and 115 women (aged 52-81years) who where assigned to two different spas at six different times of the year: 110 were assigned to the first spa and 120 to the second. TBARS concentration was determined on arrival at the spa by means of spectrophotometry; a clinical history was also taken, including blood pressure measurement. [Results]: the mean total TBARS excretion on arrival was 0.418 ± 0.025 nmol/mg of creatinine for the population from the first spa and 0.368 ± 0.01 nmol/mg of creatinine for the second. One of the reasons why these values differed between the two populations was that they were determined in different months of the year, showing a maximum excretion in July and a minimum in November. [Conclusion]: this study shows that excretion rates of lipid peroxidation products follows an annual rhythm., [ES]: [Introducción]: existen numerosos rasgos biológicos ligados a ritmos diarios, anuales o estacionales. Uno de estos rasgos podría ser la producción y eliminación urinaria de productos de lipoperoxidación (sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico [TBARS]) eliminados por orina que son modificados por la crenoterapia con diferentes aguas mineromedicinales. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar si la eliminación urinaria de TBARS depende de la época del año en que se determina. [Material y métodos]: se han obtenido muestras de orina de 230 voluntarios del Programa de Termalismo Social del IMSERSO (edad 52-81 años), 115 varones y 115 mujeres que se adscribieron a 2 balnearios diferentes en 6 épocas distintas del año: 110 al primero y 120 al segundo. A la llegada al balneario se determinó la concentración de TBARS mediante espectrofotometría; paralelamente se realizó a los pacientes historia clínica que incluyó registros de la presión arterial. [Resultados]: la media de eliminación total de TBARS a la llegada al balneario en la población del primero fue de 0,418 ± 0,025 nmol/mg de creatinina; en la segunda fue de 0,368 ± 0,01 nmol/mg de creatinina. Una de las posibles razones de los diferentes valores de ambas poblaciones, con un máximo de excreción urinaria en julio y un mínimo en noviembre, fue el hecho de que las determinaciones se realizaron en diferentes meses del año en ambas poblaciones. [Conclusión]: este estudio muestra que las tasas de eliminación de productos de lipoperoxidación siguen un ritmo anual.

Introduction: Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between formation and neutralization of pro-oxidants. Oxidation of biomolecules can damage them, disturbing normal functions and may contribute to a variety of disease states and aging. Objective: We analysed activities of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), which form the main enzyme protection mechanism against harmful effects of reactive oxygen species, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, in order to develop a better knowledge of a new aspect in this syndrome's pathology. Material and Methods: 100 individuals with Down syndrome, aged from newborns to 29 years (34 males and 66 females) were analysed: 90 individuals with regular trisomy 21, 6 with mosaic trisomy 21 and 4 with trisomy 21 by Robertsonian translocation. A group of individuals without pathology was also included (40 males, 60 females) with similar ages to the DS individuals. In all cases we determined: 1) antioxidant enzymes activity: Cu/ZnSOD, CAT, GPx and GR, 2) levels of MDA. Results: We observed: a) an increase in the oxidative stress in DS individuals caused by an excess in Cu/Zn SOD, which they try to compensate mainly by increasing the activity of GPx and CAT; b) high levels of lipid peroxidation; c) no significant differences between male and female in DS individuals; d) lower oxidative stress in individuals with DS mosaic. Conclusions: Trisomic cells are more sensitive to oxidative stress. This sensitivity could be caused by an imbalance in the hydrogen peroxide metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in many diseases and aging. Scavenging enzymes represent one of several natural defence mechanisms against ROS-induced damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase are enzymes that are involved in antioxidant defence. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. OBJECTIVES: To determine the activity of two antioxidant enzymes, SOD and catalase, and their variation according to demographic and occupational variables in workers of a prehospitalary emergency service, and to analyse the relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities and burnout 111 healthy workers of a prehospitalary emergency service were surveyed. METHODS: SOD activity was analysed by the Minami and Yoshikawa method. Catalase activity was measured by the method of Aebi. To measure burnout, the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used. RESULTS: No significant variations with respect to sex were detected in SOD and catalase activities and levels of burnout. Significant differences in SOD activity between the control group and workers of a prehospitalary emergency service (P

Modification of medical outcome study (MOS) instrument for quality of life assessment & its validation in HIV infected individuals in India

[EN]: [Introduction]:ever since spa treatments have been used, there has always been doubt about the minimum time needed for the treatment to be effective. It is a spa tradition to perform what is known as the “ninth™, which corresponds to a minimum stay and treatment duration of 9 continuous days in a spa in order to obtain benefits from the spa treatment. This phenomenon has been observed for years. [Objective]: to study and evaluate the minimum time period needed for crenotherapeutic treatment with bicarbonated-sulfated waters in order to obtain a statistically significant reduction in excretion of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in a spa population of persons aged more than 65 years. [Material]: we performed a prospective clinical study in the JarabaSicilia spa with bicarbonated-sulfated waters (Zaragoza, Spain) in three different seasons of the same year. One hundred twenty volunteers from the Social Thermalism Program of the IMSERSO participated (60 men and 60 women; mean age 70.9 ± 0.5). There were no statistically significant differences in age between groups. The groups showed overall homogeneity. Dependent paired samples were used and the groups were of the same size. [Patients and method]: urine samples were obtained to determine the concentration of TBARS through spectrophotometry on arrival at the spa, and after 9 and 14 days of treatment. A complete medical history was taken and the different medical variables were evaluated after topical application of crenotherapy (baths between 37.5-39 °C for 15 minutes) and/or hydropinic application. Urine samples were analysed following a modification of the technique described in 1978 by Mihara et al. [Results]: urinary excretion of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), mainly malondialdehyde, was 0.368 ± 0.0095 nM/ml on arrival, 0.352 ± 0.0088 nM/ml after 9 days of treatment and 0.337 ± 0.0083 nM/ml at the end of treatment, after 14 days of crenotherapy. The post-crenotherapeutic benefit obtained in oxidative state (therapeutic effect) was –0.016 ± 0.0019 (4.35%) after 9 days. This benefit doubled after 14 days to –031±0.0017 (8.4%). The decrease obtained in oxidation levels was statistically significant (p < 0.001) in the entire population studied. [Conclusions]: there is evidence that from the ninth day of treatment with bicarbonated-sulfated waters onwards, the antioxidant therapeutic effect became effective and statistically significant in the population studied, which coincided with the physical improvement observed. This therapeutic effect doubled if the treatment was prolonged to 14 days., [ES]: [Introducción]: desde que se utilizan los tratamientos balnearios, siempre ha habido la duda sobre el tiempo mínimo necesario para que dicho tratamiento fuera eficaz y efectivo. Forma parte de la tradición balnearia realizar la llamada «la novena», que se corresponde con la duración mínima de 9 días continuados de tratamiento y estancia balnearia para conseguir los efectos beneficiosos de la cura balnearia, hechos que han sido observados durante años. [Objetivo]: estudiar y evaluar el tiempo mínimo de tratamiento cenoterápico con aguas bicarbonatadas sulfatadas necesario para obtener una disminución estadísticamente significativa de la eliminación de sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) en una población balnearia mayor de 65 años. [Pacientes y método]: estudio clínico prospectivo realizado en el balneario de aguas bicarbonatadas sulfatadas de Jaraba-Sicilia (Zaragoza) en 3 estaciones climatológicas diferentes del mismo año, con 120 voluntarios del Programa de Termalismo Social del IMSERSO, 60 varones y 60 mujeres (edad media 70,9 ± 0,5 años); no había diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la edad de ambos grupos, homogéneos en su conjunto y de muestras pareadas dependientes e igual tamaño. Se obtuvieron muestras de orina para determinar la concentración de TBARS mediante espectrofotometría a la llegada al balneario, a los 9 y a los 14 días de tratamiento; se les realizó una historia clínica completa y se valoraron diferentes variables médicas tras aplicar crenoterapia por vía tópica (baños de 37,5-39 0C durante 15 min) y/o hidropínica. Las muestras urinarias se analizaron siguiendo una modificación de la técnica descrita en 1978 por Mihara et al. [Resultados]: la producción urinaria de peroxidación lipídica (TBARS) en orina, principalmente malondialdehído, fue, a la llegada, de 0,368 ± 0,0095 nM/ml, a los 9 días de tratamiento de 0,352 ± 0,0088 nM/ml y al finalizar el mismo, tras 14 días de crenoterapia, de 0,337 ± 0,0083 nM/ml; el beneficio poscrenoterápico obtenido en su estado oxidativo (efecto crenoterápico terapéutico) fue de –0,016 ± 0,0019 (4,35%) a los 9 días, el cual se duplicó a los 14 días, con cifras de –0,031 ± 0,0017 (8,4%). Esta disminución de los valores de oxidación obtenidos presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,001) en toda la población estudiada. [Conclusión]: a partir del noveno día de tratamiento con aguas bicarbonatadas sulfatadas hay evidencias de que el efecto crenoterápico antioxidante comienza a ser eficaz y estadísticamente significativo en la población estudiada, lo que coincide con la mejoría física obtenida. Este efecto crenoterápico se potencia al doble si se prolonga el tratamiento hasta 14 días.

[Purpose]: The measurement of urinary production of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactant Substances (TBARS) from an homogeneus population (within a control environment) provides us with a huge amount of information about the process of human lipoperoxidation or aging. The crenotherapy treatment, using bicarbonated-sulfated mineral waters, decreases the TBARS production. It is probably due to the sulphur absortion which increases the -SH radicals included in the gluthation tripeptid. These -SH radicals work like free radicals scavengers., [Objective]: To study and evaluate the effects of crenotherapeutic treatment with bicarbonated-sulfated waters, in order to obtain significant results in a spa population of people over 65., [Material and methods]: Prospective clinical study, performed in the spa with bicarbonated-sulfated waters found in Jaraba-Sicilia (Zaragoza), in three different time periods, with 120 volunteers from the Social Thermalism Program of the IMSERSO, 60 men and 60 women (average age 70,9±0,5), with no statistically significant (ss) difference in the age of both groups. The groups were homogeneous overall, dependently paired samples, and of the same size. Urine samples were obtained in order to determine the concentration of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Species (TBARS) through spectrophotometry on arrival at the spa, after 9 and 14 days of treatment. A complete case history was done and the different medical variables were evaluated after topical application of crenotherapy (baths between 37,5-39°C, 15') and/or hydropinic application. The urinary samples were analyzed following a modification of the technique described in 1978 by Mihara et al. Results: Urinary production of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS), mainly Malondialdehyde, was 0.368±0.0095 nM/ml on arrival, 0,352±0,0088 nM/ml after 9 days of treatment, and 0,337±0,0083 nM/ml at the end of the treatment, after 14 days of crenotherapy. The post-crenotherapeutic benefit obtained in the oxidative state (Therapeutic Effect, ET) was -0,016±0,0019 (4,35%) after nine days. This benefit doubled after 14 days, -0,031±0,0017 (8,4%). The decrease obtained in the oxidation levels was statistically significant (p, [Conclusions]: The Crenotherapeutic treatment using bicarbonated-sulfated mineral waters decreases the urinary production of TBARS (Therapeutic Effect, TE). It occurs either in men or women, or in both (when they are studied together). Therefore, the TE is not related to sex. This suggests a shift of the patients oxidative balance towards the antioxidant side. There is evidence that from the ninth day onwards of treatment with bicarbonated-sulfated waters, the antioxidant Therapeutic Effect becomes effective and statistically significant in the population studied, which coincides with the physical improvement observed. This Therapeutic Effect doubles if the treatment is extended from 9 to 14 days.

6 p.-2 tab.-2 fig., Se han determinado los niveles de superoxido dismutasa (SOD) y catalasa (CAT) en 420 individuos de uno y otro sexo y edades comprendidas entre 50 y 93 anos. De ellos, 126 que no mostraban ninguna enfermedad relevante se utilizaron como grupo control. Los 294 restantes mostraban diferentes trastornos: alteraciones del sistema vascular (insuficiencias coronarias, hipertension, infarto, etc.), alteraciones del sistema osteoarticular (artritis, polialtralgias, osteoporosis, etc.), miomas, afecciones, prostaticas, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica (EPOC) y accidente cerebral vascular agudo (ACVA). Para valorar SOD se utilizo el metodo de minami y Yoshikawa y el metodo de Aebi para valorar CAT. Metodos estadisticos: ANOVA y "t" de Student. En la poblacion control se han obtenido: 1) niveles de SOD y CAT mas elevados en mujeres que en varones. 2) la actividad de CAT disminuye con la edad. En la poblacion con patologias: 3) la actividad de SOD esta elevada en cardiovascular, miomas, EPOC y ACVA. 4) la actividad de CAT desciende en cardiovascular, prostata, EPOC y ACVA. 5) en osteoarticular actividad normal de SOD y CAT, aunque SOD desciende con la edad, CAT desciende con la edad en cardiovascular y EPOC. En general el comportamiento de ambos enzimas tiende a conseguir un equilibrio en el sistema antioxidante.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in blood from 420 individuals: control population 126, males and females, age between 50 to 93 years of age without any relevant pathology. Pathological population: 294 patients, males and females, age between 50 to 93 years of age, with some disease in the cardiovascular system and in the osteoarticular system, myoma, prostatic pathologies, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (EPOC), and Acute Cerebral Vascular Accident (ACVA). The method of Minami and Yoshikawa (SOD) and the method of Aebi (CAT) were judged the techniques of choice for a population study. Statistical methods: ANOVA and Student's "t". 1) The results were that levels of activity for SOD and CAT were increased for women in control population, and 2) the level of activity for CAT decreases with aging. In the pathological population, we detected: 3) increased activity for SOD in cardiovascular diseases, myomas, EPOC and ACVA. 4) for CAT the level of activity decreases in cardiovascular and prostatic diseases, EPOC and ACVA. 5) while in osteoarticular diseases levels of activity for SOD and CAT were standard, but SOD level decreases with aging, for CAT in cardiovascular diseases and EPOC, too. Both enzymes work to balance the antioxidant system.

Our purpose was to determine the frequency of the thalassemia trait and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in blood donors of Madrid, composed of persons from nearly all the Spanish provinces (ranging from 21 to 65 years of age). The frequency of thalassemia and G6PD deficiency has been investigated with the following results; thalassemia 0.92% and no G6PD deficiency. The frequencies observed are compared with those found in the general (non donor) Spanish population. The value of this experiment is considered a supplement to other tests done routinely in our official blood donors.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (antiHBs) are excellent markers for HBV infection and its immunity. A total of 414 patients, 312 Down syndrome and 102 non-Down's syndrome, were studied, and 142 were residents of an institution (RI), whereas 272 were in nonresidential care (NRC). Of the total, 28 (6.8%) were HBsAg positive, and of these, 16 (57.1%) had a positive test for the Hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg). Proportionately more Down syndrome chronic carriers of HBsAg acquired the persistent Hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) than non-Down syndrome patients 15 (65.2%) vs. 1 (20%). The presence of HBeAg was correlated with abnormal liver function and high titres of HBsAg. Testing for the IgM antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen (IgM AntiHBc) facilitated the identification of acute and chronic hepatitis infection in both RI and NRC individuals. The significance of isolated antiHBc seropositivity in Down syndrome patients remains unclear. It is not certain whether the isolated antiHBc seropositivity represents chronic “low levels” of HBV, past infection, or false-positive tests, and whether this test should be employed as a vaccine screening test.

[Background]: In the present study we have measurement the levels of AFP in patients with malignant pathologies of urogenitale system (male and female) in order to check with the levels of AFP in patients with benign pathologies. Such information would be useful for the relationship between AFP levels and malignancy. [Methods]: A total of 76 patients: 52 males and 24 females with malignant (prostate and 9 endometrium cancers) and benign tumours (46 prostatic adenomas and 15 miomas) of urogenitale malignancies were analyzed. The plasma AFP levels has been measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). [Results]: The AFP levels observed between patients with malignant tumours were significantly higher in comparison with benign tumours (ANOVA p value = 0.0115). Also there was significant differences by levels AFP (p = 0.0316) in prostate cancer and prostatic adenoma. However, that there was not found any significant differences in AFP levels for endometrium cancer and mioma. [Conclusions]: It may be postulated that in patients with malignant tumours the determination of AFP is useful as a specific marker of malignancy. In patients with prostatic pathologies the determination of AFP could be useful for the differentiation of malignant from benign tumours.

We report on the results obtained in 6 Fanconi's anaemia families (FA) (parents, brothers and sisters) affected by at least one of the symptoms usually observed in FA. The 6 FA families were studied from 1974 to 1990, all having located in Madrid (Spain) but with different ethnic origin: 3 families are of Spanish descent and the other 3 are gipsy families. All showed characteristics of the disease, including malformations, stunted growth, microcephaly, skin hyperpigmentation, high incidence of chromosomal breaks in lymphocyte cultures, and hematological and biochemical abnormalities: pancytopeny, increased fetal hemoglobin levels and significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

[Background]: Although alpha fetoprotein (AFP) test is not recommended as a general screening test, the determination of plasma AFP levels in prostatic adenoma and mioma with positive test for AFP would be useful for the screening of malignant tumors., [Method]: With the aim of analyzing the AFP levels in benign tumors, 61 patients (15 miomas and 46 prostatic adenomas) were studied. The plasma AFP levels have been measured by enzymeimmunoassay (ELISA). The normal range is given as 1.00-7.00 U/ml., [Results]: There was no positive test for AFP in both benign tumors types. Test of significance was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a significant difference was found in the AFP levels (p = 0.0017) between the results for prostatic adenoma and mioma., [Conclusions]: The AFP levels in miomas were 1.00-4.00 U/ml, and in prostatic adenomas were 1.00-7.00 U/ml. Patients with positive test for AFP (above 1.00-4.00 U/ml and 1.00-7.00 U/ml) requires greater vigilance and close follow-up, because of the high risk of gynecologic cancers this patients have.

The authors report their experience regarding the identification of Apo-E alleles on atheromasic carotid plaques in 20 patients of both sexes diagnosed as suffering from severe carotid stenosis using Doppler tests. A DNA hybridation and amplification method was used to identify Apo E-2, Apo E-3 and Apo E-4 alleles and their various phenotypical combinations. The following results were obtained in the 20 plaques examined: Apo E-3/E-4 in 114 patients (70%), 2 diabetic patients Apo E-4/E-3, one vascular demented patient Apo E-2/E-3, and 3 plaques defined as severely calcified Apo E-2/E-2. It can therefore be seen that the majority of plaques (70%), considered a risk for future stroke due to altered carotid Doppler tests, does not differ greatly by the homozygote allele Apo E-3/E-3 commonly found in the blood of the so-called "normal" population. It is difficult to draw any conclusions from the alleles found in the other 5 patients due to their scarce statistical value and the limited number of carotid plaques examined, but there appears to be some sort of correlation between calcified plaque, hyperlipidemia and the allele Apo E-2/E-2, with an interchange of position between cysteinearginine amino acids in the Apo E sequences.