Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Hypoxia-Induced Alterations in Bone Remodeling.

Bone is crucial for the support of muscles and the protection of vital organs, and as a reservoir of calcium and phosphorus. Bone is one of the most metabolically active tissues and is continuously renewed to adapt to the changes required for healthy functioning. To maintain normal cellular and physiological bone functions sufficient oxygen is required, as evidence has shown that hypoxia may influence bone health.

Chemical compounds causing severe acute toxicity in heavy liquids used for intraocular surgery.

Perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) have been considered safe for intraocular manipulation of the retina, but since 2013 many cases of acute eye toxicity cousing blindness have been reported in various countries when using various commercial PFCLs. All these PFCLs were CE marked (Conformité Européenne), which meant they had been subjected to evaluation complying with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. These dramatic events raised questions about the safety of PFCLs and the validity of some cytotoxicity tests performed under ISO guidelines.

Acute retinal toxicity associated with a mixture of perfluorooctane and perfluorohexyloctane: failure of another indirect cytotoxicity analysis.

Aims: To report new information related to acute retinal toxicity of Bio Octane Plus, a mixture of 90% perfluorooctane (PFO) and 10% perfluorohexyloctane.

Methods: This retrospective, descriptive case series reports the occurrence of acute retinal toxicity after vitreoretinal surgery in which Bio Octane Plus (batch number 1605148) was used as an endotamponade. Cytotoxicity biocompatibility tests and chemical analyses by Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the presumed toxic product were performed.

ACUTE RETINAL DAMAGE AFTER USING A TOXIC PERFLUORO-OCTANE FOR VITREO-RETINAL SURGERY.

Purpose: To describe a series of retinal acute toxicity cases with severe visual loss after intraocular use of a toxic perfluoro-octane (PFO). The clinical presentation is described, and the likely causes are analyzed. New biological methods for testing safety of intraocular medical devices are proposed.

Ghrelin and bone mass in postmenopausal hypertensive women.

Background: Ghrelin, a recently discovered peptide mainly secreted by the stomach, has an orexigenic effect which stimulates secretion of the growth hormone. It also has vasodilator effects which reduce blood pressure and stimulate in vitro, bone formation.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of ghrelin on bone mass and bone remodeling markers in postmenopausal hypertensive women.

Effect of beta-blockers on bone mass and biomechanical parameters of the femoral neck in males with acute myocardial infarction.

Objectives: Evaluate the effect of cardioselective beta-blockers on bone mass and biomechanical properties of the femoral neck in males with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: Forty males with acute myocardial infarction were studied during one year. Seventy-five percent of the patients (30 patients) were treated with cardioselective beta-blockers and 10 were not similarly treated.

Effects of Atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease.

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for osteoporosis and other chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. Cholesterol and vitamin D share the 7-dehydrocholesterol metabolic pathway. This study evaluated the possible effect of atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease.

Calcium-sensing receptor gene A986S polymorphism and bone mass in hypertensive women.

Background: The function of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is to maintain serum calcium concentration within a narrow physiological range. Two types of mutations have been described: activating that causes hypocalcemia and inactivating, which leads to hypercalcemia. The objective was to assess the effect of CaSR gene A986S polymorphism on the lumbar spine bone mass, calcium metabolism parameters and markers of bone remodeling in hypertensive women.

Effect of quinapril, quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide, and enalapril on the bone mass of hypertensive subjects: relationship with angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphisms.

Background: Many alterations in extracellular metabolism of calcium have been associated to hypertension, but the number of studies relating this disease with osteoporosis is extremely low. This study clarifies the therapeutic effect of three treatments-quinapril, quinapril + hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), enalapril-on bone remodeling markers, bone mineral density (BMD) in hypertensive patients, and relationship with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism.

Methods: This open, prospective study included 134 patients with low-to-moderate hypertension and stable BMD according to Joint National Committee criteria and 96 patients completed the study.

National multicentre study of acute intoxication in emergency departments of Spain.

Objective: No studies have been published on global acute intoxication in Spanish emergency departments. We therefore designed a multicentre study to identify the epidemiology and management of intoxicated patients in Spain.

Methods: We prospectively recorded cases from 14 emergency departments during 14 randomized days between February and April 2000.

Relationship between bone mineral density and angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphism in hypertensive postmenopausal women.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between bone mineral density and insertion/deletion (I/D) angiotensin converting enzyme polymorphism (ACE) in hypertensive postmenopausal women.

Methods: Blood and urine samples from the study subjects were analyzed for calcium metabolism related parameters. Densitometry studies were conducted in the lumbar spine (L2 to L4).