Heat shock response in noise-induced hearing loss: effects of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide supplementation on heat shock proteins status.

Introduction: The 72kDa heat shock protein, HSP72, located intracellularly provides cochlear cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory roles in the inner ear during stressful noise challenges. The expression of intracellular HSP72 (iHSP72) can be potentiated by alanyl-glutamine dipeptide supplementation. Conversely, these proteins act as pro-inflammatory signals in the extracellular milieu (eHSP72).

Olfactory alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To assess olfactory function using the Connecticut test and verify correlations between olfactory alteration, disease duration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Methods: One hundred MS patients and 100 healthy control patients responded to a questionnaire. Those with olfactory alteration underwent a facial CT to exclude other causes.

Asthma management in a public referral center in Porto Alegre in comparison with the guidelines established in the III Brazilian Consensus on Asthma Management.

Objective: To determine whether the guidelines put forth in the III Brazilian Consensus on Asthma Management are being applied in a population of asthma patients treated at a public hospital that is a referral center for asthma in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Methods: All adult asthma patients who began their treatment between 1999 and 2002 were evaluated. The treatment given was classified as consistent or inconsistent with the Consensus guidelines.