[Atrial natriuretic peptide: its relationship with anxiety and depression].

The Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is a hormone secreted by the heart, and, due to its mechanisms in the central nervous system, it is credited with a possible anxiolytic and stress-reducing effect. The aim of this study consisted of examining the values of ANP in adults and its relationship with anxiety and depression. An exploratory, observational and cross-sectional study was adopted.

IL-6, MMP 3 and prognosis in previously healthy sepsis patients.

Sepsis and septic shock are clinical conditions with high mortality despite advances in technology and are the leading cause of death in intensive care. Clinical manifestations and morbidity may be attributable to a disproportionate increase in proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability to predict mortality from interleukin 6 [IL-6] and matrix metalloproteinase 3 [MMP-3].

[Effects of ruta SSP on the activity of the smooth gastrointestinal muscle isolated of rat].

Ruta graveolens L. and Ruta chalepensis L. are plants used in folkloric medicine as antispasmodics, digestive and for intestinal gases.

[Articular cartilage in osteoarthritic patients: effects of diclofenac, celecoxib and glucosamine sulfate on inflammatory markers].

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and progressive joint disease. It is established by a complex process involving mechanical and biological alterations of the musculoskeletal system, which are generated by a great variety of interactions between genetic factors and extrinsic injuries. The pathogenesis of this disease is related to an increased and divergent production of inflammatory markers and proteolytic enzymes that promote the degradation and destruction of the extracellular matrix of articular and periarticular tissues.

Structure and secretory activity of cultured chondrocytes from patients with osteoarthritis.

Cartilage samples were taken from OA patients in order to describe and quantify pro-inflammatory mediators. Samples were cultured under aseptic conditions in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium at 37 degrees C for 10 days. Control samples, taken from non-inflammatory cartilage, were cultured under the same conditions.