Effects of Formulations Containing Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) Acetoamidobenzoate and Pidolate on the Skin

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of formulations containing DMAE pidolate and DMAE acetoamidobenzoate on the skin. Four areas of five swines were submitted to following treatments during 15 days: C (Control), S (Silicone = 80 % DC*LC Blend (R)), F1 (DMAE acetoamidobenzoate), F2 (DMAE pidolate). Measures of the thickness of epidermis and stratum corneum, and the density population of fibroblasts and leukocytes in papillary dermis were obtained. We also assessed possible variations in birefringence of dermis collagen bundles. Means of the data was compared using ANOVA followed by the Tukey test. The F1 and F2 groups showed a thicker epidermis than the control group (p < 0.01), but did not demonstrate a significant difference in the number of fibroblasts and leukocytes, as well as in the birefringent areas of collagen bundles, in comparison with the control groups. The DMAE-supplemented formulations enhanced viable epidermis thickness, but did not modify structures related with mechanical properties of the skin.30464164

Acute Hepatitis in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Introduction: Several changes occur in women’s body during pregnancy, as well as several pathologies can arise at this period, such as hepatitis. It is very important to have the correct diagnosis and proper treatment for pregnant women because liver diseases can increase maternal and/or fetal morbidity and mortality rates. Case Report: Patient in the age group 32 years, G2P0A1, thrombophilic, using ASA, enoxaparin, folate, and B-complex, reported jaundice, low fever, and pruritus in the 32nd week of pregnancy. Laboratory exams showed high levels of direct hyperbilirubinemia and aminotransferases, with negative serology results for the most common viruses and autoimmunity markers. Hypervitaminosis B12 was an additional finding; it was canceled. The patient had a satisfactory recovery after support treatment. Discussion: Hepatitis has several etiologies; it is caused by infections, medications, or triggered by the immune system. The main infectious agents causing hepatitis A, B, C, and E; Dengue, Zika, HTLV, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, rubella, and brucellosis were screened in the reported case – the patient was negative for all of them. Other possible diagnoses, such as acute liver steatosis of pregnancy, portal thrombosis, and autoimmune hepatitis were excluded. Hepatitis caused by medicines was not confirmed because clinical and laboratory exams showed improvement in the patient’s clinical condition even with ASA and enoxaparin administration. The patient had high vitamin B12 level, which can be a liver damage marker. Transaminases and bilirubin showed a progressive decrease after the treatment; both patient and newborn had a satisfactory recovery. The reported condition was caused by a combination of factors, such as pregnancy hormone levels, unidentified infection, and possible predisposition to develop the disease. The patient remains under hematological and hepatological follow up, but there is no record of relapse, so far.</jats:p

Metabolic fate of glutamine in lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils

Eric Newsholme's laboratory was the first to show glutamine utilization by lymphocytes and macrophages. Recently, we have found that neutrophils also utilize glutamine. This amino acid has been shown to play a role in lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production by lymphocytes and macrophages and phagocytosis and superoxide production by macrophages and neutrophils. Knowledge of the metabolic fate of glutamine in these cells is important for the understanding of the role and function of this amino acid in the maintenance of the proliferative, phagocytic and secretory capacities of these cells. Glutamine and glucose are poorly oxidized by these cells and might produce important precursors for DNA, RNA, protein and lipid synthesis. The high rate of glutamine utilization and its importance in such cells have raised the question as to the source of this glutamine, which, according to current evidence, appears to be muscle