Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0015672 (fatigue)
51,768 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The possibility that patients with disorders that improve with administration of large, pharmacologic dosages of glucocorticoids, such as chronic allergies and autoimmune disorders, might have mild deficiency of cortisol production or utilization has received little attention. Yet evidence that patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved with small, physiologic dosages of cortisol or cortisone acetate was reported over 25 years ago, and that patients with chronic allergic disorders or unexplained chronic fatigue also improved with administration of such small dosages was reported over 15 years ago, suggesting that these disorders might be associated with mild adrenocortical deficiency. The apparent reasons for the failure of these reports to be confirmed or mentioned in medical textbooks and the facts needed to restore perspective are reviewed, and the need for further studies of the possible relationship of a mild deficiency of the production or utilization of cortisol and possibly other normal adrenocortical hormones to the development of these disorders is discussed.
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PMID:Mild adrenocortical deficiency, chronic allergies, autoimmune disorders and the chronic fatigue syndrome: a continuation of the cortisone story. 805 74

Moxonidine is an imidazoline receptor modulator, specific for the I1-imidazoline receptor. The stimulation of imidazoline receptors represents a new mode of antihypertensive action to inhibit peripheral alpha-adrenergic tone by a central mechanism. Acute hemodynamic studies reveal moxonidine produces an acute fall of blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, and pulmonary artery pressures are not affected. Left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic volumes are reduced. Ejection fraction is not significantly affected but 6-month studies showed a regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. After oral administration the maximum concentration of moxonidine is reached in about 1 hour, and elimination half-life is 2.5 hours, prolonged by renal insufficiency. The antihypertensive effect lasts longer than would be expected from the half-life. Open studies with moxonidine have revealed falls between 20 and 29 mmHg systolic, and between 10 and 19 mmHg diastolic blood pressure. In the largest study, over 12 months in 141 patients, most patients were controlled by 0.2 mg daily (58%) or 0.2 mg b.i.d. (38%). Moxonidine has been compared with representatives from each important class of antihypertensive drugs. In a crossover trial of clonidine in 20 patients, blood pressure control was similar, but the incidence of tiredness and dry mouth was less on moxonidine, as was the total number of patients experiencing side effects, 85% versus 30% (p < 0.01). In a larger parallel group study of moxonidine (n = 122) and clonidine (n = 30), blood pressure control was similar, but the overall incidence of side effects was less on moxonidine. In comparative studies of moxonidine with atenolol, ACE inhibitors, dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, hydrochlorothiazide, and alpha 1 blockade, the blood pressure control with representatives of these various classes of drugs was similar to moxonidine.
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PMID:Clinical experience with moxonidine. 806 79

One-hundred women undergoing ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and a human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) participated in this randomized comparative study. The effectiveness of long-acting s.c. goserelin (Zoladex depot; 49 patients) and intranasally (i.n.) administered buserelin acetate (Suprefact; 51 patients) for pituitary down-regulation was compared. Treatment with s.c. goserelin (3.6 mg) or i.n. buserelin acetate (200 micrograms; 6 times/day) was started on day 21-23 of the cycle. Stimulation with 150 IU of HMG/day was started after at least 11 days of GnRH-a treatment. There were no differences in the time required for follicular development nor in the clinical outcome between groups treated with either goserelin or buserelin. The number of oocytes recovered in the goserelin group was 6.7 +/- 5.0 versus 6.3 +/- 4.9 in the buserelin group. There were 11 pregnancies after the use of goserelin (22.4%) and 12 pregnancies in those given buserelin (24.0%). The number of HMG ampoules needed for follicular maturation was higher in the goserelin group (27.9 +/- 7.8) than in the buserelin group (24.6 +/- 7.8, P < 0.05). The patients given buserelin suffered significantly more from tiredness, depression, headache and abdominal pain than those receiving goserelin, whereas there were no differences between the groups in experiencing mental irritability, nausea and swelling. Subcutaneous goserelin depot injection offers a useful alternative for pituitary down-regulation in IVF stimulation.
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PMID:Subcutaneous goserelin versus intranasal buserelin for pituitary down-regulation in patients undergoing IVF: a randomized comparative study. 815 Sep 2

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the ACE inhibitor quinaprilat have been studied in six chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients and in six patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) after a single oral dose of 2.5 mg quinapril. Mean tmax and Cmax values (SEM) for quinaprilat in interdialytic HD patients were 4.0 (0) h and 84 (8.4) ng.ml-1 respectively, and they did not differ significantly from those in CAPD patients (4.7 (0.7) h and 64 (5.7) ng.ml-1). Elimination half lives were 30 (10.1) h (HD) and 34 (7.3) h (CAPD). Cmax, tmax, t1/2, and AUC were increased and CL was decreased compared to data reported previously after giving 2.5 mg to healthy subjects. Peritoneal clearance was calculated as 0.1 (0.1) ml.min-1, thus less than 0.5% of the dose were removed within 24 h by CAPD. ACE activity was suppressed by more than 93% between 4 and 24 h postdose (P < 0.001). It decreased in both groups with increasing plasma quinaprilat levels. Angiotensin II concentration compared to baseline was significantly decreased at 4 hours (-30.4 +/- 10%) and 24 h (-30 +/- 9.9%) (P < 0.05, n = 11), while active plasma renin concentration was still significantly increased at 48 h postdose (+ 60.2 +/- 14.5%, P < 0.01). Mean arterial pressure 24 h postdose was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in HD (-12 mmHg) and CAPD patients (-20 mm Hg). Only two patients reported unwanted effects (fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and weakness). In conclusion, due to its long lasting effect on ACE activity and on blood pressure in terminal renal failure a starting dose of quinapril 2.5 mg o.d. may be used in hypertensive HD and CAPD patients.
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PMID:Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of quinaprilat after low dose quinapril in patients with terminal renal failure. 838 27

The present work aimed to determine the role played by protein kinase-C (PKC) in the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-induced activation of hepatic metabolism. The following observations indicate that activation of PKC is a condition necessary for alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation of hepatic functions, but not sufficient to mimic the receptor-mediated effects in the absence of external physiological stimuli. 1) alpha 1-Adrenoceptor activation promoted the translocation of PKC from the cytosol to its active form in the plasma membrane. 2) Activation of PKC by the phorbol ester 12-myristate 13-acetate or exogenous diacylglycerols or by elevation of endogenous levels of diacylglycerols by inhibiting diacylglycerol kinase mimicked the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated actions. However, the time course and magnitude of the nonreceptor responses differ from those mediated by alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation. In addition, nonreceptor-mediated activation of PKC decreased the alpha 1-adrenoceptor responsiveness. 3) Inhibition of PKC by either H-7 [1-(5-isoquinolinilsulfonyl)2-methylpiperazine] or staurosporine inhibited all of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-induced responses, except gluconeogenesis. The vasopressin effects were not inhibited by H-7, indicating that PKC activation is a distinct feature of the hepatic alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation that is not shared by all the Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists. The diacylglycerol-PKC branch of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor signaling pathway seems to control the sustained phase of stimulation of hepatic functions. In these studies we have also observed that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate produces a concentration-dependent inhibition of hepatic respiration. However, decreased energy availability does not seem to be the cause of its action to decrease alpha 1-adrenoceptor responsiveness.
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PMID:Role of protein kinase-C in the alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated responses of perfused rat liver. 840 60

In order to determine the prevalence of cortisol deficiency in advanced HIV disease and to examine whether it may be predicted by clinical features or biochemical abnormalities, we conducted a prospective study which assessed responses to a rapid ACTH stimulation test (short-duration synthetic corticotrophin test, synacthen test) in HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count of < or = 50 x 10(6)/l. Subjective fatigue, postural drop in blood pressure, electrolyte changes, presence of concurrent opportunist infection and drug treatment were recorded. Cortisol responses were defined as 'normal' (a post stimulation cortisol level > or = 450 nmol/l), 'abnormal' (post stimulation cortisol level < 350 nmol/l) or 'impaired' (an intermediate response). Of 49 patients tested (42 male, seven female), a suboptimal response (abnormal or impaired) was found in 14 (29%) and frank insufficiency in eight (16%). Cortisol deficiency was not predicted by postural drop in blood pressure, biochemistry or symptoms of fatigue. Patients with an impaired/abnormal test were not more likely to have cytomegalovirus or mycobacterial disease but were more likely to be taking megestrol acetate (P = 0.05, Fisher's exact test). Two of three patients with initially normal tests developed impaired/abnormal cortisol responses on re-testing 6-9 months later. Cortisol deficiency is common in late stage HIV disease, but symptoms of fatigue and postural hypotension, as well as biochemical findings, are poor predictors of cortisol deficiency. We found good subjective response to therapy. Routine screening by a rapid ACTH stimulation test is recommended in HIV-positive patients with CD4 count < or = 50 x 10(6)/l. Re-testing at regular intervals may be necessary. The interaction between megestrol acetate, cortisol metabolism and synacthen testing requires further investigation.
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PMID:Prevalence of cortisol deficiency in late HIV disease. 852 25

We report the clinical course of eight patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who were treated with recombinant gamma-interferon (Immuneron) as part of a phase II-III study comparing the safety and efficacy of gamma-interferon with that of medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera). There were no objective responders among the eight patients treated with recombinant gamma-interferon at an i.v. dose of 1 mg/m(2) daily for five days every other week for four weeks then 1 mg/m(2) three times a week given every other week until there was documented disease progression or complete response (CR). Overall median survival was 17.3 months (range 1.4 to 184). The major side effects of treatment included fever/chills (75%), mild anorexia and fatigue (75%), nausea/vomiting (80%), leukopenia (38%), and abnormal liver function tests (25%). There were no life-threatening side effects observed. At our institution, in a random cohort of eight patients with metastatic RCC, recombinant gamma-interferon when given at a dose of 1 mg/m(2) per day given three times per week on an every other week schedule yields no clinical antitumor activity. A review of the literature on the use of gamma-interferon for metastatic RCC suggests that low-dose combination therapy with other cytokines may yield the best response-to-side effect ratio. Higher doses yield more responses but an added cost of more toxicity.
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PMID:Single institution experience with recombinant gamma-interferon in the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. 861 Jun 39

Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells, and they offer advantages for studying several basic aspects of metabolic control such as the role of adenosine triphosphate-(ATP)-homeostasis for cell function, the mechanisms of fatigue and metabolic depression, the metabolic channelling through the cytoplasm and the organization and regulation of glycolytic enzymes. Spermatozoa of four species with different reproductive modes are introduced and the first results are presented: Spermatozoa of the marine worm Arenicola marina are well adapted to external fertilization in sea water with fluctuating oxygen tension: they are motile for several hours in oxygen-free sea water, even when the ATP level is dramatically reduced. Anaerobic ATP production occurs by alanine, acetate and propionate fermentation probably by the same pathways known from somatic cells of this species. Under aerobic conditions the phosphagen system might function like a shuttle for energy-rich phosphate from mitochondria to the dynein-ATPases. Storage of turkey and carp spermatozoa for several hours without exogenous substrates and oxygen results in the degradation of phosphocreatine and ATP to inorganic phosphate and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), respectively. Despite low energy charges, stored spermatozoa of both species are capable of progressive movements. In carp spermatozoa fatigue of motility is not accompanied by the dramatic acidosis one discusses as an important effect in muscle fatigue. Energy metabolism of boar spermatozoa is typically based on glycolysis consuming extracellular carbohydrates and producing lactate and protons. The sperm seem to tolerate low intracellular pH (< 6.5). The lack of a phosphagen system (no energy shuttle from mitochondria to the distal dynein-ATPases) is probably compensated by a high glycolytic ATP-production in the mitochondria-free piece of the flagellum.
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PMID:Spermatozoa: models for studying regulatory aspects of energy metabolism. 864 86

This literature review looks at the experience of US adolescent females with the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). The fact that unwanted teenage pregnancies in the US exceed a million each year indicates that sexually active teens in the US are poor contraceptors and could benefit from DMPA injections. The published reports indicate that adolescents who choose DMPA are satisfied with the method, especially since it does not require a daily activity. The most common reasons cited by those who discontinued use were bleeding problems and weight gain/appetite increase. Adolescents tend to choose (or be offered) DMPA after experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. They choose the method because of its convenience and longterm protection and because they had problems with previous methods. Clinicians may be concerned that teenagers will fail to return for reinjections, but the need for regular follow-up has not been cited by teenagers as a problem. A review of real or perceived side effects in adolescents indicates that adolescents tolerate amenorrhea very well, although prospective surveys indicate that adolescents have concerns about menstrual alterations caused by contraception. Studies of weight gain with DMPA use in adolescents are inconclusive, but it is possible that increased appetite may occur. Depression and fatigue are difficult to study in adolescents who may experience the symptoms because of other factors in their lives. Studies need to be undertaken to determine the longterm effects on bone mineral density and lipid metabolism in adolescents using DMPA. In order to overcome the barriers to DMPA use in teenagers, health care providers must be educated about the benefits of the method and must be able to use interactive counseling techniques which include devising a plan for follow-up and providing information on preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
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PMID:Use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception in adolescents. 872 3

To evaluate the effect of long-term exposure to heavy metals on skeletal muscle, chronic subcutaneous injections for 7 days of two level treatments (low dose, 0.1 mg/kg and high dose, 1 mg/kg) of lead acetate were investigated. Comparative analyses of in situ dorsiflexor muscle isometric contractile characteristics were studied in urethane-anesthetized (2 mg/g, i.p.) control and lead-exposed male mice. Control muscle-twitch tension reached an average of 1.81 +/- 0.06 g. Chronic lead (Pb2+) treatments did not affect muscle contractile speed, but reduced significantly the twitch tension in both high and low doses when compared to control animals. This effect was in a dose-dependent manner; 1.21 +/- 0.07 g for low dose and 0.90 +/- 0.05 g for high dose. These chronic Pb2+ treatments accelerated muscle fatigue after 250 stimuli (25 Hz for 10 sec) in both the low and high doses equally. However, marked elevation in tetanic (25 Hz) specific tension were observed in the high-dose, chronically treated animals, indicating some changes in contractile apparatus function. The high dose of chronic Pb2+ treatment induced ultrastructural changes, including reduced number of synaptic vesicles, disruption of mitochondria and increased number of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and myelin-like figures in the intramuscular axons and neuromuscular junctions. Chronic Pb2+ treatment caused extensive disruption of the sarcoplasmic mitochondria and increased the number of myelin-like figures in the muscle. These results suggest that exposure to Pb2+ at a low concentration can compromise the in situ skeletal muscle isometric contraction.
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PMID:Lead alters structure and function of mouse flexor muscle. 873 87


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