Steroid hormone abnormalities in women with severe idiopathic constipation

Article Abstract:

Idiopathic constipation is a condition characterized by excessively infrequent passage of stools that cannot be attributed to any definite physical factor or cause. Patients suffering from idiopathic constipation are almost exclusively women of child-bearing age who have a higher than normal incidence of painful and irregular menstruation, as well as a higher incidence of prior gynecological surgery of various sorts. To determine if there is any alteration in the levels of sex hormones that might be associated with the constipation, a study was carried out with 23 healthy women (average age, 33 years) and 26 patients with severe idiopathic constipation (average age, 32 years). The patients with idiopathic constipation had an average frequency of less than one bowel movement per week. The blood levels of a number of ovarian and adrenal steroid hormones were measured at two different points in the menstrual cycle (luteal and follicular phases). The concentrations of cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone were reduced in constipation sufferers during the follicular phase, while the levels of estradiol, cortisol, and testosterone were reduced among these patients in the luteal phase. The hormones prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and sex hormone binding globulin were not altered at either point in the menstrual cycle. These results indicate that steroid hormone levels in women suffering from idiopathic constipation are altered, but the findings do not provide evidence as to whether the alterations are secondary to, accompanied by, or the causal agent in development of the gastrointestinal disorder. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Women, Physiological aspects, Constipation, Women's health, Defecation disorders, Hyperdefecation

---

DNA probes for diagnosis of intestinal infection

Article Abstract:

Microbial pathogens (disease-causing organisms) often infect the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a wide variety of undesirable sequelae, including vomiting, anorexia (loss of appetite), diarrhea, and cramps. In some cases these parasitic infections are easily diagnosed by standard means, but in others they are not. A series of new diagnostic methods involving analysis of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule containing the pathogen's genetic information) has evolved, allowing precise identification of many bacterial and viral organisms that are present in such small numbers, so slowly growing, or so similar to other non-pathogenic microorganisms as to make identification difficult. One method, known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), allows large amounts of "unknown" DNA to be produced from tiny amounts that can be isolated from infected patients; this increased quantity permits the application of a number of analytical methods. Most of the DNA diagnostic techniques have their basis in the ability of one strand of denatured DNA (DNA that has been heat-treated, causing dissociation of the two complementary helical strands of the molecule) to bind to its complement. Then, by differential radioactive labelling of the laboratory-synthesized complement strand, the sequence of the unknown DNA can be inferred from the sequence of the DNA to which it binds. DNA probe diagnosis has been successfully applied to a wide range of protozoan, viral and bacterial pathogens. Advances in the rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity of these techniques are allowing their application to an even wider array of disease-causing organisms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Virus diseases, Polymerase chain reaction, Bacterial infections, Gastrointestinal diseases, Parasitic diseases

---

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Crohn's disease

Article Abstract:

Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized primarily by inflammation of the ileum (a segment of the small intestine). The factors involved in the development of Crohn's disease are not known, but a number of bacteria have been implicated. A cattle disease sharing many characteristics with Crohn's disease has been shown to be caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Methodological difficulties have clouded the interpretation of studies investigating the role of M. paratuberculosis in human Crohn's disease. To further investigate the role of this pathogen, a sensitive, specific assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA) was adapted to evaluate the immune system response to M. paratuberculosis. The blood levels of two types of antibodies (immunoglobulins G and M; IgG and IgM) were measured in 52 patients with Crohn's disease, 15 patients with ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), and 41 control patients with no intestinal inflammation. There was much variability in the antibody response in all groups of patients; however, there were no differences between the patients with Crohn's disease and the other two groups. Further biochemical tests were performed in an attempt to distinguish the Crohn's disease patients from the other groups on the basis of their immune response; these were negative in all cases. Tests for the presence of M. paratuberculosis in tissue samples from patients with and without Crohn's disease were negative. These results do not support a role for M. paratuberculosis as a cause of Crohn's disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Mycobacterium, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Crohn's disease

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Gout and neurological abnormalities associated with cardiomyopathy in a young man. Retinal toxicity in long term hydroxychloroquine treatment
• Abstracts: Unexplained rabies in three immigrants in the United States: a virologic investigation. Tick-borne diseases - a growing risk
• Abstracts: Improved detection and referral of patients with diabetic retinopathy by primary care physicians: effectiveness of education
• Abstracts: Retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph node imaging. The non-Hodgkin lymphomas: practical concepts for the diagnostic radiologist

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.