Biomedical subjects

A Caruso

Publications and source records attributed to A Caruso.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Low-molecular weight heparin restores in-vitro trophoblast invasiveness and differentiation in presence of immunoglobulin G fractions obtained from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of immunoglobulin G obtained from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) on in-vitro models of trophoblast invasiveness and differentiation. We tested the binding of affinity-purified immunoglobulin G to human primary trophoblast cells. These antibodies affected the invasiveness and differentiation of cytotrophoblast cells after binding to the cell surface. In addition, we determined whether the drugs used to treat APS might be able to restore the trophoblast functions. Low-molecular weight heparin, in a dose-dependent manner, significantly reduced the immunoglobulin G binding to trophoblast cells and restored in-vitro placental invasiveness and differentiation. No effect was observed in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid. These observations may help in understanding the role of these treatments in women with APS.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Changes in luteinizing hormone and insulin secretion in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Uncertainties regarding the pathogenetic changes underlying the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine and metabolic features of PCOS patients in relation to luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Androgen assays, oral glucose tolerance tests, hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) tests were performed in 100 patients. Sixty-six patients scheduled as hyperinsulinaemic and 34 as normoinsulinaemic showed similar concentrations of LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), LH/FSH ratio, and LH response to GnRH testing. Hyperinsulinaemic subjects showed higher body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, testosterone and free androgen index levels compared with those of normoinsulinaemic subjects; when clustered in relation to their LH basal concentrations, the two groups obtained differed only in androstenedione concentrations. Considering both insulin and LH plasma concentrations, four groups were obtained. Hyperinsulinaemia and hyper-LH secretion were not related in 54% and coexisted in the same subjects in 26% of cases. Hyperinsulinaemia as well as hyper-LH secretion affected the expression of the syndrome; the insulinaemia was directly correlated with testosterone concentrations and all metabolic parameters that affected the free androgen index. The LH concentrations were related to androgen production and were independent of BMI and insulin concentrations. It is concluded that the degree of hormonal alteration is the final sum of such pathogenetic factors.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Increased frequency of detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma genitalium in AIDS patients without urethral symptoms.

The roles of Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum in nongonococcal urethritis are not yet well established. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of these microorganisms in the urethral tracts of 187 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected male patients with no clinical signs of urethritis. The results indicate that the prevalence of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum was higher in AIDS patients than in asymptomatic, HIV-1-infected patients and in healthy individuals. The high rate of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas detected in AIDS patients, in the absence of urethritis, argues against major roles in causing disease at the urethral mucosal level for these microorganisms.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1999

Interleukin-10 modifies the effects of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on the activity and expression of prostaglandin H synthase-2 and the NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase in cultured term human villous trophoblast and chorion trophoblast cells.

The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), two inflammatory cytokines in amniotic fluid, have been shown to rise during chorioamnionitis. This is probably related to activation of the immune system in order to intensify the inflammatory process and to protect the maternal and fetal organism from infectious agents. These cytokines activate the PG biosynthetic pathway in several tissues, but few studies have examined effects on PG-metabolizing enzymes. When PGs are produced by increased synthesis and/or decreased metabolism at the chorio-decidual interface, labor can be induced. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is known to act as an antiinflammatory cytokine. The goals of this study were to evaluate the interaction of IL-10 with IL-1beta and TNFalpha on PG synthesis and to determine the effects of IL-10, IL-1beta, and TNFalpha on PG metabolism using purified cultures of villous trophoblast and chorion trophoblast cells prepared from placentas of patients at term. Cells were treated with IL-1beta and TNFalpha with or without IL-10 for various times up to 24 h. Levels of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding PGH synthase-2 (PGHS-2) and NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) were quantified by Northern blotting, and PGE2 and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2alpha (PGFM) output in the medium was measured by RIA. IL-1beta increased PGHS-2 mRNA and PGE2 output from villous and chorion trophoblasts and decreased PGDH mRNA in villous trophoblasts (all P < 0.05). These effects were reversed by IL-10. We found no change in PGHS-2 mRNA or PGE2 output in either trophoblast type treated with TNFalpha, but TNFalpha reduced PGDH mRNA in villous trophoblast, and this effect was reversed by IL-10 (both P < 0.05). We conclude that proinflammatory cytokines can influence PG output through effects on PG synthesis and metabolism and that these effects may be opposed by an antiinflammatory cytokine. These interactions may be important in the progression of preterm labor with underlying infection and in term labor in regions of the uterus where cytokine production is increased.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed1999

Paracrine regulation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) an IGF-II on prostaglandins F2alpha and E2 synthesis by human corpus luteum in vitro: a possible balance of luteotropic and luteolytic effects.

The existence of a complete intraovarian insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system replete with ligands, receptors, and binding proteins has been demonstrated as well as the ability of IGF-I to positively affect steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells. Furthermore, we recently showed that IGF-I and IGF-II stimulate progesterone secretion by human luteal cells. As the PGs, PGE2 and PGF2alpha, are classically known to have luteotropic and luteolytic effects, we wanted to determine whether the IGFs could affect the human luteal phase by influencing the PG system. For this reason, human luteal cells were cultured for different times (12, 24, and 48 h) with IGF-I, IGF-II (10-100 ng/mL), and GH (100 ng/mL), and both PGs were assayed in the medium culture. We found that both IGF-I and IGF-II were able to stimulate PGE2 synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent way, whereas they both inhibited PGF2alpha production. GH, too, significantly reduced PGF2alpha synthesis; this effect was IGF-I mediated because it was reverted by increasing dilutions of an anti-IGF-I antibody. On the contrary, no GH effect was observed on PGE2 production. In conclusion, based on these data and on our previous results, we speculate that IGFs could influence luteal steroidogenesis through PG system.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Multimodal approach in invasive fetal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Integrated fetal therapy is a new approach to prenatal management consisting of a combination of invasive procedures which complement each other to provide as much information as possible on the fetal compartments. METHODS: We carried out a study on 50 fetuses of singleton pregnancies undergoing invasive procedures -- at least three per fetus -- for diagnostic and therapeutical purposes. A total of two hundred and fifty invasive procedures were adopted. The study population was divided into two groups, those studied between 1988 and 1992 and those studied between 1993 and 1995. RESULTS: The diagnostic and therapeutic utility of complementary invasive procedures in fetuses with nonimmune fetal hydrops and urinary tract malformations was assessed. In fetuses with nonimmune fetal hydrops integrated invasive procedures markedly affected the fetal-neonatal survival rate, whereas in those with urinary tract malformations scheduled for postnatal surgery these procedures made it possible to limit intrauterine renal damage. CONCLUSIONS: Complementary invasive procedures in NIFH fetuses particularly influence the fetal-neonatal survival rate. Since urinary tract malformations must be treated by postnatal surgery, complementary invasive procedures serve to limit intrauterine renal damage in the meantime and to reduce cesarean section rate.

Female↗

PubMed1999

[Facial nerve identification in the translabyrinthine approach: an alternative method].

Since the abrupt drop in the mortality rate as a result of the introduction of microsurgical dissection techniques in the treatment of acoustic neuromas, surgeons have concentrated their efforts on preserving hearing and facial nerve function. In the translabyrinthine approach, identification of the facial nerve at the fundus of the internal auditory canal is an important step for subsequent dissection. However, the identification techniques available to date carry with them some potential risk of facial nerve injury when performed by inexperienced surgeons. In addition, they are time-consuming procedures. The authors present an alternative method for identification of the facial nerve at the fundus of the internal auditory canal during the translabyrinthine approach. The superior ampullary nerve is interrupted at the superior cribrosa area where it is not in intimate relationship with the facial nerve. Medial reflection of the superior ampullary nerve and the superior vestibular nerve facilitates identification of the facial nerve and preparation of a vestibulo-facial dissection plane.

Cranial Nerve Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

[Intrapetrous carotid artery aneurysm].

Intratemporal carotid artery aneurysms are rare lesions, with only 54 cases reported in the literature. Their most common symptoms are pulsatile tinnitus, hearing loss and signs of Eustachian tube obstruction. In case of aneurysm rupture, bleeding may be so profuse as to require emergency legation of the common carotid in the neck. Arteriography is the diagnostic gold standard for this disorder. Successful treatment usually involves selective aneurysm embolization or carotid closure with detachable balloons. The authors report a new case of intratemporal carotid artery aneurysm previously treated with selective embolization. To avoid the risk of aneurysm recanalization and/or infection through the external auditory canal, middle ear obliteration and blind-sac closure of the external canal were performed in this case.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

An unusual procedure for the treatment of simultaneous pericardial and pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic posterior pericardial effusion (PE) represents a diagnostic challenge since it is not easy to quantify by echocardiography. In addition, this type of effusion is normally treated by surgery because of the difficulty in drainage. CASE: A 59-year-old male presented a symptomatic circumferential PE following mitral valve substitution. Two days after a successful percutaneous subcostal pericardiocentesis, he reported severe dyspnea with hypotension and pulsus paradoxus. At chest X-rays, he showed a left pleural effusion; echocardiography, also performed from the left posterior axillary line, showed a large posterior PE and a large pleural effusion separated by a membrane. A needle was inserted at the fourth intercostal space 2 cm medially to the left posterior axillary line and advanced into the pleural and then into the pericardial cavity under echocardiographic guidance. Serous-hemorrhagic fluid was drained from the pericardial (800 cc) cavity and, after retraction, from the left pleural cavities (600 cc), with consequent hemodynamic improvement. CONCLUSION: Pleuro-pericardiocentesis may represent a valid alternative to surgery for the treatment of cardiac tamponade due to posterior pericardial effusions, in the peculiar situation characterized by the simultaneous presence of a left pleural effusion. This procedure should be performed by qualified physicians under echographic guidance.

Drainage↗

PubMed1999

Scrotal (Bianchi) approach to patent processus vaginalis in children.

Ligation of an indirect inguinal hernia or communicating hydrocele is the most frequent operation performed on children by pediatric surgeons and urologists. We describe our experience with the scrotal (Bianchi) approach to these problems rather than the traditional inguinal approach.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Mitotic signaling by beta-amyloid causes neuronal death.

Aggregates of beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP), the main constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's brain, kill neurons by a not yet defined mechanism, leading to apoptotic death. Here, we report that both full-length betaAP((1-40)) or ((1-42)) and its active fragment betaAP((25-35)) act as proliferative signals for differentiated cortical neurons, driving them into the cell cycle. The cycle followed some of the steps observed in proliferating cells, including induction of cyclin D1, phosphorylation of retinoblastoma, and induction of cyclin E and A, but did not progress beyond S phase. Inactivation of cyclin-dependent protein kinase-4 or -2 prevented both the entry into S phase and the development of apoptosis in betaAP((25-35))-treated neurons. We conclude that neurons must cross the G1/S transition before succumbing to betaAP signaling, and therefore multiple steps within this pathway may be targets for neuroprotective agents.-Copani, A., Condorelli, F., Caruso, A., Vancheri, C., Sala, A., Giuffrida Stella, A. M., Canonico, P. L., Nicoletti, F., Sortino, M. A. Mitotic signaling by beta-amyloid causes neuronal death.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

PubMed1999

[The antioxidants (coenzyme Q10) in materno-fetal physiopathology].

BACKGROUND: Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone) is a torpeniod molecule mainly located in bacterial and mitochondrial membranes. It is a part of a specific enzyme system and acts primarily on the transport of electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It performs an antioxidant action. We studied both fetal and maternal coenzyme Q10 plasma levels in physiological conditions and also in the presence of some pathologies. METHODS: As regards the maternal side, we selected 483 pregnancies, performing 615 blood samples, and divided them into four groups: A: physiological pregnancies; B: spontaneous abortions; C: threatened abortions; D: threatened late abortions and threatened pre-term deliveries. We then selected 61 pregnancies which differed from the previous ones and determined Q10 levels in fetal samples obtained by cordocentesis. We divided a control group from pathological groups: intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR); Rh-isoimmunization (with intra-uterine transfusion), non immune fetal hydrops, fetal malformations. Coenzyme Q10 levels were determined in only one laboratory by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Coenzyme Q10 concentrations were expressed as mg/ml, the data as the mean + SD. Statistical analysis was performed employing a linear regression model and the student "t"-test. RESULTS: After working out a normality curve of CoQ10 levels in maternal blood, we noticed that the levels of Coenzyme Q10 were low in spontaneous abortions, in threatened late abortions and in threatened pre-term deliveries. We determined the value of 0.3 mg/ml as a cutoff to differentiate the fetal from the adult values. Moreover, CoQ10 values turned out to be increased only in fetuses affected by non-immune fetal hydrops. CONCLUSIONS: Accordingly, we can say that maternal CoQ10 plasma levels can be considered as a marker of pathological uterine contractile activity. There is a substantial increase in CoQ10 fetal plasma levels in fetuses affected by hypoxic hypoxia and also in those affected by non-immune fetal hydrops.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed1998

Effects of centrally of peripherally injected adrenomedullin on reserpine-induced gastric lesions.

Adrenomedullin intracerebroventricularly administered (0.1 to 20 ng/rat i.c.v.), showed significant gastroprotective activity in a dose-dependent manner. When the peptide was intravenously administered (1 to 1000 ng/kg i.v.) it did not show significant gastroprotective activity in the same test. The gastroprotective effect of the peptide (10 ng/rat) was abolished by bilateral adrenalectomy, by pretreatment with the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 mg/kg i.p.), or by a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, CGRP-(8-37) fragment (1 or 10 ng/rat i.c.v.). This study showed that adrenomedullin is protective against reserpine-induced gastric lesions, that the action involves sympathetic nerve activity, and moreover interferes with CGRP receptors.

Adrenalectomy↗

PubMed1998

Exogenous spermidine modulates glycosaminoglycan accumulation and epithelial differentiation in chick embryonic skin.

We have previously shown that feather formation in chick embryonic skin depends on accumulation of sulphated glycosaminoglycans in the underlying mesenchyme, and that addition of spermidine to chick embryo fibroblasts increases the extracellular sulphated glycosaminoglycans. In the present work, using histological, histochemical and biochemical procedures, we have investigated the effects on glycosaminoglycan accumulation and on epithelial differentiation of adding spermidine and bis-cyclohexylammonium sulphate, a spermidine inhibitor, to embryonic chick skin cultures. Our results demonstrate that spermidine induces an accumulation of sulphated glycosaminoglycan and an increase in feather formation, suggesting that the morphogenetic effect of spermidine may be dependent on specific glycosaminoglycan accumulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Identification and characterization of a novel serine-threonine kinase gene from the Xp22 region.

Eukaryotic protein kinases are part of a large and expanding family of proteins. Through our transcriptional mapping effort in the Xp22 region, we have isolated and sequenced the full-length transcript of STK9, a novel cDNA highly homologous to serine-threonine kinases. A number of human genetic disorders have been mapped to the region where STK9 has been localized including Nance-Horan (NH) syndrome, oral-facial-digital syndrome type 1 (OFD1), and a novel locus for nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness (DFN6). To evaluate the possible involvement of STK9 in any of the above-mentioned disorders, a 2416-bp full-length cDNA was assembled. The entire genomic structure of the gene, which is composed of 20 coding exons, was determined. Northern analysis revealed a transcript larger than 9.5 kb in several tissues including brain, lung, and kidney. The mouse homologue (Stk9) was identified and mapped in the mouse in the region syntenic to human Xp. This location is compatible with the location of the Xcat mutant, which shows congenital cataracts very similar to those observed in NH patients. Sequence homologies, expression pattern, and mapping information in both human and mouse make STK9 a candidate gene for the above-mentioned disorders.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1998

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 1-methyl-5-[substituted-4 (3H)-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3-yl]-1H-pyrazole-4-acetic acid derivatives.

Several new 1-methyl-5-[substituted-4-oxo-1,2,3-benzotriazin-3-yl] -1H-pyrazole-4-acetic acids and their ethyl ester derivatives were prepared. The compounds were tested for analgesic and antiinflammatory activities, acute toxicity, ulcerogenic effect, and as in vitro inhibitors of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 alpha-HSD), since it is claimed that the inhibition of such an enzyme predicts in vivo antiinflammatory activity. Some compounds were more active than phenylbutazone in the phenylbenzoquinone and acetic acid peritonitis tests, and equiactive to the same drug in the carrageenin paw edema test. All the compounds inhibited the 3 alpha-HSD, but no correlation was observed with the paw edema inhibition values. The compounds proved to possess marginal or no ulcerogenic effect, as well as low systemic toxicity.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

PubMed1998

HIV p17 enhances lymphocyte proliferation and HIV-1 replication after binding to a human serum factor.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the role of recombinant HIV-1 protein p17 in the modulation of cell activity. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from healthy donors were cultured in the presence or absence of p17 with mitogens such as phytohaemagglutinin or interleukin-2 and their response assayed by cell proliferation. Cross-linking experiments were employed to investigate the presence of a binding between p17 and factor(s) present in human serum. An immunoenzymatic assay for p24 antigen detection was used to analyse the effect of the addition of exogenous p17 to cultures of PBMC infected with HIV-1 in vitro. RESULTS: Purified recombinant p17 protein at a concentration of 0.25 microg/ml significantly increased the proliferation of preactivated PBMC obtained from healthy donors. This effect was obtained by binding p17 to factor(s) present in human serum and observed on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Recombinant p17 also induced an increased rate of HIV-1 replication, probably due to enhanced T-cell proliferation. The activity of p17 protein was inhibited by anti-p17 antibodies generated by injecting recombinant p17 in rabbits, but not by human antibodies generated during the natural course of HIV infection. CONCLUSION: Characterization of the human factor(s) and identification of the interacting p17 epitope(s) will improve our understanding of the mechanisms used by HIV to efficiently replicate in our organisms.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Contribution of CD4+, CD8+CD28+, and CD8+CD28- T cells to CD3+ lymphocyte homeostasis during the natural course of HIV-1 infection.

The relationship between the number of circulating CD4+ T cells and the presence of particular CD8+ T cell subsets was analyzed by flow cytometry on PBL from asymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients whose specimens were collected every 2 mo for a total period of 32 mo. Only slight variations were detected in the absolute number of lymphocytes and percentage of CD3+ lymphocytes, whereas both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets showed wide intrapatient variation. Variations in the number of CD8+CD28+ cells paralleled those of the CD4+ T cell subset in each patient tested, while the presence of CD8+CD28- T cells correlated inversely with CD4+ and CD8+CD28+ T cells. These data show that changes in the number of circulating CD4+-and CD8+CD28+ T cells are strongly related to the presence of CD8+CD28- T cells in these patients. Insight into the significance of CD8+CD28- T cell expansion will allow us to understand the mechanisms and significance of the HIV-1- driven change in CD4+CD8+ T cell homeostasis and the basic immunopathology of HIV disease.

CD28 Antigens↗