The effect of trapidil (RocornalR) and some of its newly developed derivatives (AR 12456, AR 12463, AR 12465, AR 12464) on the receptor-mediated low density lipoprotein (LDL) binding, uptake and degradation was studied in human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and in human hepatoma cell line Hep G2. Compound AR 12456 influenced this pathway in a selective way: it enhanced the uptake and degradation of 125I-LDL by Hep G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but inhibited it in HSF. Scatchard analysis of the saturable LDL binding in Hep G2 indicates that the effect of compound AR 12456 is the result of an increased number of LDL binding sites. Compound AR 12465 was less effective on LDL catabolism. Trapidil and the other derivatives were inactive under the same experimental conditions. When Ar 12456 was preincubated with Hep G2 cells and then the incubation medium was transferred to HSF, a stimulation of specific LDL pathway occurred also in this cell line. These findings suggest that a metabolite(s) of AR 12456 might be responsible for the enhanced expression of LDL receptors in cultured human cells.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stress and the erectile response to intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 in men with erectile dysfunction.

The erectile response to intracavernosal injection (ICI) of smooth muscle relaxants is often impaired in men with presumed psychogenic erectile dysfunction. This study tests the hypothesis that such impairment results from stress-related increase in circulating norepinephrine (NE). Fifty-nine men with erectile dysfunction had their nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) monitored over 2 nights, and ICI of 10 micrograms prostaglandin E1 was given on the second morning. Psychometric and neuroendocrine measures of stress, including plasma and urinary catecholamines, were taken on both mornings. Inhibition of the ICI response was determined by the difference between NPT and ICI responses, and two groups of "high inhibition" and "low inhibition" men were compared. The high inhibition group showed higher "Trait" and "State" anxiety and a neuroendocrine profile of higher initial cortisol and lower plasma catecholamine levels than the low inhibition group. These differences were evident on both mornings and hence were not specifically related to the ICI. There was no support for the hypothesis that inhibition of response to ICI results from increased circulating NE, though the possibility that increased NE release occurred specifically in the erectile tissues could not be excluded.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Azygos arch cannulation by central venous catheters for hemodialysis.

Cannulation of central veins and placement of catheters for temporary haemodialysis is a common procedure in the management of patients with end stage renal failure. The internal jugular vein is the site of choice for central venous catheter placement, being associated with the lowest complication rate. This procedure can be associated with a variety of malpositions of the catheter and rarely, can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality, if this is not recognised and corrected early. For anatomical reasons, the risk of azygos arch cannulation is substantially increased if catheters are inserted via left-sided veins. We report a case with a rare complication associated with the insertion of a catheter for temporary haemodialysis.

Azygos Vein↗

PubMedDate not supplied

-SH groups and glutathione in cancer patient's blood.

As reported in previous investigations, erythrocytes are the elements of peripheral blood most affected by free radical activity in the pathogenesis of cancer. In these studies, the level of sulphydrilic groups and reduced glutathione were assayed in the erythrocytes and plasma, while their successful scavenger activity against cell membrane oxidation and peroxidation has already been established. In subjects with cancer, the levels of -SH groups (p < 0.002) and reduced glutathione in both plasma and erythrocytes (p < 0.0001) were shown be a statistically significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. These differences were related to the defence of the hematic tissue against free radical activity. A similar pattern has also been reported when studying vitamin A and E content in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. The role of oxido-reduction phenomena in this disease is discussed, as well as the importance of reducing the oxido-peroxidation involvement of tissues and cell elements. The study of the GSH/GSSG ratio in order to determine the stage of the disease would be useful and might represent a systemic marker for cancerous lesions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiological studies of chronic bronchitis in the auxiliary personnel of the A. Cadarelli Hospital. Preliminary results].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Twinkling artifact in kidney stone disease].

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography artifacts are false representations of the image caused by the interaction between the ultrasound and the tissues. The ability to identify artifacts is an important source of information that can help the clinician in performing a correct diagnosis. The twinkling artifact (called 'Effetto Arlecchino' by the Italians) consists of a series of colored pixels that appear inside, around and often along the shadow cone of the calculi. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of this artifact in the diagnosis of kidney stone disease. In 107 ultrasonography cases of hyperechogenic formations with clinical features of kidney stones, we used the color box to evoke the twinkling artifact. Of the 107 cases, 102 cases (95%) presented this artifact, while five cases did not. Moreover, this artifact was present in all urethral and bladder stones and in 62/67 kidney stone cases. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, we found that the twinkling artifact is often positive in urinary stone disease, and the ability to identify it adds useful information to the diagnosis of urinary kidney stone disease.

Artifacts↗