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Biomedical subjects

Alessandro Lambiase

Publications and source records attributed to Alessandro Lambiase.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in vernal keratoconjunctivitis associated with asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects on signs and symptoms of a coexisting vernal keratoconjunctivitis in patients treated with oral montelukast sodium for asthma. METHODS: Twelve patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and asthma were enrolled in this pilot study. Topical eyedrops or any systemic treatment was discontinued for at least 7 days before montelukast treatment. Patients were asked to grade their ocular discomfort daily. The following signs and symptoms were also recorded and graded through medical examination at baseline,after 15 days of treatment, and 15 days after treatment discontinuation: physician-evaluated tarsal and bulbar papillae, hyperemia, secretion, and chemosis; and patient-evaluated itching, burning, tearing, photophobia, foreign body sensation, secretion, and redness. Peak expiratory flow rate at 8 AM was also recorded. Samples were collected at the same time points for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurement of leukotriene B4 in tears and leukotriene E4 in urine. RESULTS: Eight of the 10 patients evaluated reported a reduction in symptoms at the end of treatment. Montelukast treatment significantly decreased physician-rated hyperemia, secretion, and chemosis as well as patient-rated burning, tearing, photophobia, secretion, and redness. Effects persisted 15 days after discontinuation of treatment. Clinical changes were associated with a significant increase in leukotriene B4 in tears and a significant decrease in leukotriene E4 in urine after 15 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: The significant and persistent reduction of ocular signs and symptoms in asthmatic patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis treated for 15 days with montelukast strongly suggests the need for double-masked placebo-controlled trials to confirm the potential of this new treatment in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Acetates↗
PubMed2003

CD34-positive cells in human umbilical cord blood express nerve growth factor and its specific receptor TrkA.

In this study, we investigated whether hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and progenitors present in human cord blood can express nerve growth factor (NGF)-specific receptors, TrkA and p75. Our results showed a marked expression of TrkA and NGF in cord blood CD34(+) cells. A gradient of TrkA and NGF expression exists and is highest in cord blood CD34(+) cells, reduced in cord blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and minimal in mononuclear cells isolated from adult peripheral blood. Our findings suggest that NGF may play a role in the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors and indicate a different requirement for NGF by immune cells, depending on their state of maturity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Allergic chronic inflammation of the ocular surface in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the new immunopathologic features of vernal keratoconjunctivitis: the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, cells, mediators and neurotransmitters, as well as the mechanism leading to tissue remodelling. RECENT FINDINGS: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic eye disease affecting young boys living in a warm climate. It is characterized by conjunctival giant papillae, hyperemia and frequent involvement of the cornea. Approximately 50% of the patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis do not have a family or medical history of atopic diseases, and do not show IgE sensitization, suggesting that this disease is not solely IgE mediated. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a Th2 lymphocyte driven disease with a Th2 cytokine derived pattern, increased levels of mRNA for IL-3, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Th2 lymphocytes induce IgE hyperproduction, activation of mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils and their toxic products. An overexpression of adhesion molecules, RANTES, eotaxin and metalloproteinases contribute to chronic inflammation. A role for substance P and nerve growth factor has been postulated, as well as for other growth factors (epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta 1) that induce fibroblast growth and new collagen production. Recent studies have also pointed out the role of resident conjunctival cells, such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts, in the inflammatory and remodelling process of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The pathogenesis of the condition is probably multifactorial, with the interaction of the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. SUMMARY: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory and potentially blinding disease. Understanding of the complex interactions and cross talk between cells, cytokines and other mediators is relevant for new therapeutic approaches.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Intraocular production and release of nerve growth factor after iridectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), NGF mRNA, and NGF receptor (TrkA) in rabbit ocular tissues, and whether changes occur in NGF and NGF mRNA levels after experimental iridectomy. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for NGF and TrkA and in situ hybridization for NGF mRNA were performed on rabbit cornea, iris, ciliary body, and lens in the basal state. Quantification of NGF mRNA and NGF protein levels in these tissues was performed by RT-PCR and immunoenzymatic assay, respectively. A time course of NGF concentration in the aqueous humor and the expression of NGF mRNA in iris and ciliary body were performed after the iridectomy and were compared with levels in a sham-treated group (paracentesis). RESULTS: Cornea, iris, ciliary body, and lens expressed NGF mRNA, NGF protein, and TrkA in the basal state. The highest levels of NGF were detected in the iris (8938.0 +/- 3968.1 pg/g), and the lowest were in the aqueous humor (22.8 +/- 9.7 pg/mL). Experimental iridectomy induced a transient increase of NGF concentration in the aqueous humor that reached its peak 4 hours after the experimental injury (464.4 +/- 29.9 pg/mL versus the control group 101.6 +/- 18.8 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and returned to baseline value after 7 days. A significant increase of NGF mRNA was also observed 1 hour and 4 hours after the iridectomy in the iris (1 hour, 788 +/- 85 OD; 4 hours, 760 +/- 81 OD versus baseline, 246 +/- 32 OD; P < 0.0001) and ciliary body (1 hour, 330 +/- 19 OD; 4 hours, 453 +/- 52 OD versus baseline, 219 +/- 37 OD; P < 0.05), but not in the cornea, lens, or any tissues from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: NGF is present and produced in the anterior segment of the eye and is released in the aqueous humor in the basal state. Experimental iridectomy induces increased production of NGF in the iris and in the ciliary body and an increased concentration of NGF in the aqueous humor.

Animals↗