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Biomedical subjects

B Cacopardo

Publications and source records attributed to B Cacopardo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Ribavirin up-regulates IL-12 p40 gene expression and restores IL-12 levels in Leishmania-treated PBMCs.

Ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue that interferes with viral mRNA synthesis and inhibits the replication of RNA and DNA viruses, has been recently proposed as an effective immune response modulator. In the present report, we studied the effect of ribavirin on IL-12 p40 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy subjects. We also studied ribavirin effects on PBMCs activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and treated with Leishmania donovani antigens. We provide evidence that ribavirin was able to up-regulate IL-12 p40 gene expression and to restore levels of IL-12 p40 gene expression and IL-12 secretion in fully activated PBMCs that were strongly inhibited by L. donovani antigens. Because effective management of leishmanial disease is usually associated with a prevalent T-helper 1 immune response with elevated production of IL-12,our preliminary results may be of particular interest, provided that they will be confirmed by further in vitro and in vivo studies, when considering a possible use of ribavirin as adjuvant in severe leishmanial disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Reduction of serum melatonin levels in HIV-1-infected individuals' parallel disease progression: correlation with serum interleukin-12 levels.

BACKGROUND: During the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infection, an impairment of interleukin-12 (IL-12) production precedes a switch from a T-helper 1 (Th1) to a T-helper 2 (Th2) stage of cellular immunity. Melatonin, the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, seems to promote a Th1 response by increasing the production of IL-12 in vitro. The aim of this study was to measure and correlate serum levels of melatonin and IL-12 in a cohort of HIV-1-infected individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 77 anti-HIV-1-positive subjects were enrolled: 20 were in CDC stage A, 25 in CDC stage B and 32 in CDC stage C. 30 healthy HIV-1-seronegative subjects were recruited as controls. IL-12 and melatonin concentrations were quantitated in serum samples. RESULTS: Mean levels of serum melatonin were significantly lower in HIV-1-infected individuals in comparison with controls (p < 0.001). Within the HIV-1-seropositive group, mean melatonin and IL-12 concentrations were significantly lower in patients in CDC stage C, as compared with patients in CDC stages B and A (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: During the natural history of HIV-1 disease, serum melatonin levels are progressively reduced. This reduction may be related to the impairment of Th1 immunoresponses.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

Visceral leishmaniasis in those infected with HIV: clinical aspects and other opportunistic infections.

Cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV-positive individuals have been reported from most areas of the world where the geographical distributions of the two infections overlap. The majority of the co-infected cases that have been recorded, however, live around the Mediterranean basin. In these subjects, the length of the incubation period of VL is presumably very short, particularly in those who have severe immunodepression. At diagnosis, almost all cases of VL/HIV co-infection have been found to have fewer than 200 CD4+ cells/microl blood, and about 50% meet the AIDS-defining criteria during their first episode of VL. The clinical manifestations of VL in HIV-infected individuals may be similar to those seen in HIV-negative cases; fever, pancytopenia and hepato-splenomegaly, for example, are found in 75% of all the HIV-positive cases. Following the dissemination of the parasites, however, the HIV-positive cases may develop unusual, multi-organ pathology. Almost all the cases of co-infection are very prone to VL relapses, even after carefully managed antileishmanial treatment. The opportunistic infections that are often seen in HIV-positives frequently develop during VL episodes, the signs and symptoms of the leishmaniasis then confusingly overlapping with those of the other infections.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1999

In vitro production of type 1 and type 2 cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from subjects coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and Leishmania infantum.

To explore the type 1 and type 2 cytokine profile in cases coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Leishmania infantum, production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) was investigated in mitogen-stimulated and unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from eight HIV/Leishmania coinfected subjects matched with eight anti-HIV-positive subjects with no evidence of Leishmania coinfection. Levels of IL-4 and IL-2R increased significantly from the baseline levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell supernatants of HIV/Leishmania coinfected subjects following stimulation with phytohemoagglutin, whereas the postchallenge concentration of IFN-gamma was significantly increased in the HIV-infected group. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the HIV/Leishmania group throughout evaluation. Post-stimulation IFN-gamma production was significantly higher in the HIV-positive group in comparison with that of the HIV-Leishmania coinfected subjects. These observations support the notion that a Th2 cytokine response is present during a Leishmania infection, even among HIV-coinfected individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Influence of hepatitis G virus coinfection on the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a parenterally transmitted virus, frequently associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Nine (22.5%) patients had evidence of hepatitis G virus viraemia. No significant epidemiological or virological differences could be demonstrated between subjects infected with both hepatitis G virus and hepatitis C virus and subjects infected with hepatitis C virus alone. Aminotransferase values were comparable between the two groups, whereas higher levels of cholestatic enzymes (P< 0.001) were reported in the hepatitis G virus/hepatitis C virus-positive patients. A liver biopsy was performed on all 40 patients no later than 6 months before recruitment. The mean histological activity index did not differ between hepatitis G virus-positive and hepatitis G virus-negative patients, whereas specific histological features such as macrovesicular steatosis, portal granulomas, and bile duct damage were more commonly observed among the coinfected patients. The results indicate that coinfection with hepatitis G virus probably does not have a significant effect on hepatitis C virus-induced hepatic damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Leucocyte interferon-alpha retreatment for chronic hepatitis C patients previously intolerant to other interferons.

The activity and tolerability of a retreatment cycle with leucocyte interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) (6 million units (MU) three times weekly for 12 months) was evaluated in a group of 22 hepatitis C patients who had been intolerant to a previous course of lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha. Seven patients (31%) discontinued the new therapy owing to either a lack of response (six patients) or to severe leucopenia (one patient). Fifteen patients (68%) completed the 12-month treatment: all had a biochemical response and 10 (45%) also had disappearance of serum HCV RNA (complete response). Mild adverse reactions (fever, headaches and diarrhoea) were seen in these patients during retreatment. After 12 months of follow-up, 11 patients (50%) still maintained the biochemical response (long-term response); seven of these patients (32%) were also negative for serum HCV RNA. Biochemical and complete responses, at the end of both treatment and follow-up, were similar to those seen with lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha. The full dose of leucocyte IFN-alpha, when used in patients previously intolerant to the same dosage of lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha, was better tolerated: only one of the 15 patients who completed the 12-month treatment had a severe adverse event leading to withdrawal vs 22 of 68 patients treated with lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha. Furthermore, there were no manifestations of serological or clinical autoimmunity caused by leucocyte IFN-alpha, even in patients with autoantibodies associated with previous IFN therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Serum cytokines as predictors of clinical outcome in AIDS-related intestinal cryptosporidiosis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical variability in the natural course of cryptosporidiosis in patients affected by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has been correlated to the degree of T-cell immunosuppression; however, cryptosporidiosis can occur as a self-limiting disease even in patients with very low T-lymphocyte count. AIMS: We tested the serum values of a panel of cytokines in AIDS patients with cryptosporidial enteritis in order to evaluate their role in predicting the clinical outcome of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty one HIV-positive patients with cryptosporidiosis and a CD4+ count of less than 100/mm3 were studied. Interleukin-2, Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-12, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha values were measured in serum at diagnosis. RESULTS: Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-10 concentration was significantly lower in patients with mild disease whereas serum Interleukin-2 and -12 was higher in this same group. The serum level of Interferon-gamma did not differ in relation to the severity of the disease. Patients with self-limiting diarrhoea showed significantly lower levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha than subjects who did not show any clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it has been shown that cytokine levels in serum may represent early predictive markers both for the severity of symptoms and the clinical outcome of cryptosporidial enteritis in AIDS patients with a low CD4+ count.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1997

Eosinophilic ileocolitis by Enterobius vermicularis: a description of two rare cases.

BACKGROUND: Human enterobiasis is usually mild. Occasionally, however, an "ectopic" disease may occur with a more severe course. Two rare cases of eosinophilic ileocolitis due to Enterobius vermicularis infection are reported here. CASE REPORTS: Case n degree 1 was 46 years old, presenting with fever and bloody diarrhoea. Blood eosinophilia was present. Stool microscopy demonstrated red blood cells and leukocytes. A 2 mm long worm with bilateral cervical wings was found in wet-mount preparations of faecal samples. The Scotch tape test was positive for Enterobius vermicularis eggs. Colon biopsy specimens showed massive eosinophilic infiltration and a typical pinworm section overlying the infiltrated mucosa. Case n degree 2 was a 24-year-old, anti-HIV negative homosexual, presenting with watery diarrhoea. Tests for malabsorption were negative. Three mm long adult male E. vermicularis were found on stool microscopy. Biopsy specimens from the colon showed eosinophilic infiltration. In both cases a 200 mg/day course of oral mebendazole eliminated the symptoms within 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: In these two cases the clinical presentation of enterobiasis was atypical. A common finding was the eosinophilic infiltration of bowel mucosa, although it is still uncertain whether the worm per se may induce mast cell degranulation and eosinophil activation. Nevertheless, the possibility of Enterobius vermicularis infection should be considered in the presence of eosinophilic ileocolitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Immunological findings in HIV-Leishmania coinfection.

It is supposed that Leishmania infection increases human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in seropositive individuals. Two groups of 9 HIV-infected intravenous drug users each, one group with HIV-Leishmania coinfection (as determined by bone marrow microscopy, culture and an immunofluorescent assay, the other with HIV infection alone, but no evidence of Leishmania coinfection were matched for sex, age, time since first diagnosis of HIV infection, number of AIDS-defining diseases, proportion of patients treated with AZT and months of treatment, CD4/CD8 ratio, beta 2-microglobulin level and HIV p24 antigen positivity rate. IL-4, -6, -10 and -12 and IFN-gamma levels were determined by commercial enzyme immunoassays. The HIV-1 RNA copy number was quantified with the nucleic-acid-sequence-based amplification method (NASBA). The differences between the two groups were highly significant for all markers determined except for IL-12 and IFN-gamma. We found a higher viral load in the patients with HIV-Leishmania coinfection compared to the patients with HIV infection alone (p < 0.009). In 6 HIV-positive individuals without Leishmania coinfection, the HIV-1 RNA copy number was below the detection limit of NASBA (i. e. < 400 copies/100 microliters). Plasma levels of IL-4, -6, and -10 were significantly elevated in the coinfected group (p < 0.0001; p < 0.02, and p < 0.005). The results of our study show that the viral load is increased in patients with HIV-Leishmania coinfection in comparison to the controls. This might be partly due to Th2 immune activation, as demonstrated by higher plasma levels of IL-4, -6 and -10 in HIV-Leishmania-coinfected patients than in HIV-infected individuals.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1995

[Not Available].

We report a case of oro-pharyngeal and oesophageal ulcerative disease in a AIDS patient. The patient complained of severe oral pain and dysphagia. Systemic manifestations as fever and fatigue were also present. Repeated microbiological exams were negative and therapy with either antibiotics or antiviral agents or corticosteroids or colchicine was unsuccessful. Thus, we started thalidomide: 200 mg/day X 21 days, followed by 100 mg/day X 25 days. A dramatic reduction of symptoms was observed within 15 days from the onset of treatment. The healing of ulcers was evident already one month after the start of therapy. No relevant side effects were reported. Among those patients with AIDS at low risk of side effects, thalidomide may represent a successful therapeutic presidium for severe ulcerative disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

English Abstract↗
PubMed1995

[Long-term study of anti-HCV reactivity using 3d generation recombinant immunoblot assay in acute post-transfusion hepatitis].

Twenty-five patients with post-transfusional C hepatitis have been tested retrospectively by IIIrd generation Recombinant Immuno Blot Assay (RIBA) in order to evaluate long-term anti HCV antibodies dynamics. The test was performed 1, 15, 70 and 140 days after the onset of the disease. Fifteen patients recovered and 10 became chronic. In the 15th day anti C33 and anti C22 were found in 76% of subjects, anti NS5 in 68% and anti C100 in 32%. In the 70th day, 96%, of patients had anti C22, 92% had anti C33 and anti NS5 and 52% showed anti C100. In the 140th day, all patients were positive for anti C33, and C22 and anti NS5, while anti C100 was present in 64%. Five-six years after the acute disease, all chronically progressed patients had a complete antibody pattern by RIBA III, while anti C22 was the only positive persisting antibody, among the recovered patients. Anti C22, anti C33 and anti NS5 shorten the serological "window-phase" during acute hepatitis, but no further improvement in diagnostic precocity seems to be guaranteed by third generation RIBA. The precocious appearance of complete RIBA III pattern during acute hepatitis may represent a herald for a chronic evolution of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Synergic effect of albendazole plus metronidazole association in the treatment of metronidazole-resistant giardiasis].

Twenty patients with intestinal giardiasis, already resistant to 3-5 previous courses of oral metronidazole, were randomly distributed into 2 different groups: 10 subjects were given oral albendazole (440 mg/two times per day for 7 days) and 10 were submitted to the association of albendazole (400 mg/two times per day for 7 days) plus metronidazole (250 mg/three times per day for 7 days). All patients were evaluated both for clinical and parasitological status, immediately before and after therapy and, then, 4 weeks later. Only 3 patients of those treated with albendazole alone, showed a clinical and parasitological remission at the end of therapy, and one of them relapsed 4 weeks later. All patients who underwent albendazolemetronidazole association responded to the therapy and all except one were defined as "cured" 4 weeks later. Our study demonstrates that albendazole alone is not an effective therapeutic alternative for "metronidazole-resistant" giardiasis. The association of metronidazole plus albendazole seems synergic and deserves further studies.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

HCV infection in HBsAg positive chronic liver disease.

The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was determined for a group of 68 patients with various forms of chronic liver disease. All patients that were anti-HCV positive but did not show signs of HBV replication had severe liver disease. We therefore suggest that HCV may be responsible for liver damage in HBsAg positive subjects when there are no evident signs of HBV replication.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1992

HCV and HIV infection among intravenous drug abusers in eastern Sicily.

In a study of 175 intravenous drug addicts from Eastern Sicily, 58.3% were found to be anti-HCV positive. In this population, the presence of anti-HCV was independent of HIV infection, age, duration of drug use and the practice of needle sharing. This may indicate that HCV is more readily transmitted (or spread earlier in this population) among drug addicts than is HIV.

Female↗
PubMed1992

Preliminary investigation on intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV).

To determine the risk of cohabitant HCV infection, we investigated the sera of 101 family members of 53 anti-HCV antibody positive chronic liver disease patients. Altogether 14.8% of the cohabitants were also anti-HCV antibody positive, compared to a prevalence of 1.4% in the general population. These results suggest that hepatitis-C-virus may spread by person-to-person infection.

Chronic Disease↗