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Biomedical subjects

C Carraro

Publications and source records attributed to C Carraro.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Quantitative evaluation of endocervical cells in women with human papillomavirus infection].

UNLABELLED: Human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in cells of endocervical origin has been demonstrated by in situ hybridization and Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Similarly, the presence of HPV DNA has been shown in many cases of endocervical Adenocarcinoma. Morphological changes in squamous cells, specific for HPV infection, have already been described in previous reports, but similar specific alterations in the endocervical elements have not yet been reported. In this retrospective study we analyzed 30 endocervical smears from women with HPV infection, ascertained colposcopically, cytologically and/or histologically. Thirty endocervical samples have been taken from healthy women of the same age and hormonal status, as a control group. We evaluated maximum and minimum nuclear diameters, anisocariosis, chromatin pattern and cytoplasmic characteristics of at least 60 endocervical cells selected from each specimen. RESULTS: In the cases with HPV infection, the mean nuclear diameter of endocervical cells was increased and anisonucleosis was more evident. However, the most significant parameter was the chromatin distribution with a granular pattern in almost 90% of the cilindrical cells in more than 80% of the cases. The cytoplasm does not show any peculiar alteration of endocervical cells except for an unconspicous "alo" in some elements, but this pattern is not frequent. In conclusion, some of the parameters studied seem to have a diagnostic relevance in confirming HPV infection. This may suggest that this infection could be present even at endocervical site, and should be confirmed by molecular techniques or by microcolpohysteroscopy.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Imipramine in alopecia areata. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatologic disease whose onset is significantly associated to life events. Its course may often be characterized by high levels of anxiety and depression. These observations suggested a rationale for using an antidepressant in AA. Thirteen patients were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy of imipramine in alopecia. After six months clinically significant hair regrowth occurred in 5 of the 7 patients on imipramine, whereas no response was observed in the placebo group. An improvement in psychic symptomatology was present in both groups. Our preliminary results indicate the potential efficacy of imipramine in patients with AA, not acting directly through a reduction of anxiety or depression.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Microcolposcopy vs colposcopy in evaluating abnormal Pap smear. Comparison with histological findings.

Microcolposcopy is a microscopic examination which permits the observation of in vivo normal and dysplastic cells. A comparison was made between colposcopy and microcolposcopy in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictive value in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Seventy-eight patients with abnormal cervical smears were submitted to colposcopy, microcolposcopy and one or more biopsies on the microcolposcopically suspected areas. Currents classifications were used for the colposcopy and microcolposcopy. A comparison was made between the colposcopic description of abnormal transformation zone, and the microcolposcopic grade 2. The findings suggests that microcolposcopy is more sensitive and has more diagnostic accuracy than colposcopy in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Microcolposcopy is a good alternative to colposcopy in evaluating abnormal cervical cytology.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Studies on the nature of in vitro and in vivo photosensitization reactions by psoralens and porphyrins.

This study was directed to examine the role of type II (photodynamic) reactions involving the production of reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hydroxy radicals) in in vitro and in vivo photosensitization reactions induced by skin photosensitizing chemicals. Several porphyrins and psoralens, as model compounds representing examples of endogenous and exogenous photosensitizers, were examined for their ability to (a) produce singlet oxygen and superoxide anions, (b) induce damage to membranes and associated microsomal P-450, (c) promote lipid peroxidation of microsomal lipids of liver and epidermal cells, and (d) induce skin photosensitization reactions in vivo. Dose-response study in vitro of singlet oxygen production in H2O and D2O and inhibition studies involving the production of singlet oxygen and superoxide anion by specific quenchers indicated significant production of singlet oxygen by porphyrins, about 5-20 times higher than psoralen at 10(-5) M and 10(-6) M concentration and irradiation dose of 1-5 J/cm2 of UVA (greater than 320-400 nm radiation). The comparative studies on aerobic photodegradation of microsomal P-450 of guinea pig epidermis and liver indicated a significantly greater destruction of P-450 with porphyrins than with psoralens. A membrane-lipid peroxidation study involving malondialdehyde production, using liver and epidermal microsomal fractions with and without porphyrins, psoralens, and UVA radiation, indicated 10-20 times increased production of malondialdehyde with UVA and porphyrins than with psoralens.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Characterization of superoxide dismutase from mammalian skin epidermis.

Superoxide dismutase provides a protective defense mechanism in cellular compartments against the potential cytotoxicity of superoxide anion generated by ultraviolet radiation. Little information is available about the nature of superoxide dismutase in mammalian skin. We report the isolation and characterization of superoxide dismutase from human, guinea pig, and mouse epidermis. Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase was detected in all the mammalian skin specimens examined. Manganese superoxide dismutase was detected in human and guinea pig epidermis but not in the newborn or adult albino CD1 mouse epidermis. Electrophoresis studies of the extracted and partially purified skin superoxide dismutase on polyacrylamide gel slabs in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate showed the characteristic molecular weights for subunits of 16,500 for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and 23,500 for mangano superoxide dismutase. Studies under nondenaturing conditions revealed significant differences in the mobility of the enzymes, depending on the sources of superoxide dismutase. The mouse epidermal copper-zinc superoxide dismutase was found similar to the bovine liver copper-zinc superoxide dismutase used as an internal standard. The copper-zinc superoxide dismutase of human skin and guinea pig skin showed activity-stained bands characterized by a higher mobility than the same enzyme from mouse or bovine liver. Quantitative data using the beta-NADH oxidation method indicated a 5-10-fold lower content of superoxide dismutase in mammalian epidermis in comparison with other tissues examined during this study, or compared with reported values in the literature.

Animals↗