Ostreopsis ovata algal blooms affecting human health in Genova, Italy, 2005 and 2006.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
C Grillo
Publications and source records attributed to C Grillo.
Congenital heart disease: a retrospective study of their frequency.
AIM: An early diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is necessary for the obstetrical management. METHODS: One thousand five hundred and fifty-six pregnant women underwent a fetal 2-D echocardiography from 1991 to 2002. We assessed patients who had the most common risk factor (RF): family history of CHD, diabetes mellitus, teratogen drugs, polyhydramnios, abnormal fetal growth, fetal arrhythmia, maternal age over 40 years, maternal autoimmune disease, maternal disease contracted during pregnancy, oligohydramnios, only umbilical artery, uncorrected visualization in the first level 2-D fetal echocardiography. RESULTS: In 110 morphological anomalies found 54 were complex. The malformations are not equally distributed among the different RF. The most common RF is the family history of CHD where 24 patients showed complex malformations. Another high percentage of complex malformations was found in patients with no apparent presence of RF: the diagnosis was done after an uncorrected cardiac visualization in the first level 2-D echocardiography. In the minor cardiomyopathies we did not find the prevalence of any RF. After diagnosis of complex malformations we had 15% of termination of pregnancies, 37% of the newborns are alive and in good health. CONCLUSIONS: The first RF is the family history of CHD, but a correct first level fetal 2-D echocardiography is necessary because a very high percentage of complex malformations is seen in infant whose mother did not have any RF. Ninety percent of cardiac malformations where seen in a 4 chamber view, and it is of the utmost importance also for a correct diagnosis of minor cardiomyopathies where we did not find a predominant RF.
Adult↗
Prevalence of oesophagitis in patients with persistent upper respiratory symptoms.
A growing body of evidence suggests that a variety of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) are associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of endoscopic erosive, and non-erosive, oesophagitis among patients complaining of persistent URS, in the absence of typical GORD symptoms, and to compare them with a comparison group of similar age. A group of 110 patients aged 18-75, presenting with persistent URS with no suspicion of GORD symptoms, underwent upper flexible endoscopy, with biopsy sampling for histology, and was compared with a group of 117 patients of similar age undergoing endoscopy for reasons other than GORD. Patients affected with upper airway disorders, such as posterior laryngitis, chronic sinusitis and vocal fold nodules, had a significantly higher prevalence of oesophagitis of varying degrees (31 per cent) compared to the comparison population (15.4 per cent) (p < 0.01). These data suggest that in many patients with chronic URS occult gastro-oesophageal diseases are present.
Adolescent↗
A prospective study evidencing rhinomanometric and olfactometric outcomes in women taking oral contraceptives.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in olfactory sensitivity of oral contraceptive (pill) users. METHODS: Sixty women underwent rhinomanometric and olfactometric determinations during the follicular, periovular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and at day 7, 14 and 21 of contraceptive intake. Thirty-one women used 30 microg ethinyl oestradiol plus 75 microg gestodene and 29 women used 20 microg ethinyl oestradiol plus 150 microg desogestrel. RESULTS: Rhinomanometry showed higher but not statistically significant values during the periovular phase than in the follicular and luteal phases. Olfactometry showed a higher sensitivity during the follicular and periovular phases than during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The rhinomanometric surveys in pill users were statistically different from those of the luteal phase (P < 0.02) and the follicular and periovular phases (P < 0.001). The olfactometric thresholds during the period of contraceptive use were statistically different from those of the follicular phase for a few odorous substances, and from those of the periovular phase for each odorous substance, but similar to those of the luteal phase (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the rhinomanometric airflow and trans-nasal pressure, the olfactory threshold to odours seems to depend on the variations of the ovarian steroids during the menstrual cycle and on the iatrogenic effects of oral contraceptives.
Adolescent↗
Rhinomanometric and olfactometric variations throughout the menstrual cycle.
A prospective study was performed to evaluate the rhinomanometric values and the changes in the olfactory threshold that occur in women throughout the menstrual cycle. The subjects were 60 healthy volunteer premenopausal women 18 to 40 years of age. We performed rhinomanometric and olfactometric measurements during the follicular, periovular, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Rhinomanometry showed a higher (not statistically significant) airflow during the periovular phase than during the follicular and luteal phases. Olfactometry showed a higher sensitivity during the follicular phase (p < .05) and the periovular phase (p < .001) than during the luteal phase. We conclude that airflow and transnasal pressure during spontaneous respiration, as well as the olfactory threshold to odors, seem to depend on the variations of the ovarian steroids that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Adolescent↗
Prophylaxis with the novel immunomodulator pidotimod reduces the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infections in children with Down's syndrome.
Down's syndrome (DS) is associated with several defects of both specific and non-specific immunity which may explain the enhanced susceptibility of DS subjects to viral and bacterial infections. In this study we have evaluated the effects of the new synthetic immunomodulator pidotimod in recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract in a group of children with DS. It was an open trial vs untreated control, the pidotimod-treated group consisted of 14 subjects and the control group of 12. Pidotimod was administered at the dose of one 400 mg oral bottle/day for 90 days. There was a significant reduction in the frequency, severity and duration of infectious episodes in the pidotimod-treated group vs the untreated control group. The beneficial effects of pidotimod were also confirmed by a series of recordings made over the 90-day treatment period which showed a significant reduction in the number of days of fever, severity of the signs and symptoms of the acute episodes and use of antibiotics and antipyretic drugs. Pidotimod was well tolerated and no clinical, hematological or biochemical side-effects were noted.
Adolescent↗
Mechanisms in progestin antagonism of pituitary tumorigenesis.
Chronic exposure of F344 rats to diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces pituitary tumors (DES-T) composed of proliferating lactotrophs. Presently, we studied the effect of progestins on parameters related to tumor growth and function, due to previous evidences of progesterone antagonism of pituitary tumorigenesis acting at pituitary and hypothalamic levels [Piroli, G., Grillo, C., Ferrini, M., Lux-Lantos, V. and De Nicola, A. F., Antagonism by progesterone of diethylstilbestrol-induced pituitary tumorigenesis in Fischer 344 rats: Effects on sex steroid receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, Neuroendocrinology, 1996, 63, 530-539]. In search of a quantitatively more important effect, animals bearing DES-T were treated with synthetic progestins. Competition assays using DES-T as source of progestin receptors indicated that levonorgestrel (LNG), gestodene and R5020 showed higher affinities (IC50 1-2 nM) than progesterone, norethisterone and medroxyprogesterone (IC50 10-25 nM). Treatment with LNG reduced DES-T weight by 45%, and serum PRL by one half. Small (monomeric) and big (polymeric) PRL increased 5- and 2.5-fold, respectively, in DES-T in comparison with pituitaries of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. However, LNG produced no changes indicating that synthesis and storage of PRL was conserved in rats receiving both hormonal treatments. DES induced a 15-fold increase in cell proliferation, measured as bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into cell nuclei, in comparison to OVX rats, while LNG treatment of DES-T bearing rats reduced this index by 72%. Electron microscopic images showed that LNG markedly reduced hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lactotropes, increasing the proportions of degenerating cells and cells of high electronic density with alterations of cytoplasmic organelles. However, histopathological signs of apoptosis were absent. Therefore, reduced cell proliferation and non-apoptotic cell death are part of the mechanisms employed by progestins to antagonize tumorigenesis at the pituitary level. The results may open a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of PRL secreting adenoma in humans.
Animals↗
Aldosterone up-regulates mRNA for the alpha3 and beta1 isoforms of (Na,K)-ATPase in several brain regions from adrenalectomized rats.
In physiological doses, mineralocorticoids (MC) normalize the high salt intake developed after adrenalectomy. We have studied whether this effect of MC is accompanied by changes in the mRNA of neuronal alpha3 and beta1 subunits of the (Na,K)-ATPase because this enzyme could by a mediator of MC action in target cells. We employed [35S]oligonucleotide probes for the mentioned subunits hybridized to brain sections from adrenalectomized rats and adrenalectomized rats receiving aldosterone (ALDO) during 4 days. Using t-test statistics to measure differences in mean levels of grain density, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov non-parametric test applied to frequency histograms, we showed that ALDO increased the alpha3 subunit mRNA in the septum medialis, preoptic area medialis, caudate-putamen, periventricular gray substance, amygdala lateralis, hippocampal subfields CA1 to CA4 and the gyrus dentatus. Significant increases for the beta1 subunit mRNA were found in periventricular gray substance, the CA1-CA4 hippocampal subfields and gyrus dentatus. Therefore, the salt-suppression effect of MC was accompanied by coordinate increases in (Na,K)-ATPase alpha3 and beta1 subunit mRNA in the hippocampus, gyrus dentatus and periventricular gray substance, whereas in other regions the stimulatory effect was exclusive of the alpha3 subunit mRNA only. The results suggest that the enzyme could be a target of ALDO action not only in areas related to salt appetite control (amygdala, preoptic area) but also in brain regions subserving other functions of the MC.
Adrenal Glands↗
Nonenzymatically glycated albumin (Amadori adducts) enhances nitric oxide synthase activity and gene expression in endothelial cells.
Hyperglycemia is considered to induce diabetic nephropathy through nonenzymatic glycation of proteins. Since hyperfiltration is likely to be the mechanism initiating the glomerular lesions, we investigated the effects of Amadori glucose adducts in serum albumin on the production of vasoactive mediators, including nitric oxide (NO) and eicosanoids, by endothelial cells (EC). Amadori adducts of glycated albumin induced a dose-response increase in NO synthase activity of murine endothelioma cells, up to 16.4 +/- 2.1-fold increase of basal values (P < 0.0001) at concentrations of 35 mg/ml mimicking physiological serum albumin concentration, and 4.6 +/- 0.8-fold increase at 17 mg/ml (P < 0.001). The effect was still detectable with glycated albumin 1.7 mg/ml, which approaches its estimated concentration in diabetic serum (1.6 +/- 0.3-fold increase, P < 0.05) The phenomenon was reproducible in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, though to a lesser extent, and further studies on murine EC were employed. The mRNA encoding for inducible NO synthase was overexpressed in EC incubated with Amadori adducts of glycated albumin in comparison to native albumin. Glycated albumin induced increased mRNA expression and synthesis of TNF-alpha. The stimulatory effect induced by glycated albumin on NO synthase activity was almost completely inhibited by anti TNF alpha antibodies. 3H-thymidine incorporation by EC was significantly inhibited when cells were grown in presence of glycated albumin (P < 0.001), and the phenomenon was abolished by the coincubation of the NO competitive inhibitor L-NAME. The early glycosylation products increased thromboxane production (P < 0.001), while prostaglandin E2 synthesis was unaffected. These data indicate that Amadori products of glycated albumin modulate NO synthase activity and eicosanoid balance in EC. These effects may be relevant to the hemodynamic changes in the early phases of diabetic nephropathy and in the lasting progression to sclerosis.
Albumins↗
Dexamethasone up-regulates mRNA for Na+,K(+)-ATPase in some spinal cord neurones after cord transection.
We have studied the effects of spinal cord transection and of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on mRNA biosynthesis of the Na+, K(+)-ATPase, a key enzyme necessary for neurotransmission, membrane repolarization and nutrient uptake in the CNS. In situ hybridization analysis revealed a significant reduction in mRNA for the alpha 3 catalytic subunit of the enzyme in medium and large size ventral horn neurones (1000-2300 microns2) but not in small cells (1000 microns2) 24 h after spinal cord transection. DEX treatment significantly reversed the transection effect in medium and large size neurones. It is suggested that up-regulation of mRNA expression for Na+,K(+)-ATPase may constitute an important mechanism by which glucocorticoids help to re-establish neuronal function after spinal cord injury.
Animals↗
End-stage renal failure from renal amyloidosis of the AA type associated with giant lymph node hyperplasia (Castleman's disease).
A case of end-stage renal failure caused by renal amyloidosis of the AA type is reported. No chronic disease responsible for the deposition of reactive amyloid was detected until giant lymph node hyperplasia of the angiofollicular type was identified in a mediastinal mass. Amyloid was found within the tumour mass and was characterized by immunochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to be of the AA type. Castleman's disease should be added to the list of chronic diseases endangering renal function by inducing the production and tissue deposition of secondary (AA) amyloid.
Adult↗
Glucocorticoid regulation of mRNA encoding (Na+K) ATPase alpha 3 and beta 1 subunits in rat brain measured by in situ hybridization.
The effect of glucocorticoids on (Na+K)ATPase mRNA synthesis was studied in 19 brain areas of adrenalectomized (ADX) rats untreated or receiving dexamethasone (DEX). For in situ hybridization, we employed a [35S]oligonucleotide probe for the alpha 3-subunit isoform, and a [3H]cDNA coding for the beta 1-subunit of the enzyme. Mean levels of grain density for the alpha 3 subunit mRNA of DEX-treated rats were significantly higher by a 't' test in medial septum, amygdala lateralis (AL) and medialis (AME), gyrus dentatus, CA4 hippocampal area, substantia nigra and periventricular gray, compared to untreated rats. For the beta 1-subunit, mean levels after DEX were significantly higher in AL and lateral preoptic area. In addition, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test applied to frequency histograms of neuronal densities indicated a coordinate increase in alpha 3 and beta 1-subunit mRNA expression for the CA2 subfield and preoptic area medialis (POA MED). We conclude that (1) glucocorticoids are positive modulators of (Na+K)ATPase mRNA; (2) analysis of frequency histograms suggests that glucocorticoids promote in a few regions (AL, POA MED, CA2 subfield) a coordinate increase in the biosynthesis of the alpha 3 and beta 1-subunit mRNA. In 11 other areas stimulation occurs for one subunit mRNA only, whereas 5 areas were insensitive to glucocorticoid effects on this enzyme.
Adrenal Glands↗
Dexamethasone increases adrenalectomy-depressed Na+,K(+)-ATPase mRNA and ouabain binding in spinal cord ventral horn.
The Na+,K(+)-ATPase plays a key role in the regulation of ion fluxes and membrane repolarization in the CNS. We have studied glucocorticoid effects on biosynthesis of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and on ouabain binding in the ventral horn of the spinal cord using intact rats, adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, and ADX rats receiving dexamethasone (ADX+DEX) during 4 days. Cryostat sections from spinal cords were incubated with a 35S-oligonucleotide coding for the alpha 3-subunit or a 3H-cDNA coding for the beta 1-subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase using in situ hybridization techniques. In ventral horn motoneurons, grain density per cell and grain density per area of soma for both probes were slightly reduced in ADX rats but significantly increased in the ADX+DEX group, using ANOVA and the Bonferroni's test. Statistical analysis of frequency histograms of neuronal densities further indicated a significant shift to the right for intact rats compared with ADX rats for both probes. Concomitantly, [3H]ouabain binding to membrane preparations from ventral horns was reduced in ADX rats and restored to normal by DEX administration. No effect of adrenalectomy or DEX treatment was obtained in the dorsal horn. In conclusion, glucocorticoids positively modulate the mRNA for the alpha 3-subunit and the beta 1-subunit of the Na+,K(+)-ATPase and recover ouabain binding to normal values. The increments of the synthesis and activity of an enzyme affecting membrane repolarization and synaptic neurotransmission are consistent with the alleged stimulatory effect of glucocorticoids on spinal cord function.
Adrenalectomy↗
Restoration by bromocriptine of glucocorticoid receptors and glucocorticoid negative feedback on prolactin secretion in estrogen-induced pituitary tumors.
We previously reported a reduction of glucocorticoid receptors (GCR) in diethylstilbestrol-induced pituitary tumors (DES-T) in rats. Presently, we found that bromocriptine (BROM) treatment increased the levels of GCR in DES-T, demonstrated by steroid binding assays and immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against the type II GCR. We also found that the high content of nuclear estradiol receptors in the adenomata and the elevated levels of PRL in serum of DES-T were significantly reduced after BROM treatment. In parallel studies, PRL secretion was measured after administration of ether stress. In controls, serum PRL markedly increased after ether and this effect was blunted by prior dexamethasone (DEX) administration, due to the steroid negative feedback on PRL secretion. In animals with DES-T, ether stress had no effect on serum PRL, and the inhibition by DEX was lost unless they received BROM, which restored the negative feedback of DEX on serum PRL. Although increases of PRL titers in pituitary tumors may be due to estrogenic stimulation of lactotroph proliferation and function, coupled to absent dopaminergic inhibition on these cells, other mechanisms are possible. In this respect, inefficient steroid negative feedback on PRL synthesis due to down-regulation of GCR may contribute to hyperprolactinemia. This mechanism is supported from the restoration of GCR and steroid negative feedback on serum PRL by treatment of tumor-bearing rats with BROM.
Animals↗
Glomerulonephritis among other causes of referral of elderly patients to a renal division. A 20 years' experience.
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Aged↗
Interstitial leucocyte infiltration in primary glomerulonephritis: extent and composition analysis.
In the interstitial cell infiltrates associated with primary glomerulonephritis, approximately the same cellular composition has been found, T cells being predominant, monocytes fewer, and B cells least. Cell composition did not seem to be related to the cell density; the lowest percentages of monocytes have been observed with either very high (FSGS) or very low (MGN) cell densities; and the highest percentages of T cells, with either the highest (FSGS) or the lowest (MGN) cell densities. On the other hand, some relationship seemed to exist with the cell distribution in the interstitium. The cell composition was nearly the same in diffuse and disseminated patterns, but was markedly different in nodular (focal) cell infiltrates; T cells were always in first place, but B cells instead of monocytes were in second place. Furthermore, IL2-receptor-presenting cells have been more often observed in nodular (focal) than in both diffuse and disseminated patterns, and more markedly in nonjuxtaglomerular than in juxtaglomerular noduli (foci). In conclusion, cell composition of interstitial infiltrates seems to reflect a cell-mediated immune reaction, leading to all interstitial cell infiltrates associated with primary glomerulonephritis. It is conceivable that the nodular (focal) pattern of distribution might correspond to a discrete mechanism and have a different meaning.
Adult↗
Photon emission from normal and tumor human tissues.
Photon emission in the visible and near ultraviolet range by samples of human tissue removed during surgery has been measured by means of a low noise photomultiplier coupled to a data acquisition system. The results show that among the 25 analyzed samples the 9 from normal tissues had an emission rate of the order of some tens of photons/cm2 min, while most of the 16 tumor tissue samples had a very much higher rate.
Humans↗
Transformation and nuclear translocation of brain type L corticosteroid receptors complexed with the mineralocorticoid antagonist ZK 91587, aldosterone or dexamethasone.
Type I corticosteroid receptors were determined in cytosol from hippocampus (HIPPO) and amygdala (AMYG), using [3H]aldosterone (ALDO), [3H]dexamethasone (DEX) or the mineralocorticoid antagonist [3H]ZK 91587 as ligands. Incubations with the first two compounds also contained the pure glucocorticoid RU 28362 to block type II receptors. Binding of the three ligands was comparable in cytosol from HIPPO and it was slightly higher for [3H]DEX in AMYG. However, after heat-induced receptor transformation, binding to DNA-cellulose was observed for [3H]ALDO-receptor complex obtained from HIPPO or AMYG, whereas it was negligible for [3H]ZK 91587. Receptors charged with [3H]DEX or [3H]ALDO showed similar retention on DNA-cellulose columns in the case of the AMYG, while binding to the polynucleotide was higher for [3H]ALDO in the HIPPO. Finally, only [3H]ALDO was taken up to a significant extent in purified cell nuclei prepared from slices of HIPPO and AMYG previously incubated with the three ligands. It is concluded that binding of a natural agonist steroid may be a prerequisite for type I receptor transformation and translocation from the cytoplasm into the nuclear fraction. DEX binding to type I receptors resembles a partial agonist with antagonist properties, whereas antagonists such as ZK 91587 are bound and retained in cytoplasm, without further translocation.
Aldosterone↗