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Biomedical subjects

C Lunardi

Publications and source records attributed to C Lunardi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Nedocromil sodium is effective in the treatment of mild and moderate allergic asthma caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus].

We have evaluated the efficacy of nedocromil sodium in 38 patients (18 males and 20 females, mean age 37.2 yrs) suffering from mild or moderate allergic asthma due to Dermatophagoides pteronissinus. Nedocromil sodium was given twice a day at the dosage of 4 mg each time for two months. On a daily diary card patients had to record the severity and the number of asthmatic attacks, the usage of bronchodilators and the values of peak respiratory flow measured in 1/min in the morning and at night. The improvement of the parameters considered was statistically significant, and no side effects have been observed. Nedocromil sodium is therefore an efficacious and safe drug in the treatment of mild and moderate asthma induced by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Efficacy of topical azelastine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis caused by Parietaria officinalis].

We have evaluated the efficacy of azelastine, a new long acting antihistamine, in the topic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis to Parietaria officinalis. Forty five patients have been considered, 20 males and 25 females, mean age 28.5 years, suffering from seasonal rhinitis to Parietaria officinalis for at least 4 years. Azelastine was administered twice a day for 4 weeks in the pollen season. On a daily diary-card, patients had to record the severity of the symptoms considered: runny nose, sneeze, itching nose, nasal obstruction, following an arbitrary score from 0 to 3. At the end of the study, patients obtained a significant improvement of the symptoms considered without the addition of any other topical or systemic therapy. No side effects have been reported. Therefore azelastine is an effective drug in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis to Parietaria officinalis.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1998

[Topical cyclosporine in the treatment of oral pemphigus].

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus vulgaris presents the typical blistering lesions at the level of oral mucosa in nearly all patients. The main drugs used in the treatment of the disease are steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Among the latter, cyclosporine A plays a pivotal role. METHODS: In this study the effects of topical cyclosporine have been evaluated in 12 patients (4 males and 8 females, mean age 65 years) suffering from oral pemphigus for at least 4 years non responsive to the previous treatments. Five ml of oral suspension (500 mg) were divided into three times a day; cyclosporine had to be kept in the oral cavity for 15 mins and no food nor drinks were allowed for 30 mins before and after the oral wash. The treatment lasted for 2 months. RESULTS: At the end of the study a significant beneficial effect on erythema, oral lesions and pain was noticed. No side effects have been reported and the monitoring of full blood count, of renal and hepatic function and of blood pressure has not shown any variation from the baseline. Serum cyclosporine level has always been undetectable. CONCLUSIONS: These encouraging results in the treatment of oral pemphigus need to be confirmed in controlled studies.

Cyclosporine↗
PubMed1998

[Efficacy of nedocromil sodium in perennial allergic conjunctivitis].

We have evaluated the efficacy of nedocromil sodium 2% eye drops in 35 patients (18 males and 17 females, mean age 32.8 yrs) suffering from perennial allergic conjunctivitis due to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus diagnosed on the basis of anamnesis, Skin Prick Test and RAST. Patients were treated for 8 weeks with nedocromil sodium one drop each eye, four times daily and had to report the severity of the symptoms considered (photophobia, lacrimation, hyperaemia and itching) on a daily card. During the study no other medication was allowed. After 4 weeks symptoms were statistically improved and this beneficial effect increased at the end of the treatment. No side effects were reported. Nedocromil sodium eye drops is therefore a useful treatment in perennial allergic conjunctivitis due to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hereditary hemochromatosis: generation of a transcription map within a refined and extended map of the HLA class I region.

Hereditary hemochromatosis, a common severe inherited disease, maps to the short arm of chromosome 6 close to the HLA-A locus. Recently, linkage data on Italian and French populations confirmed this location, while a similar analysis on Australian and British populations located the gene closer to D6S105, a marker residing telomeric of HLA-A. To increase our knowledge on the region of highest linkage disequilibrium in our population and possibly to identify the disease gene, a 1.2-Mb detailed physical and transcription map was generated, spanning the HLA class I region. Thirty-eight unique cDNA fragments, retrieved following the hybridization of immobilized YACs to primary pools of cDNAs prepared from RNA of fetal brain, adult brain, liver, placenta, and the CaCo2 cell line, were characterized. All cDNA fragments were positioned in a refined and extended map of the human major histocompatibility complex spanning from HLA-E to approximately 500 kb telomeric of HLA-F. The localization of known genes was refined, and a new gene from the RNA helicase superfamily was identified. Overall, 14 transcription units in addition to the HLA genes have been detected and integrated in the map. Thirteen cDNA fragments show no similarity with known sequences and could be candidates for the disease. Their characterization and assessment for involvement in hemochromatosis are still under investigation. Seven new polymorphisms, some tightly linked to the disease, were also identified and localized.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Identification of three novel mutations in the PIG-A gene in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) patients.

Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired haemolytic disorder caused by the absence of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored surface proteins resulting from a defect in one step of GPI-anchor biosynthesis. Recent analysis has shown that mutations at the PIG-A (phosphatidylinositoglycan-class A) gene are responsible for GPI-anchor deficiency in all PNH patients. In the current study, we describe three new mutations of the PIG-A gene in Italian patients with PNH. The analysis has been performed by RNA/single-strand conformation polymorphism using genomic DNA purified from nucleated peripheral blood cells. An abnormal pattern of migration of polymerase chain reaction amplified fragments containing exons 2 and 5 was observed. Sequencing analysis led to the identification of three mutations: a transversion C-to-A creating a stop codon (Y98X), an A insertion at position 460 (460insA), and a C deletion (1114delC). All the mutations cause a premature termination of the translation of the PIG-A protein.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1996

[Oral immunotherapy in oculorhinitis from Gramineae].

We have evaluated the efficacy of oral immunotherapy in 34 patients affected by seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen. Diagnosis was performed on the basis of medical history, Skin Prick Test and Rast and the mean duration of the disease was 6 years. The treatment started in November and consisted of increasing daily doses of allergen; when the maximum dose was reached, it was continued twice a week till April. After two years of treatment we observed a statistically significant reduction in the severity of the symptoms considered and in the amount of oral antihistamines taken during the pollen season. The treatment was well tolerated and patients did not experienced any adverse effect. We therefore conclude that oral immunotherapy is a valid alternative to traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to grass pollen.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

[Nedocromil sodium nasal spray in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis].

We have evaluated the efficacy of nedocromil sodium 1% nasal spray in 29 patients (14 males and 15 females, mean age 23 years) who had been suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis due to Parietaria for at least three years. Diagnosis was based on medical history, skin prick test and RAST. Nedocromil sodium was given for 4 weeks in May, at the dosage of 4 mg, 4 times a day in each nostril. On a daily diary card patients had to record both the severity of symptoms following an arbitrary score from 0 to 3 and the possible presence of side effects. After 4 weeks of treatment patients obtained a statistically significant improvement of the symptoms considered (p < 0.001). No side effects have been reported and no other drugs have been necessary to control the symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Nedocromil sodium as a topical treatment of allergic conjunctivitis due to grasses].

Thirty-two patients (20 males and 12 females, mean age 31 ys) with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis to grass pollen, were selected for this study. Nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution was given at the dosage of 1 drop four times a day for four weeks during the month of June. On a daily diary card each patient had to report the severity of the symptoms: itchy eyes, lacrimation, red eyes and photophobia, following an arbitrary score from 0 to 3 (0 = no symptom, 1 = mild, 2 = medium, 3 = severe). After four weeks of treatment we observed a statistically significant improvement of the symptoms considered. Patients did not take other medications and did not report any side effects. Nedocromil sodium is therefore a valid alternative in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis to grass pollen.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1996

[Efficacy of levocabastine in perennial rhinitis].

We have evaluated the efficacy of topical levocabastine in 42 patients (20 males and 22 females; mean age 37.5 yrs.) affected by perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Diagnosis was performed on the basis of clinical history, Skin Prick test and RAST. The study lasted for 90 days and nasal spray levocabastine was administered at the dose of 2 puff in each nostril twice a day. Patients had to record the severity of the symptoms considered (sneezing, nasal pruritus, nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea) on a diary card according to an arbitrary score from 0 to 3. At the end of the treatment patients experienced a significant improvement of their symptoms and no side effects were recorded. On the basis of our results levocabastine can be considered a useful drug in the treatment of allergic rhinitis due to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1996

[The effect of formoterol on light or moderate bronchial asthma due to allergy to Parietaria officinalis].

We have evaluated the effect of formoterol in 28 patients (20 males and 8 females, mean age 25.4 years) affected by mild or moderate bronchial asthma due to Parietaria allergy. Inhaled formoterol was given at the dosage of 24 mg twice a day for 10 weeks during the pollen season. Patients had to record daily the peak respiratory flow, the severity and the number of asthmatic attacks and the severity of cough. Moreover they had to report the use of additional bronchodilators and the possible side effects. The treatment with formoterol obtained in increase of PEF values from 254 +/- 6.1 to 329 +/- 6.1 l/min in the morning and from 237 +/- 7.1 to 365 +/- 7.1 l/min in the evening. A significant improvement on the number of asthmatic attacks and on the cough was also obtained. No side effects have been reported. Our results show the safety and the efficacy of formoterol in the treatment of mild or moderate bronchial asthma.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1995

New polymorphisms and markers in the HLA class I region: relevance to hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE).

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HFE) is an inherited disorder whose gene lies in the proximity of the histocompatibility antigen (HLA) class I region, on 6p21.3. Despite efforts in refining the HFE region, a number of informative DNA markers, linked to the disease locus and amenable to use in an assay based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is available. The gene content of this region is high, and the HFE gene has not so far been identified. We have used a strategy based on PCR protocols potentially able to detect both polymorphisms and expressed sequences. This approach has been applied to a 700-kb stretch (approximately) of DNA corresponding to the insert of a Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain yeast artificial chromosome (225 B1) of the possible candidate region. Five new polymorphisms have been detected among 20 specific fragments isolated. Four of them are tightly linked to the HFE locus. Because of the strong linkage disequilibrium with the disease demonstrated by these markers, they could represent starting points for the identification and characterization of the HFE gene. The remaining non-polymorphic fragments, being amplifiable and in most cases linked to NotI sites, may be useful starting points for the generation of a genomic contig of band 6p21.3 and for gene identification.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

CD4 T cells in the rheumatoid joint are oligoclonally activated and change during the course of disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nature of T cell receptor (TCR) utilisation by CD4 T cells in the rheumatoid joint. METHODS: Sequencing of the joining (NDJ) region of TCR beta chain mRNA isolated from synovial fluid CD4 T cells was performed in three patients in order to determine if oligoclonal expansion of particular sequences was present. Two patients were studied longitudinally to determine if these sequences changed over time. RESULTS: A number of dominant clonotypes were found within the TCR transcripts sequenced in each patient. In the two patients who were studied longitudinally, different dominant clonotypes were detected over time. No single clonotype was persistently dominant during the period of study. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of TCR usage showed multiple oligoclonally expanded CD4 T cells within the rheumatoid joint. The change in clonotypes within the joint over time suggests that different antigens may be able to elicit synovial inflammation during the course of rheumatoid disease.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1995

[Latex allergy].

In 1979 the first case of contact urticaria to rubber gloves was reported in a patient with a positive skin prick test to latex. The use of articles containing rubber is widespread and this can explain the increasing frequency of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex. The symptoms may be localized like contact urticaria or systemic like angioedema, generalized urticaria or anaphylactic shock. In this study we have considered 12 patients who presented clinical manifestations after direct contact with objects containing rubber. Three patients had eczema and pruritus after the use of household gloves, 4 subjects had lips and tongue oedema following the contact with rubber tube during a dental treatment, 5 patients suffered from urticaria and pruritus during the use of surgical gloves. Generalized angioedema was also present in 4 out of 12 patients. All the patients had positive Skin prick test and Rast to latex. Three out of 12 patients were atopic. Our study confirms the increasing frequency of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to latex. This phenomenon must be taken into account especially before surgery, since severe clinical manifestations such as anaphylactic shock may occur.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Effectiveness of oral immunotherapy in bronchial asthma caused by Dermatophagoides pternyssinus].

We have evaluated the efficacy of oral hyposensitivization in 14 patients suffering from bronchial asthma due to allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The allergen extract was taken in increasing doses and the maximum dose was maintained for the duration of the study (two years). Oral treatment was effective in reducing the number and severity of asthma attacks (p < 0.001) and in improving the respiratory peak flow (p < 0.001). No side effects were observed and all the patients concluded the study. Our results show the efficacy and safety of oral hyposensitization in the treatment of bronchial asthma due to allergy to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Oral therapy avoids the side effects of desensitizing injections which can be serious.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Cyclosporin in Behçet's disease: results in 16 patients after 24 months of therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of cyclosporin in Behçet's disease. Sixteen subjects (10 males and 6 females; mean age 25.2 years) affected by the complete type of Behçet's syndrome received 5 mg/kg/day of cyclosporin for 24 months. A marked improvement of the symptoms was observed after three months of therapy. Within 6 to 12 months of treatment 14 of the 16 patients obtained a complete clinical remission. Biochemical and immunological parameters were controlled periodically to evaluate the clinical response and the possible side-effects. Two patients dropped out of the study because of anaemia and renal dysfunction, which returned to normal when cyclosporin was withdrawn. Our results confirm the efficacy of cyclosporin in the treatment of Behçet's disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Lack of association of T cell receptor V beta 8 polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis in United Kingdom and Italian white patients.

OBJECTIVES: To study if the reported association of a BamH I 2kb RFLP of the T cell receptor V beta 8 gene with DR4+ rheumatoid arthritis patients is found in non-American white populations. METHODS: The frequency of this RFLP in two different populations was analysed. Eighty one northern Italians were studied for HLA-DR genotypes and V beta 8 polymorphism, and 29 DR4+ British white patients were studied for V beta 8 polymorphism. RESULTS: No association between the V beta 8 RFLP and DR4 was found with rheumatoid arthritis in both groups. CONCLUSION: The reported V beta 8-DR4 association is not generally applicable. The lack of association in our populations may be due to genetic differences, or to differences in factors which shaped the T cell repertoire.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗