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Biomedical subjects

C Orlando

Publications and source records attributed to C Orlando.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Immunologically reactive albumin-like protein in human testis and seminal plasma.

An immunologically reactive albumin-like protein (albumin) was localized, by an immunostaining technique, in the testis of infertile men (normal spermatogenesis, obstructive azoospermia) at the level of the Sertoli cells and in some cells of the germinal epithelium (secondary spermatocytes and early spermatids). No positive reaction was detectable in prepubertal testis. In vasectomized men, mean seminal albumin values were drastically reduced (by about 80%) in comparison to fertile controls, indicating a probable testicular origin. Mean seminal albumin values were also decreased in patients affected by azoospermia due to a seminiferous tubular lesion (about 40%) and in oligozoospermic patients (about 30%). In the same seminal samples transferrin, an index of Sertoli cell function, was also measured. Albumin and transferrin results were well correlated in the seminal plasma of each group (with the exception of vasectomized subjects), including a group of men with abnormally high concentrations of seminal transferrin. A weak correlation was found between seminal albumin and sperm count. We suggest that the presence of albumin in the human adult testis and in seminal plasma could be related to its ability to transport androgens.

Albumins↗
PubMed1988

Effect of different doses of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) on nicotinic acid-induced hyperbilirubinaemia in Gilbert's syndrome.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) has been shown to increase hepatocyte membrane fluidity thereby relieving signs of oestrogen-induced cholestasis. S-adenosyl-L-methionine might therefore prove effective in improving the efficiency of the transport of organic anions such as nicotinic acid (NA) and bilirubin which is impaired in Gilbert's syndrome (GS). In this study the effects on the metabolization rate of NA and bilirubin of two dosages of SAMe were evaluated in respect to placebo in ten male inpatients (mean age 24 years, range 16-31) with GS. Each patient received both SAMe (800 and 200 mg/day, respectively) and placebo treatment i.v. over a period of 10 days. The NA test (5.9 mumol/kg b.w. i.v.) was carried out in the same volunteers after each treatment. Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) levels were significantly lower (p less than 0.01) after 800 mg/day SAMe than after placebo while the lower dosage of SAMe did not affect UCB values. The bilirubin time curve concentration, expressed as area under the curve (AUC), was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) after 800 mg SAMe in comparison with the values obtained after placebo and 200 mg SAMe. Also plasma NA half-life was significantly reduced (p less than 0.01) by the higher dose of SAMe in respect to placebo and not by the lower dose.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Effect of nicotinic acid administration on serum levels of bilirubin and iron in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda.

Nicotinic acid (NA) administration in Gilbert's syndrome (GS) patients promotes an increment of bilirubin and of total iron serum levels, dependent on a defective hepatic bilitranslocase function and on a haemolytic effect of NA. In porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT): (1) the effect of nicotinic acid on bilirubinaemia is superimposable to that in controls; (2) a well documented disturbance of iron metabolism occurs; (3) but relationship between bilirubin and iron under NA load has never been investigated. The administration of 5.9 mumol/kg body weight of NA to 12 PCT patients, 10 GS subjects and nine healthy volunteers of comparable age resulted in: (1) normal behaviour of bilirubin parameters in PCT but higher bilirubinaemic values in GS subjects; (2) normal values of serum iron in GS subjects, but higher baseline values and lower sideraemic effect of nicotinic acid in PCT patients; (3) a normal NA half-life in PCT and enhanced in GS subjects. These findings confirm a defective bilirubin uptake and excretion by the liver of GS subjects with a normal iron metabolism. On the contrary, in our PCT patients a normal clearance of bilirubin occurs, but a complex disturbance of iron metabolism is well evident in baseline conditions as well as after NA administration. The latter being probably the consequence of an enhanced excretion of iron extraproduced by the haemolytic effect of NA.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Simultaneous measurement of seminal L-carnitine, alpha,1-4-glucosidase, and glycerylphosphorylcholine in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients.

L-carnitine, alpha,1-4-glucosidase, and glycerylphosphorylcholine were measured in seminal plasma of a selected group of azoospermic men and in an unselected group of oligozoospermic men. In vasectomized subjects the epididymal indices (mean +/- standard error: L-carnitine, 276.9 +/- 27.5 nmol/ejaculate; alpha-glucosidase, 1.2 +/- 0.1 U/ejaculate; and glycerylphosphorylcholine, 1.5 +/- 0.2 mumol/ejaculate) were always below the normal range of fertile subjects (1757.4 +/- 76.7 nmol/ejaculate; 16.4 +/- 0.9 U/ejaculate; and 17.3 +/- 0.7 mumol/ejaculate, respectively). On the contrary in a large number of patients affected by azoospermia because of seminiferous tubular damage (750.4 +/- 83.6 nmol/ejaculate; 6.8 +/- 0.9 U/ejaculate; and 6.1 +/- 0.6 mumol/ejaculate; respectively) and in a few oligozoospermic subjects (1193.7 +/- 72.3 nmol/ejaculate; 10.3 +/- 0.7 U/ejaculate; and 10.8 +/- 0.7 mumol/ejaculate; respectively) the epididymal indices were found in the range of vasectomized subjects, showing an association between seminiferous tubular lesion and epididymal dysfunction. In conclusion, in spite of the low levels of epididymal indices found in patients with obstructive azoospermia, the presence of a large number of subjects with seminiferous tubular lesions without obstruction with similar low values of L-carnitine, alpha-glucosidase, and glycerylphosphorylcholine reduces the usefulness of these indices in differential diagnosis of azoospermia.

Carnitine↗
PubMed1987

Transferrin and somatomedin C receptors in the human ovarian follicles.

Transferrin and somatomedin C receptors (TFr and SMCr) were studied in human ovaries by immunostaining using monoclonal antisera. The oocyte of evoluting follicles was intensely positive for both types of receptors, but this positivity decreases in large follicles. An evident positivity for both TFr and SMCr was shown in granulosa cells of evoluting follicles. However, not all of these cells were equally immunoreactive. An intense positivity was present in the developing thecal cells of early cavitary follicles as well as in thecal cells of follicles of medium and large size (greater than 6 mm) and in some cells of involuting follicles in initial atresia. These results seem to demonstrate that TFr and SMCr are present in different cellular components of the human developing and early involuting follicles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Immunoassayable somatomedin C in seminal plasma of azoospermic men.

Somatomedin C is a Sertoli cell peptide and since measurements of other Sertoli cell products in semen have provided a useful indices of testicular function, it was considered pertinent to measure the semen levels of Somatomedin C. Somatomedin C was measured by RIA in seminal plasma of vasectomized subjects (n = 18), subjects with agenesis of the seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia (n = 6) and subjects with azoospermia resulting from seminiferous tubule damage without obstruction (n = 23). Normal fertile subjects (24 men with a sperm concentration greater than 20 X 10(6)/ml) were used as controls. In all subjects, seminal levels of transferrin were also measured as an index of Sertoli cell function. The majority of seminal Somatomedin C appears to derive from the testis and/or epididymis. However, in several normal controls seminal levels of Somatomedin C (median = 3.52; range = 1.10-15.67 U/ejaculate) were found to be within the range for vasectomized subjects (median = 0.78; range = 0.46-4.20 U/ejaculate). In subjects with azoospermia the seminal levels of Somatomedin C (median = 2.06; range = 0.60-10.12 U/ejaculate) were significantly lower (P less than 0.02) than in fertile controls. However, values for these two groups overlapped. It is concluded that Somatomedin C in semen is not a reliable index of seminiferous tubule function and does not appear to be of diagnostic value in male infertility.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Immunostaining of transferrin and transferrin receptor in human seminiferous tubules.

Transferrin (TF) and transferrin receptor (TFr) were studied in human testicular biopsy specimens with the use of immunostaining techniques. A polyclonal antibody to human TF (obtained in goat), a murine monoclonal antibody (B3/25) to human TFr, and antisera antigoat IgG and antimouse IgG, both labeled with peroxidase, were used. In seminiferous tubules of subjects with normal spermatogenesis, TF was found mainly in Sertoli cells and, in lesser amounts (probably related to the presence of receptor-TF complexes), in spermatocytes and early spermatids. TFrs were found only in spermatocytes and early spermatids. In patients with spermatogenetic disorders, TF was always found in Sertoli cells, whereas TFrs were found in spermatocytes only when they were present. These results seem to demonstrate that in human seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cells are devoted to the production and/or storage of TF, whereas spermatocytes and early spermatids use TF.

Cytoplasm↗
PubMed1986

Measurement of transferrin in human seminal plasma by a chemiluminescent method.

We describe a luminescence immunoassay for measuring transferrin in human seminal plasma. Human transferrin conjugated with 7-[(N-4-aminobutyl)-N-ethylamino]naphthalene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid hydrazide was used to monitor the immunological reaction. The conjugate was stable for at least one year. The sensitivity (2 ng per tube) of the assay allows measurement of this protein in diluted seminal plasma. Results by this method (y) correlated well (r = .9681) with those by a conventional RIA method (x): y = 1.000x + 1.646 micrograms per ejaculate. Seminal transferrin concentrations are reported for normal control subjects, vasectomized subjects, and infertile patients. The method described appears suitable for measurement of seminal transferrin as an index of Sertoli cell function in male infertility.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Dose dependence of nicotinic acid-induced hyperbilirubinemia and its dissociation from hemolysis in Gilbert's syndrome.

The serum increments in unconjugated bilirubin and total iron were determined after intravenous administration of 5.90 mumol/kg body weight of nicotinic acid (NA) in 26 patients with Gilbert's syndrome (GS), seven patients with hemolytic anemia, and 13 healthy volunteers. The hyperbilirubinemic response, expressed as the area under time concentration curve of unconjugated bilirubin (AUCBR, milligrams per deciliter per 240 minutes) was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) in patients with GS than in controls and patients with hemolytic anemia, in whom no difference was observed. In contrast, comparable values of the hypersideremic effect (AUCFe, milligrams per deciliter per 240 minutes) were noticed among the three groups. In seven consecutive patients with GS, seven with hemolytic anemia, and four healthy volunteers, AUCBR, AUCFe, and the NA plasma half-life of the first fast slope of the curve were determined at three different doses of the drug (1.18, 2.95, and 5.90 mumol NA per kilogram body weight). A significant, dose-dependent increase in AUCBR was present in patients with GS, whereas it remained constant both in controls and in patients with hemolytic anemia. The NA plasma half-life was also significantly prolonged in GS with each of the three doses, but remained unchanged in the other two groups. In patients with GS, a linear correlation (r = 0.891, P less than 0.001) was present between AUCBR and NA plasma half-life. In contrast, the AUCFe value remained constant at the different doses used in the three groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Ceruloplasmin and transferrin in human seminal plasma: are they an index of seminiferous tubular function?

Transferrin and ceruloplasmin have been measured by a solid-phase chemiluminescent method in seminal fluid and circulating blood of normal and vasectomized subjects (1 year after operation). This study has confirmed that approximately 80% of seminal transferrin comes from the testis, while seminal ceruloplasmin was not found different in the two groups. In patients affected by azoospermia due to seminiferous tubular damage (n = 15) in whom an obstruction was previously excluded, seminal transferrin was always below the normal range. On the contrary, seminal ceruloplasmin was always in the normal range, and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone was found above the normal range only in nine cases. No correlation was found between seminal transferrin and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone in such groups. In an unselected group of infertile patients with decreased sperm concentration and/or sperm motility, seminal transferrin was found correlated with the sperm count. These studies seem to suggest that seminal transferrin is a reliable index of seminiferous tubular function.

Ceruloplasmin↗
PubMed1985

Psychiatric practice in Umbria: research and transformation processes in the light of juridical-prescriptive events.

The present paper provides a synthetic account of the process of renewal and transformation of psychiatric care in Umbria, and, more specifically, in Perugia, in the last two decades. In the first part we attempt to show that the significance assigned to the normative aspect in the framework of psychiatric care in Italy has been excessive, particularly in the last few years. In the second, we try to give an account of the psychiatric work done in Umbria. We deal first with the period preceding the passing of Law no. 180 by the Italian Parliament; then we discuss the relationship between the new law and the processes in action; finally, we consider more recent problems concerning the attempts to promote a psychiatric counter-reformation and the theory and practice of our work.

Community Mental Health Services↗
PubMed1982

ATP and ADP content of human ejaculated spermatozoa. I. Relationship with semen physical parameters in normal donors and oligozoospermic patients.

ATP and ADP were measured by a bioluminescent method in human ejaculated spermatozoa from 31 normal donors and oligozoospermic patients. ATP and ADP expressed for the sperm total number were significantly correlated (P less than 0.001). ATP snd ADP levels were found significantly correlated with the total motile spermatozoa and with the total viable cells (respectively P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001 for ATP and P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001 for ADP). ATP/ADP ratio was found significantly lower in subjects with sperm motility less than 50% (P = 0.024) and total viable cells less than 80% (P = 0.026).

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1982

ATP and ADP content of human ejaculated spermatozoa. II. Time-dependent changes after ejaculation.

ATP and ADP content of ejaculated spermatozoa of 7 donors were measured by a bioluminescent method within 24 h. The semen samples were kept at room temperature and at prefixed time were tested for motility and viability and extracted for ATP and ADP measurement. ATP pattern in relation to the time was studied with a mathematical model and the resulting curve showed a very high significance (P less than 0.001). ADP decrease with time was not significant and was variable among our subjects. The relationship between ATP decrease (%) and the decrease (%) of viability and motility was not linear, and till now no mathematical model has been found to express this phenomenon.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗