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C Scorticati

Publications and source records attributed to C Scorticati.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Decreased oxidative stress in prehepatic portal hypertensive rat livers following the induction of diabetes.

1. Oxidative stress (OS) is a biological entity indicated as being responsible for several pathologies, including diabetes. Diabetes can also be associated with human cirrhosis. Portal hypertension (PH), a major syndrome in cirrhosis, produces hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation and hyperaemia. The present study was designed to investigate the occurrence of OS in prehepatic PH rat livers following the induction of diabetes. 2. Five groups of rats were used: control, sham operated, chronic diabetes (induced with a single dose of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg, i.p.), prehepatic PH and chronic diabetic plus prehepatic PH. The occurrence of OS was determined in liver homogenates by measuring hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). 3. Prehepatic PH produced a significant increase in hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence in the liver compared with control and sham-operated rats, whereas the liver in chronic diabetic rats showed no difference. However, chemiluminescence values decreased almost by 50% in the chronic diabetic plus prehepatic PH group. Concomitantly, the activities of the anti-oxidant enzymes in chronic diabetes, prehepatic PH and chronic diabetic plus prehepatic PH groups were decreased (P < 0.05 vs control and sham-operated groups). 4. Livers from the chronic diabetic group did not show any evidence of the occurrence of OS, whereas the prehepatic PH group showed the occurrence of OS. The association of PH and chronic diabetes resulted in a significant decrease in the occurrence of OS, which could be explained by an anti-oxidant response to an OS.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effects of aminoguanidine and meloxicam on nitric oxide and prostaglandin E production induced by lipopolysaccharide in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary of the rat.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into male rats activates genes that in turn induce many enzymes that participate in the animals' response to LPS. There is induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in many tissues. This induction could result from combination with cell surface LPS receptors that directly induce both genes, or the nitric oxide (NO) released as a result of iNOS induction could induce COX-2. METHODS: To distinguish between these two possibilities, specific inhibitors of iNOS and COX-2 activity, aminoguanidine (AG) and meloxicam (MLX), respectively, were injected either peripherally or intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), and their effect on NO and prostaglandin E (PGE) production induced by LPS in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) and anterior pituitary gland (AP) were determined. RESULTS: Peripheral injection of AG blocked iNOS-derived NO production in the AP but not in the MBH. When AG was injected i.c.v., iNOS-derived NO production in the MBH was blocked. MLX injected peripherally blocked COX-2-derived PGE(2) production in the MBH and AP, whereas AG injected peripherally or i.c.v. was ineffective. Since AG was only effective in blocking iNOS-derived NO production in the MBH when injected i.c.v., AG apparently does not effectively cross the blood brain barrier, whereas MLX injected peripherally inhibited PGE production, probably by inhibiting COX-2 activity in both the MBH and AP. AG was ineffective in preventing the increase in PGE derived from COX-2 in either the MBH or AP. CONCLUSION: LPS directly induces both enzymes, iNOS and COX-2, in the hypothalamus and AP.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Functional alterations in central nervous system of prehepatic portal hypertensive rats].

Prehepatic Portal Hypertension (PH) leads to morphologic changes in the rat Central Nervous System, including alterations of the blood brain barrier (BBB), and astrogliosis and angiogenesis in CA1 and CA4 hyppocampal fields. The present study investigates functional changes in portal hypertensive rats. Wistar Kyoto rats were used (240 g/bw) and allotted in two groups: GI (n = 8) portal hypertensive rats obtained through a regulated stenosis of the portal vein (Groszmann), and GII (n = 6), sham-operated rats. We have analyzed: BBB integrity with the Trypan Blue diffusion method (TB, Reynolds), protein concentration (PC) in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and plasma (Bradford method), electroencephalographic activity (EEG), cerebral edema expressed as brain water content (gravidimetric test), and behavior: Animex, righting reflex, pain reflex and Rotarod. TB was positive in GI in peripheral vascular areas in hippocampus, PC in CSF (ug/ml)(mean +/- SED) was GI: 40.6 +/- 6.8 and GII: 16.5 +/- 4.2 (p < 0.005), and the plasma levels were (mg/ml): GI: 108.8 +/- 7.6 and GII: 87.4 +/- 2 (NS). The EEG showed a higher power of the delta band in hypertensive rats (GI: 0.551 +/- 0.033 and GII: 0.342 +/- 0.031, p < 0.008), but water content was not different between GI and GII (water%/per/g/tissue) (GI: 79.21 +/- 0.2, GII: 78.95 +/- 0.18). These results, showing functional changes in the BBB and brain activity without behavioral alterations, suggest the development of a subclinic form of hepatic encephalopathy in our model of PH rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Does TNF-alpha contribute to liver disease physiopathology?].

The aim of the present paper is to establish the possible role of serum TNF in the pathophysiology of three experimental models of liver injury: paracetamol intoxication, cholestasis followed by paracetamol intoxication and cholestasis. We concluded that under our experimental conditions the serum TNF-alpha levels were not responsible for the inflammatory phenomena described in our previous paper as apoptosis.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1999

[Benzodiazepines metabolism in various models of experimental liver diseases].

The aim of the present paper is to establish possible disturbances in benzodiazepines glucuronidation in two experimental models of liver injury: paracetamol acute intoxication and cholestasis followed by paracetamol acute intoxication. We concluded that, despite the alterations observed in liver microsomal lipid profile, glucuronidation remained similar to controls in paracetamol intoxicated rats. On the contrary, cholestatic animals followed by paracetamol intoxication showed an increment in the glucuronidation of the utilized substrated.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1998

Prostanoid production in endothelial and Kupffer liver cells from monocrotaline intoxicated rats.

UNLABELLED: A single dose of monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, was injected into rats in order to produce 25 (Group I) and 45 (Group II) days later a progressive and so called delayed liver injury. The present study investigated the prostanoid production of Kupffer cells and endothelial cells separated from Monocrotaline and saline (Group III) injected rat livers. Kupffer cells: formation of 6 keto Prostaglandin F1 alpha, the major prostacycline metabolite, gradually decreased in Groups I vs II (P < 0.01) and in both Groups I and II vs Controls (P < 0.01). In addition Prostaglandin F2 alpha showed a significant increase in Groups I and II when compared to Group III, (P < 0.001), and Thromboxane B2 was present in both Groups of Monocrotaline treated animals, while it was not detectable in the control Group III. Endothelial cells: 6 keto Prostaglandin F1 alpha decreased in Groups 1 vs II. This differences was significant when compared, and compared to controls (Group III, P < 0.001). Prostaglandin E2 was detected only in Groups I and II. Prostaglandin F2 alpha and Thromboxane B2 could not be detected in any Group. Ultramicroscopy showed morphological cell damage in nonparenchymal cells in Monocrotaline intoxication in Group II, rats sacrificed 45 days after the injection, while it shows normal features in those treated animals sacrificed 25 days after the injection, as well as in control group. CONCLUSION: A single Monocrotaline injection produces, 25 and 45 days later, severe and progressive alterations in the prostanoid production in Kupffer and Endothelial cells, while ultramicroscopic alterations was only observed 45 days after the injection of Monocrotaline. A decreased production of vasodilators and the presence of vasoconstrictor prostanoids that can participate in the production of the circulatory derangements enhancing liver injury and portal hypertension were also observed.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Correlation between computed axial tomography and ileum obturating lymphadenectomy in localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate].

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the findings of CT and ileoobturator lymphadenectomy in patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. METHODS: 94 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate were evaluated. Ileoobturator lymphadenectomy and brachytherapy were performed in 61.1%, radical prostatectomy in 22.5% and lymphadenectomy with prostatic labeling for subsequent external radiation therapy in 5%. Lymph node CT and pathology findings were correlated. RESULTS: Of 92 patients with a normal CT scan, 18 had positive nodes and 19.1% were understaged. Two patients with a CT scan suggestive of metastatic adenopathy had negative pathology findings. Seventy-two of the 92 patients with normal CT scans had negative nodes, accounting for a specificity of 76.6%. CONCLUSION: Pelvic lymph node involvement changes the prognosis of prostate cancer. However, the ability of CT to detect lymph node metastasis is limited. It is therefore not a reliable method and raises the costs of staging unnecessarily.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Treatment of the regional lymph nodes in squamous carcinoma of the penis].

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the management of the regional lymph nodes to determine the appropriate treatment for carcinoma of the penis. METHODS: The records of 36 patients with carcinoma of the penis were reviewed. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 18 patients, 17 were managed conservatively (watchful waiting) and 1 patient had a biopsy and received radiotherapy. RESULTS: Positive nodes were found in 2 of 2 pT4, 2 of 3 pT3, 8 of 13 pT2 and 2 of 12 pT1 patients submitted to lymphadenectomy. Concerning the histological grade, positive nodes were found in all of the 4 G3, 5 of 12 G2 and 3 of 20 G1 patients. The survival rate was 100% for the patients with negative lymph nodes (pNO = 6) or a single positive inguinal lymph node (pN1 = 5). A correlation was found between the T and the histological grade and the likelihood of lymph node invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The T and the histological grade of the primary lesion must be considered when deciding the approach in the management of the lymph nodes as unnecessary lymphadenectomy can be avoided and those at high risk of lymph node invasion can be treated radically and timely.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Correlation between specific prostatic antigen and findings with total body bone scintigraphy].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between PSA values, bony symptoms and total body bone scintiscanning in order to determine the utility of the latter technique in patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. METHODS: We analyzed the correlation between the PSA values, bony symptoms and total body bone scintiscan findings of 191 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate; of these, 129 patients met the criteria for inclusion into the study. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients, 32 (25%) had PSA value < 20 ng/ml, 48 (37.5%) had values ranging from 20-50 ng/ml and 48 (37.5%) had values > 50 ng/ml. The bone scintiscan was positive in only one of the 32 patients with PSA < 20 ng/ml, 45.8% of those with PSA values between 20-50 ng/ml and 70.8% of those with PSA values > 50 ng/ml. All of the patients with PSA < 20 ng/ml and no bony symptoms had a negative bone scintiscan. All patients with PSA > 20 ng/ml and bony symptoms had a positive bone scintiscan. CONCLUSIONS: PSA is a biological marker that can effectively predict the scintiscan findings. The bone scintiscan was negative in 96.9% of the patients with PSA < 20 ng/ml. Total body bone scintiscanning can therefore be obviated in patients with PSA < 20 ng/ml and no bony symptoms, thereby reducing health costs without altering the benefits.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

L-dopa malabsorption in a parkinsonian patient with Strongyloides stercoralis duodenitis.

We report a parkinsonian patient initially responding to L-dopa who developed a severe loss of drug efficacy due to Strongyloides stercoralis duodenitis. The patient was put on mebendazole and metronidazole, and the parasitosis abated, allowing L-dopa reduction by 33%. Our patient illustrates the advisability of searching for Strongyloides stercoralis when L-dopa malabsorption is suspected in Parkinson's disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Further characterization of a model system for the study of human epididymal physiology and its relation to sperm maturation.

Some preliminary speculations about the possible participation of epididymal antigens in sperm function may be supported by the above data. On the one hand, the reduction in the amount of antigens and their abnormal localization on spermatozoa from infertile patients may be coincident with our view about participation of epididymal antigens in the development of zona pellucida binding ability and fertilizing capacity by spermatozoa during maturation. This hypothesis is derived from experiments showing that immature hamster spermatozoa gain their ability to recognize and bind to zona pellucida and to penetrate homologous oocytes when exposed to preparations enriched in androgen-dependent epididymal secretory proteins or preincubated in conditions that favor their interaction with these proteins. Supporting our viewpoint for such a role in humans is evidence showing the progressive development of the ability to interact with hamster denuded oocytes as human spermatozoa pass along the epididymis. On the other hand, the apparent correlation between the loss of epididymal antigens during capacitation and the increased fertilization of human oocytes in vitro may be reminiscent of the removal of a decapacitation or acrosome stabilizing factor known to occur in many species and that must be removed prior to fertilization. Pending further understanding of their physiological role, the androgen-dependent epididymal proteins may become a useful marker of epididymal function and/or of sperm capacitation in humans. Within this context, we wish to stress the potential value of the model system that we have developed for the study of human epididymal physiology.

Epididymis↗
PubMed1986

Increased recovery of androgen receptors from human prostate through the use of mersalyl: evidence for androgen regulation of the binding sites in carcinomatous prostate.

With a technique adapted for needle biopsies from human prostate, androgen receptors have been quantitated in normal, hyperplastic, and carcinomatous samples. An important improvement in the yield of cytosol specific binding sites was obtained when samples were pre-incubated with the mercurial reagent mersalyl, which dissociates endogenously bound hormone receptor complexes, before the binding assay with 3H-methyltrienolone (3H-R1881). Androgen receptors in normal prostate tissue were found to be highest (7.81 +/- 1.12 pmoles/g tissue), and significantly different from hyperplastic prostate (2.02 +/- 0.55 pmoles/g tissue, p less than 0.025), but not from carcinomatous samples (4.47 +/- 0.79 pmoles/g tissue). Mean values for hyperplastic and carcinoma were not statistically distinguishable (p less than 0.1). The clinical response to hormone therapy in 85% of 13 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma reflected the prostatic androgen receptor content. Orchidectomy followed by estrogen administration for several months leads to a dramatic fall (8-fold) in total androgen receptors in carcinomatous prostate, while estrogen alone did not seem to produce a significant effect. These preliminary data suggest that androgen could directly regulate its binding sites, as demonstrated earlier for other animal target organs.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Androgen metabolism in the human epididymis. Effect of in vivo estrogen administration.

Androgen metabolism in human epididymis was studied by incubating tissue fragments with isotopically labeled testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A) under batch and superfusion conditions. Epididymides were obtained from 16 patients with prostatic cancer, 5 of them treated with diethylstilbestrol (2.5 mg/d) for several months prior to castration. Results from batch incubations with [3H]T (100 nM) for 2 h at 25 degrees C indicated a markedly lower 5 alpha-reductase activity in tissues from estrogen-treated patients, as evaluated by measuring the amounts of radioactive 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 5 alpha-androstanediols and 5 alpha-androstanedione present in tissue and medium at the end of the incubation period. Superfusion experiments confirmed this estrogen effect and also showed a shift of the interconversion between A and T towards the reductive direction and a diminished tissue retention of DHT after estrogen treatment. These effects may contribute to the marked regression of the epididymal epithelium that was noted in the estrogen-treated patients, which is thought to be mainly the result of the inhibition of androgen biosynthesis caused by chemical hypophysectomy.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Sex hormone binding globulin in arterial, and in peripheral, hepatic, renal and spermatic venous blood of children and adults.

Human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was measured in arterial serum and in serum obtained from different venous territories. In 6 children, SHBG ranged from 44.4 +/- 4.8 (mean +/- SD) in arterial blood to 55.3 +/- 5.3 in the hepatic vein (P less than 0.01), while it did not change significantly in renal or peripheral tissue venous blood. In 6 male adults, no significant arteriovenous differences were found either in the peripheral tissues or in the splanchnic circulation. In the spermatic vein of 8 subjects, SHGB was significantly lower (17.1 +/- 5.7) than in the arterial blood (22.8 +/- 7.5), P less than 0.025. The arterio-venous difference found in the splanchnic circulation of children supports the hepatic origin of SHBG, and also suggests extra-hepatic clearance of the binding globulin. Testicular uptake of SHBG might be necessary to regulate delivery of androgens to Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules.

Adult↗