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Biomedical subjects

D Torre

Publications and source records attributed to D Torre.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Effects of Aspergillus terreus extract on herpes simplex 1 virus replication.

In this study we reported about the antiviral activity of Aspergillus terreus alcohol extract against Herpes simplex type 1 virus. This activity is dose-dependent, is related to the concentration of the challenging virus and depends particularly on a proteic fraction of 5-10 Kda. Optimal effects were observed with doses ranging from 25 to 6.25 micrograms/ml for crude alcohol extract and up to 3 micrograms/ml for 5-10 Kda fraction. Moreover, antiviral activity was evident in viral replication, but not on virus out of the cells. An increased 3H thymidine incorporation was noted on infected cells treated with the extract and this effect may suggest an intracellular accumulation of viral DNA in the absence or reduction of virion production.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1994

Aseptic meningitis caused by Leptospira australis.

Meningeal involvement in leptospiral infection is quite common, usually mild and often overlooked. In contrast, cases of isolated involvement of the central nervous system, including aseptic meningitis, have been reported only rarely. A case of a patient with acute aseptic meningitis caused by Leptospira australis serovar bratislava is reported. This is believed to be the first report of aseptic meningitis due to Leptospira australis. This case indicates the need to consider human leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Serum levels of interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor in patients with acute viral hepatitis.

Serum levels of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients with acute viral hepatitis were investigated. Twelve patients suffering from acute viral hepatitis were studied; 8 patients presented with acute hepatitis B, 2 patients with acute hepatitis A, and 2 patients with acute hepatitis C. Serum levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were significantly increased in all patients with acute viral hepatitis. Decreased serum levels of all cytokines were noted in four patients with acute hepatitis B during the recovery phase of infection. In addition, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were undetectable at the end of a follow-up period of 6 months. Our study shows that increased levels of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha are probably related to hepatitis activity and thus may have some role in hepatocytic injury.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Interaction of human plasma fibronectin with viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus.

Fibronectin (FN) is present in soluble and matrix forms in various body fluids and tissues, and has been shown to bind to several pathogens, including viruses. The interaction of FN with viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) was investigated by immunofluorescence technique using a cell line chronically infected with HIV-1 (H9-V). The results of this study showed that FN binds to HIV-1 infected cells, especially at FN concentration of 5 micrograms/ml. In addition, FN-pentapeptide has shown the ability to bind to HIV-1 infected cells. On the other hand, preincubation with antibodies against FN abolished the binding of FN to HIV-1 infected cells. Finally, FN has shown to bind to HIV-1 glycoproteins, including gp41 and gp120. In contrast, no binding to HIV-1 core proteins, including p15 and p24, was noted. We suggest that FN, in binding HIV-1 particles, may reduce viremia and thus may be involved in the clearance of viral proteins from the cells.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗
PubMed1994

Effects of recombinant human gamma interferon on intracellular survival of Bordetella pertussis in human phagocytic cells.

Several studies have demonstrated that Bordetella pertussis has the ability to enter and survive intracellularly within human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and human monocytes/macrophages. The effects of human recombinant gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) on the survival of B. pertussis in PMNL and human monocytes, and on the oxidative burst activity of PMNL and human monocytes in response to B. pertussis were assessed in this study. IFN-gamma partially increased intracellular killing of phagocytosed B. pertussis in human monocytes, as determined by an orange acridine-crystal violet assay. In contrast, IFN-gamma did not enhance intracellular killing of B. pertussis in PMNL. No significant increase of superoxide production was noted in human monocytes in response to B. pertussis when stimulated with various concentrations of IFN-gamma. The partial increase of B. pertussis killing by IFN-gamma within monocytes, together with poor production of superoxide may explain how B. pertussis can survive within human phagocytic cells, and thus cause a more prolonged course of the disease.

Bordetella pertussis↗
PubMed1994

Levels of circulating fibronectin receptor in adult and pediatric patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.

We found a significant increase in fibronectin receptor (FNR) levels in the sera of adult human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients, especially in those with AIDS (1,026.9 +/- 583.9 ng/ml; P < 0.0001). In contrast, AIDS patients with neurologic disorders and HIV-1-seropositive patients showed normal levels of FNR in serum. In addition, HIV-1-infected children showed increased levels of FNR in serum (824.4 +/- 333.5 ng/ml; P = 0.03). We suggest that an increase of FNR levels in AIDS patients is related to enhanced expression of FNR on HIV-1-infected cells.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Circulating fibronectin and fibronectin receptor in children with pertussis.

AIM: To determine concentrations of fibronectin and fibronectin receptor in children with pertussis. METHODS: Concentrations of circulating fibronectin and serum fibronectin receptor were detected in eight children affected by pertussis, eight children with acute upper or lower respiratory tract infections, and in 14 healthy control children. The single radial immunodiffusion technique and a solid phase enzyme immunoassay were used to detect circulating serum concentrations of fibronectin and fibronectin receptor. RESULTS: On admission, a significant decrease in fibronectin was detected in children with pertussis (p = 0.0006). Significant and decreased concentrations of fibronectin were also observed in children with upper or lower respiratory tract infections (p = 0.0002). On the other hand, serum fibronectin receptor concentrations were significantly increased in patients with pertussis, whereas patients with upper or lower respiratory tract infections had normal circulating fibronectin receptor concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Fibronectin deficiency in children with pertussis may be related to diffusion and deposition of this protein in bronchial and alveolar spaces to limit infection, while increased fibronectin receptor concentrations are probably the expression of T cell activation and cell-mediated immunity during Bordetella pertussis infection.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1994

Effect of recombinant IL-1 beta and recombinant gamma interferon on septic acute lung injury in mice.

The effect of recombinant human interleukin 1B (IL-1B) and recombinant human gamma interferon (IFN-g), when given prophylactically, in a mouse model of septic acute lung injury was studied. Mice were treated with various doses of IL-1B and IFN-g for 3 consecutive days prior to administration of lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (1 mg/kg given intraperitoneally). To determine the histologic changes occurring after prophylactic administration of such cytokines, a scoring system was assessed. A significant reduction of edema and neutrophil accumulation into the lungs of mice was observed, especially at doses of 100 U per mouse and 10,000 U per mouse of IL-1B and IFN-g, respectively. Prophylactic administration of IL-1B or IFN-g caused histologic changes, including marked reduction of edema and neutrophil accumulation in the interstitial and alveolar spaces. Combined prophylactic administration of IL-1B and IFN-g provoked a marked decrease of neutrophil accumulation into the lungs, but was not accompanied by significant reduction of edema or hemorrhage. These results provide evidence for the beneficial role of IL-1B and IFN-g in the abnormality of septic acute lung injury by reducing inflammatory lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The art of cryosurgery.

Cryosurgery is an art as well as a science. Of course just as a sculptor or painter must learn about stone, wood, canvas, paper, chisels, rasps, paint brushes, and other materials, the cryosurgeon must understand the science underlying cryosurgery. He or she must learn the properties of the various cryogens, the apparatus for applying them, the three-dimensional extent of the lesions to be treated, and the tissue content of these lesions. He or she should also know the susceptibility of various portions of the target lesion and surrounding tissues to varying insults with cold.

Cryosurgery↗
PubMed1993

Acute-phase proteins and levels of interleukin 1B, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 8 in children with pertussis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum levels of acute-phase proteins and interleukin 1B, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 8 in children with pertussis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital, and Pediatrics, University of Pavia, Varese, Italy. PARTICIPANTS: Eight children with pertussis, six with acute febrile infections, and eight healthy control children matched for sex, age, and time presentation over a 32-month study period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS: An immunoenzymatic assay was used to detect serum levels of all cytokines. Normal values of C-reactive protein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed in the serum of patients with pertussis. The mean (+/- SD) detectable levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (65.0 +/- 50.4 pg/mL) and interleukin 6 (32.3 +/- 17.8 pg/mL) were observed in the serum of patients with pertussis. In contrast, a nonsignificant increment of interleukin 1B levels (66.5 +/- 83.7 pg/mL) and interleukin 8 levels (12.7 +/- 17.8 pg/mL) was noted in the serum of the same patients. Increased and significant levels of all four cytokines were noted in most of the serum samples of patients with acute febrile infections. CONCLUSIONS: Acute-phase response is absent in patients with pertussis, whereas detectable and significant serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 were observed in some such patients.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1993

Interferon-gamma levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice infected with Bordetella pertussis.

The adherence of Bordetella pertussis to respiratory cilia and its survival in neutrophils and macrophages is crucial to the pathogenesis of whooping cough. To investigate the role of endogenous interferon (IFN)-gamma in acute infection, levels of IFN-gamma in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of mice infected intranasally with B. pertussis were determined. Since pertussis toxin is released during infection by B. pertussis either locally or systemically, serum levels of IFN-gamma in mice injected intravenously with pertussis toxin were also determined. A persistent and significant increase of IFN-gamma levels with concomitant peripheral blood lymphocytosis was observed after 5 and 10 days. The results of this study showed an early but transitory production of endogenous IFN-gamma in BAL fluid of mice infected with B. pertussis.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Cerebrospinal fluid concentration of fibronectin in patients with HIV-1 infection and central nervous system disorders.

AIMS: To evaluate the fibronectin concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1 infected patients with central nervous system disorders. METHODS: Fibronectin was determined by an immunoturbidimetric assay in 41 HIV-1 infected patients with AIDS dementia complex, progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy, and opportunistic infections. RESULTS: A significant decrease in fibronectin concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with AIDS and dementia complex and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy was observed, as well as in those with opportunistic infections of the central nervous system (p < 0.0001). In particular, a significant decrease in fibronectin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was observed in patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis and cryptococcal meningitis (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Because fibronectin can bind to several viruses, fungi, and protozoa, it is conceivable to suppose that the consumption of fibronectin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurological disorders may be related to the binding of fibronectin to HIV itself, or to viral proteins, or to organisms responsible for opportunistic infections.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMed1993

Production and release of tumor necrosis factor alfa, interleukin-1B and interleukin-6 by human mononuclear leukocytes stimulated with pertussis toxin.

Pertussis toxin (PT) has been previously shown to affect a wide variety of immune responses and to cause lymphocyte proliferation. In this study, we examined the effect of PT on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes with the regard to the capability of this toxin to stimulate the production and release of various cytokines. PT was found to induce the production and release of Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa (TNF-alfa) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) by both human lymphocytes and monocytes and IL-1 (IL-1B) beta by human monocytes in culture. Most activities of PT in vitro were achieved at the optimal concentration range of 1-0.01 microgram/ml, which is responsible for the adjuvant effect of PT in vivo. Since TNF-alfa, IL-1 beta and IL-6 are potent mediators of inflammation, the production and release of these cytokines by PT and Bordetella pertussis itself may play an important role in antibacterial defenses against such infection.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1992

Ventriculoatrial shunt infection caused by Staphylococcus warneri: case report and review.

Staphylococcus warneri, a coagulase-negative species, is a rare cause of infection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. In one recently studied case of ventriculoatrial shunt infection, the repeated isolation of S. warneri (i.e., from all of six blood cultures and from a CSF sample obtained directly from the valve of the shunt) suggested that this organism can be clinically significant. Review of the literature clearly indicates that S. warneri is a rare but potentially dangerous pathogen in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts with prosthetic devices. The removal of the infected shunt in association with systemic and local antibiotic administration probably constitutes the treatment of choice in such infections. Further experience is needed to determine the prevalence and the pathogenic significance of S. warneri and of the related organisms Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in patients with prosthetic devices.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed1992

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of IL-6 in patients with acute infections of the central nervous system.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with acute bacterial or viral meningitis and in AIDS patients with various cerebral disorders. Increased levels of IL-6 were detected in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis. On the contrary, most of the samples from patients with viral meningitis (predominantly caused by mumps virus) had no detectable IL-6 activity in CSF. A moderate increase of IL-6 levels was detected in the CSF of AIDS patients with AIDS dementia complex (ADC), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and cerebral toxoplasmosis. Moreover, higher levels of IL-6 were detected in the CSF of patients with cryptococcal meningitis. We conclude that the initial events of CSF inflammation in patients with acute viral meningitis are different from those in patients with acute bacterial meningitis, and the role of IL-6 is less critical to the process.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗