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Biomedical subjects

G Abbritti

Publications and source records attributed to G Abbritti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Magnesium content of mononuclear blood cells in migraine patients.

Recent research has shown that magnesium levels in serum, salivary secretions and red blood cells are reduced in migraine patients with and without aura, both ictally and interictally. This suggests that lower magnesium levels can contribute to the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying migraine attacks. It has been suggested that mononuclear magnesium content is a reliable index of magnesium nutritional status, as it is more closely related to the total body stores than other biochemical indices. Therefore we determined mononuclear magnesium content in adult migraine patients with and without aura, in headache-free periods and, in a number of patients, during attacks. Migraine patients with and without aura, assessed in interictal periods, had a reduced mononuclear magnesium content compared to age-matched healthy control subjects. No significant variations were observed between ictal and interictal periods in migraine patients with aura and without aura. The lower magnesium content in mononuclear cells could indirectly indicate the reduction of brain magnesium concentration, which has recently been demonstrated in the course of migraine.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Red blood cell magnesium levels in migraine patients.

In the last few years, it has been suggested that magnesium plays a central role in establishing a threshold for migraine attacks and in intervening with the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in their onset. Accordingly, we determined red blood cell magnesium levels in adult migraine patients with and without aura interictally and in some of them also ictally. In comparison with normal subjects, migraineurs with and without aura had significantly lower red blood cell magnesium levels in the interictal period. Ictal red blood cell magnesium levels did not differ from the interictal values. Low red blood cell magnesium levels could be a peripheral expression of the reduced brain magnesium concentration observed in migraine patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Serum and salivary magnesium levels in migraine and tension-type headache. Results in a group of adult patients.

It has been suggested that magnesium plays a central role in different etiopathogenetic conditions involved in the onset of migraine. We measured, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, serum and salivary magnesium levels in drug-free migraine patients with and without aura and in tension-type headache patients. Migraine sufferers with and without aura and tension-type headache had significantly lower levels of serum and salivary magnesium concentrations in the interical periods than a group of healthy young individuals. Serum magnesium levels tended to be further reduced during attacks in all patient groups studied. A statistically significant decrease in salivary magnesium levels was evident only for migraine patients with aura. Serum magnesium levels and to a lesser extent salivary magnesium levels might express indirectly the lowering of brain extracellular magnesium concentration which occurs in migraine patients both in the intererictal periods and ictally.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Effect of corticosteroid treatment on interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor secretion by monocytes from subjects with asthma.

Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) may be activated in asthmatic patients, a condition usually reverted by corticosteroid (CS) treatment. In the present research we have evaluated the spontaneous or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) by PBM obtained from 14 asthmatic subjects during an asthmatic attack and after 1 week of CS treatment. The control group included 20 healthy volunteers. PBM obtained during severe asthma showed a pattern of IL-1 and TNF secretion similar to that of normal subjects. After CS treatment, IL-1 levels did not change significantly in comparison to baseline values, while LPS-induced TNF production was apparently related to the degree of airway obstruction after CS treatment. In fact, TNF production by PBM from CS-responsive subjects was significantly decreased in comparison to the levels determined before CS treatment, while PBM from CS-resistant subjects produced the same cytokine levels regardless of CS treatment. The present study suggests that the determination of LPS-induced TNF secretion by PBM could be used to confirm the effectiveness of CS treatment in asthma.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1992

Serum and salivary magnesium levels in migraine. Results in a group of juvenile patients.

In the last few years a fundamental role for magnesium in establishing the threshold for migraine attacks and involvement in the pathophysiologic mechanisms related to its onset has become evident. We measured serum and salivary magnesium levels in juvenile migraine patients (with and without aura) and in a group of healthy young individuals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Migraineurs were studied in migraine-free (interictal) periods and during attacks. In comparison with normal subjects, migraine patients had lower levels of serum and salivary magnesium interictally. Serum magnesium levels tended to be further reduced during attacks. With respect to the values of interictal periods we observed a reduction, not statistically significant, of salivary magnesium levels for both migraine groups. Serum, and to a lesser extent salivary magnesium level reduction, could be an expression, at the peripheral level, of reduced cerebral magnesium levels which would contribute, at least in part, to defining the threshold for migraine attacks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Effects of low doses of lead on children's health.

An investigation has been carried out of the blood lead levels of children resident in three different municipalities of Umbria: Corciano, selected as a control area; Perugia, the largest town in Umbria (approx. 150,000 inhabitants), with intense automobile traffic; and Deruta a town in which there is a flourishing ceramic industry. The mean blood lead levels were found to be higher in children in Perugia (96 micrograms/l) and Deruta (97 micrograms/l) with respect to Corciano (83 micrograms/l); in Deruta the mean blood levels were raised in those children whose families are occupationally exposed to lead (107 micrograms/l). The concentration of lead in the air in Deruta was higher than in Corciano (0.19 vs 0.11 microgram/m3, respectively). The lead concentrations in house dust were higher in Deruta (2.8 micrograms/m2) than in Corciano (0.8 microgram/m2) and the difference was greater in the houses were the inhabitants were exposed to lead in factories (2.7 micrograms/m2) or in workshops which were adjacent to the houses (4.7 micrograms/m2). The blood lead levels of children included in this study have been compared with those obtained during a similar investigation in 1978. Over the last eight years primary school children in Corciano and Deruta have shown a marked reduction in blood lead levels (greater than 50%). This improvement should not lead to false optimism: in fact, it is impossible to establish the blood lead level at which no adverse effects are induced, especially in children. Numerous studies suggest that even sub-clinical levels of lead can cause alteration in heme synthesis, peripheral nervous system, kidney, immune system, skeleton and growth. Furthermore, with regard to the central nervous system, low blood lead levels can provoke neuropsychological deficits, which can result above all, in a decreased I.Q., and behavioural alterations.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1988

Blood lead levels in children living in three communities, at different risks of lead pollution.

We carried out a survey on blood lead levels in children living in three different communities in Umbria, Italy: Corciano, a small community (12,500 inhabitants), free of lead-using factories and with light traffic; Perugia, a medium-sized city (146,500 inhabitants); Deruta, a small community (7500 inhabitants) whose economy is based mainly on the production of artistic pottery, mostly in small home-operated factories. The study sample was made up of 539 children (275 boys and 264 girls); 156 of them attended nursery school (aged 3-6) and 383 primary school (aged 6-11). The mean blood lead level was significantly higher in Deruta than in Corciano (9.7 vs 8.3 micrograms/dl); Deruta children whose parents were occupationally exposed to lead had significantly higher blood lead levels than children of lead-unexposed parents (10.7 vs 9.0 micrograms/dl). The mean blood lead level was higher in Perugia than in Corciano children. On the average boys had higher blood lead levels than girls in all of the groups. We conclude that blood lead levels were low in the groups of children studied. Nevertheless children of ceramic workers and children living in a medium-sized city had greater lead absorption than children living in the control area.

Child↗
PubMed1984

Lung function among asbestos cement factory workers: cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Ventilatory capacity tests and standardized respiratory questionnaires were used in 1973 and in 1980 to measure the effect of mixed dust exposure in the asbestos cement industry on respiratory symptoms and lung function in 65 exposed workers and 30 controls (exposed to polyvinyl chloride but not to asbestos). Workers exposed to asbestos had 1) a higher prevalence of breathlessness and chest pain, and a higher incidence of breathlessness; 2) lower 1980 values of forced vital capacity (FVC) (0.27-0.83 liters) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (0.23-0.62 liters); and 3) a faster decline (nearly 40 ml/year) in FVC and FEV1 between 1973 and 1980. The FVC annual decrease was 52.5 ml in the subjects with more than 15 years since first asbestos exposure, whereas it was 24.3 ml in those with less than 15 years, suggesting a faster decline after 15 years of exposure. The effect of asbestos exposure and smoking habits was less than additive as regards pulmonary function.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Acute thrombocytopenia following oral cholecystography with iopanoic acid.

We report a case of severe thrombocytopenia following oral cholecystography with iopanoic acid, a widely used contrast medium. A bone marrow aspirate showed increased numbers of megakaryocytes, suggesting a thrombocytopenia due to enhanced peripheral destruction of platelets; this examination was not reported in the previously described two cases. Although hematological reactions due to iopanoic acid are very rare, it would be wise to question patients regarding any preceding drug-induced purpura before proceeding with oral cholecystography.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1978

Recurrent nocturnal asthma due to tolylene di-isocyanate: a case report.

In a carpenter with a history of nocturnal dyspnoea, a bronchial provocation test with a tolylene di-isocyanate (TDI) activator elicited a non-immediate asthmatic reaction, followed by recurrent nocturnal asthma for five subsequent nights. Subsequently, the study of the circadian rhythm of airflow, registered during work, confirmed the presence of recurrent nocturnal asthma of occupational origin.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

[A little known source of lead poisoning: rasp and file manufacture (author's transl)].

Seventy-two subjects employed in rasp manufacturing and, especially, manual "engraving" were studied by the authors, mainly in order to find out whether lead poisoning could be induced by their particular working activity. Twelve subjects (16.7%) were found to have standard biological parameters for lead (blood lead, urinary delta-ALA and urinary coproporphyin levels) within normal limits. Twenty-five (34.7%) showed hematochemical and urinary signs of increased lead absorption, and 35 (48.6%) marks of lead poisoning, more or less severe. The manufacturing process was then studied and working places were inspected too. Finally, lead poisoning was found to be due to a small lead block, used by hand-engravers in order to avoid damages to the already engraved surfaces of the rasps. This survey leads therefore to the conclusion that rasp manual engraving has to be included among the working activities which can induce lead poisoning.

Female↗
PubMed1976

Toxic polyneuropathy of shoe-industry workers. A study of 122 cases.

The toxic polyneuropathy observed in a group of shoe-industry workers in Italy was clinically characterised by a symmetrical prevalently distal motor deficit, with occasional marked weakness of pelvic girdle muscles, and frequently by only subjective sensory symptoms; non-specific disturbances usually preceded neurological signs. Subclinical cases of 'minimal' chronic neuropathy, characterised by alterations of a neurogenic type in the EMG without a reduction of motor nerve conduction velocity, were also observed. Worsening of the clinical picture, with further lowering of nerve conduction velocity, was noted in some cases up to four months after removal from the toxic environment. In the most severe cases clinical recovery took up to three years. The electromyographic and electroneurographic features were consistent with a mixed axonal neuropathy, with clear prevalence of the damage in the distal part of the nerve (dying-back neuropathy). Volatile substances, such as n-hexane and other low boiling point hydrocarbons found in high percentage in solvents and glues, are suggested as the causative agent.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Shoe-makers' polyneuropathy in Italy: the aetiological problem.

Since 1957, when the first cases of the so-called shoe-makers' toxic polyneuropathy were reported, nearly 400 cases have been described in the Italian literature. The substance that was considered to be responsible for the disease was triorthocresylphosphate (TOCP) contained in glues, artificial leathers, and some types of paints. However numerous chemical analyses of glues and leathers taken from factories where cases of the disease occurred have shown that in almost all instances little or no TOCP was present. In addition the disease manifests itself more frequently during winter and spring and this is not consistent with the absorption of the causative agent through the skin and/or gastrointestinal tract. In order to clarify the aetiology of the disease 122 workers in the shoe industry affected by toxic polymeuropathy during the period 1971-74 were studied. Workplaces where cases of polyneuropathy had occurred were visited and samples of glues and solvents were taken for chemical analysis. The polyneuropathy chiefly affects workers engaged in glueing and in the cleaning process, but it also affects those who do not have direct contact with glues or solvents. The disease is more common in women (68%) than in men (32%) and, in its more severe form begins with overwhelming prevalence during winter and early spring regardless of the job performed. No direct relationship has been found between the severity of the disease and the number of years of work in the shoe industry or of specific exposure (that is the number of years of work in the activity performed at the onset of the disease). The polyneuropathy is found almost exclusively among workers of the artisam type in small shoe factories, where standards of hygiene are low. Chemical analysis of glues and cleaning fluids collected from five different factories, where 20 cases of polyneuropathy occurred, showed the presence of paraffin hydrocarbons with a low boiling point (pentane, 2-methyl-pentane, 3-methyl-pentane, n-hexane, etc.) in concentrations of more than 80% by weight.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1973

Decreased liver activity of porphyrin-metal chelatase in hepatic porphyria caused by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Studies in rats and mice.

1. A difference has been found between rats and mice in their sensitivity to the porphyrogenic effect of drugs. Mice are more sensitive than rats to 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine, but less sensitive than rats to 2-allyl-2-isopropylacetamide. 2. Use has been made of this difference in sensitivity to ascertain the importance of the decrease of liver porphyrin-metal chelatase activity in porphyria caused by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Mice, which are more sensitive than rats to the stimulation of 5-aminolaevulinate caused by this drug, are also more sensitive with respect to the decrease of chelatase activity. 3. In both species, after treatment with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine, the ratio between chelatase activity and 5-aminolaevulinate activity is linear with respect to the reciprocal of the liver porphyrin concentration. This suggests that under these conditions the degree of porphyrin accumulation depends on the balance between rate of porphyrin formation and rate of porphyrin utilization. 4. Compound SKF 525-A (2-diethylaminoethyl 3,3-diphenylpropylacetate) when given before 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine prevents the appearance of porphyria in the rat and also largely prevents the decrease of chelatase activity. In the mouse it is much less effective in preventing porphyria and it is almost completely inactive in protecting the chelatase from a decrease in activity. 5. Cycloheximide, when given before 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine also inhibits the induction of 5-aminolaevulinate synthetase and the appearance of porphyria in the rat, but does not prevent the decrease of chelatase activity. These results suggest that two successive stages can be distinguished in the induction process: a first stage leading to inhibition of haem synthesis and a second stage requiring synthesis of protein in the liver and leading to stimulation of 5-aminolaevulinate synthetase.

5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase↗