Reduction of serum testosterone in men by licorice.
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17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
Biomedical subjects
G Bonanni
Publications and source records attributed to G Bonanni.
[Transformation of Waldenström disease into chronic myeloid leukemia].
The authors describe a case of a 83 years old patient affected with Waldenström disease whose shift in chronic myelogenous leukaemia is surprising because the quickness of the fact and, even more, because the following very fast appearance of quickly fatal paravertebral granulocytic sarcoma, as extramedullary blast crisis expression. This feature appears unusual in old subject.
Age Factors↗
Interaction of hyaluronic acid with mucin, evaluated by gel permeation chromatography.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is known to increase the ocular bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs not only for its viscous properties but also for its specific affinity for ocular mucins. This phenomenon, called bio- or mucoadhesion, can be evaluated in vitro by mechanical tests which, however, require considerable amounts of mucin (M) that are difficult to obtain from ocular surfaces. Thus, we developed an alternative method, based on gel permeation liquid chromatography, to examine the interaction of HA with microgram quantities of mucin. HA (from human umbilical cord or rooster comb) were fractionated using a Sepharose CL-4B column, before and after incubation with porcine gastric mucin (PGM), and the fractions were analyzed by a specific assay based on the histological dye Stains-all. PGM interacted with high molecular weight (M.W). HA, causing the displacement of low M.W., non-covalently bound, HA fragments, which were eluted under a distinct chromatographic peak. By quantitating the relative area of this peak, an evaluation of the mucoadhesion of HA could be obtained. This method could be useful to study the interaction between HA and microgram quantities of ocular M (mucin), obtained from individual patients or normal subjects.
Animals↗
DNA flow cytometry of left and right testes in normospermic patients affected by left varicocele.
To assess whether changes in spermatogenesis are present in men suffering from varicocele who are still normospermic, a comparative flow cytometric analysis of the left and right testicular DNA content was performed on 26 young normospermic males (sperm density > 20 x 10(6)/ml), with varying degrees of asthenospermia. Cell samples were obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Flow cytometric analysis revealed four peaks in the nuclear DNA content: (i) two peaks for haploid cells (1-A), the first composed of highly condensed nuclear cells (1Ac), essentially spermatozoa, and the second of less condensed cells, essentially spermatids (1-Anc): (ii) a third peak of diploid cells (2-D): somatic cells, G1-stage spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes and (iii) a fourth peak of tetraploid cells, essentially postleptotene primary spermatocytes and G2-M-stage spermatogonia (4-T). Flow cytometry showed the left testis to have a lower percentage of haploid cells than the right (mean 48.4 +/- 17.9 versus 57 +/- 15.4%, P < 0.05). Significantly fewer condensed cells were found on the left side than on the right (respectively 19.7 +/- 11.2 versus 31.5 +/- 13.5%, P < 0.004). The diploid cell percentage was significantly higher in the left testis than in the right (37.0 +/- 18.5 versus 25.5 +/- 9.6, P < 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found in respect of percentages of either non-condensed and tetraploid cells (respectively 26.6 +/- 14.8 and 11.3 +/- 5.6 on the left and 25.9 +/- 10.3 and 12.4 +/- 6.2 on the right). Flow cytometric analysis of cadaver biopsy tissue showed no statistically significant difference between left and right testicles in respect of the percentages of haploid, diploid and tetraploid cells. The reduced percentage of haploid cells and the increase in diploid cells observed in the left testis of our subjects indicate that the testicular function is impaired to a greater extent in the testis ipsilateral to varicocele than in the contralateral testicle.
Adult↗
Clinical and hormonal aspects of male hypogonadism in myotonic dystrophy.
In order to study male hypergonadotropic hypogonadism as completely as possible, and to evaluate its possible effects on muscle atrophy and sexuality, RIA or IRMA methods were used to measure the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, total (T) and free (FT) testosterone, estradiol (E), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione (A) and 17-OH-progesterone (17-OH-P) in 29 patients with myotonic dystrophy (MD). The mean hormonal levels +/-SD were: LH 8.0 +/- 4.4 mIU/ml, FSH 17.4 +/- 11.5 mIU/ml, A 200 +/- 130 ng/dl (all higher than in controls); T 406 +/- 290 ng/dl, FT 22.7 +/- 7.0 pg/ml, DHT 55.5 +/- 29.7 ng/ml (all lower than in controls). The low FT and DHT levels (never previously studied in MD) confirm the androgenic deficiency. The high androstenedione levels and low testosterone concentrations suggest defective enzyme 17-dehydrogenase. The duration of the disease correlated with both testosterone (r = -0.56) and FT levels (r = -0.59), showing that hypogonadism tends to worsen progressively. When the patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the severity of muscle involvement (A, B and C), LH and FSH levels were higher in group C (more severe disease) than in group A, respectively 9.3 +/- 4.7 and 20.6 +/- 12.3 mIU/ml versus 4.8 +/- 0.9 and 8.4 +/- 3.8, p < 0.03; T levels were lower in group C than in group A, 337.3 +/- 263.4 ng/dl versus 649.7 +/- 320.3 (p < 0.03); however, there was no significant difference in the FT levels of the three groups, which may imply that hypogonadism is unlikely to have a direct effect on muscle atrophy. About 25% of our patients were impotent; these subjects had higher LH and FSH (p < 0.001) and lower FT levels than the patients who were not impotent (p < 0.03). However, hypogonadism may not be the only cause of impotence as all of the impotent patients belonged to group C and had a very high (CTG)n triplet expansion. We hypothesise that hypogonadism and sexual impairment could be partially due to a muscle cell alteration: i.e. a dysfunction of both the testicular peritubular myoid cells and of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle.
Adult↗
Bone mass and mineral metabolism in Klinefelter's syndrome.
A reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is frequently observed in hypogonadal males; however, very little is known on bone and mineral metabolism in Klinefelter's syndrome (KS). In this study 32 XXY KS patients and 24 healthy age-matched male controls were examined. Serum total and free testosterone (TT and FT) were significantly lower in patients than in controls (TT in KS, 15.1 +/- 7.8 nmol/l; controls, 30.4 +/- 9.1; p < 0.001. FT in KS, 81.8 +/- 24.9 pmol/l; controls, 135.7 +/- 16.4; p < 0.001). 17 beta-Estradiol was slightly higher in KS patients (KS, 49.0 +/- 27.1 pg/ml; controls, 39.3 +/- 16.4 pg/ml), but the difference was not significant. BMD, measured at the spine (L2-4) and at the proximal epiphysis of the left femur, was similar in patients and in the control group (spine: KS, 1.016 +/- 0.142; controls, 1.085 +/- 0.144 g/cm2; p = not significant. Femoral neck: KS, 0.926 +/- 0.149; controls, 0.926 +/- 0.122 g/cm2; p = not significant). Bone GLA protein (BGP) was significantly higher in the KS group (12.7 +/- 4.8 vs 8.9 +/- 5.2 ng/ml; p < 0.02), while serum calcium, serum phosphate, calciotrophic hormones and the fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (OHP/Creat) were similar in the two groups. A positive relationship between FT and both spine and femoral BMD was found in KS patients. Furthermore, OHP/Creat ratio was inversely related to BMD at the femur, and positively related to BGP in KS patients, but not in normal subjects. These findings suggest that (1) KS patients have normal bone mass, most probably because the hypogonadism is moderate; and (2) patients with lower bone mass appear to have higher bone turnover.
Adolescent↗
Male hypogonadism in myotonic dystrophy is related to (CTG)n triplet mutation.
The Authors considered the relationship between hypogonadism in myotonic dystrophy (MD) and MT-PK gene mutation. Twenty-seven subjects were studied, and the (CTG)n amplification varied from 70 to 1520 (mean 661 +/- 463). Hypergonadotropic-hypogonadism with LH levels of 6.94 +/- 3.87 and FSH 14.54 +/- 9.58 IU/L was present; testosterone still showed normal values (505.7 +/- 376.2 ng/dl), but 44.4% of patients had abnormal serum level less than 250 ng/dl. We found a significant correlation (p < 0.001) between CTG repeat size and levels of both LH and FSH: these findings suggest that the severity of hypogonadism is related to MT-PK gene mutation.
Adult↗
High intensity physical exercise induced effects on plasma levels of copper and zinc.
Physical exercise leads to many metabolic, cardiovascular, and muscular changes in the body. The trace elements (TE) zinc and copper are directly involved, as enzymatic cofactors, in many of these processes, especially those related to nutrients metabolism, oxygen transport, and formation of usable energy. The effects of high-intensity physical exercise on plasma levels of CU2+ and Zn2+ in 19 subjects are investigated (9 males and 10 females). Plasma copper concentration decreases, and plasma zinc concentration increases, after exercise, in both sexes. After 30 min recovery, both TE concentration values shifts toward rest values in both sexes. These results only partially agree with literature data, probably because we used the treadmill exercise, which makes many muscles work, whereas other authors made their subjects perform a cycloergometer exercise. Physical exercise causes a marked redistribution of TE (copper and zinc) between body stores, bloodstream, and tissues. The condition of high metabolism may lead to a deficiency of TE, requiring supplementation in order to maintain high level performance.
Adult↗
As regards to the immunosuppressive treatment in kidney transplant. Possibilities and limits.
The Authors deal with the immunosuppressive drugs administered to kidney-transplant receiving. The point out the complexity of the utilized pharmacological schemes, underlining the metabolic and immunologic iatrogenic effects brought about by this therapeutic iter, which should not neglect the clinical conditions of the patient.
Animals↗
[HIV and other retroviruses in the screening of blood donors].
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Gonadotropin decrease induced by prolonged exercise at about 55% of the VO2max in different phases of the menstrual cycle.
In order to evaluate the influence of physical exercise on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, we studied ten women in the early follicular phase (EFP), twelve in the late follicular phase (LEP) and nine in the luteal phase (LP). The test consisted of a 90-minute physical exercise on a motor driven treadmill at 55-60% of VO2max. Blood samples were taken before, during and after the test. Prolactin and cortisol did not increase in any phase. Estradiol showed a significant increase in LFP (from 361.5 +/- 110.6 to 472.7 +/- 138.9 pmol/L) and in LP (from 457.2 +/- 94.6 to 555.3 +/- 96.9 pmol/L) but not in EFP. Progesterone levels increased significantly only in LP (from 28.2 +/- 6.7 to 33.5 +/- 6.7 mmol/L): Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels decreased significantly in all phases: from 13.7 +/- 2.0 to 10.5 +/- 1.1 IU/L in EFP; from 14.6 +/- 2.1 to 11.5 +/- 1.9 IU/L in LFP and from 7.5 +/- 1.3 to 5.7 +/- 1.0 IU/L in LP, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels decreased only in LFP (from 8.1 +/- 0.5 to 6.7 +/- 0.6 IU/L). Our exercise protocol (prolonged, continuous and moderate) was able to cause a decrease in gonadotropins levels, and this phenomenon is not due to changes in the other tested hormones.
Adult↗
[The role of emotional stress in pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases and the importance of psychopharmacologic combinations in their treatment].
In view of the importance of the emotional stress in some gastrointestinal diseases pathogenesis among which anxiety and/or depression appear to play an appreciable role, the Authors have analysed a number of sensitive colon and duodenal ulcers whose psychopharmacologic treatment has resulted crucial in the resolution of these diseases.
Animals↗
Intrinsic limitations of quantitative functional studies and clinical efficacy evaluation of different contrast media in DSA.
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Angiography↗
Meniscal lesions of the knee joint: CT diagnosis.
Computed tomography (CT) resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 89.2% and 96.1% for medial and lateral meniscal lesions, respectively, in 109 patients who underwent surgery after a direct CT study of the knee joint for a clinically suspected meniscal lesion. The meniscal lesions were the only pathologic condition found in 59 patients, while in 35 patients they were associated with various lesions of the cruciate ligaments (31 cases) and collateral ligaments (15 cases) and with cystic bursitis (6 cases). In the remaining 15 patients, the menisci were normal, but in eight of these cases, lesions of other knee joint structures were present. If meniscal lesions are clinically suspected, direct CT study of the knee joint may be considered the elective radiologic diagnostic method, rather than the more invasive arthrography. It may also be helpful in selecting patients for diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy.
Bursitis↗
Situs viscerum specularis in monozygotic twins.
A case is reported of a 14-year old male MZ twin pair, with only one partner affected by situs viscerum inversus, whereby the condition is termed situs viscerum specularis. The high degree of mirror imaging is seen as an abnormal variation of the biological time of the cleavage giving rise to MZ twinning. Electrocardiographic findings are presented and the biological implications of the condition are discussed.
Adolescent↗
Clinical interpretation of cysts in the popliteal space using computerised tomography.
The use of computerised tomography in the examination of the knee joint has made it possible to investigate popliteal cysts much more precisely, particularly as regards incidence, localisation, size, shape and above all their possible relationship with other pathological conditions. In 315 examinations, 60 patients (19.5%) were found to have cysts in the popliteal space of whom only 9 were unassociated with any other pathology of the knee. Fifty-five (91.6%) of these cystic dilatations were semimembranosus bursae. The two pathogenetic theories which are favoured at the moment were considered in the light of our findings, but it appears from our experimental work that both could be valid.
Adult↗
The use of computerized tomography in the study of the cruciate ligaments of the knee.
Computerized tomography was used to investigate the knee joint, without the aid of a contrast medium, in 253 patients referred with a variety of diagnoses. The authors report in particular their experience in the visualization of the cruciate ligaments and assessment of the location, extent and nature of any relative lesions. Computerized tomography proved to be an extremely reliable means of investigating all the capsulo-ligamentous structures, both intra- and extra-articular. The diagnosis was accurate in 94% of cases with disorders of the cruciate ligaments.
Absorptiometry, Photon↗
[Review of 1000 hematuric patients in the hospitals in Rome, with special reference to the methods of diagnosis and therapy].
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4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗