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Biomedical subjects

G F Sasso

Publications and source records attributed to G F Sasso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Marked decrease of plasma neuroactive steroids during alcohol withdrawal.

The neuroactive steroids allopregnanolone (ALLO) and allotet-rahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) are the most potent endogens positive modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on GABAA receptors, a receptor system presumably responsible for some behavioral responses to alcohol withdrawal. In a group of nine alcoholic subjects, the levels of plasma ALLO and THDOC were markedly lower than those of control subjects during the early withdrawal phase (day 4 and 5), when anxiety and depression scores were higher. In contrast ALLO and THDOC plasma levels did not differ from those of control subjects during the late withdrawal phase when anxiety and depression scores were low. These results suggest that the decrease of neuroactive steroid biosynthesis may contribute to the withdrawal symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Improved prediction formula for total body water assessment in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance values in obese women. SUBJECTS: A sample of 37 overweight females BMI ranging from 29.5 to 44.1 kg/m2. MEASUREMENTS: The reference measurements for TBW were obtained by deuterium oxide dilution. Body height (h), hip circumference (C) as well as body impedance at 100 kHz (Z100) were also measured. RESULTS: The values obtained for h, C and Z100 were introduced in the calculations and the following developed formula for total body water was determined: TBW = 0.069 [hC2/(4 pi .Z100)]+19.671. The validity of this formula was assessed through the statistical test of Bland and Altman which we also performed for other formulas containing the weight and/or the height. CONCLUSION: We found that the accuracy of the prediction of TBW by our formula, although lower than those formulas using body weight, is higher than that which takes into account only body height. We conclude that body volume, expressed through body height and hip circumference, is a good choice of parameter in bioelectrical impedance measurements. The new approach can be useful in clinical settings for repeated monitoring of obese women, during diet-restricted treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Bioelectrical impedance assay (BIA) of total body composition in alcohol-induced migraine patients. Preliminary report.

"Whole body composition" was investigated in 30 people subject to alcohol-induced migraine. The control group was 30 people matched for age, sex, height and weight, who were not subject to migraine and who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol. The following were evaluated: anthropometric data, alcohol intake in grams per day, total body water, fat-free mass, fat mass, and body mass index (kg/m2). Two methods of measurement were used: skin fold thickness evaluation, and bioelectric impedance assay (BIA). BIA is a non-invasive method based on the principle that lean tissues conduct a low frequency alternating current of electricity better than do fatty tissues. Body mass index was increased in the alcohol-induced migraine patients (p less than 0.04), as was fat mass, (p less than 0.03) as evaluated by skin fold measurements. Bioelectric impedance assay demonstrated a slight total body water increase in alcohol-induced migraine patients (p less than 0.07). Possibly, if this total body water increase was reflected at the neuronal level, the bioelectric properties of the migrainous brain may be altered, thus creating a hypothetical link with the phenomenon of spreading depression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Body impedance measurements during dialysis.

Changes in body weight in relation to changes in body impedance were studied in six male and four female patients before and during dialysis. Before dialysis, fat-free mass from skinfolds was 46.5 +/- 6.8 kg, and total body water calculated from bio-electrical impedance was 36.9 +/- 5.2 kg. Body water expressed as a percentage of fat-free mass was calculated to be 80 +/- 4%. Mean weight loss, which was assumed to be only loss of water, was 2.7 +/- 0.7 kg. Total body impedance increased by 80 +/- 16 omega from 495 +/- 39 omega to 575 +/- 47 omega. Weight loss and increase in body impedance were highly correlated (r = -0.91, P less than 0.001). However, based on prediction formulas for total body water from bio-electrical impedance, the observed weight (water) loss should be associated with an increase in impedance of only 39 +/- 11 omega. It is concluded that the impedance value before dialysis is a relatively low value, due to the low specific resistivity of the excess of extra-cellular water in the body before dialysis. As a consequence, prediction formulas for body composition from bio-electrical impedance, developed in normal hydrated subjects, overestimate body composition (total body water, fat-free mass) in subjects with oedema.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1980

[Esterification of cholesterol in patients with renal transplants. Determination of lecithin:cholesterol-acyl-transferase (LCAT) activity].

In man, cholesterol esterification is controlled by lecithin:cholesterol-acyl-transferase (LCAT), which is a key-role enzyme of lipid metabolism. Though LCAT is synthesized by the hepatocytes, its activity seems to be linked to the kidney: in fact, LCAT activity is lowered in uremic and anephric subjects, and probably also in long-term haemodialysis patients. On the contrary, in successfull renal allografts we found fully restored LCAT activity. But physiopathological mechanisms underlying relationships between LCAT and kidney are still unclarified.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1975

Pure red cell aplasia: studies on an IgG serum inhibitor neutralizing erythropoietin.

A new type of IgG serum inhibitor in adult pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) has been investigated. This inhibitor is directed against circulating erythropoietin (Ep) (PRCA type B), rather than the erythroid marrow (PRCA type A). Thus, the IgG inhibitor, after interaction with Ep in solution, is precipitated together with Ep by addition of goat anti-human gamma-globulins. Pre-therapy PRCA serum, although apparently devoid of Ep, shows considerable Ep activity following acidification and boiling. The inhibitor is absent from post-therapy serum, while Ep levels are elevated. An experimental model for PRCA type B has been established in normal mice after prolonged administration of pre-remission serum IgG.

Aged↗