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Biomedical subjects

G Gallo

Publications and source records attributed to G Gallo.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Lipoprotein glomerulopathy: first report in a Chinese male.

Only seven patients with lipoprotein glomerulopathy have been reported, all in Japanese subjects. We describe the first Chinese patient with lipoprotein glomerulopathy, a 28-year-old man followed for 8 years. As in all patients described thus far, our patient has hyperlipoproteinemia phenotypically similar to the familial type III hyperlipoproteinemia, a high serum level of apolipoprotein E (apo E) (but with the heterozygous E 2/3 isoform instead of the E 2/2 isoform), and the absence of the typical clinical features associated with type III hyperlipoproteinemia. The common clinical presentation is the nephrotic syndrome. The characteristic pathologic features are concentrically layered vacuolated lipid "thrombi" in distended glomerular capillary lumens that contain beta/pre-beta lipoprotein. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrate lipoprotein "thrombi" staining for apo E and apo B, but not apo A-I, apo A-II, or apo J. Immunoglobulins, complement, and fibrin are absent or present in trace amounts. The long-term follow-up demonstrates progressive deterioration of renal function despite lipolytic therapy. The apparent predilection of lipoprotein glomerulopathy in Orientals, particularly Japanese subjects, is poorly understood, but appears to be related to genetic factors. The cause of the hyperlipoproteinemia and lipoprotein "thrombi" containing apo E and apo B is unknown, but is possibly related to defective receptor-binding mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Thyroid hormone modulates the expression of rat liver gammaglutamyltranspeptidase activity.

Gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) activity is considered as a marker of liver phenotype, being maximally expressed in fetal liver and virtually absent in adult mature tissue. Since thyroid hormone has been identified to influence growth and development of almost all tissues, we have investigated the possible involvement of such factors in regulating rat hepatic GGT. Our results indicate that the activity of GGT in liver of perinatal hypothyroid rats is low as well as in control animals; instead, it is greatly increased in adult hypothyroid rats compared to controls of the same age (+260% in 2-month-old hypothyroid rats). Replacement therapy with T3 to hypothyroid rats normalizes the enzyme activity to the levels of control animals. Thyroid hormone appears to modulate the gene expression of the enzyme, since in the different thyroid status GGT mRNA level closely parallels the variations of the enzyme activity. These results further suggest that thyroid hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining the phenotype of adult liver tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Endoscopic bile duct stone removal prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Of 1049 patients referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic gallstone disease, 67 (6%) had clinical, biochemical, or echographic findings suggesting common bile duct stones. Patients in this group were studied preoperatively with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In 26 patients (39%), the diagnosis was confirmed. In 12 other cases (18%), the macroscopic finding of a stripped or bleeding papilla without common bile duct stones suggested stone migration. ERCP in the remaining 29 patients (43%) was normal. Thirty-four endoscopic sphincterotomies (ES) were performed, 26 for common bile duct stones and 8 for cystic lithiasis or gallbladder microlithiasis. In the entire group of patients with choledocholithiasis, stone removal was possible. All 67 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy on an average of 2.8 days following the endoscopic procedure. Twenty-one patients (31%) had acute cholecystitis, and 5 had chronic scleroatrophic cholecystitis. Five (7.5%) of the 67 patients were converted to an open procedure. In 10 cases (16%), the cystic diameter was larger than an 8-mm M-L clip, which made necessary the use of endoligature or extra clips. No complications or deaths resulted from ERCP or ES. Two of the 62 patients (3.2%) who underwent LC had to be reoperated on, 1 because of a right subphrenic collection, and the other because of bilious ascites. No common bile duct lesions or deaths resulted in the analyzed group. The average hospitalization time, with the exception of those patients converted or reoperated on, was 8 days.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Pain evaluation during carbon dioxide laser vaporization for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a randomized trial.

63 pts affected by CIN of various degrees were randomly divided into 3 groups in order to evaluate the pain experienced during laser vaporization of the lesion. All pts were premenopausal and ages ranged between 19 and 39 years. 21 pts received Naproxene Sodium (550 mg) 30 minutes before surgery; 21 pts received placebo and 21 pts received no drug. Laser vaporization was performed with a Coherent System 451 CO2 laser with a power setting of 28 W/cm2 and a spot size of 1.8 mm. The severity of pain was assessed by means of a Visual Analogue Scale. The mean VAS value was 19 for the group treated with Naproxene Sodium; the mean VAS value was 20 for the placebo group and 23 for the group which received no pre-operative drug. Analysis of data from the 3 groups showed no statistically significant difference. Analgesia or anaesthesia before laser surgery for CIN is not a necessity.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis: systemic treatment with oral fluconazole.

52 patients affected by persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis underwent systemic therapy with oral Fluconazole at a dose of 150 mg once a week for 3 weeks. 31 (59.61%) patients were cured at the first control after therapy. Of the remaining 21 patients, 4 (7.69%) were lost at follow-up and 17 (32.69%) underwent a second cycle of systemic therapy with complete recovery confirmed at the further controls. The overall percentage of recoveries was equal to 92.30%. The results suggest that Fluconazole is very effective in mycotic vulvovaginitis with irrelevant side effects.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

[A rare case of accessory choledochus associated with diverticulum of the common bile duct].

The Authors report on a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tract characterized by an accessory choledochus, which drained the inferior paramedian segments of the liver. Such anomalous duct emerged from the hepatic hilum right behind the cystic artery, the cystic duct and the gallbladder to join the primary choledochus few millimeters from the papilla of Vater. At the point of junction, in the posterior aspect of the II duodenal portion, a choledochal diverticulum containing cholesterin and bilirubin stones was also present. Surgery was indicated by the onset of a pseudo-obstructive syndrome followed by jaundice. At laparotomy the exact diagnosis was possible. The intervention consisted in a choledochotomy and duodenotomy with tube drainage and exeresis of the choledochal cyst containing the stones.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Potential role of apolipoprotein-E in fibrillogenesis.

Immunohistochemical and biochemical studies have demonstrated several different proteins in amyloid deposits that are not intrinsic components of the fibril itself but may play a role in their deposition and fibril formation. We compared the distribution of several amyloid-associated proteins, ie, amyloid P component, apolipoprotein-E, apolipoprotein-J, and vitronectin, in the deposits of several different amyloids, in particular light chain amyloid, with those in the deposits of nonamyloid monoclonal immunoglobulin, which may be considered a form of preamyloid disease. Although 100% of amyloid specimens (7 amyloid A, 15 immunoglobulin light chain, and 1 transthyretin) had amyloid P component and 100% had apolipoprotein-E (2 amyloid A, 10 immunoglobulin light chain, and 1 transthyretin) co-localized with the primary amyloid protein, none of the monoclonal nonamyloid cases (14 light chain deposition disease and 6 light and heavy chain deposition disease) had amyloid P component and only 1 of 11 had apolipoprotein-E. On the other hand, staining for apolipoprotein-J and vitronectin was positive in 100% of cases of amyloid and nonamyloid monoclonal deposits. The association between the presence of apolipoprotein-E and amyloid P component in the fibrillar form of monoclonal light chain deposits and their absence in the nonfibrillar form of deposits suggest a role for these proteins in the process of fibrillogenesis. This lends support for the previously proposed concept that apolipoprotein-E functions as a pathological chaperone by altering the conformation of amyloidogenic proteins.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed1993

[Subclavian steal syndrome. Clinical aspects and therapeutic problems].

Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Italy. Although atherosclerotic involvement of the carotid artery is more prevalent, some patients suffer from stenosis of the subclavian artery, usually proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery. Neurological symptoms result from reversed flow in the vertebral artery, so-called "subclavian-steal". This collateral pathway may rob the posterior circulation of perfusion to the degree of producing episodes of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The authors have therefore reviewed their experience with this disease and present their findings, therapeutic procedures and short-term results. During 1990 four patients affected by "subclavian-steal syndrome" were observed at the Surgical Department of Montecchio Maggiore Hospital (VI). Two patients were operated on and axillo-axillary bypass operations were performed (with a 5 mm Gore-tex graft). The goal of surgical treatment is to alleviate cerebrovascular symptomatology by restoring flow to the subclavian artery distal to the occlusion. Axillo-axillary bypass offers distinct advantages over the alternative methods such as transthoracic procedures or carotid-subclavian bypass. Axillo-axillary bypass is a technically simple procedure with very good results and minimal complications. It avoids sternotomy, thoracotomy and clavicular resections: the carotid artery is not involved in the procedure. The authors conclude that axillo-axillary bypass is a cheap, safe and effective treatment for symptomatic subclavian artery insufficiency.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Role of growth factors in the human endometrium during aging.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in physiological and pathological changes of the endometrial tissue during aging. Thirty-four patients undergoing hysterectomy were divided into three groups: (A) premenopausal women with regular menses, (B) pre-menopausal women with irregular bleeding and (C) post-menopausal women. Endometrial samples were collected after the removal of uterus and were used for immunohistochemical evaluation of EGF, EGF receptor (EGFr) and IGF-I and also for Northern blot analysis of IGF-I gene expression. Plasma levels of 17 beta-oestradiol (E2), D4-androstenedione (D4-A) and oestrone (E1) were also assayed. The immunohistochemical scores (HSCORES) for EGF, EGFr and IGF-I were significantly higher in groups A and B than in group C. Independently from the menstrual history, significantly higher HSCORES of EGF, EGFr and IGF-I were present in hyperplastic endometrium than in those which were proliferative and atrophic. Moreover, IGF-I mRNA expression was observed in all pre-menopausal women, whereas only 1 post-menopausal women with hyperplastic endometrium showed detectable RNA encoding for IGF-I. Higher levels of D4-A were also significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with higher HSCORES of EGF, EGFr and IGF-I. Our results suggest that the above mentioned growth factors could act as mediators of oestrogens on the endometrial functional activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Laparoscopic appendectomy in clinical practice. Aesthetic and functional advantages].

The mortality rate following traditional (open) surgical appendectomy has declined over the past 60 years to almost zero. Many surgeons question the utility of laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis as the appendix can often be removed through a small incision and the degree of trauma to the patient may be minimal. However, some patients suffer wound infection, prolonged hospitalization and delay in returning to full normal activity. Moreover, postoperative adhesions have been recorded in as many as 63 per cent of cases. Although recent studies have shown that laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and feasible, controversies still exist concerning indications and limits of the procedure. The aim of the present study is to clarify the advantages of the laparoscopic technique in performing appendectomy for both acute and chronic appendicitis. The Authors report on their experience of laparoscopic appendectomy performed at the Surgical Department of Montecchio Maggiore Hospital (VI) from July 1992 to December 1992. Ten laparoscopic appendectomies were performed in 8 female and 2 male patients with a mean age of 19 years (range 14-31). There were no conversions to laparotomy; mean operative time was 57 minutes (range 28-92). As far as the position of trocars is concerned, the Authors utilize a particular technique which presents an aesthetic advantage but requires the use of an endolaparoscopic stapler (Multifire Endo GIA 30 Autosuture). There was no mortality; the postoperative course was uneventful in all cases. Patients were discharged from the hospital the day after laparoscopic intervention. Follow up showed no postoperative pain, short bed stay at home and fast return to full activity; functional and aesthetic results were most satisfactory.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

An outbreak of group A food-borne streptococcal pharyngitis.

A food-borne outbreak of pharyngitis from group A streptococcus developed in people attending wedding banquets in the same restaurant on July 5-8, 1986. Of the 300 people interviewed, 179 reported illness; pharyngeal swabs were taken from 115 ill people; from 63 (53%) of them group A streptococci, belonging to serotype T28, M28, were isolated. Statistical analysis performed using chi-square and Cochran's test showed that a prawn hors-d'oeuvre served on July 5 and squills or/and custard cake served on July 7 could have been a possible source of infection. Six people on the staff, 5 of whom belonged to the family of the restaurant manager, and the manager's three young daughters were colonized by the same group A serotype. A possible previous diffusion of the strain among the staff followed by contamination of the food was suspected.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

Effect of epidermal growth factor on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein synthesis by adult rat hepatocytes.

Growth hormone has been established as a primary regulator of IGF-I gene expression in adults, not only in liver but also in many extrahepatic tissues. We considered the possibility that IGF-I production by adult rat liver could also be stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), a peptide known to be involved in liver regeneration. Chromatographic analysis performed after acid treatment of conditioned media revealed the presence of both immunoreactive (IR) IGF-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP). Both IR IGF-I and IGFBP were present in the conditioned medium of adult rat hepatocytes in basal conditions. The stimulation of IGF-I and IGFBP secretion by EGF appears to be dose-dependent with a significant increment already evident at 5 nM. That EGF stimulates secretion is supported by the finding that IGF-I and IGFBP-1 mRNA levels are increased after EGF supplementation. We conclude that adult rat hepatocytes spontaneously produce IGF-I and IGFBP, and that EGF is able to increase their synthesis and secretion. This non-growth hormone-dependent regulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-1 production by adult rat hepatocytes in culture indicates an important autocrine/paracrine role for IGF-I, particularly during liver regeneration after extensive organ mass loss.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

B-cell lymphoma presenting as infiltrative renal disease.

Acute renal failure is rarely the presenting manifestation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the reported cases of renal insufficiency secondary to diffuse renal infiltration with lymphoma, few have presented with acute renal failure. We present a patient with acute renal failure secondary to diffuse bilateral renal infiltration by a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The findings of an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lymphopenia, and homogenous bilateral renal enlargement on computed tomographic (CT) imaging were important in suggesting the diagnosis of primary renal lymphoma. Renal biopsy with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis was instrumental in confirming this diagnosis.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1992

Amyloidoma of the CNS. II. Immunohistochemical and biochemical study.

We present the immunohistochemical and biochemical identification of an amyloidoma localized to the cerebral white matter in a patient who shows no evidence of systemic or extracranial localized amyloid deposits. Immunohistologic and immunochemical studies, using antibodies against biochemically different amyloid fibrils and amyloid-associated proteins, showed reactivity with antibodies only to lambda light chain and serum amyloid P-component. Amino acid sequence analysis of the purified amyloid fibrils extracted from the brain tumor indicates that the amyloid protein is an unusual immunoglobulin lambda light chain, starting at residue five of the variable domain. These fibrils consist of lambda chain fragments of different lengths (10 to 30 kd) very likely arising by polymerization of the amyloid subunit or sequential proteolytic cleavage of the light chain, or both. After exposure to denaturing agents, the 10-kd subunit retains the characteristics of native amyloid fibrils by electron microscopy.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Neoplastic adenopathies of the neck: role of tumors of the oral cavity and salivary glands].

The Authors report a series of 386 non-selected cases of cervical adenopathies with systemic (23.1%) and secondary (76.9%) tumors, treated using both simple biopsy and radical surgery. The predominant sites were right (29.0%) and left (23.6%) laterocervical. Histological tests revealed that in relation to metastatic adenopathies the predominant histotype in the series as a whole was squamous carcinoma (29.5%). Within the scope of metastatic adenopathies, tumors of the oral cavity or salivary glands, if taken together, account for the highest percentage of incidence: 14.2%. Three points emerge from an analysis of the data: 1) in the presence of lymph node tumors of the cervical district, taken as a whole, approximately 21.8% may be attributed to tumors of the oral cavity and salivary glands; 2) in the context of metastatic adenopathies, the predominant histotype is squamous carcinoma, 38.4%; 3) the presence of a high percentage of metastatic adenopathies of the neck due to cancer of the oral cavity and adjacent salivary glands always requires the greatest care to commence integrated chemo-radio-surgical treatment of prevent efficacy.

Adolescent↗