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Biomedical subjects

G Pagano

Publications and source records attributed to G Pagano.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of sodium and potassium adenosine-triphosphatase on circulating lymphocytes: an approach to human obesity.

The methodological aspects of (Na+, K+)-ATPase-dependent uptake of 86Rb, a potassium analog, were examined on human lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood. The study of the time-course, the kinetic parameters, i.e., maximum velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) and the ouabain inhibition curve of 86Rb+ uptake confirm that circulating lymphocytes represent a suitable model for the study of (Na+,K+)-ATPase in human diseases. An application to human obesity is reported: the results indicate that 86Rb+ uptake on circulating lymphocytes is similar in obese and non-obese subjects. Therefore, (Na+,K+)-ATPase does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of human obesity.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prior gestational hyperglycemia: a long-term predictor of the metabolic syndrome.

Little is known about the association between prior gestational hyperglycemia of different severity and the subsequent risk for the metabolic syndrome. Eighty-one women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 25 with one abnormal value at the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and 65 with normal OGTT were studied after a mean of 8.5 yr from the index pregnancy. Patients with prior gestational hyperglycemia (both one abnormal value at the OGTT and GDM) showed a worse metabolic pattern than subjects with gestational normoglycemia [respectively higher values of body mass index (BMI), waist, blood pressure, serum glucose, insulin, C-peptide, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), fibrinogen and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol]. Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components was 2-4-fold higher in women with prior gestational hyperglycemia (and 10-fold higher if pre-pregnancy obesity coexisted) when compared to normoglycemic controls; in a Cox proportional hazard model, after adjustments for age and pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational hyperglycemia and pre-pregnancy BMI predicted subsequent metabolic syndrome [respectively: hazard ratio (HR)=4.26 and HR=1.21] and most of its components. In the same model, the highest quartile of fasting serum glucose at the OGTT of the index pregnancy was significantly associated to the metabolic syndrome and its components. Gestational hyperglycemia and fasting glucose values were also associated to subsequent fibrinogen values, but not to albumin excretion rates. In young adult women, prior gestational hyperglycemia (particularly abnormal fasting glucose values), above all in combination with pre-pregnancy obesity, anticipates a subsequent syndrome at high cardiovascular risk and, possibly, a mild chronic inflammatory response.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Rapid changes of glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetics submitted to artificial pancreas control.

This study was performed in order to investigate the possibility of rapid changes in glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Hb A1(a + b + c) values were evaluated by a chromatographic Column Test (Bio-Rad) in 20 insulin-dependent diabetic patients before and after 48 h of glycemic control obtained by an artificial pancreas (Biostator Miles). A significant decrease of glycosylated hemoglobin levels was observed: from 11.21 +/- 2.8% to 9.89 +/- 2.15% of total hemoglobin content (p less than 0.005). Our data bring to the conclusion that rapid changes of glycosylated hemoglobin partially reduce, but do not abolish the clinical significance of Hb A1 determination as a reliable index of long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Electrical anionic charges on red blood cells are reduced in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

The glomerular polyanion represents a charge-selective filter, restricting the passage of negatively charged plasma proteins, such as albumin. A specific loss of charges on the glomerular capillary wall (GCW) associated with an increased clearance of albumin has been reported in diabetes mellitus as well as many other nephropathies. The authors performed a chemical test based on the binding of the cationic dye Alcian Blue 8GX (AB) in 19 insulin-dependent diabetics, aged 34 +/- 4 years; all were Albustix negative, with normal renal function, normotensive, and in good metabolic control. The authors also studied 19 well-matched healthy controls. Each subject repeated the test on two separate occasions. The mean AB binding value was significantly lower (t-test: p less than 0.01) in diabetics than in controls: 87.5 +/- 2.3 vs. 100.5 +/- 1.6 ng/10(6) red cells. AB binding was not significantly correlated with age, duration of diabetes or metabolic control. A negative correlation was found between the negative charge on red cells and albumin excretion rate in microalbuminuric patients (n = 9). These results suggest a possible role for electrical charges in early stages of diabetic nephropathy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence for chronic health effects and the underlying biologic mechanisms involved in sub-lethal exposures to acidic pollutants.

Since the 1880s, a disparate and extensive literature has evolved examining the biologic effects of acidification on cells. More recently, effects on the health of human and other species of acidic agents contained, for example, in pollutants have been suggested, particularly relating to long-term exposures. This paper provides a review of the epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence concerning health effects--particularly carcinogenicity--attributable to sub-lethal acid exposure. Underlying biologic mechanisms that explain adverse health outcomes include pH modulation of toxicity for a number of xenobiotics (including carcinogens, genotoxins, and teratogens), and low-pH-induced changes of cells involving, for example, alterations in mitotic and enzyme regulation. More focused research is recommended to test the relationship between long-term exposures to acidic agents (with a consequent lowered cellular pH) and various health effects.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Double-blind crossover study of acarbose in type 1 diabetic patients.

The addition of acarbose to insulin treatment was evaluated in 14 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients assessed conventionally (blood glucose profile and HbA1c measurement) and with an artificial B-cell. Their metabolic control was poor, fasting blood glucose 10.7 +/- 0.3 (+/- SE) mmol l-1, mean daily blood glucose 9.7 +/- 0.3 mmol l-1, and HbA1c 9.6 +/- 0.2% (normal range 5.0-6.1%). They were of normal body weight (body mass index 22.5 +/- 0.3 kg m-2), and were C-peptide deficient (fasting 0.08 +/- 0.02 nmol l-1). In addition to their usual insulin therapy (46.9 +/- 3.5 U day-1 in three pre-meal injections), they received 100 mg acarbose or placebo three times a day for 6 weeks in a randomized double-blind crossover design. On the last day of either acarbose or placebo treatment, the usual insulin therapy was discontinued and an artificial B-cell was used for insulin delivery, programmed for euglycaemia. Placebo or acarbose was continued before meals. Acarbose reduced mean daily blood glucose concentrations (8.5 +/- 0.3 vs 9.7 +/- 0.3 mmol l-1, p = 0.002) and HbA1c levels (8.3 +/- 0.1 vs 9.6 +/- 0.2%, p less than 0.001). A significant reduction in insulin requirement after meals was found with the artificial B-cell, 25.1 +/- 2.5 (first treatment acarbose) and 24.1 +/- 2.9 U (first treatment placebo) with acarbose and 40.0 +/- 2.5 and 35.6 +/- 2.9 U with placebo (p less than 0.001). These results suggest that acarbose could usefully be administered to Type 1 diabetic patients to ameliorate glucose control and reduce insulin requirement.

Acarbose↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticula by stapler diverticulectomy and myotomy under local anesthesia].

From 1990 to 1997, 12 patients with Zenker's diverticulum underwent TA 30-stapler diverticulectomy and cricopharyngeal myotomy. All patients were operated on under local anaesthesia. No death was observed. In two cases subcutaneous infection was drained with recovery. No post-operative fistulas were observed with radiologic control. At 6 months follow-up all patients were well. Advantages of both stapler diverticulectomy and local anesthesia are outlined.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical and etiopathogenetic evaluation of a rare cause of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum and volvulus of the ileum: pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Report of a case].

A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with pneumoperitoneum and volvulus complications is reported. After careful examination of the literature, etiopathogenic, pathophysiological and clinical features of the disease are analyzed by the Authors, also in the light of recent findings. Major diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed regarding possible complications requiring a different therapeutic approach. PCI, a lesion which can be benign, primary or secondary in many conditions, may be characterized by the presence of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum which only requires a careful, but not aggressive therapy, unlike other complications such as volvulus or intestinal occlusion which, instead, require timely surgical action. The Authors describing the therapy adopted, highlight the positive role of the enteral nutrition (NE) and oxygen therapy in the clinical course of the disease.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Epilepsy and pregnancy: preliminary studies].

The study concerns 17 clinical cases of epilepsy during the progress of 32 pregnancies. It is reported the frequency variations of epileptic fits, the eventual pharmacological adjustments and also some parameters of influence on the newborn. The result are briefly argued.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Idiopathic varicocele. Diagnosis and follow-up with CW-Doppler and Echo-Color-Doppler: our experience].

The Authors outline their experience on routine use of Doppler velocimetry in pre- and post-operation studies on patients affected with idiopathic varicocele. This instrumental study, characterized by non-invasive techniques and repeatability, if correctly carried out, allows both accurate identification of anatomical alterations which are at the bottom of varicocele and correct indications for surgical treatment. Moreover the Authors confirm the importance of spermatic veins ligature following the Ivanissevich method in the treatment of male infertility.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Intraperitoneal hemorrhage from rupture of an aneurysm of splenic artery: case report and literature review].

Splenic artery aneurysm presented with rupture is an unusual and potentially deadly reason of intraperitoneal hemorrhage. There are a lot of pathogenetic hypothesis; timing according to disease severity and surgical choices aren't definitely codified authors present one patient with hemoperitoneum for ruptured splenic artery aneurysm affected by chronic lymphatic leukaemia too and review international literature; they underline pathogenesis, symptoms, preoperative investigations and therapy. Degeneration of the media, atherosclerotic changes and high blood flow due to pregnancy and portal hypertension could be the main pathogenetic factors. Ultrasonography is the first investigation we have to practice if we suspect hemoperitoneum. We can practice computed tomography and angiography too if cardiovascular condition are good. Rupture showing acute abdominal pain and cardiovascular collapse suggest strongly urgent operation. The choice of operation is determined by location of the aneurysm. When located in the distal third of the splenic artery, the aneurysm is resected with spleen; alternatively, when it is located in prossimal third we can perform conservative operation.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Operative laparoscopy for uterine pathology.

In the first years of its use, operative laparoscopy for uterine pathology was employed in the surgical treatment of myomas and in the correction of uterine retroversion (hysteropexy). More recently the technique has been employed for the laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy or for subtotal laparoscopical hysterectomy using the Semm Kit. Also radical hysterectomy has been performed in advanced centers by laparoscopy. In this paper, the Authors discuss the indications, the counterindications, the risks and complications of the operative laparoscopy in the different forms of ovarian pathology.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Operative laparoscopy for pelvic and extrapelvic pathology.

The treatment of pelvic adhesions has been the first and more successful indication for operative laparoscopy. Frequently this intervention is the first step of others laparoscopic procedures. The different modalities of these interventions, i.e. by electrocautery or by scissor, or by laser are discussed. Among indications of operative laparoscopy for pelvic pathology the treatment of endometrial implants has been considered. In this paper less frequent indications for operative laparoscopy as pelvic abscess, or complementary operation as appendicectomy and colecistectomy are also discussed.

Abscess↗