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Biomedical subjects

M Cacchio

Publications and source records attributed to M Cacchio.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Double effect of ethanol on intracellular Ca2+ levels in undifferentiated PC12 cells.

In PC12, a cellular line derived from a rat pheochromocytoma, ethanol (EtOH) induces a different effect depending on the concentration used. When resting cells are incubated with an alcohol concentration less than or equal to 120 mM, the [Ca2+]i increased with a double phase pattern. If the alcohol concentration was increased over 120-160 mM, EtOH reversed its effect and the [Ca2+]i decreased. This decrease was strongly inhibited if KCl-depolarized cells were used and was completely abolished if the substrate constituted EtOH-chronically treated cells. The Ca2+ increase is the consequence of an activation of L-type voltage-activated channels, while the other voltage-dependent channels (N-type), the receptor-operated channels and the Ca2+ extrusion pump present in these cells are not involved in EtOH action. These findings indicate that EtOH can induce (by different mechanisms) both potentiating and inhibiting effects on [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells in relation to the alcohol dose effectively present in the suspension medium.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed1981

[Findings of the importance of dietetic fiber in the regulation of cholesterolemia].

We studied the variations of some lipid indexes in cholesterolemia, lipidemia and triglycerides in relation to a diet rich in bulk. Seven adult male subjects in good health were tested for cholesterol, lipid and triglycerides before and after a two week period of a dialy diet of 40 g of whole wheat bran containing about 10g of fiber. At the some time the lipid, cholesterol and triglycerides limits were measured in 3 groups of rabbits. The first groups was subjected to a normal diet, the second group was subjected to a diet of bleached flour and vitamins, and the third group had a diet similar to the second group but with the addition of 40 g whole wheat bran. The results of our investigation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of cholesterol lipid and triglycerides levels the special diets at the some time we did not see in increase in the third group of rabbit. Our study seems to indicate that dietetic fibers exercise a vital role in regulating the concentration of plasma lipids even if the subject continues to consume a diet rich in fats. From this we see to importance of the dietetic fibers as a protective factor in the prevention of ateriosclerotic.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Evaluation of various hematologic parameters in Andean miners (Morococha-Peru 4560 m)].

In other Author's previous studies refer that prolonged CO exposure, as chronic altitude exposure, causes marked increases in Hb and Htc levels. We had intended to study these hematologic changes on three non-smokers' group : Miners of the Andes working at CO exposure ambients, Residents and European Subjects living a. s. l. and exposed at 4560 m. Statistical analysis, according with literature, has shown significant difference in the three groups' Hb and Htc ratio, in comparison with sea level control values. We had moreover observed that HbCO of the Miners' group reached, sometimes, 8, 2% values. It does not seem, however, that the higher HbCO levels noted in the Miners' group are sufficiently elevated for producing a further increase in Hb and Htc ratio compared to the other two control group.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Hemodynamic modifications induced by volatile anesthetics halothane, penthrane, ethrane) I. Cardiovascular effects].

UNLABELLED: We had intended to reckon quantitatively the effects of volatile anaesthetics(Halothane, Ethrane, methoxyflurane or Penthrane) upon cardiovascular system of healthy young mongrel dogs, 5-8 days interval each other. After administration of a Halothane and Penthrane, heart rate(HR) increases of about 30%; blood pressure(BP) is decreasing of same percentage. Halothane causes a slight increase upon pulmonary arterial pressure(PAP), while pulmonary arterial flow(PAF) reaches 40% more than control values. Penthrane decreases of 30% PAP and of about 40% PAF. Ethranic anaesthesia produces a slight fall on HR and BP, while PAP doesn't result significatively modified; a marked decrease(40%) is observed on PAF. Aortic flow(AF) is diminished(from 20 to 30%) by administration of these anaesthetics. IN CONCLUSION: Halothane causes very significative modifications on circulation, less modifications are produced by Penthrane, while Ethrane doesn't produce any changes.

Anesthetics↗
PubMed1981

[Hemodynamic modifications induced by volatile anesthetics halothane, penthrane, ethrane). II. Effect on myocardial contraction and myocardial response to hypoxia].

We had intended to reckon quantitatively the effects of volatile anaesthetics about myocardial contractility and coronary circulation, on rest and after total occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery for 15 sec on young healthy mongrel dogs. Halothane decreases coronary flow of about 20% while Penthrane increase coronary flow (CF) of 30% after 20 sec and later it stabilizes to 10% higher than the control values. Ethrane causes a light initial decrease and later CF returns to control values. During occlusion, derivative of left ventricular pressure (LVP) is reduced from Halothane, which also causes a marked decrement of hyperemia. By means of penthranic anaesthesia, during occlusive phase, we observed a shortening in contraction and relaxation speed. Ethrane doesn't modify the hyperemic coronary flow nor cardiodynamic parameters during occlusive period, while the latter parameters are sensibly varying during restore.

Anesthetics↗
PubMed1981

Effects of papaveroline-monosulphate on the systemic and regional circulation in the dog.

The effects of papaveroline 6'-sulphonic of N-methylglucamine (UTEN), administered by intravenous injection in doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg/kg, on cardiac dynamics and peripheral blood flow distribution were studied in conscious and anesthetized dogs, using electromagnetic flowmeters implanted around the ascending aorta, pulmonary artery, left coronary artery, superior mesenteric artery, and renal and external iliac arteries. In the conscious dogs, blood pressure after the injection of the drug showed an initial fall and returned to normal control values after a transitory increase. The changes in aortic pressure were accompanied by an increase in heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume and cardiac work. The administration of UTEN was also associated with an increase in the peripheral blood flow and a decrease in their calculated resistances and in total peripheral resistances. Similar variations were observed in the anesthetized dogs. The effects of UTEN were compared with those of other vasodilator drugs (papaverine, isoxsuprine and D.E.D.). From the results obtained it is possible to conclude that UTEN produces a vasodilation in all investigated vessels, whereas other vasodilator agents only act in some particular vascular beds; moreover, the effect of UTEN is longer-lasting. There is also a probable constriction in the capacitance vessels, as shown by haemodynamic changes in the pulmonary circulation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Correlations between protein kinase C zeta signaling and morphological modifications during rat heart development and aging.

From birth to aging the heart undergoes functional changes reflecting biochemical and ultrastructural modifications which imply apoptosis. This is a physiological process resulting from genetic programs closely associated with development and aging. During development apoptosis eliminates redundant cells leading to heart remodeling, while during aging it eliminates damaged or exhausted cells. In the present paper we analyze some molecular mechanisms involved with heart morphological modifications, especially in the neonatal heart which displays different features in the subendocardial and myocardial area. The high number of subendocardial apoptotic cells and the inverted ratio of Bcl-2/Bax molecule expression in the two heart compartments led us to hypothesize a different metabolism in the myocardium as compared with subendocardium. Moreover, we propose that PKC zeta may mediate this different response by activating Nf-kB pathway and by maintaining the balance between hypertrophic growth and apoptosis involved with remodeling of neonatal heart. Further, we underline that in the aged heart, where this pathway is not activated, such balance is not maintained.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HR, 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides, in comparison with diosmin+hesperidin in chronic venous insufficiency and venous microangiopathy: an independent, prospective, comparative registry study.

The aim of this independent study was to investigate differences in efficacy between HR, (0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) and D+H (500 mg, diosmin+hesperidin) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A first group of 90 patients with severe venous hypertension (CVI, ankle swelling) were randomized into an HR or a D+H group. The HR group received oral HR (2 g/day, 8 weeks); the D+H group received a 500 mg tablet 3 times daily for 8 weeks. A second group of comparable patients was included in a registry following the same study format. Patients were openly included; the 2 treatments were administered with the same methods and procedures. Clinical conditions were comparable to those described in the randomized study. Patients treated for at least 8 weeks were included in the registry. A number of physicians (specialists or general practitioners) included patients when they considered that clinical conditions were compatible with using 1 of the 2 treatments on the basis of their personal evaluation and experience. When cases were compatible with the registry, the prescribing physician communicated the case. Patients were evaluated without interfering with the treatment. Main targets of evaluation were skin flux at rest (RF), strain-gauge-derived rate of ankle swelling (RAS), and analogue symptoms score (ASLS). Ninety subjects completed the study in the first group; 122 in the second, registry group (total of 212 patients). The first and second (registry) groups and the 2 treatment groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. The pooled mean age was 42 years (SD +/-5.5) in the HR group (46+62 patients) and 41.5 (SD +/-6) in the D+H group (44+60 patients). Considering pooled data there were no differences in microcirculatory parameters between the pooled treatment groups at inclusion. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in RF and RAS was observed in the HR group at 8 weeks. The decrease in resting skin flux and in capillary filtration was associated with a significant improvement in signs/symptoms (analogue scale line) from an average of 9.4 (range 3-10) to 3.3 (4-6) (p<0.05). Significantly smaller variations were observed in the D+H group. The decrease in RF was 47.6% in the HR group vs 15.7% in the D+H group. The decrease in RAS was 40.9% in the HR group vs 12.8% in the D+H group. The decrease in ASLS was 64.8% in the HR group vs 12.9% in the comparative group. In conclusion venous microangiopathy and edema were improved by the treatment with HR both in the randomized study and in the pooled analysis. The comparison with D+H indicates that HR is comparatively more effective both on microcirculatory parameters and on signs/symptoms of CVI.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HR, 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides; (Venoruton): rapid relief of signs/symptoms in chronic venous insufficiency and microangiopathy: a prospective, controlled study.

The aim of this independent study was to demonstrate the rapidity of the clinical action of HR 0-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides, Venoruton (Novartis Consumer Health) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Two groups of patients with venous hypertension and microangiopathy were treated with HR (1 or 2 g/day, for 8 weeks). Twelve patients (age 56.4; range 44-66; M:F = 6:6) were included in group 1 (1 g/day) (moderate CVI and microangiopathy); 10 patients (age 57.4; range 42-67; M:F = 5:5) in group 2 (2 g/day) with more severe CVI and microangiopathy. Average ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) was 58.6 (range 50-65) with a refilling time (RT) shorter than 10 seconds. There were no significant differences in AVP and RT between the 2 groups, but the duration of the disease was longer in group 2: 3.5 years (SD 2.0) in group 1 and 6.4 years (SD 3.3) in group 2. All included subjects completed the study and no dropouts were observed. In both dose groups there was a progressive decrease in laser Doppler resting flux (RF), indicating improvement in microangiopathy and a significant decrease in capillary filtration (RAS) associated with a significant improvement in analogue scale line score (ASLS) and edema. Although the effect in the 2 g dose group was more rapid on the microcirculatory parameters with a significant effect on RF and RAS after 4 days (effect of 1 g per day after 8 days and 6 days, respectively), there was no difference in the time to onset of a significant clinical improvement (ie, the ASLS and the edema score): 4 days in both groups. Venous microangiopathy and edema were improved by the treatment with HR within a few days. The effects were visible with both dosages, in both severity groups.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevention of edema and flight microangiopathy with Venoruton (HR), (0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) in patients with varicose veins.

The aim of this open study was the evaluation of the effects of HR (Venoruton) at a dose of 1 g/day on the prevention and control of flight microangiopathy and edema in subjects with varicose veins and moderate chronic venous insufficiency flying for more than 11 hours. Patients with varicose veins, edema, but without initial skin alterations or complications, were included. Measurements of skin laser Doppler (LDF) resting flux (RF) venoarteriolar response (VAR), ankle swelling (RAS), and edema were made within 12 hours before and within 3 hours after the flights. The resulting edema after the flights was evaluated with a composite edema score (analogue scale line). A group of 20 subjects was treated with HR (1 g/day, starting 2 days before the flight and 1 g for every 12 hours on day of travel). Another group of 18 subjects formed the control group. The length of the flights was between 11 and 13 hours; all seats were in coach class. Fifty patients were enrolled and 38 patients were evaluable at the end of the trial. The 2 groups (treatment and control) were comparable for age and sex distribution. The decrease in RF was significant in both groups with a higher flux at the end of the flight in the HR group (p < 0.05). The venoarteriolar response was decreased at the end of the flights; the decrease was lower in the HR group (p < 0.05). The increase in RAS and the edema score were significantly lower in the HR group. In conclusion HR is useful for reducing the level of microangiopathy and the increased capillary filtration and in controlling edema in patients with venous disease in long flights. The higher level of flux and VAR and the reduction in edema indicate a positive effect of HR on the microcirculation. This study confirms that HR prophylaxis is effective to control flight microangiopathy associated with edema.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of shock waves on microcirculation, perfusion, and pain management in critical limb ischemia.

Shock waves (SW) are used to control pain in different clinical conditions (eg, painful knee, elbow, and shoulder, etc). The effects of SWs may be due to cellular ;;stunning'' (particularly nervous components). It may also be the consequence of unknown metabolic actions on tissues, which may include changes in cellular permeability, the liberation of proteins and mediators locally acting on pain and nerve endings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in pain and the improvement in microcirculation induced by SW treatment in a 2-week study in patients with chronic limb ischemia (CLI). Of the 32 patients with CLI, 30 (20 with rest pain only, 10 with necrosis) completed the study. The treatment was well tolerated. Foot radiographs performed before and after treatment indicate no bone damage after treatment. Foot (tibial arteries) blood pressure was unchanged after 2 weeks. The increase in laser Doppler flux was significant (p <0.05) after treatment. The ORACLE score at 2 weeks was decreased (p <0.05). The same trend was observed with the analogue scale line for pain (p <0.05). Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) increased (p <0.05) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) decreased (p <0.05). In all patients an increase in pain-free walking distance was observed (the distance increased on average 2.4 times). Flux improvement was still present after 1 month. The outcome at 3 months in these patients indicates that the improvement (concerning the survival of the limbs) was persistent. In conclusion SWs treatment in CLI produced changes both on the microcirculation and pain. These results are very interesting, confirming previous observations, and opening new treatment options in CLI. The skin flow improvement did not relate to an increase in pressure.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Venous ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes a well-defined microangiopathy described as venous hypertensive microangiopathy (VHM) leading to venous ulcerations. VHM is mainly observed in the distal part of the leg, in the perimalleolar region. In VHM edema is the consequence of increased capillary pressure and reduced local clearance, and this affects local perfusion. The healing of venous ulcers is usually very slow. Many treatments are available, but there is still no standard. Oral Pycnogenol is effective in venous disease and particularly in controlling edema. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the local effects of Pycnogenol on ulcers healing associated with venous hypertension. The study lasted 6 weeks including 18 patients (16 completed the study) with venous ulcerations. The oral treatment with Pycnogenol was compared with a combination treatment including oral and local treatment. In subjects treated with the combination treatment (oral and local), venous ulcers healed better (there was a faster reduction in ulcerated area) in comparison with oral treatment only. According to this pilot study Pycnogenol appears to have an important role in local treatment of venous ulcers improving healing and signs/symptoms.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A plaster combining diclofenac and heparin: microcirculatory evaluation in 2 models of high-perfusion microangiopathy.

A medicated plaster containing diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) and heparin has been recently proposed for the treatment of local trauma (ie, ankle sprains) accompanied by a clinically significant edema and/or hematoma formation, based on the combined antiinflammatory, hemorheologic, and antiedema properties of diclofenac and heparin. The aim of this study was therefore to compare the effects of a combined DHEP/heparin and DHEP alone in 2 clinical experimental models of microangiopathy, in order to provide a pharmacologic rationale for association of diclofenac and heparin. The microcirculation was evaluated by measuring cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler) and transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures (TcPO(2) and TcPCO(2)) in 10 healthy volunteers before and after producing 2 microcirculatory models of microangiopathy: the models were based on reactive hyperemia (RH) and on local histamine injection, which both produce a significant increase in skin flux and alterations of TcPO(2) and TcPCO(2). The area of the study was the distal medial leg, treated with placebo, DHEP alone (Flector Tissugel), and DHEP/heparin (Flector Tissugel Heparin). The plasters were applied before producing the microcirculatory models to evaluate the efficacy of DHEP and DHEP/heparin in controlling and limiting vasodilatation and development of microangiopathy. A significant increase in cutaneous flux was obtained with both models. The application of DHEP partially limited the increase in flux and in TcPCO(2), as well as the decrease in TcPO(2) (which were considered signs of microangiopathy), but the combination DHEP/heparin was significantly more effective than DHEP alone. The inclusion of heparin in the plaster thus improved the control of the microcirculation achieved with diclofenac alone, when an experimental model of venous/arterial hyperemia and microangiopathy was used. In conclusion, DHEP in association with heparin modulates microcirculatory changes better than DHEP alone. It should be interesting to investigate the product in comparable clinical conditions in which it may be useful to act pharmacologically both on inflammation and microcirculatory disturbances that delay the recovery of patients.

Adult↗