Biomedical subjects

M Franchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Franchi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Conjugation pathways in liver disease.

1. The activities of microsomal glucuronyltransferase and thiomethyltransferase, and those of cytosolic sulphotransferase, acetyltransferase, glutathione transferase and thiomethyltransferase were measured in abnormal (cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis) and normal livers. 2. Glucuronyltransferase and sulphotransferase were investigated with 2-naphthol and ethinyloestradiol as substrates. p-Aminobenzoic acid, benzo(a)pyrene-4,5-epoxide and 2-mercaptoethanol were the substrates of acetyltransferase, glutathione transferase and thiomethyltransferase, respectively. 3. Enzyme activities are expressed as nmol min-1 incubation mg-1 protein and the averages (+/- s.d.) are given. With 2-naphthol as substrate, the glucuronyltransferase activity was 6.55 +/- 4.10 (abnormal liver, n = 33) and 7.81 +/- 4.02 (normal liver, n = 26) (NS); whereas sulphotransferase activity was 0.28 +/- 0.18 (abnormal liver, n = 35) and 0.68 +/- 0.43 (normal liver, n = 26) (P less than 0.01). Glucuronyltransferase activity towards ethinyloestradiol was 102.5 +/- 56.9 (abnormal liver, n = 30) and 107 +/- 59.9 (normal liver, n = 26) (NS), whereas sulphotransferase activity was 57.2 +/- 36.0 (abnormal liver, n = 35) and 122 +/- 67.6 (normal liver, n = 28) (P less than 0.01). Acetyltransferase activity was 0.84 +/- 0.83 (abnormal liver, n = 35) and 3.84 +/- 1.65 (normal liver, n = 26) (P less than 0.01). Glutathione transferase activity was 0.83 +/- 0.68 (abnormal liver, n = 35) and 2.90 +/- 1.59 (normal liver, n = 25) (P less than 0.01) and thiomethyltransferase activity was 1.00 +/- 0.69 (abnormal liver, n = 34) and 3.99 +/- 1.49 (normal liver, n = 25) (P less than 0.01). 4. Liver disease lowers the activities towards the substrates studied of sulphotransferase, acetyltransferase, glutathionetransferase and thiomethyltransferase but not that of glucuronyltransferase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Lymph node metastasis of carcinoma of the cervix uteri. Role of lymphography and computerized tomography].

The presence of lymph nodal metastases in the patients affected with carcinoma of the uterine cervix is of the utmost clinical relevance. In the Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments of Pavia University we have evaluated the accuracy of lymphangiography and CT in recognizing lymph nodal metastases in 95 patients, 58 of them evaluated preoperatively (49 subsequently submitted to radical hysterectomy). CT accuracy was also evaluated in 37 patients with a clinically suspected relapse of cervical cancer. In the first group the overall results were: 91% accuracy, 88% sensitivity, 92.5% specificity for lymphangiography and 87.9% accuracy, 72.2% sensitivity, and 95% specificity for CT (in 49 patients, stage I-II, submitted to lymphadenectomy, lymphangiographic accuracy was 91%, sensitivity was 88%, specificity 92% versus CT accuracy 85.7%, 44.4% sensitivity, and 95% specificity). In the second group (relapse) CT accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 94%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. In conclusion, lymphangiography gives better results than CT in the patients with early stages (I-II) of the disease. In advanced stages and relapses CT was found to have high accuracy in demonstrating lymph node status. This information is useful for treatment planning and for avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Sulphotransferase and its substrate: adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulphate in human fetal liver and placenta.

The activity of sulphotransferase (ST) towards 2-naphthol and the concentration of its endogenous substrate adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) were measured in human fetal and adult liver and in the placenta. The activity of ST (mean +/- SD; nmol/min/mg protein) was 0.28 +/- 0.06 (fetal liver); 1.82 +/- 0.44 (adult liver; p less than 0.001) and 0.021 +/- 0.014 (placenta; p less than 0.001). The concentration of PAPS (mean +/- SD; nmol/g wet tissue) was 10.1 +/- 0.9 (fetal liver); 23.4 +/- 2.4 (adult liver; p less than 0.001) and 3.6 +/- 1.1 (placenta; p less than 0.001). Both ST and PAPS were higher in fetal liver than in placenta. The difference between fetal liver and placenta was more marked for ST than for its substrate. Such a consideration was also drawn when fetal and adult liver were compared. Thus, the activity of the ST rather than the concentration of its substrate seems to be the limiting factor in sulphation.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

PubMed1989

[beta-TCP and beta-TCMP osteoregenerators. New perspectives].

The Authors present personal histological findings on a beta-tricalcium phosphate Mg substituted (beta-TCMP) prepared as sintered granules and unsintered powder. A mixture of these materials was used to fill bone cavities or defects in oral surgery. The beta-TCMP represents a biocompatible ceramic material able to accelerate and enhance bone repair of bone defects. It provides a completely biodegradable matrix for new bone growth as well as releasing mineral ions into the tissue during mineralization. Newly formed bone tissue is described in direct contact with residual beta-TCMP granules. No connective tissue layer is present between the new bone and the surface of the alloplastic material.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

[Class V cavities for composites. New preparation principles].

The aim of this study is to establish with the help of a computer a new type of Class V cavity that would ensure minimal marginal gap of restoration work using restorative resins. Comparison of computer graphics has shown that the ideal Class V cavity for restorative resins is cone-like with the apex or smaller base pointing towards the pulp and the walls slightly convex towards the free surface of the cavity. To prepare this sort of cavity new specular-type burrs are required.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed1989

[Calcium dobesilate, hemorheology, fibrinolysis and endothelium. New perspectives on the prevention of diabetic microangiopathy. Clinical pharmacological study].

The authors report the results of a double-blind cross-over study on calcium dobesilate in which two groups of eight recent-onset type-II diabetics were treated either p.o. (1 g once daily) or i.v. (500 mg in 100 ml of physiological saline) with calcium dobesilate or with placebo. During oral administration of the drug, blood rheology and total fibrinolytic capacity were assessed by calculating euglobulin lysis time. In view of the evidence for a viscosity-lowering action of the drug (which had already been found in "long-term" studies) and of potentiation of fibrinolytic activity, intravenous treatment was started with the object of elucidating the possible mechanisms of action, evaluating at the same time other parameters concerning the functional fibrinolytic pathways. It has thus been possible to ascertain that the drug has "rheologic" activity, interferes with the function of endothelial cells by stimulating the release of tissue plasminogen activator and thus increases fibrinolytic activity while not interfering with the clotting function and not altering platelet beta-thromboglobulin secretion. These findings appear to confirm the possibilities for therapeutic use of calcium dobesilate which is thought to act on a variety of pathogenetic mechanisms involved in diabetic microangiopathy.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1989

[A new lining material, B-tricalcium phosphate MG substitute].

Powder of not-sintered beta-tricalcium phosphate granules was used as capping material in deep cavities of monkey and human teeth. The authors have demonstrated by SEM with E-DAX the dispersion of beta-TCP in the dentinal tubules and in predentin. Histological sections didn't show any inflammation or degeneration of the pulp.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

[Surface polishing of posterior composites].

In this research we have valued at SEM the smoothness degree of the surface obtained in vitro on three kinds of composite resins for posterior restoration (P-30, P-50, Clearfil Photo Posterior); then we have compared it with the result obtained in vitro with an alloy not gamma-2 (Dispersalloy). The surfaces of the composite restorations show at SEM irregularities more or less accentuated for the presence of particles of filling got in comparison with the matrix. The surface of alloy restorations results on the contrary perfectly polished and completely comparable with the enamel surface.

Bicuspid↗

PubMed1989

[Surface polishing of anterior composites].

In this research it has been valued at SEM the smoothness degree of the surface obtained in vitro on three kinds of composite resins for anterior restorations (Lumifor, Silux, Pekalux). The surface has been polished and finished with abrasive disks (Sof Lex Pop On XT). The composite resin Lumifor presents at SEM a good finished surface. Far better results have been obtained with the microfilled composite resins Silux and Pekalux, which show at SEM surfaces perfectly polished and homogeneous.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed1989

[Periodontal status of a military group. Epidemiological considerations].

The authors studied the periodontal status of a group of Italian soldiers. The authors used the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs, as suggested by the FDI according with the WHO. Besides they carried out a statistical analysis of the results. It was possible to point out bad periodontal conditions in the population examined.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

New in vivo model to assess venous endothelial cell functions. Effect of defibrotide.

In the past few years there has been increasing interest in the role of the vascular endothelium as an active modulator of biological responses. Endothelial cells exert antithrombotic activity by the release of prostacyclin [23] and adenine nucleotides [16], the availability on the cell surface of heparin-like substances [3], and thrombomodulin-mediated activation of protein C [8]. In addition, endothelium is involved in the regulation of fibrinolysis by releasing soluble factors, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA; [10]) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI; [22, 11]), as well as in the control of vascular responsiveness by the production of smooth muscle relaxing and contracting factors. Endothelial cells have also been shown to synthesize and to express procoagulant activities [18]. Many data on endothelial cell functions has been obtained from two experimental models, namely endothelial cell cultures and perfused segments of animal and human vessels. Both are subject to methodological criticism since they only represent in part in vivo conditions, and the necessary experimental manipulations and laboratory procedures greatly modify the naturally occurring cellular functions. In order to overcome such difficulties as far as possible, a new in vivo model has been employed to provide easily assessable and reliable data on the properties of endothelial cells in man. A venous segment was isolated functionally by cannulating a dorsal vein in the hand and a cubital vein in the same arm. Changes observed ex vivo in blood from the cubital vein following infusion into the hand vein of an active drug, can mainly be attributed to its local effect on the venous wall. At the same time, a cubital vein in the other arm was cannulated in order to provide information to distinguish systemic from regional effects.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1989

Distribution of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase and its endogenous substrate adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate in human tissues.

The activity of sulphotransferase towards 2-naphthol and the concentration of its endogenous substrate, adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS), have been measured in five specimens of human liver, lung, and kidney, and the mucosa from the ileum and the ascending, descending and sigmoid colon. The activity of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase (mean nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein) was 1.82 (liver); 0.034 (kidney); 0.19 (lung); 0.64 (ileum); 0.47 (ascending colon); 0.50 (descending colon); 0.40 (sigmoid colon). The concentration of PAPS (mean nmol.g-1 wet tissue) was 22.6 (liver); 4.8 (kidney); 4.3 (lung); 12.8 (ileum); 8.1 (ascending colon); 7.5 (descending colon); 6.2 (sigmoid colon). The concentration of PAPS and the activity of 2-naphthol sulphotransferase were higher in the liver than in the extrahepatic tissues. There was significant difference between ileum and ascending colon, both the activity of sulphotransferase and the concentration of PAPS being higher in the former. 2-Naphthol sulphotransferase activity and the concentration of PAPS have consistent distribution patterns. Differences between the tissues studied were more marked for sulphotransferase than for its endogenous substrate.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

PubMed1989

Clinical value of computerized tomography (CT) in assessment of recurrent uterine cancers.

Fifty-one patients with a clinically suspected relapse of uterine cancer were evaluated with computerized tomography (CT) in the Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Radiology of the University of Pavia. The accuracy of these scans was always compared with biopsy results (31 cases) or clinical outcome (20 cases). To evaluate the role CT played in the treatment of each patient we divided the results of these examinations into "Confirmative" (when there was clinical evidence of a tumor) and "Diagnostic" (when physical examination and conventional radiologic techniques were inconclusive). Overall diagnostic accuracy was 92%, specificity 80%, and sensitivity 92%. The authors found that CT provides information that is useful for planning treatment and for avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration when a tumor is clinically evident; furthermore, CT was found to be better than conventional diagnostic means in doubtful cases, especially those in which post-therapeutic pelvic fibrosis was not extensive (correct diagnosis is 15 of 19 cases).

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Profile of drug-metabolizing enzymes in human ileum and colon.

Six patients (4 women and 2 men, age between 60 and 90 years), subjected to right hemicolectomy, were gut donors. The mucosa was isolated from the last portion of the ileum and the first portion of the colon. Tissue specimens were free from pathological changes. The activities of the enzymes of phase I (NADPH cytochrome c reductase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, cytosolic epoxide hydrolase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase) and the enzymes of phase II (glutathionetransferase, glucuronyltransferase, acetyltransferase, thioltransferase, sulphotransferase and glyoxalase) were measured in the microsomal or cytosolic fractions obtained from ileum and colon mucosa. The activity in the ileum was higher than in the colon for NADPH cytochrome c reductase (p less than 0.05) and cytosolic epoxide hydrolase (p less than 0.001) (phase I enzymes), and glutathionetransferase (p less than 0.02), sulphotransferase (p less than 0.05) and glyoxalase (p less than 0.02) (phase II enzymes). The other enzymes had similar activities in two mucosa. The distribution pattern of drug metabolizing enzymes cannot be considered as a single pattern in human ileum and colon because of the observed enzyme-dependent differences.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

Characterization of sulphotransferase in human ileum and colon.

The kinetics of sulphotransferase (ST) were studied at varying concentrations of 2-naphthol or adenosine 3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) in specimens of ileum and colon mucosa obtained from 6 subjects. When 2-naphthol was the variable substrate the enzyme obeyed non-Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The enzyme kinetic profile consists of two phases: one at higher and the other at lower activity for 2-naphthol. The maximum velocity of reaction (Vmax, mean +/- SD; pmol/min.mg protein) of the high-affinity phase was 403 +/- 82 (ileum) and 216 +/- 42 (colon) (p less than 0.01). Vmax for the low-affinity phase was 669 +/- 105 (ileum) and 415 +/- 84 (colon) (p less than 0.01). Km (mean +/- SD) of the high affinity phase was 0.034 +/- 0.004 (ileum) and 0.025 +/- 0.001 mmol/l (colon) (NS) and that of the low-affinity phase was 0.101 +/- 0.013 (ileum) and 0.095 +/- 0.014 mmol/l (colon) (NS). At varying concentrations of PAPS the enzyme obeyed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Vmax (mean +/- SD) was 995 +/- 163 (ileum) and 520 +/- 114 (colon) pmol/min.mg protein (p less than 0.02). Km was 0.096 +/- 0.008 (ileum) and 0.079 +/- 0.012 mmol/l (colon) (NS). The ST of ileum differs from that of colon for Vmax only.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Profile of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the cortex and medulla of the human kidney.

The cortex and medulla were isolated from kidneys whose donors (5 men and 1 woman, aged between 44 and 68 years) were undergoing nephrectomy to remove a tumor. Kidneys with normal architecture for at least two thirds of the organ were included in the study. Tissue specimens used in our experiments were free from pathological changes. The activities of the following enzymes of phase I NADPH cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine N-demethylase, ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, microsomal and cytosolic epoxide hydrolases, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, and those of the following enzymes of phase II glutathione transferase, glucuronyl transferase, sulphotransferase, acetyltransferase, thiomethyltransferase, thiopurinemethyltransferase, thioltransferase and glyoxalase were measured. The activity in renal cortex was significantly higher than in medulla for NADPH cytochrome c reductase, cytosolic epoxide hydrolase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase (phase I enzymes), and glutathione transferase, acetyltransferase, thiomethyltransferase, thiopurinemethyltransferase, thioltransferase and glyoxalase (phase II enzymes). The other enzymes had similar activity in cortex and medulla. The distribution pattern of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the human kidney cannot be considered as a single pattern because of the observed enzyme-dependent differences between cortex and medulla.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Development of the glucuronyltransferase and sulphotransferase towards 2-naphthol in human fetus.

The activity of the microsomal glucuronyltransferase (GT) was measured in 34 fetal and 27 adult human livers with 2-naphthol as substrate. The average (+/- SD) enzyme activity was 0.07 +/- 0.07 nmol/min/mg protein (fetal) and 7.98 +/- 4.19 nmol/min/mg protein (adult) livers. The adult to fetal ratio of the GT activity was 114. The activity of the cytosolic sulphotransferase (ST) was measured with 2-naphthol as substrate in 30 fetal and 23 adult livers. ST activity (mean +/- SD) was 0.18 +/- 0.12 nmol/min/mg protein (fetal) and 0.63 +/- 0.22 nmol/min/mg protein (adult). The adult to fetal ratio of the ST activity was 3.5. The postnatal development of GT is more marked than that of ST. In the fetal livers, the rate of 2-naphthol sulfation correlated (p less than 0.01) with the rate of 2-naphthol glucuronidation, whereas they did not correlate in the adult livers. No relationship was observed between the activity of the GT or ST and gestational age. The correlation existing between ST and GT in human fetus might suggest that the two enzymes are under a common developmental pattern which seems to be independent of gestational age. The activity of the GT with morphine as substrate was measured in 25 fetal and 29 adult livers and found to be 0.23 +/- 0.20 nmol/min/mg protein (fetal) and 1.85 +/- 0.98 nmol/min/mg protein (adult). Thus, the adult to fetal ratio of morphine glucuronidation was 8.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Cytology of malignant mixed mesodermal tumour of the uterus: experience of 10 cases.

The value of cytology as a diagnostic tool in uterine MMMT has been tested in order to reach an earlier diagnosis. From 10 endocervical scrapings we were able to obtain 7 positive smears, two of them diagnostic for mixed tumour at first examination, 1 detected upon revision. In one case the positive smear was obtained from a direct scraping of the neoplasia protruding through the cervical os.

Aged↗