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Biomedical subjects

M Grisanti

Publications and source records attributed to M Grisanti.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Characterization of osteoclast precursors in human blood.

Osteoclast precursors (OCPs) circulate in the mononuclear fraction of peripheral blood (PB), but their abundance and surface characteristics are unknown. Previous studies suggest that the receptor activator for NF-kappaB (RANK) on cytokine-treated OCPs in mouse bone marrow interacts with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL/TRANCE/RANKL/ODF) to initiate osteoclast differentiation. Hence, we used a fluorescent form of human OPGL (Hu-OPGL-F) to identify possible RANK-expressing OCPs in untreated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Monocytes [CD14-phycoerythrin (PE) antibody (Ab) positive (+) cells, 10-15% of PBMCs] all (98-100%) co-labelled with Hu-OPGL-F (n > 18). T lymphocytes (CD3-PE Ab+ cells, 66% of PBMCs) did not bind Hu-OPGL-F; however, B cells (CD19-PE Ab+ cells, 9% of PBMCs) were also positive for Hu-OPGL-F. All Hu-OPGL-F+ monocytes also co-labelled with CD33, CD61, CD11b, CD38, CD45 and CD54 Abs, but not CD34 or CD56 Abs. Hu-OPGL-F binding was dose dependent and competed with excess Hu-OPGL. When Hu-OPGL-F+, CD14-PE Ab+, CD33-PE Ab+, Hu-OPGL-F+/CD14-PE Ab+ or Hu-OPGL-F+/CD33-PE Ab+ cells were cultured with OPGL (20 ng/ml) and colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1 (25 ng/ml), OC-like cells readily developed. Thus, all freshly isolated monocytes demonstrate displaceable Hu-OPGL-F binding, suggesting the presence of RANK on OCPs in PB; also, OCPs within a purified PB monocyte population form osteoclast-like cells in the complete absence of other cell types in OPGL and CSF-1 containing medium.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Effect of low dietary calcium on bone metabolism in the SENCAR mouse.

The SENCAR (sensitive to carcinogenesis) mouse is a unique tool for investigating the interaction between a specific defect in intracellular signaling, dietary calcium, and metabolic bone disease. The SENCAR mouse was developed by selective breeding for enhanced sensitivity to two-stage carcinogenesis. Its major genetic defect, which renders it exquisitely sensitive to stimulation with diacylglycerol or phorbol esters, is in the regulatory domain of protein kinase C, one of the primary intracellular mediators of hormonal effects. At sexual maturity, SENCAR mice are large and have big bones, but our previous pharmacokinetic studies showed that they accumulate less calcium under normal conditions and lose more calcium under adverse conditions than do other, standard strains of mice. To histologically define the effect of low dietary calcium on bone metabolism, we performed histomorphometric analysis of tetracycline-labeled sections of femoral bone from male SENCAR mice maintained on calcium-sufficient and calcium-deficient diets during the critical period from 10 to 14 weeks of age. The bone volume, absolute osteoid volume, and mineral apposition rate were lower at 14 than at 10 weeks of age in SENCAR mice fed 0.02 or 0.6% calcium diets. Calcium deficiency increased the architectural disarray and the probability of observing focal discontinuities in the growth plate. Thus, characteristic features of impaired bone metabolism (low bone volume and apposition rate) develop early in SENCAR mice and are exacerbated by low dietary calcium. Detailed examinations of the histology and biochemistry of SENCAR mouse bone will provide insights into the mechanisms by which specific defects in the signal transduction of protein kinase C contribute to impaired bone metabolism.

Animals↗

Hydatid cyst of the liver communicating with the left colon.

Rupture and secondary infection are common complications of hydatid cyst in the liver. Ultrasound and CT findings are reported in a case of hydatid cyst which has ruptured directly into the left colon. Rupture of hydatid cyst into a hollow viscus is extremely rare. CT demonstrated partial drainage of the cyst contents with the creation of an air-fluid level.

Colonic Diseases↗

[Post sinusoidal obstruction of the hepatic venous flow associated with antiphospholipid syndrome in 3 cases].

Three cases of post-sinusoidal hepatic blood flow obstruction as the main feature of antiphospholipid syndrome are reported. Clinically, these patients developed jaundice, malaise, ascites and hepatomegaly. Ultrasonography-Doppler and hepatic venography showed small hepatic vein disease in two and partial occlusion in the suprahepatic segment of inferior vena cava in the remaining patient. In all, anticardiolipin antibodies were positive and activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged. This experience emphasizes that in patients with post sinusoidal portal hypertension, a systematic search for antiphospholipid syndrome must be carried out.

Adult↗

[Severe ischemia of the hand. Treatment with regional intravenous sympathicolysis with reserpine].

Treatment of severe hand ischemia a associated to progressive systemic sclerosis and other disorders is controversial. We studied prospectively 45 patients, 41 female and 4 males, over an 11 year period. Age ranged from 16 to 73 years, mean 46. Underlying disease was systemic sclerosis in 30, CREST in 8, overlapping syndrome in 4, systemic lupus in 1 and non rheumatic vasculitis in 2 patients. Treatment consisted of intravenous injection of reserpine, 1 mg, at a superficial arm vein after controlled local circulatory block for 15 min. Regional anesthesia was required in 38 patients. Adequate follow up was obtained in 32 females and 2 males, receiving a mean of 3.1 therapy sessions (range 1 to 13). Morphologic improvement from 3.09 +/- 0.16 to 1.57 +/- 0.13 and functional improvement from 3.6 +/- 0.12 to 1.75 +/- 0.14 (5 grade scoring system), was observed (p < 0.001). These results correlate with adequate rehabilitation confirmed clinically.

Adolescent↗

[Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis].

Methotrexate may be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to other treatments (gold salts, d-penicillamine and antimalarial drugs). Success rates from 39 to 88% have been reported. The mechanism of action is unknown, but is supposedly related to anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Frequent side effects are observed on prolonged treatment. Most of these are mild and disappear with dose reduction. An exception is pneumonitis, a hypersensitivity reaction that may appear early and at low doses. Hepatotoxic effects are milder than those observed in patients with psoriasis. Intraarticular administration is not effective. No carcinogenic effects have been observed in humans. The drug should be administered with caution in fertile males and females due to possible teratogenic effects. New studies involving larger number of patients may help establish a significant role for methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

[Thyroid disease in progressive systemic sclerosis].

There is no agreement wither thyroid disease is a common feature of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). We evaluated 28 patients with proven PSS with determinations of T3, T4, TSH and Tg as well as antimicrosomal autoantibodies. Radioactive I uptake, thyroid scintigraphy, TRH test and fine needle biopsy were performed in selected patients. Twelve (43%) patients had clinical or laboratory evidence of thyroid dysfunction. Four patients had euthyroid goiter, 3 had evidence of autoimmune disease, 2 had chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 1 was hypothyroid, 1 hyperthyroid and one has subacute thyroiditis. The CREST variant of PSS was most commonly associated with thyroid pathology. Our results indicated that thyroid disease is frequently associated to PSS. A complete clinical and laboratory evaluation is needed to confirm its presence.

Adult↗

[Behçet's disease].

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Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗