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Biomedical subjects

M Mancini

Publications and source records attributed to M Mancini.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Genomic organization and transcriptional analysis of the human genes coding for caveolin-1 and caveolin-2.

Caveolin-1 and caveolin-2 are related proteins involved in the biogenesis of caveolae. The corresponding genes in humans (CAV and CAV2, respectively), have been mapped to a common locus in chromosome 7q31.1, and are possible candidates for the tumor suppressor gene postulated in this region. Here, we show that CAV and CAV2 are independent transcriptional units lying in the same orientation, with CAV2 centromeric and about 17kb upstream to CAV. The two genes have similar tissue expression patterns. Alternative termination/polyadenylation generates two CAV2 mRNAs. Multiple transcriptional start sites spanning 35bp upstream from the CAV2 ATG are detected by 5' RACE, consistent with a TATA-less promoter predicted by sequence analysis. The CAV2 promoter region contains two SRE-like boxes resembling those described in the CAV promoter and proposed to link transcription to intracellular cholesterol levels. However, exogenous sterols had only minor effects on CAV and CAV2 RNA levels in HeLa cells, suggesting that SREBPs are not sufficient to regulate caveolin transcription.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Molecular cytogenetic resources for chromosome 4 and comparative analysis of phylogenetic chromosome IV in great apes.

We have generated a panel of 55 somatic cell hybrids retaining fragments of human chromosome 4. Each hybrid has been characterized cytogenetically by FISH and molecularly by 37 STSs, evenly spaced along the chromosome. The panel can be exploited to map subregionally DNA sequences on chromosome 4 and to generate partial chromosome paints useful in the characterization of chromosomal rearrangements involving this chromosome. Furthermore, a panel of 84 YACs mapping on chromosome 4 has been characterized by FISH. A subset of this panel is recognized by STSs used in the somatic cell hybrid characterization. In this way a correlation between the genetic and the physical maps can be established. These resources have been used to investigate the conservation of the phylogenetic chromosome IV in great apes. The results indicate that all the pericentric inversions that differentiate chromosome IV in these species are distinct and that one of the breakpoints frequently lies very close to the centromere. In 4 instances, the YAC containing the breakpoint was identified. The breakpoint in IVq of PTR and MMU lies in the same YAC, suggesting that this breakpoint has been utilized twice in the evolutionary history of this chromosome.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Annexin V binds to viable B cells and colocalizes with a marker of lipid rafts upon B cell receptor activation.

Recombinant annexin V (rAnV) has been used to identify apoptotic cells based on its ability to bind phosphatidylserine (PS), a lipid normally restricted to the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, but externalized early during apoptosis. However, this association of rAnV binding and apoptosis is not an obligatory one. We demonstrate that rAnV binds to a large fraction of murine B cells bearing selectable Ag receptors despite the fact that these cells are not apoptotic. Phosphatidylserine, which is uniformly distributed on resting B cells, is mobilized to co-cap with IgM on anti-IgM-treated B cells and to colocalize with GM1, a marker of lipid rafts. Cross-linking PS before anti-IgM treatment sequesters this lipid and alters signaling through IgM. Thus, PS exposed on the majority of B cells in vivo does not reflect early apoptosis, but, instead, plays a role in receptor-mediated signaling events.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A prospective study of residual-disease monitoring of the ALL1/AF4 transcript in patients with t(4;11) acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Twenty-five patients (22 adults and 3 infants) with ALL1/AF4-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were prospectively monitored by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between January 1992 and July 1999. After high-dose induction and consolidation chemotherapy without bone marrow transplantation, all patients had a complete hematologic remission. Using nested RT-PCR (sensitivity 10(-4)), we observed conversion to PCR negativity in 11 (44%) of the patients. Thirteen of the 14 patients who did not have a molecular remission had a relapse at a median time of 4 months (range, 1 - 20 months). Of the 11 patients who had a conversion to PCR negativity, 5 reconverted to PCR positivity within 1 to 14 months. These 5 patients all progressed to hematologic relapse after 2, 3, 4, 4, and 7 months, respectively. Of the remaining 6 patients, 4 are in persistent hematologic and molecular remission at 12, 14, 88, and 96 months, whereas 2 are early in their follow-up. Actuarial probabilities of relapse and overall survival were 100% and 0% at 14 and 24 months and 67% and 43% at 96 and 100 months, respectively, in patients who had persistent RT-PCR positivity and in those who had a molecular remission. For both relapse and survival, the differences observed between the two groups were significant (P =.003 and P <.005, respectively). This study, which represents the first prospective analysis of residual-disease monitoring carried out in a substantial series of patients with t(4;11)-positive ALL, emphasizes the clinical relevance of RT-PCR-based methods to monitor minimal residual disease in this leukemia subset. (Blood. 2000;95:96-101)

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of a combination of fluvastatin and bezafibrate in patients with mixed hyperlipidaemia (FACT study).

Preliminary data suggest that fluvastatin may be safely combined with fibrates. The Fluvastatin Alone and in Combination Treatment Study examined the effects on plasma lipids and safety of a combination of fluvastatin and bezafibrate in patients with coronary artery disease and mixed hyperlipidaemia. A total of 333 patients were randomly allocated in this multicentre double-blind trial to receive 40 mg fluvastatin alone (n=80), 400 mg bezafibrate (n=86), 20 mg fluvastatin+400 mg bezafibrate (n=85) or 40 mg fluvastatin+400 mg bezafibrate (n=82) for 24 weeks. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol decreased >20% in all fluvastatin-containing regimens, with significantly greater decreases compared with bezafibrate alone (P<0.001). Bezafibrate alone and fluvastatin+bezafibrate combinations resulted in greater increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and decreases in triglycerides compared with fluvastatin alone (P<0.001). Fluvastatin (40 mg)+bezafibrate was the most effective for all lipid parameters with a decrease from baseline at endpoint in LDL-cholesterol of 24%, a decrease in triglycerides of 38% and an increase in HDL-cholesterol of 22%. All treatments were well tolerated with no increase in adverse events for combination therapy versus monotherapy, or between combination regimens. No clinically relevant liver (aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT] or alanine aminotransferase [ALAT]) greater than three times the upper limit of normal) or muscular (creatine phosphokinase (CPK) greater than four times the upper limit of normal) laboratory abnormalities were reported. This large study shows 40 mg fluvastatin in combination with 400 mg bezafibrate to be highly effective and superior to either drug given as monotherapy in mixed hyperlipidaemia, and to be safe and well tolerated.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Intima-media thickness after pravastatin stabilizes also in patients with moderate to no reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels: the carotid atherosclerosis Italian ultrasound study.

The Carotid Atherosclerosis Italian Ultrasound study (CAIUS), a multicenter, double-blind clinical trial, performed in 305 asymptomatic, moderately hypercholesterolemic patients, clearly demonstrated beneficial effects of pravastatin on the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) progression. The database of the CAIUS study was examined in order to investigate the presence of a relationship, if any, between the activity of pravastatin on IMT progression rate and its hypocholesterolemic effect. Quantitative B-mode ultrasound imaging was used to quantify the individual mean maximum IMT progression rate in 3 years. In the overall group of patients (placebo and pravastatin) covariance analysis showed that while the variable 'treatment' (0 = placebo, 1 = pravastatin) was significantly related to the reduction of IMT progression (F= 6.6, P = 0.01), the IMT progression did not correlate with the extent of LDL-C lowering (F= 0.00, P = 0.98). To further investigate this issue. the pravastatin treated group was stratified into quartiles of LDL-C reduction. In contrast to what was observed in the placebo group, in which a positive mean IMT progression rate was observed, independent of the extent of LDL-C reduction, no IMT progressionwas observed in any subgroup treated with pravastatin. No significant difference was found among quartiles and no trend could be identified. In conclusion, the effect of pravastatin treatment on carotid IMT progression rate is beneficial; however the CAIUS study demonstrated that lowering LDL-C by itself, does not explain the variability of beneficial changes in IMT.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗
PubMed2000

Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies against a tryptophan-riboflavin adduct toward irradiated and non-irradiated bovine-eye-lens protein fractions: an indicator of in vivo visible-light-mediated phototransformations.

We describe here the reactivity toward the soluble protein of bovine eye lens of anti-tryptophan-riboflavin (anti-Trp-RF) adduct monoclonal antibodies, which recognize the hapten tryptophan-riboflavin generated by irradiation of a solution of bovine serum albumin in the presence of riboflavin. It is demonstrated that five different anti-Trp-RF adduct monoclonal antibodies, all belonging to the IgG1 isotype, react with the total soluble proteins of bovine eye lens. The components of the soluble protein are separated by Sephadex G-200 chromatography and the isolated fractions analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). All the separated protein fractions also react by a direct ELISA with the monoclonal antibodies; this reaction is more intense when the isolated fractions have been previously irradiated with visible light in the presence of riboflavin under an atmosphere of oxygen or nitrogen. Irradiation of the total soluble protein with visible light in the presence of riboflavin produces the appearance of new bands, corresponding to compounds of higher molecular weight. Riboflavin-sensitized irradiation of the protein fractions with visible light under an oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere is accompanied by a concomitant decrease of the tryptophan fluorescence. It is postulated that the action of visible light in the presence of either the endogenous riboflavin or its derivatives could be partly responsible for the protein aggregation observed during aging.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Molecular and cytogenetic remission in a case of subtype M4E acute myelogenous leukemia with minimal monochemotherapy: high sensitivity or spontaneous remission?

Complete remission was observed in an adult patient with acute myelogenous leukemia after minimal monochemotherapy. Remission occurred after a severe febrile pneumonia and was accompanied by cytogenetic and molecular remission. The hypothesis of spontaneous remission was raised, even if a high sensitivity to low-dose cytostatics cannot be excluded. Such spontaneous complete remissions, often associated with bacterial infections and blood transfusions, are extremely rare, and are usually of short duration. Previous cases are summarized, and the role of etiologic factors is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Use of dual-color interphase FISH for the detection of inv(16) in acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis, relapse and during follow-up: a study of 23 patients.

The value of dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the detection of inv(16), using two contigs of cosmid probes mapping on both sides of the chromosome 16p breakpoint region, was evaluated in 23 acute myeloid leukemias (AML) in different phases of the disease. At diagnosis interphase FISH detected inv(16) in 19/19 (100%) cases with conventional cytogenetics (CC) evident aberration and excluded the rearrangement in two patients with CC suspected inv(16). Moreover, it also identified an associated del(16p) in two patients. At relapse, it revealed the inv(16) in 8/8 (100%) studied cases. These results were concordant with those of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). From 13 patients who obtained at least one complete remission (CR), 31 follow-up samples were analyzed using interphase FISH. Twenty-nine specimens scored negative for inv(16) and two were positive. RT-PCR detected CBFbeta/MYH11 transcripts in four of the nine CR samples analyzed, being more sensitive than interphase FISH. Eight of the 13 patients relapsed at a median time of 6.5 months (range 1-15) from the last negative FISH analysis. Of the two patients with positive FISH in CR, one relapsed soon after. At diagnosis and relapse, interphase-FISH proved to be an effective technique for detecting inv(16) appearing more sensitive than CC. Prospective studies with more frequent controls and possibly additional FISH probes are needed to assess the value of interphase FISH for minimal residual disease (MRD) and relapse prediction.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Duplex ultrasound evaluation of cavernosal peak systolic velocity and waveform acceleration in the penile flaccid state: clinical significance in the assessment of the arterial supply in patients with erectile dysfunction.

The aim of this paper was to establish if duplex ultrasound parameters obtained for assessment of the patency of cavernosal arteries in the penile flaccid state can give sufficient clinical information without the use of intracavernosal injection of vasodilatory drugs. We assessed mean cavernosal peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the penile flaccid state (basal PSV), and after PGE1 injection (dynamic PSV) in 339 unselected patients with erectile dysfunction. In 55 of these patients the waveform acceleration in the flaccid state was also assessed. The results of the study can be summarized as follows: (1) a significant relationship was found between basal and dynamic PSV in the 339 patients (r=0.477; p < 0.0001); (2) a basal PSV >12.5 cm/sec was predictive of a dynamic PSV >/=30 cm/sec in 129/139 (92.8%) of the patients, whereas in patients with a basal PSV </=12.5 a dynamic PSV both > or <30 cm/sec could be found; and (3) an acceleration >1 m/sec2 in the flaccid state was coupled to a dynamic PSV >30 cm/sec in 43/46 (93.5%) of the patients independent of the basal PSV. In conclusion, these results suggest that the combined duplex ultrasound assessment of PSV and waveform acceleration in the penile flaccid state can predict arterial dynamic inflow in the majority (51/55; 92.7%) of patients with erectile dysfunction, with less time and expense and less discomfort for the patient.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed2000

Functional adenosine receptors in human corpora cavernosa.

We have demonstrated that adenosine has potent relaxant activity on the rabbit corpus cavernosum, acting through the A2a subtype receptor for adenosine. We now report studies on the identification and functional characterization of adenosine receptors in human penile vessels. To identify A2 receptors in human corpora cavernosa (HCC) we performed binding studies using the selective radioligand [125I]PAPA-APEC in membranes from HCC. We found the presence of a single class of high affinity (Kd= 0.23 +/- 0.06 nM), low capacity (Bmax=134 +/- 37 fmoles/mg protein) binding sites. Adenosine and CGS 21680 completely displaced [125I]PAPA-APEC binding (Kd= 146.7 +/- 64 microM and 51.52 +/- 27 nM, respectively). Accordingly, in functional studies adenosine relaxed phenylephrine precontracted HCC with an IC50=2.28 +/- 0.17 mM. The effect of adenosine was independent from nitric oxide (NO), and was counteracted by the A2 antagonist CGS 15943. In order to evaluate the in vivo effect of adenosine, increasing concentrations (6, 60, 600 microg) of adenosine or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (10 microg) were injected into the corpora cavernosa of four healthy volunteers. Blood flow and erectile response were evaluated at different times by duplex sonography and visual inspection, respectively. It was found that adenosine increased cavernosal peak blood flow velocity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The highest concentrations of injected adenosine elicited a response that was not statistically different from that of PGE1 (10 microg). However, in contrast to PGE1, a full or partial erection was never obtained. To further investigate the lack of effect of adenosine on penile tumescence (despite the substantial increase in cavernosal blood flow), in vitro experiments were performed on human deep dorsal penile veins (DDPV) obtained from surgical ligation for impotence. Adenosine did not affect basal tone, but it induced almost complete relaxation in noradrenaline-precontracted vein strips with an IC50=1.6 +/- 0.22 mM. Conversely, PGE1 stimulated a sustained increase in basal tone. Therefore, the lack of effect of adenosine on penile tumescence could be due to a simultaneous relaxing activity on penile corpora cavernosa and veins. In conclusion, our study indicates that adenosine relaxes HCC as well as penile veins without affecting erection, at least at the concentrations we have used. Conversely, PGE1 relaxes corpora cavernosa as well as adenosine but strongly stimulates vein contraction, allowing penile tumescence.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2000

Hypoxic and hypercapnic breathlessness in patients with type I diabetes mellitus.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The putative role of the performance of inspiratory muscles and breathing pattern in inducing dyspnea has been recently assessed during hypoxic stimulation in patients with type I diabetes (IDDM). Compared to a hypoxic stimulus, a hypercapnic stimulus, which may differently affect the pattern of breathing, could therefore modulate the coupling between respiratory effort and ventilatory output, which is involved in dyspnea sensation. SUBJECTS: Eight stable patients aged 19 to 48 years old, with IDDM (duration of disease, 36 to 240 months) and no smoking history, cardiopulmonary involvement, or autonomic neuropathy; and an age- and sex-matched control group. MEASUREMENTS: Pulmonary volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, time and volume components (tidal volume [VT] and respiratory frequency), dynamic elastance (Eldyn), and swings in pleural pressure (Pessw) were measured. Maximal inspiratory pleural pressure (Pes) during a maximal sniff maneuver (Pessn), respiratory muscle effort or output (Pessw%Pessn), tension time index (TTI) = TI/total breathing cycle time x Pessw(%Pessn), and swing in Pes during VT as a percentage of Pessn were also evaluated. Dyspnea sensation was assessed by a modified Borg scale. Subjects were studied at baseline and during hypoxic and hypercapnic rebreathing tests. RESULTS: Compared to control subjects, patients exhibited normal routine spirometric function and Pessn, but a higher Eldyn, indicating peripheral airway involvement. In patients, but not in control subjects, Eldyn increased during both chemical stimuli and increased more during hypoxia than during hypercapnia. Also, changes in both VT and Pessw(%Pessn) on changes in PCO(2) were lower, while changes in Pessw(%Pessn)/VT, an index of neuroventilatory dissociation (NVD) of the ventilatory pump, on changes in PCO(2) were greater. Changes in VT and NVD for unit change in arterial oxygen saturation were lower and higher, respectively. Changes in Borg scale per changes in NVD were greater during both stimuli. Furthermore, compared to hypoxic conditions, a greater VT for any level of both minute volume and Pessw(%Pessn), and lower changes in Borg scale on changes in Pessw(%Pessn) and Pessw(%Pessn)/VT were found in hypercapnia. Changes in NVD and Borg scale related to changes in Eldyn with both chemical stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: In IDDM, the greater perception of dyspnea is associated with changes in inspiratory effort being out of proportion to changes in VT. The greater increase in Eldyn and the lower increase in VT may, in part, account for the greater perception of breathlessness during hypoxia.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Riboflavin photodegradation and photosensitizing effects are highly dependent on oxygen and ascorbate concentrations.

Riboflavin (RF) is a normal component of the eye lens which triggers a strong photosensitizing activity when exposed to light. Upon irradiation with short wavelength radiations below 400 nm, RF-photosensitized damage may occur. However, vitamin C is present at high concentrations in the normal lens and plays an important role in inhibiting these photosensitization processes. An in vitro simple model was used with the objective of understanding better the relationships between vitamin C and oxygen concentrations on the mechanisms of RF-mediated photodegradation of tryptophan (Trp), a target particularly sensitive to photo-oxidation. Under nitrogen, the RF decomposition reached its maximal value, and vitamin C and Trp photo-oxidation was negligible. When increasing oxygen pressure, RF photodegradation dropped and vitamin C photo-oxidation strongly increased and was maximal at 100% O2. RF-induced photodegradation of Trp first increased with oxygen concentration, up to 40 microM O2, and then decreased. RF and Trp degradation were significantly protected by vitamin C so that no more than 20% of the substrates concentration were oxidized in the presence of vitamin C higher than 0.8 mM. From our results we conclude that in the specific conditions of the normal lens, the high vitamin C concentration (2 mM) is compatible with the UVA radiation hazard, despite the presence of RF. However, if lenticular vitamin C decreases below 0.8 mM, photodegradation of RF may occur and Trp may therefore be photo-oxidized by a Type-I mechanism.

Ascorbic Acid↗
PubMed2000

Effects of fluvastatin and bezafibrate combination on plasma fibrinogen, t-plasminogen activator inhibitor and C reactive protein levels in coronary artery disease patients with mixed hyperlipidaemia (FACT study). Fluvastatin Alone and in Combination Treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We studied the effects of fluvastatin and bezafibrate in monotherapy and in combination on plasma fibrinogen, t-plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and C reactive protein (CRP) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and mixed hyperlipidaemia. DESIGN: In this randomised, double blind, multicentre trial 333 patients with stable angina pectoris or previous myocardial infarction or coronary revascularisation and mixed hyperlipidaemia (LDL-cholesterol 135-250 mg/dl and triglycerides (TG) 180-400 mg/dl) were randomised to fluvastatin 40 mg, bezafibrate 400 mg, fluvastatin 20 mg + bezafibrate 400 mg or fluvastatin 40 mg + bezafibrate 400 mg treatments for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Plasma fibrinogen significantly decreased after treatment with the combinations fluvastatin+bezafibrate (-14 and -16%) and with bezafibrate monotherapy (-9%). No significant reduction was observed after fluvastatin monotherapy (-4%). No significant changes were observed in PAI-1 and CRP plasma levels. Combination therapy significantly decreased both LDL-C and TG, and significantly increased HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: The combined effects on fibrinogen and plasma lipids achieved by fluvastatin and bezafibrate combination treatment might be more useful than the simple reduction of cholesterol in preventing ischaemic cardiovascular disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[In Process Citation]

Traduzione integrata del documento redatto dall'International Task Force for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in collaborazione con l'International Atherosclerosis Society dal titolo "Coronary heart disease: reducing the risk. The scientific background for primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. A worldwide view" pubblicato in extenso in Nutrition Metabolism Cardiovascular Diseases (1998; 8: 205-71, Assmann G, Carmena R, Cullen P, Fruchart JC, Lewis B, Mancini M, Olsson A, Paoletti R, Pometta D, Tikkanen M) ed in forma ridotta su Circulation (1999; 100: 1930-8, Assmann G, Carmena R, Cullen P, Fruchart JC, Jossa F, Lewis B, Mancini M, Paoletti R, for the International Task Force for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease. Coronary heart disease: reducing the risk. A worldwide view) e su Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (1999; 19: 1819-24, Assmann G, Cullen P, Jossa F, Lewis B, Mancini M, for the International Task Force for the Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease. Coronary heart disease: reducing the risk. The scientific background to primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

[Management of infertility following treatment of testicular tumors].

Testis cancer mainly affects patients in a reproductive age. Since at the present time recovery can be achieved in 84% of cases within ten years, there has been an increasing demand for paternity by these patients. In most cases, the preventive cryopreservation of spermatozoa and their subsequent use for assisted reproductive techniques can solve the problems connected with secretory infertility (no always reversible) caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapeutic treatment. Cryopreservation also allows to avoid the surgical taking of germinal cells either from testes or from seminal ducts in cases of anajeculation due to retroperineal lymphoadenectomy (present in 23.5-80% of cases). Failing the preventive cryopreservation, the surgical or microsurgical extraction of testis spermatozoa can be performed with success rates equal to 50%. Their use for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures presently seems to provide some encouraging results both for fertilization and pregnancy rates.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2000

[Ischemic cardiopathy: risk factors and their biological role].

Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressive process, involving the intima and media of large and medium sized arteries and leading to the formation of focal lesions (plaques), containing lipid and fibrous tissue. A classification of atherosclerotic lesions includes: isolated foam cells, fatty streaks, preatheroma, atheroma, and fibroatheroma. Fibroatheroma is an unstable lesion, which might be complicated by intraplaque hemorrhage, rupture and overimposed thrombosis, leading to ischemia. This is the main mechanism responsible for myocardial infarction, stroke, and intermittent claudication. A widely accepted hypothesis for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is the response to the injury hypothesis. Endothelial damage or dysfunction is associated with increased arterial wall permeability to plasma constituents and with adhesion of platelets and monocytes, releasing growth factors and chemoattractant molecules. Several factors, in particular hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, produce endothelial damage, which is followed by other cellular reactions involved in the atherosclerotic process. Since long time it has been reported that atherosclerosis has some features of the inflammatory processes. The inflammatory response in the arterial system is to some extent different from that occurring in other tissues and organs, such as the liver, kidney, lung or joints. The measurement of metabolic markers of coronary risk (cholesterolemia, homocysteinemia, glycosylated hemoglobin) is useful to estimate the global coronary risk in the individual patient. The demonstration of atherosclerotic plaques by noninvasive ultrasounds provides a sensitive marker of early arterial disease, allowing an objective evaluation of the response of the arterial system to different treatments.

Arteriosclerosis↗