Biomedical subjects

N Pellegrini

Publications and source records attributed to N Pellegrini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The total antioxidant capacity of the diet is an independent predictor of plasma beta-carotene.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet to plasma concentrations of beta-carotene. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Department of Public Health and Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Parma. SUBJECTS: A total of 247 apparently healthy adult men (n=140) and women (n=107). METHODS: A medical history, a physical exam including height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, a fasting blood draw, an oral glucose tolerance test and a 3-day food record. RESULTS: We observe a negative trend across quartiles of plasma beta-carotene for most biological variables clustering in the insulin resistance syndrome, as well as for traditional and new risk factors for type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including C-reactive protein and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (P<0.05). Regarding dietary characteristics, energy-adjusted intake of fat, fiber, fruits, vegetables, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and dietary TAC significantly increased with increasing plasma beta-carotene (P<0.05), whereas alcohol intake decreased (P=0.013). Adjusted geometric means (95% confidence interval) of plasma beta-carotene significantly increased across quartiles of dietary TAC, even when single dietary antioxidants were considered in the model (QI=0.087 mg/dl (0.073-0.102); QII=0.087 mg/dl (0.075-0.103); QIII=0.114 mg/dl (0.098-0.132) and QIV=0.110 mg/dl (0.093-0.130); P for linear trend=0.026). When the population was divided on the basis of alcohol consumption, this trend was also observed in subjects drinking <20 g alcohol/day (P=0.034), but not in those with higher alcohol intake (P=0.448). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary TAC is an independent predictor of plasma beta-carotene, especially in moderate alcohol drinkers. This may explain, at least in part, the inverse relationship observed between plasma beta-carotene and risk of chronic diseases associated to high levels of oxidative stress (i.e., diabetes and CVD), as well as the failure of beta-carotene supplements alone in reducing such risk.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMed2006

Antioxidant status of faeces of captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in relation to dietary tannin supplementation.

In context with the frequent observations of excessive iron (Fe) storage in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), it has been suggested that both an excessive dietary Fe content and a lack of dietary Fe-chelating substances, such as tannins, is the underlying cause. Therefore, studies on the effects of tannin supplementation to captive diet are warranted. Six captive rhinoceroses were fed their normal zoo diet (N), and a similar diet supplemented with either tannic acid (T, hydrolysable tannin) or quebracho (Q, condensed tannins), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured as mmol Trolox equivalents per kg fresh faeces. The TAC values on diets N (1.24 +/- 0.39 mmol/kg fresh faeces) and T (1.34 +/- 0.33 mmol/kg fresh faeces) were similar, but significantly higher on diet Q (2.32 +/- 0.61 mmol/kg fresh faeces). In contrast to expectations, faecal TAC increased with increasing faecal Fe, possibly as a result of the fact that the faecal Fe content was positively correlated to the proportion of concentrate feeds in the diet, which also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in addition to Fe. Increased antioxidant status caused by the use of tannin substances could have a beneficial effect on animal health, but if tannins should be incorporated in designed diets, other tannin sources, such as grape pomace should be tested.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Respiratory insufficiency and limb muscle weakness in adults with Pompe's disease.

The objective of the present study was to prospectively evaluate relationships linking age, respiratory function and locomotor function in 29 outpatients with late-onset Pompe's disease and to retrospectively determine clinical outcomes. Using univariate regression analysis, vital capacity (VC) was weakly, but significantly, correlated to shoulder motility, Walton score and lower-limb Modified Medical Research Council score. Six patients were able to walk without a walking aid and with only the help of a handrail on the stairs (Walton score=3), although VC was <50%. No parameters were significantly correlated with age. As assessed retrospectively, VC and locomotion deteriorated over time in most patients. In contrast, among the 16 patients started on invasive or noninvasive ventilation with VC monitoring, eight had a VC increase at the first measurement time-point. The absence of correlation with age and the presence, in some patients, of severe respiratory insufficiency without severe limb girdle muscle weakness indicate that respiratory function should be monitored independently from the degree of peripheral muscle weakness. Mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy may improve vital capacity and should, therefore, be taken into account when evaluating treatments for the adult form of Pompe's disease.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2004

A fluorescence-based method for the detection of adhesive properties of lactic acid bacteria to Caco-2 cells.

AIMS: The ability of probiotic micro-organisms to adhere to the intestinal surface is regarded as a substantial advantage in terms of bacteria persistence in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was the development of a method based on fluorescent staining of bacteria and subsequent spectrofluorimetric detection to quantify the adhesion of several strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to Caco-2 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lactic acid bacteria strains were subjected to fluorescent staining using the viable probe carboxyfluorescein diacetate and subsequently incubated on Caco-2 monolayers. The adhesion of the micro-organisms was determined by spectrofluorimetry following the lysis of the attached bacterial cells and expressed as adhesion percentage. The values obtained for the micro-organisms tested ranged from 4% for Bifidobacterium infantis Bi1 to 10% for a Bifidobacterium mixture containing three different strains. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study we successfully applied fluorescent labelling and fluorimetric detection to investigate the adhesive properties of some Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains and a Bifidobacterium mixture to Caco-2 cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results proved that fluorescent labelling is suitable for adhesion studies and provides a reliable and safer alternative to radioactive labelling.

Bacterial Adhesion↗

PubMed2002

Selected methodologies to assess oxidative/antioxidant status in vivo: a critical review.

AIM: This review is intended to be a critical analysis of selected red-ox methodologies aimed at understanding why the biomarker might be valuable and how it can be measured, highlighting any pitfalls and sample interferences, and describing specific cases of application. DATA SUMMARY: Over recent years, considerable efforts have been made to identify and validate the markers of the oxidative/antioxidant status of the human body. CONCLUSION: Different assays must be applied simultaneously and the related information merged in order to obtain a clearer picture of red-ox status. The relevance of the markers needs to be understood in both pathological and physiological terms: more information is needed about how these markers are regulated in human beings and how they are associated with the diet, because improving health and well-being is as important as preventing the risks of disease itself.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2001

Direct analysis of total antioxidant activity of olive oil and studies on the influence of heating.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the total antioxidant activity (TAA) of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the effect of heating on the alpha-tocopherol content and TAA in relation to the presence of polyphenols, heating time, and temperature. Experiments included the measurement by ABTS decolorization assay of antioxidant capacity of alpha-tocopherol and 14 simple phenolic compounds present in EVOO, either dissolved in ethanol or added to refined olive oil, and the evaluation of TAA, total phenols, and alpha-tocopherol of six commercial EVOO and three olive oils. Finally, four experimental oils were prepared from refined olive oil containing a fixed amount (300 ppm) of alpha-tocopherol and increasing amounts of polyphenols (25, 125, 225, and 326 ppm) extracted from EVOO. The thermal stability of experimental oils under domestic heating conditions (heating time from 30 to 120 min, heating temperature from 160 to 190 degrees C) was studied by evaluating the loss of alpha-tocopherol and TAA according to a Latin square design. Results indicate that TAA of commercial oils is mainly due to their phenol and alpha-tocopherol content. Heating experiments suggest that polyphenols from EVOO are effective stabilizers of alpha-tocopherol during olive oil heating, thus contributing to the nutritional value of cooked foods.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2001

Rapid electrochemical method for the evaluation of the antioxidant power of some lipophilic food extracts.

In this paper, a novel electrochemical method to evaluate the antioxidant power of lipophilic compounds present in vegetables, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocopherols, and capsaicin, is reported. The method is based on a flow injection system with an electrochemical detector equipped with a glassy carbon working electrode operating amperometrically at a potential of + 0.5 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The proposed method is selective for lipophilic compounds having antioxidant power. When applied to pure compounds, the order of antioxidant power resulted as follows: lycopene > beta-carotene > zeaxanthin > alpha-carotene > beta-cryptoxanthin > lutein > alpha-tocopherol > capsaicin > chlorophyll a > chlorophyll b > astaxanthin > canthaxanthin. Results obtained on five vegetable and two fruit extracts were compared to those obtained by the 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, one of the most used methods to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of foods. A good correlation between the two methods was found, except for spinach, because of the different antioxidant powers assigned by the two methods to chlorophylls. In conclusion, results suggest that the proposed electrochemical method can be successfully employed for the direct, rapid, and reliable monitoring of the antioxidant power of lipophilic food extracts.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2000

Tomato consumption does not affect the total antioxidant capacity of plasma.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of tomato intake on total antioxidant activity of plasma measured by the radical trapping antioxidant parameter assay in 11 healthy female subjects. After 7 d of a diet low in carotenoids and free from lycopene, subjects ate 25 g tomato puree daily (containing 7.0 mg lycopene and 0.25 mg beta-carotene) for 14 consecutive days. At the beginning and end of tomato supplementation, the carotenoid plasma concentration and the total antioxidant activity of plasma were assessed. Before tomato puree consumption, mean +/- SE total lycopene and beta-carotene plasma concentrations were 0.13 +/- 0.02 micromol/L and 0.24 +/- 0.04 micromol/L, respectively. After tomato puree supplementation, both concentrations increased significantly (0.57 +/- 0.06 micromol/L, P < 0.0001 for total lycopene, and 0.31 +/- 0. 04 micromol/L, P = 0.0036 for beta-carotene); however, total plasma antioxidant capacity values did not change significantly. From our results, intake of a food rich in carotenoids does not seem to modify the antioxidant capacity of plasma as evaluated by the radical trapping antioxidant parameter assay.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Polyphenol content and total antioxidant activity of vini novelli (young red wines).

Eight commercial Italian vini novelli (red wines prepared by carbonic maceration and supposed to be consumed within three months from their wine-making) were evaluated for their total antioxidant activity. The wines had an average total phenol content (1605.4 +/- 337.4 mg/L gallic acid equivalents) lower than that of wines prepared by traditional maceration and consumable after aging (2057. 3 +/- 524.0 mg/L gallic acid equivalents). The average flavanol content (424.7 +/- 121.3 mg/L catechin equivalents) and the total antioxidant activity (16.8 +/- 3.8 mmol/L Trolox equivalents) of vini novelli were higher than the corresponding values (382.7 +/- 174.5 mg/L catechin equivalents and 12.3 +/- 3.3 mmol/L Trolox equivalents) found for aged wines. Three couples of experimental wines were prepared from the same grapes by traditional or carbonic maceration. These wines showed a different phenolic pattern, anthocyanins being more abundant in vini novelli. However, the average total antioxidant activities of the wines were similar, suggesting that aging (and not the wine-making technique) is the main factor influencing the antioxidant activity of red wines.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2000

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection in three children given allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: clinical and microbiologic features.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) as nosocomial pathogens is a major problem in the US; in Europe, VRE nosocomial infections are uncommon and only rarely have been reported in Pediatric or Neonatal Units. The aim of this study is to report on the clinical and microbiological features of VRE infections in 3 children given hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five episodes of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) infection were diagnosed in 3 children given an allogeneic HSCT. Molecular methods, such as random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting and automated ribotyping, were used in order to define the circulation of strains. RESULTS: All the isolates were resistant to all commercially available agents and showed the VanA genotypic profile. All children were successfully treated with the combination of quinupristin/dalfopristin (QD) plus teicoplanin (TEC), although treatment was not sufficient to eradicate the micro-organism promptly from the gastrointestinal tract. All our children are still alive. After the first isolation of VRE, a surveillance protocol was started and we documented that the rate of colonization in children and their mothers was less than 1.5%. The RAPD method demonstrated the possible nosocomial transmission of one strain. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our experience demonstrates that VRE infection is a life-threatening complication in children given HSCT. Prompt diagnosis of this infection and its treatment with the combination of QD and TEC can successfully manage this severe infection in profoundly immunocompromised patients.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2000

Antioxidant activity in human faeces.

Scarcely-absorbed antioxidants might reach the large bowel and exhibit antioxidant activity, opposing the action of reactive O species by bacterial and cellular metabolism and thus contributing to protection from oxidative damage-induced gastrointestinal diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity in the faeces of a group of healthy subjects on a freely-selected diet, and to look for possible associations with the intake of some macro- and micronutrients and food groups. Fourteen subjects recorded their food intake three times for a period of 2 d, each time collecting all the faeces passed during the next 24 h. Total antioxidant activity (TAA; mmol 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8 tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox)/kg) of faecal suspensions was measured using the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS(.+)) decolorisation assay. The average TAA value of faeces was 26.6 (sd 10.2) mmol Trolox/kg wet faeces (range 7.5-50.5). The total amount of antioxidant equivalents excreted over 24 h, derived by multiplying the TAA by the amount of faeces passed over 24 h, was 3.24 (sd 1.51) mmol Trolox (range 0.92-5.82) and this was significantly correlated with the average 24 h intake of coffee red wine and particularly to the sum of coffee and red wine In conclusion, the faeces of healthy subjects show detectable capacity to scavenge radical cations, suggesting that antioxidant activity occurs in the colonic lumen. Moreover, such activity seems at least in part to be related to dietary habits.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay.

A method for the screening of antioxidant activity is reported as a decolorization assay applicable to both lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants, including flavonoids, hydroxycinnamates, carotenoids, and plasma antioxidants. The pre-formed radical monocation of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS*+) is generated by oxidation of ABTS with potassium persulfate and is reduced in the presence of such hydrogen-donating antioxidants. The influences of both the concentration of antioxidant and duration of reaction on the inhibition of the radical cation absorption are taken into account when determining the antioxidant activity. This assay clearly improves the original TEAC assay (the ferryl myoglobin/ABTS assay) for the determination of antioxidant activity in a number of ways. First, the chemistry involves the direct generation of the ABTS radical monocation with no involvement of an intermediary radical. Second, it is a decolorization assay; thus the radical cation is pre-formed prior to addition of antioxidant test systems, rather than the generation of the radical taking place continually in the presence of the antioxidant. Hence the results obtained with the improved system may not always be directly comparable with those obtained using the original TEAC assay. Third, it is applicable to both aqueous and lipophilic systems.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1999

Evaluation of the 'antioxidant power' of olive oils based on a FIA system with amperometric detection.

A new method for the evaluation of the 'total antioxidant power' of olive oils, based on a flow injection analysis system with electrochemical detection, is described. It represents a attractive alternative to the mostly used Rancimat method since it is based on the chemical structure of antioxidants and does not require the manipulation of several parameters, such as temperature and oxygen pressure, to accelerate oil oxidation. The proposed procedure is simple, rapid, allows a throughput of 90 samples h-1 and provides a good precision: an RSD of 3.5% was obtained for caffeic acid at the concentration level of 5 mg L-1 (n = 12). A comparison of the proposed was obtained for caffeic acid at the concentration level of 5 mg L-1 (n = 12). A comparison of the proposed procedure with two other methods (Rancimat method and ABTS.+ decoloration assay) was performed to investigate the applicability and limitations of the proposed method.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1997

Infusion of donor-derived peripheral blood leukocytes after transplantation of cord blood progenitor cells can increase the graft-versus-leukaemia effect.

We describe the case of a child affected by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who received adoptive immunotherapy after cord blood transplantation (CBT). The patient, transplanted in second relapse resistant to chemotherapy, still showed lung and costal leukaemic nodular lesions 2 months after CBT. For this reason, three infusions of donor peripheral blood leukocytes 1 x 10(7)/kg each were administered on days +60, +80 and +100. The procedure was well tolerated by both patient and donor, and a complete disappearance of the lung lesions was documented 2 months after the last infusion. The patient remains in continuous complete haematological remission 13 months after CBT. This experience suggests that adoptive immunotherapy may be safely employed after CBT in order to increase the contribution of immune-mediated anti-leukaemia effect.

Adoptive Transfer↗

PubMed1996

Effects of moderate consumption of red wine on platelet aggregation and haemostatic variables in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of moderate consumption of red wine on platelet aggregation and haemostatic variables, discriminating the effect of alcohol from that of non-alcoholic components. DESIGN: A randomised crossover study. SETTING: The Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Milan. SUBJECTS: Eleven healthy male volunteers who were moderate drinkers. INTERVENTIONS: For three periods of four weeks, subjects drank three different beverages [320 ml of red wine (providing 30 g/day of alcohol), 30 g/day of alcohol diluted in 320 ml of clear fruit juice or 320 ml of dealcoholised red wine] during the two main meals. Each treatment was preceded by a period of four weeks of complete withdrawal from any alcoholic beverage. At the end of each period platelet aggregation after collagen and ADP stimulus, and levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were determined. RESULTS: Consumption for a period of four weeks of 30 g/day of alcohol either from red wine or alcohol resulted in similar decreases of collagen-induced platelet aggregation and fibrinogen levels. ADP-induced platelet aggregation, t-PA antigen, vWF and plasminogen levels were not affected by any treatment. No differences were detected when we compared platelet function and the other haemostatic variables at the end of red wine and dealcoholised treatments with findings at the end of alcohol treatment and abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: The well known positive effect of moderate consumption of red wine on haemostasis seems due to alcohol and not to the non-alcoholic fraction present in red wine.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

PubMed1996

Composition of platelet phospholipids after moderate consumption of red wine in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of moderate consumption of red wine on composition of platelet phospholipids, discriminating the effect of alcohol from that of non-alcoholic components. DESIGN: A randomised crossover study. SETTING: The Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Milan. SUBJECTS: Eleven healthy male volunteers who were moderate drinkers. INTERVENTIONS: For three periods of 4 weeks, subjects drank three different beverages [320 ml of red wine (providing 30 g/day of alcohol), 30 g/day of alcohol diluted in 320 ml of clear fruit juice or 320 ml of dealcoholised red wine] during the two main meals. Each treatment was preceded by a period of 4 weeks of complete withdrawal from any alcoholic beverage. At the end of each period the fatty acid composition of individual phospholipids was determined on isolated platelets. RESULTS: Consumption for a period of 4 weeks of non-alcoholic components either from 320 ml of red wine or from the same amount of dealcoholised red wine resulted in similar increases in polyunsaturated fatty acids in all phospholipid fractions of platelet, with the exception of sphingomyelin. No differences were detected when we compared the composition of phospholipids at the end of red wine and alcohol treatments with findings at the end of dealcoholised treatment and abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: The increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids in platelet phospholipids due to the non-alcoholic components of red wine suggests an antioxidant effect that could be relevant in justifying the protective effect of red wine shown in epidemiological studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Evaluation of the effect of alcohol consumption on erythrocyte lipids and vitamins in a healthy population.

There is epidemiological evidence that a moderate consumption of alcohol could reduce coronary heart disease. To corroborate this statement and to see how the consumption of red wine affects phospholipid and fatty acid patterns and antioxidant status, a survey was conducted on 58 adult males (20-75 years old). A questionnaire was used to discover their medical history, various constitutional and life-style factors, food habits, and nutrient intake; and the type and amount of alcoholic intake were investigated by means of a questionnaire. Subjects were divided into two groups of nondrinkers and average drinkers (mean 46.5 +/- 4.4, range 30.2-63.4 g/day), and the effect of alcohol was made on the following variables: gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, apolipoprotein AI, apolipoprotein B, total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and antioxidant vitamins were determined in plasma; and phospholipids the fatty acids of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine total cholesterol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, and retinol were determined in red blood cells (RBCs). There were no significant differences between the two groups in protein, fat, carbohydrate, retinol equivalent, alpha-tocopherol content, and cholesterol/saturated fat index of their diet. Analysis of the plasma levels of biochemical variables--adjusted for age, smoking (number of cigarettes/day), and body mass index--showed a significant increase of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and apolipoprotein AI concentration in the average drinkers compared with nondrinkers. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and retinol levels were also significantly higher in average drinkers. In the latter group, ANCOVA demonstrated a lower percentage of sphingomyelin in RBCs, with a lower sphingomyelin/PC ratio.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Gastric emptying of a solid meal is accelerated by the removal of dietary fibre naturally present in food.

Exogenous fibre added to liquid meals delays gastric emptying. Its effect on solid meals is uncertain, and nothing is known of the effect on gastric emptying of fibre naturally present in food. This study therefore looked at gastric emptying of two different solid meals in eight healthy subjects and their blood glucose responses. The meals were exactly equivalent except for the total dietary fibre content (high fibre 20 g, low fibre 4 g of dietary fibre per 1000 kcal) and supplied 870 kcal (700 kcal women), 47% of which was from carbohydrates, 36% from fats, and 17% from proteins. Ultrasonography was used to measure antral diameters before the meal (basal), immediately after it (time 0), and at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 minutes. In addition, subjects filled in a questionnaire on their feelings of hunger, epigastric fullness, and satiety before the meal and at hourly intervals after it. Basal and maximal postprandial antral sections were similar for the two meals (basal section: 283.9 (29.5) v 340.9 (44.7) mm2 for the low and the high fibre meal, NS; maximal postprandial section: 1726 (101.9) v 1593 (120.4) mm2, NS). Total gastric emptying time was significantly reduced by fibre removal (186.0 (15.6) v 231.7 (17.3) minutes after the low and the high fibre meal, p < 0.05). Blood glucose was higher after the low fibre meal, and the area under the glycaemic curve significantly greater (226 (23.1) v 160 (20.0) mmol/min/dl-1, p < 0.05). No difference was found in satiety or fullness feelings, but hunger returned more rapidly after the low fibre meal. In conclusion, fibre naturally present in food delays gastric emptying of a solid meal, reduces the glycaemic response, and delays the return of hunger.

Adult↗