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Biomedical subjects

P Biffignandi

Publications and source records attributed to P Biffignandi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Doxofylline exerts a prophylactic effect against bronchoconstriction and pleurisy induced by PAF.

The effect of doxofylline, a new xanthine drug with a low incidence of side-effects in the central nervous, renal and gastroenteric system, on the actions of PAF-acether on bronchopulmonary functions was studied. Doxofylline inhibited: (1) PAF-induced bronchoconstriction in vitro, and the concomitant generation of TXA2-like activity in perfused guinea-pig lungs; (2) PAF-induced bronchoconstriction in vivo and the concomitant release of TXA2-like activity into the circulation; (3) PAF-acether-induced pleurisy and the liberation of type C4 leukotriene into the rat pleural cavity. The results suggest that doxofylline, like theophylline, is able to counteract the bronchoconstriction induced by PAF-acether and, in addition, displays anti-inflammatory properties. These pharmacological data support the notion that doxofylline exerts a prophylactic effect against the respiratory damage induced by mediators, such as PAF-acether, of lung bronchial hyperreactivity; its mechanism of action is unusual, it has slight antagonistic activity at A1- and A2-adenosine receptors.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed1987

Antiandrogens and hirsutism.

The clinical appearance of female idiopathic hirsutism and its pathophysiological aspects and the antiandrogen drugs in relation to the therapy of hirsutism are discussed. Two compounds have been widely employed, namely cyproterone acetate, mainly in the 'reverse sequential regimen', and spironolactone, with or without the association of a contraceptive pill containing cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol. The ability to compete with dihydrotestosterone in skin androgen receptors, shared by these two compounds, has led to excellent clinical results for many years. A topical antiandrogen therapy would be a further advantage for these patients.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1986

Platelet-activating factor--a powerful lipid autacoid possibly involved in microangiopathy.

Microvascular injury includes diffuse endothelial and periendothelial damage and increased leukocyte/platelet-endothelium interactions including cell adhesion and liberation of powerful autacoids, growth and coagulation factors, all capable of causing vessel wall injury. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an ether-lipid mediator of inflammation, produced by and active on both platelets and endothelial cells (EC) at nanomolar concentrations. Its structure, biosynthesis and origin as well as some regulatory properties of the related enzymes are considered. The in vivo effects of PAF, as well as its action on selected cell types, such as platelets, neutrophils and EC, are briefly reviewed. PAF production may explain the intervention of platelets and neutrophils as well as increased vascular permeability in kidney, lung and retinal diseases. Pharmacological modulation of PAF production and activity is discussed with particular attention to the inhibitory effect of calcium dobesilate, a drug used in human diabetic retinopathy, on PAF production from the human endothelial cell line EA926.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Comparison between adrenal steroid secretion after stimulation with two synthetic analogues of corticotropin : ACTH 1-24 and ACTH 1-17.

Chemical manipulations of the native ACTH (1-39) molecule led to the synthesis of a newly characterized compound which shows several interesting features, such as an enhanced half-life, an increased resistance against enzymic degradation and lower immunogenic activity. This study aimed at comparing the adrenal steroidogenetic response of the 1-17 analogue and of the other commercially available synthetic ACTH (1-24). Results suggest that ACTH 1-17 has a more pronounced and prolonged activity, which is confined to glico- and mineralocorticoid secretion.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed1983

[Intracellular and extracellular proteins binding androgenic hormones. Biochemical properties and clinical significance].

This paper has been designed to review some current concepts about biochemistry, pathophysiology and clinics of androgen-binding proteins, both TeBG and cellular receptors. Some important experimental models to clarify the interactions between androgens and target cells are mentioned. Further, major clinical applications in which binding parameters were or will be of great importance are discussed in details.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗
PubMed1983

Antiandrogenic properties of spironolactone. Clinical trial in the management of female hirsutism.

The effect of spironolactone on female hirsutism was studied in 18 patients. The drug was administered at the dose of 400 mg for the first ten days and 300-200 mg later on in a first group of women (Group A); a second group (Group B) was given 200 mg spironolactone for the whole length of therapy. A significant decrease of the index of Ferriman and Gallwey (p = 0.01) was noted from the 100th day of treatment; acne and seborrhoea improved concomitantly. Plasma total testosterone values fell from 0.64 +/- 0.24 ng/ml to 0.32 +/- 0.12 ng/ml (p = 0.002) during the first 5 days only in the patients of Group A; in the other patients no significant changes were observed. PRL did not significantly change from pretreatment values; FSH and LH values at the 5th, 10th, and 15th day of therapy did not show a uniform course in both groups. On the basis of these results spironolactone administration appears promising in the therapy of female hirsutism.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Oral and intravenous pharmacokinetic profiles of doxofylline in patients with chronic bronchitis.

Serum doxofylline concentrations were evaluated after solid-phase extraction by high-performance liquid chromatography following administration of 100 mg doxofylline given as a single intravenous dose over 10 min or 400 mg doxofylline given orally twice daily for 5 days in six and eight non-smoking, fasting, chronic bronchitic patients, respectively. Doxofylline possessed a very short distribution phase following intravenous administration, with a sustained elimination phase (half-life 1.83 +/- 0.37 h). After oral administration, the peak serum doxofylline concentration was 15.21 +/- 1.73 micrograms/ml and the mean elimination half-life was 7.01 +/- 0.80 h; there was a large inter-subject variability. No side-effects were experienced by the patients during the study.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Physiopathology and therapy of female idiopathic hirsutism. State of the art].

This review aims at focusing current pathogenetic theories on female idiopathic hirsutism. Glandular hormonal synthesis, plasma transport of androgenic hormones, and cutaneous metabolism and utilization of testosterone are discussed in detail. The Authors then propose some therapeutic strategies: antiandrogen drugs are discussed with special reference to cyproterone acetate and spironolactone.

Adrenal Glands↗