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Biomedical subjects

R Corrocher

Publications and source records attributed to R Corrocher.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Controlled comparison of ketanserin and nifedipine in Raynaud's phenomenon.

Twenty-eight patients suffering from either primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon were treated with nifedipine and ketanserin. Each patient was treated with one of the two drugs administered after an adequate washout period. Furthermore each patient was submitted before and after treatment with each drug to computerized digital thermometry to evaluate the therapeutic response. The data obtained during the intake of the two drugs at zero, five, and twenty-three minutes were compared with thermometry-relevant baseline data at the same periods. Ketanserin proved to be useful in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon and statistically significantly superior (alpha less than 0.05) with respect to nifedipine in the thermometric controls and also in the subjective evaluation of the patients (p less than 0.02). In this study nifedipine did not show particular efficacy. Furthermore only 2 patients had to discontinue treatment with ketanserin, whereas 8 had to discontinue treatment with nifedipine (p less than 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Use of computerized digital thermometry for diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon.

The authors have used computerized digital thermometry for the instrumental diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon; such a technique enables them to evaluate the temperature of the ten fingers of the hands separately in baseline conditions, during and after the "cold test." In baseline conditions the mean digital skin temperature was 31.2 degrees C (SD 1.67) in control subjects and 26.8 degrees C (SD 2.84) in patients suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon (p less than 0.001). During the cold test the mean skin temperature decreased to 12.7 degrees C (SD 1.94) in control subjects and to 13.0 degrees C (SD 1.67) in patients (p = n.s.). The mean final skin temperature, at the end of the recovery period after the cold test, was 31.1 degrees C (SD 1.76) in controls and 21.9 degrees C (SD 2.78) in patients (p less than 0.001). The sensitivity of the computerized digital thermometry was high (63.6% and 92.7% for basal and final temperature, respectively), while the specificity was 100% for both values. In conclusion, computerized digital thermometry is a useful technique for the diagnosing and quantifying the extent of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and urine steroid excretion in hepatic cirrhosis].

In the present study we evaluated the alterations of plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and of steroid-derivatives urinary excretion in cirrhotic patients compared with normal controls. 107 patients have been studied: 45 affected by liver cirrhosis (22 males and 23 females) both in compensated and in ascitic state, and 62 healthy controls (32 males and 30 females). In all patients we assayed plasma DHEA-S by RIA as well as common liver function tests; moreover gaschromatographic profile of adrenal steroid excretion was performed in daily urine. Our findings show a significantly lower DHEA-S in cirrhotic patients compared with healthy controls, both males (451.7 SD 440.3 ng/ml vs 1438.3 SD 604.8, p less than 0.001) and females (225.5 SD 152.6 ng/ml vs 974.0 SD 405.7, p less than 0.001). Variance analysis confirmed that the difference was significant both for compensated and uncompensated ones. We also found some interesting relationships between DHEA-S and liver function tests, cholesterol and age. Urinary steroids were markedly low in both sexes, particularly adrenal sexual fraction. Our data show clear disfunction in DHEA-S metabolism in liver cirrhosis, partially related with the severity of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Increased erythrocyte membrane arachidonate and platelet malondialdehyde (MDA) production in psoriasis: normalization after fish-oil.

Evidence exists of platelet activation and increased thromboxane B2 production in psoriasis. In 13 patients suffering from psoriasis, we determined the lipid composition of erythrocyte membrane, erythrocyte and platelet glutathione peroxidase activity (E-GSH-Px; Plt-GSH-Px), platelet MDA production and bleeding time. Compared with normal controls, psoriatics showed a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane arachidonic acid (AA) (p less than 0.001) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p less than 0.001), platelet MDA production (p less than 0.01) and E- and Plt-GSH-Px activity (p less than 0.01; p less than 0.01). After 8 weeks of fish-oil supplementation (20 ml/day) we observed the following changes: a) marked amelioration of skin lesions; b) normalization of membrane lipid pattern and platelet MDA production; c) a further increase in E- and Plt-GSH-Px activity (p less than 0.01; p less than 0.01); d) significant prolongation of bleeding time (p less than 0.05). Our data demonstrate: 1) a generalized perturbation of membrane lipid pattern in psoriasis, characterized by an excess of AA; 2) an activation of AA metabolism in platelets suggested by increased MDA production and GSH-Px activity; 3) dietary fish-oil may normalize membrane lipid pattern and reduce platelet hyperactivity in psoriasis.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Treatment of Behçet's syndrome with colchicine].

The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of colchicine in the treatment of Behçet's syndrome. Ten patients suffering from Behçet's syndrome were selected for this purpose. The patients were treated with 1 mg/day of colchicine associated with 1 mg of betametasone during the initial florid phase of the disease. After the acute phase, betametasone was withdrawn. The patients were observed for a period ranging from 5 to 23 months. Biochemical and immunological parameters were measured at time 0 and every month in order to monitor the disease and the possible side effects of colchicine. All patients had a satisfactory control of the disease without showing any toxic effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Migraine and food].

The frequency of migraine has been studied in adult patients with suspected adverse reaction to foods. Migraine was present in 41 out of 300 patients (13.6%). 38 of these 41 subjects have been treated with elimination diet; 25 (65.7%) obtained a significant improvement of migraine and subsequently, performed challenge test. 24 patients were affected by food intolerance and only one by food allergy. The remaining 13 non-responder subjects suffering from migraine have been subsequently submitted to pharmacological treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Increased proteolytic activity of erythrocyte membrane in spur cell anaemia.

In a case of 'spur cell anaemia' (SCA) a reduced esterified/free cholesterol ratio was found in plasma, in LDL and HDL fractions and an increased cholesterol/phospholipid (C/PL) molar ratio in erythrocyte membrane. Cation transport was normal with the exception of Li-Na counter-transport was decreased. An increased intrinsic membrane proteolytic activity (IMPA) was demonstrated by the generalized reduction or, sometimes, disappearance of protein bands on SDS-PAGE in patient ghosts when the proteolysis was allowed. This characteristic was found to be transferable to normal cells by incubation in SCA-plasma; moreover membrane C/PL molar ratio was augmented after incubation. Normal plasma was not able to normalize IMPA of SCA cells 'in vitro', even if it induced a remarkable decrease of membrane C/PL molar ratio. Nevertheless IMPA normalization did occur 'in vivo', when the SCA cells were exposed to therapeutic 'plasma exchange' (3.3 litre/week). The results suggest the following conclusions: (a) in our SCA patient there is an increased IMPA; (b) this feature, as well as membrane lipid alteration, is transferable to normal erythrocytes; (c) this case seems to demonstrate, for the first time in our knowledge, a modulating effect of plasma on IMPA in erythrocytes.

Acanthocytes↗
PubMed1988

Effects of dietary fish oil on malondialdehyde production and glutathione peroxidase activity in hyperlipidaemic patients.

In 20 adult patients suffering from hyperlipidaemia we measured the lipid composition of erythrocyte membrane, the glutathione peroxidase activity in both erythrocytes and platelets, the production of malondialdehyde by platelets stimulated with thrombin, as well as the level of plasma selenium, retinol and alpha-tocopherol, before and after 8 weeks of fish oil supplementation (20 ml daily). We noted a remarkable reduction in plasma triglycerides which was associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure; moreover, we noted a reduction in the amount of arachidonic acid compensated by an increment of omega-3-fatty acid (particularly eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids). The dietary supplementation with fish oil was associated with a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity in both erythrocytes and platelets. On the contrary, the production of malondialdehyde, which was originally higher than normal in hyperlipidaemics, was inhibited significantly after fish oil (p less than 0.001). Whereas no changes were observed in the concentration of plasma selenium and alpha-tocopherol, an increment of plasma retinol occurred. These data indicate that in hyperlipidaemics there is a proaggregant status; this situation may be normalized by using a dietary supplementation of fish oil; the increase of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the cell membrane, with a possible increment of the formation of lipoperoxides, induced by fish oil, is compensated by an increased activity of the scavenger enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids and lithium-sodium countertransport in human erythrocytes.

Two groups of individuals, 26 normotensive normolipemic and 37 normotensive hyperlipemic, all without family history of hypertension have been selected in attempt to demonstrate whether Li-Na countertransport of erythrocytes is influenced by plasma and membrane lipid composition. The maximal rate of Li-Na countertransport was elevated in hyperlipemics (0.344 +/- 0.168 vs 0.220 +/- 0.074 mmol/l erythrocytes/h). This difference is highly significant. Hyperlipemics had different composition of membrane lipids than normals. The most important variations were: increase of palmitic, palmitoleic and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) as well as increase of cholesterol/phospholipids ratio (C/PL); in contrast, hyperlipemics had a reduced amount of linoleic acid and total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) as well as total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Consequently, UFA/SFA and PUFA/SFA ratios were lower than in normals. Li-Na countertransport was negatively correlated with the amount of PUFA (P less than 0.02), whereas it was positively correlated with the following parameters: oleic/linoleic ratio (p less than 0.02), monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (p less than 0.03) as well as with the SFA + monounsaturated fatty acid/PUFA ratio (p less than 0.03). These findings suggest that the V max of Li-Na countertransport in erythrocytes is influenced by the lipid composition of the membrane.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Catalase activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Liver catalase activity, one of the free-radical scavenger enzymes, has been measured in 22 normal subjects and compared with that of 13 patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma. The activity was estimated both in tumor tissue and in tumor-free tissue. A significant reduction of catalase activity was noted in tumor tissue (p less than 0.001) as well as in the adjacent tumor-free tissue (p less than 0.02). In patients with hepatoma, the serum iron level was lower than in normal (p less than 0.01) and was correlated with enzyme activity (r = 0.958). These findings suggest that in hepatocarcinoma the free radical scavenger system is impaired.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Effect of ranitidine on the absorption of aspirin.

Six healthy male volunteers received 1 week's pretreatment with ranitidine, 150 mg twice daily, and placebo in a double-blind cross-over trial. On the 8th day, each volunteer received 1 g of aspirin in order to study the pharmacokinetics of this nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The results of this study suggest that ranitidine does not induce clinically significant alterations to the kinetics of a single dose of aspirin in healthy males.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Reduction of liver glutathione peroxidase activity and deficiency of serum selenium in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Twelve adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 8 individuals with histologically normal liver, were measured for serum selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of liver tissue. It was found a reduced serum selenium and liver GSH-Px in patients with HCC. Serum selenium concentration and the enzyme activity were positively correlated (p less than 0.01). The increased risk of carcinoma in selenium deficiency may be partially due to a reduced activity of GSH-Px, one of the most important scavenger enzymes of oxygen toxic radicals.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1986

Plasma fibronectin in liver cirrhosis and its diagnostic value.

Plasma fibronectin (FN) has been measured by immunonephelometric method in 100 cirrhotic patients and compared with that of 77 normal subjects and with that of 57 patients suffering from liver disorders different from cirrhosis. Both, compensated and decompensated cirrhotics had lower plasma FN than controls (31.14 +/- 11.42 and 20.88 +/- 10.43 respectively vs 40.13 +/- 8.58 mg/dl; rho less than 0.02 and rho less than 0.001). FN in ascitic patients was lower than in non-ascitic (rho less than 0.001). These differences were not due to different weight or age of patients. It appears, therefore, that FN parallels in cirrhosis the grade of liver function impairment. No significant difference has been noted between plasma FN of patients with liver diseases different from cirrhosis and control subjects. In cirrhosis, a positive relation has been observed among FN and other parameters of liver function such as serum albumin, cholinesterase activity, fibrinogen and prothrombin time. Plasma FN has a low sensitivity but a high specificity and a good positive predictive value in distinguishing normals and patients with liver disorders different from cirrhosis. This diagnostic value is similar to that of serum albumin.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Severe impairment of antioxidant system in human hepatoma.

Catalase (CAT), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and reduced glutathione content (GSH) were measured in patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma, and values compared with those of normal liver and liver adjacent to neoplastic tissue. The results showed a remarkable reduction of CAT in tumor and corresponding tumor-free tissue (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.02, respectively). All neoplastic samples had a significant lower activity of CAT than the corresponding adjacent tumor-free tissue (P less than 0.05). The GSH-Px activity of tumor tissue also was lower than normal (P less than 0.001) but similar to that of adjacent tissue. No correlation was noted between the two enzyme activities. Glutathione content was extremely low in tumor (P less than 0.001) and even in tumor-free tissue (P less than 0.05) when compared with normal liver. In all cases the content of GSH in neoplastic tissue was lower than that of the corresponding tumor-free tissue (P less than 0.05). Whereas in normal liver the activity of GSH-Px was positively correlated with the content of GSH, in the neoplastic tissue such a relationship disappeared. All these findings suggest that the antioxidant system of hepatocellular carcinoma cell is severely impaired.

Adult↗