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Biomedical subjects

R Paganelli

Publications and source records attributed to R Paganelli.

142 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

Immune complexes containing food proteins in normal and atopic subjects after oral challenge and effect of sodium cromoglycate on antigen absorption.

After ingestion of food, immune complexes containing food proteins as antigens were demonstrated in the serum of normal and atopic subjects. In the atopic patients challenged with the food to which they were sensitive, abnormal levels were detected. The same atopic patients pretreated with oral sodium cromoglycate had less antigen entry, diminished immune-complex formation, and no atopic symptoms. Tests for antigen entry and immune-complex formation after oral challenge may permit objective assessment of food allergy and may show whether drugs such as oral sodium cromoglycate are likely to benefit individual patients.

Absorption↗
PubMed1979

Rosette formation with mouse erythrocytes by lymphocytes from normal donors and patients with various diseases.

Rosette formation of human lymphoid cells with mouse erythrocytes has recently been proposed as a marker for a subpopulation of B lymphocytes. In this work we studied the percentage of mouse rosette forming cells (MRFC) in normal and pathological conditions and compared them to the percentage of sheep rosette forming cells (SRFC) a marker for T lymphocytes. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from normal donors contained 6.2 +/- 1.1% (mean +/- 1 S.D.) MRFC. High percentages of MRFC were found in CLL patients, and a slight increase was observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. MRFC were absent in Bruton's type agammaglobulinaemia, but were normally present in patients with T cell defects. Cryopreservation of lymphocytes in 10% DMSO did not significantly affect the mean percentages of SRFC and MRFC, though a slight increase of the former and a small reduction of the latter was observed. Double binding experiments on peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a predominant association of MRFC with cells staining for surface IgM and/or IgD. In all samples tested, we also observed a small population of MRFC negative for sIgM or sIgD and a few sIgM or sIgD positive cells that did not rosette with mouse erythrocytes.

Agammaglobulinemia↗
PubMed1979

Maternal smoking and cord blood immunity function.

Thymidine uptake in PHA-stimulated culture of cord blood cells from smoking mothers is greater than that from non-smoking mothers. There was no such difference when separated lymphocytes were studied; this suggests that smoking suppresses a suppressor cell. No difference was detected in haemoglobin, immunoglobulins, transferrin, cell counts, E-rosette counts and leucocyte mobility.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Levels of enzymatic antioxidants activities in mononuclear cells and skin reactivity to sodium dodecyl sulphate.

Chemical irritants are able to produce several biological modifications of the skin, including the direct or indirect production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species leading to an inflammatory reaction. This report examines the existence of a possible correlation between the skin sensitivity to the irritant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the activity of the enzymatic antioxidants. In twenty-three healthy subjects the evaluation of the epidermal and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (Cat) demonstrate a significant correlation (r= 0,85 and p< 0,005 for SOD, and r= 0,87 and p< 0,0001 for Cat). Based on this result, on a further group of normal subjects (n=13) we studied the link between the threshold dose of skin reactivity to SDS and the activities of the enzymatic antioxidants in PBMCs. The degree of skin modification induced by SDS, applied at different concentrations for 24 hrs, was determined by means of Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), Erythemal Index or by Visual Score (VS). The minimal dose of the irritant capable of inducing skin modifications, was significantly correlated with SOD (r=0,77) and Cat (r=0,81) activities in PBMCs, and the modification of TEWL or EI were inversely correlated with levels of antioxidants in PBMCs (r=-0,62 for SOD and r=-0,66 for Cat). Our results indicate that the skin reactivity to irritants can be modulated by the levels of antioxidants, and suggest a possible therapeutical approach in preventing irritant contact dermatitis.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma production during HIV-1 infection and changes induced by antiretroviral therapy.

Several lines of evidence indicate that a switch of the cytokine pattern from a predominant type 1 (antiviral and cell mediated response) to type 2 (polyclonal humoral immune response) occurs during the course of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, and represents a key event in the progression of immunodeficiency and dysregulated immune activation. We proposed to further investigate this immunological aspect of HIV-1 disease, in naive and in patients treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The prototypic cytokines chosen were Interleukin (IL)-4 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), whose in vitro production was determined in mononuclear cell cultures stimulated with different T lymphocyte mitogenic agents (anti-CD3, Phytohaemoagglutin-P -PHA-, E. coli B04/035 Lipopolysaccharide -LPS-). We classified all the patients on the basis of the number of CD4+ lymphocytes and we found a progressive, even if not significant decrease in the baseline production of IFN-gamma with the progression of the immunodeficiency. The mean value of baseline IFN-gamma in the group of patients with CD4+>500 cells/microL was 7.79 +/- 3.1 pg/mL while in the group with CD4+<200 cells/microL it was 4.66 +/- 2.22. We didn't find significant differences in the baseline production of IL-4 in these groups and in IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in LPS-stimulated cultures. We also re-assessed 12 patients after one year's follow-up. They presented a significant increase in IFN-gamma production compared to the first assessment in the LPS-stimulated cultures (baseline IFN-gamma 2.87 +/- 1.17 pg/mL, after 12 months 19.15 +/- 5.19 pg/mL; p= 0.03). In the 12 patients in follow-up IL-4 production showed a decreased in PHA-stimulated cultures with mean values of 16.65 +/- 14.32 pg/mL at baseline and 6.54 +/- 6.54 pg/mL after follow-up. These results highlight the immunorestoring effects of HAART. IL-4 production was lower in the treated subjects compared to the naive ones in PHA-stimulated cultures (mean values: IL-4=13.42 +/- 11.08 pg/mL in the naive patients and 9.75 +/- 65 pg/mL in the treated patients). The IFN-gamma values in anti-CD3 stimulated cultures were also higher in the treated patients, but this increase was not significant.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Study of immune alterations in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome with different etiologies.

The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by symptoms lasting for at least six months and accompanied by disabling fatigue. The etiology of CFS is still unclear. At the National Center for Study of the Infectious Diseases Department of the Chieti University some immune investigations were performed with the purpose of detecting markers of the disease. CD4+, CD8+, NK CD56+ and B CD19+ lymphocytes were studied in 92 male and 47 female patients and in 36 control subjects. CFS patients were divided in three groups with a post-infectious onset (PI-CFS), an non post-infectious onset (NPI-CFS) and a non post-infectious onset with associated infections (NPI-CFS + AI). Both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were reduced in the CFS patients. However, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was increased in the CFS patients without difference between males and females. CD56+ cells of CFS patients were also reduced. In particular, blood CD56+ cells counts were significantly higher in PI-CFS patients than in the NPI-CFS subjects. These data confirm our preliminary results suggesting a key-role of a dysfunction of the immune system as a precipitating and-or perpetuating factor of the syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

"In vitro" comparative immune effects of different titanium compounds.

Exposure to Ti compounds is today an occupational and environmental health hazard. Object of this study was to determine "in vitro" effects of different Ti salts on cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation and cytokine release. 10(-4) and 10(-7) M Ti compounds did not modify spontaneous PBMC proliferation. Ti dioxide (a biocompatible material and sunscreen component) did not exert effects on phytoemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated PBMC proliferation and on PHA stimulated IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha release from PBMC. On the other hand, 10(-4) M Ti oxalate (with wide industrial applications) and Ti ascorbate (used mainly in agriculture) inhibited about 70% the PHA stimulate PBMC proliferation; both these Ti compounds at 10(-4) and 10(-7) M concentrations significantly inhibited TNF-alpha release, while only Ti oxalate inhibited that of IFN-gamma. Titanocene (used in chemotherapy) did no exert effects on PBMC proliferation but markedly inhibited IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha release. On the whole, this study demonstrates that Ti dioxide is not immunotoxic; Ti oxalate shows marked immunotoxicity; titanocene exerts selective toxicity on cytokine release but not on PBMC proliferation, while Ti ascorbate affects TNF-alpha release from PBMC but not iFN-gamma release. In conclusion, the data show that immunotoxicity fo Ti depends on speciation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sarcopenia: age-related skeletal muscle changes from determinants to physical disability.

Human aging is characterized by skeletal muscle wasting, a debilitating condition which sets the susceptibility for diseases that directly affect the quality of life and often limit life span. Sarcopenia, i.e. the reduction of muscle mass and/or function, is the consequence of a reduction of protein synthesis and an increase in muscle protein degradation. In addition, the capacity for muscle regeneration is severely impaired in aging and this can lead to disability, particularly in patients with other concomitant diseases or organ impairment. Immobility and lack of exercise, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, increased production of oxygen free radicals or impaired detoxification, low anabolic hormone output, malnutrition and reduced neurological drive have been advocated as being responsible for sarcopenia. It is intriguing to notice that multiple pathways converge on skeletal muscle dysfunction, but the factors involved sometimes diverge to different pathways, thus intersecting at critical points. It is reasonable to argue that the activity of these nodes results from the net balance of regulating mechanisms, as in the case of the GH/IGF-1 axis, the testosterone and cortisol functions, the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and receptors. Both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms operate in regulating the final phenotype, the extent of muscle atrophy and reduction in strength and force generation. It is widely accepted that intervention on lifestyle habits represents an affordable and practical way to modify on a large scale some detrimental outcomes of aging, and particularly sarcopenia. The identification of the molecular chain able to reverse sarcopenia is a major goal of studies on human aging.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

IgE and IgG4 levels in allergic patients during immunotherapy.

The IgG4 is the predominant antibody response in patients receiving chronic exposure to high doses of antigen, and this seems to be true for immunotherapy as well. The duration and the dose of immunotherapy (IT) seems to increase specific IgG4 levels, but this increase does not seem to be related to the clinical response, seasonal exposure, duration of disease, and IgE antibody levels. The measurement of IgE and IgG4 antibodies to allergens did not predict the clinical effect of immunotherapy in our study. However, it indicated that the patients were continuing to receive the allergenic extracts and that the extract used in vivo, although produced by a different manufacturer, was closely resembling the one used for coating plastic wells in the FAST assay. The increase of antibody titres demonstrate that long term monitoring of IT administration may be accomplished by these in vitro tests, although individual patients may exhibit different responses in time but similar clinical results. Longitudinal studies on a cohort of atopic subjects may help define more precisely doses and timings required to achieve useful indications on both compliance with IT injections and predictivity of its outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HIV-1 nef mutations and clinical long-term nonprogression. A molecular epidemiology study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze HIV-1 nef gene mutations in a cohort of Italian and Swedish long-term nonprogressors (LTNP) and to investigate whether particular amino acid substitutions are associated with LTNP. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: nef alleles from 21 LTNP and 8 progressor controls were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The amino acid sequences were compared with the previously reported sequences of 16 North American LTNP and of 28 patients with progressive infection. RESULTS: An untruncated intact open reading frame was observed as major sequence in all LTNP and controls. None of the amino acid substitutions in known biologically functional sites was linked to LTNP. A valine/isoleucine at the variable position 11 was associated with both European (P = .0001) and American (P = .001) LTNP. The interpatient nef variation was lower among European LTNP (P = .002) than in European progressor controls. CONCLUSIONS: Nef amino acid heterogeneity is lower among LTNP, probably reflecting the lower HIV-1 replication rate. Nef gene defects appear uncommon in both Swedish and Italian LTNP, although the presence of a valine/isoleucine at position 11 is statistically associated with a lower probability to progress to disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Heterogeneity of atopic dermatitis defined by the immune response to inhalant and food allergens.

Although atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease, its etiopathogenesis is not well known. The diagnosis of AD is based solely on the clinical criteria proposed by Hanifin and Rajka. In order to understand the immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD, we have classified the patients affected by this disease in four groups according to the results of skin prick-tests, specific IgE and patch-tests. This classification is intended to separate and compare the patients affected by AD according to the involvement of immunological type I and/or type IV mechanisms. Our results show that, although all the patients studied are clinically affected by AD, there are four different groups of patients who present an apparently diverse immunopathological mechanism. There is a group that seems to have an IgE mediated mechanism, another group that suggests a cell mediated mechanism, another group which seems to involve both mechanisms, and yet another group that apparently does not show any of the above mentioned mechanisms. In the present article we hypothesize and argue that the imbalance of the immune system is a consequence of the still unknown etiopathogenetic mechanism of AD, but perhaps not the cause of AD.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of flunisolide on nasal eosinophils and IgE, and symptom score in children with allergic rhinitis.

We evaluated the effect of treatment with flunisolide nasal spray (100 micrograms/day for 3 months) in 24 children with allergic rhinitis on the following parameters: clinical symptoms, absolute number of peripheral and nasal eosinophils, and total IgE levels in nasal secretion. Therapy with flunisolide induced a significant reduction of clinical symptoms (p < 0.001), nasal eosinophils (p < 0.001) and nasal IgE concentration (p < 0.02), while it did not affect the number of peripheral eosinophils. These results indicate that flunisolide can reduce the allergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Topical flunisolide treatment of perennial rhinitis: clinical and immunological effects.

We studied the clinical and immunological effects of three months' treatment with intranasal flunisolide (100 micrograms daily) in 18 allergic patients with perennial rhinitis. 17 were hypersensitive to house dust mite and one to Parietaria pollen only. We found no significant changes in white blood cell count, serum levels of IgE and nasal IgA. However the treatment induced a marked improvement of clinical symptoms in all cases, and we observed a significant reduction of total IgE in nasal secretion. Flunisolide seems to exert this effect through its antiinflammatory action on the nasal mucosa.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Topical flunisolide treatment of perennial rhinitis: clinical and immunological effects.

We studied the clinical and immunological effects of three months' treatment with intranasal flunisolide (100 micrograms daily) in 18 allergic patients with perennial rhinitis. 17 were hypersensitive to house dust mite and one to Parietaria pollen only. We found no significant changes in white blood cell count, serum levels of IgE and nasal IgA. However the treatment induced a marked improvement of clinical symptoms in all cases, and we observed a significant reduction of total IgE in nasal secretion. Flunisolide seems to exert this effect through its antiinflammatory action on the nasal mucosa.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Recombinant alpha-2a interferon treatment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related complex (ARC): clinical and immunological evaluation.

We evaluated clinical efficacy and tolerability of recombinant alpha 2a interferon (IFN), in a group of 16 patients with AIDS and ARC, including 3 children. All patients were followed up monthly for clinical and immunological studies. The frequency of oportunistic infections (OI) in AIDS, and the following symptoms in all patients were studied: fever, night sweats, fatigue, diarrhoea, weight loss. Immunological parameters (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes, skin tests to recall antigens, NK activity, lymphoproliferative response to PHA) were also evaluated. Adult patients were treated with 3-6 million IU of r-alpha 2a IFN daily im for 3 months and the 3 times weekly up to 12 months. Pediatric cases were treated with lower doses of 0.5-1.5 million IU using the same time schedule. We observed clinical improvement and reduction of severe infections in 10/15 evaluable patients (4/4 ARC and 6/11 AIDS). Immunological parameters were transiently improved in one third of cases. We observed only mild side effects in r-alpha IFN treatment. We suggest therapy with r-alpha 2a IFN at low dosage should be tried in patients with AIDS for its beneficial effects on OI development.

AIDS-Related Complex↗