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Biomedical subjects

S B Curri

Publications and source records attributed to S B Curri.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Acceleration of wound healing by topical drug delivery via liposomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive research, impaired wound healing remains a considerable complication. Therefore, topically applied liposome-encapsulated buflomedil hydrochloride was investigated for its ability to improve wound repair in normal (n=16) and ischemic (n=16) skin tissue. METHODS: Experiments were performed using the wound healing model of the ear of hairless mice. Standardized skin wounds (4.25 mm(2)) were created by circular excision of the epidermal layer and the subcutaneous tissue. Liposomes were applied daily until complete neovascularization of the wound occurred. Tissue regeneration by complete epithelialization and neovascularization of the wound area, microcirculatory parameters, and leukocyte-endothelium interaction were investigated by means of intravital microscopy. Microvascular perfusion was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: Topical application of buflomedil liposomes led to a significantly (P<0.05) accelerated wound closure in both normal (9.6+/-0.7 days) and ischemic (13.4+/-0.1 days) skin tissue compared with animals that were treated with unloaded liposomes (controls; 13.1+/-0.8 days; 15.3+/-0.6 days). Complete neovascularization of the wound was also enhanced (P<0.05) in buflomedil-treated animals (normal tissue 18.8+/-0.4 days; ischemic tissue 19.6+/-0.7 days) compared with controls (20.6+/-0.6 days; 22. 6+/-1.2 days). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that buflomedil-loaded liposomes might be of beneficial use for clinical wound care.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Reduction of skin flap necrosis by transdermal application of buflomedil bound to liposomes.

The influence of the vasoactive drug buflomedil hydrochloride bound to liposomes (2 mg/ml) was investigated in an arterial pattern skin flap model using the ear of hairless mice. For flap creation, the ear is cut at four-fifths of its base, which leaves the anterior artery as the only feeding vessel of the flap. Liposomes were locally applied daily for 30 minutes up to 5 days after flap creation. Microvascular perfusion in the proximal, central, and distal parts of the flap was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. The border between perfused and nonperfused tissue was visualized by intravital fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran (Mr 150,000) for contrast enhancement of microvessels. The area of nonperfused tissue was assessed by digital planimetry. Five days after flap creation the nonperfused area amounted to 23.8 +/- 3.1 percent of total flap surface in treated ears compared with 46.1 +/- 5.6 percent in untreated ears (p < 0.05) of the contralateral side. Additional preoperative treatment for 5 days did not further reduce the area of nonperfused tissue (treated ears, 23.0 +/- 1.3 percent; control ears, 44.6 +/- 5.1 percent). Microvascular perfusion was higher in the postoperatively treated ears in all parts of the flap from day 1 after flap creation until termination of the experiment. Five days after flap creation, perfusion as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry was reduced to 46.0 +/- 10.8 percent in the distal part in control ears compared with 91.9 +/- 8.3 percent (p < 0.05) in treated animals. Additional preoperative treatment for 5 days did not result in further improvement. It is concluded that local application of the vasoactive drug buflomedil docked to liposomes could be of therapeutic use in the treatment of ischemic tissue, including skin flaps.

Animals↗

[Observations on organic components of thermal mud: morphohistochemical and biochemical studies on lipid components of mud of the Terme dei Papi (Laghetto del Bagnaccio, Viterbo). Chemical bases of the interpretation of biological and therapeutic actions of thermal mud].

In previous findings the lipidic fractions extracted acc. to Folch from the mature muds of the majority of the Italian thermal springs hot baths was studied, with the aim to identify the organic substrates of their therapeutical activity. The organic components of the "mature" peloids are produced by the metabolism of the microphytozooplankton growing spontaneously in the clay-substrate, in contact with the hot water. The Popes thermal springs (Bagnaccio's Lake) are characterised by an unique environmental situation, because the muds are naturally matured in the hot thermal water, but not in artificial baths. The morphohistochemical aspects of thermal algae growing in the Bagnaccio's lake have been studied by means of Computerised Optic Probe Video-Microscopy, using a not contact zoom objective 70-400x. Peloid types, both the "white" and the "black" contains yellow pigments, fragments of hyphae, monocellular algae, Diatomeae, Cyanophyceae and few other species. The biochemical aspects of the muds extracts are characterised by the presence of Phospholipids (PC, PE, PS, SP), a series of Hydrocarbons ranging from C30 to C38, Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol and traces of Cholesterol), Free Fatty Acids (Palmitic, Palmitoleic, Myristic, Stearic, Oleic and Linoleic, heptadecenoic and heptadecanoic) and Terpenes (beta-amirrhyne, 24-methylene-cyclo-arthanole). In our opinion, the therapeutic effects of the mature muds are related to its organic components, with special regards to Phospholipids, Phytosterols and Terpenes. The richness of these components in the Popes Thermal springs seems to be great interest in the dermatological and cosmetic applications, other then the traditional use.

Animals↗

Evidence and results obtained with a new trans-epidermal barrier (T.E.B.) drug in the medical treatment of vascular impotence.

After having reviewed the methods and significance of a new topical administration route for vasoactive drugs, the "Trans-Epidermal Barrier" (T.E.B.), based on the physiological capacity of phosphoric ester molecules (Phosphatidylcholine) to penetrate actively through the epidermal barrier, this paper reports the results obtained in the medical treatment of (micro) vasculogenic impotence with a preparation in the form of a 5% Lipogel, containing, as active principle, a Troxerutine/Phosphatidylcholine Complex. A total of 154 patients were subjected to "short term" treatment in order to quantitatively assess (computer assisted laser-Doppler: LDF) the response of the small arteries and arterioles in the dorsal penile region to pharmacological stimulation (microvasculokinesis test). This test enables separation of the patients into two groups: "responders" and "non-responders", according to which it is possible to instrumentally assess the severity of the anatomo-functional alteration of the small arteries and arterioles in penile microangiopathies originating from diabetes, arteriolosclerosis, hypertension and stasis. Microvascular damage was assessed objectively with the Optic Probe Video-Capillaroscopy, taking into consideration the number of microaneurysms and extension of the subischemic or ischemic areas. 75 "responder" patients undertook long term treatment for a minimum period of three months with the same preparation used for the microvasculokinesis test, at the dose of 2-3 topical administrations per day. The clinical parameters for the evaluation of efficacy were): a) number of spontaneous daily erections; b) duration of the erections; and c) penile rigidity; in addition to subjective elements such as recovery of satisfactory sexual activity consistent with the anatomo-functional damage. The response to the treatment was positive in 54 patients (72% of the cases). The clinical improvement was confirmed by the instrumental LDF results, that show a statistically significant increase (P < 0.0001) in the sphygmicity ("pumping function": inotropic potency of the arterio-arteriolar systole) of the small penile arteries, i.e.:92.63 +/- 26.1 at baseline to 177.6 +/- 74.5 after treatment. Follow-up continued in 15 patients for 6 months and in 11 patients for 12 months. Maintenance of the results was achieved by continuing treatment involving gradual reduction of the number of applications. The new route of application proposed by the authors and the investigation methods adopted for objective instrumental assessment of penile microcirculatory damage in (micro) vasculogenic impotence provides new perspectives from the diagnostic as well as the prognostic and therapeutical viewpoints.

Blood-Testis Barrier↗

[Biological activity of a carrier molecule-iron complex: probable mechanisms of intestinal absorption].

The physical-chemical properties of a new Iron-Protein complex, the so called "Iron Yeast" biotecnologically produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell cultures, are reported. Using atomic absorption methods the amount of free iron in the complex has been evaluated, ascertaining that 99% of Iron is structurally bound to the protein matrix. Iron Yeast is a further, original contribution to the treatment of iron-deficiency anemias, showing a satisfactory clinical activity and a lower amount of undesired side effects in comparison with other Iron-Protein complexes.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗

Microangiopathy of ethylic polyneuropathy.

The authors have studied, by biopsy of the tip of the big toe, the histologic changes in microvessels of patients affected by ethylic polyneuropathy. Patients affected by diabetes, hypertension, peripheral arterial or venous diseases, or dermatologic diseases or vasculitides were excluded. The mean of daily drinks was 310 +/- 105 g of alcohol, chiefly wine. Important pathologic modifications were noted; complete narrowing of the arteriovenous anastomosis, regressive changes of the Vater-Pacini corpuscles, and dilatation of the small veins and the capillaries. The findings were compared with those of a patient affected by ulcerans and mutilans acropathy of Bureau and Barriere, a typical disease of alcoholics. The same characteristics appeared: profound changes of the structure of the smallest vessels, with sclerosis, extended to the interstitium. In a previous study of the authors, 3 other patients affected by Bureau-Barriere disease showed the same pattern. These alterations can be explained as the effect of alcohol on the microvessels.

Adult↗

[Microvascular disorders of adipose tissue].

The microcirculation of adipose tissue is poorly understood either because of the absence of histological documents or because they fail to explain pathological conditions. However, disturbances of blood flow and parietal lesions of the microvessels are the basis for these disorders. Although we speak of disturbances of the vascular control mechanisms, these mechanisms are poorly understood and although we speak of arteriovenous short-circuits, the existence of these lesions has not been proven. In fact, classically, the circulation in the dermis and hypodermis is assured by a meshwork of arterioles, venules and capillaries, but biopsies of lateral and anterior regions of the thigh have demonstrated "block devices" in the walls of small arteries and arterioles which are able to regulate the rate of blood flow towards the capillary bed. Following contraction of these devices, the vascular lumen dilates, ensuring free circulation and when they relax, the lumen closes, resulting in decreased or no blood flow. These smooth muscle devices within the arterial wall resemble small cushions in the small arteries and more or less pedunculated polyps in the arterioles, either simple or fissured in the form of an elephant's trunk with a safety valve effect, arranged either in a single column or in two columns face to face. This provides evidence for the particularly disturbed vasculo-tissue inter-relations observed in venous insufficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adipose Tissue↗

Multiple Pacinian neurofibroma and relationship with the finger-tip arterio-venous anastomoses.

Multiple Pacinian neurofibromas involving the three phalanges of the ring finger of the left hand in a 60-year-old woman are described. The abnormal proliferation of Vater-Pacini corpuscles in various stages of differentiation was associated with marked changes of the glomus type of arterio-venous anastomoses of the finger-tip. The close relationship between the new proliferated Vater-Pacini corpuscles, their altered baresthetic function and the pathological shunting of blood account for the painful Raynaud-like symptoms. The name 'Pacinian neurofibromatosis' is proposed.

Arteriovenous Anastomosis↗