Biomedical subjects

S Carta

Publications and source records attributed to S Carta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Preliminary study of gene expression levels in human T-cells exposed to cosmic radiations.

Several experiments demonstrated the influence of microgravity on mitogenic activation of T cells at molecular level. To discriminate between effects of microgravity and cosmic radiations, in this work we studied the effects of high cosmic radiations on the genetic expression in human T cells boarded in a stratospheric balloon (BIRBA-1 mission, 22 hours of flight). The genetic expression was analyzed by the cDNA microarray hybridization technology, which allows the comparative and simultaneous estimate of hundreds of mRNAs Activated cells react to the ionizing stress by activating genes involved in cell cycle check-point, oxidative stress response, heat shock proteins production or by repressing genes involved in antigen recognition.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

The sardinian autoimmunity study. 4. Thyroid and islet cell autoantibodies in sardinian pregnant women at delivery: a cross-sectional study.

A high incidence of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been clearly established in Sardinia. Although systematic epidemiological studies are still not available, an increased prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies (ATA) has been documented in the Sardinian adult population as compared to other Italian regions, suggesting that thyroid autoimmune disease may also have increased. We carried out a preliminary study with the aim of determining the prevalence of serological markers of thyroid (anti-thyroperoxydase antibodies, TPOAb) and islet cell (ICA) autoimmunity in a large number (no.=2249) of sera obtained from cord-blood of Sardinian pregnant women at delivery. The prevalence of TPOAb was 11.9%, while ICA were detected in 59 cases (2.6%). A higher prevalence of TPOAb (6/17=35.3%) was found in sera with high ICA titers (> or = 20 JDF-U), as compared to sera with low ICA titers (5-19 JDF-U) and to ICA-negative sera (3/42=7,1%; chi2=5.4, p=0.02 and 258/2190=11,8%; chi2=6.8, p=0.009 respectively). Fourteen women (all ICA-negative) were diabetic: 4 had Type 1 and 10 had gestational DM; due to the low number, no correlation could be established between DM type and TPOAb prevalence and/or titer. These preliminary data indicate that ATA are frequently observed in the general population of Sardinian pregnant women at term. As a consequence, even the frequency of postpartum thyroiditis is expected to be high. Although ATA were not increased in women with clinical overt diabetes, a higher prevalence of ATA was found in women with high titers of circulating ICA. Our results also confirm that Sardinia represents, perhaps for its peculiar genetic characteristics, an ideal place to study organ-specific autoimmunity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Infection with Helicobacter pylori and leukocyte response in patients with myocardial infarction.

To test whether Helicobacter pylori may contribute to the inflammatory response following myocardial infarction, the levels of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori and some parameters of leukocyte activity were measured in 63 patients and 61 comparable controls. Helicobacter pylori-positive patients showed a significantly higher expression of the adhesion molecule LFA-1 on neutrophils than Helicobacter pylori-negative patients (433+/-29.0 vs. 398.8+/-38.9 mean fluorescence channels; P<0.0001), whereas no significant difference for any parameters tested was found in control subjects. These data suggest a role of Helicobacter pylori in inducing a leukocyte response following myocardial infarction.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Incidence and risk factors associated with cardiac arrhythmias during rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical relevance of cardiac arrhythmias during rehabilitation after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: Survey of consecutive patients admitted to an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation center. SETTING: A rehabilitation center acting as a reference for cardiology clinics lacking this facility. The program was performed in the inpatient setting. PATIENTS: Two hundred sixty patients undergoing elective CABG surgery for angina. INTERVENTIONS: Four-week cardiac rehabilitation program. A 24-hour electrocardiographic examination was performed during the first 2 days and, subsequently, on a daily basis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence and type of cardiac arrhythmias during rehabilitation; identification of factors associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias. RESULTS: Cardiac arrhythmias were recorded in 33.5% of the patients and were more frequent in patients with hypertension (47%), diabetes (42.4%), and hyperlipidemia (36.5%), compared with patients free from these diseases (15.5%) (p < .05). Arrhythmias were also recorded in patients older than 70 years (49%), compared with those younger (29.2%) (p < .01), and in patients who discontinued amiodarone (64.3%) compared with those who did not interrupt the drug (16%) (p < .005). Arrhythmias precluded rehabilitation in 5% of the patients and caused death in one patient. CONCLUSION: Surveillance for the development of cardiac arrhythmias during cardiac rehabilitation after CABG surgery may allow the early detection and treatment of arrhythmias in a substantial number of patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

High frequency of antithyroid autoantibodies in pregnant women at increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid autoantibodies (ThyAb) and subclinical hypothyroidism occur more frequently in pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus than in healthy pregnant women. Few studies have investigated the presence of ThyAb in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and no significant association between diabetes in pregnancy and thyroid function has been reported. OBJECTIVE: To assess the thyroid biochemical profile and estimate the prevalence of ThyAb in a group of pregnant women at increased risk of GDM due to family and personal risk factors, and to investigate the relationship between a positive family history of diabetes or thyroid diseases and the eventual presence of ThyAb during pregnancy. METHODS: Oral glucose tolerance, serum ThyAb and thyroid function were evaluated in 181 pregnant women with increased risk for GDM (study group). Seventeen healthy pregnant women without risk factors for GDM and with a normal glucose tolerance were recruited as controls. RESULTS: The women who developed GDM showed a mean free thyroxine concentration significantly lower than that observed in the healthy pregnant women and in those with impaired gestational glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance. Twenty-nine of the 181 women in the study group (16%) were ThyAb positive. However, the risk of being ThyAb positive during pregnancy was three times greater in the women with positive family history of both diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease than in those with no family history of these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that women with increased risk of GDM, mostly those with family history of diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease, also have an increased risk of being ThyAb positive during pregnancy. It also highlighted the importance of evaluating thyroid function in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance, in view of their increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Dose-response of X-irradiated human and equine lymphocytes.

We have investigated and compared DNA damage and cell killing induced in human and equine lymphocytes after in vitro X-irradiation. Our data show that the cytogenetic and the lethality effects are both greater in equine lymphocytes, but that the difference is wider for lethality. The ratios between doses inducing the same effect are 1.3, 1.7 and 9.4 for the number of binucleated cells with micronuclei, micronucleus frequency in binucleated cells and DNA synthesis inhibition, respectively. The very different radiosensitivity observed for the two mammalian species encourages us to use their lymphocytes in cell radiobiology studies.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Leucocyte rheological properties are altered in patients with diffuse atherosclerosis.

To evaluate whether atherosclerosis may be associated with altered leucocyte rheology, we assessed leucocyte count (by Coulter counter), aggregation (by means of the leukergy test) and expression of adhesion molecules integrin LFA-1 and CD 44 (by means of immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry) in 9 patients with carotid plus lower limb artery atherosclerosis (group A), 14 patients with carotid atherosclerosis only (group B) and 23 controls without atherosclerosis (group C). The level of LFA-1 (calculated as mean fluorescence channels-MFCs) on neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group A and B patients than in controls (group A-mean +/- SE: 383.77 +/- 9.42 vs 295.45 +/- 5.76; 474.22 +/- 8.86 vs 388.35 +/- 7.84; 457.66 +/- 12.03 vs 396.25 +/- 4.37. Group B: 322.42 +/- 6.36 vs 295.45 +/- 5.76; 421.42 +/- 7.21 vs 388.35 +/- 7.84; 415.71 +/- 7.73 vs 396.25 +/- 4.37, respectively); furthermore, the MFC of LFA-1 on neutrophils was significantly different (p < 0.05) between group A and B patients. The percentage of aggregated leucocytes was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group A patients (4.46 +/- 1.07) than those in groups B (1.75 +/- 0.38) and C (1.43 +/- 0.25), whereas no significant difference was detected between groups B and C. Leucocyte number and expression of CD44 were not significantly different among the 3 groups. In conclusion, changes in leucocyte rheology are present in patients with atherosclerosis and may contribute to chronic ischaemia.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Timing and course of leucocyte aggregation in myocardial infarction.

In order to evaluate the pathophysiological relevance and clinical implications of leukocyte rheology in myocardial ischaemia we measured the percentage of aggregated leukocytes in 43 subjects with acute substernal pain before diagnosis. The percentage of aggregated leukocytes was significantly higher in 16 patients with subsequent diagnosis of myocardial infarction with respect to 11 with angina and 16 with non ischaemic chest pain (4.75 +/- 0.88, 3.43 +/- 0.65 and 1.52 +/- 0.32 respectively p < 0.01). The percentage of aggregated leukocytes was also evaluated in another group of 46 patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction. Among these, aggregated leukocytes were significantly higher in those with residual ischaemia, with respect to those without residual ischaemia (7.4 +/- 1.1 vs 3.5 +/- 0.6, p < 0.01). In conclusion, leukocyte aggregation is precociously increased after myocardial ischaemia. It may be a marker of residual ischaemia in patients with myocardial infarction.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Early detection of nephrotoxic effects in thalassemic patients receiving desferrioxamine therapy.

Nineteen transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia major patients were included in the study. Six of these patients underwent chelation therapy with desferrioxamine by subcutaneous infusion (50 mg/kg/12 hr) and 13 received intravenous infusion (50 mg/kg/6 hr or 100 mg/kg/24 hr). BUN, creatinine, creatinine clearance, beta 2-microglobulin, urinary beta 2-microglobulin and urinary growth hormone excretion were evaluated during desferrioxamine treatment. Thirteen out of nineteen patients presented tubular damage indicated by increased excretion of urinary beta 2-microglobulin. 85% (11 of 13) of these patients showed more serious tubular damage, as demonstrated by concurrent increased urinary growth hormone excretion. Moreover, a positive correlation between urinary growth hormone excretion and urinary beta 2-microglobulin was observed (P < 0.05).

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed1994

Leukocyte aggregation in patients with a previous cerebral ischemic event.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of leukocyte aggregation in ischemic stroke is controversial. In this study we investigated this hemorheologic alteration in patients at risk for stroke. METHODS: Leukocyte aggregation was evaluated with the leukergy test in 61 patients with a recent cerebral ischemic event and in 61 control subjects. RESULTS: In patients leukocyte aggregation was significantly higher than in control subjects (3.8 +/- 3.4% versus 2.5 +/- 2.2%; P = .01). In control subjects, the presence of vascular risk factors was associated with values of aggregation similar to those observed in patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an association between altered leukocyte aggregation and cerebrovascular disease. Further investigations are needed to evaluate whether this hemorheologic alteration can be considered a marker of increased risk for stroke.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown origin. A 44 cases study.

44 cases (20 men and 24 women) of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of unknown origin were studied: the mean age was 54.1 yrs. Highest frequency of the disease was observed in 51-70 years old patients. There was only a slight involvement of consciousness (I-II grade of HESS and HUNT). Vascular hypertension was noticed in 45.5% of patients, but outcome did not differ in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. The CT findings showed a typical picture of SAH. 4 cases of perimesencephalic and peripontine hemorrhage were noticed. 24 patients underwent lumbar puncture. The angiographic study was normal in all patients. 14 subjects repeated four-vessel angiography. Transient hydrocephalus was found in 22.7% of patients. Approximately 70% of patients received antifibrinolytic therapy, either with or without calcium entry-blockers (nimodipine). Neither ischemic complications nor rebleeding were observed. Follow-up showed that all patients had survived 7-88 months after SAH. All subjects made a complete recovery and have since been able to resume work.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Neonatal screening in congenital hypothyroidism in Italy. The National Registry].

Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) began in Italy in 1977 and then progressively developed covering 97% of live births in 1992. The National Register of infants with congenital hypothyroidism was established in 1987 as a project of the Health Ministry and is coordinated by the Italian Institute of Health. The aim of the Register is to provide disease surveillance, to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of neonatal screening and to allow the identification of possible etiological risk factors in congenital hypothyroidism. The results of the Register provided valuable epidemiological informations about congenital hypothyroidism in Italy and evidenced several areas in whom an increased incidence probably caused by iodine deficiency was observed. Discussion of Register data during annual national meetings has allowed an improvement of the screening program with particular regard to the beginning of therapy with L-thyroxine and its dose. Because of the wide spectrum of collected information, the National Register represents a useful tool for developing of collaborative studies concerning some aspects of CH not yet completely elucidated.

Congenital Hypothyroidism↗

PubMed1993

The National Register of infants with congenital hypothyroidism detected by neonatal screening in Italy.

Neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism began in Italy in 1977 and then progressively developed covering 94% of live births in 1991. The National Register of infants with congenital hypothyroidism was established in 1987 as a project of the Health Ministry. The results of the Register provided valuable epidemiological information about congenital hypothyroidism in Italy and evidenced some aspects in the screening organization which had to be improved. Discussion of Register data during annual national meetings has recently allowed an improvement of the screening program with particular regard to the beginning of therapy with L-thyroxine and its dose.

Congenital Hypothyroidism↗

PubMed1993

Endocrine response to HIV infection. Involvement of thyroid gland.

Endocrine dysfunctions were associated at different stages of infection, including those early in the course of HIV infection. In fact adrenal insufficiency, hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism, hyponatremia, reduced gonadotropins levels, gonadal abnormalities and changes in hormone-binding proteins were reported in HIV infection. Also a thyroid involvement with autoimmune phenomena was observed in HIV infection by several studies giving different explanations of altered thyroid conditions. These findings suggest an effect of HIV on endocrine system. Recognition of endocrine manifestations in these patients may contribute to better characterize different stages of the infection and improve the management of HIV patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1993

Influence of acute and chronic smoking on leukocyte aggregation.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether alterations of leukocyte aggregation are present before the development of smoking-associated diseases. Leukocyte aggregation, studied by means of the leukergy test, was significantly higher in 24 healthy smokers as compared to 18 healthy non-smokers (mean + SE) 4.4 +/- 2.2 vs 1.5 +/- 1.3; P < 0.02. Intermediate values were found in ex-smokers. A significant increase was observed in smokers who underwent the acute smoking of three cigarettes in 20 minutes (mean +/- SE) 3.5 +/- 1.9 vs 7.5 +/- 2.6; P < 0.02. These data indicate that changes of leukocyte aggregation induced by smoking are present in healthy subjects before the development of clinically evident diseases associated with smoking.

Cell Aggregation↗

PubMed1992

Proposal of a new method to avoid misinterpretations in the evaluation of the leukergy test.

The leukergy test has been widely used in recent years to detect the phenomenon of leucocyte aggregation in various clinical conditions. It is performed by processing some drops of blood on a slide. According to the authors proposing this test, the leucocyte aggregation is expressed as the mean of the number of aggregates detected among 300 cells of a randomly chosen tract of two slides. We noted, however, that significant differences in the percentage of leucocyte aggregates were sometimes detected between two different slides prepared from the same patient, and hypothesized that an unequal distribution of aggregates along the slide could explain this finding. To test this hypothesis we analysed separately the leucocyte aggregates of three tracts of equal size of blood smears taken from 20 patients. Three slides, numbered 1, 2 and 3, were prepared from each patient. The first tract run by the drops when placing them in the slide showed a significantly lower percentage of aggregates than the remaining tracts (p less than 0.01 post hoc Tukey test). We conclude that the distribution of aggregated leucocytes is unequal along the slide and that the evaluation of the phenomenon of leukergy should always include the count of aggregates of the proximal, intermediate and distal tract of each slide.

Cell Adhesion↗

PubMed1991

Isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting analysis of thyroglobulin from different thyroid diseases.

Thyroglobulins (Tgs) have been obtained from macro-microfollicular goiter, toxic adenomas, papillary carcinomas and metastatic lympho-node and chromatographed by gel filtration. The 19S Tgs so obtained have been characterized by isoelectric focusing (IEF) and immunoblotting. IEF showed microheterogeneity pattern of Tgs from normal tissue, macro-microfollicular goiter and toxic adenomas to be within pH range from 4.2 to 4.5, while that from papillary carcinomas and metastatic lympho-node showed a wider microheterogeneity. Passive blotting of focused Tgs and immunoreaction with rabbit anti-Tg peroxidase conjugated antibody have been carried out and a positive reaction for all examined samples have been evidenced. Also two bands, focused at more cathodic pH value (pH 4.7), observed in IEF patterns of Tgs from carcinomas and metastatic lympho-node, gave a positive reaction with anti-Tg conjugated antibody. These differences observed in IEF and immunoblotting patterns of Tgs from papillary carcinomas and metastatic lympho-node are discussed in this report.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1991

[Congenital hypothyroidism: organization and coordination of neonatal screening in Italy].

Congenital hypothyroidism (IC) is the most frequent endocrine disease of the infancy and it is caused by primary deficiency of thyroid hormones. The damages derived by protracted hormone deficiency are diffused to all organs and systems and particularly severe for the development of central nervous system. Mental retardation can be prevented by early diagnosis and therapy. Early diagnosis is assured by neonatal thyroid screening performed on all newborns in the first days of life. The progress report on the screening situation in Italy as well as the national coordination realized in this field are presented.

Congenital Hypothyroidism↗