Biomedical subjects

A Cardone

Publications and source records attributed to A Cardone.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Double laparotomy wound recurrence of endometrial carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal scar recurrence of endometrial carcinoma after abdominal total hysterectomy is very rare. We report a case of a 65-year-old woman who had two recurrences in the abdominal incisional scar after total hysterectomy. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old woman underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy because of well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma (Stage IIB). Thus, the patient was treated by external beam radiotherapy. She developed two recurrences in the abdominal incisional scar two and three years after total hysterectomy, respectively. Surgery plus chemotherapy and surgery plus hormonal therapy were used for treatment of the first and second scar recurrence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is a very intriguing and controversial biologic question how neoplastic cells can implant and grow in an abdominal scar without other concomitant metastases. We report a review of the literature and the possible mechanism of recurrences in laparotomy wounds.

Abdominal Wall↗

PubMed2006

Female adnexal tumor of probable wolffian origin: clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and cytofluorimetric analyses of a 22-year-old virgin. case report.

The term female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin "FATWO" designs this tumor wich arises by the rare persisting remnants of the mesonephric duct (Wolffian duct). About 40 cases have been reported in literature. Few cases of recurrence have been reported, FATWO usually shows no signs of hormonal activity. We report a case of the youngest patient affected by FATWO in October 2002. At laparotomy the left adnexa were deformed by a well-capsulated mass, totally removed and sent to the pathologist with a specimen of peritoneal fluid and of the omentum. The histological examination showed a prevalent tubular structure with focal retiform area, without intraluminal mucines. Immunohistochemical findings of the case reported are similar to those described by other authors, except for inhibin which has not been detected by us. The cytofluorimetry showed the low presence of aneuploid cells, with a very low prolifing component (< 1%).

Adnexal Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Comparative evaluation of standard criteria and CA-125 in ovarian cancers treated with platinum or paclitaxel.

PURPOSE: To assess CA-125 in defining tumor response in patients treated with paclitaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 150 women treated for epithelial ovarian carcinoma with platinum or paclitaxel. We compared the patients treated with two agents, using a precise definition of CA-125 response, determined by 50% and 75% reductions, like other authors have published. RESULTS: CA-125 criteria gave response rates very similar to the standard response rates, both for patients treated with platinum (75% vs 63%) and also for those treated with paclitaxel (40% vs 39%). Rates of false-positive prediction of response by CA-125 were also similar for patients treated with these two agents. CONCLUSION: Precise 50% or 75% CA-125 response criteria are as sensitive as standard criteria for assessing activity of therapy for the ovarian cancers treated with platinum or paclitaxel. We propose that they may be useful in defining response in lieu of or in addition to standard response criteria in clinical trials involving epithelial ovarian cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2004

AGUS and ASCUS: different incidence in pre- and postmenopausal women.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of AGUS (atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance), ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) and SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion) in the cytologic diagnosis in pre- and postmenopausal women. METHODS: We did a retrospective study selecting 183 patients who were screened for cervical pathology. Ninety-six patients were in postmenopausal age. We determined the incidence of cytologic abnormalities defined as ASCUS, SIL, and AGUS in pre- and postmenopausal women. RESULTS: We expected a marked incidence of low-grade SILs in the fertile population, while the postmenopausal group was thought to be affected more by AGUS and ASCUS. We obtained different results. In our population study, premenopausal women presented more AGUS and ASCUS; the two subgroups presented the same incidence of low-grade SILs; postmenopausal women were more affected by high-grade SILs. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of the new categories introduced by the Bethesda System is still uncertain for different authors. As we look to the future new markers that more specifically identify individuals at-risk can be expected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Utilisation of hydrogen peroxide in the treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

AIM: The authors have evaluated the real efficacy of using hydrogen peroxide for previously treated recurrent bacterial vaginosis that is resistant to other forms of treatment. METHODS: The study included 58 women aged between 18 and 42 years old. Vaginal irrigations with 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide (3%) were prescribed in the evening for a week. The follow-up was carried out 3 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: The results clearly show that the use of hydrogen peroxide in vagina can eliminate the main symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, and in particular the malodorous leucoxanthorrhea in 89% of cases at 3 months after the end of treatment, a result that is comparable to that obtained using metronidazole or clindamycin as a vaginal cream. Moreover, hydrogen peroxide facilitates the restoration of normal vaginal bacterial flora (represented by H202-producing lactobacillus) in 100% of cases and normal acid pH (pH<4.5) in 98% of cases; it also fosters the disappearance of clue cells from vaginal smears and anaerobic pathogenic flora from vaginal secretions in 100% of cases. The amine test became negative in 97.8% of cases. All results underwent statistical analysis and were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Hydrogen peroxide represents a valid alternative to conventional treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis, and associates the absence of collateral effects with low costs, excellent tolerability and real therapeutic efficacy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Regulation of androgen receptor mRNA expression in primary culture of Harderian gland cells: cross-talk between steroid hormones.

The androgen receptor (AR) must be considered a transcription factor belonging to the steroid-thyroid hormones receptor superfamily. Previous results gained from the Harderian gland, a tubulo-alveolar gland located in the orbital cavity of the golden hamster, indicate that Harderian gland cells express mRNAs encoding for androgen, glucocorticoid, thyroid hormone (T(3)), and estrogen receptors, respectively. Since in other systems, these receptors have been related to the expression of the androgen receptor, we have studied the regulation of AR expression in primary cultures of the male hamster Harderian gland. Our in vitro experiments show that androgen, and thyroid hormones increase the expression of AR. Retinoic acids also show a positive effect on AR expression, while exposure to glucocorticoid or estrogen blocks AR expression. Since these steroids differently modulate AR expression, our results must be considered in the context of multi-hormonal control of gene expression that could act through cross-talk between members of the steroid-thyroid hormones.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Second-line with paclitaxel and carboplatin for recurrent disease following first paclitaxel and platinum compounds in ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The combination of paclitaxel and platinum compounds is considered the best first-line regimen for advanced ovarian carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a paclitaxel and carboplatin combination in pretreated patients who recurred within 24 months after a complete clinical response with the same regimen used as first-line chemotherapy. METHODS: 18 patients were included in this study. Second-line chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel, 175 mg/m2 as a 3-hour infusion, and carboplatin AUC 6 every 21 days. RESULTS: Among 15 evaluable patients, eight (53%) complete and five (34%) partial responses were observed, while two (13%) patients had stable disease (SD). The response rate was 67% among patients with measurable disease and 52% for evaluable disease. The median progression-free interval after second-line chemotherapy was 8.3 months. The median progression-free interval for patients with measurable disease was 8.6 months and for evaluable disease it was 7.9 months. Seven (46%) of 15 patients have developed recurrence after second-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin with a median time to recurrence of 9.8 months. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 6 as second-line chemotherapy in this sensitive population is effective in terms of response rate and progression-free interval.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Synthesis and characterization of poly(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-1,4-phenylenevinylene).

Poly(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (PTFPV) was prepared for the first time by the Stille cross-coupling reaction and the resulting material was characterized through MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, employing a novel sample preparation protocol suitable for insoluble compounds; preliminary optical and electrooptical measurements were performed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Paclitaxel and carboplatin as outpatient therapy for stage III and IV epithelial ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: To determine the toxicity and the response rate of a three-hour paclitaxel infusion and carboplatin administered as outpatient treatment for stage III and IV epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: Forty-three patients with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive surgery and then received paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 over 3-hr infusion and carboplatin AUC5 every 21 days for six cycles. Elegible patients had adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function; G-CSF was recommended if white cell count fell under 3,000/mm3. RESULTS: No patients had hypersensivity reactions; 15 out of 43 patients (35%) required colony-stimulating factors, 39 patients (91%) had general alopecia, three patients (7%) had severe emesis, 20 patients (46%) had mild emesis, four patients (9%) had severe myalgias, eight patients (18%) had moderate myalgias, one patient (2%) had grade 3 neurotoxicity. Three patients experienced grade 3 thrombocytopenia (7%). At a median follow-up of 29 months, 32 of 43 patients are alive (74%). Median progression-free survival is 14 months. Median overall survival has not been reached. CONCLUSIONS: Three-hour infusion paclitaxel and carboplatin is an effective and safe outpatient therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Metabolic changes in the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation pathway of differentiating rat germinal cells.

Endogenous levels of poly(ADP-ribose) and betaNAD+ have been determined in rat male germinal cells at different stages of differentiation. The levels of both metabolites decreased progressively from primary spermatocytes to secondary spermatocytes and especially in spermatids. We have also determined the size and complexity of the ADP-ribose polymers synthesized in permeabilized germ cells. Polymers of different chain length and complexity were observed in cells incubated with different concentrations of [32P]betaNAD+; short polymers characterized primary spermatocytes incubated with low betaNAD+ concentration. In all cell fractions, polymers of over 20 residues in size were observed at high betaNAD+ levels. Long polymers were associated with the sulfuric acid-insoluble proteins (nonhistone proteins such as PARP itself). By contrast, oligomers of 20 ADP-ribose units or less were found in the sulfuric acid-soluble proteins (histone proteins). We have also identified the main ADP-ribose protein acceptors formed in each cell type. In all cells examined, PARP appears to be extensively automodified. However, by far, the H1t variant of histone H1 appeared to be the preferred ADP-ribose target among the acid-soluble proteins separated by reverse-phase HPLC. Therefore, we conclude that an active protein-poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation system is concentrated in primary spermatocytes, based on a high level of PARP automodification accompanied by the preferential heteromodification of the histone H1 variant specifically expressed in the cells undergoing the pachytene phase of the meiotic division.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

The expression of androgen receptor messenger RNA is regulated by tri-iodothyronine in lizard testis.

The network of hormonal and non-hormonal signals required for testicular activity during the reproductive cycle of the seasonal breeding lizard, Podarcis sicula, are not yet well understood. Androgens are significantly involved in meiosis and spermiogenesis, and such an effect is mediated through their receptor (AR). Estrogens also affect the testicular activity down-regulating the expression of AR mRNA. Since over the last few years, extensive works have reported, in mammals, a clear influence of tri-iodothyronine (T(3)), the biologically active thyroid hormone, on Sertoli cell activities, we carried out a study to shead light on the effect/s exerted by T(3) in lizard testis. A thyroid hormone receptor mRNA (TR mRNA) has been found in the testis indicating that T(3) might be involved in the regulation of gonadal activity. In in vivo experiments, injection of T(3) to male lizards, captured during the recrudescence period (March) and maintained under experimental photothermal conditions (24 degrees C and 15 h daylight), increased the expression of AR mRNA. The in vitro results confirmed the stimulatory effect of T(3) on AR mRNA levels. Thus, in testosterone (T) exposed cells, the highest values of AR mRNA were observed in T(3)-primed animals, indicating that T and T(3) increase AR gene transcription independently. The present data suggest that, in lizards, the combined action of androgens, estrogen and T(3) might regulate testicular activity, modulating AR mRNA levels.

Actins↗

PubMed2000

[Prevention of vaginal prolapse in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy].

BACKGROUND: In our study we evaluate a personally developed surgical technique that, when used for abdominal hysterectomy, helps prevent posthysterectomy vaginal wall prolapse. METHODS: We have used this modified surgical procedure in 244 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies performed from January 1973 through December 1986, compared with 133 abdominal hysterectomies performed without this new procedure. Patients returned monthly and annually thereafter for follow-up. The longest follow-up period to date is 12 years. RESULTS: Of the 244 patients in our study followed up for 12 years, 234 (95.9%) retained excellent vaginal support. Vaginal wall prolapse occurred in 10 patients (4.1%), and it was asymptomatic prolapse, with the vaginal wall descending less than halfway from the ischial spines to the hymen. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure is an acceptable method to help prevent posthysterectomy vaginal wall prolapse.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Autoregulation of estrogen and androgen receptor mRNAs and downregulation of androgen receptor mRNA by estrogen in primary cultures of lizard testis cells.

Steroid hormones regulate many developmental and physiological processes via specific receptors whose number can be up- or downregulated. The regulation of estrogen (ER) and androgen (AR) receptor mRNAs in primary cultures of lizard testis is described. The high degree of homology between the probes used and the receptor mRNAs in lizard testis was consistent with the high-stringency hybridisation conditions and the molecular size of ER mRNAs (7.4 and 4.5 kb) and AR mRNA (9.5 kb). Primary cultures of testis cells revealed a time- and drug-dependent relationship between ER and AR mRNAs. 17beta-oestradiol (E) autoregulated ER mRNA and downregulated AR mRNA. The antiestrogen ICI 164,384 reversed the latter effect. Cycloheximide (Cy), to inhibit protein synthesis, in combination with E, impaired the AR mRNA expression. Testosterone (T) autoregulated the expression of its own receptor mRNA whereas this effect was reversed by both flutamide (F) and Cy. Dose-response experiments showed that low concentrations of steroids (E or T 10(-12) M) increased ER or AR mRNA levels, respectively. These results suggest that both estrogen and androgen may autoregulate the expression of their own receptor mRNAs. Since in lizard testis androgens are significantly involved in meiosis and spermiogenesis and E dramatically impairs the AR mRNA expression, the latter effect may be key in regulating certain phases of reproduction.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Endocrine activity of the corpus luteum and placenta during pregnancy in Chalcides chalcides (Reptilia, Squamata).

The structure of the corpus luteum and the steroidogenic activity of the corpus luteum and placenta in the viviparous reptile Chalcides chalcides have been investigated. The corpus luteum has a compact structure, almost without internal vascularized connective septa. It begins to degenerate after the middle of pregnancy, when plasma progesterone (P) remains high. The sections of the corpora lutea taken during early pregnancy showed an intense 3beta-HSDH reaction, whereas the sections taken in late pregnancy gave weak reactions localized exclusively in the peripheral luteal cells. In contrast, sections of placentae taken at the beginning and in the middle of pregnancy always gave negative 3beta-HSDH reactions, whereas those of late pregnancy were always strongly positive, localized in the maternal component of the placenta. In vitro, the corpora lutea from early pregnancy secreted significant amounts of P, whereas appreciable amounts of P were not detected in incubates of early pregnancy placentae. Near the time of delivery, P levels decreased in the culture medium of the corpora lutea, but increased in that of the placentae. The addition of pregnenolone (a precursor of P biosynthesis) to the culture medium caused an increase in the luteal and placental P levels, whereas the addition of trilostane (an inhibitor of 3beta-HSDH) reduced them. The placenta of C. chalcides is suggested to have an endocrine function and to replace the corpus luteum in the production of P when the gland degenerates in late pregnancy.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy.

In this paper the authors underline the importance of SLE in women, above all those who become pregnant. This review also stresses the importance of an early diagnosis and the need to give correct information to pregnant women regarding the possible risks of pregnancy, both to the maternal organism and to the fetus. The authors also describe the main aspects of diagnosis and the management of this particular type of patient. In conclusion, they affirm that pregnancy should not be avoided categorically, but that it should be carefully planned and, once started, must be scrupulously monitored in view of the deterioration of SLE caused by pregnancy.

Female↗

PubMed1997

Laparoscopic hysterectomy in a case of male pseudohermaphroditism with persistent Müllerian duct derivatives.

We describe laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment for a case of dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism with persistent Mullerian ducts. The patient, a 32 year old man, with a history of surgery for hypospadias and cryptorchidism during childhood, was referred because of anejaculation. He was of short stature, with male external genitalia composed of a small penis and hypoplastic testis (1 ml right, 6 ml left side). Plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was high (17 mUI/ml), testosterone low (1.9 ng/ml), and his karyotype was 46,XY. Pelvic ultrasound, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and genitography disclosed a uterine-like structure with cavity communicating with the urethra. Laparoscopy and urethrocystoscopy confirmed the presence of a 4 cm uterus, which was removed endoscopically at the same time. A biopsy of the left gonad was also performed. The uterus contained endometrial tissue and was fibrotic. Histology of the left gonad showed spermatocytic arrest. We diagnosed dysgenetic male pseudohermaphroditism. Laparoscopy, in our opinion, is an optimal tool to diagnose and treat abnormal sexual conditions.

Disorders of Sex Development↗

PubMed1997

A case of malignant melanoma of the vagina during pregnancy: immunological problems.

BACKGROUND: A clinical case of malignant melanoma of the vagina diagnosed during late pregnancy is described. Prompt histological examination showed a malignant melanoma at an early stage. The treatment of choice for malignant melanoma is surgical exicision. At present we are trying to associate immunological and chemotherapeutic treatments with surgical ones. CASE: A 27-year-old primipara was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at 38 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent a cesarean section. Careful evaluation of the immunological characteristics of the patient induced us to treat the melanoma with human leukocyte alpha interferon. The result was an increase in T4 cells with respect to T8 cells, with an enhancement in the ratio of CD4 to CD8. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the immune system plays a major role in the modification and regulation of neoplasias of the genital tract.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Current etiopathogenetic views in vulvar cancer.

We considered 59 patients, from 19 to 79 years, treated for vulvar neoplastic pathology (32 of 59 had multiple squamous neoplasias of the anogenital region). It appeared that vulvar cancer is a disease of aged women and in particular between sixty and seventy years, while it isn't common under the age of thirty years. It is a hormone-independent pathology. 85% of vulvar malignant tumors is constituted by squamous cell carcinomas. The principal risk factors are: 1) chronic vulvitis (in particular Lichen sclerosus); 2) leucoplachia, 3) immunosuppression, 4) coitus in a young woman with different partners, multiple abortions, 5) HPV infection (mostly HPV type 6 and 16), 6) other genital carcinomas, 7) capacity to activate or not protoncogenes and to produce interferon, 8) tobacco smoking, 9) VIN.

Adult↗