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Biomedical subjects

A Morrone

Publications and source records attributed to A Morrone.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Catecholamines and vitiligo.

The levels of some catecholamine metabolites, namely homovanillic acid (HVA), vanilmandelic acid (VMA), 3-methoxytyramine (MT), normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN), 3,4-dihydroxy mandelic acid (DOMAC), and 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid (DOPAC), have been evaluated in the 24 hr urines of 150 patients affected with different types of vitiligo and in 50 healthy age-matched individuals. The patients were divided into three groups according to the different phases of the disease. The first group included subjects affected either with the early active phase or with progressive increase in both number and/or the size of previous lesions. The second group included patients in whom no new lesions had appeared for between 4-8 months. In the third group the white areas had been stable for 1-5 years. The first and second groups showed values of HVA and VMA from 4 to 10 times and from 1/2 to 3 times higher respectively than those of controls, while no significant differences were found between the third group and controls. Our results clearly show that a significant increase of urinary levels of HVA and VMA, deriving respectively from dopamine and from norepinephrine and epinephrine characterizes the onset and the progressive active phases of vitiligo, irrespective of the type of distribution. The increased release of catecholamines from the autonomic nerve endings in the microenvironment of melanocytes in the affected skin areas might be involved in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo through two main mechanisms: (1) a direct cytotoxic action of catecholamines and/or their o-diphenol catabolites; (2) an indirect action.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Skin surface lipids in HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis.

Skin surface lipids of patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis both HIV sero-negative (C group) and HIV sero-positive (B group) have been studied by capillary Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in comparison with normal age matched controls (A group) to determine whether, among the three groups of individuals, there were qualitative and quantitative changes in lipid class composition and in the fatty acid and alcohol components of lipid fractions. With regard to percent composition of skin surface lipid fractions, no significant differences were found between HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The observed significant reduction of total lipids (micrograms/sq cm) in the sites affected with the disease in comparison with controls was associated with a slight but significant decrease of squalene (P less than 0.05) and with a corresponding increase of cholesterol and cholesterol esters (P less than 0.05). These abnormalities in lipid fractions and total lipids were not observed in the uninvolved skin of subjects with seborrheic dermatitis. Fatty acid and alcohol patterns of skin lipid fractions were not significantly different among the three groups of individuals.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Blood levels of vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids, lipoperoxides and glutathione peroxidase in patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis.

Plasma levels of vitamin E (Vit E) and polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids (PUFA-PL) as well as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity are significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in patients with seborrheic dermatitis (SD). both HIV seropositive or HIV sero-negative, than in control subjects. No differences are found between HIV sero-positive and sero-negative individuals with SD. The deficiency of PUFA-PL (mainly C20: 3 n-6, C20: 4 n-6 and C22: 6 n-3) which is accompanied by a significant increase of saturated palmitic and stearic acids (P less than 0.001), does not appear to be associated with an active lipoperoxidative process in the plasma. The significant blood deficiency of Vit E, GSH-Px, and particularly of PUFA-PL, may play a pathogenetic role in seborrheic dermatitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in chronic erythema migrans, benign lymphadenosis cutis, scleroderma and scleroatrophic lichen].

Fiftyone patients with a diagnosis of erythema chronicum migrans (ECM), lymphadenosis cutis benigna (LABC), systemic progressive sclerosis, localized scleroderma and lichen sclerosus et atrophicans were investigated in order to obtain serological evaluation of Borrelia burgdorferi circulating antibodies. In addition sera from 9 patients with pellagroid erythema, prurigo and panniculitis were performed: in these dermatoses there was no evidence of a possible borrelia relationship. Indirect immunofluorescence assay was used for serologic testing. Elevated IgG antibody titers were detected in one female patient with localized scleroderma (1:128) and in one male patient with LABC (1:64). Serologic testing was not positive in the other 58 patients. The very small number of patients with positive antibodies in our study would indicate that Borrelia burgdorferi infection is sporadic in Lazio.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1990

[Blood levels of vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids, lipoperoxides, glutathione peroxidase activity and serological screening for syphilis and HIV in immigrants from developing countries].

Plasma levels of vitamin E (Vit E), polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids (PUFA-PL), lipoperoxides as well as erythrocytes glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), were evaluated in 200 migrants coming from developing countries, some of which at high risk for serious infective diseases. HIV-1 and syphilis infections were also investigated. 114 subjects (57%) had blood levels of Vit E, PUFA-PL and GSH-Px significantly lower (p less than 0.001, p less than 0.01) than those of normal healthy individuals (n = 30), while lipoperoxides values were unchanged. 8 from this group were found to be HIV-1 positive, and 5 TPHA positive. In contrast, the remaining 86 migrants did not show any signs of infections and their blood parameters were normal enough. These results show that factors such as widespread poverty, inadequate housing, malnutrition, insufficient access to medical care, psychological stress are strictly correlated to the reduction of blood parameters which are critical for the normal cell function of mammalian cells. PUFA-PL deficiency may cause lesions likely due to faulty cellular membranes. The lack of Vit E and GSH-Px, which are considered major protective molecules against lipoperoxidation damage in vivo, has been involved in several human diseases. We suggest that low blood levels of Vit E, GSH-Px and particularly PUFA-PL may play a pathogenetic role in the onset and development of AIDS and other infections. In this connection, we have found that a deficiency of these blood parameters occurs in patients with AIDS (n = 50) and in 32% of HIV seronegative intravenous drug abusers (n = 100).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

[Blood deficiency values of polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids, vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase as possible risk factors in the onset and development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].

Plasma levels of vitamin E (vit E) and polyunsatured fatty acids of phospholipids (PUFA-PL) as well as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity are significantly lower (p less than 0.001) in patients HIV sero-positive (AIDS and ARC cases) both affected and not affected with seborrheic dermatitis and in 32% of HIV sero-negative intravenous drug abusers (IVDA, A subgroup) than in controls. The deficiency of PUFA-PL (mainly C20:3 n-6, C20:4 n-6 and C22:6 n-3) which is associated with a significant increase (p less than 0.001) of saturated palmitic and stearic acids and monounsaturated oleic acid, cannot be correlated to an active lipoperoxidative process. In fact the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive materials (TBA-RM) are not increased in the plasma of HIV sero-positive patients and A subgroup of IVDA. It is likely that the reduction of PUFA-PL is due to an inhibition of hepatic microsomal desaturase enzymes (delta 6 desaturase, delta 5 desaturase, delta 4 desaturase) which are involved in both n-6 and n-3 pathways. Since IVDA represent, and not only in Italy, a major risk category for HIV infection, we suggest that reduced blood levels of vit E, GSH-Px and particularly PUFA-PL may be added to the list of risk factors favouring the onset and the development of AIDS.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1989

[Seborrhea-like dermatitis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Clinical, histological, and microbiological aspects and biochemical findings].

Seventy-six patients diagnosed as having seborrheic dermatitis (SD) were divided into two groups: group A (n = 22) otherwise healthy subjects (HIV negative) and group B (n = 54) HIV positive (ARC and AIDS cases). Thirty normal healthy subjects without SD were considered as control (group C). The three groups were subjected to the following analyses: A) skin surface lipids (SSL) and fatty acid pattern of cholesterol esters, wax esters, triglycerides and free fatty acids fractions in the affected areas; B) plasma levels of Vitamin E and fatty acids of phospholipids; C) erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (3 cases for each group); D) frequency of Pityrosporum species in the affected areas; E) skin biopsy in the affected areas (2 cases for each group). Histological findings paralleled those reported in the Literature. SSL composition, fatty acid pattern and frequency of Pityrosporum species did not show significant variation among the 3 groups. On the contrary the blood levels of Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids and glutathione peroxidase were found significantly lower in A and B groups than in the controls.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1987

Brush border intestinal enzymes after multiple daily fractionation.

The modifications in brush border enzyme activity of the epithelial cell of the small intestine were studied after multiple daily fractionation (MDF) of 3 Gy X and 3 Gy X 2 X 2 (12 h split). Disaccharase and dipeptidase activities changed in the same way after irradiation. The results show that both total doses caused the three known phases of increase, decrease, and a return to normal. With MDF, activity at the end of irradiation was similar to or greater than that of controls and remained higher longer than a single dose of 8 Gy. However, the return to normal occurred sooner than after a single dose of 8 Gy. After 11 days, circadian oscillations of brush border enzyme activity appeared similar to those of controls in many segments of the intestine, reaching the highest activity during the night and the lowest in the afternoon.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Subungual exostosis. Histological and clinical considerations on 30 cases.

The authors review 30 cases of subungual exostosis, 27 in the foot and 3 in the hand. In approximately 80% of the cases, errors in initial diagnosis had been made, and the affection had been confused with ordinary verrucae, mycoses or pyogenic disease. Histological examination showed that in some cases the neoformation ossified by an enchondral mechanism similar to that of osteocartilaginous exostosis, while more often the mechanism was of the intramembranous or mixed type. The treatment consisted of resection of the exostosis at its base after removing the nail. Complete healing occurred in all cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Use of the AN69-S (Biospal) in conventional hemodialysis (HD) and in biofiltration (BF).

The authors report the results of a comparative study between biofiltration and conventional hemodialysis with cuprophan and AN69-S hemodialyzers. Using AN69-S in conventional hemodialysis and in biofiltration, there was an almost total absence of cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting and symptomatic hypotension even though map and DBW were reduced.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1983

Behaviour of lysosomal enzymes in the small intestine after multiple daily fractionation.

Modifications in the activities of some lysosomal enzymes were studied in the small intestine after irradiation on the abdomen by multiple daily fractionation of 3 Gy per fraction every 12 hours. Total doses of 6 and 12 Gy were studied. With lower dose variations were slight. The modifications of acid phosphatase an cathepsin D appeared very low, whereas beta-glucuronidase increased until 72 hours after the last fraction and then returned to control values. With respect to 8 Gy single dose the injury appeared comparatively similar.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1983

[Fibrofolliculoma, trichodiscoma and acrochordon. The Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome].

The Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is characterized: a) clinically, by an asymptomatic eruption of dome-shaped papules involving the head, neck, chest, back and arms frequently associated with acrochordons; b) histologically, by multiple follicular tumors, namely fibrofolliculomas and trichodiscomas, representing benign proliferations of mesodermal and ectodermal components of the pilar apparatus; c) by the apparent autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. This study is concerned with two families whose various members belonging to two and three generations have the clinical and histological lesions of this syndrome. In several biopsies performed, the main finding was the fibrofolliculoma isolated or associated with perifollicular fibromas; in five biopsies, was noted a typical trichodiscoma associated, in two of them, with a perifollicular fibroma. Clinically, the fibrofolliculomas were indistinguishable from trichodiscomas. We believe that the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is an autonomous well individualized skin disease. Its existence supports the view of the close interaction between the epithelial and mesodermal components of the pilar complex.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Angiographic diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse: errors and limitations].

In order to assess the reliability of some recently proposed methods for angiographic diagnosis and quantification of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), the left ventricular silhouettes obtained by cineangiography in 48 patients with typical auscultatory and M-mode MVP findings were examined. The following methods were tested in 40 angiographic studies that were found to be of good technical quality: method of Farry et al. (1975), of Smith et al. (1978), of Engel et al. (1978), of Spindola-Franco et al. (1979). In 23 cases a two-dimensional echocardiographic study was also performed and Engel's angiographic criteria were utilized to quantify the MVP. The angiographic and echocardiographic data were correlated in 13 cases in which it was possible to obtain both good quality echocardiographic and adequate angiographic (end-systolic identification of the two mitral valve commissures) studies. The following conclusions can be drawn: a correct angiographic quantification of the extent of bulging requires both end-diastolic and end-systolic identification of both anterolateral and posteromedial commissures; in spite of the good quality of the angiographic studies a correct end-systolic identification of the two commissures is obtainable in less than 50% of cases, which obviously restricts considerably the applicability of any objective method; among the tested angiographic methods only the Engel's method (evaluation of the distance between the plane of the mitral valve and the most protruding point of the prolapsed leaflets) showed a satisfactory diagnostic sensitivity (75% in RAO projection, 89.5% LL projection, 100% utilizing both projections); angiography is not suitable for a quantitative classification of the MVP in mild, moderate and severe forms; such a possibility, on the contrary, seems to be offered by two-dimensional echocardiography provided that Engel's angiographic are adopted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

[Complicated ventricular arrhythmias in angina at rest].

To assess the incidence of serious ventricular arrhythmias (SVA) during transient ischemic attacks (IA), 27 patients with severe angina at rest were submitted to Holter monitoring for a total period of 1344 hours. The recorded IA's were 565. To evaluate the time/relation between SVA and ST segment changes, the IA's complicated by SVA were divided in 2 parts: one for the upstroke and plateau phase of ST changes; Hse other for the period of resolution of ST changes and the first 3 minutes after ST return to baseline. SVA's were found in 12 of the 27 patients (44.4%), but only in 29 of the 565 IA's (5.1%). The recorded arrhythmias consisted of: frequent ventricular premature beats (VPB) (greater than or equal to 5/min) in 8 patients, multifocal VPB in 6, paired VPB in 10, ventricular tachycardia in 5, R on T phenomenon in 2. No correlations were found between the occurrence of SVA during IA and type of ST changes, location of ST changes, occurrence of the same arrhythmias outside the IA's. SVA's were significantly more frequent during IA associated with pain than during silent IA. When considering only IA associated with ST elevation, a relation was found between the occurrence of SVA and amplitude and duration of ST displacement. The same relation was not observed when IA's associated with ST depression were taken in consideration. Among the 29 IA's complicated by SVA, 22 showed the arrhythmias during the first phase (3.8% of all IA's) and 7 during the second phase (1.3% of all IA's); 6 of these 7 IA's were associated with ST elevation.

Adult↗