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Biomedical subjects

A Piccoli

Publications and source records attributed to A Piccoli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Antioxidant activity of polyphenols from solid olive residues of c.v. Coratina.

The antioxidant profile of extracts from solid olive residue (SOR) of c.v. Coratina, a cultivar widely diffused in the south of Italy, using both cell-free and cell-based experimental models, was investigated. A total hydroalcoholic extract (polyphenols content 19.7%) and a purified extract (Oleaselecttrade mark) (polyphenols content 35.1%) were tested for their ability to quench the stable free radical DPPH, the peroxyl radicals (ORAC assay), by monitoring the loss in fluorescence of R-phycoerythrin induced by the peroxyl radical generator AAPH and their ability to inhibit the cumene hydroperoxide-induced lysis of rat red blood cells (RBC). The total hydroalcoholic extract showed IC(50) 26.96+/-1.53 microg/ml in the DPPH assay, that 10 microg/ml were equivalent to 2.11+/-0.12 microg/ml Trolox (ORAC assay) and IC(50) 1.7+/-0.20 microg/ml in the RBC hemolysis. The Oleaselect extract was 4 to 5 folds more active than the hydroalcoholic extract in all the experimental models, with IC(50) values of 7.36+/-0.38 microg/ml in the DPPH test and of 0.38+/-0.03 microg/ml in RBC; the antioxidant activity in the ORAC assay was slightly greater than that of Trolox (10 microg/ml equivalent to 11.45+/-0.40 microg/ml). The scavenging effect of the extract in the ORAC assay was compared to that of verbascoside (the main polyphenol component) and of caffeic acid (the basic constituent of verbascoside): the results indicate that caffeic acid (10 microg/ml equivalent to 35.70+/-2.95 microg/ml Trolox) is more potent than verbascoside (10 microg/ml equivalent to 15.42+/-1.21 microg/ml Trolox) in entrapping peroxyl radicals. Finally the antioxidant activity of the Oleaselect extract was confirmed in human umbilical endothelial cells (EC) exposed to the site-specific peroxyl radical inducer AAPH, where a massive lipid peroxidation process (marker the fluorescence probe BODIPY) takes place, paralleled by a marked loss of cell viability (calcein assay). The purified extract (1-20 microg/ml) pre-incubated with EC for 1 h dose-dependently inhibited both the lipid-peroxidation damage and cell death. Taking into account the total polyphenol content, these results clearly indicate a greater antioxidant activity for the purified extract, due to a cooperative antioxidant interaction among its polyphenol constituents.

Amidines↗
PubMed2006

Body composition analysis with bioelectric impedance in adult Indians with ESRD: comparison with healthy population.

Evaluation of body composition provides clinically useful information in several diseases including chronic kidney disease. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a simple, cheap, and noninvasive tool for monitoring body composition. We performed BIA in 451 healthy adults and 162 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) values were obtained at 50-kHz frequency using a tetrapolar impedance meter. Body compartments were derived using population-specific regression equations. Phase angles (arctan Xc/R) were calculated and impedance vector distribution was determined using the RXc graph method. Compared to healthy population, ESRD patients had similar post-dialysis resistance with lower reactance and phase angle, indicating decreased soft tissue mass and inadequate ultrafiltration. BIA equations estimated decreased fat mass index and intracellular water, whereas the total body and extracellular water percentages were increased. Sex-specific reference RXc plots with 95, 75, and 50% tolerance ellipses were drawn for the healthy population. A significant difference was noted in the vector positions and 95% confidence ellipses of the two sexes and body mass indices of </=25 and >25. In conclusion, we present the reference BIA parameters for Indian population. ESRD patients show significant body compartment alterations. The RXc score graph can differentiate ESRD patient from normal controls and can be used to monitor nutrition and hydration status.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Rheumatoid and psoriatic knee synovitis: clinical, grey scale, and power Doppler ultrasound assessment of the response to etanercept.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) blockade with etanercept in refractory knee joint synovitis (KJS) in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, by local and systemic disease activity assessment and combined grey scale and power Doppler ultrasonographic monitoring. METHODS: 27 knees affected by rheumatoid KJS (n = 12) and psoriatic KJS (n = 8) were assessed before receiving treatment and at 3 and 12 months' follow up. Time dependent clinical changes in disease activity were monitored by C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), global health status (GHS), and Ritchie (RAI) and knee joint articular (KJAI) indices; synovial changes were monitored by ultrasonographic and power Doppler indices for grey scale synovial thickening and for distinct intrasynovial vessel power Doppler flow configurations (fluid/synovium interface (F/SI-PD) and pannus/cartilage interface (P/CI-PD)). Interobserver and intraobserver variability of grey scale and power Doppler ultrasonographic was evaluated. Response to treatment was assessed by analysis of variance for repeated measures on clinical and ultrasonographic variables. RESULTS: Rapid (3 months) reduction in F/SI-PD flow (p<0.001), parallel to reductions of C reactive protein (p<0.05), ESR (p<0.001), KJAI (p<0.002), RAI, and GHS (p<0.001), was sustained at 12 months when it was accompanied by reduction in both synovial thickening and P/CI-PD flow (p<0.001). No differences (ANOVA) were noted at baseline or at 12 months in clinical and ultrasonographic variables between either the rheumatoid or the psoriatic KJS groups. CONCLUSION: Grey scale and power Doppler ultrasonography are reliable measures of long term change in rheumatoid and psoriatic KJS disease activity in response to anti-TNFalpha treatment with etanercept.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Antinucleosome antibodies in SLE: a two-year follow-up study of 101 patients.

We prospectively analyzed the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity as well as the clinical relevance of antinucleosome antibodies in SLE. One hundred and one consecutive SLE patients were followed for 3 years. Three serial serum samples from each patient were tested for antinucleosome antibodies by ELISA (optimum cut-off value 10 U/ml), and for anti-dsDNA antibody (by ELISA and IIF on Crithidia luciliae), and anti-dsDNA avidity (by Scatchard plot analysis). Sera from 100 healthy individuals (HI), 35 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 30 with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), 20 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 48 with infectious diseases (ID), were assayed as controls. SLE activity and damage were evaluated using the ECLAM score and the SLICC/ACR index. At baseline, antinucleosome antibodies were found in 87 patients with SLE (86.1%), in 8 patients with SSc (22.8%), in 2 HI (2%), and in 1 ID (2.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of antinucleosome testing for SLE were 86.1% and 95.3%, respectively. The prevalence of antinucleosome antibodies in SLE was significantly higher than that of anti-dsDNA antibodies, with a correlation between them. No relevant relationship was found between antinucleosome antibodies and disease features, including renal involvement, disease activity, and disease damage. During follow-up, no significant variation was observed in antinucleosome level, nor in anti-dsDNA antibody level or avidity. We conclude that antinucleosome antibodies are commonly found in SLE. Low antibody levels can be detected in SSc, whereas medium/high levels are highly specific for SLE. Their clinical relevance during the disease course and utility for monitoring the individual patient seem to be poor.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in haemodialysis patients: relation between oedema and mortality.

In this work, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) method is used in a sample of haemodialysis patients in stable (without oedema) and critical (hyperhydrated and malnutrition) states, in order to establish the relation between hyperhydration (oedema) and mortality. The measurements obtained were single frequency (50 kHz), tetrapolar (hand-foot) complex impedance measurements (vector components are: resistance R and reactance Xc). The impedance components were standardized by the height H of the subjects, (R/H and Xc/H) to obtain de impedance vector Z/H, that is represented in the RXc plot (abscise R/H, ordinate Xc/H). Measurements were performed on a sample of 74 patients (30 men and 44 women, 18-70 year, body mass index (BMI), 19-30 kg m(-2)) at the Saturnino Lora University Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. The 46 stable patients comprised 28 men and 18 women; the 28 critical patients 16 men and 12 women. The reference population consisted of 1196 healthy adult subjects living in Santiago de Cuba (689 men and 507 women, 18-70 year, BMI 19-30 kg m(-2)). We used the RXc plot with the BIVA method to characterize the reference population using the 50%, 75% and 95% tolerance ellipses. Student's t-test and Hotelling's T2-test were used to analyse the separation of groups obtained by means of clinical diagnosis and those obtained by BIVA. We obtained a significant difference (P < 0.05) in R/H, Xc/H and phase angle (PA) in men as in women between the location of Z/H vectors in the RXc graph and the separation made by the doctors between stable and critical patients. Critical (hyperhydrated) patients were located below the inferior pole of the 75% tolerance ellipse, whereas stable patients were within the tolerance ellipses. Some cases classified as stable by the clinic were classified as hyperhydrated by BIVA with 100% sensitivity and 48% specificity. In conclusion, the BIVA method could be used to classify patients by hydration state and to predict survival. Advantages of the method are its simplicity, objectivity and that it does not require the definition of patient dry weight.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Vitamin E-coated dialyzers reduce oxidative stress related proteins and markers in hemodialysis--a molecular biological approach.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis patients (HD) are exposed to oxidative stress which contributes to cardiovascular disease and accelerated atherosclerosis, major causes of mortality in these patients. A new dialysis membrane coated with vitamin E has been proposed against oxidative stress and atherosclerosis due to their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation by interacting with scavengers. The mechanisms however are not completely clarified. This study evaluated, using a molecular biology approach, the effect of 6 months treatment with vitamin E-modified dialyzers, CL-E, on the gene expression of oxidative stress related proteins and markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To this end, the gene expression of p22phox, a NAD(P)H oxidase subunit closely linked with the generation of superoxide anions and of Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), induced by and protective from oxidative stress, were evaluated by RT-PCR in mononuclear cells from 5 patients under 3 times a week chronic bicarbonate dialysis. Hydroperoxide (HPO) and total antioxidant power (AOP) plasma levels were evaluated at 3 and 6 months of treatment. HPO was also evaluated in 8 patients under CL-E treatment for 1 year and compared with 8 patients treated with cuprammonium-ryon filter (TAF). RESULTS: p22phox mRNA decreased from 0.61 +/- 0.05 d.u. to 0.48 +/- 0.03, p < 0.01 while HO-1 increased from 0.55 +/- 0.04 d.u. to 0.62 +/- 0.03, p < 0.01. HPO decreased in CL-E treated patients: from 2.72 +/- 0.26 microM to 1.45 +/- 0.27 at 3 months (p < 0.001) to 0.87 +/- 0.11, p < 0.001 at 6 months, while AOP increased: from 752 +/- 90 mmol/L to 1057 +/- 105, p < 0.001 at 6 months. HPO was also reduced in 1 year Excebrane CL-E treated patients compared with cuprammonium treated patients: 2.25 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.42 +/- 0.11 microM, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The reduced expression of oxidative stress related proteins and markers gives further support to the efficacy of the use of Vitamin E coated dialysers for the prevention or slowing progression of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, major complications and causes of mortality in these patients in which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Effect of epoetin on HO-1 mRNA level and plasma antioxidants in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with renal failure and undergoing hemo- (HD) or peritoneal dialysis are under oxidative stress which is thought to contribute to the long-term complications noted in this patient population. One effect of HD-induced oxidative stress is via red blood cell (RBC) membrane lipid peroxidation leading to RBC destruction and anemia. Interaction of this oxidative stress with epoetin (EPO) treatment to increase RBC number and Hb concentration remains unexplored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This preliminary study used RT-PCR as well as colorimetric based assay approaches to evaluate the effect of EPO-alpha treatment on markers of oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. Eighteen patients (12 males, 6 females, age range 45 - 68), were treated with EPO-alpha (Eprex) 50 UI/kg thrice weekly over an 8-month study period. Monocytes were isolated at baseline, then monthly thereafter, monocyte heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and plasma Hb and antioxidant power (AOP) were determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with EPO increased Hb (9.4 +/- 0.7 g/dl to 10.9 +/- 0.5, mean +/- SD p < 0.001). In addition, both monocyte HO-1 mRNA (0.34 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.59 +/- 0.02 d.u. p < 0.001) and plasma AOP (1,379.8 +/- 175 micromol/l to 1,624 +/- 170, p < 0.04) increased. While AOP changes showed no correlation with other indices, increases in HO-1 and Hb were positively correlated using 2 different measures: delta Hb (peak Hb - baseline Hb) vs. delta HO-1 (peak HO-1 mRNA - baseline HO-1 mRNA) as well as delta Hb(5 months-baseline) vs. delta HO-1 (5 months - baseline) mRNA (r = 0.81, p < 0.001 and r = 0.76, p < 0.001; respectively). In conclusion, the increases upon EPO treatment of both HO-1 gene expression and plasma AOP as well as the significant correlation between delta Hb and delta HO-1 mRNA suggest that EPO treatment reduces oxidative stress via a combination of effects. These could potentially include effects on oxidative stress directly as well as effects on the levels and types of antioxidants present in plasma.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Determination of triclosan in personal health care products by liquid chromatography (HPLC).

An isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is proposed for the practical and reliable determination of triclosan, an antimicrobic agent incorporated into a variety of personal heath care products. Chromatographic separations were performed on a C-18 column using acetonitrile-TEA phosphate (70 mM; pH 3.5) 55:45 (v/v) as mobile phase and UV detection at 230 and 280 nm. The selectivity of the method was assured by the on-line photodiode array detector. The identity of the triclosan peak was also confirmed by HPLC MS. The method was successfully applied to the determination of triclosan in commercially available health care products (deodorant stick, dentifrice gel, mouthrinse, toothpaste and handwash). All the products displayed triclosan concentrations in compliance with the EEC directive (< or = 0.3%,).

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2002

Pulse pressure and coronary mortality in elderly men and women from general population.

The aim of this work was to evaluate whether pulse pressure (PP) in elderly people is a better predictor of coronary mortality than systolic and diastolic blood pressure taken alone. For this aim, 3282 elderly subjects aged >or=65 years were studied in a population-based frame. Blood pressure was repeatedly measured and averaged; historical data, anthropometrics, blood tests and 14-year coronary mortality were recorded. Statistics included analysis of covariance, Cox analysis and bivariate vectorial analysis. Coronary mortality in women was predicted by PP (1.01 excess risk/mm Hg PP) and was significantly higher in the 3rd than in the 1st tertile of PP (relative risk 2.90); neither systolic nor diastolic pressure taken alone influenced mortality. When systolic and diastolic pressures were both entered into a Cox model, the former had a positive and the latter a negative effect on survival, confirming a prognostic role of PP. For any given level of systolic pressure, mortality was inversely associated with diastolic pressure. Finally, the mean vector representing both systolic and diastolic pressures of non-surviving women was characterised by higher systolic and lower diastolic components than in non-surviving. No significant trend of mortality in relation to either systolic blood pressure or PP was observed in men. In conclusion, the combination of systolic and diastolic pressure called PP is an independent predictor of coronary mortality in elderly females, and a better predictor than systolic or diastolic pressure alone.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Platelet/polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion: a new role for SRC kinases in Mac-1 adhesive function triggered by P-selectin.

Adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) to activated platelets requires a P-selectin-triggered, tyrosine kinase-dependent adhesiveness of Mac-1 and is accompanied by tyrosine phosphorylation of a 110-kd protein (P-110) in PMNLs. Inhibitors of SRC tyrosine kinases were found to inhibit PMNL adhesion to activated platelets or to P-selectin expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-P) cells and the tyrosine phosphorylation of P-110. Adhesion of PMNLs to activated platelets or to CHO-P cells stimulated activity of LYN and HCK. Monoclonal antibody blockade of P-selectin or beta2-integrins reduced the activation of both kinases. In PMNLs either adherent to platelets or aggregated by P-selectin-IgG chimera, Mac-1 was rapidly redistributed to the Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeletal fraction, and large clusters of Mac-1 colocalized with patches of F-actin at the sites of cell-cell contact. In PMNLs stimulated by P-selectin-IgG chimera, SRC kinase inhibition impaired Mac-1 clustering, F-actin accumulation, and CD18 redistribution to the cytoskeleton. Disruption of the actin filament network by cytochalasin D prevented PMNL-platelet adhesion and P-selectin-induced PMNL aggregation and impaired the clustering of Mac-1. In agreement with the requirement for the beta2-integrin in the functional up-regulation of LYN and HCK, integrin blockade by monoclonal antibodies resulted in a complete inhibition of P-selectin-induced Mac-1 clustering and F-actin accumulation. Taken together, the results indicate that, after an initial P-selectin-triggered beta2-integrin interaction with the ligand, SRC kinases are activated and allow the remodeling of cytoskeleton-integrin linkages and integrin clustering that finally strengthen cell-cell adhesion. This model highlights a new role for SRC kinases in a regulatory loop by which the Mac-1 promotes its own adhesive function.

Actins↗
PubMed2001

Endothelial dysfunction in small resistance arteries of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Arterial hypertension is frequently associated with the presence of endothelial dysfunction in human subcutaneous small resistance arteries, as evaluated by responses to acetylcholine or bradykinin; however it is not known whether patients with diabetes mellitus show similar alterations. Therefore, we have investigated endothelial function in subcutaneous arteries of normotensive subjects (NT), of patients with essential hypertension (EH), of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), as well as of patients with both essential hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM+EH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All subjects were submitted to a biopsy of the subcutaneous fat Small arteries were dissected and mounted on a micromyograph. The media to lumen ratio (M/L) was calculated. A concentration-response curve to acetylcholine, to bradykinin as well as to the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside were performed. We also evaluated the contractile response to endothelin-1. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) plasma levels were also measured. RESULTS: The vasodilatation to acetylcholine and bradykinin (but not to sodium nitroprusside) was significantly and similarly reduced in EH, in NIDDM, and in NIDDM+EH compared with NT. The contractile response to endothelin-1 was similarly reduced in EH, in NIDDM and in NIDDM+EH. Plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations were higher in EH, NIDDM and NIDDM+EH than in NT. CONCLUSIONS: An evident endothelial dysfunction was detected in patients with NIDDM, and the simultaneous presence of EH did not seem to exert an additive effect. The contractile responses to endothelin-1 were reduced possibly as a consequence of ET(A) receptor down-regulation.

Arteries↗
PubMed2001

Plasma protein synthesis in patients with low-grade nephrotic proteinuria.

Overt nephrotic syndrome is characterized by albumin and fibrinogen hyperproduction and reduced very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B-100 (VLDL apoB-100) clearance. Whether similar changes also occur in low-grade proteinuria is not known. Thus we measured albumin, fibrinogen, and VLDL apoB-100 kinetics in six patients with modest proteinuria and normal creatinine clearance (P) and in ten control subjects (C) by leucine tracer infusion and precursor-product relationships. In P, plasma albumin concentration was decreased (P < 0.003), whereas concentrations of fibrinogen and VLDL apoB-100 were increased (P < 0.001). In P, albumin fractional secretion rate (FSR) was increased (P < 0.01), fibrinogen FSR was normal, and VLDL apoB-100 FSR was decreased (P < 0.03). As a result, in P, absolute secretion rates (ASR) of albumin and fibrinogen were increased (P < 0.03), whereas VLDL apoB-100 ASR was normal. Albumin FSR was inversely correlated to oncotic pressure in P but not in C. These findings suggest that low-grade nephrotic proteinuria is characterized by simultaneous multiple alterations in turnover rates of albumin, fibrinogen, and VLDL apoB-100. Their pathogenesis, however, appears to be multifactorial.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Normal values of the bioelectrical impedance vector in childhood and puberty.

The purpose of this study was to determine the reference, bivariate, and tolerance intervals of the whole-body impedance vector in Italian children. This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study, and participants were chosen from the general school population. The impedance vector (standard, tetrapolar analysis at 50-kHz frequency) was measured in 3110 subjects, ages 2 to 15 y, and 2044 healthy children (1014 male and 1030 female) with weight and height within the 95th percentile were selected for the analysis (resistance-reactance graph method). The age-specific 95% confidence intervals of mean vectors and the 95%, 75%, and 50% tolerance intervals for individual vector measurements were plotted using resistance and reactance components standardized by the subject's height. Mean vectors from both sexes with separate 95% confidence ellipses were considered as representative of eight different age groups, from 2 to 13 y. There was a statistically significant sex effect on vector distribution from boys and girls in the age group of 14 to 15 y. The impedance vector distribution of children was also compared with healthy adult subjects (354 male and 372 female, age 15 to 85 y). There was a progressive, statistically significant vector shortening from age 2 to 15 y toward the adults' vector position. In conclusion, we established the trajectory followed by the mean impedance vector in children over ages 2 to 15 y and also obtained the reference, bivariate, and 95%, 75%, and 50% tolerance intervals of the impedance vector by age for healthy children, with which the vectors from children with altered body composition can be tested.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Altered tissue electric properties in lung cancer patients as detected by bioelectric impedance vector analysis.

Modifications of body composition are frequent in cancer patients. Bioelectric impedance analysis can specifically detect changes in tissue electric properties, which may be associated with outcome. We evaluated the distribution of the impedance vectors from 63 adult male patients with lung cancer, stages IIIB (33 patients) and IV (30 patients), in supportive therapy. Body weight change over the previous 6 m.o. was the same in both groups (stable/increased 36% and decreased in 62%). Patients were compared with 56 healthy subjects matched for gender, age, and body mass index (25 kg/m2). Impedance measurements (standard tetrapolar electrode placement on the hand and foot) were made with 50-kHz alternating currents. The resistance and reactance of the vector components were standardized by the height of the subjects and were plotted as resistance/reactance graphs. The impedance vector distribution was the same in patients with either stage IIIB or IV cancer. The mean vector position differed significantly between cancer patients and control subjects (Hotelling T2 test, P < 0.01) because of a reduced reactance component (i.e., a smaller phase angle) with preserved resistance component in both cancer groups. Patients with a phase angle smaller than 4.5 degrees had a significantly shorter, i.e., 18 m.o., survival. Body weight loss was not significantly associated with survival. In conclusion, impedance vectors from lung cancer patients were characterized by a reduced reactance component. The altered tissue electric properties were more predictive than weight loss of prognosis.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Blood pressure and metabolic profile after surgical menopause: comparison with fertile and naturally-menopausal women.

In 1978 a random sample (367 men and 568 women aged 18-65 years) taken from the general population of a north-eastern Italian town was screened for cardiovascular risk; 16 years later, the women were invited to a second screening. Three groups were identified at the initial screening (fertile, naturally menopausal and surgically menopausal) and four in the longitudinal study (137 remained fertile during the whole study, 205 became naturally menopausal, 56 were ovariectomised and 127 were already going through the menopause). The protocol included a questionnaire, blood pressure (BP) measurement, and blood exams. Continuous variables were adjusted for confounders. Systolic BP, prevalence of hypertension, cholesterol, glycaemia and uricaemia were similar, whereas diastolic and triglycerides (TG) were lower in surgically-menopausal than in fertile women (P < 0.001). No significant difference in 16 years' variation from baseline was observed between the four groups, although women who remained fertile showed the smallest increases. In particular, neither systolic or diastolic BP increases differed between the women who were oophorectimised and those who remained fertile. 'Fertile status' was rejected from the logistic equation of incidence of hypertension, and 'age of menopause' was also rejected when this analysis was repeated in ovariectomised women. New coronary artery disease (angina pectoris or myocardial infarction) was observed in one ovariectomised woman, in three naturally menopausal, and in 13 already menopausal women which seemed to reflect the age trend. No new cases were observed in women who remained fertile. In conclusion, in Italian women surgical menopause, similarly to natural menopause, is devoid of any negative prognostic effect. Journal of Human Hypertension (2000) 14, 799-805

Adolescent↗