Biomedical subjects

Anastasios Kalofoutis

Publications and source records attributed to Anastasios Kalofoutis.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Molecular analysis of the estrogen receptor alpha gene in men with coronary artery disease: association with disease status.

BACKGROUND: The vasoprotective effects of estrogens are known to be mediated by their respective estrogen receptors (ER) alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta), which are present on the vascular wall. The amino-terminal part of the ERalpha appears to be important; genetic alterations in this region have been associated with arterial hypertension. This region has not been studied in atherosclerotic disease. In the present study, we examined the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and alterations of the NH(2)-terminal part of ERalpha coding region. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from 50 healthy men and 40 men with CAD confirmed by coronary angiography. The coding sequences of exons 1 and 2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by either denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) or single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP), or both, sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), as appropriate. In the same subjects, biochemical and vascular parameters were also determined by using the appropriate methodology. RESULTS: In exon 1, the codon 10 polymorphism was detected in both patients and healthy men either in heterozygous or homozygous form. The codon 87 polymorphism was detected mainly in homozygous form and only five individuals were heterozygotes. No mutations were found in exon 2. Statistical analysis of the allele distribution for either codon 10 or 87 between patients and healthy men showed no significant difference. In patients, the biochemical parameters were not statistically significantly different between ERalpha codon 10 genotypes or alleles. However, there was a clear effect of the TCT/TCT genotype and TCT allele on the vascular parameters whereas the right internal carotid artery (RICA) intima-media thickness was significantly associated with TCT/TCT genotype and TCT allele. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ERalpha genotypes play no role in the incidence of CAD disease, however, ERalpha codon 10 may be a genetic factor controlling some vessels' angiographic complications.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Growth hormone-releasing hormone and extra-pituitary tumorigenesis: therapeutic and diagnostic applications of growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) regulates growth hormone release from the pituitary. However, in addition to this neuroendocrine action, much evidence implies an additional role for GHRH in carcinogenesis in non-pituitary tissues. This role of GHRH in cancer development appears to be due to the operation of several mechanisms, which involve the regulation of the growth hormone-dependent hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI) production, tumoural IGF-I and IGF-II secretion and direct action of GHRH on tumour cells by autocrine and/or paracrine pathways. This review summarises the available information regarding the role of GHRH in tumorigenesis with special emphasis on the direct action of GHRH in primary and experimental cancers.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Plant 2-arylobenzofurans demonstrate a selective estrogen receptor modulator profile.

We have isolated from the plant Onobrychis ebenoides three novel arylobenzofurans with binding affinity for the estrogen receptor. In this study, we evaluated these arylobenzofurans, namely ebenfuran I, ebenfuran II and ebenfuran III for their potential selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like properties. We examined their ability, (1) to induce the insulin growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, (2) to stimulate differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic cell culture by histochemical staining for alkaline phosphatase, Alizarin Red-S staining and calcium levels in the supernatants and (3) to inhibit cell proliferation of cervical adenocarcinoma (Hela) cells by use of the MTT assay. An estrogen receptor mediated effect was investigated by carrying out chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) assay on transient MCF-7 transfectants. Estradiol and the "pure" antiestrogen ICI 182780 were included to serve as control samples of the estrogenic and antiestrogenic effect respectively. Our data reveal that ebenfuran II is a highly potent SERM, exhibiting antiestrogenic activity in breast cancer cells via the estrogen receptor, estrogenic effect on osteoblasts and no stimulatory effect on cervix adenocarcinoma cells. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate that plant derived arylobenzofurans show a SERM profile and may be considered for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Altered long chain fatty acids composition in Duchenne muscular dystrophy erythrocytes.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical abnormalities, increased efflux of soluble enzymes and muscle proteins, and altered permeability of muscle membranes imply the presence of a disorganized erythrocyte membrane in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate this hypothesis of a generalized membrane defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with the disease were analyzed for their erythrocyte lipid composition and for alterations in their fatty acid content compared to twenty-five healthy subjects. RESULTS: DMD patients showed a decreased concentration of total phospholipids compared to healthy volunteers, with striking fluctuations in concentrations of erythrocyte long chain fatty acids. Specifically, the unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids were significantly decreased in the disease, whereas the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid was increased in DMD patients compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an abnormal fatty acid composition and disorganization of erythrocyte membrane in patients with DMD associated with possible functional alterations.

Erythrocyte Membrane↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on the main fatty acids of serum and phospholipids of postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The anti-atherosclerotic effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women are partly mediated by improvement of the lipid and lipoprotein profiles. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of HRT on the main fatty acids of serum and phospholipids in postmenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples of two groups of postmenopausal women, receiving either single oestrogen or in combination with progestogens, were analysed before and after a 6- month treatment period. RESULTS: Of the main serum fatty acids, there was a significant reduction in palmitic (p < 0.05) and arachidonic acids (p < 0.001), followed by an increase in oleic (p < 0.05) and linoleic acids (p < 0.05) in postmenopausal women receiving HRT compared to single oestrogen. The main fatty acids in phospholipids showed a similar pattern in those women. CONCLUSION: The above results demonstrate the beneficial effects of HRT in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through modification of the fatty acid profiles of postmenopausal women.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interrelationship of hepatic function, thyroid activity and mood status in alcohol-dependent individuals.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-induced changes in thyroid function may contribute to the development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that almost invariably coexist in alcohol-dependent individuals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the severity of liver dysfunction and thyroid activity in correlation with anxiety and depressive-like symptomatology before and after a detoxification period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a sample of 100 alcohol-abusing/dependent subjects treated on an in-patient basis according to a standard detoxification protocol, measurements of the serum levels of hepatic enzymes (ASAT, ALAT, gammaGT) and thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) as well as measures of anxiety, depression and global functioning were obtained at baseline and at weekly intervals over the period of 4-5 weeks. RESULTS: After completion of the alcohol detoxification, most measurements returned to normal levels and correlations were observed between the levels of hepatic enzymes and thyroid hormones. Additionally, a significant correlation was obtained between the levels of thyroid hormones and the mood status scales. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated a dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in alcohol dependence with possible implications in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders associated with alcohol abuse.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Association of cognitive impairment with plasma levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine plasma levels have been associated with aging, neuronal development and cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine and cognitive function in the elderly. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Elderly individuals over 60 years of age living in the community, were screened with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The study population was divided into two groups: (a) 37 subjects with dementia; and (b) 33 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed with the use of ELISA, and the results were statistically evaluated at p < 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Group a had significantly lower levels of folate and vitamin B12 than group b. Homocysteine was significantly higher in demented individuals than in controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Lower levels of plasma folate and/or vitamin B12 and higher levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with cognitive impairment in elderly individuals.

Aged↗