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Biomedical subjects

B Gentile

Publications and source records attributed to B Gentile.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

The in vitro effect of a lyophilized extract of wine obtained from Jacquez grapes on human chondrocytes.

The present work was aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of a lyophilized extract of wine (JW-E) obtained from Jacquez grapes (Vitis aestivalis-cinereaxVitis vinifera grapes) on the production of key molecules released in inflammatory disease utilising interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) activated chondrocytes. The extract contains large amounts of phenolic components, in particular some flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, also known as catechins) and proanthocyanidins, as hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins, that possess several biological features such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects and a "radical scavenger" activity too. In this study, we assayed the effect of JW-E on the production of key molecules released during chronic inflammatory events as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins E(2) (PGE(2)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human chondrocytes culture, stimulated with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta. The JW-E proved to possess good ability against the harmfull effects of IL-1beta. Our data showed the protective effects of JW-E in cartilage alteration, that appears greater than that elicited by indomethacin, a not steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly employed in joint diseases.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2005

"In vitro" differences among (R) and (S) enantiomers of profens in their activities related to articular pathophysiology.

An important group of non steroidal antinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have been used for the symptomatic treatment of various forms of arthritis, are the 2-arylpropionic acid derivatives, 'profens'. By virtue of a chiral carbon atom on the propionic acid side chain, they exist as enantiomeric pairs. Whereas the S (+) enantiomer could be represented as an effective, but unselective COX inhibitor, the R (-) enantiomer could be much less active in this respect. However, recent findings suggest that certain pharmacological effects of profens cannot be attributed exclusively to the S (+) enantiomer. To obtain further insights into the pharmacological effects of profens, this study investigated the influence of pure enantiomers (S), (R), and racemic flurbiprofen and ketoprofen on the production of NO, MMP-3, PGE(2), ROS and GAGs, key molecules involved in cartilage destruction. Our results show that (S) flurbiprofen and ketoprofen decrease, at 1- and 10-microM concentrations, the interleukin-1beta induced cartilage destruction.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2004

Protective effects of benzisothiazolylamidines on IL-1 beta induced alterations in human articular chondrocyte metabolism.

The in vitro effects on human articular chondrocytes were evaluated for a series of N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines, bearing as pharmacophoric moiety the nonacidic isosteric nitrogen analogue of the carboxylic group. The aim was to verify their effectiveness in articular diseases, such as arthritis. Human chondrocytes were treated with IL-1beta in the presence of a series of N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines at a concentration of 100 microg/mL. After 120 h, the amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the inhibition of metalloproteinases (MMP-3) and prostaglandin (PGE2) were measured. Nitrite production induced by inflammatory IL-1beta on cultured chondrocytes was inhibited by the N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines tested, in particular by N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-benzamidine, which was the most active. Concerning the effects on GAGs, all the tested benzisothiazolylamidines, and in particular N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-acetamidine, prevented the depletion of proteoglycan induced by IL-1beta. Inhibitory effects of the tested compounds on MMP-3 activity and on PGE2 production were also observed.

Amidines↗
PubMed2003

Different in vitro activity of flurbiprofen and its enantiomers on human articular cartilage.

The 2-arylpropionic acid derivatives or 'profens' are an important group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have been used for the symptomatic treatment of various forms of arthritis. These compounds are chiral and the majority of them are still marketed as racemate although it is known that the (S)- form is the principal effective in the cyclooxygenase inhibition. However, recent findings suggest that certain pharmacological effect of 2-arylpropionic acids cannot be attributed exclusively to the (S)-(+) enantiomer. To obtain further insights into the pharmacological effect of profens, the present study investigated the influence of racemic and pure enantiomers of flurbiprofen on the production of nitric oxide and glycosaminoglycans, key molecules involved in cartilage destruction. The culture of human articular cartilage stimulated by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), which plays an important role in the degradation of cartilage, has been established, as a profit experimental model, for reproducing the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of arthritic diseases. Our results show that mainly (S)-(+)-flurbiprofen decreases, at therapeutically concentrations, the IL-1beta induced cartilage destruction.

Cartilage, Articular↗
PubMed2002

In vitro evaluation of thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl Schiff bases on pig cartilage.

A series of anti-inflammatory agents known as Schiff bases, combining thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl ring and vanillin moieties in the same molecule, was synthesized and evaluated for screening anti-degenerative activity on nasal pig cartilage cultures treated with interleukin 1beta, (IL-1beta). The amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), released into the culture medium, were detected. The tested Schiff bases decreased, dose-dependently, the NO and PGE2 production and the GAGs release with respect to samples treated with IL-1beta alone, showing a different behavior correlated to their structure. These results suggest that thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl Schiff bases in general, and particularly the Schiff base with bromine and methoxyl group in position three would protect cartilage matrix from degenerative factors induced by IL-1beta.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Thienopyrimidine derivatives prevent cartilage destruction in articular disease.

The effects of a series of thienopyrimidine derivatives on the prevention of cartilage destruction in articular disease were investigated. Anti-degenerative activity was assayed on culture of nasal pig cartilage in the presence or in the absence of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). The amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the culture medium were determined. Some thienopyrimidine derivatives, in the presence of IL-beta, blocked the cartilage breakdown by inhibiting both the NO production and GAGs release in a dose-dependent manner.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Survey of lymphatic filariasis on Ouvea Island in New Caledonia].

Several cases of Bancroftian filariasis were recently reported on Ouvea Island which is part of the archipelago of New Caledonia located in the south Pacific Ocean. Following these reports systematic screening was carried out in a group of 382 adult consultees at two medical dispensaries. Tests to detect microfilariae in the blood and antibodies in serum were performed at the Pasteur Institute in New Caledonia and the Malarde Institute in Papeete, French Polynesia, respectively. Of the two subjects with manifestations consistent with filariasis, one was seropositive but neither presented microfilariae. Overall 14 subjects (3.7 p. 100) presented microfilariae and 124 were seropositive (33.5 p. 100). The serologic index was significantly higher in men than in women (6.1 p. 100 vs 2.1 p. 100). Parasitic and serologic indexes were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in subjects living in the northern than southern part of the island. As in previous studies in New Caledonia, present data showed that Bancrofitian filariasis is asymptomatic on Ouvea Island. This finding contrasts with the symptomatic forms described on other islands in the south Pacific.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma].

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of a rare alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in a 16-year old girl seems worth of a case report. OBSERVATION: A large multinodular tumor developed on the buttocks and the external genitalia; systemic symptoms and metastases of lymph nodes and skin occurred very soon and the disease had a lethal outcome within 16 months. A temporary regression was observed after polychemotherapy with daunorubicine, vincritine and 5-fluoro-uracile. COMMENTS: In children the rhabdomyosarcoma is the most frequent sarcoma of soft tissues; the poor prognosis of the alveolar type is assessed by the case of this 16-year old girl; this tumor may progress as a systemic disease and present as a leukemia with rapid impairment of general health, enlargement of lymph nodes, cutaneous nodules and anemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Characterization of chronic plantar ulcers in former leprosy patients].

Between 1988 and 1992, 21 biopsies for pathological examination were taken from 20 Senegalese leprosy patients suffering from chronic plantar ulcers (CPU) suspected of malignant transformation. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was effectively made in 13 cases and that of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in the remaining 8 cases. The mean period of time between the onset of CPU and that of malignant transformation was 10 years (range: 1 to 15 years); the mean annual frequency of the malignant transformation was 2 per 1,000 CPU. In countries where pathological examination is not available, below knee amputation could be considered whenever main clinical signs of malignant transformation are present. In countries where pathological examination is available, the therapeutic decision may differ according to the diagnosis: below knee amputation supplemented with block dissection of inguinal lymph nodes whenever possible in cases of carcinoma; below knee amputation depending on the function status of the foot and on the volume of tumor in case of pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed1993

[Bacterial, viral and parasitic etiologies of acute infantile diarrhea in a rural Senegal].

We have studied the incidence of parasites, viruses and bacteria associated with acute infantile diarrhea in rural Senegal. Among parasitoses, Cryptosporidium parvum (7.7%) is the most frequent, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%). The first bacteriological etiologic agent is Escherichia coli (20.9%). Rotavirus are also frequently isolated (14.7%). Prevalence of pathogens is higher: among children over 6 months and under two years old, among children either with mixed feeding or weaned, during the raining season, except for rotaviruses. Breast feeding seems to be a good protective factor against bacterial and parasitological infections but not against rotavirus contaminations.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1993

[Antibiotic sensitivity of germs isolated from cellulitis of dental origin in Senegal (results of a survey of 49 cases)].

Irregular results sometimes found during antibiotic treatment of perimaxillar cellulitis, conducted the authors to study bacteriology of these infections from dental origin. This study confirmed the aero and anerobic polymicrobism of these cellulitis. Antibiograms realised in 49 cases showed occurrence of streptococcal and anaerobic germs resistance to antibiotics usually prescribed. A nearly constant success of other antibiotics allowed the authors to define a first intention antibiotherapy for the treatment of these infections.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1991

[Apropos of the preliminary paraclinical evaluation of oral contraception].

As all developing countries Senegal keeps on paying a heavy tribute to, on the one hand, the high maternal mortality and morbidity, and on the other hand, infantile mortality. Family planning could have advantageous effect on health, welfare and development of all the family. Unfortunately, difficult over all socio-economical situation, lack of human resources, particularly maternal, and the coast of paraclinical exams brakes the access of population to family planning services. In this work, we tried with FHI/PSFP/Institute Pasteur to initial a prospective study who aimed to show that a good clinical exam with a complete medical interrogatory should be a good alternative to contraception preliminary paraclinical check-up.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Hydatid cyst of the uterus (apropos of a case seen at the gynecologic and obstetrical clinic of the C.H.U. of Dakar)].

Hydatic Cysts, or Hydatidosis, is the result of an intermediary host to VON SIEBOLD's Taenia Echinococcus larva turning into a cyst within the organism. Hydatic sickness combines all the toxic and allergic symptoms produced by the hydatic cyst. Echinococcosis is the anthropozoonosis of parasitic origin responsible for repercussions on the organism, development of the hydatic cyst and the hydatic sickness. It can come from dogs, sheep or cattle or, exceptionally, humans. Based on a case of hydatic cyst in the uterus, the authors underline gyneco-obstetrical aspects of the affliction. They recall diagnostic difficulties which may occur outside the endemic zones this very rare localization, and propose a practical solution based on echography.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Bacterial etiologies of acute infantile diarrhea in Dakar].

Systematic research into all the bacterial etiological agents responsible for acute diarrhoea was undertaken on 276 diarrhoea stools collected from children aged 0-5 years. Particular attention was given to finding bacterial agents usually overlooked during routine checks: Campylobacter, Vibrionaceae and Yersinia enterocolitica.

Aeromonas↗
PubMed1987

HLA and non-HLA phenotyping and genotyping in Austral and Gambier Polynesian Archipelagos.

Forty-one individuals from Rurutu Island (Austral Archipelagos) and 41 individuals from the Gambier Archipelagos have been typed for HLA; for blood groups ABO, Rh, MNSs, P, Kell, Kp, Lewis, Lutheran, Kidd; for the electrophoretic systems G6PD, 6-PGD, PGM1, PGM2, AcP, ADA, GPT, Est-D, GLO I, and for the immunoglobulin allotypes Gm and Km. There is a high degree of homogeneity among these Polynesian populations and among other Polynesian populations previously typed. However, small differences exist between the populations of the two archipelagos, possibly due to endogamy or to the smallness of the samples studied. A variant of HLA-Bw22 (called Bw22x) is described.

Blood Group Antigens↗
PubMed1987

Polynesian origins and affinities: globin gene variants in eastern Polynesia.

Analysis of copy number variants of the duplicated alpha-, zeta-, and gamma-globin genes in eastern Polynesians revealed a high frequency of both triplicated-zeta-gene chromosomes and a specific alpha thalassemia deletion. This deletion and a novel restriction-enzyme-site polymorphism associated with a zeta zeta zeta chromosome are found only in Melanesians and Polynesians. Analysis of alpha-globin restriction-enzyme haplotypes indicated further similarities to Melanesians but suggested an additional non-Melanesian genetic component in eastern Polynesia. Several globin gene alleles showed evidence of marked frequency fluctuations due to genetic drift.

Alleles↗