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C De Simone

Publications and source records attributed to C De Simone.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

ST789: a new synthetic immunomodulator.

ST 789 is a synthetic compound which belongs to a new family of hypoxanthine derivatives exhibiting an aminoacidic function at the N-9 position of the purine ring. Available literature indicates that hypoxanthine derivatives exhibit well established immunomodulant properties. Furthermore, the addition of arginine to these molecules proved able to strongly enhance their immunomodulant activity. We review here the immunomodulant properties of both arginine and arginine-containing compounds, and mostly of ST 789.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1992

Influence of ST 789 on interleukin-1, interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma production from normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

ST 789, previously named PCF 39, is a synthetic hypoxanthine derivative endowed with immunomodulating properties. However, the mode of action of this compound on immunocompetent cells has not yet been elucidated and, in particular, no evidence has been provided on its ability to trigger monokine (MK) and lymphokine (LK) release. In this framework, here we have evaluated the influence of ST 789 on interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma production from normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results will show that following stimulation of PBMC with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or lectins [phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A)] in the presence of increasing concentrations of ST 789 no modification of cytokine release is obtained, in comparison with cultures activated with LPS or lectins. In addition, this hypoxanthine is not able per se to induce release of MKs and LKs. The overall results suggest that ST 789 acts on the immune system through mechanisms which are not dependent on the release of ILs and IFN-gamma.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1992

Modulation by ST 789 of in vitro lymphocyte activation and cytokine production.

Our results indicate that ST 789 exhibits complex immunomodulant properties. In fact, we found that ST 789 inhibits the expression of activation antigens, such as interleukin-2 and transferrin receptors by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy subjects following mitogen stimulation, but we were not able to detect under the same experimental conditions any effect on the in vitro production of soluble CD8 antigen and of interleukin-4 as well as on the proliferative response of antigen-specific and autoreactive human T cell lines. Finally, we showed that ST 789 is able to strongly enhance the in vitro production of interleukin-6 by PHA-stimulated PBMCs. The reduced expression of activation antigens in the presence of ST 789 does not seem to be mediated by CD8+ suppressor T lymphocytes, as indicated by the normal soluble CD8 levels in culture media, but rather reflects a direct inhibitory action on T helper proliferation and likely on interleukin-2 secretion. The strong enhancement by ST 789 of the in vitro interleukin-6 production seems to indicate the most relevant possibility of clinical applications in human diseases.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1991

Inosine pranobex in the treatment of HIV infection: a review.

Inosine pranobex (InPx) could prove a valuable and innovative approach to the treatment of HIV-infected patients, since InPx administration has been shown in two multicenter trials to effectively delay the progression of HIV infection to overt AIDS. However, further studies are strongly required to optimize both the dosage of inosine pranobex and the administration schedules. Furthermore, clinical trials evaluating combination therapy of HIV infection with both InPx and zidovudine should ultimately provide an important advance in the management of HIV-infected patients. Our finding that concomitantly administered InPx to zidovudine-receiving patients increased the plasma levels of zidovudine as well as prolonged zidovudine mean half-life during InPx treatment suggests several potential advantages of the combination treatment with both InPx and zidovudine, such as a need for lower zidovudine dosage and a longer interval period between administering zidovudine to obtain sustained plasma levels as well as a potential to enhance residue immune function resulting from inosine pranobex treatment.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗
PubMed1991

Clinical results of a multicenter study with sulbactam/ampicillin for the treatment of patients with lower respiratory and urinary tract infections.

A total of 124 patients with lower respiratory tract (44) or urinary tract infections (80) were enrolled in an open, multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sulbactam/ampicillin, administered at the dosage of 3 g/die by intramuscular route. Pretreatment pathogens from patients with lower respiratory tract infections included: Streptococcus alpha-haemolyticus in 8 cases, Streptococcus beta-haemolyticus in 2 cases, Staphylococcus albus in 7 cases, Haemophilus influenzae in 7 cases, Staphylococcus aureus in 6 cases, Klebsiella oxytoca in 5 cases, Staphylococcus epidermidis in 3 cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae in 3 cases, Escherichia coli in 2 cases; in one subject (2.75%), no microorganisms were isolated. In vitro, 36 isolates (84%) were sensitive to SA and 7 (16%) were resistant. At the end of therapy, all the causative pathogens sensitive to sulbactam/ampicillin were eliminated. In patients with urinary tract infections, pretreatment pathogens were: E. coli in 40 cases, S. albus in 16 cases, Proteus mirabilis in 8 cases, Enterobacter agglomerans in 6 cases, Proteus vulgaris in 3 cases, Streptococcus faecalis in 3 cases, Streptococcus liquefaciens in 2 cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2 cases. In vitro, 64 isolates (80%) were sensitive to sulbactam/ampicillin and 16 (20%) were resistant. At the end of therapy, 63 out of the 64 pathogens sensitive to sulbactam/ampicillin were eliminated; in one case the therapy was interrupted due to adverse effect. Clinical efficacy: in subjects with lower respiratory tract infections, sulbactam/ampicillin cured 32 patients (72.72%) and ameliorated the clinical status of 8 patients (18.18%); efficacy rate: 90.9%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Open randomized controlled parallel study of ofloxacin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment of lower respiratory tract and urinary infections.

A total of 60 patients with lower respiratory tract or urinary tract infections were enrolled in an open, randomized, controlled, parallel study comparing 300 mg ofloxacin (OFX) b.i.d. with trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (TMP 800 mg + SMX 160 mg), 1 tablet, b.i.d. The signs and symptoms of low respiratory tract infection were cured in 12 patients (80%) of the OFX group and improved in 2 other patients (13%); at the end of therapy, the 2 germs that persisted were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Branhamella catarrhalis. Clinical cure was achieved in 13 patients (86%) in the TMP-SMX group, while 2 patients were considered as failures (14%); after therapy, the 3 organisms that persisted were 2 S. pneumoniae and 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As far as urinary tract infections are concerned clinical cure and complete eradication of bacteria were achieved in 14 patients in the OFX group (93%); the germ that persisted was Escherichia coli (100,000 CFU), but the patient was asymptomatic. In patients of the TMP-SMX group the urinary infections were cured in 11 subjects (73%); the germs that persisted were 2 E. coli and 1 Proteus mirabilis. Adverse effects were reported for 3 patients (10%) in the OFX group and 4 patients (13%) in the TMP-SMX group. The measurement of serum and intracellular (polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocytes) levels of OFX and TMP-SMX and the assessment of the host's immunocompetence ruled out the possibility of any immunotoxicological side effect.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine oral administration on lymphocyte antibacterial activity and TNF-alpha levels in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. A randomized double blind versus placebo study.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), a drug for the treatment of ageing-related neuroendocrine dysfunctions, was orally administered--2 gm/day for 30 days--to 10 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TBC). Lymphocyte-mediated antibacterial activity and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were evaluated before and after treatment, comparing the values with those of 10 TBC patients receiving placebo. Results show that by day 30, antibacterial activity remained unmodified or increased in ALC-treated subjects, while decreased in the placebo group. No influence of ALC on TNF-alpha levels was detectable. These data suggest that the host's immune responses to M. tuberculosis infection can be selectively modulated by drugs acting on the neuroendocrine axis.

Acetylcarnitine↗
PubMed1991

Clinical and immunologic effects of combination therapy with intravenous immunoglobulins and AZT in HIV-infected patients.

30 patients with HIV infection were enrolled to evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of zidovudine (AZT), 0.5 g/day p.o. (Group A) vs. AZT 0.5 g/day p.o. plus intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), 0.4 g/kg of body weight for three consecutive days, followed by one treatment of 0.6 g/kg of body weight every fourth week (Group B), over a period of one year. The study was open and randomized. The treatment groups were compared using the following study variables: 1) type of infections, recurrences and severity; 2) change in CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell count; 3) change in platelet count; 4) change in TNF alpha serum levels; 5) the probability of not developing an opportunistic infection over a period of 12 months. Patients from Group B developed less pathological events in comparison to Group A. No significative differences were evident with regard to values of T cell subsets obtained before and after treatment in each group and between the two groups. On the contrary, in 12 out of 15 patients from Group B there was a significant increase in platelet count. In both groups there was a significant decrease of mean serum levels of TNF alpha when a comparison was made between time 12 vs. time 6. However, when data were expressed as single values, in three subjects from Group B TNF alpha was still detectable by time 12 vs. 9 individuals in Group A. The cumulative probabilities of developing an opportunistic infection over the 12 months of treatment in the Group A subjects were significantly higher than in the Group B subjects (p less than 0.01). Adverse effects--nausea and gastric pain--were reported for 3 individuals (20%) from Group A and 4 patients (26%) from Group B. In conclusion, patients treated with AZT are especially likely to benefit from IVIG prophylaxis.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Marked hematic hypereosinophilia caused by Giardia Lamblia infestation in a subject with Churg-Strauss syndrome].

We report a Churg-Strauss syndrome case complicated by Giardia Lamblia infection which increased markedly the number of blood eosinophils with appearance of eosinophils able to form rosettes with unsensitized sheep red blood cells. Metronidazolo therapy reduces markedly the blood hypereosinophilia. The strong relationship between blood hypereosinophilia and Giardia Lamblia in this patient, suggests that there is an interaction between different eosinophilopoietic stimuli.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

HIV-infection and in vivo lipopolysaccharide-induced release of cytokines. An amplified mechanism of damage to the host.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or endotoxins are potent triggers of the cytokine (CK) cascade. These CKs are immune mediators which produce many biological effects and could play a detrimental rather than beneficial role in the host. In this review emphasis will be placed on the participation of two CKs, tumor necrosis factor [TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL-1) beta], in the pathogenetic development of HIV infection. We have found that TNF and IL-1 circulate in exaggerated amounts in the blood of HIV-infected subjects from the earliest phases of infection. Furthermore, we have observed a strict correlation between plasma LPS and IL-1 beta levels, thus indicating that endotoxins could account for the production of CKs in the course of HIV infection. Finally, the demyelinating role of TNF-alpha either in experimental models or in the course of AIDS dementia complex is outlined.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Report of the symposium on the use of intravenous gammaglobulin in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.

On July 27, 1989, the International Conference on Molecular Aspects of Immune Response and Infectious Diseases devoted a symposium to the subject of the use of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The information presented confirmed that IVIG benefits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with recurrent infections and that much remains to be learned about the influence of IVIG in adult AIDS. The symposium participants recognized the urgent need to develop randomized clinical trials using a control group to assess the efficacy of a treatment with IVIG in PGL (persistent generalized lymphadenopathy), ARC (AIDS-related complex), and AIDS. To prepare this report, a committee was established, including individuals with expertise in immunology, immunopharmacology, microbiology, virology, infectious diseases, general medicine, and pediatrics and representing research experience in academia and hospitals. After an introduction to the report with a summary of immunotherapeutic agents under evaluation to treat HIV infection, section 1 lays out the present understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Section 2 then outlines the treatment of HIV-seropositive individuals, discussing the uncertainties that any treatment entails. Section 3 discusses the rationale for treating HIV-infected individuals with IVIG, and Section 4 examines the major differences between IVIG and hyperimmunoglobulins for the treatment of HIV infection. Section 5 looks at IVIG as a mean to delay the emergence of opportunistic infections and restore immunocompetence in AIDS and related illnesses, and Sections 6 and 7 suggest a pilot protocol on the use of IVIG in association with low-dose or standard-dose zidovudine (AZT).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Induction of micronuclei in Vicia faba root tips treated in different soils with the herbicide alachlor.

A study was made of the clastogenic effect of the herbicide alachlor using the micronucleus test on root tips of seeds of Vicia faba that had been placed in 2 soils with different characteristics. No significant increase in micronuclei was observed in the seeds planted in the soil with a high content of organic matter. In those planted in soil with a low content, an increase in micronuclei proportional to dose and exposure time was observed. HPLC analysis of the alachlor residues in the 2 soils showed that they have a different capacity for absorbing the herbicide, which would account for the different genotoxic responses observed.

Acetamides↗
PubMed1990

Influence of lens opacities on visual field indices.

This report presents the results of a study designed to verify the influence of lens opacities on the visual field indices. Four age-matched groups of subjects were considered: healthy volunteers, glaucomatous patients without lens opacities, cataractous patients without glaucoma and glaucomatous patients with lens opacities. The quantification of lens opacities was performed with the Lens Opacity Meter 701 instrument. The visual field indices were obtained automatically from the G1 program of the Octopus system. The statistical analysis of the results (coefficient of correlation) has shown that only the visual field indices that correspond to uniform and diffuse loss of light sensitivity were influenced by the presence of cataract. On the contrary, the visual field indices that indicate local irregularities of the threshold were not significantly influenced by the presence of lens opacities.

Aged↗