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Biomedical subjects

C Di Ilio

Publications and source records attributed to C Di Ilio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

High levels of antioxidant enzymatic defence assure good protection against hypoxic stress in spontaneously diabetic rats.

Recent data from literature report that reactive oxygen species (ROS) seem to play a crucial role in the etiology of both types I and II diabetes. This may render diabetic individuals more prone to oxidative injury when challenged with hypoxic stress. It is in fact well known that many diabetic complications cause ischaemic episodes, with a consequent reduction in oxygen supply to various tissues and organs. To check this hypothesis, in this work we tested type I diabetic individuals' antioxidant capability towards a hypoxic-mediated oxidative challenge. In particular, spontaneously diabetic and age-matched non-diabetic biobreeding (BB) Wistar rats were submitted to chronic normobaric hypoxia, and the response of antioxidant enzymes, as well as redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-kappaB and p53, were monitored. Results show that diabetic subjects present a dramatic enhancement in the major antioxidant enzymes activities, thus supporting the notion of diabetes-related changes in cellular redox status. This allows diabetic individuals to counteract hypoxia-mediated oxidative challenge better than the non-diabetic counterpart. Also the behaviour of both the redox-sensitive nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB and p53 protein in response to hypoxic stimulation seems to support the hypothesis of a better ROS scavenging efficiency in diabetics under hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, high levels of antioxidant enzymatic defences in diabetic BB rats reflect a positive adaptive response able to assure an efficient protection not only against chronic, diabetes-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, but also versus further oxidative damage.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Dynamic monitoring of restricted eating disorders by indirect calorimetry: a useful cognitive approach.

OBJECTIVE: Outpatient treatment in restricted eating disorder: indirect calorimetry during dynamic monitoring. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Twenty seven women affected by restricted eating disorder (essentially anorexia nervosa) with a body mass index [weight (kg)/height (m2)] of 17.29+/-2.47 were studied. The sample was compared as itself control during rehabilitative way. INTERVENTIONS: Fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were determined by anthropometry technique. REE/day and respiratory quotient (RQ,VCO2/VO2) were measured by indirect calorimetry using a Calorimeter Vmax 29n-Sensor Medics-California. Skinfold thickness and circumferences were also measured. Arm muscle area (AMA) and fat area were calculated by formulas reported in Frisancho. RESULTS: The data indicated a positive correlation between AMA, VO2/ml/min and resting energy expenditure (REE)/day values examined during follow-up of patients. The increase of these parameters indicated a good monitoring index correlated to a FFM recovery during psychonutritional rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Indirect calorimetry represents a useful approach for determining REE and prescribing diets in these patients. Moreover, the combined use of anthropometric techniques allows to accurately assess and adjust therapy according to the patient's progress. This study shows that restricted eating disorders are characterized by a recovery of FFM related to improvement of body weight and REE/day. On the contrary, the increase of AFA revealed a recovery of fat-metabolism (corresponding to RQ decrease) and lipid/carbohydrates oxidation improvement, only in the presence, at the same time, of O2 consumption increase.

Adiposity↗
PubMed2005

Prevalence and severity of airway obstruction in an Italian adult population.

BACKGROUND: This study sets out to estimate the prevalence and the degree of severity of bronchial obstruction in an adult population with three different diagnostic criteria: the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) defined as Global Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). METHODS: 1514 subjects underwent complete medical evaluation and spirometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of bronchial obstruction was respectively 27.5 % (ERS), 33% (GOLD), and 47.3 % (ATS). The prevalence of bronchial obstruction in the smoker group was 33.4% (ERS), 38.1% (GOLD), and 52.3% (ATS). The prevalence of obstruction in the ex-smoker group was 33% (ERS), 41.4% (GOLD), and 57.1% (ATS). The prevalence of obstruction in the non-smoker group was 21.1% (ERS), 24.9% (GOLD), and 38.6% (ATS). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the prevalence of airway obstruction increases proportionally with age; the cigarette smoking represents an important conditioning factor. These observations warrant the necessity of a more complete and multi-parametric analysis in the evaluation of patients with airway obstruction using methodologies that explore the functional state and the risk factors that cause the airway obstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Irritable bowel syndrome and bronchial hyperresponsiveness: is there a link?

BACKGROUND/AIM: Many studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of this 24-month prospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of IBS in asthmatic patients. METHODS: We analyzed 623 asthmatic patients that were evaluated for body mass index, sex, and age before undergoing both a methacholine challenge test (MCHt) and skin prick tests. RESULTS: We found that 276 asthmatic patients (44.3%) were positive on the MCHt, while 347 (55.7%) were negative. We also found that 27 (9.7%) of the 276 patients with a positive MCHt and 44 (12.7%) of the 347 patients with a negative MCHt were affected by IBS. Therefore, there was no statistically significant difference between positive MCHt tests and IBS. The PC(20) (mean provocation concentration of methacholine producing a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s < or =16 mg/ml) in all patients tested was 8.64 +/- 2.58 mg/ml, being 8.75 +/- 2.52 and 8.55 +/- 2.32 mg/ml for males and females, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results do not demonstrate a relationship between MCHt and IBS. However, a relationship might still exist in a subpopulation of patients whose symptoms worsen by stress.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Quality of Life and clinical symptoms in asthmatic subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of Life (QoL) measurements are more responsive to clinically significant changes than conventional clinical measures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between asthma symptoms and QoL in asthmatic patients. METHODS: A total of 277 asthmatics subjects, divided into three groups showing different symptoms, underwent complete clinical evaluation, baseline respiratory function, and methacholine challenge test and completed an Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five subjects with asthmatic crisis, chest tightness, and dyspnea (group 3) reported a significantly lower median value in single domains and all items compared to the values scored by the 97 subjects with wheezing, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis (group 2) (p < 0.01). No statistical significance was found between the 35 patients of group 1 (with only cough) and group 3. CONCLUSIONS: The main advantage for the clinician is to evaluate important areas in which QoL could be improved and the possibility to correct and optimize compliance to chronic therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of bronchial asthma in patients with endoscopically-documented esophagitis.

The association of gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, and asthma has been studied for a long time, but the results are often conflicting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of bronchial asthma and the presence of extra-esophageal symptoms in subjects with endoscopically-documented reflux esophagitis. Forty patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (22 patients) affected by endoscopically-documented esophagitis, and group B (18 patients) with positive endoscopic examination for other pathologies of the gastroenteric tract. All of the patients underwent complete medical examination, skin-prick tests, esophageal-gastric-endoscopy, and pulmonary function tests (basal and after methacholine). The prevalence of asthma was 30% in group A vs 10% in group B (odds ratio = 2.57; confidence interval = 0.75-10.25). Relationships between chronic cough and esophagitis (p<0.01) and between chronic cough and asthma (p<0.05) were found. No significant relationships were observed between esophagitis and the other respiratory symptoms considered (wheezing, chest tightness, hoarseness, bronchospasm, and dysphagia). The results confirm the increased prevalence of asthma in patients with esophagitis and they emphasize the role of gastroesophageal reflux as a trigger factor for asthma. Chronic cough represents an important symptom of asthma in subjects with esophagitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Leptin and hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axis].

The leptin system is a major regulator of food intake and metabolic rate. The leptin, an adipose tissue hormone whose plasma levels reflect energy stores, plays an important rule in the pathogenesis of such eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. Thyroid hormones are major regulators of energy homeostasis. It is possible that leptin and thyroid hormone exert their actions on thermogenesis and energy metabolism via the same common effector patways. Leptin influences feedback regulation of the hypotalamic TRH-secreting neurons by thyroid hormone. Low serum levels of thyroid hormones reflect a dysfunction of the hypotalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypotalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with nervosa anorexia. Neuroendocrine effects of leptin include effects on the HPT and HPA axis. The aim of this work is to evaluated the interactions between leptina and HPT axis on the basis of recent published works and reviews in literature.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

[Identification of macronutrients and some oligoelements in "molisano" Tuber aestivum truffles].

Many scientifical published works have documented the presence of macro and micronourished of truffle coming from Umbria, Toscana, and Piemonte, while are few the studies that documented the analysis of these nourishes of the truffle coming from Molise. In our study has been evaluated the concentrations of macro-nourishes and oligoelements in Molisano Tuber aestivum truffle. The contents of macro-nourishes (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and water) and oligoelements (lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, zinc, nickel, and copper) have been determined. The results have demonstrated an adequate concentration of macronutrients, in particularly water and oligoelements, the latest important in many metabolic reaction of the body. A pathological concentration of heavy metals has not been found.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed2003

Selected contribution: Carotid body as a model for aging studies: is there a link between oxygen and aging?

The carotid body (CB) is the site in the body that triggers awareness of changes in blood oxygen pressure. Aging is characterized by a decrease in oxygen supply to tissues, in reduction of tissue Po2, and in the activity of several enzymes and metabolic factors. The ventilatory response to hypoxia is attenuated with aging related to the age-dependent structure modifications including the basal reduction of oxygen requirements. The aged CB shows an increase in extracellular matrix, a reduction in number and volume of type I cells, and a reduction in volume of mitochondria that was consistent with and similar to that during chronic hypoxia; this phenomenon seems to operate also during aging as shown by the reduced volume of mitochondria in the aged CB. During chronic hypoxia, CB hypertrophy is less evident in aged CB than in young CB. Therefore, hypoxia and aging seem to share some type of link at different cell sites. CB represents an experimental model adequate for studying aging processes because of its high blood flow and metabolism, and thus it serves as a means to understanding the oxygen modulation of the aging process.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Bacterial peptide methionine sulphoxide reductase: co-induction with glutathione S-transferase during chemical stress conditions.

Peptide methionine sulphoxide reductase (MsrA; EC 1.8.4.6) is a ubiquitous enzyme catalysing the reduction of methionine sulphoxide to methionine in proteins, while the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a major family of detoxification enzymes. A gene homologous to MsrA was identified in a chromosomal fragment from the bacterium Ochrobactrum anthropi, and this gene is located just downstream of a GST gene identified previously (OaGST) [Favaloro, Tamburro, Angelucci, De Luca, Melino, Di Ilio and Rotilio (1998) Biochem. J. 335, 573-579]. This raises the question of whether the products of these two genes may be involved in a common cellular protection function. To test this hypothesis, the hypothetical MsrA protein has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli as a functional 51 kDa GST fusion protein. Following cleavage with thrombin and purification, the soluble 24 kDa protein showed MsrA activity with N-acetylmethionine sulphoxide as substrate, as well as with other sulphoxide compounds. Therefore polyclonal antibodies were raised against the recombinant protein, and the modulation of MsrA in this bacterium, grown in the presence of different stimulants simulating several stress conditions, was investigated. The level of expression of MsrA was detected both by measuring the mRNA level and by immunoblotting experiments, in addition to measuring its catalytic activity. MsrA is a constitutive enzyme which is also inducible by chemical stress involving phenolic compounds such as phenol and 4-chlorophenol. Recently we reported that the GST of this bacterium, like MsrA, is only modulated by toxic chemical compounds [Favaloro, Tamburro, Trofino, Bologna, Rotilio and Heipieper (2000) Biochem. J. 346, 553-559]; therefore this is the first indication of a co-induction of the MsrA and GST enzymes during chemical stress.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Developmental expression and distribution of amphibian glutathione transferases.

This work is aimed at detecting the expression and location of embryonic Bufo bufo GST (bbGSTP1-1) and adult B. bufo GST (bbGSTP2-2) during toad development, in order to assign a putative role to these enzymes also on the basis of their compartmentalization and to verify whether during the premetamorphic liver ontogeny the bbGSTP2-2 form appears. This study was also performed in the adult liver (the primary site of Pi class GST expression) and in the mature ovary, to discern if the embryonic form derives from maternal form. The results show that the embryos and the ovary express only bbGSTP1-1. Moreover, bbGSTP1-1 distribution is the same both in the early embryos and in the ovary: this strongly suggests that bbGSTP1-1 is of maternal origin. As development goes on, a wide distribution of bbGSTP1-1 all over the differentiating organs is observed. The embryonic liver expresses exclusively the bbGSTP1-1 form, while the adult liver is highly positive only towards the bbGSTP2-2 form. This implies that the switch towards the adult bbGSTP2-2 form occurs in metamorphic or postmetamorphic phases and that the detoxication metabolic requirements of the embryo may be completely fulfilled by the bbGSTP1-1 isoenzyme.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Multiple unfolded states of alcohol dehydrogenase I from Kluyveromyces lactis by guanidinium chloride.

Inactivation, dissociation, and unfolding of tetrameric alcohol dehydrogenase I from Kluyveromyces lactis (KlADH I) were investigated using guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) as denaturant. Protein transitions were monitored by enzyme activity, intrinsic fluorescence and gel filtration chromatography. At low denaturant concentrations (less than 0.3 M), reversible transformation of enzyme into tetrameric inactive form occurs. At denaturant concentrations between 0.3 and 0.5 M, the enzyme progressively dissociates into structured monomers through an irreversible reaction. At higher denaturant concentrations, the monomers unfold completely. Refolding studies indicate that a total reactivation occurs only with the enzyme denatured between 0 and 0.3 M GdmCl concentrations. The enzyme denatured at GdmCl concentrations higher than 0.3 M refolds only partially. All together, our results indicate that unfolding of the KlADH I is a multistep process, i.e., inactivation of the structured tetramer, dissociation into partially structured monomers, followed by complete unfolding.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed2001

Morphofunctional mitochondrial response to methylglyoxal toxicity in Bufo bufo embryos.

Methylglyoxal (2-oxopropanal) is a reactive alpha-oxoaldehyde that can be formed endogenously mainly as a by-product of glycolytic pathway. It is a cytotoxic compound with significant antiproliferative properties as it can bind, under physiological conditions, to nucleic acids and proteins, forming stable adducts. We have recently shown that exogenous methylglyoxal (150-600 microM) is highly toxic for amphibian embryos where it produces, when added to the culture water, inhibition of cell proliferation in the early developmental stages, followed by severe malformations and strongly reduced embryonic viability. In this work we investigate the morphofunctional effect of methylglyoxal on the common toad B. bufo embryo mitochondria in order to verify if its dysmorphogenetic action might be also ascribed to impairment of mitochondrial functions. The mitochondria were isolated from embryos at the developmental stages of morula, neural plate and operculum complete and developing in the presence of 600 microM methylglyoxal. The results show that exogenous methylglyoxal is highly toxic at mitochondrial level, where it produces proliferation, swelling and membrane derangement. As a consequence, mitochondria from treated embryos show decreased oxidative phosphorylation efficiency, as indicated by the significant reduction both of the respiratory control index values and of the embryonic ATP content. On the basis of these data, it is possible that the methylglyoxal-induced embryonic malformations as well as the strongly reduced viability might be also ascribed to energy depletion.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of the role of two conserved active-site residues in beta class glutathione S-transferases.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) normally use hydroxy-group-containing residues in the N-terminal domain of the enzyme for stabilizing the activated form of the co-substrate, glutathione. However, previous mutagenesis studies have shown that this is not true for Beta class GSTs and thus the origin of the stabilization remains a mystery. The recently determined crystal structure of Proteus mirabilis GST B1-1 (PmGST B1-1) suggested that the stabilizing role might be fulfilled in Beta class GSTs by one or more residues in the C-terminal domain of the enzyme. To test this hypothesis we mutated His(106) and Lys(107) of PmGST B1-1 to investigate their possible role in the enzyme's catalytic activity. His(106) was mutated to Ala, Asn and Phe, and Lys(107) to Ala and Arg. The effects of the replacement on the activity, thermal stability and antibiotic-binding capacity of the enzyme were examined. The results are consistent with the involvement of His(106) and Lys(107) in interacting with glutathione at the active site but these residues do not contribute significantly to catalysis, folding or antibiotic binding.

Alanine↗
PubMed2000

Purification and characterization of glutathione transferases from the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) liver.

Two forms of glutathione transferase were purified from liver cytosol of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by GSH-Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by chromatofocusing. The major enzyme (DL-GST-6.7; 75% of total activity bound to the column) has a pI value of 6.7 and is composed of two subunits of apparent molecular mass 26.5 kDa. The minor enzyme (DL-GST-8.2; 25% of total activity bound to the column) has a pI value of 8.2 and is composed of two subunits of molecular mass 23.5 kDa. Both isoenzymes appear to have blocked N-terminal. The purified proteins were characterized with respect to substrate specificity, CD spectra, TNS binding properties (with 2-toluidinylnaphthalene 6-sulfonate), and immunological reactivity. Partial internal amino acid sequence was also determined for each isoenzyme. The results obtained suggest that DL-GST-6.7 and DL-GST8.2 are novel GSTs belonging, respectively, to theta and alpha classes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Antioxidant and GSH-related enzyme response to a single teratogenic exposure to the anticonvulsant phenytoin: temporospatial evaluation.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin (PHT) requires bioactivation to reactive intermediate(s) to achieve its recognized teratogenic potential and that embryonal detoxification power may play a fundamental role in the teratogenic response. On this basis, we sought to investigate the potential effects of a teratogenic exposure to PHT on the activities of antioxidant and GSH-related detoxifying enzymes in gestational murine tissues. METHODS: Pregnant Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0 (vehicle) or 65 mg/kg of PHT on gestation day (GD) 12 (plug day = GD 1). Biochemical determinations, including activities of glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, were carried out on maternal and embryonic/fetal livers and in placentas on GD 14 and 19. RESULTS: The major findings of this study show that (1) organogenesis-stage conceptal tissues have detectable levels of all the tested enzymes; (2) most of the embryonic liver and placental enzymes investigated undergo a significant induction within 48 hr (GD 14) after PHT administration; and (3) in the same tissues a down-regulation of enzyme activities is noted near term (GD 19). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings show that teratogenic exposure to PHT is associated with a modulation of reactive-intermediates-scavenging enzyme activities, and provide further support for role of generation of reactive intermediates in PHT-induced teratogenesis.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2000

Glutathione S-transferase, similar to sigma class, from skin secretions of Xenopus laevis.

Using glutathione affinity chromatography followed by isoelectrofocusing, we purified from the skin secretion of Xenopus laevis an isoenzyme of glutathione S-transferase with an apparent subunit molecular mass of 22.5 kDa and an isoelectric point at pH 5.1. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was highly similar to that of the sigma class glutathione S-transferase, which previously was demonstrated to have a glutathione-dependent prostaglandin D2 synthase activity. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the isoenzyme was located in the cytoplasm of granular gland cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗