PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Romano

Publications and source records attributed to C Romano.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Ethanol exposure inhibits the cytotoxic effect induced by gp120 in CHP100 human neuroblastoma cells.

The aim of present study was to investigate the acute effects of ethanol on cytotoxicity induced by HIV-1 coat protein gp120 in CHP100 human neuroblastoma cell line. We demonstrate that ethanol, within a range of clinically relevant concentrations (15-90 mM) prevents cell death elicited by gp120 (10 pM) in a dose dependent manner. This protective action seems to be mediated by a reduction of free intracellular Ca(2+) levels because ethanol, at concentrations ranging from 0.1-0.5%, is able to decrease gp120-stimulated Ca(2+) uptake up to 24%. Furthermore, our data show an involvement of NO/cGMP messenger system pathway, because ethanol is also able to reduce gp120-stimulated NO release (up to 45%) and cyclic GMP accumulation (up to 73%). These findings suggest that the protective effect of ethanol against gp120-induced cytotoxicity in CHP100 cells underlies a Ca(2+)-activated, NO/cGMP-dependent mechanism.

Calcium↗
PubMed2001

Redox modulation of T-type calcium channels in rat peripheral nociceptors.

Although T-type calcium channels were first described in sensory neurons, their function in sensory processing remains unclear. In isolated rat sensory neurons, we show that redox agents modulate T currents but not other voltage- and ligand-gated channels thought to mediate pain sensitivity. Similarly, redox agents modulate currents through Ca(v)3.2 recombinant channels. When injected into peripheral receptive fields, reducing agents, including the endogenous amino acid L-cysteine, induce thermal hyperalgesia. This hyperalgesia is blocked by the oxidizing agent 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and the T channel antagonist mibefradil. DTNB alone and in combination with mibefradil induces thermal analgesia. Likewise, L-cysteine induces mechanical DTNB-sensitive hyperalgesia in peripheral receptive fields. These data strongly suggest a role for T channels in peripheral nociception. Redox sites on T channels in peripheral nociceptors could be important targets for agents that modify pain perception.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Allele varepsilon4 of apolipoprotein E gene is less frequent in Down syndrome patient of the Sicilian population and has no influence on the grade of mental retardation.

We evaluated the allele (and genotype frequencies in 60 Down syndrome (DS), 25 mothers and 57 controls from Sicily and its relation with mental retardation. DS patients and sex ratio (M:F) was 22.1+/-10.5 and 1.14, respectively. Allele varepsilon4 and varepsilon3 frequencies were respectively lower (P=0.015) and higher (P=0.005) in DS patients compared to controls. Genotype varepsilon3/varepsilon4 and varepsilon3/varepsilon3 were less (P=0.03) and more frequent (P=0.001) in DS patients, with respective odd ratios of 0.31 (CI at 95%: 0.18-0.49) and of 4.4 (CI at 95%: 3.4-5.7). No difference of allele (distribution was found in function of the grades of mental retardation according to DMS-IV. Our results show that the implication of Apo-E4 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease cannot be extrapolated in that of dementia of DS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Developmental and sensory-dependent changes of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are potential participants of sensory-dependent modification of neural connections. Here, we examined the involvement of cAMP-linked mGluRs (mGluR2/3) in sensory-dependent plasticity by studying the correlation of mGluR2/3 changes with the critical period of ocular dominance plasticity, a form of sensory-dependent plasticity, and exploring the effects of dark rearing on mGluR2/3 in the primary visual cortex of cats. Immunohistochemistry showed that the laminar distribution of mGluR2/3 changed with the critical period and was sensitive to dark rearing. The mGluR2/3 immunostaining became most intense in layer IV at the beginning of the critical period and was reduced in layer IV but became intense in layers I-III at the peak of the period, then was concentrated primarily in layers I-upper III at the end of the critical period. Dark rearing delayed these pattern changes for weeks and elevated the normally declining mGluR2/3 quantity shortly after the peak of the critical period. The effects of dark rearing and the correlation of early mGluR2/3 laminar changes with geniculocortical afferent segregation indicate that mGluR2/3 circuitry in the visual cortex is influenced by visual inputs. Our data suggest that mGluR2/3 together with another sensory-influenced mGluR, mGluR5, may participate in the sensory-dependent modification of neural connections in the visual cortex.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Prenatal diagnosis of ATR-X syndrome in a fetus with a new G>T splicing mutation in the XNP/ATR-X gene.

The molecular cause of the alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome (ATR-X) resides in mutations affecting the XNP/ATR-X gene. Recently molecular defects in the gene have been found in singular cases of a discrete number of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR). ATR-X-affected males are characterised by severe mental retardation, distinct facial dysmorphisms and genital abnormalities, besides a wide spectrum of pathological features and an extremely limited biological fitness. Given that molecular investigation of XNP/ATR-X mutations is made onerous by the length of the gene transcript, we carried out a prenatal diagnosis in a fetus at risk for ATR-X syndrome by initially determining the XNP/ATR-X gene haplotype before considering gene sequencing. Disease-associated haplotype analysis was performed selecting five genic (CA)n repeats that showed high heterozygosity (Het>0.7) in the general population. The fetus segregated an identical allelic pattern to that of the affected child of the family under investigation who shows features suggestive of the ATR-X syndrome. Subsequent mutational analysis of the gene revealed a novel IVS3+1G>T splicing mutation confirming the diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Epidemiology of allergic occupational diseases induced by Tetranychus urticae in greenhouse and open-field farmers living in a temperate climate area.

BACKGROUND: The role of Tetranychus urticae (TU) as an occupational allergen has thus far been investigated only in selected farmer samples. METHODS: The prevalence of TU-induced sensitization and occupational diseases in a randomized sample of farmers living in a temperate climate area was investigated. Occupational/nonoccupational symptoms, skin prick test (SPT) results with common allergens and TU, specific occupational test results, and greenhouse or open-field sources of TU exposure were assessed. The study design was cross-sectional. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive SPT to TU was 6%. TU-induced allergic/nonallergic complaints accounted for 65% of farmers with challenge-confirmed occupational disease. In all farmers, sensitization to common allergens was a risk factor for both current occupational and nonoccupational complaints, while TU sensitization was a prominent risk factor for occupational complaints. Furthermore, in SPT-positive farmers, only the presence of seasonal occupational complaints was significantly associated with TU sensitization. Common allergen sensitization was a risk factor for development of TU sensitization, which was more frequent in greenhouse than in open-field workers. CONCLUSIONS: TU was a common nontraumatic, allergic occupational hazard for farmers. Since occupational seasonal symptoms could be directly related to the presence of TU sensitization, allergy to this mite should be routinely investigated in farmers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Long-term absence of sensitization to mepivacaine as assessed by a diagnostic protocol including patch testing.

BACKGROUND: Prospective assessment of non-reactivity to local anaesthetics is a frequent reason for allergy consultation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical profiles of subjects referred for allergy evaluation; to prospectively reduce the frequency of evaluation by assessing the persistence, during clinical use, of non-reactivity to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine; and to determine the usefulness of a diagnostic protocol involving patch testing. METHODS: In a prospective study, 198 consecutive patients underwent collection of clinical data, skin prick tests and patch tests using allergens/antigens relevant for the investigation, and an intradermal/subcutaneous challenge procedure using contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine, as appropriate. Patients were followed up for 3 years for assessment of non-reactivity persistence using the same diagnostic protocol. RESULTS: Only one-third of the patients had a history of previous adverse local anaesthetic reactions. Absence of sensitization to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine persisted in all subjects completing the follow-up. Controlled challenge with mepivacaine was negative in 196 patients with both negative specific skin prick tests and patch tests but it was eventful in two subjects with positive specific patch tests. A few subjects displayed positive skin prick tests and/or patch tests for latex and/or additives. CONCLUSIONS: A few patients had a relevant history for potential local anaesthetic-induced adverse reactions. Upon assessment of absence of sensitization and reactivity, contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine could safely be given for as long as 3 years. The patch testing was shown to be useful and safe for prediction of challenge outcomes. True allergic reactions to contaminant/additive-free mepivacaine were not observed in our patient series.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Onychomycosis caused by Alternaria spp. in Tuscany, Italy from 1985 to 1999.

Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Alternaria spp. is reported with increasing frequency, especially in patients with immune deficiency. Onychomycosis caused by this mould is still rarely observed. Here we report nine cases observed in Tuscany in the period 1985-99; the agent was Alternaria alternata in eight cases and Alternaria chlamidospora in one. Diagnosis was made on the basis of repeated direct microscopic mycological examination and culture, confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation of fragments of colonies. In most cases, the clinical manifestations were dystrophy and distal subungual hyperkeratosis of one or two nails of the feet or hands. Seven cases were treated with oral itraconazole, successfully in six cases, as clinical and mycological recovery was confirmed at follow-up 1 year later.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence of dermatophytic skin and nail infections in diabetic patients.

To determine whether there is a higher frequency of mycotic infections due to dermatophytes in diabetics, 171 diabetic outpatients and 276 controls were recruited in the period 1997-98. Patients with suspicious lesions underwent mycological examination which was positive in seven diabetics and 17 controls. In diabetics the most frequent infection was tinea pedis, followed by distal subungual onychomycosis; the most frequently isolated fungus was Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The results of the study did not show a prevalence of dermatophyte infections in diabetics. No correlation was found between dermatophytosis and duration or type of diabetes and its complications, blood sugar levels or levels of glycosylated haemoglobin. None of the diabetic patients with dermatophytosis had complications related to diabetes and basal blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin levels indicated good metabolic control.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Interleukin-6 serum level correlates with survival in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients but is not an independent prognostic indicator.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has been shown to regulate immune defense mechanisms and hematopoiesis. In addition, IL-6 may also be involved in malignant transformation and tumor progression. A poor prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma, renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, or prostate cancer has been associated consistently with elevated IL-6 serum levels. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess IL-6 serum levels in 68 advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients and to correlate them with prognosis. IL-6 serum levels were found to be significantly elevated in cancer patients with respect to controls. Moreover, patients with disseminated cancer displayed significantly higher IL-6 serum levels than patients without apparent metastases. On univariate analysis, both overall survival (OS) and time to disease progression (TTP) were shown to be affected by IL-6 serum levels. However, multivariate analysis failed to demonstrate an independent prognostic significance for IL-6 serum levels while confirming the role of previously established variables, such as performance status, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) serum levels, and distant metastases. In conclusion, this study showed that IL-6 serum levels were elevated in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients and correlated with both OS and TTP. However, they were shown not to be an independent prognostic factor.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence and clinical picture of celiac disease in italian down syndrome patients: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: A multicenter research study of Down syndrome patients was carried out to estimate the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with Down syndrome and to show clinical characteristics and laboratory data of Down syndrome patients. METHODS: The authors studied 1,202 Down syndrome patients. Fifty-five celiac disease patients (group 1) were compared with 55 immunoglobulin A antigliadin-positive antiendomysium antibodies-negative patients (group 2) and with 57 immunoglobulin A antigliadin-negative antiendomysium antibodies-negative patients (group 3). RESULTS: Celiac disease was diagnosed in 55 of 1,202 Down syndrome patients (4.6%). In group 1, weight and height percentiles were shifted to the left, whereas these parameters were normally distributed in groups 2 and 3. In celiac patients, diarrhea, vomiting, failure to thrive, anorexia, constipation, and abdominal distension were higher than in the other two groups. Low levels of hemoglobinemia, serum iron, and calcium were observed more frequently in group 1. The diagnosis of celiac disease was made after a mean period of 3.8 years from the initiation of symptoms. Sixty-nine percent of patients showed a classic presentation, 11% had atypical symptoms, and 20% had silent celiac disease. Autoimmune disorders were more frequent (30.9%) in group 1 than in the other two groups examined (15%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study reconfirms a high prevalence of celiac disease in Down syndrome. However, the diagnostic delay, the detection of atypical symptoms or silent form in one third of the cases, and the increased incidence of autoimmune disorders suggest the need for the screening of celiac disease in all Down syndrome patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Facial and skeletal malformations, mental retardation, aganglionosis, and neurogenic muscle weakness: a variant of Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome or a new syndrome?

We report a 10-year-old boy with multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome, who also presented with aganglionosis and neurogenic muscle weakness. Some phenotypic manifestations of our patient overlap with those observed in the Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome; however, the hypothesis of a new distinct entity, with simultaneous involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system, is considered.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2001

Covalent and noncovalent interactions mediate metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5 dimerization.

Some, perhaps all, G protein-coupled receptors form homo- or heterodimers. We have shown that metabotropic glutamate receptors are covalent dimers, held together by one or more disulfide bonds near the N terminus. Here we report how mutating cysteines in this region affect dimerization and function. Covalent dimerization is preserved when cysteines 57, 93, or 99 are mutated but lost with replacement at 129. Coimmunoprecipitation under nondenaturing conditions indicates that the C[129]S mutant receptor remains a dimer, via noncovalent interactions. Both C[93]S and C[129]S bind [3H]quisqualate, whereas binding to C[57]S or C[99]S mutants is absent or greatly attenuated. The C[93]S and C[129]S receptors have activity similar to wild-type when assayed by fura-2 imaging of intracellular calcium in human embryonic kidney cells or electrophysiologically in Xenopus laevis oocytes. In contrast, C[57]S or C[99]S are less active in both assays but do respond with higher glutamate concentrations in the oocyte assay. These results demonstrate that 1) covalent dimerization is not critical for mGlu5 binding or function; 2) mGlu5 remains a noncovalent dimer even in the absence of covalent dimerization; and 3) high-affinity binding requires Cys-57 and Cys-99.

Animals↗