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Biomedical subjects

E Monaco

Publications and source records attributed to E Monaco.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

IL-15/IL-15Ralpha intracellular trafficking in human melanoma cells and signal transduction through the IL-15Ralpha.

There are two IL-15 isoforms and eight isoforms for the IL-15Ralpha chain whose biological role is poorly understood. Here, we have analysed the intracellular trafficking of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha and tried to shed some light on their function(s). In IL-15/GFP CHO transfectants both IL-15 isoforms show nuclear localization. Two melanoma cell lines (MELP and MELREO) spontaneously expressing the IL-15 isoforms, display different intracellular trafficking of the IL-15/IL-15Ralpha complex. In MELP cells only IL-15Ralpha is detected inside the nucleus, whereas IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha assemble at the cell surface and are internalized. Moreover, the transducing molecule TRAF2 co-immunoprecipitates with IL-15Ralpha and may be deflected to TNFRI using anti-IL-15 blocking mAbs and TNF-alpha. By contrast, MELREO cells display IL-15Ralpha and IL-15 nuclear localization but only a partial co-localization of these molecules on the cell surface. In these cells, TRAF2 is strongly associated with IL-15Ralpha and cannot be deflected by any treatment. Since TRAF2 activates the transcription factor NF-kappaB, IL-15 through IL-15Ralpha, could have a role in the control of this pathway. Indeed, anti-IL-15 MaB inhibit the constitutive nuclear localization of NFkappaB and the phosphorylation of its inhibitor Ikappa-Balpha. Thus, IL-15Ralpha controls NF-kappaB activation, however differences in the intracellular trafficking of the IL-15 and/or IL-15Ralpha suggest a different biological role for this complex in MELP versus MELREO cells.

Animals↗

Immune regulatory properties of corticosteroids: prednisone induces apoptosis of human T lymphocytes following the CD3 down-regulation.

Glucocorticoid hormones (GCH) induce apoptosis in PHA-primed peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBL) and down-regulate membrane-bound proteins involved in the immune response. We have analyzed whether GCH are able to affect the expression of the TCR-associated molecules CD3, CD4, and CD8 on PBL-PHA, and whether the modulation of those receptors is related to the GCH-driven apoptosis of the PBL-PHA. Lymphocytes were cultured with PHA or with PHA plus prednisone (PDN) 10(-3), 10(-6), and 10(-9) M. Then expression of CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56 antigens was studied by cytofluorimetric assay using propidium iodide (PI) staining and annexin procedure, and by gel electrophoresis of low molecular weight DNA. PDN, at a pharmacological concentration (10(-6) M), was able to inhibit the CD3 expression on T cells. The kinetics of CD3 decrement and of apoptosis show that the down-regulation of CD3 molecules precedes DNA fragmentation and that the cells lacking CD3 are those prone to PDN-induced apoptosis. The inhibition of CD3 is not related to a transcriptional or posttranscriptional phenomenon, because both PBL-PHA and PBL-PHA-PDN expressed the same amount of intracytoplasmic CD3 molecule. PDN also induced a down-regulation of the CD4 and CD8 molecules that resulted sooner in more intense CD8. In vitro PDN is able to induce apoptosis in PBL-PHA through a down-regulation of CD3 molecules.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Possible differences in the mechanism(s) of action of different glucocorticoid hormone compounds.

Different glucocorticoid hormones (GCH) show differences in the intensity and in the kinetics of their immunomodulating activity. The mechanism(s) of action of GCH is under investigation, but is has been noted that they exert immune activity via the genomic pathway. We have studied the effects of prednisone (PDN), deflazacort (DFC), and dexamethasone (DXM) on the production of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10) by peripheral T lymphocytes, and the effects on the inhibition of NF-kB DNA binding activity by activated Jurkat cell line. The data obtained show that the three GCH molecules exert an immunosuppression on cytokine production by T lymphocytes and a strong decrease in the nuclear translocation of NF-kB in Jurkat cells; moreover, (a) not all the cytokines investigated were affected, and not with the same intensity, by the three GCH and (b) DXM inhibited the binding activity of NF-kB less than that of DFC and PDN. These data are in agreement with the concept that different GCH compounds might differ in their binding and affinity properties, tissue-specific metabolism, and interaction with transcription factor.

Adult↗

Risk factors of stroke after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Objective: to determine possible risk factors of a stroke after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Design: this is a retrospective evaluation of a consecutive group of 4088 patients undergoing PTCA between 1988 and 1995. We have studied the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcome. Results: seven patients, six males and one female (0.17%) developed a stroke after this procedure. In comparison with the control group, the stroke group did not differ regarding age or gender. The existence of a stroke (six located in the brain, and one in the spinal cord), represented 1.24% of all complications (P < 0.001), and 5% of all deaths (P < 0.01) of PTCA. Three patients developed TIA, two patients developed hemorrhagic strokes (in which they received previous thrombolytic therapy), and the other two patients suffered from an ischemic stroke. The statistically significant risk factors of a stroke after PTCA included: intracoronary thrombolytic therapy (P < 0.01), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001) and a prior PTCA (P < 0.05). Conclusions: although these procedural complications are infrequent, they are usually serious and important risk factors which could be identified prior to the procedure. These risk factors would allow identification of patients who are prone to a stroke after PTCA. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred only after thrombolytic therapy, and the factors related to hemorrhagic strokes were probably different from those predisposed to ischemic strokes and TIA. Copyright 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Journal Article↗

Evidence for an increase in water concentration in bilayers after oxidative damage of phospholipids induced by ionizing radiation.

The two membrane fluorescent probes 2-dimethyl-amino-6-lauroyl-naphthalene (Laurdan) and 2-dimethylamino-6-propionyl-naphthalene (Prodan) have been used to study the molecular basis of the damage induced in phospholipid membranes by ionizing radiation. Laurdan and Prodan display a spectral sensitivity to the polarity of their environment, showing a red shift of both excitation and emission spectra with increase of the polarity of their environment. Owing to their chemical differences, the two probes are anchored in the membrane with different strengths. In aqueous environments Laurdan is not fluorescent while Prodan shows appreciable fluorescence. Laurdan and Prodan show an opposite response to oxidative damage produced in phospholipid bilayers by ionizing radiation. The results support the model recently developed of water penetration in the bilayer as a consequence of oxidative damage.

Lipid Bilayers↗

Bone grafting and guided bone regeneration for immediate dental implants in humans.

This study evaluated bone regeneration and osseointegration of hydroxyapatite (HA) coated and titanium plasma sprayed (TPS) implants placed in sockets immediately after extraction in 36 adults, mean age 55.2 years (range 26 to 81 years). Twelve TPS and 10 HA-coated implants in 20 patients were grafted with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA), covered with a barrier material, and the facial flap coronally positioned to attain primary closure (experimental). The remaining 11 TPS and 10 HA-coated implants were placed similarly, except that no DFDBA was used (control). Osseous structures were measured at the initial placement and 6-month re-entry surgeries. At the 6-month re-entry, all implants placed were clinically osseointegrated. Bone resorption at the most coronal socket crest was -1.53 mm for the grafted group and -1.59 mm for the control group. Crestal bone apposition of 1.39 mm was noted at the most apical socket crest (ASC) for the grafted group, whereas crestal resorption of -0.11 mm was noted in the ungrafted control group (P < 0.02). Bone fill from the base of the deepest osseous defect was 5.68 mm for the grafted group and 3.18 mm for the control group (P < 0.04). Complete resolution of osseous defects occurred at 15 of 22 sites in the grafted group and at 9 of 21 sites in the control group. Clinical exposure of the barrier material and a subsequent inflammatory response at 27 of 43 sites, requires removal of the material prior to the 6-month re-entry and was associated with significantly more bone loss at the ASC sites (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference for any of the parameters when comparing the TPS with the HA-coated implants.

Adult↗

Effects of 2,5-hexanedione on the ovary and fertility. An experimental study in mice.

Sixty-day-old virgin female Swiss CD1 mice were treated with 1.5% 2,5-hexanedione in their drinking water; control mice received tap water; duration of treatment was either 4 or 6 weeks. Under these conditions the treated mice did not show any clinical symptoms although electromyography revealed some signs of polyneuropathy. Protein and DNA content per mg of ovarian tissue in treated mice were not significantly different from controls. Histological examination of ovarian sections at the light microscope level showed no significant alterations after exposure. A morphometric study revealed a statistically significant reduction in the number of growing oocytes after 6 weeks of treatment. For fertility studies three groups of 15 female mice each were treated for 0, 4 or 6 weeks as above and then permanently housed with untreated proven breeder male mice (one male per female); cages were checked daily for newly born mice. All litters appeared normal by gross examination. During the first 14 weeks of continuous mating the mean litter size (number of newborns per litter) remained about 11.4 in all groups; this number subsequently began to decrease. Control and 4-week treatment regression curves did not differ statistically, while the slope of the 6-week line was significantly steeper, indicating a faster decrease in litter size over time and a shortening of fertile life in the latter group of treated females.

Animals↗

Heracleum mantegazzianum growth phases and furocoumarin content.

The observation of photocontact dermatitis from Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier et Levier in 2 gardeners at work prompted the analysis of furocoumarin content of stem, leaves and fruits of the plant during a period of 1 year. Their concentration was found to be maximal in fruit, intermediate in leaf, and minimal in stem. Psoralen was the most prevalent substance in the leaf and bergapten in the fruit. In the stem, in contrast, individual furocoumarins were found in lower but variable concentrations. 3 furocoumarin seasonal peaks were observed in the leaf: the maximal peak occurred in June, the intermediate in August, the minimal in November. This trend corresponds to 3 biological phases of the weed.

5-Methoxypsoralen↗

[Evaluation and administration of home care towards a new management].

PURPOSE: The aim of the present contribution is to always provide a more complete and flexible direction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the purpose of evaluating the activity of the CAD in a typical area of about 100,000 inhabitants, 400 case history statistics were elaborated, a number corresponding to all the patients assumed by the CAD in thr Guidonia (RM) district. In these details, the distribution of pathology of the men and women assisted, were analysed as well as the specialist consultation requested by both males and females. They have, however, examined the analytic guide of the district's activity; the distribution of patients admitted to the hospital in the last two years before the CAD had taken charge, has been compared with those that occurred successively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The prevalent pathology are those of neurological nature, followed by cardiovascular, oncological, diabetic and orthopedic pathology, the last of which is more frequent in women. They are all pathology that can be prevented and/or delayed with suitable programmes of prevention and rehabilitation. The specialists most requested are the heart specialist and neurologist. It emerges from the guide analysis, that while the CAD activity is growing, the programmed assistance with the doctor in charge doesn't keep the same pace. This contribution wants therefore to offer an idea for battering the CAD services in spite of the scarce human resources and economical assests.

Female↗

[The flu syndrome: update and therapeutic and prophylactic approach].

Authors in the present work analyse the history of the flu from V century A.C. until our days. We can know the different flu epidemic the structure of the virus and to take note of the different preventing device; of these the core is the vaccine. Thanks the vaccine is possible to weaken the big epidemics. Authors attract the importance on the mass vaccine and conclude to mention the new antivirus drugs per os.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Preventive and therapeutic approach to tuberculosis in the general, and high-risk populations].

Authors in the present contribute illustrate the tuberculosis disease in all aspects, the infection, the disease in active phase and in the resistant phase, the law, the prevention and the professional risk in exposed subject, and to consider the epidemiological aspect. Authors hope a coordinate approach between the different figure involved in the therapy and prevention of tuberculosis disease.

Antitubercular Agents↗

[Moral and psychological violence at work: assessment and certification].

Mobbing constitutes a phenomenon not yet clearly defined. The activity, located in the H Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, is specifically dedicated to such phenomenon, which is the outcome of cooperation. The examined population is composed by a light prevalence of women (54%) respect to men (46%), aged around 44 years and employees (73%), workers (27%). All patients have been submitted to working anamnesis before being subjected to a psychiatric examination and psycodiagnostic tests. The emerged data underline a trouble of adaptation 63% of the cases (to which we have released a certification of compatibility with mobbing), 28% is affected by psychiatric pathologies, 9% of the patients do not show mental disorders. Nevertheless, it is necessary a connection between a physician and business medical service.

Adult↗

[Emergent pathology in occupational medicine: the mobbing].

Mobbing constitutes a phenomenon not yet clearly defined. The activity, located in the II Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, is specifically dedicated to such phenomenon, which is the outcome of cooperation. The examined population is composed by a light prevalence of men (51.3%) respect to women (48.6%), aged around 42 years and employees (71.6%), workers (28.4%). All patients have been submitted to working anamnesis before being subjected to a psychiatric examination and psycodiagnostic tests. The emerged data underline a trouble of adaptation 55.4% of the cases, 40.5% is affected by psychiatric pathologies, 4.1% of the patients do not show mental disorders. A certification of compatibility with mobbing has been possible to be verified in 49% of the cases. Nevertheless, it is necessary a connection between a physician and business medical service. We hope a necessary enactment of a specific regulation.

Adult↗