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Biomedical subjects

F Bruni

Publications and source records attributed to F Bruni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

POEMS syndrome with vascular lesions and renal carcinoma - possible role of cytokines.

We describe here the case of a 60 years man with POEMS syndrome associated with renal tumor and vascular lesions. The patient had osteosclerotic myeloma IgA-lambda, polyneuropathy, endocrinopathy and skin changes. In addition, he developed renal clear cell carcinoma and gangrena of lower limbs. The humoral study showed thrombocytosis, high levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 and of some coagulative/fibrinolytic and endothelial factors (von Willebrand factor, plasmin-antiplasmine complexes, plasminogen activator). We suggest the hypothesis that these factors are capable of determining some manifestations of POEMS syndrome.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell

The in vitro effect of Pidotimod on some immune functions in cancer patients.

There are several reports concerning an impairment of cellular immune response in patients affected by malignant disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Pidotimod, a synthetic biological response modifier, on some immune functions in 14 cancer patients. In particular, we showed that these subjects had a significantly reduced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation both in response to PHA and to Con A in comparison with a group of healthy subjects. Besides, they showed a significantly reduced PBMC IL2 production, which was evaluated both through an ELISA method and a biological assay. The in vitro addition of increasing concentrations of Pidotimod (10, 25 and 50 ug/ml) was able to enhance PBMC proliferation and IL2 production significantly. However, in spite of the addition of Pidotimod, both immune functions in our neoplastic patients did not reach normal values.

Adjuvants, Immunologic

Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-6-ones. II. Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial evaluation.

A series of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-6-ones (4a-p) was prepared by a simple synthetic procedure based on the reaction of hydroxylamine or methoxyamine with 2,3-substituted ethyl 7-dimethylaminovinyl pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-carboxylates (3a-p). The antimicrobial activity of the obtained compounds was evaluated on a series of standard strains of Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. None of the tested compounds showed significant activity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-6-ones. I. Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial evaluation.

A series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidin-6-ones (9-36) was prepared by a simple synthetic procedure based on the reaction of ethyl 7-dimethylaminovinyl pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-6-carboxylates (1-8) and reagents (a-n) containing a primary amino group. When this set of compounds was subjected to "in vitro" antimicrobial screening, it showed no significant activity.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Imipenem and immune response: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Imipenem is a new beta-lactam antibiotic endowed with very high antimicrobial activity; it is used in severe infections which often occur in those conditions characterized by impairment of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of imipenem on some immune functions, both in vitro and in vivo. The authors studied the effect in vitro of three different drug concentrations (15, 30 and 60 mg/l) on polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) phagocytosis and superoxide anion production, as well as on lymphomonocyte proliferative response and cytokine production. Preincubation of PMN with the highest dosages (30 and 60 mg/l) was found to increase phagocytosis evaluated via both cytofluorimeter and chemiluminescence, while no effect was detected on superoxide anion production or on lymphomonocyte tests. In the in vivo study, the authors administered imipenem/cilastatin (1500 mg/day) to 15 elderly and diabetic patients, in whom both PMN functions (phagocytosis and superoxide anion production) and lymphocyte tests (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, IL2 and sIL2R serum levels) were studied before and on the 3rd and 7th days of treatment. The drug assimilation did not modify the lymphocyte parameters, whereas it increased PMN superoxide anion production and phagocytosis which were depressed in basal conditions. In the former case, such increase was slight and insignificant, whereas in the latter it was significant.

Aged

New 2,3-substituted 4,7-dihydro-6-(1'H-pyrazol-3'-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-7-ones and related compounds: synthesis and benzodiazepine receptor binding study.

The reaction between two series of 7-dimethylaminovinyl pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 4(a-r) 7a, 7d, 7f, 7(h-j) and hydrazine in acetic acid is investigated. The structure of 4,7-dihydro-6-(1'H-pyrazol-3'-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7- ones 5(a-r) and 7-methyl-6-(1'H-pyrazol-3'-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines 8a, 8d, 8f, 8(h-j) are attributed to the isolated products and the pathway of this reaction is suggested. The in vitro benzodiazepine receptor (BzR) affinity of the title compounds are determined by testing their ability to displace 3H-flunitrazepam from its specific binding in bovine brain membranes. The IC50 and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) ratio values give valuable indications about affinity and behavioural profile of these new BzR ligands. Included in this investigation are indicated several structure-affinity relationships of the title compounds.

Animals

Changes of some immune functions after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

This study aimed to evaluate some aspects of the immune response in 10 cardiopathic patients during the execution of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) by obtaining blood samples from coronary sinus. In particular we considered some PMN functions as well as lysosomal release and oxidative metabolism evaluated as chemiluminescence and superoxide anion (O2) production. We also studied serum levels of complement C3 and C4, lymphocyte populations (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16) and plasmatic determinations of interleukin 2 (IL2). After PTCA, we found a decrease of total count of blood lymphocytes, whereas the number of neutrophils remained unchanged. The decrease involved to a similar extent the lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4 and CD8, whereas CD19 and CD16 were unchanged. The plasmatic levels of IL2 did not show any significant modification. Concerning PMN, their chemiluminescence was significantly increased after PTCA as compared to basal values: this response was promptly detectable in isolated PMN, both without and with stimulation with fMLP. Similarly superoxide anion production, both spontaneous and stimulated, was increased in PMN suspensions after PTCA, even if this increase did not reach statistical significance. As regards circulating levels of lysosomal enzymes, we found a significant increase of plasmatic levels of elastase, whereas the serum determinations of lysozyme and betaglucuronidase did not change. Concerning the complement system, we found a significant decrease of complement fractions C3 and C4. In conclusion, our results showed certain changes in some humoral and cellular systems; in particular the neutrophil activation through the release of proteolytic enzymes and the generation of oxygen radicals could increase the damage to vessel walls and activate other systems having a negative effect in the ischaemia-associated consequences.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Veliten (rutine, alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of Veliten in 12 patients affected by chronic venous insufficiency. In particular, the pharmacokinetics of two components of Veliten, namely rutine and alpha-tocopherol, were considered, while with respect to pharmacodynamics, studies were made of venous function, haemocoagulative and fibrinolytic balance, and haemorheological parameters. Correlation between such changes and plasma drug levels was also evaluated. We found a significant increase of venous tone, venous capacity and venous distension after drug intake, as well as a significant activation of fibrinolysis (globally evaluated with euglobulin lysis time), related to a slight increase of plasminogen tissue activator. These changes appeared concomitantly with maximal plasma levels of rutine. We did not find any modifications of coagulative and haemorheological parameters.

Administration, Oral

Synthesis and study of the anti-inflammatory properties of some pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives.

A series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-ones (1c-17c) were synthesized to evaluate in vivo and in vitro effects induced by structural modifications at the 2 position of 4,7-dihydro-4-ethyl-2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-one (FPP028). This substance, which has been previously studied, is a weak inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis and a nonacid analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent devoid of ulcerogenic properties. To gain more insight into the mechanism of action of this class of compounds, several in vivo tests were carried out, such as carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and pleurisy. In vitro tests include some studies of leukocyte functions, such as superoxide production and myeloperoxidase release. In vitro effects on arachidonic acid-, adenosine 5'-diphosphate-, and platelet-activating factor-induced platelet aggregation were also studied. Different anti-inflammatory activities were observed, depending on the nature of substituents at the 2 position; these differences are probably linked to the capacity of these compounds to inhibit leukotrienes and/or prostaglandin biosynthesis with different selectivity. 4,7-Dihydro-4-ethyl-2(2-thienyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-one (7c) proved to be the most interesting compound of the novel synthesized series, showing powerful pharmacological activity in vivo as well as in vitro, together with very weak acute toxicity.

Animals

Synthesis of 7-(2-dimethylaminovinyl) derivatives of pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidines, as precursors of new tricyclic series. Binding studies of BDZ receptor.

A series of 7-dimethylaminovinylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines bearing an acetyl or an ethoxycarbonyl group at the 6-position turned out to be useful intermediates for the synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrido[3,4-e]pyrimidines and 8H-pyrazolo[5',1':2,3]pyrimido[5,4-d][1,2]diazepines. These tricyclic derivatives were studied for their affinity for the central benzodiazepine receptor, and meaningful suggestions about the structure-affinity relationship were obtained. Some of the above intermediates were also reacted with S-methylthiourea, to give a mixture of pyrazolo[5',1':1,2]pyrimido[5,6-e][1,3]diazocines and pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinazolines.

Binding, Competitive

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of slow-release theophylline during treatment with nimesulide.

The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions were studied between nimesulide, a recently introduced non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and theophylline, another highly protein-bound drug, in patients who were receiving slow-release theophylline for a chronic airflow-obstruction and who also needed anti-inflammatory treatment. A good tolerability was demonstrated of the two drugs association and there was an absence of pharmacodynamic interaction, as shown by lung function parameters, assayed before and after the coinciding nimesulide association. The pharmacokinetics of nimesulide and 4-hydroxy-nimesulide (its active metabolite) were not modified, in agreement with data shown by other authors. On the contrary, there was a slight alteration of theophylline pharmacokinetics, yet neither clinically nor biologically significant, probably due to an enzymatic induction.

Adolescent

Clinical study on pharmacological interaction between nimesulide and warfarin.

This article describes the pharmacological interaction between nimesulide, a recently introduced non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and warfarin, an indirect anticoagulant. The aim of the study was to demonstrate if nimesulide could potentiate the activity of this anticoagulant drug, as previously shown by some authors. Ten patients, who were taking 5 mg/day of warfarin, were treated with nimesulide 100 mg twice a day, for seven days: the association of the two drugs did not alter, in a statistical way, neither prothrombin time, nor partial thromboplastin time, nor fibrinogenemia, nor bleeding time. The findings showed that, in a short-term treatment, there was no bleeding risk in combining warfarin with nimesulide.

Adolescent

Effect of cefodizime (HR 221) on immunological defects induced by surgical stress.

Cefodizime, a new aminothiazolylcephalosporin, has been shown to possess immunomodulating activity in many experimental models in vivo and in vitro. The in-vivo effect of the drug was evaluated in a model represented by the surgical patient, being surgical practices usually associated with an immunological impairment involving many aspects of the immune response. Two groups of ten subjects were treated respectively with cefodizime (2 g i.v. daily) and another cephalosporin (ceftriaxone) at the same dosage. Aspecific immunity (complement activity, neutrophil phagocytosis, chemiluminescence and superoxide anion production) and cell-mediated reactivity (lymphocyte subpopulations and E-rosette-forming cells) were evaluated before, and at predetermined intervals after, surgery and antibiotic treatment. In the control group an important immunological derangement is observed, involving both lymphocytes and neutrophil functions and complement system. The treatment with cefodizime displays a positive effect with a significant improvement of impaired functions. The effect of the drug particularly influences neutrophil phagocytosis, explored with both the NBT test and determinations of chemiluminescence, and the complement system, through both the classic and the alternative pathways. A slight effect is observed on lymphocyte functions.

Adolescent

Proton tunneling in hydrated biological tissues near 200 K.

We measure the protonic conductivity in water clusters adsorbed on intact samples of viable biological samples (corn embryo and endosperm, Artemia cysts, and Typha pollen) below room temperature. In the low-temperature region, the conductivity increases with temperature as exp T6, in agreement with prediction by the theory of dissipative quantum tunneling. We detect the onset of this effect near 180 K, where a glass transition in the hydrated protein matrix is known to take place. Above 220 K other transitions are superimposed onto this simple behavior.

Animals

Synthesis of 2-[1,2-dihydropyrazol-4-yl]-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents.

The synthesis of some 2-[1,2-dihydropyrazol-4-yl]-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives is performed by reacting 4-dithiocarboxylic acid hydrazides of 3-amino-1,2-dihydro-5H-pyrazol-5-one and 3-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-methyl-5H-pyrazol-5-one with carboxylic acid derivatives. The unusual behaviour of 3-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-methyl-5H-pyrazol-5-one towards acetylating agents is described. The antimicrobial activity of some 2-[1,2-dihydropyrazol-4-yl]-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives is tested in a preliminary screening.

Anti-Bacterial Agents