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Biomedical subjects

F Carotenuto

Publications and source records attributed to F Carotenuto.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Activatory properties of lysophosphatidic acid on human THP-1 cells.

Excessive leukocyte proliferation and proinflammatory mediators release represent common phenomena in several chronic inflammatory diseases. Multiple evidences identify lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a small lipid endowed with pleiotropic activities, as an important modulator of both proliferation and activation of different cell types involved in several inflammation-associated pathologies. However, its possible role on monocyte proinflammatory activation is not fully understood yet. Aim of the present study was to investigate LPA effects on THP-1 cells in terms of proliferation, reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) production and release of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory mediators. Actually, LPA significantly increased both DNA synthesis and ROI production as well as prostaglandin E(2) release and the upregulation of LPA(3) receptor expression. These findings identified LPA as both a growth factor and a triggering mediator of proinflammatory response in THP-1 cells.

Arachidonic Acid↗
PubMed2001

Insulin deficiency and reduced expression of lipogenic enzymes in cardiomyopathic hamster.

Evidence is given that the heart of the cardiomyopathic UM-X7.1 hamster has a lipid composition different from that of the same tissue isolated from animals of the Syrian hamster parent strain. Also, noncardiac tissues from cardiomyopathic and healthy hamsters exhibit significant compositional differences. On the basis of these preliminary observations, a comparative study of the hepatic biosynthesis of lipids in cardiomyopathic and healthy Syrian hamsters was undertaken. The results obtained indicate that the cardiomyopathic hamster is characterized by a generalized disturbance of lipid metabolism. In particular, the fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase activities were significantly lower in the liver of UM-X7.1 hamsters than in age-matched healthy controls fed the same diet. Northern blot analysis of the mRNAs encoding the two enzymatic proteins and the "lipogenic" S14 nuclear protein indicated that the transcription of the respective genes was impaired in UM-X7.1.Short-term dietary manipulations modulated the expression of the above-mentioned genes both in cardiomyopathic and healthy animals. However, dietary carbohydrates were less effective in inducing the expression of lipogenic enzymes in UM-X7.1 liver than healthy controls. The main determinant of the metabolic defect pointed out in the present work appears to be represented by the low insulin level detectable in the plasma of the cardiomyopathic hamster.-Vecchini, A., L. Binaglia, M. Bibeau, M. Minieri, F. Carotenuto, and P. Di Nardo. Insulin deficiency and reduced expression of lipogenic enzymes in cardiomyopathic hamster. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 96;-105.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

Mucin-producing cells and endocrine cells of gallbladder epithelium in patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis.

In this study we have investigated various morphofunctional features of gallbladder mucosa in patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis. The histological changes, endocrine cell types and their distribution, and mucin-producing cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry and mucin histochemistry; moreover, we attempted to correlate these findings to the number and size of gallbladder stones and the type of bacteria present in the bile. Our results indicate that, despite similar clinical parameters, a wide range of histological changes can occur in the gallbladder mucosa of these patients. Moreover, the presence of certain endocrine and mucin-producing cell types in so-called "pyloric metaplasia" led us to hypothesize that this finding may be a trivial event in the gallbladder epithelium.

Cholelithiasis↗
PubMed1990

[Functional changes in the biliary system following extrahepatic biliary obstruction].

To assess the potential structural changes of the biliary tree and liver in patients with extrahepatic biliary obstruction, the resected specimens of 20 patients operated for benign biliary stricture were evaluated by means of immunocytochemical and histological methods. Furthermore, liver biopsies were taken for the same purposes. The results showed that in the dilated segment of the hepatic duct proximal to the stricture, innervation was greatly reduced or completely absent with associated advanced morphological and histological changes and high intrabiliary pressure levels. Similar findings were observed in the liver biopsies, too. These biopsies showed advanced morphological and histological changes associated with reduced innervation. By contrast, the nondilated segment of the hepatic duct, distal to the obstruction, showed normal innervation, normal morphology and histology and normal levels of intrabiliary pressure. The present study provides evidence that in cases of extrahepatic biliary obstruction, there are advanced pathological changes in the biliary tree associated with innervation impairment. These structural changes are associated with functional changes in both the liver and the biliary tree. Such functional changes represent a threat to the patient, particularly if major surgery is required. Increased biliary pressure appears to be a major cause of the development of these changes. Biliary drainage, either surgical or endoscopic, is indicated as the only alternative to reduce intrabiliary pressure and to contribute to a reversal of these structural and functional changes.

Bile↗
PubMed1990

[Muciparous cells and endocrine cells of the gallbladder epithelium in patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis].

In this study the authors have investigated the different morphofunctional features of the gallbladder mucosa in patients with uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Histological changes, type and distribution of endocrine and mucin-producing cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry and mucin histochemistry. The authors attempted to correlate these findings to the number and size of gallbladder stones as well as type of bacteria present in the bile. The results indicate that, despite similar clinical parameters, a wide range of histological changes may occur in the gallbladder mucosa of these patients. Moreover, the presence of some endocrine and mucin-producing cell types in the so called "pyloric metaplasia" led the Authors to hypothesize that the latter may be a trivial event.

Cholelithiasis↗