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Biomedical subjects

F Romanelli

Publications and source records attributed to F Romanelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Physical stress and qualitative gonadotropin secretion: LH biological activity at rest and after exercise in trained and untrained men.

Sports influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of physical stress on qualitative male LH secretion. We evaluated the HPG axis at rest and the LH response to a treadmill exercise (90 % of Vdot;O 2 max) in eight trained (running 50 to 70 km/week) and eight untrained subjects. FSH, total testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) were evaluated at rest by radioimmunoassay, whereas serum LH was evaluated both by radioimmunoassay (I-LH) and by a biological assay (RICT, B-LH), before (-30, -15, 0 pre) and after exercise (0 post, + 15, + 30, + 60 min). Semen analysis was performed. The results showed that the B/I LH ratio was significantly lower at rest in athletes than in controls (1.3 +/- 0.5 and 2.1 +/- 0.7 respectively, p < 0.05) and the B-LH and B/I LH ratio were reduced after exercise in controls (from 21.1 +/- 5.7 to 13.9 +/- 3.4 mIU/mL and from 2.3 +/- 0.8 to 1.6 +/- 0.4, at + 60 respectively, p < 0.05). T and FT were significantly lower in athletes compared with controls (4.18 +/- 1.1 vs 5.96 +/- 1.6 ng/ml and 24.3 +/- 4.8 vs 29.7 +/- 5.2 pg/ml respectively, p < 0.05). Semen parameters showed no difference. The B/I LH ratio could be a "marker" of altered LHRH secretion due to an exercise-linked adaptive condition.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Clear lens phacoemulsification for correction of high myopia.

PURPOSE: To assess phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation as an effective, safe, and predictable technique for the correction of high myopia. SETTING: University Eye Clinic of Verona, Verona, Italy. METHODS: A series of 25 eyes with myopia higher than -12.0 diopters (D) had clear lens extraction by phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the capsular bag. The mean postoperative follow-up was 42.92 months +/- 3.76 (SD). RESULTS: No serious intraoperative complications occurred. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all cases. The mean postoperative best corrected visual acuity improved by an average of 1 line. One case (4.0%) of postoperative retinal detachment (RD) occurred at 12 months. One case (4.0%) of biometric error (3.0 D) occurred. CONCLUSION: Clear lens extraction by phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in a series of highly myopic eyes was effective and had an acceptable predictability and a low rate of complications. Careful evaluation of the retinal periphery by indirect ophthalmoscopy is recommended to avoid postoperative RD.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Acute effect of physical exercise on serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 and 3 in healthy men: role of exercise-linked growth hormone secretion.

The purpose of this study was to delineate the role of GH on serum IGF-I, IGFBP-2 and -3 responses to exercise. Hormones were evaluated in six trained male subjects before (-30, -15, 0), during (+15) and after (+30, +45, + 60, +90 min) a thirty-minutes treadmill exercise (60% VO2max), both after a single administration of a somatostatin analog (i.e., octreotide, 0.1 mg sc) and after saline. The same evaluations were performed without exercise with similar treatments. The results showed that: 1) octreotide significantly inhibited the GH response to exercise, 2) exercise increased IGFBP-3 concentration (+37.4% at +90, p < 0.05), whereas no modification of IGFBP-2 and of IGF-I/ IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3/IGFBP-2 ratios were observed, 3) octreotide amplified the IGFBP-3 increase after exercise (p < 0.01 vs. exercise, from + 30 to + 60, or octreotide alone) and, without exercise, slightly increased IGFBP-3 (+15% at +75, p < 0.05) and decreased IGF-I (-14.8% at +75, p < 0.01). We concluded that GH has a reduced role, as a stimulating factor, in the serum acute IGFBP-3 increase after exercise and that octreotide is probably able to directly amplify this response. Unfortunately, we can only speculate on the physiological pathways involved.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Physical activity as a possible aggravating factor for athletes with varicocele: impact on the semen profile.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of physical exercise on seminal parameters of male athletes with varicocele. Sixty healthy male volunteers (athletes and non-athletes, n = 30 + 30) and 60 volunteers affected by varicocele (athletes and non-athletes, n = 30 + 30) were randomly selected for a clinical study. All subjects provided at least two semen samples for routine microscopic analysis. Determinations for basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, oestradiol, total and free testosterone under resting conditions were also performed. In both groups with varicocele the percentage of total and progressive forward sperm motility and the percentage of normal spermatozoa were significantly reduced. The percentage of both progressive forward motility and normal spermatozoa were significantly lower in athletes with varicocele compared with non-athletes with varicocele (P < 0.05). Only athletes with varicocele had mean left testis volume significantly lower than the contralateral testis (P < 0.05). No modifications of hormonal parameters at rest were observed in any groups. Physical activity might represent an aggravating factor for spermatogenesis in athletes with varicocele. In countries where sport eligibility is granted by an authoritative body, these results suggest the need to establish general medical criteria to guarantee the continuation of an athlete's training whilst at the same time taking care of his reproductive health.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the pituitary response to exercise-related stress in humans.

PURPOSE: Prostaglandins (PGs) modulate the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, and pituitary hormones are largely involved in the physiological responses to exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an inhibitor of PGs synthesis, in the pituitary responses to physical stress in humans. METHODS: Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), beta-endorphin, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) responses to exercise were evaluated after administration of either placebo or ASA. Blood samples for hormone evaluations before (-30, -15, and 0 pre) and after (0 post, +15, +30, +45, +60, and +90 min) a 30-min treadmill exercise (75% of .VO(2max)) were taken from 12 male athletes during two exercise trials. One tablet of ASA (800 mg), or placebo, was administered two times daily for 3 d before and on the morning of each exercise-test. RESULTS: The results clearly show that, compared with placebo, ASA ingestion significantly blunted the increased serum ACTH, beta-endorphin, cortisol, and GH levels before exercise (anticipatory response) and was associated with reduced cortisol concentrations after exercise. Furthermore, although no differences in the GH response to exercise were shown, a significantly reduced total PRL response to stress condition was observed after ASA. CONCLUSION: ASA influences ACTH, beta-endorphin, cortisol, GH, and PRL responses to exercise-related stress in humans (preexercise activation/exercise-linked response). Even though it is not possible to exclude direct action for ASA, our data indirectly confirm a role of PGs in these responses. We have to further evaluate the nature of the preexercise endocrine activation and, because of the large use of anti-inflammatory drugs in athletes, whether the interaction between ASA and hormones might positively or negatively influence health status, performance, and/or recovery.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2000

Therapeutic dilemma: the use of anticonvulsants in HIV-positive individuals.

ARTICLE ABSTRACT: The concurrent use of anticonvulsants and antiretrovirals is a poorly studied area that poses a therapeutic dilemma for the clinician caring for HIV-positive patients requiring both classes of medications. Anticonvulsants and antiretrovirals may interact through multiple mechanisms including competition for protein binding, enhanced or reduced liver metabolism, and increased viral replication. The authors present many of the challenges faced by clinicians caring for HIV-positive patients who may require anticonvulsant therapy.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2000

Human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance testing: state of the art in genotypic and phenotypic testing of antiretrovirals.

Antiretroviral drugs have significantly reduced death rates from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the United States. They are highly effective in reducing viral replication, but their utility is threatened by rapid development of drug resistance. Although antiretroviral drug resistance testing is available by either genotyping or phenotyping, no consensus guidelines have been published regarding the appropriate use or interpretation of these new tests. Even though their role in clinical practice is not defined, it is important for clinicians to become familiar with relative advantages and disadvantages of genotypic and phenotypic testing and various mechanisms of antiretroviral resistance.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1999

Acute amino acids supplementation enhances pituitary responsiveness in athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a mixture of amino acids on pituitary responsiveness to a stimulation test (GnRH + CRH) in athletes. METHODS: In a double blinded counterbalanced experimental protocol, 10 moderately trained male athletes performed the pituitary stimulation test 60 min after a single oral administration of a placebo (P1-AS) or an amino acid mixture solution (AS) (L-arginine hydrochloride 100 mg x kg(-1) + L-ornithine hydrochloride 80 mg x kg(-1) + L-branched chain amino acids 140 mg x kg(-1): 50% L-leucine, 25% L-isoleucine, 25% L-valine) on two different occasions. Plasma ACTH, LH, FSH, GH, and cortisol were evaluated before (-60, -30, 0 min) and after (+15, +30, +45, +60, +90 min) the stimulation test. RESULTS: The ACTH, LH and FSH response to CRH + GnRH was significantly higher in AS group both as absolute values and area under curve (AUC) values than in P1-AS group. Pre-test and post-test cortisol AUC levels were significantly higher in P1-AS group although a higher percent increase in post-test cortisol was found in AS group. The total GH-AUC was higher in AS group and, as expected, the absolute GH concentrations at different time points were not influenced by CRH + GnRH administration. CONCLUSION: The amino acid mixture used enhanced the ACTH, LH, and FSH response to CRH + GnRH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1999

Aspirin inhibits androgen response to chorionic gonadotropin in humans.

Eicosanoids play an important role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; less clear is their role in testicular steroidogenesis. To evaluate the involvement of cyclooxygenase metabolites, such as prostaglandins, in the regulation of human testicular steroidogenesis, we examined the effects of a prostaglandin-blocker, aspirin, on plasma testosterone, pregnenolone, progesterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 17beta-estradiol response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in normal male volunteers in a placebo-controlled, single-blinded study. To test the efficacy of aspirin, seminal prostaglandin E(2) levels were also determined. hCG stimulation increased peripheral levels of testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 17beta-estradiol, without affecting circulating pregnenolone and progesterone values. Aspirin significantly lowered seminal prostaglandin E(2) levels, whereas it did not modify steroid concentrations not exposed to exogenous hCG. Moreover, the drug significantly reduced the response of testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone to hCG, as assessed by the mean integrated area under the curve, whereas it did not influence 17beta-estradiol response. In conclusion, aspirin treatment inhibits androgen response to chorionic gonadotropin stimulation in normal humans. The action of aspirin is probably mediated via an effective arachidonate cyclooxygenase block.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

The use of valproic acid in HIV-positive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of valproic acid in HIV-positive patients. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature was accessed through a MEDLINE search (January 1966-November 1998). Key search terms included HIV, AIDS, seizures, valproic acid, and glutathione. DATA SYNTHESIS: Patients with HIV often develop neurologic manifestations; therefore, valproic acid may be considered in the management of this population. It has been demonstrated that valproate may increase viral burden by potentiating replication. An evaluation of studies addressing the use of valproic acid in HIV-positive patients was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for valproate-induced increases in viral replication exists. Although further studies are warranted, clinicians should exercise caution when using valproate in HIV-positive patients.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1999

Hydroxyurea to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus-1 replication.

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to be a challenge. Drug regimens that include two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and a protease inhibitor are now the standard of care. These regimens require strict patient adherence and have numerous adverse effects at a high cost, so clinicians must continue to explore other therapeutic options. Hydroxyurea is a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor that may have efficacy against HIV. We conducted a critical review of the literature to examine the utility of hydroxyurea-based drug combinations.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1998

Galanin stimulates steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells.

The present study was designed to evaluate whether galanin could play a role in the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis. To this purpose, using purified rat Leydig cells, we examined the effects of galanin on basal and hCG- or LHRH-induced testosterone production and the interference of a specific galanin receptor antagonist, galantide, on galanin activity. Moreover, since it has been shown that galanin-induced stimulation of LHRH secretion appears to involve the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as intracellular mediator, we evaluated also the effect of galanin on Leydig cells PGE2 output and the interference of indomethacin, a cycloxygenase blocker, on its activity. Furthermore, the effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase inhibitor, was also examined. Data obtained indicate that galanin amplified testosterone response to hCG or LHRH whilst galantide prevented its potentiating activity. Moreover, galanin stimulated PGE2 output though this fatty acid is not involved in galanin activity on Leydig cells as indomethacin failed to affect its amplification of testosterone production. The possible involvement of leukotrienes should also be excluded as NDGA did not modify galanin action. In summary, the present study indicates that galanin potentiates acute gonadotropin or LHRH steroidogenic action on Leydig cells and that this activity is specific and receptor-mediated as it is prevented by a specific receptor antagonist.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Stimulatory action of endothelin-1 on rat Leydig cells: involvement of endothelin-A subtype receptor and phospholipase A2-arachidonate metabolism system.

In a previous report we have observed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) is able to stimulate testosterone (T) production by rat Leydig cells revealing an interaction with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The present study was designed to further characterize the stimulatory action of ET on testicular steroidogenesis, to evaluate which subtype of ET receptors is involved in this activity and to examine the role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-arachidonate metabolism system in ET-1 transduction mechanism. To this purpose we investigated: i) the interaction of ET-1 with another secretagogue of T, like luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH); ii) the interference of ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists (BQ-123 and BQ-788, respectively) and of inhibitors of PLA2 (quinacrine) and arachidonate lipoxygenase pathway (nordihydroguaiaretic acid:NDGA) on ET-1-induced T and PGE2 secretion from purified rat Leydig cells. Data obtained indicate that ET-1 amplified T and PGE2 response to LHRH and this secretagogue in turn potentiated testicular steroidogenesis stimulated by endothelin. The ET(A) antagonist, BQ-123, inhibited in a dose-related fashion ET-1-induced T production whereas ET(B) antagonist, BQ-788, failed to affect T response to the peptide. Furthermore, ET(A) antagonist inhibited the stimulatory effect of ET-1 on hCG- or LHRH-induced T secretion and it was able to exert a dose-dependent inhibition of ET-1-stimulated PGE2 output. Moreover, a PLA2 inhibitor quinacrine inhibited the stimulatory action of ET-1 on T production and suppressed basal and ET-1-induced PGE2 release whilst a lipoxygenase blocker NDGA did not modify T response to the peptide. Taken together these findings i) indicate additivity of effects between ET-1 and LHRH in stimulating T and PGE2 production; ii) confirm that ET(A) subtype receptors mediate the stimulatory action of ET-1 on rat Leydig cells; iii) strongly suggest that PLA2-arachidonate metabolism system is involved in endothelin transduction mechanism.

Animals↗