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Biomedical subjects

Francesco Capasso

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco Capasso.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Coccygeal movement: assessment with dynamic MRI.

PURPOSE: Chronic coccygodynia is a difficult problem diagnostically and therapeutically. Moreover, there is no deep knowledge especially in the field of imaging of chronic coccygodynia. In this study several possible measurements are proposed, which all are able to demonstrate coccygeal movement during defecation, in order to assess coccygeal mobility using dynamic MRI during maximum contraction and during straining-evacuation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dynamic MRI study of the pelvic floor was performed in 112 patients. Five methods of measurement were assessed. Coccygeal movements were determined through the evaluation of three angles pair and two different distances measured during the phase of maximum contraction and during the phase of straining-evacuation. Results were compared according to age, sex, parity and experience of minor trauma. No patient included in the study had coccygodynia. Measurements taken by two radiologist were compared to determine interobserver agreement. RESULTS: The maximum measurement values of the two distances are homogeneous, between 9 and 9.4mm. The maximum measurement values of the three angles showed a difference that is between 21 degrees and 38 degrees . Two of three angles showed a major measurement values in the funtional texts. In only one patient the coccyx was not mobile. CONCLUSION: Our dynamic MRI study indicates that the coccyx is mobile during defecation and that it is possible to demonstrate coccygeal excursions by assessing the difference between its positions at maximum contraction and during straining-evacuation. The measurement methods used in this study for evaluating coccygeal movements resulted in variably sized observed differences, but all yielded statistically significant results in demonstrating coccygeal excursion. Among the five measurement methods, two resulted in the largest differences. Our data indicate no correlation between coccygeal movements and age, sex, parity, minor trauma and coccygodynia.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effect of Boswellia serrata on intestinal motility in rodents: inhibition of diarrhoea without constipation.

Clinical studies suggest that the Ayurvedic plant Boswellia serrata may be effective in reducing diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (BSE) on intestinal motility and diarrhoea in rodents. BSE depressed electrically-, acetylcholine-, and barium chloride-induced contractions in the isolated guinea-pig ileum, being more potent in inhibiting the contractions induced by acetylcholine and barium chloride. The inhibitory effect of BSE on acetylcholine-induced contractions was reduced by the L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine, but not by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, by the phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor rolipram or by the lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton. 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, one of the main active ingredients of B. serrata, inhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions. BSE inhibited upper gastrointestinal transit in croton oil-treated mice as well as castor oil-induced diarrhoea. However, BSE did not affect intestinal motility in control mice, both in the small and in the large intestine. It is concluded that BSE directly inhibits intestinal motility with a mechanism involving L-type Ca(2+) channels. BSE prevents diarrhoea and normalizes intestinal motility in pathophysiological states without slowing the rate of transit in control animals. These results could explain, at least in part, the clinical efficacy of this Ayurvedic remedy in reducing diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2005

Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on gastric acid secretion in vitro.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the major components of propolis (honeybee resin), has demonstrated a wide spectrum of activities including suppression of eicosanoids by inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CAPE on basal and secretagogues-stimulated gastric acid secretion in vitro. In the isolated, lumen-perfused, stomach preparation of mouse, CAPE (10-100 microM) did not affect the basal gastric acid secretion nor the secretion stimulated by histamine, pentagastrin, isobutyl methylxanthine and high levels of K+. By contrast, CAPE increased the gastric acid secretion induced by the muscarinic receptor agonist, 5-methylfurmethide (5-MEF). CAPE also inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity in an in vitro colorimetric assay. Eserine (10 microM), a well known acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, also increased 5-MEF-stimulated acid secretion. Our results show that CAPE increases gastric acid secretion stimulated by an acetylcholine agonist receptor likely through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed2005

Antibacterial activity of Cuminum cyminum L. and Carum carvi L. essential oils.

Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from fruits of Cuminum cyminum L. and Carum carvi L. were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (MS). The main components of C. cyminum oil were p-mentha-1,4-dien-7-al, cumin aldehyde, gamma-terpinene, and beta-pinene, while those of the C. carvi oil were carvone, limonene, germacrene D, and trans-dihydrocarvone. Antibacterial activity, determined with the agar diffusion method, was observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species in this study. The activity was particularly high against the genera Clavibacter, Curtobacterium, Rhodococcus, Erwinia, Xanthomonas, Ralstonia, and Agrobacterium, which are responsible for plant or cultivated mushroom diseases worldwide. In general, a lower activity was observed against bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. These results suggest the potential use of the above essential oils for the control of bacterial diseases.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Fatty acid amide hydrolase controls mouse intestinal motility in vivo.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) catalyzes the hydrolysis both of the endocannabinoids (which are known to inhibit intestinal motility) and other bioactive amides (palmitoylethanolamide, oleamide, and oleoylethanolamide), which might affect intestinal motility. The physiologic role of FAAH in the gut is largely unexplored. In the present study, we evaluated the possible role of FAAH in regulating intestinal motility in mice in vivo. METHODS: Motility was measured by evaluating the distribution of a fluorescent marker along the small intestine; FAAH messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); endocannabinoid levels were measured by isotope-dilution, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Motility was inhibited by N-arachidonoylserotonin (AA-5-HT) and palmitoylisopropylamide, 2 selective FAAH inhibitors, as well as by the FAAH substrates palmitoylethanolamide, oleamide, and oleoylethanolamide. The effect of AA-5-HT was reduced by the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant and by CB1 deficiency in mice but not by the vanilloid receptor antagonist 5'-iodoresiniferatoxin. In FAAH-deficient mice, pharmacologic blockade of FAAH did not affect intestinal motility. FAAH mRNA was detected in different regions of the intestinal tract. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that FAAH is a physiologic regulator of intestinal motility and a potential target for the development of drugs capable of reducing intestinal motility.

Amidohydrolases↗
PubMed2005

Isolation of new rotenoids from Boerhaavia diffusa and evaluation of their effect on intestinal motility.

A bioassay-guided separation of a methanolic extract obtained from the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) allowed us to isolate five compounds belonging to the class of rotenoids: the known boeravinone D ( 1), boeravinone E ( 2), compound 5 and two novel compounds that we have named boeravinone G ( 3) and boeravinone H ( 4). The structures of the new molecules have been determined on the basis of their HR-EI-MS, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR and 2D-NMR (HMQC, HMBC) data. All the isolated rotenoids have been evaluated for their effect on intestinal motility in vitro. Three of them (boeravinone G, boeravinone E and compound 5) exhibited spasmolytic activity. Preliminary structure-activity relationships have been established highlighting the effect of substitutions on rings B and D.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effects of the antidepressant St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) on rat and human vas deferens contractility.

PURPOSE: Since sexual dysfunction related to vas deferens smooth muscle contractility is a possible side effect of St. John's wort (SJW) (Hypericum perforatum) we evaluated the effect of this herbal antidepressant on rat and human vas deferens contractility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of SJW was evaluated on contractions induced by electrical field stimulation or exogenous agonists (alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate and phenylephrine) in isolated rat and human vas deferens. RESULTS: SJW (1 to 300 microM) decreased in a concentration dependent manner the amplitude of electrical field stimulation and agonist induced contractions with the same potency, suggesting direct inhibition of rat vas deferens smooth muscle. Of the chemical constituents of SJW tested hyperforin but not hypericin or the flavonoids quercitrin, rutin and kaempferol inhibited phenylephrine induced contractions. SJW and hyperforin also inhibited phenylephrine induced contractions in human vas deferens CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study demonstrate that SJW directly inhibits rat and human vas deferens contractility. If confirmed in vivo, these results suggest that SJW might affect sexual function in humans. These results might explain delayed ejaculation described in patients receiving SJW.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Antibacterial activity of Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Miller Var. vulgare (Miller) essential oils.

Essential oils were extracted from the fruits of Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Miller var. vulgare (Miller) and assayed in vitro for antibacterial activity to Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium, bacteria routinely used for comparison in the antimicrobial assays, and 27 phytopathogenic bacterial species and two mycopathogenic ones responsible for cultivated mushroom diseases. A significant antibacterial activity, as determined with the agar diffusion method, was shown by C. sativum essential oil whereas a much reduced effect was observed for F. vulgare var. vulgare oil. C. sativum and F. vulgare var. vulgare essential oils may be useful natural bactericides for the control of bacterial diseases of plants and for seed treatment, in particular, in organic agriculture. The significant antibacterial activity of essential oils to the bacterial pathogens of mushrooms appears promising.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Inhibitory effect of the antidepressant St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) on rat bladder contractility in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of St. John's wort (SJW), an effective and safe herbal antidepressant, on rat bladder contractility. Recent data have suggested a strong association between depression and urinary incontinence. METHODS: Strips were cut from the bladder body and placed in organ baths containing Krebs solution. Contractions were induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) and, in some experiments, by exogenous alpha,beta (alpha,beta)-methylene adenosine triphosphate. RESULTS: St. John's wort was significantly more active in inhibiting the EFS-induced contractions than the alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate-induced contractions, suggesting both a presynaptic site of action and a direct inhibition of bladder smooth muscle. The inhibitory effect of SJW on EFS-induced contractions was unaffected by methysergide, haloperidol, phentolamine plus propranolol (antagonists that block the action of the neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytriptamine, dopamine, and noradrenaline on their own receptors), the L-type calcium channel antagonist verapamil, capsazepine (which blocks the vanilloid receptor), or cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. However, the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of SJW on EFS-induced contractions. Among the chemical constituents of SJW tested, hyperforin and, to a lesser extent, the flavonoid kaempferol showed inhibitory effects. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study demonstrated that SJW inhibits excitatory transmission of the rat urinary bladder and also directly inhibits smooth muscle contractility. The inhibitory effect on excitatory transmission could involve, at least in part, opioid receptors. SJW may be evaluated for its possible use in treating urinary incontinence in depressed patients.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2004

A secoisopimarane diterpenoid from Salvia cinnabarina inhibits rat urinary bladder contractility in vitro.

We have evaluated the effect of 3,4-secoisopimar-4(18),7,15-triene-3-oic acid (compound 1), isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia cinnabarina, on the contractile response elicited by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the rat isolated urinary bladder. Compound 1 (10 ( - 7) - 10 ( - 4) M) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS contractile response without modifying the contractions produced by exogenous acetylcholine (10 ( - 6) M). A number of antagonists/inhibitors including a combination of atropine (10 ( - 6) M), phentolamine (10 ( - 6) M), propranolol (10 ( - 6) M) and hexamethonium (10 ( - 4) M), the NK (1) receptor antagonist SR140333 (10 ( - 7) M) plus the NK (2) receptor antagonist SR48968 (10 ( - 6) M), naloxone (10 ( - 6) M), verapamil (10 ( - 7) M), capsazepine (10 ( - 5) M) and the CB (1) receptor antagonist SR141716A (10 ( - 6) M) did not modify the inhibitory effect of compound 1. However, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME (3 x 10 ( - 4) M), significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of compound 1. It is concluded that compound 1 inhibits rat bladder contractility with a mechanism involving, at least in part, NO production.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2004

A diterpenoid from Salvia cinnabarina inhibits mouse intestinal motility in vivo.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of 3,4 secoisopimara-4(18),7,15-trien-3-oic acid (compound 1) isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia cinnabarina, on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice in vivo. Compound 1 (10 - 100 mg/kg, i. p.) dose-dependently delayed gastrointestinal motility. Pretreatment ( i. p.) of mice with hexamethonium (10 mg/kg), naloxone (2 mg/kg), N(G)-nitro- L-arginine-methyl ester ( L-NAME) (25 mg/kg) or yohimbine (1 mg/kg) did not modify the inhibitory effect of compound 1 (50 mg/kg). However, the L-type Ca (2+) channel verapamil (5 mg/kg, i. p.) significantly reduced the antimotility effect of compound 1 (50 mg/kg). These results suggest that compound 1 inhibits gastrointestinal motility in mice. The effect could involve, at least in part, L-type Ca (2+) channels.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

New sesquiterpenes with intestinal relaxant effect from Celastrus paniculatus.

The seed oil obtained from Celastrus paniculatus has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of several complaints including intestinal disorders. The muscle relaxing activity of C. paniculatus has been studied in vitro on isolated preparations of rat intestine. C. paniculatus seeds extract (0.001 - 100 microg/mL) produced a concentration-related relaxation of the rat ileum [IC (50) (95 % c. l.) 0.24 (0.13 - 0.45) microg/mL]. Among the four fractions ( n-hexane, CCl (4), CHCl (3), n-BuOH) obtained from the methanolic extract of C. paniculatus, only the carbon tetrachloride fraction (0.01 - 10 000 ng/mL) induced a significant relaxation of the intestinal muscle [IC (50) (95 % c. l.): 1.9 (1.38 - 2.87) ng/mL]. Three new sesquiterpene polyol esters have been isolated from the carbon tetrachloride fraction. These new metabolites, characterised as 1alpha,8beta,14-triacetoxy-9beta-furoyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran ( 1), 1alpha, 6beta,8beta,14-tetraacetoxy-9beta-benzoyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran ( 2) and 1alpha,8beta-diacetoxy-9beta-benzoyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran ( 3), at the concentration of 1 microg/mL produced a relaxant effect of 30.6 +/- 12.2 %, 26.9 +/- 4.7 % and 7.27 +/- 1.7 %, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Resveratrol and propolis as necrosis or apoptosis inducers in human prostate carcinoma cells.

Vegetables and fruit help the prevention and the therapy of several kinds of cancer because they contain micronutrients, a class of substances that have been shown to exhibit chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities. In the present study the effects of resveratrol (100 and 200 microM), a phytoalexin found in grapes, and of the ethanolic extract of propolis (50 and 100 microg/ml), a natural honeybee hive product, were tested in androgen-resistant prostate cancer cells (DU145), a cell line resembling the last stage of prostate carcinoma. A comparison between the activity of these micronutrients and vinorelbine bitartrate (Navelbine), a semi-synthetic drug normally used in the therapy of prostate cancer, was conducted. Several biochemical parameters were tested, such as cell viability (MTT assay), cell membrane integrity (lactate dehydrogenase release), cell redox status (nitric oxide formation, reactive oxygen species production, reduced glutathione levels), genomic DNA fragmentation (COMET assay) with special attention on the presence of apoptotic DNA damage (TUNEL test), and possible mitochondrial transmembrane potential alteration (deltapsi). Our results point out the anticancer activity of resveratrol and propolis extract in human prostate cancer, exerting their cytotoxicity through two different types of cell death: necrosis and apoptosis, respectively. The data obtained suggest the possible use of these micronutrients both in alternative to classic chemotherapy, and in combination with very low dosage of vinorelbine (5 microM).

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2003

Induction of nitric oxide synthase expression by Withania somnifera in macrophages.

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, Indian ginseng) is an immunostimulant herbal medicine used to improve overall health and prevent diseases, particularly in the elderly. However, the mechanisms underlying its immunostimulant effect is poorly understood. To elucidate the mechanism of Withania somnifera, we investigated the effect of a methanolic extract from the root of Withania somnifera (WS) on nitric oxide (NO) production in J774 macrophages. We found that WS (1-256 microg/ml) produced a significant and concentration-dependent increase in NO production, an effect which was abolished by N(G)nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 3-300 microM), a non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), dexamethasone (10 microM), an inhibitor of protein synthesis and N(alpha-p)-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK, 0.01-10 microM), an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation. Dexamethasone did not have any effect on NO production once NOS had been induced (i.e. 12 h after WS). Moreover, western blot analysis showed that WS increased, in a concentration-dependent fashion, inducible NOS protein expression. These results demonstrate that WS may induce the synthesis of inducible NOS expression likely by acting at transcriptional level. The increased NO production by macrophages could account, at least in part, for the immunostimulant properties of Withania somnifera.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

An endogenous cannabinoid tone attenuates cholera toxin-induced fluid accumulation in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cholera toxin (CT) is the most recognizable enterotoxin causing secretory diarrhea, a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In this study, we investigated the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system (i.e., the cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands) in CT-induced fluid accumulation in the mouse small intestine. METHODS: Fluid accumulation was evaluated by enteropooling; endocannabinoid levels were measured by isotope-dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; CB(1) receptors were localized by immunohistochemistry and their messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were quantified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Oral administration of CT to mice resulted in an increase in fluid accumulation in the small intestine and in increased levels of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, and increased expression of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor mRNA. The cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 and the selective cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist arachidonoyl-chloro-ethanolamide inhibited CT-induced fluid accumulation, and this effect was counteracted by the CB(1) receptor antagonist SR141716A, but not by the CB(2) receptor antagonist SR144528. SR141716A, per se, but not the vanilloid VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine, enhanced fluid accumulation induced by CT, whereas the selective inhibitor of anandamide cellular uptake, VDM11, prevented CT-induced fluid accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that CT, along with enhanced intestinal secretion, causes overstimulation of endocannabinoid signaling with an antisecretory role in the small intestine.

Amides↗