Biomedical subjects

G Convertino

Publications and source records attributed to G Convertino.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Inhaled corticosteroids in stable COPD patients: do they have effects on cells and molecular mediators of airway inflammation?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible changes in cells and molecular mediators of airway inflammation following inhaled steroid treatment of stable COPD patients. DESIGN: Six-week open preliminary prospective study. SETTING: A university respiratory disease clinic. PATIENTS: : Stable COPD patients with mild disease. INTERVENTION: Six-week treatment with inhaled beclomethasone (1.5 mg die). MEASUREMENTS: The levels of interleukin (IL)-8, myeloperoxidase, eosinophilic cationic protein and tryptase, and cell numbers in bronchial lavage specimens were determined, and the symptom score, the endoscopic bronchitis index, and functional parameters were recorded. RESULTS: After treatment there were significant reductions in the lavage levels of IL-8 ([mean +/- SEM] 1,603.4 +/- 331.2 vs 1,119.2 +/- 265.3 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0. 01) and myeloperoxidase (1,614.5 +/- 682.3 vs 511.2 +/- 144.2 microg/L, respectively; p = 0.05), in cell numbers (250.6 +/- 27.7 vs 186.3 +/- 11.5 cells x 10(3)/mL, respectively; p = 0.04), neutrophil proportion (59.7 +/- 14.3% vs 31.5 +/- 10.1%; p = 0.01), symptom score (4.5 +/- 0.6 vs 1.4 +/- 0.5; p = 0.01), and bronchitis index (8.5 +/- 0.8 vs 5.5 +/- 0.7; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In stable patients with COPD, inhaled steroid treatment may induce changes on some cellular and molecular parameters of airway inflammation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1998

Simian virus 40-like DNA sequences and large-T antigen-retinoblastoma family protein pRb2/p130 interaction in human mesothelioma.

The oncoprotein of the Simian virus 40, SV40 large T-antigen (Tag), is reported to target and inactivate growth-suppressive proteins such as the retinoblastoma (Rb) family and p53 leading to transformation of human cell lines in vitro, to produce tumours in rodents, and to be detected in several human cancers including mesothelioma. In support of the potential role of SV40 Tag in the pathogenesis of certain human cancers, we have found SV40-like sequences in 8/25 bioptic specimens of mesothelioma from patients with exposure to asbestos fibres. We have also demonstrated that the SV40 Tag detected in human mesothelioma binds the retinoblastoma family protein pRb2/p130 in 5/5 specimens studied. We submit that the tumorigenic potential of SV40 Tag in some human mesotheliomas may arise from its ability to interact with and thereby inactivate several tumour and/or growth suppressive proteins in cooperation with asbestos fibres in inducing pleural mesothelioma.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis.

The lungs are frequently affected in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a generalized connective tissue disorder. We evaluated the prevalence of respiratory functional abnormalities and their correlation with symptoms and radiograph features in a group of 34 patients who fulfilled the American Rheumatism Association criteria for the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Patients were submitted to a specific respiratory questionnaire and to lung function tests. Measurements were performed according to the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) recommendations and results expressed as a SD score, an accurate method that, taking into account the dispersion of the parameters in the reference population, allows precise definition of pathological subjects. Of the patients examined, 38% reported dyspnoea at rest or on exertion. No other respiratory symptoms were reported. Fifty percent had a normal chest radiograph. This study documents the high prevalence of respiratory functional abnormalities in patients with SSc. A restrictive pattern was found in 41% and an isolated diffusion impairment in 18%. No significant relationship was found between the isolated impairment of transfer factor of the lungs for carbon monoxide (TL,CO) and the mean duration of the scleroderma: thus, it does not seem to represent an early sign of severe restrictive disease. No bronchial or bronchiolar obstructive patterns were observed: it can be stated that small airways dysfunction is not a characteristic manifestation of SSc as considered previously. A significant association was found between the group of subjects with chest radiographic abnormalities and that with a restrictive pattern or isolated TL,CO alteration (p = 0.018). Chest radiographic abnormalities were also found in 29% and dyspnoea in 35% of the patients with normal respiratory function. The mean duration of scleroderma was not significantly different between the groups with and without abnormalities on chest radiography, between the groups with and without a restrictive pattern or isolated diffusion impairment, and between the groups of patients with and without dyspnoea. In conclusion, an accurate evaluation of respiratory function is recommended in the assessment of patients with systemic sclerosis, since the functional involvement of the lung cannot be predicted on the basis of the chest radiograph and the respiratory symptoms.

Dyspnea↗

PubMed1996

Pulmonary changes in a man affected by von Recklinghausen's disease.

Lung involvement in von Recklinghausen's disease is very rare and only sporadic cases have been reported in the literature. We present the case of a man affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The man complained of shortness of breath of 3-4 years duration. Chest radiograph and computed tomographic (CT) scan showed the presence of severe bullous emphysema, with extensive widespread bulky subpleural bullae, involving mainly the upper lobes and apical segments of the lower lobes, bilaterally. Functional respiratory tests documented a picture of severe obstruction associated with marked alveolar hyperinflation (vital capacity (VC) 80% of predicted, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 49% pred, maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) 22% pred, residual volume (RV) 151% pred). Capillary alveolar diffusion was also markedly altered (transfer factor of the lungs for carbon monoxide (TL,co) 41% pred). The eventual prospect of a lung transplant, never previously considered for this disease, has been advised by the thoracic surgeons. In the light of this possibility, multidisciplinary assessment and monitoring of respiratory function over time are indispensable, in order to identify the transplant window correctly.

Adolescent↗