Biomedical subjects

G Loverro

Publications and source records attributed to G Loverro.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Insulin-like growth factor-I expression in normal and diseased endometrium.

While the role of steroid hormones in the regulation of endometrial proliferation and differentiation is well established, the effects of growth factors and their receptors in normal and neoplastic endometrium remain a matter of debate. Previous studies have documented the positive effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on epithelial cell proliferation and the active production of this growth factor in endometrial tissues. In view of decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), an antagonist of IGF-I, in endometrial carcinoma, we investigated the expression of IGF-I, at both the mRNA and protein levels, and the immunoreactivity for type I IGF-I receptor in 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of normal and neoplastic endometrium, in order to possibly clarify the role of IGF-I in endometrial proliferation and differentiation. Our results demonstrate a reduced expression of IGF-I mRNA in endometrial carcinomas compared with non-neoplastic tissues, despite equivalent immunohistochemical expression of IGF-I and IGF-I receptor. Our data suggest that IGF-I and its corresponding receptor may not be directly involved in endometrial cancer cell proliferation and differentiation in vivo, though other components of the IGF-I system (e.g., IGF binding proteins) may affect endometrial malignant transformation and tumor progression.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 expression in atrophic post-menopausal endometrium.

OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cells may synthetize cytokines and growth factors which may modulate some of the molecular mechanisms of endometrial proliferation and differentiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the role of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and relative receptors in five tissue samples from atrophic post-menopausal endometria. The control group was represented by proliferative and secretory endometria from 10 healthy, normally-menstratued women. TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 m-RNA expression was evaluated by Northern hybridization analysis, while TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 receptors distribution was studied by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In atrophic endometria Northern hybridization analysis showed a significant decrease of IGF-1 expression, and an increase of TGF-beta 1 expression compared to proliferative and secretory endometria. By immunohistochemistry it was demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 and IGF-1 receptors were both localized in cell cytoplasm, mainly in the stromal compartment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study would suggest a possible role of IGF-1 and TGF-beta 1 in maintaining the quiescent differentiative state of atrophic post-menopausal endometrium. The persistence of IGF-1 and TGF-beta 1 receptors in epithelial compartment could play a key role in proliferative response of atrophic endometrium to exogenous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or endogenous intervening high estrogens levels.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Surgical treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer: report of 21 cases and a review of the literature.

AIM: To evaluate the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 21 patients submitted to secondary cytoreductive surgery for apparently isolated and resectable recurrence of ovarian cancer, after a disease-free interval of at least 12 months. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (71%) had complete surgical debulking with no macroscopic tumor at the completion of the surgical procedure. Eight patients (38%) required an intestinal resection but no colostomy was performed. Eleven complications were recorded in nine patients, but no operative death occurred. The median survival time for all patients after diagnosis of recurrent disease was 29 months (range 6-96 months). Survival time after diagnosis of recurrence was not significantly related either to known prognostic factors of ovarian cancer or to the length of the clinical remission time. The absence of residual disease after salvage surgery was the only factory associated with prolonged survival. CONCLUSION: Secondary cytoreductive surgery is a safe procedure which should be offered to recurrent ovarian cancer patients with apparently isolated and resectable disease, and without ascitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Angiogenesis extent and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 correlate with upgrading and myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Changes in angiogenesis and expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes have been substantiated during tumour changeover and progression. METHODS: Tissues from 64 biopsies of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and 15 biopsies of normal (control) endometrium were investigated immunohistochemically to determine their microvessel number, and by in situ hybridisation to determine the expression of mRNA of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 gelatinase B). EC were grouped according to both histological grade (G) G1 to G3 and depth of myometrial (M) invasion M1 to M3. RESULTS: EC as a whole gave significantly higher counts over control endometria. Counts of the G1 group overlapped those of the control group, increased significantly in the G2 and even more in the G3 group. G3 biopsies in particular also displayed most microvessels widely scattered in the tumour tissue, in close association with tumour cells, and as winding and arborized tubes, often dilated in microaneurysmatic segments. Counts also increased in M2 and M3. Expression of the MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA, evaluated as percentages of positive biopsies and intensity of expression, were upregulated with the transition from control and G1 groups to G2 and G3, and in relation to advancing depth of invasion. In EC, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were also expressed by host stromal cells, including microvascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. In the control biopsies, poor expression of MMP-2 mRNA in few endothelial cells and no expression of MMP-9 mRNA were detected. CONCLUSION: These in situ data suggest that angiogenesis and degradation of extracellular matrix occur simultaneously with EC upgrading and advancing depth of invasion, and that EC cells and some host stromal cell populations cooperate in tumour progression.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Reproductive choice in individuals HIV-1 infected in south eastern Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of counseling on reproductive choices in seropositive women in South-Eastern Italy. SETTING: University Hospital, Apulia region, South-Eastern Italy, tertiary referral center for high risk obstetrics and infectious diseases. METHODS: Between March 1985 and December 1996, two hundred and twenty-five HIV-infected women, receiving treatment at our clinic for infectious diseases were enrolled. They were all regularly given treatment and counseling and their sexual partners, if negative, tested for HIV-1 antibodies. Their reproductive choices and their attitude toward pregnancy were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-six pregnancies were observed during this period in 76 women. Twenty-one of these women (27.7%) decided to terminate the pregnancy. Women that were intravenous drug users or with a longer history of known seropositivity were more likely to have a termination. A decreasing trend in the request of abortion was observed with time. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that the scenario of HIV-infected women is changing in our setting. As a consequence, many seropositive women deliberately choose to have a pregnancy and factors different from those we expect to be modified by the counseling influence their reproductive choice. They should be taken into account in the management of these women before and during pregnancy.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed1998

Combined carboplatin plus ifosfamide and cisplatin in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma. A phase I-II study. GOCS (Gynecological Oncology Cooperative Study).

Because of the relative lack of overlapping toxicity, carboplatin (PPL) and cisplatin (CDDP) can be easily combined for treatment of ovarian cancer to increase total platinum dose intensity. Ifosfamide (IFO), one of the most effective single agents in ovarian cancer, has a low hematological toxicity when administered in continuous infusion. From January 1991 to December 1993, 34 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, previously untreated with chemo- or radiotherapy, were enrolled in a phase I-II study with the aim of determining the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CDDP (on day 8 of a 28-day cycle) in combination with PPL (300 mg/m2 on day 1) and IFO (4,000 mg/m2/24 h by continuous infusion on day 1). The initial dose level of CDDP was 40 mg/m2, which was continuously increased by 10 mg/m2 up to the MTD defined as one dose level below that inducing dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in at least two-thirds of treated patients; no dose escalation was allowed in the same patient. Grade 3-4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 54 and 49% of patients, respectively. The DLT was reached at 70 mg/m2 and therefore the dose recommended for the phase II study was 60 mg/m2. Complete (CR) plus partial response was observed in 88% of patients with a 21% pathological CR. With a minimum follow-up of 32 months (median 40 months), median progression-free survival and overall survival were 21 and 39 months, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of CDDP, PPL, and IFO provides an effective regimen for ovarian cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Down-regulated expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA in endometrial carcinoma.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent modulator of cell proliferation in vitro, and recent studies have demonstrated its overexpression in several different tumours; nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta1 action on cell growth and differentiation have not been fully elucidated. To clarify the role of TGF-beta and its receptor in human endometrial proliferation and differentiation, TGF-beta1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels has been evaluated by using Northern blotting and immunohistochemistry, in both normal (atrophic, proliferative and secretory) and neoplastic (adenocarcinoma) endometrial samples. This study demonstrates that TGF-beta1 mRNA expression is dramatically reduced in endometrial carcinomas with respect to non-neoplastic tissues, whereas the immunohistochemical expression of TGF-beta1 is enhanced in the epithelial component of endometrial carcinomas compared with non-neoplastic tissues. These data suggest that TGF-beta1 acts as a paracrine regulator of endometrial cell proliferation and that it may contribute to the carcinogenic mechanisms of endometrial carcinoma.

Activin Receptors, Type I↗

PubMed1998

Expression of tenascin is related to angiogenesis in pre-eclampsia.

METHODS: Ten samples of decidua basalis from pre-eclamptic women and 10 from healthy primigravid women subjected to caesarean section (control tissues) were investigated immunohistochemically for changes in angiogenesis and expression of tenascin, an extracellular matrix protein thought to modulate angiogenesis. In addition, pre-eclamptic and control samples were grafted onto the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) to study their possible angiogenic activity in vivo. RESULTS: Although the microvessel area was low in control samples, it increased significantly in the pre-eclamptic decidua. In parallel, the area covered by tenascin staining underwent a significant expansion that was highly correlated with the microvessel area. Angiogenic activity was assessed both macroscopically and microscopically on histological sections 4 days after grafting. In contrast to control samples, pre-eclamptic decidua induced an intense capillary growth, and numerous capillaries converging towards the implant and forming a spoke-wheel pattern were evident. Histological examination using a planimetric point-count method showed that microvessel counts in the CAM area under and around the pre-eclamptic implants were significantly higher than those of control samples. Again, the extracellular matrix of nearby microvessels was strongly immunoreactive with tenascin. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that, unlike normal decidua, pre-eclamptic decidua displays an intense, autonomous angiogenic activity, probably mediated by tenascin in addition to its own angiogenic factors.

Allantois↗

PubMed1998

Antenatal diagnosis of isolated lissencephaly by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

Lissencephaly (agyria) is a cortical dysplasia associated with a disturbance in the migration of neocortical neurons. Because of abnormal sonographic findings in the brain of a 24-week fetus, we carried out serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations which raised the suspicion of isolated lissencephaly. In the second trimester, an area of damage depicted as low-intensity signals was identified by MRI inside the cortical parenchyma. In the same cortical area, agyria was detected later in pregnancy, and postnatally calcification was observed by computerized tomography (CT) scan. We believe that ultrasound and targeted MRI examination can improve our understanding of some disorders of neuronal migration and that earlier diagnosis is feasible if both methods are employed and interpreted by sound criteria.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Transforming growth factor-beta1 in hemangioma of the ovary.

Hemangioma of the ovary is extremely rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman who complained of pelvic pain due to a large right adnexal mass. On surgical exploration a 10 x 8 cm hemangioma of the ovary was resected. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 was studied, and the possible role of this molecule in the development of the tumor is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Prolonged survival of stage IV malignant mixed Müllerian tumor of the ovary after carboplatin, mesna, ifosfamide, and cis-platin chemotherapy: case report.

Malignant mixed müllerian tumors (MMMT) of the ovary are rare, aggressive and rapidly progressive tumors. According to the available literature, the presence of metastatic disease rarely permits long term survival. We report on a 64-year old patient with stage IV ovarian MMMT who achieved a surgically-documented complete response (CR) after 6 cycles of carboplatin, mesna, ifosfamide, cis-platin. Pelvic recurrence was diagnosed 14 months later; the patient received 6 cycles of the same regimen used as first-line chemotherapy which resulted in a second complete response lasting for 4 months. The patient died 37 months after initial diagnosis due to intestinal occlusion. In the current case Ca 125 was significantly increased at clinical presentation of disease but not at the time of recurrence.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

[Angiogenesis and endometrial carcinoma. Correlations with blood flow analysis by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography].

Neoangiogenesis is a basic event in the evolution and spread of several solid neoplasms. Angiogenesis is an active phenomenon in physiological endometrium in the reproductive age and seems to disappear in postmenopause. Endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma are associated with signs of angiogenetic activity. The factors promoting angiogenesis in endometrial carcinoma are still unknown. Similarly it is not possible to recognize which endometrial carcinoma is potentially angiogenetic, but a relationship between angiogenesis and early metastatic spread has been established. Angiogenesis is definitely a late component of invasive tumour, but an early angiogenetic behaviour of some neoplastic clones, that could be a main prognostic factor for endometrial carcinoma is hypothesized.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Hemangioma of the ovary. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hemangioma is extremely rare. CASE: We report a case of a 32-year-old woman who complained of pelvic pain due to a large right adnexal mass. On color Doppler sonography the mass showed very rich and complex vascularity, with prominent blood flow. A 10 x 8-cm hemangioma of the right ovary was resected. CONCLUSION: Hemangiomas should be considered when a richly vascularized tumor with prominent blood flow is detected on color Doppler sonography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a gynecologic service. A report of three cases.

Primary lymphoma arising in female genital tract organs is extremely rare. We report three cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma which were encountered during a four-year period at our gynecologic department. One patient presented with an inguinal mass; another had a primary lymphoma of the vagina and the third had massive pelvic and para-aortic lymphomatous involvement. The gynecologists should be aware that, although rarely, lymphomas may arise in the genital tract, and that a massive involvement of inguinal, pelvic or para-aortic nodes may be related to a lymphoproliferative disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Maternal viral and gestational risk factors in vertical transmission of HIV-1 infection].

BACKGROUND: Several risk factors are related to vertical transfer of HIV-1 infection, but the influence of each one separately is controversial. Various risk factors have been evaluated altogether and separately, in order to find a single condition, that is, early in pregnancy predictive of fetal infection. METHODS: A prospective, observational study has been carried out during the period January 1992-January 1997, at the Centre for infectious diseases in pregnancy, University Hospital of Bari, a tertiary reference setting. Forty-four HIV-1 infected mothers have been recruited in early pregnancy, to be followed-up until delivery. Neonates have been evaluated in the Pediatric Department of the same hospital until 18 months of age. Maternal risk factors, such as age, infection in the partner, mode of acquisition of HIV-1, drug addition, life-style and risky behaviour as well as stage of disease, immunological status and antiviral treatment were considered. Obstetrical factors, too, (parity, preterm delivery, rupture of membranes, duration of labour and mode of delivery) were taken into account. Data were analyzed according to Fisher exact test and Draper and Smith multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Thirty cases (9 inadequate for follow-up, 4 ongoing pregnancies, 1 perinatal death before ascertainment of infection) were evaluated for final results. The overall transmission rate was 13.3%. Single factors significantly related to transmission were stage of disease (p < 0.01), mode of maternal infection (p < 0.03) and maternal HCV infection (p < 0.04). Multivariate analysis has shown the stage of disease to be the only positively-related risk-factor. CONCLUSIONS: The data identify a sub-group among HIV-1 infected women, where the more sustained rate of vertical transmission is associated with risky behaviour, as determined both by drug addiction and positivity for another sexually transmitted disease. Maternal compromise and immunological status are, however, the highest-risk conditions for delivering a HIV-1 infected baby.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1997

Serous papillary cystadenoma of borderline malignancy of the broad ligament.

Serous papillary cystadenoma of borderline malignancy arising in the broad ligament is extremely rare. We report the case of a 28-year-old female with a cystic mass in the broad ligament, who underwent complete excision of the mass, right salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and multiple peritoneal biopsies. Pathology showed a serous papillary cystadenoma of borderline malignancy of the broad ligament, without peritoneal and omental involvement. A review of the literature about this rare pathologic condition is reported.

Adnexal Diseases↗

PubMed1997

Transvaginal color Doppler sonography in predicting the response to chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer.

The role of Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of advanced cervical cancer continues to be controversial. This study was designed to assess the clinical value of the technique in terms of predicting the response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Twenty-three patients with cancer of the cervix (FIGO stages Ib bulky-IIIb) and 20 healthy women underwent transvaginal color Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries (both ascending and descending branches) and the intracervical vessels. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test for paired and unpaired data. The intracervical vessels were the only site to show significant differences both in the resistance and in velocity parameters. A subgroup of 14 patients, scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were evaluated before and at the completion of treatment. A significant increase in resistance and pulsatility index values and a decrease in peak systolic velocity were observed in the ten patients who responded to chemotherapy. Preliminary results of our study suggest that Doppler parameters can be clinically useful in the evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. More patients, sampled in a prospective way in order to increase the number of non-responders, would be necessary to assess the possible role of Doppler ultrasound in predicting which patients will respond to chemotherapy.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound for monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound in monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally-advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: Fourteen patients with locally-advanced cervical cancer, scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were investigated with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography before and at the completion of chemotherapy in order to study hemodynamic changes in cervical and intratumoral vessels. Twenty healthy women matched for age and parity served as a control group. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t test for paired data. RESULTS: Statistically different blood flow recording between patients with cervical cancer and healthy controls could be observed only in intratumoral vessels. A significant increase of RI and PI values, recorded in both cervical artery and intratumoral vessels, have been observed in the group of patients responding to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In patients with stable disease at the completion of chemotherapy, flow characteristics did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results of our study suggest that transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of flow characteristics in the cervical and intratumoral vessels might be useful in monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with invasive cervical cancer.

Aged↗