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Biomedical subjects

G Parrinello

Publications and source records attributed to G Parrinello.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Captopril does not affect plasma endothelin-1 during thrombolysis and reperfusion.

Studies showed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) was increased in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Experimental studies reported that captopril was able to reduce ET-1 secretion, and that ET-1 was increased during reperfusion. This study was aimed to verify if captopril was able to reduce plasma ET-1 during thrombolysis in AMI. Seventy-three patients, hospitalized for suspected AMI within 4 h from the onset of symptoms suitable for thrombolysis (1st episode), Killip class 1-2, were randomized (double blind) into two groups: group 1 (37 pts), 8 F/29 M, received captopril, 6.25 mg, orally 15 min before thrombolysis. Group 2: (36 pts) 8 F/28 M, received placebo before thrombolysis. All patients met the reperfusion criteria. Plasma ET-1 were checked on admission, at 1 h and at 2 h, after starting thrombolysis. Group 1 contained ten unstable angina, 17 anterior and ten inferior AMIs. Group 2 contained ten unstable angina, 16 anterior and ten inferior AMIs. Mean concentrations of ET-1: Unstable angina: group 1, basal--4.56, at 1 h--4.47, 2 h--5.89 pg/ml; group 2: basal--4.17, at 1 h--4.59, 2 h--5.24 pg/ml. Inferior AMI: group 1: basal--6.87, 1 h--7.75, 2 h--8.47; group 2: basal--6.34, 1 h--6.68, 2 h--7.98 pg/ml. Anterior AMI: group 1: basal--7.17, 1 h--7.93, 2 h--10.76 pg/ml (between basal and 2-h samples P < 0.05); group 2: basal--7.46, 1 h--7.51, 2 h--10.74 pg/ml. Differences between the two groups were not significant. Our data suggest that captopril does not affect plasma ET-1 during thrombolysis.

Administration, Oral↗

Evaluation of regional haemodynamics and alterations of vascular wall of the lower limbs in hypertensive subjects.

This study was designed to analyse the relationship between arterial hypertension and changes in arterial blood flow and vascular wall damage of the lower limbs in hypertensive patients with various degrees of hypertension. Six hundred and fifty-four hypertensive patients (421 males and 233 females) aged 35 to 70 years and 88 healthy subjects (63 males and 25 females) aged 39 to 60 years were studied. Strain-gauge plethysmography of the lower limbs was used to calculate arterial calf blood flow (RF), arterial calf blood flow after post-ischaemic hyperaemia (PF), basal and minimal vascular resistances (BVR and MVR), time to reach peak flow (tPF), time until 50% reduction of peak flow (tT1/2) and total recovery time (tT). In 108 (67 males and 41 females) of the hypertensive patients, a morphological study by echo-Doppler duplex scanning of the popliteal artery was performed to measure medial-intimal thickening and popliteal lumen diameter. Our results indicate that regional haemodynamics of the lower limbs worsened in hypertensives in comparison with control subjects. In addition, the change in peripheral haemodynamics was related to the degree of hypertension. Moreover, medial--intimal thickening was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in severe hypertensives than mild hypertensives. Popliteal lumen diameter was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in severe hypertensives than moderate and mild hypertensives. In all these subjects mean blood pressure was correlated directly (r = 0.31; P < 0.001) with medial-intimal thickening and inversely (r = -0.37; P < 0.001) with popliteal lumen diameter. Multiple regression analysis indicated that mean blood pressure, age and serum cholesterol were independently correlated to medial-intimal thickening. This relationship was not influenced by the diabetic patients and smokers among the groups. Our results indicate that hypertension impairs peripheral flow and encourages the development of medial-intimal thickening.

Adult↗

Effects of cilazapril on renal haemodynamics and function in hypertensive patients: a randomised controlled study versus hydrochlorothiazide.

In this study the efficacy and safety of short-term cilazapril administration on renal haemodynamics were evaluated in mild to moderate hypertensive subjects. Our final goal was to evaluate whether the reduction in blood pressure achieved by treatment was associated with maintained renal function. After a run-in period with placebo, 40 hypertensive subjects without renal or cardiac diseases were randomly allocated to a double-blind 4 week controlled trial with cilazapril 5 mg once a day (20 patients) or hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once a day (20 patients). Renal haemodynamics measurements included effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by radionuclide study using 131I-hippuran and 99mTc, according to the methods described by Schlegel and Gates, respectively. Effective renal blood flow [ERBF = ERPF/(1-Ht)], filtration fraction (FF = GFR/ERPF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR = MBP x 80/ERBF) were calculated. At the end of cilazapril and hydrochlorothiazide administration significant decreases (p < 0.001) in SBP, DBP and MBP vs baseline values were observed. In the cilazapril group a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in RVR and FF and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in ERPF and ERBF were also found. In the hydrochlorothiazide group a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in RVR was found. No important side effects were observed with either treatment. In conclusion our data indicate that both cilazapril and hydrochlorothiazide reduced blood pressure equally well but only cilazapril improved renal blood flow and reduced filtration fraction.

Adult↗

Central obesity and hypertension: pathophysiologic role of renal haemodynamics and function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of alterations in renal haemodynamics and function and in plasma renin activity on obesity-induced hypertension. DESIGN: Renal haemodynamics and function, salt-regulating hormones and structural cardiac parameters were evaluated in 20 lean normotensives and in 64 obese subjects with central or peripheral fat distribution, 43 of them were normotensives and 21 of them were hypertensives. Obesity and central fat distribution were defined according to sex-specific 85th percentile respectively of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR). MEASUREMENTS: Serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (PA), microalbuminuria (UAE) and 24h urinary excretion of sodium (NaU) were evaluated by current methods. Renal haemodynamics was evaluated by radionuclide study according to Schlegel's and Gate's methods. By radionuclide study, effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), effective renal blood flow (ERBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), filtration fraction (FF) and renal vascular resistances (RVR) were measured. Left ventricular mass (LVM) and indexed for body height (LVM/H), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistances (TPR) by ecocardiography were also calculated. RESULTS: CO, LVM and LVM/H were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all the obese groups than lean controls. In addition, LVM and LVM/H were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in obese hypertensives than obese normotensives either with central fat distribution. TPR values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in central obese hypertensives than peripheral obese hypertensives and than central obese normotensives. Moreover, IRI levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in central normotensive and hypertensive obese subjects than lean subjects. ERBF and ERPF were significantly (P < 0.05) lower and PRA levels were significantly higher only in central obese than lean subjects. On the contrary RVR were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in both obese hypertensive groups and in central obese normotensives than lean subjects. Comparisons between peripheral and central obese groups indicated that PRA, RVR and UAE were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and ERBF and ERPF values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in both central obese groups than comparable subjects with peripheral obesity. Multiple regression analysis indicated that RVR increased significantly (P < 0.05) with WHR and PRA but not with CO and IRI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that obesity with body fat distribution of central type, more than obesity of peripheral type, is associated to abnormalities in renal haemodynamics and function. These data are consistent with the indication that change in renal haemodynamics take place at an early stage in the obesity-induced hypertension.

Adult↗

Clinical-anamnestic and instrumental data in outpatients suffering from venous disease.

The authors studied 200 consecutive outpatients with symptoms due to venous disease of the lower limbs. All the patients underwent anamnestic, clinical and instrumental evaluation (c.w. Doppler velocimetry and strain-gauge plethysmography). The results of this study showed that some anamnestic and clinical data are significantly related to venous disease detected by instrumental techniques. The superficial and deep vein hypertension were, instead, correlated to oral contraceptive use.

Adolescent↗

Central obesity and hypertension. Relationship between fasting serum insulin, plasma renin activity, and diastolic blood pressure in young obese subjects.

This study was designed to evaluate the role of fasting serum insulin and plasma renin activity in obesity-induced hypertension. In view of this, plasma catecholamines, fasting serum insulin (IRI), urinary sodium excretion (NaU), plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma aldosterone (PA) levels were assessed in young (age less than 40 years) normotensive (n = 27) and hypertensive (n = 14) subjects with central obesity and in lean normotensives (n = 20). Central obesity was evaluated by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) according to the indication of the Italian Consensus Conference of Obesity. PRA, PA, IRI, and plasma norepinephrine levels were significantly (P < .05) higher in both obese groups than in lean normotensives. PRA was significantly (P < .05) higher and NaU was significantly (P < .05) lower in obese hypertensives than in obese normotensives. Diastolic blood pressure correlated directly with WHR and PRA in normotensive and hypertensive obese subjects and with IRI but only in normotensive obese subjects. Multiple regression analysis indicated that diastolic blood pressure values increased with WHR (P < .05), IRI (P < .005), and PRA (P < .002), but not with body mass index, NaU, and norepinephrine levels. Our results indicated that increased PRA could play an important role in the development of hypertension in subjects with central obesity.

Adult↗

Lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors in young subjects with peripheral or central obesity: relationship with central haemodynamics and left ventricular function.

This study was designed to evaluate total (t) and surface (s) beta-adrenergic receptor (BAR) density and their relationship with central haemodynamics and left ventricular function in young subjects with central or peripheral obesity. A total of 31 obese subjects (BMI > or = 30.5 kg.m-2 for males and > or = 27.3 kg.m-2 for females) aged less than 40 years and without other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (smoking, hypertension, diabetes and lipid abnormalities) were studied. Nine had peripheral obesity and 22 central obesity according to WHR values; there were 20 lean controls (BMI < 25 kg.m-2 for males and < 24.7 kg.m-2 for females). Casual (c) and 24 h ambulatory mean blood pressures (MBP-24 h) were determined. BAR density was evaluated according to Böyum and De Blasi methods. Plasma catecholamines by high perfusion liquid chromatography and fasting immunoreactive plasma insulin (IRI) were also measured by RIA. Radionuclide angiocardiography was used to determine central haemodynamics and both systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. Total peripheral resistances (TPR) and intravascular volumes were also determined. Echocardiographic study was used to measure LVM, LVM.h-1, LVDD and IVS. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak filling rate (PFR), BARt and BARs were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and cardiac output, cardiac volumes, LVM, LVM. h-1 and time to PFR significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both obese groups than in lean controls. Plasma IRI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in both obese groups whereas plasma norepinephrine was higher only in central obese.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Association between reduced lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors and left ventricular dysfunction in young obese subjects.

This study was designed to evaluate total (t) and surface (s) beta-adrenergic receptors (BAR) density and their relationships with left ventricular function in young obese subjects. BAR density, plasma insulin, catecholamines and left ventricular function were evaluated in 27 young obese subjects (BMI > 30.5 kg/m2 for males and > 27.3 kg/m2 for females) without other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (smoking, hypertension, diabetes and lipid abnormalities) and in 20 lean controls (BMI < 25 kg/m2 for males and < 24.7 kg/m2 for females). Both groups were matched for gender, age and body height. BAR density was evaluated according to Böyum and De Blasi methods. Plasma catecholamines by high perfusion liquid chromatography and fasting immunoreactive plasma insulin (IRI) levels by RIA were also measured. Casual (c) and 24 h ambulatory mean blood pressure (MBP/24h) were determined. Radionuclide angiocardiography was used to measure left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak filling rate (PFR), time to PFR (tPFR), cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV). Total left ventricular mass (LVM), indexed for height (LVM/H), left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDD) and interventricular septal (IVS) thickness by echocardio-graphic study were calculated. LVEF, PFR, BARt, BARs were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) and plasma IRI, CO, SV (P < 0.0001), LVM (P < 0.003), LVM/H (P < 0.004), LVDD (P < 0.02) and tPFR (P < 0.02) were significantly higher in obese subjects than in lean controls. BARt and BARs correlated inversely with BMI, SV and LVDD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effects of amlodipine on renal haemodynamics in mild to moderate hypertensive patients. A randomized controlled study versus placebo.

In this study the efficacy and safety of short-term amlodipine administration on renal haemodynamics were evaluated in mild to moderate hypertensive subjects. Our final goal was to evaluate whether the reduced blood pressure induced by treatment was associated with maintenance of renal function. After a run-in period with placebo, 30 hypertensive patients without cardiac or renal diseases were randomly allocated to a double-blind 4 weeks controlled study with amlodipine 10 mg once a day (15 patients) or placebo (15 patients). Renal haemodynamic measurements included effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by radionuclide study using 131I-hippuran and 99mTc, with methods described by Schlegel and Gates, respectively. In addition, effective renal blood flow [ERBF = ERPF/(1-Ht)], filtration fraction (FF = GFR/ERPF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR = MBP x 80/ERBF) were calculated. Plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone (ALD) and urinary excretion of sodium (NaU) were evaluated. At the end of amlodipine administration a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in SBP, DBP and MBP from baseline values was observed. A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in RVR and significant increases (P < 0.05) in ERPF, ERBF and in NaU were also found, without relevant changes in GFR, FF, PRA and ALD. No significant variation in clinical and renal measurements was observed in the placebo group. No relevant side effects were observed in either group. In conclusion, amlodipine was effective in lowering blood pressure in mild to moderate hypertension and exerted favourable effects on renal haemodynamics and function.

Adult↗

Obesity, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Hypertension and obesity are associated with an increased risk of clinical cardiovascular complications due to atherosclerosis. Moreover has been reported that hypertension may predispose to atheroma development. In the present review some common aspects to hypertension and atherosclerosis including smooth muscle cell proliferation, endothelial damage and intervention of growth factors have been analyzed. Additional data have to be provided to explain if the connections between hypertension and atherosclerosis could be considered two effects with one unknown cause. In addition some aspects related to obesity and atherosclerosis have been dissected. In particular we have reported our results indicating that young obese subjects without risk factors for cardiovascular disease have already several markers of cardiovascular damage i.e. atherogenetic lipid pattern, pro-thrombotic and hypofibrinolitic pattern without sign of coagulation and/or platelet in vivo activation, increased plasma endothelin and catecholamine values, rised fasting and after OGTT insulin levels. In view of this more extensively data have to be necessary to support the opinion that obesity and atherosclerosis could be two associated conditions evolving during the time to develop cardiovascular disease or events.

Adult↗

Double-blind controlled study of rilmenidine versus hydrochlorothiazide in mild hypertension: clinical and renal haemodynamic evaluation.

Clinical and renal haemodynamic parameters were evaluated in 20 mild hypertensive patients after rilmenidine (RIL) administration during a one month double-blind randomised study compared with hydrochlorothiazide (HCT). At the beginning and at the end of the study, BP, heart rate and renal haemodynamic parameters were evaluated. Renal haemodynamic parameters included effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) evaluated by radionuclide study utilising 131I-Hippuran according to Schlegel's method, effective renal blood flow (ERBF = ERPF/(1-Ht)), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by creatinine clearance, filtration fraction (FF = GFR/ERPF) and renal vascular resistances (RVR = DBP x 80/ERBF). RIL and HCT significantly (P < 0.01) reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure without relevant change in ERPF, ERBF, GFR and FF. RVR was significantly reduced both in the RIL group (P < 0.002 vs. baseline) and in the HCT group (P < 0.001 vs. baseline). No relevant side-effects were observed in either group. In conclusion, rilmenidine was effective in reducing BP in mild hypertensive patients and produced favourable effects on renal function.

Adult↗

Antihypertensive efficacy and effects of nitrendipine on cardiac and renal hemodynamics in mild to moderate hypertensive patients: randomized controlled trial versus hydrochlorothiazide.

In this study antihypertensive efficacy, safety, and the effects of short-term nitrendipine administration on central and renal hemodynamics were evaluated in mild to moderate hypertensives. Our final goal was to ascertain whether the reduction in blood pressure induced by nitrendipine treatment was associated with maintained renal function. After a run-in period with placebo, 26 hypertensives without cardiac or renal disease were randomly assigned to a double-blind 8-week controlled trial with nitrendipine (N) 20 mg once a day (13 pts) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) 25 mg once a day (13 pts). Renal hemodynamic measurements included effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by radionuclide study using I-131 hippuran and Tc-99m, according to the methods described by Schlegel and Gates, respectively. Effective renal blood flow [ERBF = ERPF/(1-Ht)], filtration fraction (FF = GFR/ERPF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR = MBP x 80/ERBF) were also calculated. Other hemodynamic measurements included cardiac index (CI), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) measured by the first-pass radionuclide angiography technique. At the end of N or HCT administration significant decreases (p less than 0.001) in SBP, DBP, and MBP vs. baseline values were observed in both hypertensive groups. In the N group a significant decrease (p less than 0.01) in TPR and RVR, and significant increases (p less than 0.05) in CI, ERPF, and ERBF were observed. In the HCT group a significant decrease (p less than 0.05) in RVR was found without significant changes in other hemodynamic parameters. No important side effects were observed with either therapy. In conclusion, nitrendipine was effective in reducting blood pressure in mild to moderate hypertensive patients and exerted favorable effects on cardiac and renal function.

Adult↗

Left ventricular function response to exercise in normotensive obese subjects: influence of degree and duration of obesity.

This study has been designed to evaluate whether duration and severity of obesity can influence left ventricular function response to exercise in obese subjects without other known cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipoproteinemia. A total of 29 obese subjects were included and they were divided, according to their body mass index and to Garrow's criteria as follows: Overweight or mildly obese subjects: body mass index from 25 to 30 kg/m2; moderately obese subjects: body mass index > 30 and < 40 kg/m2. Both obese groups were further subdivided according to their duration of obesity evaluated by accurate anamnesis in subgroup A (duration of obesity less than 120 months) and subgroup B (duration of obesity more than 120 months). Left ventricular ejection fraction was detected by blood pool gated radionuclide angiocardiography both at rest and after symptom-limited bicycle ergometer procedure. At peak exercise left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in overweight subjects. Exercise produced an increase of left ventricular ejection fraction in 14 overweight and in 5 moderately obese subjects and a decrease in 2 moderately obese subjects. At peak exercise mean heart rate and mean blood pressure increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups. When obese subjects were subgrouped according to duration of obesity, left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in overweight subjects with duration of obesity less than 120 months. Duration of obesity correlated inversely with percent change in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) at peak exercise (delta EF) (r = -0.59; p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in normotensive obese subjects: influence of degree and duration of obesity.

The present study was carried out to evaluate systolic and diastolic parameters in overweight and moderately obese, but otherwise healthy subjects, and in a lean control group, to determine whether degree and duration of obesity can influence left ventricular function. A total of 27 subjects, 17 overweight or with moderate obesity and 10 lean, healthy subjects were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and to Garrow's criteria as follows: lean control group (BMI less than 25 kg.m-2); overweight subjects (BMI from 25 to 30 kg.m-2); moderately obese subjects (BMI greater than 30 less than 40 kg.m-2). Systolic and diastolic parameters were measured using blood pool gated radionuclide angiography. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), peak ejection rate (PER), time to PER (tPER), peak filling rate (PFR) and time to PFR (tPFR) were evaluated. PER and PFR values were normalized for end-diastolic volume (EDV). EF and PFR were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) both in moderately obese and in overweight subjects and tPFR was significantly (P less than 0.05) prolonged in both groups in comparison to lean controls. Only in moderately obese subjects was PER significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased and tPER significantly (P less than 0.05) prolonged in comparison to lean controls. As compared to overweight individuals, moderately obese subjects were characterized by a significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in LVEF and PER and by a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in tPER, without relevant change in PFR and in tPFR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blood Pressure↗

Rapid left ventricular filling in untreated hypertensive subjects with or without left ventricular hypertrophy.

In this study, independent contribution of age, HR, BMI, casual and ambulatory blood pressure, LVM and LVEF in evaluating diastolic filling have been investigated in 34 never-treated hypertensive patients and in 15 healthy normotensive subjects. All the subjects were free from coronary artery disease, valvular disease, heart failure, renal disease and psychiatric problems. All the hypertensive subjects (never treated) were subgrouped according to presence or absence of LVH. The PFR decreased significantly and tPFR increased significantly in hypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive subjects and they did not change in the presence vs absence of LVH. The PFR was inversely correlated with BMI, age, 24-h mean SBP and with 24-h DBP. In multiple regression analysis, PFR decreased with BMI, age, 24-h mean SBP and DBP but not with LVMI. These results suggest that BMI, age and 24-h mean blood pressure were the major determinants of PFR abnormalities in hypertensive patients.

Adult↗

[Captopril versus placebo in the prevention of hemicrania without aura. A randomized double-blind study].

Endogenous opioids are known to be involved in the pathophysiology of idiopathic headache. In fact, decreased levels of enkephalin (E) or endorphin (BE) during headache attacks might be a marker of an altered pain-inhibiting system of central neurotransmission or could be secondary to alterations of brain circulation that often occur during the headache crisis. Recently, captopril (C) has been shown to be apt to restore the availability of endogenous opioids, to improve cerebral blood flow via the inhibition of both the cerebral and systemic renin-angiotensin system or of catecholamine release. It has also been reported to be able to restore the nociceptive-antinociceptive balance through an increase of serum kinin (K) or prostaglandin (Pr) levels. In the present study, the efficacy of C in reducing the frequency (F), duration (D), or severity (S) of headache paroxysm were investigated in a double blind trial vs. placebo (P). Twenty-six subjects (5 males and 21 females; mean age 37 +/- 11 years) suffering from idiopathic headache at least for one year have been allocated to treatment with C (25 mg three times/day) or P according to a double-blind randomized protocol for 4 months. The effects of C or P have been evaluated with Migraine Index Correct, related to changes in F, D or S of headache attacks. Our results indicate that C is effective in reducing F, D or S in subjects with idiopathic headache.

Adult↗