PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Magrini

Publications and source records attributed to L Magrini.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Eosinophil cationic protein serum levels and allergy in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a syndrome of uncertain etiopathogenesis characterized by disabling fatigue associated with a variable number of somatic and/or neuropsychologic symptoms. In patients with CFS, several immunologic abnormalities can be detected, including a higher prevalance of allergy. The aim of this study was to determine whether CFS patients, well studied for their allergy profile, show signs of eosinophil activation, as detectable by the measurement in serum of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels. In 35 consecutive CFS outpatients (diagnosis based on the Centers for Disease Control case definition), ECP was measured in serum by a competitive enzyme immunoassay (ECP-FEIA kit, Kabi Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden). Fourteen disease-free subjects with no history of CFS or allergy were selected as controls. ECP serum levels were significantly higher in CFS patients than in controls (18.0 +/- 11.3 micrograms/l vs 7.3 +/- 2.1 micrograms/l; P < 0.01). In the CFS population, the prevalence of RAST positivity to one or more allergens was 77%, while no control showed positive RAST. Twelve of the 14 CFS patients with increased ECP serum levels were RAST-positive. However, CFS RAST-positive patients had no significantly higher ECP serum levels than CFS RAST-negative patients (19.3 +/- 12.4 micrograms/l vs 13.6 +/- 3.7 micrograms/l; P = 0.4). This is the first report of increased serum levels of ECP in CFS. On the basis of the available data, it is discussed whether eosinophil activation has a pathogenetic role in CFS or is linked to the frequently associated allergic condition, or, finally, whether a common immunologic background may exist for both atopy and CFS.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Increased plasma levels of nerve growth factor in vernal keratoconjunctivitis and relationship to conjunctival mast cells.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the nerve growth factor (NGF) plasma concentration in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and to correlate it with the histopathology and immunopathology of the disease. METHODS: An immunoenzymatic assay was performed to measure NGF plasma levels in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis and in healthy matched controls. A competitive radioimmunoassay was used to detect eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and total specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) serum levels. Histologic evaluation was performed in tarsal and bulbar conjunctival biopsies. RESULTS: Plasma levels of NGF were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (mean = 8224.47 +/- 7802.53 pg/ml; median = 121 pg/ml) than in controls (mean = 51.68 +/- 5.94 pg/ml; median 42.5 pg/ml). Conjunctival tissue showed a significant increase of mast cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes in vernal keratoconjunctivitis. A significant correlation was observed between plasma levels of NGF and the number of mast cells in the tarsal conjunctiva (Cc = 0.81; P < 0.005) and bulbar conjunctiva (Cc = 0.77; P < 0.01) of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. No correlation was found between NGF plasma levels and total IgE serum levels in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis; NGF plasma levels were inversely related to the number of circulating eosinophils (Cc = -0.61; P < 0.05) and to the increased serum levels of ECP (Cc = -0.71; P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These data represent the first reported evidence of increased NGF plasma levels in an allergic human disease and suggest a possible relationship between this neurotrophic polypeptide and inflammatory cells in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Increased serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (protein X) in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the eosinophil preformed mediators, eosinophil cationic protein X, and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin/eosinophil protein X (EDN/EPX) are detectable in serum and can be used as markers of eosinophilic inflammation. METHODS: A competitive radioimmunoassay was used to detect serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein and EDN/EPX in 31 patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and in 15 healthy controls. RESULTS: Mean serum levels of both eosinophil cationic protein and EDN/EPX were significantly higher in patients with VKC than in controls. There was a good correlation between serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein and EDN/EPX. No significant difference in mean serum eosinophil cationic protein levels was observed between patients with positive radioallergosorbent test (RAST) results and those with negative RAST results who have VKC, whereas mean EDN/EPX and total immunoglobulin E serum levels were significantly higher in patients with positive RAST results than in those with negative RAST results who have VKC. Serum eosinophil cationic protein, but not EDN/EPX, levels were significantly related to total immunoglobulin E levels. CONCLUSION: The authors' data indicate that serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein and EDN/EPX are useful markers of eosinophilic ocular inflammation in VKC.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Genetic and environmental factors in the changing incidence of allergy.

Several studies have indicated that the incidence and prevalence of allergic diseases are increasing. Such data should not be regarded as mere statistical curiosities, but should be analysed to provide information on the factors contributing to allergy and its changing epidemiology. Extensive evidence has been accumulated that allergic diseases are polyfactorial. Data reported in the literature and particularly twin studies have also suggested polyfactorial control of individual allergy variables, such as total serum levels IgE and IgG4, specificity of antibody response, mediator release from inflammatory cells and target organ response. Markers of genetic susceptibility may identify individuals at risk for allergy, while identification of the environmental factors influencing the phenotypic expression of allergy can be useful in evaluating the cost-benefit ratio of taking preventive measures in such individuals.

Disease Susceptibility↗
PubMed1994

Dissociation between antiproteinuric and antihypertensive effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in rats.

To clarify whether angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent progressive renal injury directly by their antihypertensive effect we administered the ACE inhibitor lisinopril to male MWF/Ztm rats as a single daily dose that lowered blood pressure for only 9 of 24 h. We investigated the effects of this treatment in short- and long-term studies and compared them with another antihypertensive drug, the calcium channel blocker nitrendipine, given to partially control blood pressure as done with the ACE inhibitor. In untreated animals systemic hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerulosclerosis developed spontaneously with age, and lisinopril reduced systemic hypertension and prevented proteinuria and glomerular lesions. Nitrendipine, despite similar blood pressure control, was ineffective in preventing both proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. After 2 mo of treatment glomerular capillary pressure was significantly reduced by lisinopril and slightly but significantly increased by nitrendipine, compared with untreated controls. The ultrafiltration coefficient was significantly higher in lisinopril than in controls and not significantly changed by nitrendipine. With both drugs, however, glomerular hemodynamic effects were observed only at a few hours after administration and were abolished before the next administration. No significant changes in glomerular tuft volume were observed in treated and untreated animals after 2 and 6 mo of observation. Thus ACE inhibitor, despite only partial control of systemic blood pressure, effectively prevented proteinuria and glomerular injury. Comparable blood pressure control obtained with a calcium channel blocker was not associated with renal protection. These results suggest that ACE inhibitors could protect glomerular microcirculation by a mechanism that is not directly related to their antihypertensive action.

Alpha-Globulins↗
PubMed1993

Methylprednisolone normalizes superoxide anion production by polymorphs from patients with ANCA-positive vasculitides.

It has been convincingly documented that reactive oxygen species released from activated neutrophils mediate glomerular damage in experimental glomerulonephritis. Recent findings that antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA) induce neutrophils to degranulate and produce oxygen radicals in vitro led us to explore whether neutrophils from patients with ANCA-positive vasculitides and necrotizing glomerulonephritis generated an increased amount of superoxide anion (O2-). Since glucocorticoids inhibit oxygen radicals generation in vitro we also evaluated the effect of intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone. Polymorphs were isolated from peripheral blood collected before (basal), 6 and 24 hours after the first infusion of methylprednisolone and 24 hours after the third one. O2- release by cells was assessed after 30 minute incubation without specific stimuli. Basal O2- release was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.01). Intravenous infusion of high doses of methylprednisolone markedly reduced O2- production with respect to the basal value, and the difference was statistically significant at various time interval considered after the steroid infusion. Besides reducing the excessive O2- formation, methylprednisolone induced an increase in polymorph expression of the gene encoding for manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) enzyme. We conclude that polymorphs taken from patients with ANCA-positive vasculitides and necrotizing glomerulonephritis generate higher amounts of O2- than those from normal subjects. Methylprednisolone normalizes the abnormal generation of O2-, likely through its ability to up-regulate the gene for Mn-SOD, a potent antioxidant enzyme.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Markers of eosinophilic inflammation in allergic diseases.

The paper reviews personal studies aimed at identifying clinical markers of eosinophil inflammation in allergic diseases. Preliminary data on the use of flow cytometry as a method to detect eosinophil activation through phenotypic activation markers are reported. The concept of eosinophil releasibility is introduced on the basis of in vitro eosinophil activation and mediator release by different stimuli. Data showing an increase of serum levels of ECP mainly in subjects with sensitivity to perennial allergens and related to histamine bronchial reactivity are discussed in view of their practical impact in diagnosing and monitoring of allergic diseases and asthma.

Asthma↗
PubMed1992

Interaction between mitogens upon intracellular Ca2+ pools in murine fibroblasts.

A comparison of the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and bombesin on intracellular Ca2+ stores was carried out in Swiss 3T3 cells loaded with Fura-2. It was found that the tumor promoter thapsigargin (Tg) almost completely inhibited both the PDGF- and the bombesin-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) rise, indicating that the two mitogens mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular pool(s) sensitive to the tumor promoter. It was also found that pre-treatment with PDGF almost totally and persistently (up to at least 30 min) inhibited the bombesin-, Tg- and ionomycin-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, whereas pre-treatment with bombesin had only a partial inhibitory effect on the PDGF, Tg and ionomycin [Ca2+]i response, both in the absence and in the presence of external Ca2+. On the other hand, vasopressin and bradykinin, which also stimulate hydrolysis of phosphoinositides in these cells, did not affect the [Ca2+]i response induced by the same agents. These results indicate that, despite the poor production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), PDGF was capable of totally discharging and maintaining discharged the InsP3-sensitive stores of intracellular Ca2+, regardless of whether extracellular Ca2+ was present in the medium. Bombesin only partially caused this effect. On the contrary, bradykinin and vasopressin, after releasing intracellular Ca2+ allowed an almost total refilling of the pools. It is interesting to note that, at variance with PDGF and bombesin, neither bradykinin nor vasopressin are able to induce a mitogenic response in Swiss 3T3 cells.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1992

Autoimmune features in atherosclerotic ischemic cardiomyopathy.

An high frequency of antimitochondrial autoantibodies has been reported in subjects affected with primary cardiomyopathies and it has been hypothesized that they could be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In order to find out whether such autoantibodies could on the contrary represent an epiphenomenon of myocardial cell damage, we searched for antimitochondrial (AMA), antinuclear (ANA) and antismooth-muscle (SMA) non-organ specific autoantibodies in a group of 50 subjects (47 females and 3 males), over 65 years of age, affected with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) due to atherosclerosis, a condition resembling other cardiomyopathies as it concerns ultrastructural aspects of myocardial tissue. The frequency of the autoantibodies tested in our patients resulted quite similar to that occurring in our healthy elderly control subjects (AMA: 14% vs 5.7%; ANA: 28% vs 23%; SMA: 12% vs 11.4%) and in normal aged population. On the basis of our data, the myocardial cell damage "per se" does not seem to influence significatively the production of non-organ specific autoantibodies.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Autoantibodies in myotonic dystrophy.

We evaluated some immunological parameters in a group of 24 patients affected with myotonic dystrophy (MD). IgG, IgA, IgM immunoglobulin serum levels resulted decreased in most of the patients. Anti-smooth-muscle antibodies have been found in 10 out of 24 patients (45.5%). Moreover in some of them decreased C3 and C4 complement fraction serum levels have been found. Our data confirm the existence of some immunological abnormalities in a great number of subjects affected with the disease. Besides, these data evidence for most of the subjects the presence of autoantibodies non-organ-specific direct against myocellular antigens. These autoantibodies could be considered the expression of suffering of muscular fibres.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sonographic diagnosis of intussusceptions in adults.

Differentiating bowel intussusception occurring in adults from other bowel diseases represents a diagnostic problem because this condition is not a common finding. Contrast radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and abdominal ultrasonography are imaging techniques suitable for this diagnosis. Sonography is easy to perform, reproducible, and less invasive than the other techniques. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of abdominal sonography in four patients affected by bowel intussusception and to assess the advantages offered by this method.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: a model of 5q cytokine gene cluster disease.

Clinical studies of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) patients show that total IgE serum levels are increased even in the absence of IgE antibodies to common allergens. Activated eosinophils are also a constant feature of VKC at both the circulation (cytofluorimetry) and tissue (tear cytology and conjunctival scrapings) levels. Moreover, allergen challenge induces a prolonged inflammatory reaction with a prevalent participation of eosinophils, lymphocytes and possibly basophils. Immunohistochemical studies of VKC biopsies show a multicellular inflammatory infiltrate with prevalence of activated eosinophils, mast cells and CD4 lymphocytes in both epithelium and subepithelium. Mediator studies indicate that eosinophil products (eosinophil peroxidase, eosinophinal cationic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin/eosinophil protein X) are increased in both serum and tears, where tryptase and interleukin (IL)-5 are also detectable in higher amounts than in controls. On the basis of these findings, we postulate that VKC can represent a phenotypic model of up-regulation of the cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 5q which through its products (IL-3, IL-4, IL-5 and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor) regulates Th2 prevalence, IgE production as well as mast cell and eosinophil growth and function in VKC.

Allergens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ticlopidine-pentoxifylline combination in the treatment of atherosclerosis and the prevention of cerebrovascular accidents.

This randomized, double-blind study on 79 patients reported the efficacy of ticlopidine-pentoxifylline combination in the treatment of atherosclerosis and the prevention of cerebrovascular accidents. Comparisons were made with aspirin-dipyridamole-buflomedil and buflomedil-placebo combinations as controls. Global symptoms, sensorimotor disorders and vertigo were improved in all treatment groups, although improvement tended to be more pronounced with ticlopidine-pentoxifylline. None of the groups showed any change in stenosis or vessel wall rigidity although ticlopidine-pentoxifylline reduced flow irregularity. This combination therapy also normalized the direction of flow in the ophthalmic artery in 46.2% of patients with retrograde flow prior to treatment, compared with 30.0% following aspirin-dipyridamole-buflomedil and 28.6% following buflomedil-placebo administration. Significantly fewer cerebrovascular accidents occurred after treatment with ticlopidine-pentoxifylline. In conclusion, ticlopidine-pentoxifylline showed good therapeutic efficacy against atherosclerosis and a preventative effect against new cerebrovascular accidents. This therapy was well tolerated.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: short term prospective study in patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha drugs].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of occupational therapy (OT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha drugs in a short-term open controlled prospective study. METHODS: 31 RA subjects [(M/F=5/26; mean age= 56 (range=28-73) years; mean disease duration= 165 (range =15-432) months], treated with anti- TNF-alpha drugs, were allocated to OT (n=15) or control (n=16) group. We evaluated at entry and 12 weeks the following outcome parameters including Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Global Health (GH), Ritchie index, number of swollen or tender joints, pain, patient and physician disease activity, Disease Activity Score (DAS28), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein CRP) and the correct adherence to items regarding activity daily living (ADL). RESULTS: At baseline, OT and control group had similar demographic and clinical features. After 12 weeks, the changes from baseline of main outcome parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. After 12 weeks, in 7 out of 11 items regarding ADL, the percentage of patients showing a correct adherence was significantly increased in OT group only. Moreover at the end of the study, the OT group showed a correct adherence to 8 out of 11 ADL items in an higher percentage of patients respect to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our study sustains that OT improves self-management but not main parameters of disease activity or functional capacity. Nevertheless educational intervention should be considered as a useful tool in conjunction with pharmacological treatment.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ultrasonographic assessment of the response to Etanercept treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), the effects of Etanercept therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 3 months of treatment. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients, 3 male and 15 female, affected by RA (ACR criteria) who were non-responders or partial responders to DMARDs therapy were commenced on Etanercept treatment. MSUS was performed bilaterally in the 2nd and 5th metacarpophalangeal, 3rd interphalangeal, wrist and knee joints, using a Philips/HP Image Point HX machine with a 7,5 MHz linear probe for knee joints and a 14 MHz probe for the hands and wrists. In addition, power Doppler was used with the following settings: PRF 700-1000Hz, gain 60-65 dB, low filter. For all the changes a semi-quantitative score (0-3) was used to indicate the presence of a localised inflammatory process (synovitis, tenosynovitis). An overall score was then calculated based on the sum of the single scores in order to obtain a comprehensive score indicative of the global pathological change. RESULTS: The overall score significantly (p<10-5) reduced between T0 (8,5) and T3 (5). Even the most part of the local joint scores significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: A positive response to treatment with Etanercept was demonstrated by MSUS examination of several joints. The results of our study are supportive of those presented in other reports where MSUS was used to monitor disease activity. We were able however to demonstrate this in a wider range of anatomical targets than in previous studies. MSUS is a useful tool in the monitoring of biologic therapy in RA.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Serum tryptase in allergic rhinitis: effect of cetirizine treatment.

Activated mast cells release a large range of potent mediators of allergic inflammation, including proteases. The tryptase serum levels were evaluated in 13 subjects suffering from allergic perennial rhinitis. Moreover the effects of cetirizine treatment on serum tryptase were studied using the UniCap&#x2122; tryptase fluoroenzymeimmunoassay. In allergic patients the serum tryptase values (M&#x00B1;SD: 6.1 &#x00B1; 2.4 &#x03BC;g/L) were significantly (p &#x003C; 0.02) higher than the values detected in controls (3.0 &#x00B1; 1.2 &#x03BC;g/L). In allergic rhinitis, after antihistamine treatment, tryptase values (4.4 &#x00B1; 1.8 &#x03BC;g/L) decreased significantly (p &#x003C; 0.001). After two weeks from the cetirizine stop, the tryptase levels increased again (5.5 &#x00B1; 2.6 &#x03BC;g/l). The results demonstrate that mast cells are constantly activated in perennial allergic rhinitis. The antihistamine treatment is effective in reducing the tryptase release from mast cells, but the mechanism of action of cetirizine is still to understand.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Etiopathogenic, diagnostic and therapeutic problems apropos of 2 observations of acute acalculous cholecystitis].

The acute acalculous cholecystitis (A.A.C.) is a disease with high rates of morbidity and mortality and risk and promoting factors are very important. Pathogenesis has not completely explained, diagnosis is difficult, and there is no agreement on the more effective therapy. The authors present two cases of A.A.C. and one case of not true A.A.C., discuss them and conclude: 1. Parietal ischemia of gallbladder is the most important factor in the pathogenesis. 2. No many diagnostic procedures are necessary if one stress patient's history and clinical findings. 3. The emergency cholecystectomy is the best effective therapeutic procedure and only in selected cases the not invasive procedures are usefull.

Acute Disease↗