PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Mancini

Publications and source records attributed to L Mancini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Monitoring of the heavy-metal hyperaccumulation in vegetal tissues by X-ray radiography and by femto-second laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

This article reports on the utilization of X-ray microradiography and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) techniques for investigation of the metal accumulation in different part of leaf samples. The potential of the LIBS-analysis for finding the proper plant species for phytoremediation is compared with the results of microradiography measurements at the HERCULES source at ENEA, Rome (Italy) and X-ray microradiography experiments at the ELETTRA Synchrotron, Trieste (Italy).

Cadmium↗
PubMed2006

Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy in cancer patients.

AIM: Corticosteroids, antidopaminergig agents and 5-HT3 antagonists are the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Acupuncture and acupressure have also appeared to exert antiemetic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting resistant to the standard antiemetic therapies. METHODS: The study included 40 consecutive advanced cancer patients with untreatable chemotherapy-induced vomiting. Colorectal cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer were the neoplasm most frequent in our patients. According to tumour histotype, patients received chemotherapeutic regimens containing the main emetic cytotoxic agents, including cisplatin and athracyclines. Acupressure was made by PC6 point stimulation for at least 6 h/day at the onset of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The therapeutic approach was well accepted by the overall patients. An evident improvement in the emetic symptomatology was achieved in 28/40 (70%) patients, without significant differences in relation to neither tumor histotype, nor type of chemotherapeutic agent. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study seems to suggest that a bioenergetic approach by acupressure on PC6 point may be effective in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting resistant to the conventional pharmacological strategies, as previously demonstrated for vomiting occurring during pregnancy.

Acupressure↗
PubMed2005

L-carnitine and isovaleryl L-carnitine fumarate positively affect human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

Age-related bone loss is characterized by decreased osteoblast activity, possibly related to the reduction of energy production. Carnitine promotes energy availability and its concentration declines with age; Therefore, two Carnitine derivatives, L-carnitine fumarate (LC) and isovaleryl L-carnitine fumarate (Iso-V-LC), have been tested on several parameters of human osteoblasts in vitro. Both compounds significantly increased osteoblast activity, but the new compound Iso-V-LC was more efficient than LC at lower concentrations. They both significantly enhanced cell proliferation, [3H]-proline incorporation and the expression of collagen type I (COLLI), and the bone sialoproteins (BSPs) and osteopontin (OPN). The percentage of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive cells and the secretion of osteocalcin were not modified by LC and Iso-V-LC. Both molecules increased the formation of mineralized nodules, but Iso-V-LC reached the maximum effect at a concentration 10-fold lower than that of LC. Furthermore, we showed that insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II mRNA levels were not modified by the treatment. However, the two compounds induced an increase of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and a decrease of IGFBP-5 in both osteoblast lysates and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In conclusion these data suggest that carnitine and, in particular, its new derivative, Iso-V-LC supplementation in the elderly may stimulate osteoblast activity and decrease age-related bone loss.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2003

Generation of innovative anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic glucocorticoid derivatives that release NO: the nitro-steroids.

Addition to the prednisolone structure of a chemical moiety (linker+nitric ester) that releases NO species yielded a novel glucocorticoid (nitro-prednisolone or NCX-1015) with enhanced anti-inflammatory activities. Nitro-prednisolone was much more potent than prednisolone and the derivative devoid of the nitric ester in an acute peritonitis model (higher impact on neutrophil migration and soluble mediator generation) as well as in models of chronic inflammation (air-pouch granuloma and collagen II-induced arthritis). In the collagen II-induced arthritis model, NCX-1015 abrogated the plasma levels of a catabolite of cartilage and bone metabolism, indication of a disease modifying action. In an in vitro assay of bone resorption, NCX-1015 did not activate osteoclast activity, whereas prednisolone did. This lack of effect of NCX-1015 was chiefly due to NO. We propose that NCX-1015 is the prototype of a new class of glucocorticoids, the nitro-steroids, endowed with enhanced anti-inflammatory properties and reduced side effects. These and other experimental observations here reviewed may prompt the assessment of the clinical impact of the nitro-steroids on rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2001

C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate changes following arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

We studied changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to establish normal values after uncomplicated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The levels of CRP and ESR were determined by serial measurements in 45 consecutively treated patients. Blood samples were collected before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30. Both ESR and CRP showed a marked increase postoperatively, peaking between the 3rd and 7th postoperative days, the latter showing a faster return to normal ( P=0.286). These data show that CRP can be used as a more accurate predictor than ESR of postoperative complications if the blood level remains elevated or unexpectedly rises.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pseudoaneurysm as a complication of ankle arthroscopy.

We describe a case of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery as a complication after arthroscopic ankle synovectomy, in which standard anterolateral and anteromedial portals were used. Pseudoaneurysm has been previously reported as a complication in ankle arthroscopy with the use of the anterocentral portal. Previously described anatomic variations of the tibial artery and its close relationship with the anterior ankle capsule may complicate arthroscopic surgery, especially when aggressive synovectomy is performed. Anterior tibial artery aneurysm is a rare complication of ankle arthroscopy, but its potential catastrophic sequelae must not be underestimated.

Aneurysm, False↗
PubMed2000

Modulation of the effects of osteoprotegerin (OPG) ligand in a human leukemic cell line by OPG and calcitonin.

The discovery of osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL), and RANK has elucidated the mechanism by which osteoblasts and stromal cells regulate osteoclastic differentiation and function and mediate the effects exerted by other hormones and cytokines. We have investigated the effects of these novel cytokines on the preosteoclastic cell line FLG 29.1. We show that OPGL alone and in combination with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) dramatically reduced replication and increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity. However, although FLG29.1 cells appear to adhere to the bone surface, they are not able to form resorption lacunae. OPG and calcitonin completely abolished the differentiation induced by OPGL. RANK was detectable in FLG 29.1 and the number of positive cells was increased by OPGL/CSF-1 treatment while reduced by calcitonin. We propose that calcitonin could interact with the OPG/OPGL, and its effects on RANK may explain in part the action of this hormone in suppressing bone resorption.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2000

The biphasic effects of nitric oxide in primary rat osteoblasts are cGMP dependent.

Nitric oxide is a gas radical regulating cell behaviour in the cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems. It has now been established as an important signalling molecule in bone. However, the effects of this gas radical on osteoblastic function are still unclear; in fact, while NO seems to be involved in anabolic processes mediated by mechanical strain, sex hormones and fracture healing, it also mediates catabolic processes in response to inflammation. We show here that a slow and moderate release of nitric oxide stimulates the replication of primary rat osteoblasts and alkaline phosphatase activity, while a rapid release and high concentrations of NO inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. We demonstrate that both the stimulatory and apoptosis-inducing effects of NO on primary osteoblasts are mediated by the second messenger cGMP, since both are abolished by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2000

Phase imaging using highly coherent X-rays: radiography, tomography, diffraction topography.

Several hard X-rays imaging techniques greatly benefit from the coherence of the beams delivered by the modern synchrotron radiation sources. This is illustrated with examples recorded on the 'long' (145 m) ID19 'imaging' beamline of the ESRF. Phase imaging is directly related to the small angular size of the source as seen from one point of the sample ('effective divergence' approximately microradians). When using the ;propagation' technique, phase radiography and tomography are instrumentally very simple. They are often used in the 'edge detection' regime, where the jumps of density are clearly observed. The in situ damage assessment of micro-heterogeneous materials is one example of the many applications. Recently a more quantitative approach has been developed, which provides a three-dimensional density mapping of the sample ('holotomography'). The combination of diffraction topography and phase-contrast imaging constitutes a powerful tool. The observation of holes of discrete sizes in quasicrystals, and the investigation of poled ferroelectric materials, result from this combination.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Angiogenesis and endothelium phenotype expression in embryonic adrenal gland and cerebellum grafted onto chorioallantoic membrane.

Vascularization and endothelial phenotype were investigated in embryonic tissues grafted onto chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) by means of immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Single grafts of adrenal gland or cerebellum and double grafts of adrenal gland plus cerebellum were performed, using tissues from chick or quail embryos as donors and CAMs of chick embryos as recipients. Vessels of quail origin were discriminated from those of chick origin by the anti-MB1 monoclonal antibody, specific for antigenic determinants of the quail endothelial cells. The cerebellum endothelia were distinguished from the adrenal and CAM endothelia by a polyclonal antibody against the isoform 1 of the glucose transporter (GLUT1), which is a marker of barrier-provided brain vessels. The observations, carried out, 6 days after implantation, revealed the new-growth of microvessels from the CAM into the grafted tissues, and vice versa, in both single and double transplants. In addition, in the double grafts, adrenal-derived vessels were seen to grow into the cerebellum and cerebellum-native vessels into the adrenal tissue. The combined immunocytochemical and electronmicroscopical study demonstrated that the adrenal, fenestrated sinusoids and the cerebellar, barrier-provided capillaries maintain their original phenotype when they grow within the non-native tissues. The conventional theory on the endothelial responsiveness to environmental signals has been discussed and some concluding remarks have been made.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Nitric oxide superoxide and peroxynitrite modulate osteoclast activity.

The gas radical, nitric oxide (NO), is a key signalling molecule in the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. Recently it has been found that it is produced by both the osteoblast and osteoclast and that it has major effects in producing osteoclast detachment and exerting a tonic inhibition of bone resorption. This detaching effect is mediated by a rapid increase in cGMP following calcium-triggered e-NOS activation during normal bone resorption. This effect is not reproduced in vitro by 8-bromo-cGMP but is seen with the newer rapidly permeant 8-pCPT-cGMP. However the inhibition of bone resorption by SIN-1 in vitro is not mediated solely by cGMP but depends on other factors still unidentified. Superoxide anions alone produces both osteoclast detachment and inhibition of resorption. Both of these actions may be mediated at least in part by peroxynitrite which has the same effect as NO alone on osteoclast detachment.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Vascularization of embryonic adrenal gland grafted onto chorioallantoic membrane.

Vascularization and endothelial phenotype expression were analysed in embryonic adrenal tissue grafted onto chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), by means of routine light microscopy and immunocytochemical staining, and of electron microscopy. Adrenal gland tissue from chick or quail embryos (donors) was grafted onto CAMs of chick or quail embryos (host). Vessels of chick origin were discriminated from those of quail origin by monoclonal antibodies, anti-MB1, specific for quail endothelial and haemopoietic cells, and QCPN, which labels quail cell nuclei. Vessels of adrenal type were distinguished from those of CAM-type by their ultrastructural endothelial phenotype - porous in the former and continuous in the latter. The observations carried out 6 days after implantation indicate that the adrenal gland develops and differentiates according to a virtually normal histological pattern. As regards the adrenal and CAM vascularization, the grafting procedure elicits angiogenic events consisting in the formation of peripheral anastomoses between the graft and the CAM original microvasculature and in new-growth of vessels from the CAM into the grafted tissue and vice versa. As to the endothelial phenotype, the ultrastructural results demonstrate that besides its own native vasculature, the adrenal tissue contains vessels with continuous endothelium and the CAM mesenchyme is supplied by adrenal-type, fenestrated vessels.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1998

Lasting increase in serotonin 5-HT1A but not 5-HT4 receptor subtypes in the kindled rat dentate gyrus: dissociation from local presynaptic effects.

We examined the effect of kindling on serotonergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus by measuring serotonin (5-HT) release and uptake in hippocampal synaptosomes and 5-HT1A and 5-HT4 receptor subtypes during and at different times after electrical kindling of the dentate gyrus. Using quantitative receptor autoradiography, we found that binding of 8-[3H]hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]8-OH-DPAT) to 5-HT1A receptors was selectively increased by 20% on average (p < 0.05) in the dentate gyrus of the stimulated and contralateral hippocampus 2 days after stage 2 (stereotypes and occasional retraction of a forelimb) and by 100% on average (p < 0.05) 1 week after stage 5 (tonic-clonic seizures) compared with sham-stimulated rats. A 20% increase (p < 0.05) was observed 1 month after the last generalized seizure. No changes were found after a single afterdischarge. 5-HT4 receptors, which colocalize with 5-HT1A receptors on hippocampal neurons, were not modified in kindled tissue. [3H]5-HT uptake and its release as well as the 5-HT1B autoreceptor function did not differ from shams in hippocampal synaptosomes at stages 2 and 5. Systemic administration of 100 and 1,000 microg kg(-1) 8-OH-DPAT or 1,000 microg kg(-1) WAY-100,635, 30 min before each electrical stimulation, did not significantly alter kindling progression or the occurrence of stage 5 seizures in fully kindled rats. The changes in 5-HT1A receptor density in the dentate gyrus are part of the plastic modifications occurring during kindling and may contribute to modulating tissue hyperexcitability.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗
PubMed1998

Influence of age on oxidative bursts (chemiluminescence) of polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes.

The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during neutrophil oxidative bursts is the last of a sequence of different steps leading to the neutralization of pathogen microorganisms. Using luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (LACL), the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in elderly people (> or = 75 years) was compared with that in younger controls (39 years on average) after activation with both particulate (Candida albicans) and soluble (formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine; fMLP) stimulants. After Candida stimulation, a reduction in LACL was observed in the elderly subjects in comparison with the controls, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. After fMLP stimulation, the reduction in LACL was significant, thus suggesting that the Candida pathway of chemiluminescence production seems to be less affected than the fMLP pathway. This finding raises questions concerning the complex differences in the pathways of cell killing and ROS generation, and their efficacy in the elderly. Various possible explanations are discussed, all of which need further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

GV 150526A, 7-Cl-kynurenic acid and HA 966 antagonize the glycine enhancement of N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced [3H]noradrenaline and [3H]dopamine release.

The effect of selective antagonists (7-Cl-kynurenic acid, 3-amino-1-hydroxypyrrolid-2-one (HA 966) and GV 150526A) at strychnine-insensitive glycine sites was studied by measuring how much glycine potentiated the [3H]dopamine and [3H]noradrenaline release induced by 100 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) from superfused striatal and hippocampal synaptosomes, respectively, in a Mg2+-free buffer. Glycine, which per se had no effect on [3H]catecholamine release, concentration-dependently potentiated the effect of NMDA, with similar potency in the two brain regions (EC50 0.25 and 0.27 microM for [3H]dopamine and [3H]noradrenaline release, respectively). 7-Cl-Kynurenic acid reduced the effect of NMDA alone and antagonized the effect of 1 microM glycine, with Ki values of 1.1 and 0.6 microM for [3H]dopamine and [3H]noradrenaline release, respectively. HA 966 did not inhibit the effect of NMDA alone, but reduced the effect of glycine with Ki = 11.5 and 66 microM for [3H]dopamine and [3H]noradrenaline release. GV 150526A inhibited the effect of NMDA alone and potently antagonized the effect of glycine, with Ki = 12.4 and 17.3 nM for [3H]dopamine and [3H]noradrenaline release. Our results are consistent with the possibility that HA 966 is a partial agonist, while 7-Cl-kynurenic acid and GV 150526A are competitive antagonists at the strychnine-insensitive glycine sites. In addition HA 966 shows regional differences in its interaction with the strychnine-insensitive glycine receptor, being about six times more potent on striatal than on hippocampal synaptosomes, suggesting a possible heterogeneity of glycine sites recognized by HA 966 or different intrinsic activity in the two brain regions. The nanomolar potency of GV 150526A in reducing NMDA receptor function by competitively acting at the strychnine-insensitive glycine sites suggests that GV 150526A could be effective in vivo to reduce NMDA receptor over-stimulation, like in brain ischemia.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Effects of chronic treatment with fluoxetine and citalopram on 5-HT uptake, 5-HT1B autoreceptors, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors in rats.

The effect in rats of chronic treatment with two specific 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) with antidepressant properties, citalopram (10 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day for 14 days, one day washout) and fluoxetine (15 mg/kg, p.o. twice a day for 21 days, 7 days washout), was evaluated on some mechanisms involved in central 5-HT neurotransmission. No adaptive modifications of brain 5-HT uptake (sites) were found by measuring functional [3H]5-HT uptake and [3H]citalopram binding in cortical and hippocampal synaptosomes, and by [3H]citalopram binding autoradiography in the raphe nuclei (5-HT cell bodies) and the ventral tegmental area (5-HT axonal pathway). Chronic treatments had no effect on presynaptic 5-HT1B autoreceptors, functionally evaluated by measuring 5-HT1B-mediated inhibition of depolarization-induced [3H]5-HT release from cortical and hippocampal synaptosomes. Chronic citalopram or fluoxetine did not significantly affect the binding of [3H]BRL-43694 to 5-HT3 receptors in the rat brain cortex. Citalopram had no effect on [125I]SB-207710 binding to 5-HT4 receptors, measured by autoradiography in the substantia nigra. Negative results, such as those reported in the present study, could be due to a number of variables including the animal species, the treatment schedule or the brain areas considered, thus explaining the differences from some previous reports of significant effects of SSRI. However, our negative data are in agreement with many other published studies, suggesting that adaptive modifications of brain 5-HT transporters, terminal 5-HT1B receptors, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors may not be a general effect induced by all SSRI.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

HPE cells: a clonal endothelial cell line established from human parathyroid tissue (human parathyroid cell line).

We report the culture and cloning of human endothelial cells derived from parathyroid tissue surgically removed from a patient affected by Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 syndrome. These cells, known as HPE, have been isolated and maintained in culture by serial passages for more than 15 months. The clonal cell line grows in a medium containing serum substitutes which favour endothelial cell growth. HPE cells replicate with a mean doubling time of 120 h, showing typical functional and morphological features of endothelial cells, such as uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein and positive reaction for Factor VIII-Related Antigen. Basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor type I and ascorbic acid stimulate cell proliferation, whereas transforming growth factor beta and heparin act as inhibitory factors. Prostaglandin E2, secretin and epinephrine increased cAMP production, while human parathyroid hormone, histamine and glucagon were inert. Cells were found to express pro-collagen alpha 1 (type I) mRNA. In HPE cells Restriction Fragments Length Polymorphism and PCR analysis did not show allelic loss at chromosome 11q12-13, known to be a typical feature of MEN 1 parathyroid tumors. These cells are the first example of an established normal human clonal cell line with an endothelial phenotype.

Cell Division↗