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M D'Armiento

Publications and source records attributed to M D'Armiento.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Ontogenetic pattern of thyroid hormone receptor expression in the human testis.

We studied the spatiotemporal distribution of thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TRs) alpha1 and alpha2 and beta messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in normal human testicular tissue during development and in adulthood. Nonpathological specimens from five aborted fetuses (17 and 23 weeks of gestation, three and two cases, respectively) and from four patients undergoing orchiectomy (18 months old and 38-, 42-, and 52-yr-old, respectively) were analyzed by Northern blot, semiquantitative RT-PCR amplification using DNA sequences or specifically designed primers for the TR isoforms, and in situ hybridization. By using PCR amplification, we found that TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 are both expressed at different levels in fetal and adult testis. At all ages TRalpha2 is found at higher levels. Northern analysis showed hybridization signals corresponding to the expression of TRalpha2 and TRalpha in a ratio that increased from 2.6 at 17 weeks of gestation to 12.0 in adulthood. In fact, the expression of TRalpha1 dramatically decreased throughout development, being faintly detectable in the adult testis. Expression of TRbeta was not detected at any age studied. This finding was further confirmed by PCR, which did not amplify TRbeta either in fetal or in adult testis mRNAs. In situ hybridization studies showed the absence of TRbeta and that TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 colocalized in Sertoli cells of prepubertal testis, whereas germ and interstitial cells appeared devoid of TR mRNA signals. From these results it can be concluded that the human testis exclusively expresses TRalpha, which is localized in Sertoli cells, TRbeta being always undetectable. Fetal and prepubertal ages represent the period of maximal expression of TRalpha1 and TRalpha2. The alpha2/alpha1 ratio rises dramatically after development. These results confirm a critical window for the action of thyroid hormone in human testis, in the period of maximal expression of T3 binding isoform TRalpha1, and may account for the macroorchidism without virilization occurring when hyposecretion of thyroid hormones occurs before puberty.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Calretinin as a marker for cardiac myxoma. Diagnostic and histogenetic considerations.

To study the usefulness of calretinin as an immunohistochemistry marker in the diagnosis of cardiac myxoma (CM) and the origin of myxoma cells, we examined 24 CMs and 9 fetal hearts with immunohistochemical methods on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. We compared 24 CMs with 10 mural thrombi, 6 jaw myxomas, and 2 papillary fibroelastomas. Calretinin expression was identified in 100% of CMs and was negative in all cases of mural thrombi, jaw myxoma, and papillary fibroelastoma. Calretinin expression by the neoplastic cells in CM was strong and diffuse and had a cytoplasmic and a nuclear pattern. Calretinin expression in fetal hearts was found in autonomic ganglia cells in the subepicardial tissue of the atria and atrial appendages, along the interatrial and atrioventricular sulci, and in the atrial septum. Results clearly indicate that calretinin can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of CM and that it is a powerful tool for the differential diagnosis, most importantly with mural myxoid thrombi. Furthermore, the positive expression of calretinin by the autonomic neurons in the fetal heart and CM supports the concept that myxoma cells may originate from endocardial sensory nerve tissue.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Expression of Lewis carbohydrate antigens and chromogranin A in human prostatic cancer.

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) content, the neuroendocrine differentiation and the Lewis(y) and the expression of related carbohydrate antigens in pathological prostatic tissues were determined. These included 13 cancers and 11 benign hyperplasias. PSA is expressed strongly in hyperplastic and poorly in neoplastic tissues. The neuroendocrine differentiation detected by a monoclonal antibody directed against chromogranin A (CgA) is a frequent event in carcinomas and rare in hyperplastic prostate. The Lewis(y) and related carbohydrate antigens, evaluated by the reactivity of the tissues to two monoclonal antibodies MAbB3 and MAbB1, are expressed in a considerable percentage in malignant tissues of prostate and only occasionally in benign lesions. Our results suggest that immunoblotting with antibodies against CgA, B3 and B1 on the tissues, obtained after surgery, may be useful to obtain more information on the neoplastic transformation of human prostate. Furthermore, the expression of Lewis(y) and related carbohydrate antigens on the surface of prostate cancer suggest that, following a clinical trial, an immunotoxin combination of MAbB3 or MAbB1 and Pseudomonas exotoxin, may be used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Ultrasound-guided biopsy: screening of prostate cancer with a single set of 14 systematic biopsies].

Standard sextant prostate biopsy may underestimate cancer in men in whom clinical finding and transrectal ultrasound are negative and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value suspicious for localized prostate cancer (4-10 ng/ml). We describe our experience with a 14 systematic multisite biopsy scheme to detect carcinoma of the prostate (stage T1c). Between January 1999 and February 2000, a total of 177 consecutive patients (mean age 64.1 +/- 7.7 years) underwent systematic transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy for normal digital rectal examination, normal TRUS and abnormal prostate specific antigen 4 ng/ml or greater (4-13 ng/ml). Fourteen core/patient were obtained not depending on prostate size. Biopsies were obtained from conventional sextant biopsies (6 core) and 3 alternate sites which included: the right and left extreme lateral peripheral zone between anterior tissue and posterior gland base (2 core); the right and left transition zone, immediately adjacent to the urethra anterior and posterior (4 core) and the right and left central gland in the mid zone typical of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (2 core). All specimens were separated for specific location identification. Adenocarcinoma was identified in 61 patients (34.46%). Traditional sextant biopsies showed 23 patients (37.7%) with positive core to detect cancer, while a sextant regimen incorporating lateral peripheral zone biopsies and transitional zone detected 19 cancer (31.1%). The combination of lateral peripheral and transitional zone alone detected cancer in 19 patients. No cancer was detected in central gland. The lateral peripheral zone was the most frequently positive site biopsy with 11 patients (57.9%) followed by the transitional zone with 8 patients (42.1%) in the group of the alternate biopsies sites. Complications of extensive biopsy included hematuria, hematospermia and limited rectal blending in 95% of patients; 1 case of fever (> 38.5 degrees C) for 3 days. Biopsies of the alternate sites are easy, feasible and reproducible. This strategy enhance prostate cancer detection of a 30% compared to conventional sextant biopsies alone. In conclusion, the 6 systematic biopsy of the peripheral zone are inadequate and a minimum of 12 with extensive core in peripheral and transitional zone should routinely be performed to detect a more significant number of men with prostate cancer at stage T1c.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Our experience and review of the literature].

BACKGROUND: Ten cases of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) with diagnostic and therapeutic observation are described and other experiences reported in the literature are analyzed. METHODS: The clinical, laboratory and radiological features of 10 patients who had undergone nephrectomy in our Istitute, between October 1993 and March 2000, with a postoperative pathological diagnosis of XGP have been retrospectively re-evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent symptom was flank pain. All the patients presented leucocytosis. Urine culture was positive for Proteus Mirabilis in four patients (40%) and for E. Coli in three (30%). In all the patients an ultrasound scan and urography were performed, six patients (60%) had undergone a CT scan and two of them (20%) a MRI. In six patients (60%) urinary lithiasis was associated and it was ramified in four of them (40%). The disease was always unilateral, affecting the right kidney in six cases and the left one in the other four. In three cases (30%) it presented in the focal form. The treatment was always surgical and it consisted of nephrectomy; a conservative surgical approach was used in two cases (20%). At the follow-up 4 patients (40%) showed recurrent urinary tract infections. None presented relapse. CONCLUSIONS: XGP is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease, often associated with urinary tract infections and/or urolithiasis. The clinical presentation is nonspecific so that differential diagnosis with other kidney diseases becomes difficult. A CT scan can be helpful in formulating diagnosis. The treatment is surgical and it consists of a nephrectomy, while a conservative approach can be reserved in some cases for the focal form. Cases treated with antibotics have been described.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Ontogeny and regulation of variant thyroid hormone receptor isoforms in developing rat testis.

High affinity-low capacity nuclear triiodothyronine (T3) receptors (TRs), identified as a product of c-erbAalpha proto-oncogene, are expressed in prepubertal rat Sertoli cell. At this age, exogenous T3 treatment as well as hypothyroidism affects Sertoli cell functions. We examined the ontogenetic expression pattern of TRs in the rat testis. Northern analysis confirms that TRs are expressed at high level from fetal development until prepubertal period. RNase protection analysis demonstrates that TRalpha2, the variant isoform of TRalpha1, is constitutively expressed at all ages, while TRalpha3 is absent in the adult gonad. While TRalpha1 and TRalpha2 expression declines during development, Rev-erbAalpha (Rev), the antisense mRNA encoded by the same c-erbAalpha genomic locus, increases beginning 5 days after birth and maximizing in adulthood. TRalpha1, TRalpha2, and Rev mRNAs do not appear to be directly regulated by thyroid hormone in testis; however, short-term neonatal hypothyroidism leads to the expression of TRalpha1 and its variant in adult testis, which is absent in control coeval animals. Thus, during development of rat testis, the levels of messages of genes encoded in the c-erbAalpha. genomic locus have different ontogenetic control. The ontogenetic profile of TRalpha1 and its variant isoforms within the seminiferous epithelium suggests that these receptors are involved in the differentiation of the male gonad.

Aging↗
PubMed1999

Thyroid hormone effects on mouse oocyte maturation and granulosa cell aromatase activity.

In the present study we evaluated the role of T3 on the in vitro processes of mouse cumulus cell-oocyte complex expansion, oocyte meiotic maturation, and granulosa cell aromatase activity. Results obtained from cumuli oophori isolated from immature and adult mice ovaries demonstrated that T3 at all concentrations tested (0.1-100 nM) did not affect basal or FSH-induced cumulus expansion or interfere with oocyte meiotic maturation up to metaphase II stage. On the contrary, T3 inhibited in a time- and dose-dependent manner FSH-induced aromatase activity in cultured granulosa cells obtained from either adult or immature female mice. The half-maximal dose (ED50) of T3 inhibition was 0.87 +/- 0.21 nM, which is in agreement with the reported dissociation constant of T3 nuclear receptor (Kd = 0.4-5 nM) in mammalian granulosa cells. Time-course experiments demonstrated higher sensitivity to T3 of adult granulosa cells with respect to immature granulosa cells in culture. Indeed, in immature granulosa cells T3 inhibition became significantly evident only after 6 days of hormonal treatment, whereas in adult granulosa cells the inhibitory effect was present after only 2 days of treatment. (Bu)2cAMP- or 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-stimulated aromatase activity was also significantly decreased by T3, thus suggesting that the inhibition was downstream from cAMP formation. Lastly, analysis of aromatase messenger RNA (mRNA) levels by semiquantitative RT-PCR demonstrated the ability of FSH to increase aromatase mRNA level in cultured granulosa cells by 2.4 +/- 0.5-fold. In agreement with the effect on enzyme activity, the stimulatory effect of FSH on aromatase mRNA level was greatly reduced after T3 cotreatment. In conclusion, T3 inhibition of aromatase activity may be of physiological relevance in the complex multihormonal regulation of mammalian follicle development and may contribute to explaining the alteration in female reproductive functions after thyroid hormone hypo- or hypersecretion.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗
PubMed1999

[Transurethral treatment of bladder diverticuli].

Since October 1994 we performed endoscopic treatment of bladder diverticula, in combination with the resolution of cervico-urethral obstruction, in 12 patients. In a first group of five patients we used the incision of the diverticular neck, while in a second group of seven patients we associated the electrocoagulation of the diverticular mucosa to the opening of the diverticular neck. The better results have been obtained in the second group of patients in which the diverticula had markedly shrunk in two cases and had totally disappeared in five. Transurethral treatment of bladder diverticula, with incision of the diverticular neck and the fulguration of the diverticular mucosa, combined with transurethral operations for removing the obstruction of the lower urinary tract, is a safe, fast and effective method.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Leydig cell tumor of the testis. Report of 3 clinical cases].

Leydig cell tumours account for only 1-3% of all testicular neoplasms. They are commonly detected as palpable masses, but can present with precocious puberty, gynecomastia or infertility. Although they are usually benign, about 10% of the reported cases have evolved as a malignant neoplasm. There are no histologic features pathognomonic for malignancy and metastasis is the only certain criterion of a malignant. Leydig cell tumour. The follow-up must be prolonged. The treatment of this tumour is orchidofuniculectomy by inguinal approach, associated with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy when regional nodes are involved. We reports our experience on three cases of Leydig cell tumour of the testis treated with orchidofuniculectomy. The patients have been submitted to a 9 months, 11 months and 10 years follow-up respectively, and at present they are without signs of disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Prenatal diagnosis and hemodynamic evaluation of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome is a rare congenital soft-tissue anomaly which is characterized by the presence of multiple hemangiomata, arteriovenous fistulas and limb hypertrophy. We report the ultrasound findings in two cases of early prenatal diagnosis at 17 and 18 weeks of gestation. The pathogenesis of the syndrome and involvement of the cardiovascular system are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Regulation by thyroid hormone of the expression of basement membrane components in rat prepubertal Sertoli cells.

The present study reports the modulation of basement membrane (BM) components, laminin, entactin, and type IV collagen, expression in prepubertal rat Sertoli cell by the thyroid hormone T3. Immunocytochemical studies of permeabilized Sertoli cells in culture showed that T3 treatment (10[-7] M for 24 h) increased the number of cells staining positive for laminin and/or entactin (from 58 +/- 5.3% to 86.4 +/- 6.5%, P < 0.01). In contrast, a strong inhibition of type IV collagen immunopositivity was observed. Western blot analysis of Sertoli cell-conditioned media indicated that T3 treatment significantly (P < 0.01) increased the level of secreted entactin by 60-65% without affecting the levels of laminin A and B1/B2 chains. Moreover, thyroid hormone treatment of Sertoli cells significantly reduced type IV collagen secretion by 62% (P < 0.05). Slot blot analysis of poly-A RNA demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the level of entactin messenger RNA (mRNA) by 140% (P < 0.01) and a 50% reduction of type IV collagen alpha1 chain mRNA after thyroid hormone treatment. No effect of the hormone was observed on the accumulation of the laminin B1 and B2 chain mRNAs in Sertoli cell cultures. These effects cannot be ascribed to changes in the degradation of BM components, because no effect of thyroid hormone was observed on plasminogen activators or metalloproteinase secretion by Sertoli cells. These observations indicate the Sertoli cell as a source of entactin within the testis, demonstrate the ability of T3 to differentially regulate the expression of BM components, and can be regarded as a part of the integrated mechanism by which thyroid hormone affects testicular development and differentiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Elective conservative surgery for renal carcinoma versus radical nephrectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify criteria with which to select candidates for conservative nephrectomy, and to compare the results of radical and conservative nephrectomy in two homogeneous groups of patients with renal carcinoma, in a prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients (27 men and 13 women, mean age 49.9 years, range 23-76) with renal carcinoma (T1-T2 NOMO, < 4 cm in diameter) were enrolled in the study between 1988 and 1993 and followed for a maximum of 98 months (mean 70.1). The patients were divided into two groups: Group A comprised 19 patients (mean age 51.4, SD 13.7 years, mean tumor size 3.34, SD 0.64 cm) who underwent partial nephrectomy: Group B comprised 21 patients (mean age 48.7, SD 14.7 years, mean tumour size 3.21, SD 0.56 cm) who were selected for radical nephrectomy. The survival and progression of disease were assessed. RESULTS: Survival did not differ between the groups; one patient from each group died from distant metastases. There were no cases of local recurrence and multifocal neoplastic lesions were found in one patient during surgery. CONCLUSION: This prospective study confirms the results of retrospective studies that conservative surgery is as effective as radical surgery for renal carcinoma; however, its clinical application is limited by the risk that the renal carcinoma is multifocal.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Conservative surgery of epidermoid cyst of the testis].

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare, benign testicular tumor. It is estimated that epidermoid cyst of the testis represent less than 1% of all testicular tumors. Opinion is divided as to the best treatment for this condition. The majority opinion favours excision of the tumour and preservation of the testis, although some recommend radical inguinal orchiectomy. We present a case of a 26 years old man with an epidermoid cyst of the testis and submitted to organ preserving surgery. Organ preserving surgery with the excision or enucleation of the epidermoid cyst suffices, having not been reported relapse or metastasis after such treatment. The longest reported follow up time is 37 years. The conservative management of epidermoid cyst is an alternative with important psycho logical benefits and without jeopardizing life.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Role of alfuzosin in the treatment of functional voiding disorders in women].

Voiding dysfunction of the lower urinary tract represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge being the symptoms and urodynamic finding not strictly related. 34 women with urgency-frequency symptoms and post voiding residual urine were treated with alfuzosin 2.5 mg. twice daily alone or associated to oxibutinine 25 mg twice daily in patients with destrusor instability. After 30 days from therapy 69% presented a post void residual urine less than 40 ml, while 76% presented a flw max more than 15 ml/sec. At follow up 12 months the results remained unchanged. Alfuzosin alone or in association with oxibutinin can lower the urinary resistance to flow without modifying the maximum urethral pressure (MUP).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of Roberts syndrome in a family with negative history.

A case is presented in which the ultrasonographic detection of multiple congenital anomalies led to the diagnosis of Roberts syndrome in the fetus of a woman with a negative family history. The fetus had bilateral cleft lip and palate, bilateral amesomelia with ectrodactyly, a complex congenital heart disease and intrauterine growth retardation. These malformations are frequent in Roberts syndrome and, therefore, an amniocentesis was performed to detect the cytogenetic marker of this syndrome, premature centromere separation. This phenomenon could not be detected in metaphases from amniocytes, but it was present in peripheral lymphocytes cultured at birth. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this represents the first case in which the suspicion of Roberts syndrome was raised by ultrasound in a family with a negative family history.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗