Biomedical subjects

Marco Giammanco

Publications and source records attributed to Marco Giammanco.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Changes in brain natriuretic peptide levels and bioelectrical impedance measurements after treatment with high-dose furosemide and hypertonic saline solution versus high-dose furosemide alone in refractory congestive heart failure: a double-blind study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new treatment for refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma levels and hydration station. BACKGROUND: The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of the combination of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution (HSS) in refractory CHF patients. METHODS: A total of 94 patients (34 women/60 men) with refractory CHF (age 55 to 80 years) were enrolled. They had to have an ejection fraction <35%, serum creatinine <2 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen <60 mg/dl, a reduced urinary volume, and a low natriuresis (<500 ml/24 h and <60 mEq/24 h, respectively). Patients were divided (double-blind) into two groups: group 1 (18 women/30 men) received an intravenous furosemide (500 to 1,000 mg) plus HSS twice a day in 30 min. Group 2 (16 women/30 men) received an intravenous bolus of furosemide (500 to 1,000 mg/twice a day) alone, for four to six days. At entry, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and laboratory parameters were checked during hospitalization; BNP levels were measured on admission, 6 and 30 days after discharge, while on admission and 6 days after, impedance plethysmography was performed. The HSS group received 120 mmol of Na intake versus 80 mmol in non-HSS group. Fluid intake of 1,000 was given to both groups. RESULTS: The groups were similar for clinical characteristics. A significant increase in daily diuresis and natriuresis was observed in HSS group, p < 0.05. The BNP values showed significant intragroup and intergroup differences, 6 and 30 days after treatment. The patients from the HSS group reached a better hydration state than the non-HSS group after six days. In addition, the HSS group showed a significant reduction in hospitalization time and readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the HSS group reached dry weight more rapidly, a significantly faster reduction in BNP levels, shorter hospitalization stay, and lower incidence in readmissions in the 30-day study period.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Testosterone and aggressiveness.

Aggressiveness is an ancestral behavior common to all animal species. Its neurophysiological mechanisms are similar in all vertebrates. Males are generally more aggressive than females. In this review, aggressive behavior in rodents, monkeys, and man and the role of testosterone and brain serotonin levels have been considered. Interspecific aggressiveness in rats has been studied considering the mouse-killing behavior; the neonatal androgenization of females increases adult mouse-killing as does the administration of testosterone in adults. Intraspecific aggressiveness was studied by putting two or more male rats (or mice) in the same cage; the condition of subjection or dominance is influenced by testosterone. In monkeys, testosterone is related to aggressiveness and dominance and, during the mating season, increases in testosterone levels and aggressive attitude are observed. In men, higher testosterone levels were obtained in perpetrators of violent crimes, in men from the army with antisocial behaviors, in subjects with impulsive behaviors, alcoholics and suicidals, in athletes using steroids, and during competitions. Aggressive and dominant behavior are distinguished. Testosterone influences both of these, even if man is usually inclined to affirm his power without causing physical damage. Testosterone receptors are mainly in some hypothalamic neurons, where it is aromatized into estrogens, which determine the increase in aggressiveness. A relation between testosterone levels and diencephalic serotonin has been shown: in fact, the lack of serotonin increases aggressive behaviors both in animals and man. Testosterone also increases ADH levels in the medial amygdala, lateral hypothalamus, and preoptical medial area, involved in aggressive behaviors.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Relationship between ACE-DD polymorphism and diastolic performance in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The ACE-D allele has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The study evaluates the relationship between the ACE-ID genotypes and diastolic function in healthy subjects after 6 years of follow-up. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 25-55 years had normal physical examination, 12-lead ECG, acceptable echocardiographic windows and echocardiogram at entry. Venous blood was drawn for DNA analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two subjects completed 6 years of follow-up. Three genetically distinct groups were obtained: ACE-DD group (n=71, 26F/45M, mean age 48 +/- 7 years); ACE-ID (n=115, 39F/76M, mean age 40 +/- 7 years); and ACE-II (n=56, 20F/36M, mean age 47 +/- 6 years). Significant differences in E/A ratio were found between ACE-DD and ACE-ID, and ACE II (p=0.028, <0.0001, 0.0001), respectively. After 6 years, echocardiography showed a significant reduction of E/A ratio in the ACE-DD group, p=0.0001. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that ACE-DD is associated with deteriorating myocardial diastolic properties.

Adult↗