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O Gandini

Publications and source records attributed to O Gandini.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Altered restriction pattern of the putative DNA binding domain of estrogen receptor or related genes in primary human meningiomas.

We analyzed by restriction mapping the genomic organization of the estrogen receptor gene in several primary human brain tumors in order to investigate the possible relationships between the development of these tumors and gonadal steroid hormones. In 5 out of 23 meningiomas the Eco RI restriction of genomic DNAs revealed 6 invariant normal fragments of 6.5, 4.8, 3.8, 3.1, 2.7 and 1.7 kb, plus 2 additional variant fragments of either 8.6 or 2.5 kb. More detailed analysis showed that these variant bands hybridized with a probe specific for the middle region of the estrogen receptor cDNA, coding for the DNA-binding domain of the receptor. This abnormal restriction pattern was found only in these meningiomas and not in other brain tumors or DNAs obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Blotting, Southern↗

Variable levels of bcl-2, bcl-x and bax mRNA in bladder cancer progression.

We investigated the expression of the anti-apoptotic genes bcl-2 and bcl-X and the pro-apoptotic gene bax in bladder tumors and normal samples from urinary bladder, using RT-PCR analysis. Bcl-2 mRNA was not detected in any of the normal samples, while it was found expressed in 66% of the low stage tumors and in 100% of the high stage tumors. Bax expression had an inverse progress, being present in 62% of the normal tissues examined, in 16% of the low stage tumors and in 14% of the high stage. Bcl-X gene expression was quite variable among all samples (37% in normal tissues, 50% in the low stage tumors and 14% in the high stage). bcl-X mRNA was only found in the isoform bcl-XL, with anti-apoptotic functions, whereas no sample expressed the isoform bcl-XS, which is known to suppress bcl-2 functions. Most samples expressing bcl-2 did not express bcl-X, and vice versa. These results, besides confirming the potential role of these genes in the pathogenesis of low stage bladder cancer strengthen the hypothesis concerning their possible interaction in the progression of disease.

Apoptosis↗

[Familial papillary carcinoma of the thyroid: biogenetic identification and clinical assessment of 4 families].

The Authors report 9 patients who were affected by familial papillary carcinoma of thyroid These patients were members of 4 families and they were selected in a general group of 97 patients affected by papillary cancer of the thyroid who underwent surgery from 1991 to 1998. The 9 patients were 1st degree relatives: two sisters, two sisters, two sisters and three brothers. The clinical course was similar in patients whether familiar or sporadic group, but average age in first was 10 yrs lower than in the latter group. Functional cervical dissection was needed only one time by lymphatic metastasis. Observed survival was 100% (follow up 92-16 months) and no specific complication was reported. Thyreoglobulin value was less than normal in every patients. Ret linkage analysis was always performed and no rearrangement was found; in 4 patients APC gene was detected but it was never seen. Case studies are consistent with an autosomal dominant trait that shows an high penetrance if associated with a permissive codominant trait. The authors believe that are necessary further studies on this occurrence. In papillary thyroid cancer familiarity was observed in 9.6%, than authors propose that relatives of thyroid papillary cancer should be underwent to screening.

Adult↗

Post-transfusional human retrovirus infection in 41 Italian beta-thalassemic patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that HTLV-I is present in Italy both in endemic form in Southern Apulia and in epidemic form among the population of intravenous drug addicts. In the present paper we intend to evaluate the risk for transfusional HTLV-I transmission in our country, as well as the already known risk for HIV1. METHODS: A population of 41 polytransfused Italian beta-thalassemic patients was examined by serological methods and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for human retrovirus infection. Genomic DNA from PBMCs was analyzed by PCR with primer pairs specific for the HTLV-I gag, pol and env regions, and the HTLV-II env region. RESULTS: Two patients were found to be weakly seroreactive to p19 and p24 HTLV-I/HTLV-II proteins by Western blot. The analysis of genomic DNA from PBMCs by PCR revealed sequence homology to HTLV-I only in these two patients. On the contrary, PCR with primer pairs specific for HTLV-II showed no beta-thalassemic patient was infected by this retrovirus. Surprisingly, Western blot analysis for detecting anti-HIV1 antibodies in these polytransfused subjects showed a seropositivity in two patients (not the same found to be infected with HTLV-I) in spite of a screening for HIV1 antibodies in the blood bank. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in Italy polytransfused people should still be considered at risk for HIV1 as well as HTLV-I infection, even if the incidence cannot be evaluated from such a small sample. The authors stress the importance of a through medical history of potential blood donors to eliminate possibly infected subjects.

Adolescent↗