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Biomedical subjects

R De Pasquale

Publications and source records attributed to R De Pasquale.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Effects of phytoestrogenic isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on experimental osteoporosis.

The most common type of osteoporosis is bone loss associated with ovarian hormone deficiency at menopause. There is evidence that diets which contain high levels of phytoestrogenic isoflavones are associated with a low incidence of osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. Plant extracts, which contain high levels of isoflavones, such as Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), have been used to reduce menopausal symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of Red clover total isoflavones on the progression of bone loss induced by estrogens deficiency (ovariectomy) in rats. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed on female Wistar rats. One week after the operation the rats were treated with an oral dose of 20 and 40 mg of total isoflavones daily for 14 weeks. The results from this study showed that the ovariectomy reduced bone mineral content, femoral weight, femoral density, mechanical strength of the tibia and increased the levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase in the serum and the number of osteoclasts in the femur sections compared with sham operated controls. Treatment with isoflavones significantly increased bone mineral content, mechanical strength of the tibia, femoral weight, femoral density and prevented the rise of serum alkaline phosphatase levels. In addition, the treatment with isoflavones significantly reduced the number of osteoclasts compared with the ovariectomized control rats. These findings suggest that Red clover isoflavones are effective in reducing bone loss induced by ovariectomy, probably by reducing of the bone turnover via inhibition of bone resorption.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of the antioxidant properties and bioavailability of free and bound phenolic acids from Trichilia emetica Vahl.

Trichilia emetica Vahl. is commonly used in folk medicine of Mali for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, the content and the antioxidant activity of phenolic acids from Trichilia emetica root were evaluated. Free phenolic acids were extracted with a mixture of methanol and 10% acetic acid. Bound phenolic acids were released using first alkaline and then acid hydrolysis. All fractions were quantified separately by HPLC. After alkaline hydrolysis, a remarkable increase in caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, protocathecuic acid and gallic acid content was observed, showing that most of phenolic acids in the drug are present as bound forms. Moreover, the extracts submitted to alkaline hydrolysis showed high antioxidant properties in two in vitro assays: autooxidation of methyl linoleate (MeLo) and ascorbate/Fe(2+)-mediated lipid peroxidation in rat microsomes. An in vivo study was also performed to investigate the intestinal absorption of phenolic acids after oral administration of Trichilia emetica extracts. Results showed high levels of phenolic acids, free or conjugated to glucuronide, in the plasma of rats treated with the hydrolyzed extract. Due to the absence of chlorogenic acid in plasma samples, the presence of caffeic acid seems to be derived from hydrolysis of chlorogenic acid in the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Hepatoprotective and antibacterial effects of extracts from Trichilia emetica Vahl. (Meliaceae).

Trichilia emetica Vahl. (Meliaceae) is a tree widely distributed in Tropical Africa. It has been used in Mali folk medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. The aim of this work was to study the hepatoprotective and antibacterial effects of a crude aqueous extract from Trichilia emetica root. An ethyl ether fraction from the aqueous extract was also prepared and studied. We have examined the hepatoprotective activity of the extracts on CCl4-induced damage in rat hepatocytes, their toxicity using the brine shrimp bioassay and their antibacterial activity against clinical isolated bacterial strains, which are commonly responsible for respiratory infections. A preliminary phytochemical analysis showed a high polyphenolic content in the aqueous extract and the presence of limonoids in the ethyl ether fraction. These latter compounds may be considered responsible for the good activity against the bacterial strains tested. Trichilia emetica extracts exerted also a significant (P<0.05) hepatoprotective effect at a dose of 1000 microg/ml both on plasma membrane and mitochondrial function as compared to silymarin used as a positive control. These activities may be a result of the presence of either polyphenols or limonoids. Finally, both the aqueous extract and its ethyl ether fraction did not show toxicity (LC50>1000 microg/ml) in the brine shrimp bioassay.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Cardiovascular effects of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino.

In the present study, the cardiovascular activity of the aqueous extract of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino leaves was investigated in the anaestetized guinea-pigs and has been compared with two of its isolated gypenosides (III, VIII) and with verapamil, a well-known Ca-antagonistic drug. The results obtained showed that the intravenous administration of the decoction of G. pentaphyllum (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg) produced a protective effect against pitressin-induced coronaryspasm, arrhythmias and pressor response. Extract also increased the dose of ouabain required to cause ventricular tachyarrhythmias and lethality. Further extract reversed ouabain-induced persistent ventricular tachycardia and restored sinus rhythm in a dose-dependent manner. The results obtained have also shown that gypenosides III and VIII caused similar protective effects in both experimental models used; however, the duration of the action is lower than that of the extract containing corresponding quantities of gypenosides III and VIII.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The use of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma as observed in Gorlin's syndrome.

Gorlin's syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma) is an autosomal dominant tumour-predisposition syndrome. It typically consists of multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the skin, odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, various skeletal abnormalities and lamellar falx calcifications. Four patients with multiple facial and trunk BCCs (superficial and nodular) consistent with Gorlin's syndrome are reported. Imiquimod 5% cream was topically applied to the lesions 3-5 times a week for 8-14 weeks. Two of the patients suffered mild to severe erythema and developed superficial erosions but did not discontinue treatment. Imiquimod 5% cream successfully treated 13 out of 17 BCCs in these patients with Gorlin's syndrome, with no patient suffering a relapse at the follow-up visit.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2003

Primary classic Kaposi's sarcoma of the penis: report of a case and review.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumour of multifocal origin occurring primarily on the extremities. The case of a 45-year-old HIV negative and HHV-8 positive man with an asymptomatic reddish macular lesion on the inner layer of the prepuce is described. Although primary penile Kaposi's sarcoma is a relatively uncommon disorder in HIV negative men, dermatologists and venereologists should consider this possibility when treating non-specific penile lesions. A minimal penile lesion with non-distinctive clinical features may sometimes be the exclusive manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma, making histologic evaluation necessary to establish the diagnosis.

DNA, Viral↗
PubMed2002

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa in an adult with Down's syndrome: report of a case with symmetrical localized involvement.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare perforating dermatosis in which elastic fibers extrude from the papillary dermis producing umbilicated papules, characteristically arranged to form arciform or serpiginous patterns on the skin. It can be observed in patients with Down's syndrome, in whom in some cases the disease has been reported to be more widespread and to run a longer course. We present the case of a 20-year-old girl with Down's syndrome, hypothyroidism, acne and hypertrichosis, who had a 2-year history of multiple atrophic lesions with an arciform pattern on the distal extensor portions of both thighs, histologically showing the typical features of EPS.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Topical imiquimod treatment of superficial and nodular basal cell carcinomas in patients affected by basal cell nevus syndrome: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Imiquimod 5% cream has been shown to be effective in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas (sBCCs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and compliance of imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of sBCCs and nodular BCCs (nBCCs) in patients affected by basal cell nevus syndrome. PATIENTS/METHODS: Three patients (two male, one female) were enrolled in the study. Nine tumors (five sBCCs and four nBCCs), all ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 1 cm, were treated. Treatment consisted for sBCCs of three weekly applications and for nBCCs of five weekly applications for 8 weeks. Histological examination was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. For small tumors, similar-appearing lesions were removed for baseline histological confirmation. Follow-up was performed at 1-week intervals in order to carefully detect any change. RESULTS: Three sBCCs cleared clinically after 4 weeks of treatment and two nBCCs after 8 weeks. The remaining four lesions showed excellent clinical responses with evident (>50%) size reduction at 6 weeks, but no further improvement. Histological examination with multiple-step sections confirmed complete clearing for those lesions showing clinical resolution, except for one nBCC that showed scant tumor remnants. Local adverse effects (itching, erythema and bleeding) were mild and did not prompt discontinuation of treatment. No systemic side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Imiquimod 5% cream is an effective therapeutic option for both sBCC and nBCC in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome. The treatment was very well received by all patients engaged in the study, who stated their appreciation for a topical treatment rather than multiple surgical excisions. A higher number of applications and longer treatment periods are required for nBCCs.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Cannabinoid CB1-mediated inhibition of stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

The effect of cannabinoid drugs (i.p.) on cold/restraint stress-induced gastric ulcers was studied in rats. The cannabinoid receptor agonist (WIN 55,212-2, 0.1-1 mg/kg), but not the less active isomer WIN 55,212-3 (1 mg/kg), reduced gastric ulceration. The protective effect of WIN 55,212-2 (1 mg/kg) was counteracted by the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A, but not by the cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528. These results indicate that the antiulcer effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 is mediated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Hepatoprotective activity of Trichilia roka on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats.

Trichilia roka Chiov. (Meliaceae) is a tree widely distributed in tropical Africa. It has been used in Mali folk medicine for the treatment of various illnesses. A decoction of the roots is taken as a remedy for colds and pneumonia, and it is used as a diuretic and in hepatic disorders. We have evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of a decoction of Trichilia roka root on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in rats. Treatment with the decoction showed a significant protective action made evident by its effect on the levels of glutamate oxalacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in the serum, on the protein content and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver homogenate. Histopathological changes produced by CCl4, such as necrosis, fatty change, ballooning degeneration and inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes around the central veins, were clearly recovered by the treatment with Trichilia root decoction. On fractionating this extract into diethyl ether-soluble and water-soluble fractions, the activity was retained in the diethyl ether-soluble fraction. Moreover, the administration of decoction prevented a preferential deposition of collagen around the sinusoidal cell layer, which is responsible for the perisinusoidal fibrosis in the early stage of CCl4 damage. This study showed that treatment with Trichilia roka extracts or silymarin (as reference) appeared to enhance the recovery from CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatoprotective properties of Trichilia roka may be correlated to polyphenol content of the decoction and its diethyl ether-soluble fraction.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2000

Antimicrobial activity of Mitracarpus scaber extract and isolated constituents.

The antimicrobial activity of a methanol extract and isolated constituents of Mitracarpus scaber, a species used in folk medicine by West African native people, was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans strains. The mitracarpus methanol extract possesses both antibacterial and antimycotic activities (minimum inhibitory concentration-MIC 31.25 and 62.50 microg ml-, respectively). This extract was subsequently fractioned and monitored by bioassays leading to the isolation of seven compounds screened for antibacterial and antimycotic activities. Among these compounds, gallic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid inhibited the growth of Staph. aureus (MIC 3.90 and 0.97 microg ml-). 4-Methoxyacetophenone and 3,4,5-trimethoxyacetophenone effectively inhibited C. albicans (MIC 1.95 microg ml-). The other compounds (kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, rutin and psoralen) which were also isolated showed low antibacterial and antimycotic activities (125-500 microg ml-).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in subjects with gastroesophageal reflux.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and asthma has been widely studied in the last years. GER may interfere with airway reactivity and aggravate or even induce asthma. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in patients with GER disease with a view to judging the potential influence of GER on BHR. METHODS: 30 patients with GER disease and no clinical evidence of asthma and 30 normal subjects underwent a methacholine bronchial challenge. The methacholine concentration that caused a 20% fall in the FEV(1) (PC20) was used to assess bronchial responsiveness. RESULTS: In the GER group 11 subjects of the 30 studied showed a PC20 methacholine equal to or less than 8 mg/ml while in the control group only 2 subjects had a PC20 methacholine equal to or less than 8 mg/ml (p < 0.01; ANOVA test). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with GER had a greater increase in airway reactivity when inhaling methacholine compared to disease-free normal subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Inhibitory effect of cannabinoid agonists on gastric emptying in the rat.

We have studied the effect of WIN 55,212-2 (a psychoactive cannabinoid agonist), cannabinol (a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid agonist), SR141716A, a cannabinoid CB1 antagonist, and SR144528, a cannabinoid CB2 antagonist, on gastric emptying in the rat. WIN 55,212-2 (0.1-5 mg/kg, i.p.) and cannabinol (0.1-25 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently delayed gastric emptying while SR141716A (1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) and SR144528 (1 mg/kg) were without effect. SR141716A (1 mg/kg), but not SR144528 (1 mg/kg), counteracted the inhibitory effect of the two cannabinoid agonists. These results suggest that cannabinoid agonists delay gastric emptying through activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors, while the endogenous cannabinoid system does not seem to modulate gastric motility.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1999

Hepatoprotective properties in the rat of Mitracarpus scaber (Rubiaceae).

The effect of Mitracarpus scaber on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in the rat has been evaluated. Results showed that treatment with Mitracarpus scaber decoction resulted in significant hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced liver injury both in-vivo and in-vitro. In-vivo, Mitracarpus scaber pretreatment reduced levels of serum glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (P < 0.01 for 250, 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1)) and serum glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (P < 0.05 for 250 mg kg(-1) and P < 0.01 for 1000 mg kg(-1)) previously increased by administration of CCl4. In-vitro results indicated that addition to the culture medium of Mitracarpus scaber extracts significantly reduced glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (P < 0.05 for 100 microg mL(-1) and P < 0.01 for 10 and 1000 microg mL(-1)) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05 for 10 microg mL(-1)). Mitracarpus treatment also resulted in a good ( > 93%) survival rate for the CCl4-intoxicated hepatocytes as demonstrated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Moreover, as in the in-vitro assay, Mitracarpus scaber had radical-scavenging properties, shown by its reaction with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (EC50, the extract concentration resulting in a 50% reduction in the absorbance of DPPH blank solution, = 41.64+/-1.5 microg mL(-1)). The results of this study showed that Mitracarpus scaber had antihepatotoxic potential, a finding which supports the validity of traditional usage of this drug in Mali for the treatment of liver diseases.

Animals↗