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R Lodi

Publications and source records attributed to R Lodi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Deficit of brain and skeletal muscle bioenergetics in progressive supranuclear palsy shown in vivo by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Brain and muscle energy metabolism was assessed in vivo in five patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) using phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS). 31P MRS disclosed a reduced phosphocreatine (PCr) and an increased calculated free adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in the occipital lobes of all patients. In our patients with PSP, inorganic phosphate (Pi) was significantly increased and Mg2+ was reduced. In the gastrocnemius muscle, Pi at rest was increased in four patients, and the three patients who were able to perform an incremental exercise showed a rate of PCr postexercise recovery slower than control subjects. Our findings show that multisystemic deficit of energy metabolism occurs in PSP and suggest that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Preoperative embolization in surgical treatment of mediastinal hemangiopericytoma.

The case of a 47-year-old man with a tumor of the posterosuperior mediastinum is reported. Surgical biopsy sample revealed a hemangiopericytoma, but radical excision was impossible because of massive bleeding. Percutaneous embolization of mediastinal tumor was performed to reduce peroperative blood loss. It allowed uneventful complete removal of the lesion. We recommend preoperative embolization in cases of hypervascular mediastinal tumors.

Embolization, Therapeutic↗

A new portable chest drainage device.

BACKGROUND: Persistent air leak is a frequent complication in lung operation. The Heimlich valve is the standard system for venting the pleural cavity. The device achieves good results and is well tolerated, but the main problem is when air leak is associated with fluid leakage. METHODS: In order to improve the outpatient management of persistent air and fluid drainage after resectional procedures, we developed an original device. It is a portable system provided with a one-way valve connected to the chest tube for drainage of air and fluid, a reservoir for collecting fluid, and a one-way exhaust valve to evacuate air from the bag. RESULTS: We analyze the advantages of our device versus the Heimlich valve in the first series of 18 selected patients. Our system is drier and cleaner, easier to manage, and ambulatory visits are seldom needed. There is also a cost savings. CONCLUSIONS: Our device enhances ambulation, independence, and the quality of life of the patients, and decreases the need for hospital and outpatient care.

Adult↗

'Secondary' 4216/ND1 and 13708/ND5 Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy mitochondrial DNA mutations do not further impair in vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism when associated with the 11778/ND4 mitochondrial DNA mutation.

The pathogenic role of 'secondary' mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutations, when occurring in patients with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in association with 'primary' mutations, is still controversial. We used phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy to establish whether two of these 'secondary' LHON mtDNA mutations, 4216/ND1 and 13708/ND5 (haplogroup J), further affect in vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in subjects with the 'primary' 11778/ND4 mtDNA mutation. Brain and skeletal muscle energy metabolism was assessed in 10 subjects homoplasmic for the 11778/ND4 mtDNA mutation and 10 subjects homoplasmic for the same mutation occurring on the haplogroup J mtDNA background. Brain phosphocreatine concentration and phosphorylation potential were significantly reduced and brain inorganic phosphate concentration was significantly increased compared with controls in both groups of 11778/ND4-positive subjects. The degree of reduction in the phosphocreatine concentration and phosphorylation potential and of increase in the inorganic phosphate concentration was, however, similar in the two groups with the 11778/ND4 mtDNA mutation with or without the haplogroup J. Similarly, the rate of muscle phosphocreatine resynthesis after exercise, a sensitive index of the rate of mitochondrial ATP production, was reduced by the same extent in both groups of LHON subjects. This in vivo study does not support synergism of the 4216/ND1 and 13708/ND5 'secondary' mutations with the 11778/ND4 'primary' mutation in determining the deficit of energy metabolism in LHON.

Adult↗

Very low levels of the mtDNA A3243G mutation associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo.

We studied mitochondrial function in vivo in 2 brothers harboring the mitochondrial DNA A3243G mutation by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. One brother presented with recurrent strokes and had a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I defect, with 85% A3243G mutation in his quadriceps. The maximum rate of mitochondrial ATP production in his calf, measured in vivo, was reduced to 21% of the normal mean value. The second brother had mild exercise intolerance, normal muscle histochemistry, and normal respiratory chain activity in vitro. Despite a level of the A3243G mutation of only 5.95% (SD, 4.45; range, 0.7-16.1%) within single muscle fibers from the gastrocnemius muscle, the maximum rate of mitochondrial ATP production in his calf, measured in vivo, was reduced to 35% of the normal mean value. These findings suggest that there may not be a clear genetic threshold level for the expression of the A3243G mutation in skeletal muscle in vivo.

Adult↗

Abnormal in vivo skeletal muscle energy metabolism in Huntington's disease and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy.

We studied in vivo muscle energy metabolism in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Twelve gene-positive HP patients (4 presymptomatic patients) and 2 gene-positive DRPLA patients (1 presymptomatic patient) were studied. 31P-MRS at rest showed a reduced phosphocreatine-to-inorganic phosphate ratio in the symptomatic HD patients and DRPLA patient. Muscle adenosine triphosphate/(phosphocreatine + inorganic phosphate) at rest was significantly reduced in both groups of symptomatic and presymptomatic HD subjects and was below the normal range in the 2 DRPLA subjects. During recovery from exercise, the maximum rate of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production was reduced by 44% in symptomatic HD patients and by 35% in presymptomatic HD carriers. The maximum rate of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production in muscle was also reduced by around 46% in the 2 DRPLA subjects. Our findings show that HD and DRPLA share a deficit of in vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, supporting a role for mitochondrial dysfunction as a factor involved in the pathogenesis of these polyglutamine repeat-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. The identification of 31P-MRS abnormalities may offer a surrogate biochemical marker by which to study disease progression and the effects of treatment in HD and DRPLA.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Deficit of in vivo mitochondrial ATP production in patients with Friedreich ataxia.

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), the most common of the inherited ataxias, is an autosomal recessive degenerative disorder, characterized clinically by onset before the age of 25 of progressive gait and limb ataxia, absence of deep tendon reflexes, extensor plantar responses, and loss of position and vibration sense in the lower limbs. FRDA is caused by a GAA triplet expansion in the first intron of the FRDA gene on chromosome 9q13 in 97% of patients. The FRDA gene encodes a widely expressed 210-aa protein, frataxin, which is located in mitochondria and is severely reduced in FRDA patients. Frataxin function is still unknown but the knockout of the yeast frataxin homologue gene (YFH1) showed a severe defect of mitochondrial respiration and loss of mtDNA associated with elevated intramitochondrial iron. Here we report in vivo evidence of impaired mitochondrial respiration in skeletal muscle of FRDA patients. Using phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy we demonstrated a maximum rate of muscle mitochondrial ATP production (V(max)) below the normal range in all 12 FRDA patients and a strong negative correlation between mitochondrial V(max) and the number of GAA repeats in the smaller allele. Our results show that FRDA is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial disorder affecting oxidative phosphorylation and give a rationale for treatments aimed to improve mitochondrial function in this condition.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease.

We performed in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy on the occipital lobes of 15 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA; eight with olivopontocerebellar atrophy [OPCA] and seven with the striatonigral degeneration variant [SND]), 13 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), and 16 age-matched healthy subjects. The MSA group showed significantly reduced phosphocreatine (PCr), increased inorganic phosphate (Pi), and unchanged cytosolic free [Mg2+], and pH. We did not find any significant difference between the OPCA and SND variants. However, patients with PD showed significantly increased content of Pi, decreased cytosolic free [Mg2+], and unchanged [PCr] and pH. Comparing the MSA and PD groups, [PCr] was significantly lower in MSA than in PD, whereas cytosolic free [Mg2+] was significantly lower in PD. Despite a certain degree of overlap of [PCr] and [Mg2+] values between the two groups, by considering both variables at the same time it was possible to classify correctly 93% of cases by discriminant analysis. We conclude that phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy discloses abnormal phosphate metabolite and ion contents in both MSA and PD, respectively, and may provide noninvasive diagnostic help to differentiate MSA from PD.

Adult↗

Improved brain and muscle mitochondrial respiration with CoQ. An in vivo study by 31P-MR spectroscopy in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies.

We used in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) to study the effect of CoQ10 on the efficiency of brain and skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration in ten patients with mitochondrial cytopathies. Before CoQ, brain [PCr] was remarkably lower in patients than in controls, while [Pi] and [ADP] were higher. Brain cytosolic free [Mg2+] and delta G of ATP hydrolysis were also abnormal in all patients. MRS also revealed abnormal mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscles of all patients, as shown by a decreased rate of PCr recovery from exercise. After six-months of treatment with CoQ (150 mg/day), all brain MRS-measurable variables as well as the rate of muscle mitochondrial respiration were remarkably improved in all patients. These in vivo findings show that treatment with CoQ in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies improves mitochondrial respiration in both brain and skeletal muscles, and are consistent with Lenaz's view that increased CoQ concentration in the mitochondrial membrane increases the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation independently of enzyme deficit.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Phase I trial of the selective mitochondrial toxin MKT077 in chemo-resistant solid tumours.

BACKGROUND: MKT077 is a rhodacyanine dye analogue which preferentially accumulates in tumour cell mitochondria. It is cytotoxic to a range of tumours. In this phase I study, MKT077 was administered as a five-day infusion once every three weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients, median age 59 (38-70) years, with advanced solid cancers were treated at three dose levels: 30, 40 and 50 mg/m2/day for a total of 18 cycles. 31Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to evaluate the effect of MKT077 on skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. RESULTS: The predominant toxicity was recurrent reversible functional renal impairment (grade 2, two patients). One patient with renal cancer attained stable disease and the remainder progressive disease. There were no MRS changes in the first or second treatment cycles but one patient received 11 treatment cycles and developed changes consistent with a mitochondrial myopathy. Mean values for all pharmacokinetic parameters were at sub micromolar levels and did not exceed IC50 values (> or = 1 microM). CONCLUSIONS: Because of the renal toxicity, and animal studies showing MKT077 causes eventual irreversible renal toxicity, further recruitment was halted. The study shows, however, that it is feasible to target mitochondria with rhodacyanine analogues, if drugs with higher therapeutic indices could be developed.

Adult↗

Reduced cytosolic acidification during exercise suggests defective glycolytic activity in skeletal muscle of patients with Becker muscular dystrophy. An in vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Becker muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disorder due to mutations in the dystrophin gene, resulting in reduced size and/or content of dystrophin. The functional role of this subsarcolemma protein and the biochemical mechanisms leading to muscle necrosis in Becker muscular dystrophy are still unknown. In particular, the role of a bioenergetic deficit is still controversial. In this study, we used 31p magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31p-MRS) to investigate skeletal muscle mitochondrial and glycolytic ATP production in vivo in 14 Becker muscular dystrophy patients. Skeletal muscle glycogenolytic ATP production, measured during the first minute of exercise, was similar in patients and controls. On the other hand, during later phases of exercise, skeletal muscle in Becker muscular dystrophy patients was less acidic than in controls, the cytosolic pH at the end of exercise being significantly higher in Becker muscular dystrophy patients. The rate of proton efflux from muscle fibres of Becker muscular dystrophy patients was similar to that of controls, pointing to a deficit in glycolytic lactate production as a cause of higher end-exercise cytosolic pH in patients. The maximum rate of mitochondrial ATP production was similar in muscle of Becker muscular dystrophy patients and controls. The results of this in vivo 31P-MRS study are consistent with reduced glucose availability in dystrophin-deficient muscles.

Acids↗

Low brain intracellular free magnesium in mitochondrial cytopathies.

The authors studied, by in vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS), the occipital lobes of 19 patients with mitochondrial cytopathies to clarify the functional relation between energy metabolism and concentration of cytosolic free magnesium. All patients displayed defective mitochondrial respiration with low phosphocreatine concentration [PCr] and high inorganic phosphate concentration [Pi] and [ADP]. Cytosolic free [Mg2+] and the readily available free energy (defined as the actual free energy released by the exoergonic reaction of ATP hydrolysis, i.e., deltaG(ATPhyd)) were abnormally low in all patients. Nine patients were treated with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), which improved the efficiency of the respiratory chain, as shown by an increased [PCr], decreased [Pi] and [ADP], and increased availability of free energy (more negative value of deltaG(ATPhyd)). Treatment with CoQ also increased cytosolic free [Mg2+] in all treated patients. The authors findings demonstrate low brain free [Mg2+] in our patients and indicate that it resulted from failure of the respiratory chain. Free Mg2+ contributes to the absolute value of deltaG(ATPhyd). The results also are consistent with the view that cytosolic [Mg2+] is regulated in the intact brain cell to equilibrate, at least in part, any changes in rapidly available free energy.

Adolescent↗

Seat belt syndrome.

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Accidents, Traffic↗

Carcinoid tumors of the lung. An analysis of 65 operated cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse two groups of patients operated for bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (bronchial carcinoid and well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma) and to investigate their clinico-pathological data and long-term survival. METHODS: From January 1978 to June 1996, 65 patients with bronchial carcinoids underwent operation at our Institution. There were 33 males and 32 females, whose mean age was 49.8 years. Forty-four neoplasms (67.7%) were considered to be central. Histology revealed 54 typical bronchial carcinoids (83%) and 11 well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (17%). Surgical resection of tumor and complete lymph node dissection was performed in all cases. RESULTS: All patients entered follow-up: 5-year survival was 91% for patients with bronchial carcinoid and 49% for those with well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (p<0.05). Univariate analysis found that there was a significant decrease in survival also for peripheral location of the tumor, advanced pathologic stage and histologically positive lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: These results point out that carcinoid tumors are malignant neoplasms, so they require a complete and radical surgical resection. Most tumors are only locally invasive and show a low aggressive behaviour; therefore, when possible, it is recommended to attempt a limited resection. Frozen sections of bronchial margins and complete lymphadenectomy should be routinely performed. The same criteria should apply to well differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas, though their behaviour is more aggressive.

Adolescent↗

Aspects of human bioenergetics as studied in vivo by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

We outline the relevant capabilities of in vivo phosphorus MR spectroscopy by discussing some aspects of normal human biochemistry as studied by this technique. The transport of inorganic phosphate from cytosol into mitochondria in the human skeletal muscle was studied by exploiting a new experimental protocol. We found that Pi was transported into mitochondria in the absence of ATP biosynthesis and in the presence of a pH gradient. The control of CoQ on the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle and brain was studied by administering CoQ to patients with mitochondrial cytopathies due to known enzyme defects. Before CoQ we had detected a relevant reduction of mitochondrial functionality in the skeletal muscle as shown by the reduced rate of phosphocreatine recovery from exercise, and in the occipital lobes by reduced [phosphocreatine] and a high [ADP] and [Pi]. After CoQ all brain variables were remarkably improved. Treatment with CoQ also improved the rate of muscle phosphocreatine recovery from exercise. Our in vivo findings support the hypothesis that the concentration of CoQ rather than the rate of its lateral diffusion in the mitochondrial membrane controls the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. Other experiments were undertaken to clarify the functional relationship between cytosolic free [Mg2+] and cell bioenergetics in the intact human brain. In the same group of patients with mitochondrial cytopathies we found decreased delta G of ATP hydrolysis and low cytosolic free [Mg2+]. Treatment with CoQ resulted in improved brain bioenergetics and increased free [Mg2+]. These findings strongly indicate that decreased free magnesium was secondary to defective mitochondrial respiration, and support the hypothesis that cytosolic free [Mg2+] is regulated in the intact brain cell to equilibrate, at least in part, any changes in rapidly available free energy.

Adult↗