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Biomedical subjects

R Marcolongo

Publications and source records attributed to R Marcolongo.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in gout.

The changes occurring in the fatty acid composition of the plasma lipids were studied in gout. The major changes consisted in an increase in oleic acid and a decrease in linoleic and arachidonic acids in most lipid fractions of plasma; linoleic acid is unchanged in plasma cholesteryl esters and in FFA while arachidonic acid does not vary only in FFA. These changes are not related either to diet or to the age of patients and are similar to those reported in atherosclerotic and diabetic patients, as well as those with cardiac ischemia. The variations observed are directly influenced by the ratio essential fatty acids/monoenoic acids and all factors affecting this ratio.

Adult↗

Plasma follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormones in patients with gout.

Plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, progesterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and cortisol were examined in normal subjects and gout patients under baseline conditions and after clomiphene stimulation. A significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and 17 beta-estradiol was observed both in male and female gout patients; in the same patients, the plasma testosterone: 17 beta-estradiol ratio was found to be significantly higher than in control subjects. The changes observed suggest a possible role played by 17 beta-estradiol in the regulation of purine biosynthesis and uric acid metabolism.

Adult↗

Double-blind preference and compliance multicentre study in osteoarthritis: once-a-day treatment.

Two-hundred-and-three female patients (mean age: 58 yrs; SD: 8.2 yrs) suffering from osteoarthritis entered this late phase IV multicentre, stratified according to previous therapy (e.g. ketoprofen, naproxen, aspirin, indomethacin or indoprofen), randomized, double-blind, between within-patient trial of 2-week duration. Each patient received either diclofenac SR 100 mg/day (D), piroxicam 20 mg/day (P), or placebo (P1 by oral route. Clinical evaluation (functional class; pain assessment; osteoarthritic condition; joint motility and stiffness) was performed at entry, as well as after the first and the second week. Patient compliance and reported signs and symptoms were recorded after the first week and at the end of the trial. Patient preference, as regards previous therapy, and global evaluation (both by the physicians and the patients) were checked at the end of the trial. The clinical evaluation showed a superiority of D and P over P1. No difference was seen between the two active drugs. Placebo effect was very strong. Global evaluation was significantly in favour of D and P. Patient compliance was extremely good (greater than or equal to 95%). Diclofenac was preferred to naproxen, aspirin and indomethacin, while piroxicam and placebo were preferred only to aspirin. The tolerability of the two active drugs was good and comparable. A significantly lower number of patients complaining of unwanted effects (u.e.) was detected in the placebo group. The number of patients withdrawn for u.e. was similar in the three trial groups.

Adult↗

Erythema nodosum and giardia intestinalis.

We present the first report of erythema nodosum occurring in a woman with an intestinal infection due to giardia lamblia, an association not previously described. The authors suggest the possible role of giardia infection in the pathogenesis of erythema nodosum.

Adult↗

Double-blind multicentre study of the activity of S-adenosylmethionine in hip and knee osteoarthritis.

A randomized double-blind multicentre clinical trial was carried out to verify the effectiveness and tolerance of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) versus ibuprofen in 150 patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Both drugs were given orally 400 mg thrice daily for 30 days. SAMe exhibited a slightly more marked activity than the reference drug in the management of the various painful manifestations of the joint disease. Minor side-effects developed in five patients of SAMe group, and in 16 patients of ibuprofen group. No drop-outs occurred. No changes were observed in the routine laboratory tests.

Aged↗

[Plasma beta-2-microglobulin in rheumatoid arthritis].

The beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is a low molecular weight protein, recognized on the cellular membranes of numerous nucleated cells and strictly correlated to the antigens of Major Histocompatibility Complex. Many authors have demonstrated an increase of the plasmatic beta 2m in different inflammatory diseases and, particularly in rheumatic ones, as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have also investigated the behaviour of the plasmatic beta 2m in 52 RA patients and in 17 healthy subjects. The beta 2m was measured in serum, by radioimmunoassay. We have demonstrated that the plasmatic beta 2m has moderately increased in the serum of RA patients, even if there is not a significant difference when compared to the normal subjects.

Adult↗

[Plasma levels of apolipoprotein and HDL-cholesterol in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

The authors have examined the levels of the plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, of the plasma lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL) and of their main apolipoproteins (apo-A and apo-B) in a group of 64 patients affected by RA and in a population of healthy subjects considered as a contrast group, trying to establish a plausible dislipidemic factor which could justify the major occurrence of coronary heart disease in those patients suffering from RA. Statistical analysis was done with the T-test. There are not differences in the lipoprotein pattern between the group of patients affected by RA and the population of healthy subjects. The obtained result seem to exclude that such a major occurrence of coronary heart disease in the patients suffering from RA may be linked to the alteration of lipidic metabolism.

Apolipoproteins↗

[Possible mechanism of action of drugs in the basic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis: effect on platelet aggregation].

As it is known that platelets play an important role in arising and maintaining the inflammation, the authors have studied "in vitro", the effect on platelet aggregation of three drugs (Sodium Aurothiomalate, Auranofin and Penicillamine) used in basic therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The drugs are used in different concentrations and at different times of preincubation. The study was based on the principle of Born and using the Coagg-Salus aggregometer. The platelet aggregation was induced by ADP 2.5 microM. The authors have demonstrated that the above-named drugs inhibit the platelet aggregation induced by ADP in different percentile, according to the concentrations adopted and the time of preincubation with platelets rich plasma. This study seems particularly interesting because it can offer a possible interpretation on the mechanism of action of basic therapy in RA.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗