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Biomedical subjects

R Zanetti

Publications and source records attributed to R Zanetti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Lipid composition and fluidity in the jejunal brush-border membrane of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Effects on activities of membrane-bound proteins.

The lipid composition and fluidity of jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) have been studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. The activities of both Na(+)-dependent D-glucose cotransport and Na(+)-H+ antiport have also been determined. A significant increase in the level of free cholesterol was observed in jejunal BBMV from SHR compared to WKY rats. Since phospholipid values did not change in either group of animals, a significant enhancement in the free cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was observed in SHR. A decrease in the levels of phosphatidylethanolamine together with an increase in the values of phosphatidylserine was observed in hypertensive rats. Although the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) was not significantly altered in SHR, the ratio PC/SM significantly increased in these animals when compared to WKY rats. The major fatty acids present in bursh-border membranes prepared from SHR and WKY rats were palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1, n-9) and linoleic (18:2, n-6), and the fatty acid composition was not modified by the hypertension. A decreased fluorescence polarization, i.e., increased membrane fluidity, was observed in SHR, which was not correlated to the increased ratio of cholesterol/phospholipid found in the brush-border membrane isolated from these animals. These structural changes found in SHR were associated to an enhancement in both Na(+)-dependent D-glucose transport and Na(+)-H+ antiport activity in the jejunal BBMV of SHR.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Increased sodium-dependent D-glucose transport in the jejunal brush-border membrane of spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The current studies explore the effect of hypertension on D-glucose transport into jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, as a control group, were used. The purity of the BBMV from both groups of animals was validated by the finding that the specific activity of brush-border enzyme marker, sucrase, was severalfold greater in membrane vesicles compared with corresponding values in mucosal homogenate. D-glucose uptake was Na+ dependent in both groups of animals, with a transient increase in the intravesicular concentration of D-glucose. However, the initial rate and the magnitude of the accumulation of Na+-dependent D-glucose was significantly higher in SHR compared with WKY rats. In order to investigate the mechanism(s) for the increase in Na+-dependent D-glucose transport in SHR, several experiments were performed: (1) an experiment that indicated 22Na uptake, as an indicator for Na+ permeability, was similar between SHR and WKY rats, (2) kinetic studies that indicated that Vmax values of SHR were significantly greater that those of WKY rats. In contrast, similar Km values for glucose were found between SHR and WKY rats, (3) Na+-dependent phlorizin binding measurements that were not altered by hypertension and (4) a study of the brush-border membrane lipid composition that showed a significant increase in the free cholesterol/phospholipid ratio in SHR. We conclude that altered membrane cholesterol content and consequently altered lipid fluidity could be, at least in part, responsible for the observed increase in Na+-dependent D-glucose transport in SHR.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

The multicentre south European study 'Helios'. I: Skin characteristics and sunburns in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin.

The aim of this study was to investigate constitutional and environmental determinants of non-melanocytic skin cancer among different populations from south Europe. Between 1989 and 1993 we interviewed incident cases and a random population sample of controls from five centres where a cancer registry was operating, whereas we selected a sample of hospital-based cases and controls from three other centres. Controls were stratified according to the age and sex distribution of cases. In all, 1549 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 228 of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 1795 controls were interviewed. Both cancers affected primarily sun-exposed sites such as face, head and neck, but the prevalence of BCC on the trunk was higher than for SCC. Pigmentary traits such as hair and eye colour as well as tendency to sunburn were strong and independent indicators of risk for both BCC and SCC. In SCC, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.6 for fair hair colour to 12.5 for red hair. Light-blonde hair entailed a risk of about 2 for BCC. Pale eye colour was associated with a risk of 1.8 for SCC and 1.4 for BCC. Subjects who always burn and never tan showed an adjusted OR of 2.7 for BCC and 2.0 for SCC. A history of sunburns and a young age at first sunburn were associated with an increased risk for BCC only (OR 1.7). Pigmentary traits and sun sensitivity of the skin confirmed their role as risk indicators. The effect of sunburns, as an indicator of both exposure and sun sensitivity of the skin, is less clear. Nevertheless, its association with BCC suggests, by analogy with melanoma, a relationship with intense sun exposure. Conversely, SCC would require prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

The multicentre south European study 'Helios'. II: Different sun exposure patterns in the aetiology of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin.

The role of sun exposure in development of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas among different populations from south Europe was investigated. Between 1989 and 1993 we interviewed incident cases and a random population sample of controls from five centres where a cancer registry was operating, whereas we selected a sample of hospital-based cases and controls from the other three centres. We gathered information on life-long exposure to sunlight during different activities. Results are analysed for 1549 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases and 228 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases compared with 1795 controls. We observed a statistically significant increase of risk of SCC with increasing sun exposure beyond a threshold of 70,000 cumulated hours of exposure in a lifetime. Sun exposures during work and holidays were, however, inversely correlated. Odds ratios (ORs) of SCC were up to eight or nine times the reference for the highest exposures (200,000 cumulated hours or more). BCC exhibited a 2-fold increase of risk for lower exposure (8000-10,000 cumulated hours in a lifetime) with a plateau and a slight decrease of risk for the highest exposures (100,000 cumulated hours or more). Outdoor work showed a significantly increased risk of SCC (OR 1.6 for more than 54,000 cumulated hours of exposure in a lifetime), whereas recreational activities such as sun exposure during holidays at the beach (OR 1.6 for more than 2600 cumulated hours of exposure in a lifetime) or during water sports (OR 1.6 for more than 2600 cumulated hours of exposure in a lifetime) were associated with an increased risk of BCC. Risk patterns were different in poor or good tanners with a significant risk trend for good tanners, whereas poor tanners were on a plateau of increased risk at any level of exposure. Solar radiation is associated with a risk of BCC even for relatively short periods of exposure such as during holidays and sports, whereas SCC develops later if exposure continues. The skin's ability to tan modulates the risk of BCC; subjects who tan poorly have a steady risk increase, whereas people who tan easily develop cancer only after prolonged exposures.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗
PubMed1996

[Incidence and prevalence of digestive system tumors: data from Italian tumor registries].

In incidence data from 10 cancer registries in Italy, cancers of digestive organs make up 20-25% of all cancers. In incidence of oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and colorectal cancer is higher in the North. The highest incidence rates for stomach cancer (among the highest in Europe) are in Centre-North. Liver cancer, on the contrary, is one of few cancers with the highest frequency in the South. The first observed prevalence data measured from Italian cancer registries refer to patients with colorectal cancer recorded in Varese province in 1976-87 period and followed up to 1988. Including those cases with less than 12 years from diagnosis, they were about 200 per 100,000: more than 60% aged between 60 and 80 years.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Elderly: Profile of the Italian Problem.

In Italy, 28% of all deaths are due to cancer. Of the 15% of the population that is 65 years or older, 65% of cancer deaths occur in men and 69.5% in women. The proportional mortality and incidence of cancer in Italy varies with increasing age. All patients over 65 years are found to be at increased risk for intestinal cancers. In older men, the proportion of lung and urinary tract cancers decreases, while prostate, intestinal and gastric cancers increases. Prostate cancer predominates in men over 85 years and intestinal and gastric cancers are relatively more common than lung cancer. In women over age 74, intestinal cancer is most common. Breast, genital and lung cancers decrease rapidly with age, while stomach, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers increase with age. The ratio of incidence to mortality for all cancers studied is shown to equalize with increased age, the probable result of lower hospitalization rates and less adequate cancer therapy for the elderly.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

[Lung cancer mortality in Casale Monferrato (Italy) and attributable risk to occupations in the asbestos-cement production].

The study presents mortality rates for lung cancer in the town of Casale Monferrato, where the largest Italian asbestos cement-plant was located. Cases of lung cancer dying in 1989-94 were exhaustively searched for in the register of deaths. Each case of lung cancer has been identified as ever or never employed in the factory with a linkage to the rosters of employees in the plant. Women were also identified as ever or never married to an asbestos-cement worker. The number of person-years at risk for asbestos cement workers and their wives was measured on the basis of the most recent follow-up. Mortality rates were computed separately for those exposed (workers and wives of workers) and for those with no evidence of exposure. Mortality rates for non-exposed were similar to rates in Piedmont (the region where Casale is located). The relative risk (ever exposed vs. never exposed) was 2.8 among men and 2.1 among women. Attributable risk among the exposed was 64.5% for men and 53.1% for women while among the general population it was 18.1% for men and 13.2% for women. The study confirms the dramatic effect of occupational asbestos exposure in Casale Monferrato but does not suggest an increase in lung cancer mortality among people with no occupational activity in the asbestos-cement production.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Cancer risk and social inequalities in Italy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate social differences in cancer incidence in Turin, Italy in 1985-87. DESIGN: A cancer incidence follow up study of the turin population in relation to socioeconomic characteristics was performed through record linkage between the 1981 census and the cancer registry. A case-control study nested in the cohort was analysed, where cases were subjects with a new diagnosis of cancer in 1985-87 and controls were a sample of the Turin population, frequency matched by sex and age group. Incidence odd ratios (ORs) were calculated for social classes (defined by education, housing tenure, and socioeconomic group) using a logistic regression model. SETTING: The study population comprised subjects included in the 1981 Turin census (n approximately equal to 1,100,000) who were still alive, 20-69 years old, and were resident in Turin in the middle of study period. PARTICIPANTS: The analyses were based on 4215 male and 3451 female cases, and on 16,913 male and 13,838 female controls. MAIN RESULTS: Compared with the highest educational level, the men in the lowest one showed an OR > 2 for respiratory cancers; OR = 1.48 for stomach cancer; and ORs < 0.7 for skin, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Women with a primary school education were protected against colorectal (OR = 0.71), skin (OR = 0.59), and breast cancer (OR = 0.66) compared with university degree women, but were at risk for cancer of the cervix (OR = 2.33) and stomach cancer (OR = 2.84). The association between educational level (primary school v university) and lung cancer risk is negative for men (OR = 2.47) and positive for women (OR = 0.62), while the association with housing tenure is negative for both sexes (OR = 1.44). CONCLUSIONS: The socioeconomic distribution of some risk factors (for example smoking, alcohol, and diet) in Italy can partially explain the differences in respiratory and digestive cancers. "Unbalanced" health promotion interventions, targeted at social groups with the highest prevalences of risk factors, and national policies for increasing the level of education in the country may play an important role in reducing social differences in cancer risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Cancer incidence in Turin: the effect of migration.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Studies on migrant populations have been of great value in clarifying the role of environmental factors in cancer occurrence. Most of them consider migrants from other countries or continents. Turin, the target territory of this study, was an important area of internal migration initially from the East, and more recently from southern Italy. METHODS: The study compared incidence rates (age-standardized) of the native population, of the migrants and incidence rates of the Cancer Registries located in the four main areas of origin. RESULTS: Overall incidence rates in migrants from southern Italy were intermediate compared with those of the stable populations of the South and the North. The same effect was not true for people from the North-East, who migrated in earlier decades. In this population, migration towards lower-incidence areas did not reduce cancer incidence. Migrants from the South showed a significant increase in intestinal, breast, and tobacco-related tumors compared to the stable southern population. No effect of migration was found for cancer of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach or corpus uteri. Incidence of liver cancer in migrant southern males was significantly different from the stable and the native north-western population. CONCLUSIONS: The results, based on incidence data, validated previous findings based on mortality data on the effect of Italian internal migrations and showed that migrants underwent changes in some environmental exposures. In particular, migrants from the South to the North of Italy came into contact with new risk factors, with an increase in occurrence of cancer.

Female↗
PubMed1993

A cohort study on mortality among wives of workers in the asbestos cement industry in Casale Monferrato, Italy.

The study investigates mortality from cancer and other diseases in a cohort of wives of asbestos cement workers in Casale Monferrato (northwest Italy). After the exclusion of women with an occupational record in the asbestos cement industry, the cohort comprised 1964 women. Their domestic exposure was estimated according to their husbands' periods of employment in the plant: 1740 had a period of domestic exposure whereas the remaining 224 married an asbestos cement worker only after he definitely stopped his activity in the asbestos cement plant; these have, therefore, been considered as unexposed. The cohort of wives was constructed entirely through official records in the town offices and is both exhaustive and unaffected by recall bias. At the end of follow up (1988) 1669 women were alive, 270 were dead and 25 (1.2%) were untraced. Main mortality analyses were only up to age 79 to reduce the misclassification of causes of death. Expected mortality was based on local rates. Mortality analyses were limited to the period 1965-88 due to the availability of local rates: in that period 210 deaths occurred among women with domestic exposure v 229.1 expected. There were four deaths from pleural tumours (one diagnosed as mesothelioma at necropsis) and six from lung cancer v. 0.5 and 4.0 expected respectively. Two further cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed by histological examination after the end of follow up. None of the three wives with histologically diagnosed mesothelioma had been engaged in industrial activities. Corresponding information for the other three cases could not be traced.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Giovanni Maria Lancisi: De bovilla peste and stamping out.

Giovanni Maria Lancisi (1654-1720) was a physician, archiater of the pope, well-known as an anatomist and epidemiologist, who made an important contribution to veterinary medicine of when rinderpest (cattle plague) affected Europe in the XVIIIth century. His times, his life and career and his main contributions to medicine are described. the main features of the great epidemic of rinderpest which started in 1711 are presented. His book De bovilla peste, published in 1715, illustrates the characteristics of cattle plague and, above all, the control measures is discussed. Of the control measures, the most relevant were the introduction of stamping out, with special instructions for the killing and burial of affected animals, the prohibition of animal movements, the adoption of special hygienic and political measures. The relationships between cattle plague and poverty and famine are described, together with the actions taken to deal with them. Lancisi points out the relationship between politics and history on the one hand and cattle plague on the other. He may be considered the modern co-inventor (along with Bates) of stamping out.

Animal Population Groups↗
PubMed1992

Cutaneous melanoma and sunburns in childhood in a southern European population.

A population-based case-control study of 260 patients (74 males and 186 females, mean age = 56) with cutaneous malignant melanoma and 416 controls (211 males and 205 females, mean age = 55) was conducted in Turin, north-west Italy, to examine the relation between timing of sunburns and sun exposure and melanoma risk within a southern European population, which is still relatively little investigated. Particularly elevated risk was associated with history of sunburns in childhood [odds ratio 5.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6-9.5], and such risk elevation persisted after allowance for other major melanoma risk covariates. Conversely, risk increase from history of severe sunburns lifelong was lower (odds ratio = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.4) and was eliminated by allowance for type of skin reaction to sun exposure and history of sunburns in childhood. A significant increase in the risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma was also associated with number of weeks spent on holiday at the beach not only as an adult, but also as a child.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Incidence of respiratory tract system tumors in Italy: data from the Tumor Registry].

Nine population-based cancer Registries are active in Italy, covering about one tenth of the population. Six Registries (Torino, Varese, Trieste, Genova, Parma, and Forlì) are located in the North of Italy, two Registries (Firenze and Latina) in the Center and one (Ragusa) in the South. Incidence data (total number of registered cases; age-specific, age-standardized, truncated, and cumulative rates) and indices of reliability (% of cases with histological verification of diagnosis; % of cases registered only as a result of death certification; and mortality/incidence ratio) are tabulated for the period 1983-87. Respiratory tumors are classified according to the three-digit codes of the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision: 160, nose and sinuses; 161, larynx; 162, lung; 163, pleura. Standardized incidence rates for lung cancer range between 48.8 x 10,0000 (Ragusa) and 115.3 (Trieste). All the Registries in the North and in the Center show high levels of risk; rates are reduced to half for the two southern Registries. Laryngeal tumors show a similar pattern: the highest rate is observed at Trieste (21.1), and the lowest is for Ragusa (10.1). The risk of primitive pleural cancer is very high for Trieste (6.1) and Genova (5.3), where the shipyard industry is present, and homogeneously low for the other Registries. Frequency of nasal tumor is too low to establish descriptive comparisons. As a whole, for larynx, lung, and pleura, the figures from incidence data confirm those from mortality data.

Death Certificates↗
PubMed1991

Fatty acid binding protein removes fatty acids but not phospholipids from microsomes liposomes and sonicated vesicles.

Evidence is provided in this paper that indicates that fatty acids but not phospholipids are removed from microsomes or artificial membranes (liposomes, unilamellar vesicles) by mouse liver cytosolic preparations enriched with fatty acid binding protein (FABP). The cytosolic proteins can act as acceptors for fatty acids but not for phospholipids of microsomal origin. Direct evidence came when liposomes made of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine, containing both [14C]labeled phospholipids and [1-14C] palmitic acid were incubated with FABP. Using sonicated vesicles as fatty acid or phospholipid donors, mouse liver fatty acid binding protein was capable of binding palmitic acid but not phospholipids. These studies suggest that liver fatty acid binding protein can interact with different kinds of membranes increasing specifically the desorption of fatty acids.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Minipolymyoclonus in congenital nemaline myopathy: a nonspecific clinical marker of neurogenic dysfunction.

The authors report a seven-month-old boy with severe hypotonia, poor spontaneous movements, breathing difficulties and recurrent respiratory infections, dysmorphisms and a peculiar movement disorder: minipolymyoclonus (MPM), previously reported only in spinal muscular atrophies. MPM is characterized by nonrhythmic myoclonic jerks associated with a rhythmic tremor of the extended fingers polygraphically detected. A muscle biopsy showed pathological changes typical of congenital nemaline myopathy (CNM). The relationship between MPM and CNM may be explained on the presumptive basis of the "neurogenic" nature of this congenital myopathy or by the non-specificity of this clinical sign.

Biopsy↗