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Biomedical subjects

S Caruso

Publications and source records attributed to S Caruso.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Evaluation of a displacement assay with tamoxifen as prognostic indicator in breast-cancer patients with estrogen-receptor-positive tumors.

A displacement assay with tamoxifen, based on the relative binding affinity of tamoxifen and estradiol for the estrogen receptor (ER), was proposed in 1990 as prognostic indicator for breast-cancer patients. Validation of its predictive results in relation to the outcome of 73 patients with ER+ tumors is analyzed. ER, progesterone receptor (PgR) determinations and other conventional prognostic factors in relation to the displacement assay, were considered. Displacement assay results allowed ER+ tumors to be grouped as displaceable (D) or weakly displaceable (WD), with the implication that D tumors should respond better to tamoxifen (Tam) administration. Survival and disease-free interval curves showed highly significant differences between patients with ER+ D and ER+ WD tumors. For survival, including all tumor stages, 73.9% of patients were alive at 9 years after surgery in the group with D tumors and 37.0% in the group with WD tumors (p < 0.005); relative contribution of the different stages is analyzed. Addition of axillary-node number increased the prognostic significance of displacement categories for survival and disease-free interval. PgR determination as another ER functional expression failed to show significant differences for survival and disease-free interval between ER+ PgR+ and ER+ PgR- tumors. Thus, results from the displacement assay and from PgR determinations reflect 2 independent ER functional expressions. Displacement assay data appear as reliable prognostic indicators of breast-cancer outcome, and contribute to more appropriate treatment decisions in this pathology.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗
PubMed1996

Sporadic fundic gland polyps: an immunohistochemical study of their antigenic profile.

Fundic Gland Polyps (FGPs) are small sessile (2-5 mm), usually multiple polyps arising in the gastric, acid-secreting mucosa of disputed histogenesis. They have been described in a sporadic form, prevalently in middle aged females, or associated with familial adenomatosis coli-Gardner's syndrome. We performed an immunohistochemical study on 24 sporadic FGPs, using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against differentiation markers, class II MHC antigens (HLA-DR), oncofetal and proliferation antigens, aimed to characterize the antigenic profile of the polyps. A preliminary cytogenetic study on five polyps was also done, using an in situ culture method after collagenase treatment. Cytokeratins 8-18 (CAM 5.2 MAb) and 20 (IT-Ks 20.8 MAb), Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) and Chromogranin A were normally expressed by FGPs. FGPs did not express HLA II DR. FGPs did not react with an anti-CEA MAb (F6), but they were frequently positive (22/24, 91.6%) with B72.3 MAb (reacting with the cancer-associated mucin epitope sialyl-Tn). The PC10 MAb (against PCNA or cyclin) showed enhanced expression in the deep glandular-cystic compartment of FGPs; the PCNA index of FGPs was significantly higher than in normal fundic mucosa. The cytogenetic study on the 5 cases analysed, revealed a normal karyotype. We have demonstrated that FGPs express in the paranuclear zone the sialyl-Tn epitope, a side-chain sugar normally masqued in adult gastric mucins, thus revealing an alteration in mucin synthesis; FGPs' higher proliferation index as compared with normal fundic mucosa supports the hypothesis of their hyperproliferative nature.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1996

[Vaginal colonization of Streptococcus B in pregnancy].

In the last few years the importance of GBS as the cause of serious neonatal sepsis has become more evident. The number of cases of this infection clearly exceeds the number of other congenital infections, for which antenatal screening is performed. Asymptomatic colonization of the genital tract of the pregnant woman has the most important role in transmission of GBS and several risk factors are connected to neonatal infection. In order to assess the epidemiological situation in Tuscany, 5079 pregnant women have been recruited by the Obstetrical Department of 16 Hospitals and evaluated for the vaginal colonization by GBS. 3654 couples mother-neonate have also been studied to ascertain the transmission of this germ to the neonate. A vaginal swab was collected at the admission to the Hospital at delivery-time and swabs from several sites of the neonate were obtained just after birth. A blood-agar culture and a latex agglutination test were employed to detect the GBS. GBS was present in 6.6% of the vaginal cultures, with a wide variation in colonization rates. 2.2% of the neonates were positive. The transmission of GBS from the positive mother to the neonate occurred in 20% of the cases. Furthermore one positive neonate out of three was born from a negative mother. No correlation between GBS positivity and preterm delivery was found. The rates of prevalence of GBS in our population, both mother and neonates, suggest a situation that can no longer be neglected. Our data are probably underestimated because of the low sensibility of the culture method. A preventive strategy has to be employed to avoid serious neonatal sepsis. An antenatal screening that provides a vaginal culture at the 36th week of gestation and a chemoprophylaxis intra-partum in the positive cases appears to be the most effective approach.

Female↗
PubMed1994

[Serum pancreatic enzymes in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis and in transplant patients].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate which of serum pancreatic enzymes was less influenced by chronic renal failure (CRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients with CRF undergoing hemodialysis (A group) and 24 renal transplant patients (B group) were considered. None of these patients showed clinical and instrumental findings of exocrine pancreas disease. Total amylase (T Amy), pancreatic isoamylase (P Amy), lipase (L) and Elastase-1 (E-1) were measured (in A group immediately before hemodialysis). RESULTS: In A group T Amy and P Amy showed a significant correlation with serum creatinine level. In A group T Amy serum levels were increased in 65% of cases, P Amy in 72.5%, L in 47.5%, E-1 in 10%; in B group T Amy serum levels were increased in 41.6%, P Amy in 20.1%, L in 8.3% and E-1 in 4.1%. Statistical comparison showed a significantly lower percentages in B group considering P Amy (p < 0.001) and L (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that E-1 is the only pancreatic enzyme whose specificity is not limited by CRF and thereby may be of value in the diagnosis of the exocrine pancreatic disease in patients with CRF on hemodialysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Transcription factors and proliferative diversity of neoplastic cells].

Cancer is a multistage process with sequential steps: initiation, promotion, progression. However, the distinction between the agents that can trigger any of these processes is less clear, depending on doses, biological stage of the tissue, molecular interactions, genomic and somatic mutation, etc. Thus, steroid receptors, classically considered as promoters, could be acting as initiators under different alterations. On the other hand, chemical carcinogens that can produce DNA damage leading to cellular transformation, in lower dosage are able to alter nuclear proteins which in turn favor the action of other agents triggering the initiation process. Transcription factors (TF) are nuclear proteins with particular structural configurations for their interaction with DNA. There are families of TF with specificity for certain nucleotide sequences called "response elements". The association TF-DNA response elements modulate the genomic transcription and synthesis of proteins, many of which are related to cellular proliferation. The transcriptional message can also be influenced by TF protein-protein interactions, besides their association with the response elements. This "cross-talk" or "side regulation" becomes an important genomic regulatory mechanism. Certain biochemical signals acting on particular proteins (receptors, enzymes) can then trigger biological effects attributable to other proteins. Another transcriptional regulatory mechanism is the cytoplasm-nucleus shuttling of TF according to the cellular replication rhythm and other metabolic cellular requirements. These recent advances open new vistas for the pharmacological attack to the proliferative diversity of neoplastic cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Oxytocin reduces the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in cultured neurons.

N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors, are critically involved in the induction of the learning process. Activation of NMDA receptors by glutamate lead to massive influx of extracellular Ca2+, with ensuing activation of a variety of Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes, including protein kinase C. This triggers a cascade of intracellular reactions which is essential for memory formation. In culture neurons, high concentrations of oxytocin (> 1 microM) attenuate the stimulation of 45Ca2+ influx promoted by glutamate through the activation NMDA receptors. In addition, the hormone reduces glutamate-stimulated [3H]4-beta-phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PdBu) binding in intact cells, a parameter that reflects the translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosol to the cell membrane. Taken collectively, these results indicate that oxytocin reduces the activity of NMDA receptors, thus impairing one of the major substrates for the induction of learning and memory.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

[Evaluation of the efficacy of haloperidol decanoate in the treatment of chronic psychotic hospital patients].

The purpose of our experience was to determine the efficacy of haloperidol decanoate during the treatment of chronic psychotic in-patients. So we included, in an open study, 30 patients hospitalized in the Esquirol and Magnan Departments of the National Hospital of Mental Health "Dr. Braulio A. Moyano". As a result of this study, we have observed that to the already known properties of this drug, it may be added, because of its new depot formulation, the following advantages: a) it replaces effectively the daily intake of neuroleptics; b) it allows the reduction of the dose of oral neuroleptics as well as the number of drugs combination; c) it diminishes the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms, allowing the reduction of the dose or the interruption of antiparkinsonian drugs; d) it facilitates the nurse's labor; e) it allows the physician to be sure of the fulfillment of his prescription.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Hemodynamic effects of molsidomine vasodilatory therapy in acute myocardial infarction.

The hemodynamic effects and duration of action of 4 mg of intravenous molsidomine (M), a new peripheral vasodilator antianginal agent, were evaluated and compared to those of 10 mg sublingual isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) in 12 patients with uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Both M and ISDN produced marked decreases in mean right atrial pressure (RAP), mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (WP), and mean pulmonary arterial pressure. The maximal decreases in RAP (-56%) and WP (-35%) with intravenous M intended to be more pronounced than with sublingual ISDN (RAP-35% and WP-29%). Physiologic modest declines in systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, and arterial pressure were similar with the both drugs. The duration of action of M was longer (average 5 hours) than that of ISDN (2 hours). No patient experienced hypotension, tachycardia, or other adverse responses following M, suggesting that M is well isolated by patients with normotensive AMI.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1977

Iatrogenic hyperstimulation of the ovary with ascites. Report of a case and considerations and management.

The authors describe a case of iatrogenic hyperstimulation of the ovary with ascites in a patient with primary amenorrhea and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. They present the results of total urinary estrogen assays stressing the advisability of a technical check in the presence of an apparently abnormally high estrogen excretion during HMG therapy. The patient's biochemical and hematological data during the stage of clinical hyperstimulation are set out and management is discussed. Finally, the usefulness of timely and adequate albumin administration under CVP control is stressed and the possibility of clinical application of the result of recent experimental research (viz. antihistamines is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Auditory brainstem response in postmenopausal women treated with hormone replacement therapy: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To research the nongenital audiological target for gonadal steroids in postmenopausal women who are treated with hormone replacement therapy. DESIGN: Fifty postmenopausal volunteers were treated with hormone replacement therapy. Women with an intact uterus had sequential weekly transdermal estradiol plus nomegestrole acetate 5 mg orally for 12 days per month or a continuous daily oral dose of conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 5 mg tablet. Eighteen surgically postmenopausal women received a weekly transdermal estradiol system. Twenty-five postmenopausal volunteers-5 with a natural menopause and 10 with a surgical menopause-and 20 premenopausal normally cycling women were used as a control group. Each woman performed auditory brainstem response by auditory-evoked potentials for waves I, III, and V and for interpeak I-III, I-V, and III-V intervals. RESULTS: Women who were treated with hormone replacement therapy showed wave latencies and interpeak latencies shorter than those for postmenopausal women in the control group (p < or = 0.05), overlapping those of the premenopausal women (p > 0.05). Women who were treated with estrogen replacement therapy showed shorter time latencies than those treated with combined hormone replacement therapy (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that fluctuating hormone levels cause changes in auditory brain-stem response waves, even if the exact mechanism of activity of the gonadal steroids is not clear. However, we believe that estrogen may influence the neuronal plasticity, the metabolic levels of neurotransmitters, and thus the neuronal conduction time into the audiological system.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Splenic arteriovenous fistula (a clinical case)].

A splenic arteriovenous fistula is a situation often presenting with signs of portal hypertension and with a characteristic murmur. Though rare, the possibility of a splenic arteriovenous fistula must be borne in mind in differential diagnosis, since it can be corrected surgically by resolving the portal hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Genetics and arterial hypertension: monogenic forms].

Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease; genetic factors represent one third to half of the inter-individual variability of blood pressure values. The study of genes involved in rare forms of monogenic hypertension led to the identification of pivotal pathophysiological pathways of kidney sodium and water reabsorption that can influence blood pressure values when changed. Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism (GRA) is characterised by normal to high aldosterone levels, despite plasma renin activity suppression, and by the fact that these alterations are corrected by exogenous glucocorticoid administration. Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess (AME) is due to a mutation of the gene encoding the renal isoform of 11 â HSD enzyme; the non-conversion of cortisol to cortisone result in increasing cortisol levels that activate the mineralocorticoid receptor. Early onset hypertension exacerbating during pregnancy is caused by a mutation leading to a conformational change in the mineralocorticoid receptor. Therefore, substances that are normally inactive at this level, such as progesterone, become potent agonists of the mutated receptor. Liddle's syndrome (or type I pseudo-hyperaldosteronism (PHA1), is characterised by a constitutive activation of the epithelial sodium channels in the distal tubule, causing an increase in sodium and chloride reabsorption. Gordon syndrome (Type II pseudo-hyperaldosteronism, PHA2) differs from the other forms because of the presence, in addition to hypertension, of hyperkaliemia and hyperchloremic acidosis that can be normalized with thiazide diuretics. Finally, a large pedigree of Turkish origin has been described: these patients are affected by an uncertain form of monogenic hypertension associated with brachydactyly.

Glucocorticoids↗