PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Catalano

Publications and source records attributed to S Catalano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

The red wine phenolics piceatannol and myricetin act as agonists for estrogen receptor alpha in human breast cancer cells.

Previous epidemiological reports have suggested that red wine intake is associated with beneficial health effects due to the ability of certain phytochemical components to exert estrogen-like activity. It has been also documented that estrogens induce the proliferation of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells by binding to and transactivating estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, which in turn interacts with responsive DNA sequences located within the promoter region of target genes. In order to provide further insight into the positive association between wine consumption and the incidence of breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women, we have evaluated the estrogenic properties of two abundant wine-derived compounds, named piceatannol (PIC) and myricetin (MYR), using as model systems the hormone-sensitive MCF7 and the endocrine-independent SKBR3 breast cancer cells. On the basis of our experimental evidence PIC and MYR may contribute to the estrogenicity of red wine since: (1) they transactivate endogenous ER alpha; (2) they activate the agonist-dependent activation function (AF) 2 of ER alpha and ER beta in the context of the Gal4 chimeric proteins; (3) they rapidly induce the nuclear immunodetection of ER alpha; (4) they regulate the expression of diverse estrogen target genes; (5) they compete with 17beta-estradiol for binding to ER alpha and ER beta; and--as a biological counterpart of the aforementioned abilities--(6) they exert stimulatory effects on the proliferation of MCF7 cells. Hence, the estrogenic activity of PIC and MYR might be considered at least as a potential factor in the association of red wine intake and breast tumors, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed2002

Virilization of the female spotted hyena cannot be explained by alterations in the amino acid sequence of the androgen receptor (AR).

The external genitalia of the female spotted hyena are male in character, consistent with virilization by androgens during embryogenesis that results in the fusion of the vaginal labia to form a pseudo scrotum and enlargement of the clitoris to form a phallus. Explanations advanced to account for these anatomic differences have centered on the production or metabolism of androgens in utero or on abnormalities of the androgen receptor (such as a constitutively active AR). The structure of the spotted hyena AR was examined at the level of genomic DNA and cDNA. Southern analysis detected two Eco RI endonuclease cleavage fragments (4.4 and 4.7 kb) that encode the bulk of the AR hormone-binding domain. Isolation of the smaller fragment from a size fractionated genomic library revealed that it contained exons 6, 7 and 8. The remaining portions of the coding sequence were cloned by RT-PCR and RACE analyses. The spotted hyena cDNA sequence predicts protein 912 amino acids in length, which is most closely related to the sequence of the dog AR. Although a number of differences in the predicted amino acid sequence are identified, particularly within the amino terminus, only single amino acid substitutions are present in the DNA- and ligand-binding domains compared to the human AR. In transfection assays, the spotted hyena AR does not exhibit constitutive activity and responds normally to a range of androgenic and non-androgenic ligands. These findings suggest that the structural changes in the AR do not account for the abnormal virilization in the female spotted hyena. These results serve to focus attention on processes proximal (an abnormality of hormone formation in situ) or distal (activation by other mechanisms of processes normally regulated by androgen) to the AR as the cause of the virilization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Volatile compounds from three cultivars of Olea europaea from Italy.

The chemical compositions of the volatile fractions from three Olea europaea L. cultivars (Leccino, Frantoio, and Cipressino) were examined by GC and GC-MS. The results showed that the cultivars can be distinguished on the basis of the volatile fraction compositions.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed2001

Bone mineral density is inversely related to parathyroid hormone in adolescent girls.

Preventive programs aimed at maximizing peak bone mass as a way of reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life should take into account the contribution of nutritional factors to bone mass accumulation in young age. The role of calcium and energy intakes on radial mineral density was investigated in 200 healthy girls (aged 11-15 yr) simultaneously evaluating serum changes of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and osteocalcin (OC). Dietary calcium and energy intakes were assessed by a 3-day food record method, bone mineral density (BMD) was performed at ultradistal (ud) and proximal (pr) radial sites using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Calcium consumption below the levels suggested by Dietary Reference Intakes in more than 80% of population studied was not related to BMD, which in turn markedly increased in post-compared to premenarcheal girls. Interestingly, in a multiple regression analysis PTH was inversely related to BMD after adjustment for calcium intake, bone age and menarche. Serum IGF-I was positively associated to energy intakes and bone age in girls before menarche, who exhibited the highest values of OC. Our data highlighted the role of food habits in modulating some hormonal response that might influence bone mineral apposition during adolescent age. Low calcium consumption associated to enhanced PTH values, if persisting, could be responsible for reduced rate of gain in bone mineral density. Thus, to optimize bone mineralization during the critical period of rapid body growth adequate intakes of calcium and energy should be recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Aromatase messenger RNA is derived from the proximal promoter of the aromatase gene in Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells of the rat testis.

It has long been recognized that individual cell types within the testes possess the capacity to synthesize estrogen. A number of studies on different species have demonstrated that the levels of aromatase expression and the patterns of regulation are distinct between the different cell types of the testes. Whereas a variety of promoters have been shown to contribute to the patterns of aromatase expression in different cell lineages, studies using ovarian RNA, testis RNA, and Leydig cell tumor lines have demonstrated that the same promoter (promoter II) was used in each. Recent experiments using potent aromatase inhibitors or analysis of animals in which the genes encoding the estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) or the aromatase, P450, are defective, have confirmed the importance of local estrogen formation in normal testicular function. In order to permit experiments to identify the elements controlling aromatase expression in the individual cell compartments of the testes, we prepared RNA from purified preparations of Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells. Using specific oligonucleotide primers, the sites of initiation of the aromatase mRNA were determined using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the resulting cDNA fragments. Our results indicate that aromatase mRNA is derived from the proximal promoter (PII) of the aromatase gene in each of the major cell types of the rat testes.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Parathyroid hormone is elevated but bone markers and density are normal in young female subjects who consume inadequate dietary calcium.

Dietary Ca and osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed simultaneously to bone mineral density (BMD) in 200 adolescent girls (aged 11-15 years) and 100 young women (aged 20-23 years), selected from the lowest and highest end of the Ca intake distribution of a larger population sample. Ca intake was evaluated by food frequency questionnaires, BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at ultradistal and proximal radius of non-dominant arm, bone age was estimated from x-rays of left hand and wrist according to Tanner et al. (1983). Surprisingly, mean Ca intakes were below the dietary reference intakes in the subgroups of girls and women with the highest measured Ca consumption. Postmenarcheal, but not premenarcheal girls showed radial densities as high as the women and in no group was BMD associated with Ca intake. In all adolescents serum PTH was negatively related to dietary Ca. In girls before menarche IGF-I was positively associated with bone age, while in the same subjects the negative relationship between SHBG and BMD pointed to the crucial role of bioavailable sex steroids on bone mass apposition in early puberty. OC levels decreased progressively with age, while serum 25-OH-D significantly increased after menarche. In conclusion, although in adolescents low Ca intake has not been shown to induce any immediate deleterious effect on radial density, the compensatory hypersecretion of PTH supports the need for an adequate Ca intake to achieve peak bone mass.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2↗
PubMed1999

Critical years and stages of puberty for radial bone mass apposition during adolescence.

The acquisition of radial mineral density was evaluated in relation to anthropometric characteristics, menarche status, calcium intake and physical activity in a healthy young female population (200 girls and 100 women, respectively aged 11-16 yrs and 20-24 yrs) living in an area of Southern Italy. We performed bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry on the ultradistal and middistal radius. Dietary calcium intake was evaluated by a detailed Food Frequency Questionnaire and confirmed by a 3-day record. A questionnaire on energy expenditure was used to assess physical activity in each participant. Morning blood samples were drawn from fasting girls to measure 25-hydroxycalciferol (25 OH-D). We found current calcium above the levels reported by Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in only 31% of women and 6% of girls. BMD steadily increased up to the age of 16 and was increased in postmenarcheal girls compared to premenarcheals of the same pubertal stage. Bone density was also significantly related to age, weight and height in postmenarcheal adolescents, while in girls before and after menarche, no relation was observed between radial BMD and calcium intake or physical activity. In the presence of comparable calcium-intake values recorded in pre- and in postmenarcheal girls, the latter subgroup displayed a marked increase of 25 OH-D serum levels. Our study revealed a calcium intake lower than the RDA in a large percentage of healthy girls and young women, and emphasized the importance of menarche occurrence in bone mass acquisition during pubertal development.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2↗
PubMed1999

The effect of dietary calcium intake on bone mineral density in healthy adolescent girls and young women in southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: The association between forearm bone mineral areal density (BMD) and dietary calcium, anthropometric characteristics, puberty, and physical activity was studied for the first time in 200 girls (aged 11-15 years) and 100 women (aged 20-23 years) living in Southern Italy. METHODS: The BMD was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at ultradistal (ud) and proximal (pr) radial sites and dietary calcium was evaluated using Food Frequency Questionnaires and detailed 3-day food records. RESULTS: For population samples grouped according to low and high calcium intake levels, forearm densities were quite similar among both girls and women. Independently of calcium intake, girls displayed strong correlations between ud/pr-BMD and age, bone age, weight, height and BMI. Furthermore, in girls of similar age and BMI, radial densities were substantially increased following menarche. Positive relationships between weight, BMI and both ud/pr-BMD were only evident in women with high calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that different calcium intake values do not appear to affect forearm mineral densities at the ages investigated, however puberty represents the major event in radial bone mass acquisition during adolescence.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1997

[Classification of congenital heart diseases and surgical interventions in pediatric cardiology for the standardization of hospitalization records].

The utilization of DRGs for the evaluation of hospital activity requires the availability, on a current basis, of coded in-patient records (Hospital Discharge Form, SDO) with information concerning nosology of the patient and procedures performed. Consequently, the promotion of a standardized use of ICD.9 and ICD.9.CM code systems (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification) among clinicians is necessary. The National Research Council, Council Research Hospital for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (CREAS-IFC-CNR) has promoted the establishment of a permanent work group for the evaluation of the activity in the field of pediatric cardiology and cardiosurgery at a national level. In co-operation with two leading institution (AO "Bambino Gesù", Rome; AO "G. Gaslini", Genoa) an in-patient survey has been promoted including an overall revision of the ICD.9.CM code systems both for diagnosis and procedures in order to improve the standardization of data. Besides, the fitness of DRGs allocation by different codes has been judged. Some general and specific suggestions upon codes adequacy and DRGs identification have emerged from this study. The aim of this paper is to spread this preliminary standardization activity of the group as a contribution to the improvement of in-patient coded records quality.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1996

[Recovery evaluation in a pediatric heart surgery unit using the AP-DRG classification system (All Patient Diagnosis Related Groups)].

The evaluation of Health Care activities, particularly of those concerning hospitals, is one of the most important aims for the National Health Service for a "fair" resource allocation. In the recent past a great bulk of research has been directed to methods for patient classifications in relation to resource needs. Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) is one of the most important patient classification systems related to resource allocation which has been developed in the U.S. Medicare Program (HCFA-DRGs) during the eighties and more recently adopted all over Europe, Italy included. Wide experimentation has been developed during the recent past concerning DRGs confirming its validity, but also has disclosed its limits, mostly concerning applicability outside U.S., identification of specific patient subgroups (like the pediatric patient population) and capability in distinguishing patients with apparently similar resource needs, but different clinical severity conditions. In order to overcome such limits, DRGs have been subjected to some important modification: All patient DRG (AP-DRG) is a system which should pay more attention to some patient subgroups, such as the pediatric one. Research is still looking for methods, easily extensible to the whole hospital informative system concerning the possibility of distinguishing patients with different level of severity condition. With the double aim of experiment the actual utility in the use of AP-DRG, more than HCFA-DRG in a pediatric population and find further indexes for complexity and/or severity characterization of the hospital case-mix, the 1992 in-patients hospital files of the pediatric cardiosurgery hospital CREAS-IFC-CNR was reviewed. Results confirm that some increase in the identification of the case-mix do occur by using the AP-DRG system, even if a better clinical characterization could be possible (i.e. AP-DRG 108). Of particular interest is the fact that descriptive statistical analysis of position and variability parameters do confirm the importance of the length of stay as a brief index for hospital efficiency evaluation and its organizative model characterization.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

A case report: cervical pregnancy with placenta percreta an ultrasonic assisted diagnosis.

A rare cervical pregnancy is reported, discussing the difficulty differentiating this condition from the cervical phase of an incomplete abortion. Placenta percreta further complicates this case. Ultrasound will give a firm diagnosis of cervical pregnancy and associated placenta percreta. Conservative and radical surgical care determined by vital signs are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Vasoconstrictor activity of 8-O-acetylharpagide from Ajuga reptans.

The traditional therapeutic indications for the use of Ajuga reptans (Labiatae) have been investigated. The H2O-soluble part of a crude and partially purified MeOH extract and two isolated iridoids (8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide), were tested for a biological activity on isolated smooth muscle preparations from guinea pig.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Delivery under general anesthesia with the sequence of althesin and lysine acetylsalicylate; a clinical contribution].

Personal experience in the use of Althesin in painless childbirth is reported. The anaesthetic is held to have no effect on the foetus and the technique using Althesin and acetylsalicylate of lysine is considered the correct one. If properly applied, it offers the foetus complete wellbeing during labour and enables the mother to overcome the psychophysical stress of an event which is too often accepted with inherited feelings of ancestral fear.

Adolescent↗