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Biomedical subjects

S Venturoli

Publications and source records attributed to S Venturoli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Different syndromes associated with B19 parvovirus viraemia in paediatric patients: report of four cases.

The broad spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with B19 parvovirus often allows the infection to go unrecognized. We tested for the presence of B19 parvovirus and the specific serological response in serum from hospitalized patients submitted for viral investigations without any specific indications for B19 parvovirus. We diagnosed human parvovirus B19 infection in four paediatric patients showing different clinical manifestations. The patients, aged between 5 and 8 years, were admitted to hospital for: (1) petechial rash; (2) mononucleosis-like syndrome; (3) neurological syndrome; and (4) respiratory disease (in an immunodeficient patient).

Child↗
PubMed1992

Detection of CMV DNA in clinical samples of AIDS patients by chemiluminescence hybridization.

A sensitive chemiluminescence dot-blot hybridization assay for the detection of CMV DNA in clinical samples of AIDS patients is described. In the chemiluminescence hybridization assay, digoxigenin-labelled CMV DNA probes were used and when hybridized they were detected by anti-digoxigenin Fab fragments conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Adamantyl 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate was used as the chemiluminescent substrate. The results were recorded by instant photographic films. The results obtained with the chemiluminescence hybridization assay were compared with the results obtained by hybridization with colourimetric detection. The chemiluminescent assay proved specific, sensitive and reliable and thus can be used as a valuable routine diagnostic test for the detection of CMV DNA in clinical samples.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Double in situ hybridization for detection of Herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus DNA using non-radioactive probes.

We describe a double in situ hybridization assay for the simultaneous detection of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in infected cell cultures using non-radioactive-labeled probes. This work used a biotinylated HSV DNA probe, which can be revealed by an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex and a digoxigenin-labeled CMV DNA probe, visualized by anti-digoxigenin F(ab) fragments conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. Light microscopy visualization was achieved by the contrasting colors of appropriate peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase reaction products (red and dark blue, respectively). The time required to perform the double hybridization assay was about 3 hr. This double hybridization assay proved to be sensitive, specific, and provided good resolving power.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Longitudinal evaluation of the different gonadotropin pulsatile patterns in anovulatory cycles of young girls.

We studied 13 adolescents (mean gynecological age 29.2 +/- 14.1 months) with anovulatory cycles and 7 women with ovulatory cycles (mean gynecological age 33.1 +/- 15.3 months) as a control group. Adolescents with anovulatory cycles were grouped on the basis of mean plasma LH values: group 1 (n = 7) with high LH values, and group 2 (n = 6) with normal LH values. In all women plasma gonadotropin concentrations were measured at 10-min intervals for 8 h on day 4 of the cycle. Pulsatile gonadotropin secretion was also studied in each subject a second time 40 months later, to establish the outcome of the different pulsatile patterns. Group 1 had more frequent and greater LH pulses than the other two groups (which were similar) and had the highest plasma 17 beta estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17 hydroxyprogesterone concentrations. Longitudinal control showed that: in group 1, three subjects out of seven acquired ovulatory cycles and there was a fall in mean LH plasma levels (30 +/- 5 vs. 9 +/- 4 IU/L; P less than 0.01), number of pulses (8.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 5 +/- 0; P less than 0.025), mean amplitude (13 +/- 3 vs. 5 +/- 2 IU/L; P less than 0.02) and an increase in interpulse interval (56 +/- 10 vs. 91 +/- 6 min; P less than 0.01). In four subjects anovulatory cycles persisted and the LH pulsatile profile remained unchanged. In group 2, five subjects out of six acquired ovulatory cycles, but there were no significant changes in the number of pulses (6 +/- 1 vs. 6 +/- 2; P = NS), interpulse interval (97 +/- 30 vs. 85 +/- 30 min; P = NS), or amplitude (5 +/- 2 vs. 4 +/- 2 IU/L; P = NS). The results indicate that: 1) anovulatory young women with early normal plasma LH values have an adequate GnRh pulsatile pattern which will easily lead to ovulation; 2) anovulatory young women with high LH plasma values may have a reproductive system blocked in a pathological condition, similar to that observed in polycystic ovary syndrome; 3) only few subjects with high plasma LH values are able to achieve ovulation and normalize LH pulsatile pattern as a consequence of a new mode of GnRh release.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Chemiluminescence dot blot hybridization assay for detection of B19 parvovirus DNA in human sera.

A chemiluminescence dot blot hybridization assay was used for the detection of B19 parvovirus DNA in human sera by using digoxigenin-labeled probes. The probes were revealed immunoenzymatically by use of anti-digoxigenin Fab fragments conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. The chemiluminescence signal was obtained by reacting the labeled probe-target complex with an enzyme-triggerable dioxetane substrate. The emitted photons were detected with instant photographic films. In the search for B19 parvovirus DNA, 2,808 serum samples were analyzed.

DNA Probes↗
PubMed1991

Evidence for a pathological reduction in brain dopamine metabolism in idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.

The role of brain catecholamine activity in the neuroendocrine regulation of the dopamine-PRL system in idiopathic hyperprolactinemia was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector. We measured urinary dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, vanillylmandelic acid, homovanillic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and total 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol levels in 12 women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia before and during either peripheral dopa-decarboxylase blockade, by carbidopa, or dopamine beta-hydroxylase blockade, by disulfiram. Homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations were significantly lower (p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.005, respectively) in patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia compared with those in 12 control subjects in the early follicular phase, whereas they were similar to those in the control subjects in the pre-ovulatory phase. Dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, vanillylmandelic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol concentrations were similar to those of the control subjects in both phases of the cycle. During carbidopa administration the levels of all urinary catecholamines and metabolites were unchanged, except that of dopamine which dropped remarkably (p less than 0.001). During disulfiram administration dopamine, homovanillic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations increased (p less than 0.05, p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.005, respectively) and those of norepinephrine, vanillylmandelic acid and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol decreased (p less than 0.05, p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.005, respectively), whereas epinephrine levels remained unaltered. These data support the existence of a quantitatively reduced brain dopamine activity in idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1990

Rapid screening for B19 parvovirus DNA in clinical specimens with a digoxigenin-labeled DNA hybridization probe.

A rapid dot blot hybridization assay for the detection of B19 parvovirus DNA in human sera was developed. Small portions of four serum samples were mixed, filtered onto a nylon membrane, and hybridized with a digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe; for each membrane, 380 serum samples could be tested. When a dot was positive by the hybridization assay, the four serum samples dotted together were separately tested to identify the sample positive for B19 DNA. A total of 10,150 serum samples submitted for viral serological and laboratory investigation with no specific requests for B19 testing were analyzed. Nine serum samples were positive for B19 DNA by dot blot hybridization assay, and the results were confirmed by electron microscopy. This method has proven to be reliable, economical in terms of time and costs, and useful for large-scale screening of clinical specimens, both for diagnostic work and for a source of antigen.

DNA Probes↗
PubMed1990

Rapid detection of cytomegalovirus DNA in urine samples with a dot blot hybridization immunoenzymatic assay.

A dot blot hybridization immunoenzymatic assay for the rapid detection of cytomegalovirus DNA in urine samples was developed by using a digoxigenin-labeled probe which was immunoenzymatically visualized by antidigoxigenin Fab fragments labeled with alkaline phosphatase. A total of 516 urine samples from different groups of subjects were analyzed, and the hybridization assay was able to yield results within 24 h. The results obtained were compared with results for detection of cytomegalovirus antigens in infected cell cultures.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1990

Ketoconazole therapy for women with acne and/or hirsutism.

The effects of ketoconazole, a synthetic imidazole derivate, were evaluated in 42 women affected by acne (17 cases) and/or hirsutism (36 cases) treated with 400 mg/day for 3-6 months. Androstenedione, total and free testosterone, 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels progressively dropped during treatment while 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone, estradiol, ACTH, cortisol, LH and FSH levels increased. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate decreased only towards the end of treatment, while estrone, sex hormone binding globulin, and PRL remained unchanged. Daily mean +/- SD rate of hair growth, measured by a special image analysis processor, decreased within 3 months of therapy from 0.258 +/- 0.058 to 0.184 +/- 0.039 mm/day (P less than 0.02) and mean +/- SD hair diameter from 0.123 +/- 0.015 to 0.110 +/- 0.013 mm (P less than 0.05) together with decreasing hormone levels. The therapeutic effects of ketoconazole on hirsutism was evident at 6 months in only 14 subjects, while no significant change in hirsutism score was recorded in 22 women who failed to complete the therapy. Acne improved in all cases. Several side effects and complications arose during treatment, such as headache, nausea, loss of scalp hair, hepatitis, and biochemical changes. Even though ketoconazole improves hyperandrogenism, only selected patients are eligible for treatment as scrupulous monitoring is required.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1989

Endocrine and ovarian parameters at various frequencies of ovulation in adolescents.

We assessed ovarian and endocrine function in 86 adolescents over a six month period. Postmenstrual estrone (E1) and estradiol-17 beta (E2) levels, premenstrual FSH levels and pre- and postmenstrual LH, testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A) levels decreased as the frequency of ovulation increased, while premenstrual E2, progesterone (P) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone levels increased. Both right and left ovarian volume and the per cent of multifollicular ovaries decreased with an increase in the frequency of ovulation. In the premenstrual phase P values correlated significantly with frequency of ovulation for FSH (r = -0.43: P less than 0.001), LH (r = -0.36: P less than 0.01), T (r = -0.31: P less than 0.05) and A (r = -0.26: P less than 0.05). Our data suggest that in the postmenarcheal period the progressive loss of immature endocrine and ovarian characteristics (high LH, FSH, and androgen levels and enlarged, multifollicular ovaries) is linked to an increasing number of ovulations. Progesterone plays a major role in the development of cyclic function characteristic of adult maturity.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1989

Uterine development and endocrine relationships after menarche.

Uterine volume and ovarian/uterine ratio during the first 6 postmenarchal years in 143 women were compared with an adult control group. Plasma gonadotropins and sex steroids were also correlated with uterine volume in adolescents. Uterine volume increased progressively and correlated positively with advancing postmenarchal (r = 0.24; p less than 0.05) and chronologic (r = 0.23; p less than 0.05) age. However, normal adult uterine volume was not yet reached by the highest postmenarchal (6 years) and chronologic (18 years) age. The ovarian/uterine ratio decreased gradually with increasing postmenarchal age but was always higher (0.22) than that of control subjects (0.12). Uterine volume correlated positively with plasma estradiol (r = 0.25; p less than 0.05) and dehydroepiandrosterone (r = 0.22; p less than 0.05) and its sulfate (r = 0.22; p less than 0.05) levels. This study indicates that the uterus continues to grow after menarche in conjunction with increasing hormone levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

High concentrations of catecholamines in human hypothalamic-hypophysial blood.

While the hypothalamic-hypophysial portal system has been extensively studied in laboratory animals, equivalent studies have not been performed in humans. Here, we present an experimental procedure for collecting suprapituitary blood in man. To solve the question on the origin of such blood we investigated specific markers of hypothalamic secretory activity: the catecholamines (CAs). We found (a) norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and epinephrine (E) concentrations from approximately 1.5 to 2.5, 3.5 to 4.5, and 6- to 10-fold higher, respectively, in suprapituitary than peripheral blood, (b) different NE/DA and NE/E ratios in favor of DA and E in suprapituitary blood, and (c), a complete (100%) group separation (suprapituitary vs. peripheral) when discriminant analysis included only DA and E. These data indicate that suprapituitary blood composition is different from that of the peripheral blood, and is particularly rich in CAs and claimed differences between DA and E release on one hand and NE release on the other in suprapituitary blood also are observed. We advance the hypothesis of a hypothalamic source of such amines draining via median eminence into portal vasculature, and name this blood "hypothalamic-hypophysial blood." Besides serving as "classical" neurotransmitters, CAs may also have a direct neurohormonal role in the regulation of the human hypothalamic-hypophysial function.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Clinical and hormonal characteristics of obese amenorrheic hyperandrogenic women before and after weight loss.

We studied a group of obese hyperandrogenic amenorrheic women to determine the effects of weight loss on anthropometry, hormonal status, menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility. Fourteen women had polycystic ovaries, two the hyperandrogenism-insulin resistance-acanthosis nigricans syndrome, one hirsutism of adrenal origin, and three idiopathic chronic anovulation. The duration of amenorrhea before the study ranged from 3-17 months [mean, 8.6 +/- 4.5 (+/- SD)]. All women ate a hypocaloric diet for a period of 8.0 +/- 2.4 months. Weight loss ranged from 4.8 to 15.2 kg (mean, 9.7 +/- 3.1 kg; 1.35 +/- 0.56 kg/month) and the waist to hip ratio, which was used as a measurement of body fat distribution, decreased from 0.86 +/- 0.1 to 0.81 +/- 0.06 (P less than 0.0001). The women's mean plasma testosterone and LH concentrations decreased significantly (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.005, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between the decreases in plasma testosterone levels and the decreases in glucose-stimulated insulin levels. Moreover, the decreases in the waist to hip ratio correlated positively with the decreases in glucose-stimulated insulin levels and inversely with the decreases in plasma 17 beta-estradiol. No relationships were found between weight loss and the changes in plasma insulin, steroid, and gonadotropin concentrations. The responsiveness to the weight reduction program was evaluated by comparing the number of menstrual cycles during the study period with the number reported before it. Eight women had significantly improved menstrual cyclicity (responders), while 12 did not (nonresponders). The clinical characteristics and hormone values were similar in responder and nonresponder women. In the group as a whole, 33% of the menstrual cycles during the study were ovulatory, and 4 pregnancies occurred. Hirsutism improved significantly in more than half of the women, as did acanthosis nigricans when present. We conclude that weight loss is beneficial in all obese hyperandrogenic women regardless of the presence of polycystic ovaries, the degree of hyperandrogenism, and the degree and distribution of obesity.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Episodic pulsatile secretion of FSH, LH, prolactin, oestradiol, oestrone, and LH circadian variations in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Pulsatile secretion of LH, FSH, PRL, oestradiol and oestrone was studied in a group of 16 patients with micropolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compared with that of normal ovulatory women in the fifth to sixth day of the cycle. Hormone concentrations were measured at 10 min intervals for 8 h starting at 0930 h. In seven subjects, the study was prolonged for 24 h, with 20 min interval samples, in an attempt to evaluate the circadian rhythm of LH by cosinor analysis. Significant fluctuations occurred in the concentration of each hormone. Values shown are mean +/- SD. PCOS subjects had high LH mean values (27.9 +/- 5.9 IU/l) (P less than 0.005). LH pulse amplitude was higher than controls (11.6 +/- 3.7 IU/l versus 5.2 +/- 1.8 IU/l; P less than 0.005) while no consistent changes in frequency or interpulse interval (62.0 +/- 10.7 min versus 65.8 +/- 19.2 min; P = NS) were found. A mean of 4.8 +/- 1.2 pulses of FSH occurred in 8 h and the mean pulse amplitude was 2.68 +/- 1.11 with no differences from controls. All patients were normoprolactinaemic. A mean of 5.5 +/- 1.9 pulses occurred in 8 h, the interpulse interval was 76.1 +/- 14.4 min and the amplitude was 2.87 +/- 0.76 ng/ml and there were no significant differences from controls; 75% of PRL pulses showed a temporal relationship with LH pulses. Oestrone mean basal values were higher in PCOS (47.2 +/- 12.5 pg/ml) than controls (32.0 +/- 9.9 pg/ml; P less than 0.02), while no differences were observed as regards oestradiol. Oestradiol pulse amplitude was nearly the same as oestrone (43.6 +/- 18.8 pg/ml and 37.7 +/- 16.1 pg/ml, respectively); 6.0 +/- 2.2 pulses and 6.0 +/- 1.6 pulses occurred in 8 h with an interpulse interval of 81.1 +/- 27.1 min and 71.8 +/- 11.1 min, respectively. Sixty-five per cent of LH pulses were followed by an oestradiol and oestrone peak. The mean time of the appearance was 17 +/- 15 min and 25 +/- 23 min, respectively. In the PCOS group a consistent 24 h rhythm in mean plasma LH levels was found with the highest hormone values at 1720 h (P less than 0.05) unrelated to apparent sleep and different from that of adult women. Pulse frequency showed a significant slowing during the night with the longest interpulse interval at 0327 h (P less than 0.03) while no significant periodicity was observed in LH pulse amplitude.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Evidence for a hypothalamic alteration of catecholamine metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

The role of brain catecholamine (CA) activity in the neuroendocrine regulation of the GnRH-LH system in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detector. We measured urinary dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), homovanillic acid (HVA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and total 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels in a group of 12 women with PCO before and during peripheral dopa-decarboxylase blockade, by carbidopa. HVA and DOPAC concentrations were significantly lower (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.005, respectively) in PCO patients compared with twelve control subjects in early follicular phase, whereas total MHPG concentrations and MHPG/VMA ratio were significantly higher (P less than 0.005) in PCO patients. Moreover, HVA and DOPAC concentrations in PCO patients were similar to those of the control subjects in preovulatory phase, while MHPG concentrations remained higher in PCO patients (P less than 0.01). DA, NA, A and VMA concentrations were similar to those of control subjects in both phases of the cycle. During carbidopa administration the concentrations of all urinary CAs and metabolites were unchanged, except those of DA which dropped markedly (P less than 0.001). These data suggest that (1) an altered central catecholamine metabolism consisting of DA deficiency and NA excess is present in PCO, and (2) the site of DA deficiency may be located in the hypothalamus.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1987

Insulin as a factor of increased androgen production in women with obesity and polycystic ovaries.

To evaluate the possible role of moderate hyperinsulinemia on abnormal androgen secretion, we examined 4 age and weight-matched groups of obese subjects: 2 groups of women with normal menses whose fasting insulin (IRI) levels were less than or equal to 20 microU/ml (OB-I) or greater than or equal to 40 microU/ml (OB-I) and 2 groups of women with polycystic ovaries who were similarly grouped. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, blood sex hormone determination and multiple LH determinations. Compared to OB, OB-PCO women showed significantly higher values of LH, androgen and estrogen concentrations. OB-I and OB-II showed similar hormonal patterns. On the contrary, OB-PCO-II presented significantly (p less than 0.05) higher androstenedione concentrations (348.7 +/- 129.9 ng/dl) (m +/- SD) than OB-PCO-I women (237.0 +/- 73.7 ng/dl). These differences were evident despite similar plasma LH concentrations. In conclusion, these results suggest that insulin may be a factor amplifying LH-dependent androgen secretion in hyperandrogenized women with obesity and PCO.

Androgens↗
PubMed1987

Sex hormones in obese premenopausal women and their relationships to body fat mass and distribution, B cell function and diet composition.

We examined sex hormone blood concentrations in a group of 33 obese non-hirsute premenopausal women with normal menses and in 14 age-matched normal-weight controls, and evaluated their relationship with anthropometric parameters, dietary habits and insulin levels. Obese women showed lower than control sex hormone-binding globulin (24.9 +/- 14.6 vs 38.6 +/- 12.5 nmol/l; p less than 0.005) and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (13.7 +/- 5.4 vs 18.2 +/- 4.8 ng/dl; p less than 0.005) values. Despite their consensual behavior, the correlation coefficient between 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin was not significant in the obese while in controls it was 0.68 (p less than 0.01). This suggests that mechanisms operating to lower the plasma levels of these compounds may be regulated differently in obesity. Body Mass Index, per cent body fat and its distribution showed a highly significant negative correlation with sex-hormone binding-globulin and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone values. Insulin levels did not appear to be correlated with sex hormone values. On the contrary, in the obese women we found a highly significant correlation between dietary lipids and sex-hormone-binding-globulin levels (r = -0.54; p less than 0.005) and between dietary carbohydrates and estrone values (r = 0.47; p less than 0.005); all these relationships were independent of body weight. These results confirm that in premenopausal women obesity may be characterized by detectable changes in sex steroid metabolism and suggest a possible causal role not only of the excessive quantity of metabolically active adipose tissue but also of specific dietary factors.

Adult↗