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V Calcaterra

Publications and source records attributed to V Calcaterra.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Plasma amino acids imbalance in patients with liver disease.

The venous plasma amino acid patterns have been determined in 12 normal individuals and in 71 shunted and nonshunted cirrhotics in various grades of hepatic encephalopathy. The free amino acids have been determined by an amino autoanalyzer; the total and free tryptophan have been measured by a spectrophotofluorimetric method. In 14 instances, arterial plasma amino acid patterns have been measured simultaneously. High levels of aromatic and sulfurated amino acids and low levels of branched-chain amino acids have been constantly found in all cirrhotics. Methionine, phenylalanine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, and free tryptophan showed a statistical difference between controls and all other groups. These altered patterns did not correlate either with the grade or the evolution of the coma or with the presence of the surgical anastomosis. No statistical differences were found between arterial and venous values. The only amino acid which statistically correlated with the grade and evolution of the hepatic encephalopathy was free tryptophan. The molar ratios between the amino acids sharing the same transport system across the blood-brain-barrier have been considered. A very good correlation with the grade of the mental disorder was found with the ratios free tryptophan/phenylalanine-tyrosine-methionine-valine-leucine-isoleucine and free tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1978

Plasma phenylethanolamine in hepatic encephalopathy.

It has been suggested that amines other than octopamine may be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Plasma phenylethanolamine has been determined by a radioenzymatic method in twenty-six biopsy-proven cirrhotics with or without encephalopathy and in seven normal adults. Phenylethanolamine plasma levels correlated statistically with the presence of liver cirrhosis and severe coma. These results are consistent with the false neurotransmitter hypothesis of hepatic encephalopathy.

2-Hydroxyphenethylamine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Unusual presentation of juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the ovary.

BACKGROUND: We present a case report of juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the ovary (JGCT) with an unusual clinical presentation and hormonal secretion. CASE: A 16-yr-old girl had developed spontaneous menarche at the age of 12 yr, but after this initial menstrual bleeding she had no further periods for 4 yr. She had no clinical signs of virilization. Endocrinological studies detected high levels of DHEA, 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17OH-P), insulin and PRL, an exaggerated DHEA response after ACTH stimulation, and low FSH and high LH values after GnRH. An ultrasound examination revealed an irregular structure and increased diameters of her right ovary, due to the presence of a cyst. Because exploratory laparoscopy revealed the presence of a right ovarian mass, her right ovary was removed. JGCT was diagnosed. Ten days after surgery, menstrual bleeding initiated. Endocrinological evaluation after the operation showed that 17OH-P, insulin and basal FSH and LH serum values had returned to normal, while DHEA levels had decreased to within the upper limit of the normal range. Only PRL levels remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Our patient presented some unusual characteristics. She did not have precocious puberty, but secondary amenorrhea. Hormonal secretion consisted mainly of androgens, even though clinical signs of virilization were not present.

Adolescent↗