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Biomedical subjects

Valdo Ricca

Publications and source records attributed to Valdo Ricca.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Assessment of the relational factor in male patients consulting for sexual dysfunction: the concept of couple sexual dysfunction.

In a consecutive series of 1140 male subjects reporting a stable couple relationship and different degrees of sexual dysfunction, we evaluated the impact of relational factors, as assessed by the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) Scale 2 (exploring, as reported by the patient, menopausal symptoms, partner's medical illness interfering with sexual activity, and reduced partner desire and climax). We found that the SIEDY Scale 2 is significantly and independently associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), delayed ejaculation, hypoactive sexual desire, and decreased frequency of intercourse. SIEDY Scale 2 scores are associated with an advanced age of the partner and a long couple relationship, independently from patient's age. In addition, an increased relational factor correlates with increased extramarital affairs, conflicts in the couple, alcohol abuse, and presence of depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire. Our results should encourage the andrologist to consider the context in which sexual symptoms develop, analyzing the relationship and partner's behaviors and diseases. Resolving, or at least ameliorating, the relational background and the sexual framework might help in treating male sexual dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction↗
PubMed2006

Increased nitric oxide production in eating disorders.

Animal studies showed that nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic-GMP (cGMP) pathway is involved in the modulation of eating behavior. To address its role in eating disorders (ED), plasma nitrite and cGMP levels were studied in 50 ED patients (25 with Anorexia Nervosa, AN; 25 with Bulimia Nervosa, BN) and 20 sex- and age-matched controls (C). Nitrites (nmol/mg protein, mean+/-S.E.M.: any ED 1.01+/-0.29; AN 1.15+/-0.47; BN 0.88+/-0.36; C 0.25+/-0.07; p<0.01) and cGMP (nmol/ml plasma, mean+/-S.E.M.: any ED 2.58+/-0.60; AN 2.81+/-1.10; BN 2.41+/-0.70; C 0.11+/-0.05; p<0.01) were significantly higher in ED patients than in C. Nitrite and cGMP levels inversely correlated with BMI in AN patients (nitrites: r=-0.62 p<0.01; cGMP r=-0.45 p<0.05) but not in BN patients (nitrites: r=-0.15 p=0.49; cGMP: r=-0.05 p=0.13) or in control subjects (nitrites: r=0.11 p=0.98; cGMP r=0.37 p=0.32). Significant correlations were also present in bulimic patients between nitrite levels, frequency of binges and several psychopathological dimensions, as assessed through the EDE. This is the first evidence of an alteration of the NO pathway in ED patients. Further studies are needed to ascertain whether an increase in NO levels plays a possible role in the pathogenesis of ED.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Aggressiveness, anger and eating disorders: a review.

Anger and aggressive behaviours, especially those self-directed, are frequent in subjects suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. They increase the complexity of the clinical features, change the prognosis and cause a more difficult management of these disorders. In order to elucidate the complex relationships between eating disorders, anger and aggressiveness, the history of traumatic experiences, the prevalence of dissociative, obsessive, impulsive and compulsive symptoms, as well as the role of severe personality disorders in subjects suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and self-injurious behaviours are considered. In the final section of this paper, a model exploring such a relationship in the light of the undefined sense of self is described.

Anger↗
PubMed2006

Gender role, eating disorder symptoms, and body image concern in ballet dancers.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between gender role, eating behavior, and body image in nonprofessional female ballet dancers. METHODS: One hundred ten female ballet dancers and 59 controls were administered the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Ballet dancers scored higher than controls in most of the items evaluating body image and eating behaviors; a high number of ballet dancers with undifferentiated gender role were also observed. In the dancers group, male-typified subjects showed higher median scores of EDE and BUT scales, while in the control group, the highest median scores of EDE and BUT scales were found in undifferentiated subjects. CONCLUSION: Ballet schools' cultural pressure towards an ideal of leanness could interfere with the process of gender role acquisition. Ballet dancers appear to be overconcerned with performance; this could reinforce the internalization of several constructs that are generally considered as typically male.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Association of BDNF with restricting anorexia nervosa and minimum body mass index: a family-based association study of eight European populations.

Eating disorders (ED), such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are complex psychiatric disorders where different genetic and environmental factors are involved. Several lines of evidence support that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in eating behaviour and that alterations on this neurotrophic system participates in the susceptibility to both AN and BN. Accordingly, intraventricular administration of BDNF in rats determines food starvation and body weight loss, while BDNF or its specific receptor NTRK2 knockout mice develop obesity and hyperphagia. Case-control studies also suggest a BDNF contribution in the aetiology of ED: we have previously reported a strong association between the Met66 variant within the BDNF gene, restricting AN (ANR) and minimum body mass index (minBMI) in a Spanish sample, and a positive association between the Val66Met and -270C/T BDNF SNPs and ED in six different European populations. To replicate these results, avoiding population stratification effects, we recruited 453 ED trios from eight European centres and performed a family-based association study. Both haplotype relative risk (HRR) and haplotype-based haplotype relative risk (HHRR) methods showed a positive association between the Met66 allele and ANR. Consistently, we also observed an effect of the Met66 variant on low minBMI and a preferential transmission of the -270C/Met66 haplotype to the affected ANR offspring. These results support the involvement of BDNF in eating behaviour and further suggest its participation in the genetic susceptibility to ED, mainly ANR and low minBMI.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Psychopathological traits and 5-HT2A receptor promoter polymorphism (-1438 G/A) in patients suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Various studies have evaluated the possible role of the -1438G/A polymorphism within the 5-HT2A receptor gene in the susceptibility to Eating Disorders (EDs). One hundred and forty-eight ED patients (EDp) and 89 control subjects were interviewed by means of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and analyzed for distribution of the -1438G/A polymorphism. Patients with the AA genotype suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa showed higher Weight and Shape Concern (P = 0.003 and P = 0.010, respectively) scores and greater overall severity of the ED psychopathology (EDE total score) (P = 0.012). The obtained preliminary data suggest the use of dimensional psychopathological measures in ED genetic studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Association of BDNF with anorexia, bulimia and age of onset of weight loss in six European populations.

Several genes with an essential role in the regulation of eating behavior and body weight are considered candidates involved in the etiology of eating disorders (ED), but no relevant susceptibility genes with a major effect on anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) have been identified. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the regulation of food intake and body weight in rodents. We previously reported a strong association of the Met66 allele of the Val66Met BDNF variant with restricting AN (ANR) and low minimum body mass index in Spanish patients. Another single nucleotide polymorphism located in the promoter region of the BDNF gene (-270C>T) showed lack of association with any ED phenotype. In order to replicate these findings in a larger sample, we performed a case-control study in 1142 Caucasian patients with ED consecutively recruited in six different centers from five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) participating in the 'Factors in Healthy Eating' project. We have found that the Met66 variant is strongly associated to all ED subtypes (AN, ANR, binge-eating/purging AN and BN), and that the -270C BDNF variant has an effect on BN and late age at onset of weight loss. These are the first two variants associated with the pathophysiology of ED in different populations and support a role for BDNF in the susceptibility to aberrant eating behaviors.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2004

Psychopathology after rape.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the psychopathological consequences of a single rape occurring in adult women. METHOD: The psychiatric symptoms reported by 40 women who were victims of rape during the previous 9 months as decided by a court of law were compared with the symptoms of 32 women who underwent severe, nonsexual, life-threatening events (car accidents, physical attacks, or robberies). None of the raped women had experienced previous sexual abuse during childhood or adolescence. RESULTS: The raped women showed a significantly greater prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as sexual, eating, and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the psychopathological consequences of a rape could be specific and may warrant particular attention.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2003

Eating behavior and thyroid disease in female obese patients.

It has been suggested that preexisting thyroid disease (TD) could be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders. The aim of this study was to compare eating attitudes and behavior in female obese patients with and without TD. Thyrotropin (TSH) was determined in 256 patients aged 44.9+/-14.7 years with body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m(2); eating attitudes and behavior were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). EDE Shape Concern score was significantly higher in patients with previous or current hypothyroidism (N=30) than in the rest of the sample. Among patients without known TD, no difference in eating attitudes was observed between patients with elevated TSH (N=24; 11%) and those with normal thyroid function. The prevalence of binge eating disorder (BED) in the total sample was 9.7%; no difference in prevalence was observed between patients with and without a history of hypothyroidism, and between those with and without previously unknown hypothyroidism. In conclusion, known hypothyroidism is associated with increased shape concern; this does not appear to be related to differences in current levels of thyroid hormones or related hormones.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

[Cardiac complications of anorexia nervosa].

The death rate of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients is up to 30 times greater than that of age-matched normal women. Bradycardia, hypotension and mitral valve prolapse are cardiac abnormalities that can be frequently found in AN patients. Risk of death is substantially linked to QT prolongation, which could be due to hypokalemia (binge/purging type AN) or to a starvation-derived anatomical remodelling of the heart (restricting type AN). The principal risk factors are duration of illness > 10 years, chronic hypokalemia, plasmatic albumin chronically < 3.6 g/dl and absolute QT > or = 600 ms.

Acid-Base Imbalance↗
PubMed2002

5-HT2A receptor gene polymorphism and eating disorders.

Recent studies have reported a genetic association between the -1438 G/A polymorphism within the promoter region of the 5-HT(2A) receptor gene and eating disorders (ED), with conflicting results. To clarify the role of the -1438 G/A polymorphism in different ED categories we have analyzed the genotype and allele frequency distribution in 54 Italian patients with Binge ED (BED) compared to 132 obese non-BED subjects. No significant differences were found between obese BED and obese non-BED individuals, suggesting that this polymorphism does not genetically distinguish these two phenotypes. Moreover, the evaluation of 148 patients with anorexia nervosa and 86 patients with bulimia nervosa revealed an association of the A allele with both these disorders.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eating disorders and body image disturbances among ballet dancers, gymnasium users and body builders.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders are frequent among elite performers of certain sports or physical activities; however, little is known about non-professional performers. METHOD: 113 female non-elite ballet dancers, 54 female gymnasium users, 44 male non-competitive body builders, 105 female controls and 30 male controls were evaluated using the Body Uneasiness Test, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Eating Disorder Examination 12th edition (EDE-12). RESULTS: Non-elite ballet dancers reported the highest prevalence of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa 1.8%; bulimia nervosa 2.7%; eating disorders not otherwise specified 22.1%), followed by gymnasium users (anorexia nervosa 2.6%; eating disorders not otherwise specified 18%). Significant differences (p < 0.01) between athletes and their controls were found in the following parameters (median values): Beck Depression Inventory (female dancers 5.7, gymnasium users 6.1, female controls 2.8, body builders 1.6, and male controls 1.3), Body Uneasiness Test (female dancers 1.08, gymnasium users 0.62, female controls 0.54, body builders 0.35, and male controls 0.27), EDE total scores (female dancers 1.6, gymnasium users 1.7, female controls 1.0, body builders 1.0, and male controls 0.4), EDE - restraint subscale scores (female dancers 0.8, gymnasium users 1.6, female controls 0.0, body builders 0.8, and male controls 0.0), EDE--eating concern subscale scores (female dancers 0.4, gymnasium users 0.2, female controls 0.0, body builders 0.0, and male controls 0.0), EDE--weight concern subscale scores (female dancers 2.1, gymnasium users 2.1, female controls 1.6, body builders 1.4, and male controls 0.5), and EDE--shape concern subscale scores (female dancers 2.7, gymnasium users 2.8, female controls 2.0, body builders 2.1, and male controls 0.9). EDE scores were highly related to Body Uneasiness Test scores, especially in non-elite ballet dancers and in non-competitive body builders (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Non-professional performers of sports emphasising thinness or muscularity, such as ballet and body-building, show a high degree of body uneasiness and inappropriate eating attitudes and behaviours.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psycho-biological correlates of free-floating anxiety symptoms in male patients with sexual dysfunctions.

Anxiety has a relevant impact on everyday life, including sexual life, and therefore is considered the final common pathway by which social, psychological, and biological stressors negatively affect sexual functioning. The aim of this study is to define the psycho-biological correlates of free-floating anxiety in a large sample of patients complaining of erectile dysfunction (ED)-based sexual problems. We studied a consecutive series of 882 ED patients using SIEDY, a 13-item structured interview, composed of 3 scales that identify and quantify organic, relational, and intrapsychic domains. MHQ-A scoring from Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) was used as a putative marker of free-floating anxiety symptoms (AS). Metabolic and hormonal parameters, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test, and penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) examination were also performed. MHQ-A score was significantly higher in patients complaining of difficulties in maintaining erection and in those reporting premature ejaculation (6.5 +/- 3.3 vs 5.8 +/- 3.3 and 6.6 +/- 3.3 vs 6.1 +/- 3.3, respectively; both P < .05). Moreover, ASs were significantly correlated to life stressors quantified by SIEDY scale 2 (relational component) and scale 3 (intrapsychic component) scores, as dissatisfaction at work or within the family or couple relationships. Among physical, biochemical, or instrumental parameters tested, only end-diastolic velocity at PDU was significantly (P < .05) related to ASs. In conclusion, in patients with ED-based sexual problems, ASs are correlated to many relational and life stressors. Conversely, organic problems are not necessarily associated with MHQ-A score.

Adult↗