Plasma Viscosity and NLR in Young Subjects with Myocardial Infarction: Evaluation at the Initial Stage and at 3 and 12 Months

In the “Sicilian study on juvenile myocardial infarction,” we had evaluated plasma viscosity (PV) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at the age of ⩽45 years. Now, we examined the relationship between these 2 parameters in 120 subjects (109 men and 11 women) aged ⩽45 years with recent AMI. The patients were classified according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors, the electrocardiographic criteria (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]), and the extent of coronary stenosis, evaluated with coronary angiography. On fasting venous blood, we measured PV at the sh…

Cytosolic Ca2+Content and Membrane Fluidity of Platelets and Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes in Diabetes Mellitus

Considering the role played by platelets and leucocytes in diabetic disease and keeping in mind the strong correlation between functional and metabolic aspects that characterizes this clinical condition, we evaluated, in two groups of diabetics, respectively the platelet and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cytosolic Ca2+ content (employing the fluorescent probe Fura 2-AM) and membrane fluidity (using the fluorescent probe TMA-DPH and considering the fluorescence polarization degree, inversely related to the membrane fluidity). From the obtained results, it is evident that the platelet cytosolic Ca2+ content does not distinguish normals from diabetics of type 1 and 2; the platelet membrane fluidity …

Leukocyte Rheology Before and After Chemotactic Activation in some Venous Diseases

Abstract Objective: to evaluate leukocyte rheology, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in subjects with post-phlebitic leg syndrome (PPS) and acute deep-venous leg thrombosis (DVT). Subjects: twenty-two subjects with leg PPS and 14 subjects with leg DVT. Methods: we evaluated the leukocyte filtration (unfractionated, mononuclear cells (MN) and PMN), the PMN membrane fluidity and the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Subsequently, we evaluated the same PMN variables after in vitro chemotactic activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N -formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Results: at baseline we observed a signific…

Persistence of High Plasma Elastase Level in Young Subjects With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in metabolic syndrome

Deep Venous Thrombosis: Leukocyte Rheology at Baseline and after in vitro Activation

We evaluated leukocyte rheology, expressed as leukocyte filtration, polymorphonuclear (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration in subjects with acute deep venous leg thrombosis (DVT). In 14 subjects with leg DVT we examined the leukocyte filtration [unfractionated, mononuclear cells (MN), PMNs], PMN membrane fluidity and PMN cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration. Subsequently, we evaluated the same PMN variables after in vitro chemotactic activation with 4-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. At baseline, we observed a significant difference in the filtration of unfractionated and MNs and in PMN cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentra…

Protein oxidation in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Aims To examine the protein oxidation, marker of the oxidative stress, in metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods We enrolled 106 subjects (45 women and 61 men) with MS of which 43 (14 women and 27 men) were with diabetes mellitus and 63 (31 women and 32 men) were without diabetes mellitus, and 54 subjects (19 women and 35 men) as control group. The protein oxidation, expressed as carbonyl groups, was measured by an enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (BioCell PC test kit, Enzo Life Sciences AG, Switzerland). Results In the whole group of MS subjects, in comparison with control group, a significant increase in carbonyl groups was present. The same datum was also evident between co…

Platelet membrane fluidity, platelet membrane lipid pattern and platelet cytosolic Ca2+ content in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease

In a group of subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease (V AD) we examined the platelet membrane fluidity (obtained marking intact resting platelets with TMA-DPH), the platelet membrane cholesteroVphospholipid ratio (CIPL using column chromatography), the platelet membrane individual phospholipids (employing the thin layer chromatography) and the platelet cytosolic Ca2+ content (evaluated marking intact resting platelets with Fura 2-AM). From the obtained data, it is evident that platelet membrane fluidity differentiates normals from V AD subjects. Platelet membrane lipid pattern (CIPL and individual phospholipids) and cytosolic Ca2+ content do not discriminate normals from V AD subjec…

Correspondence

Emoreologia ed ipertensione

Lipid Peroxidation, Nitric Oxide Metabolites, and Their Ratio in a Group of Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Our aim was to evaluate lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite + nitrate) expressed asNOx, and TBARS/NOxratio in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). In this regard we enrolled 106 subjects with MS defined according to the IDF criteria, subsequently subdivided into diabetic (DMS) and nondiabetic (NDMS) and also into subjects with a low triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) index or with a high TG/HDL-C index. In the entire group and in the four subgroups of MS subjects we found an increase in TBARS andNOxlevels and a decrease in TBARS/NOxratio in comparison with normal controls. Regarding all these …

Red cell Ca2+ content (total and cytosolic) and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in several clinical conditions

Nitric oxide metabolites, leukocyte activation markers and oxidative status in dialyzed subjects.

<i>Aims:</i> Our purpose was to evaluate, in a group of 42 end-stage renal disease patients who regularly undergo hemodialysis, some indexes of leukocyte activation, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and other parameters that reflect the oxidative stress before and after a standard hemodialysis session. <i>Methods:</i> Elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by means of ELISA. The NO production was evaluated by a micromethod which measures the concentration of NOx. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was evaluated in plasma by detection of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Total antioxidant status (TAS) was obtained using spectrophotom…

Behaviour of carbonyl groups in several clinical conditions: Analysis of our survey

Protein carbonylation is a marker of oxidative protein damage, that is likely involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protein carbonyl (PC) groups in different clinical conditions. It included different groups of subjects: 81 trained subjects; 23 subjects with mild essential hypertension; 31 middle-aged subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS); 106 subjects with MS not selected for age (subdivided into two subgroups, with and without diabetes mellitus); 91 obese adults subdivided in two subgroups (BMI 30-35 Kg/m2 and BMI > 35 kg/m2); 48 subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) subdivided in accordance with the apnea/hypopnea i…

Platelet membrane fluidity and platelet membrane lipid pattern in essential hypertension

In a group of subjects with essential hypertension platelets were studied in resting conditions: platelet membrane fluidity was measured with the fluorescent probe 1.4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl-4-phenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH), platelet membrane cholesterol/phospholipid ratio was evaluated separating the membrane lipids with column chromatography, and platelet membrane individual phospholipids were determined using two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. From the obtained results, it is evident that platelet membrane fluidity does not differentiate normals from hypertensives; platelet membrane cholesterol/phospholipid ratio is increased in hypertensives, while of the platelet membrane individu…

Leucocyte Rheology at Baseline and after Activation in Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate leucocyte rheology, expressed as leucocyte filtration, polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in subjects with post-phlebitic leg syndrome (PPS). Methods: In 22 subjects with PPS we determined leucocyte filtration [unfractionated, mononuclear (MN) and PMN cells], employing the St George Filtrometer, PMN membrane fluidity using the fluorescent probe 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration using the fluorescent probe Fura 2-AM. Subsequently we determined the same PMN parameters after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-met…

Vascular atherosclerotic disease: Evaluation of white blood cell rheology and metabolism after acute intravenous administration of defibrotide

Defibrotide is a single-strand polydeoxyribonucleotide, obtained by controlled depolymerization of DNA extracted from mammalian organs. It stimulates vascular prostacyclin production and secretion (1-3) and enhances fibrinolysis (1, 4-6). Several clinical trials have evidentiated that defibrotide is effective in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis and in the treatment of peripheral obliterative arterial disease (for a review see ref. 7). There are several reports concerning, in vitro and in vivo, the dose-dependent activity of defibrotide on the polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN). From these results, the molecule influences the PMN adhesivity (8, 9) and especially PMN activation, with s…

Membrane fluidity, membrane lipid pattern, and cytosolic Ca2+ content in platelets from a group of type II diabetic patients with macrovascular complications

OBJECTIVE To evaluate platelet membrane fluidity and some platelet metabolic parameters in type II diabetic patients with macrovascular complications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a group of 21 type II diabetic patients with macrovascular complications, we evaluated platelet membrane fluidity [marking intact resting platelets with the fluorescent probe 1,4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl-4-phenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH)], platelet membrane lipid pattern (cholesterol :phospholipid [C:PL] ratio and individual phospholipids), and platelet cytosolic Ca2+ content (marking intact resting platelets with the fluorescent probe Fura 2AM). RESULTS Platelet membrane fluidity is decreased in type II diabetic pat…

Influence of risk factors on nitric oxide metabolites at the initial stage of juvenile acute myocardial infarction.

Few data are accessible about the nitric oxide (NO) stable end-products (nitrite/NO2 − and nitrate/NO3 − :N O x) in acute coronary syndromes. An increase in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was found during experimental myocardial infarction [13] and this increase persisted for 2 weeks. In experimental models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) other authors [2] observed a NOx increase, a correlation between NOx level and iNOS activity and an inhibitory action carried out by S-methylisothiourea, that is an iNOS inhibitor [5]. The NOx level was also measured in a small group of patients with myocardial infarction in whom the peak of NOx elevation occurred 2 and 3 days after the onset of symptom…

Oxidative status in metabolic syndrome

Protein carbonyl groups in trained subjects.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the plasma protein carbonyl groups (PC) in 81 trained subjects (TS) who practiced regular, non professional physical activity. They were divided into three groups according to the type of sport they practiced (endurance, mixed or power). On fasting venous blood we examined the PC groups employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, in which 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazine reacts with the PC forming a stable hydrazone product. In the whole group of TS a significant decrease in PC was present, in comparison with sedentary controls (SC). Dividing TS into groups, we observed a decreased PC concentration in those practicing endurance and mix…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in diabetes mellitus.

We evaluated polymorphonuclear membrane (PMN) fluidity in 32 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 38 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 38 normal control subjects, by marking intact and unstimulated PMN cells with the fluorescent probe 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH). We also evaluated PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content by marking intact and unstimulated PMN cells with the fluorescent probe Fura 2-AM. PMN membrane fluidity differentiated normal subjects from type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects. The PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration did not discriminate type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects from normal control subjects. No statistical correlation was found between PMN …

Nitric oxide metabolites and erythrocyte deformability in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Our aim was to evaluate nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite and nitrate), expressed as NOx, and erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index, in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). We enrolled 48 subjects (36 men and 12 women; mean age 50.3 ± 14.68 yrs) with OSAS diagnosed after a 1-night cardiorespiratory sleep study. OSAS severity was assessed evaluating the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and subjects were subdivided in two subgroups: Low (L = AHI 30). NOx was examined converting nitrate into nitrite with a nitrate reductase and then assessing nitrite with spectrophotometry after the addition of Griess reagent. The elongation index was obtained using th…

Elastase, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide metabolites and oxidative status in subjects with clinical stable chronic renal failure on conservative treatment

We evaluated, in a group of 41 CRF undialyzed subjects (29 men and 12 women, mean age 64.1 +/- 11.3 years), some parameters that reflect leukocyte activation (elastase, myeloperoxidase - MPO), plasma NO metabolites (NO(x)) and the oxidative status (lipid peroxidation expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Elastase was determined, on plasma separated from fasting venous blood, as elastase/alpha1-proteinase inhibitor complex. MPO was evaluated employing the Myeloperoxidase ELISA kit. The NO production was evaluated by a micromethod. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was evaluated in plasma by detection of the thiobarbituric …

Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose —Several reports have considered the role of systemic leukocytes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Initially, greater attention was focused on the leukocyte count and subsequently on their adhesiveness, aggregation, rheology, and activation. The aim of this study was the evaluation of certain polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) parameters, reflecting their rheology and activation, in subjects with AIS. Methods —In a group of 19 subjects with AIS and in a control group of 18 subjects with asymptomatic vascular atherosclerotic disease, we evaluated the PMN membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration at baseline and after in vitro chemotactic activation with 4-phorb…

Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide metabolites in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

It is known that in OSAS the plasma lipid peroxidation has an opposite behavior in comparison with nitric oxide metabolites. In the re-examination of our survey of OSAS subjects we calculated the ratio between thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in relation to OSAS severity. The study has regarded 48 OSAS subjects subdivided in two subgroups according to the apnea/hypopnea index - AHI- (Low = 21 subjects with AHI30 and High = 27 subjects with AHI30). From the obtained data it is evident that the TBARS/NOx ratio is significantly higher in the H subgroup compared to L subgroup as well as this ratio is reduced in L subgroup in comparison with the …

Hemorheologic profile of hyperlipidemic patients treated with gemfibrozil

Abstract We measured the plasma lipid levels and the macrorheologic (whole-blood, plasma, and serum viscosity levels; fibrinogen; hematocrit; mean erythrocyte aggregation; and whole-blood filterability) and microrheologic (erythrocyte membrane fluidity and red cell membrane protein lateral mobility) determinants in a group of 19 hyperlipidemic patients (Fredrickson's classification phenotype IIa, 12 patients; phenotype IV, 4; phenotype IIb, 3) at baseline and after 45 and 90 days of treatment with gemfibrozil (900 mg orally once a day). At baseline we noted statistically significant increases in plasma viscosity level, fibrinogen, and mean erythrocyte aggregation, as well as a statistically…

Oxidative stress in young subjects with acute myocardial infarction: evaluation at the initial stage and after 12 months.

In 105 subjects (97 men and 8 women) aged <46 years (mean age 39.6 ± 5.5 years), with recent acute myocardial infarction (T1), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and total antioxidant status were determined; NO production was evaluated by measuring the nitrite and nitrate (NOx) concentration. The patients with acute myocardial infarction were subdivided according to the main risk factors, number of risk factors, and extent of coronary lesions. The evaluation was repeated after 12 months (T2). In these subjects, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and NOx were significantly increased and total antioxidant status was significantly decreased at T1. In single risk factor, only NO m…

Erythrocyte deformability, plasma lipid peroxidation and plasma protein oxidation in a group of OSAS subjects

Considering that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is usually associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders, our aim was to examine the erythrocyte deformability and the oxidative status in a group of OSAS subjects. We consecutively enrolled 48 subjects with OSAS defined after a 1-night cardiorespiratory sleep study, subsequently subdivided according to the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) value in two subgroups: Low (L = 21 subjects with AHI30) and High (H = 27 subjects with AHI30). We evaluated the erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index (EI) and the parameters of the oxidative status, such as lipid peroxidation (expressed as thioba…

Granulocyte integrins before and after activation in acute ischaemic stroke.

We examined in 19 subjects with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) the PMN integrin pattern (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18), using indirect immunofluorescence and adopting a flow cytometer, at baseline and during activation, prolonged for 5 and 15 min, with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). At baseline, an increase in the expression of CD11c and CD18 and a decrease in the CD11b were evident in AIS subjects compared to normals. After activation, we found in normals a constant and significant increase of all PMN adhesive molecules, while in AIS subjects, we found an increase in CD11b and CD18, a decrease in CD11a and no variation in CD11c. While the basal upregulation of CD11c and CD18 may depen…

Expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 and their tissue inhibitors in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a heterogeneous family of endopeptidases that play a role in many physiological functions, including the immune response. An imbalance between the activity of MMPs and their physiological tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) has been proposed in the pathophysiology of different autoimmune disorders. We aimed to assess the plasmatic levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and their inhibitors TIMP-1 and -2 in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Subjects and methods: Twenty patients with CIDP and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were determined by the enzy…

Rheological and metabolic leucocyte determinants in diabetes mellitus

In diabetics of type I and 2 we examined, in resting white blood cells (WBC), the filtration parameters (Initial Relative Flow Rate - lRFR, Clogging Rate - CR) employing the St. George Filtrometer, the polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) membrane fluidity, the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content and the PMN membrane cholesterol/phospholipid ratio (C/PL). From the obtained data, it is evident that, while the lRFR of unfractionated WBC distinguishes normals from diabetics of type 1 and 2, the fIltration parameters of the PMN and mononuclear cells (MN) do not show any significant difference. PMN membrane fluidity, PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content and PMN C/PL do not discriminate normals from diabetics of type 1 an…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity before and after activation in subjects with insulin resistance.

The aim of this research was the evaluation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity in subjects with insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity, in fact, may be influenced by plasma membrane fluidity. We enrolled 19 subjects with insulin resistance previously demonstrated during an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. PMN membrane fluidity was studied by labeling intact cells with the fluorescent probe 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and calculating the fluorescence polarization degree. The measurement was made before and after incubation of PMNs with two activating agents: 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (…

Behaviour of protein carbonyl groups in juvenile myocardial infarction.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is accompanied by oxidative stress, and protein oxidation is among the con- sequences of oxidative stress. We examined the plasma concentration of protein carbonyl groups (PC), a marker of protein oxidation, in a group of young subjects with AMI (45 men and 5 women; mean age 40.4 ± 4.8 yrs). We found a significant increase of PC (p < 0.001) in comparison with normal controls. No difference was observed between patients with AMI char- acterized by elevated ST segment and those without elevation of ST segment. There was no correlation between the ejection fraction and PC in the whole group nor in the subgroups of STEMI and non-STEMI patients. Subdividing the …

Effects of red orange juice intake on endothelial function and inflammatory markers in adult subjects with increased cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND Oxidative and inflammatory stresses are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with improved health and reduced cardiovascular risk. Red oranges have a high content of antioxidant and antiinflammatory substances, but there is a paucity of data concerning their effects on cardiovascular biomarkers in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of red orange juice intake on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and markers of inflammation in subjects with increased cardiovascular risk. DESIGN Nineteen nondiabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk (aged 27-56 y) were inc…

Gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in a group of subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events and stroke. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases involved in extracellular matrix degradation and then in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to evaluate plasma levels of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in a group of subjects with OSAS. We enrolled 48 subjects (36 men and 12 women; mean age 49.7 ± 14.68 yrs) with OSAS diagnosed with a 1-night cardiorespiratory study and then we subdivided these subjects into two subgroups according to the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI): Low (L = 21 subjects with AHI …

Protein oxidation in chronic kidney disease.

An imbalance between oxidative processes and antioxidant systems has been widely demonstrated in chronic kidney diseases (CKD). In this study we enrolled 26 healthy subjects, 27 patients with CKD on conservative treatment (CT-CKD) with various degrees of renal failure, and 31 CKD subjects in haemodialysis treatment (HD-CKD), evaluated before and after a standard haemodialysis session. In each group we measured protein carbonyl groups (PC) as an index of protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and two plasma markers of leukocyte activation, elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In CT-CKD subjects the PC level was significantly higher than in normal controls, and it was negatively correla…

Platelet membrane fluidity and platelet membrane lipid pattern in several clinical conditions

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte rheology and cytosolic Ca2+ content after activation in chronic renal failure

SUMMARY: We evaluated polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) flow properties in patients with clinically stable chronic renal failure (CRF) and in control subjects at baseline and after activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Initial relative flow rate (IRFR) and clogging particles (CPs) were obtained using the St. George's Filtrometer, and PMN membrane fluidity was assessed by marking PMNs with 1-(4-(trimethylamino)phenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH). PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was determined by marking PMNs with Fura 2-AM. At baseline, CRF patients showed a significant increase only in PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content.…

Effect of nimodipine on rheologic parameters in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease

Abstract Sixteen patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease were treated with a monotherapeutic regimen of nimodipine 30 mg orally three times a day. At baseline and after 45 and 90 days of therapy, the patients' whole blood filterability, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, red blood cell membrane protein lateral mobility, and red blood cell Ca 2+ content (total and cytosolic) were evaluated. After 45 days, an increase in whole blood filterability and a decrease in the cytosolic red cell Ca 2+ content was seen. At the end of treatment, whole blood filterability, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and red cell membrane protein lateral mobility had increased, compared with baseline values, while t…

Diabetes mellitus: mean erythrocyte aggregation, glycometabolic pattern, red cell Ca2+ content, and erythrocyte membrane dynamic properties.

Red Cell Membrane Protein Lateral Mobility in Vascular Atherosclerotic Disease: Preliminary Report

Beta-Thromboglobulin and Platelet Factor 4 in Juvenile Myocardial Infarction

Effect of mesoglycan on macrorheologic and microrheologic parameters

Abstract Whole blood filtration, mean erythrocyte aggregation, and erythrocyte membrane fluidity were examined in 10 patients with vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) and in 15 VAD patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) treated with mesoglycan (100 mg orally twice a day) for 30 days. The red cell membrane transverse fluidity gradient was evaluated in the VAD subjects, and the red cell membrane protein lateral mobility was measured in the VAD subjects with NIDDM. In both groups, mesoglycan treatment was responsible for an increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity. This finding, which reflects an improvement in the dynamic properties of red cell membrane, assumes part…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin pattern, at baseline and after activation, in type 2 diabetic subjects with macrovascular complications.

In vascular atherosclerotic disease and in diabetes mellitus few studies have evaluated the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion molecule pattern. In this study we examined the PMN integrin expression at baseline and after activation in controls and type 2 diabetic subjects with macrovascular complications (MVC). We enrolled 21 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and macrovascular complications, localized in peripheral, coronary and cerebral sites. The patients had peripheral occlusive arterial disease, chronic cerebrovascular disease or coronary heart disease. We evaluated the expression of some PMN integrins (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18), using flow cytofluorimetry, at baseline and…

Evaluation of nitric oxide metabolites in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the concentration of metabolites (NO2−, NO3−) of nitric oxide (NO) in metabolic syndrome (MS). Materials and methods We enrolled 106 subjects (45 women and 61 men) with MS of which 43 (14 women and 27 men) with diabetes mellitus and 63 (31 women and 32 men) without diabetes mellitus, and 54 subjects (19 women and 35 men) as control group. The nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite + nitrate = NOx) were evaluated employing the Griess reagent. Results In the whole group of MS subjects was evident, in comparison with control group, a significant increase in NOx. The same finding was also present between control group and diabetic subjects with MS and between control group a…

Chronic renal failure: leukocyte rheology and polymorphonuclear cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.

In a group of subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF), we evaluated the leukocyte rheological activity, expressed as the filtration rate, the polymorphonuclear (PMN) membrane fluidity and the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content. Using the St. George's Filtrometer, we determined the filtration rate of unfractionated, mononuclear and PMN leukocytes. Using the fluorescent probe 1.4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl-4-phenyl-hexatriene (TMA-DPH), we examined the PMN membrane fluidity and, using the Fura 2-AM, the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content. From the results obtained, it is evident that only the initial relative flow rate of unfractionated leukocytes was significantly reduced in subjects with CRF, while the filt…

Aspetti emoreologici nella iperviscosità policitemica e sierica

I fattori strutturali in grado di modificare la viscosità ematica sono la massa cellulare, le frazioni proteiche plasmatiche e la deformabilità del globulo rosso. In base alla presenza di uno di questi fattori si distinguono le diverse condizioni primarie di iperviscosità. Mentre l'iperviscosità policitemica è possibile riscontrarla in molti quadri clinici caratterizzati dall'aumento della massa cellulare (policitemia vera, eritrocitosi, leucocitosi iperleucocitiche, trombocitemia), l'iperviscosità sierica è probabile evidenziarla in quadri clinici diversi quali mieloma, malattia di Waldenstrom, crioglobulinemia, disfibrinogenemie, malattie del connettivo, e l'iperviscosità sclerocitemica è…

Behavior of the total antioxidant status in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

AIM: Our purpose was to examine the total antioxidant status (TAS) in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) subdivided according to the presence or not of diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We enrolled 106 subjects (45 women, 61 men) with MS subsequently subdivided in diabetics (14 women, 29 men) and nondiabetics (31 women, 29 men). TAS was obtained using an Assay kit which relies on the ability of plasma antioxidant substances to inhibit the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid) to the radical ABTS+. RESULTS: In the group of MS subjects a significant decrease in TAS (p<0.05) in comparison with normal controls was evident. This difference was present between normal subje…

Ulcere venose: rilievi riguardanti sia aspetti reologici e funzionali dei polimorfonucleati che le concentrazioni plasmatiche delle gelatinasi e dei loro inibitori

Relationship between elastase and total antioxidant status in young subjects with recent myocardial infarction

In a group of young subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (68 men and 7 women; mean age 39.6 ± 5.7 years) we examined the plasma concentration of elastase, the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the total antioxidant status (TAS) at the initial stage of AMI. In this group we found an increase of elastase (p <0.001) and TBARS (p < 0.001) and a decrease of TAS (p < 0.001). A statistical correlation was observed in the whole group of AMI patients between plasma elastase and TAS (p < 0.01) and this correlation was more statistically significant in patients with more risk factors and not in those with more involved vessels.

Erythrocyte membrane fluidity during mesoglycan treatment

Hemorheological parameters in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).

There is scarcity of information about the hemorheological pattern in subjects with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). This preliminary research is focused on the behaviour of whole-blood and plasma viscosity, haematocrit and erythrocyte deformability in the above clinical condition. We enrolled 21 MGUS subjects (10 women and 11 men; mean age 66.4 ± 11.6 years). In fasting venous blood we examined whole-blood and plasma viscosity at high and low shear rates, haematocrit, the ratios between whole-blood viscosity (at high and low shear rate) and haematocrit × 100, the ratio between plasma viscosity at low and high shear rate, and the erythrocyte deformability expressed…

Reologia eritrocitaria nel diabete mellito

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrins in deep venous thrombosis

The polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have a role in the pathophysiology of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We examined the phenotypical expression of PMN beta2-integrins (CD l l a, CDl l b, CD 11c) in a group of 19 subjects with leg DVT. PMN cells were incubated with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and the evaluation was made by flow cytofluorimetry. The same integrins were determined after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). In DVT subjects, at baseline, the phenotypical expression of CD11b was decreased and that of CD11c increased when compared with normal controls. In normal su…

Red blood cell deformability in multiple myeloma1.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the erythrocyte deformability in multiple myeloma (MM). We enrolled 29 MM patients and we evaluated, on fasting venous blood, the erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index, and examined using the diffractometric method. By comparing normal controls and MM patients, a significant decrease in erythrocyte deformability, especially at low shear stresses, was found. In this research paper we evaluated all the hypothesis for a possible explanation of the behaviour of red blood cell deformability in MM, even considering how the alteration of erythrocyte deformability worsens the microcirculatory flow in these patients in association with t…

Diabetes mellitus: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) filtration parameters and PMN membrane fluidity after chemotactic activation

Abstract The goal of this research was to determine leukocyte rheology at baseline and after chemotactic activation in type I and type II diabetics. In 19 normal subjects, 21 type I diabetics, and 16 type II diabetics at baseline and after in vitro chemotactic activation (prolonged for 5 and 15 minutes) with two stimulating agents (4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA] and N -formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine [fMLP]), we evaluated polymorphonuclear (PMN) filtration parameters (using a St. George filtrometer [Carri-Med, Dorking, UK] and considering the initial relative flow rate [IRFR] and the concentration of clogging particles [CP]) and PMN membrane fluidity (obtained by marking PMNs…

Analysis of the Blood Viscosity Behavior in the Sicilian Study on Juvenile Myocardial Infarction

Considering the role of hemorheology in coronary circulation, we studied blood viscosity in patients with juvenile myocardial infarction. We examined whole blood viscosity at high shear rate using the cone-on-plate viscosimeter Wells-Brookfield ½ LVT and at low shear rate employing a viscometer Contraves LS30 in 120 patients (aged &lt;46 years) with myocardial infarction, at the initial stage and subsequently 3 and 12 months after. At the initial stage, patients had an increased whole blood viscosity in comparison to normal controls. This hemorheological profile was not influenced by the cardiovascular risk factors, nor by the extent of coronary lesions, even if some differences were evide…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity, at baseline and after in vitro activation, in obesity with or without diabetes mellitus

We studied a group of 28 obese subjects (mean age 38.2+/-13.5 years, body mass index 35.0+/-5.6 kg/m2) with insulin resistance demonstrated employing an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, subdivided into a subgroup with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and a subgroup with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We examined the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity at baseline and after activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or N-formyl-methionyl-leucylphenylalanine (fMLP). At baseline, PMN membrane fluidity was significantly decreased in both subgroups compared to normals. In obese subjects with NGT no correlation was found between this PMN determinant and the parameters…

Polycythemia Vera as a Predisposing Factor for Aortic Stenosis: Prevalence and Correlation with Blood Cells Count and Mutational Status

Abstract The association between Polycythemia Vera (PV) and thrombosis is multi-factorial involving the complex interaction between activated leukocytes, platelets and endothelium. Recent reports have postulated that PV patients may over express adhesive molecules on red cell surface, likely by JAK2 mutation (Wautier M et al. Blood.2007;110(3):894–901). This process activates endothelium with production of vascular growth factors and other mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis. Aortic Stenosis (AS) is the commonest valvular heart disease in western countries; its pathogenesis is mainly related to a degenerative process sharing many characteristics with atherosclerosis. At the present is not…

Lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant status in unprofessional athletes before and after a cardiopulmonary test.

We examined lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) before and after a cardiopulmonary test, in 20 sedentary controls and in 62 unprofessional male athletes subdivided into 3 subgroups. The first included subjects who practised endurance sports (14 cyclists and 9 endurance swimmers), the second subjects who practised mixed sports (6 basket players, 6 judoists, 8 water polo players) and the third group subjects who practised power sports (3 sprint runners, 4 weightlifters, 12 sprint swimmers). In the whole group of athletes an increase in TBARS and a decrease in TAS were present at baseline. Subdividing the whole gro…

Erythrocyte deformability and hemorheological profile in multiple myeloma

The hemorheological profile in multiple myeloma (MM) has been extensively studied. Our investigation regarded the behavior of whole-blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and erythrocyte deformability in MM. We enrolled 24 MM patients; 13 of them had been recently diagnosed and were at the initial stage of therapy, 6 were on consolidation/conservation therapy and 5 had achieved a complete remission. On fasting venous blood we evaluated whole-blood and plasma viscosity at high and low shear rates, haematocrit, the ratios between whole-blood viscosity (at high and low shear rate) and haematocrit×100, the ratio between plasma viscosity at low and high shear rate and the erythrocyte deformability ex…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte
integrin pattern in acute
ischemic stroke

Behaviour of the plasma concentration of gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in subjects with venous leg ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers are common in subjects with chronic venous insufficiency. The increased intraluminal pressure causes alteration of the skin microcirculation, leukocyte activation and release of proteolytic enzymes leading to ulceration. An impaired expression and activity of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) might influence extracellular matrix degradation and deposition in chronic venous ulcers with the failure of the healing process. Our aim was to evaluate plasma concentration of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in subjects with venous leg ulcers before and after the compression therapy. We enrolled 36 subjects (12 …

Study of the Correlations among Some Parameters of the Oxidative Status, Gelatinases, and Their Inhibitors in a Group of Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Our aim was to examine some parameters of oxidative status, gelatinases, and their inhibitors and to evaluate their interrelationships in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). We enrolled 65 MS subjects, subdivided according to the presence or not of diabetes mellitus. We examined lipid peroxidation (expressed as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, TBARS), protein oxidation (expressed as carbonyl groups), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), total antioxidant status (TAS), MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. We found that MS subjects, diabetics and nondiabetics, showed an increase in TBARS, PC, and NOx. A significant decrease in TAS was observed only in nondiabetic MS subjects in comparison …

Lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide metabolites in sedentary subjects and sportsmen before and after a cardiopulmonary test.

Our aim was to investigate the effects of an exercise test on some indices of oxidative status and endothelial function, in trained and untrained subjects. We examined lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and their ratio before and after a cardiopulmonary test, using a cycloergometer. We enrolled 60 male subjects who practiced sport unprofessionally, subdivided in two groups (A and B) according to the values of VO2max. Group A included sportsmen with poor or fair aerobic fitness (VO2max 39 ml/Kg/min). The control group included 19 male sedentary subjects. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated by detection of the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS); the NOx were evaluate…

Ectasia coronarica: ruolo delle gelatinasi e dei loro inibitori tissutali.

Persistence of the altered polymorphonuclear leukocyte rheological and metabolic variables after 12 months in juvenile myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with an elevated polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count and a PMN rheological impairment. In this study we evaluated two major rheological aspects (membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration) in a group of young adults with AMI. We enrolled 41 AMI patients (39 men and 2 women; mean age 41.0 +/- 4.0 years), who were examined 5-10 days after AMI (T1) and 12 months later (T2). The membrane fluidity was obtained labelling granulocytes with the fluorescent probe 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and considering the degree of fluorescence polarization, inversely correlated to the membrane lipid fluidity. The c…

Vascular atherosclerotic disease: Behaviour of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) filtration parameters, PMN membrane fluidity and PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content after chemotactic activation

Gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Aim To evaluate matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in a group of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) subdivided according to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. Methods We examined in 90 subjects (51 men and 39 women) with MS, defined following the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and subsequently subdivided into diabetic subjects (22 men and 11 women) and nondiabetic subjects s (29 men and 28 women), the plasma concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results We found a significant increase in plasma concentrations of MMP-2, MMP…

Erythrocyte deformability evaluated by laser diffractometry in polycythemia vera.

We evaluated the erythrocyte deformability in a group of subjects with polycythemia vera (PV) using a Rheodyn-SSD Laser Diffractometer, at the shear stresses of 6, 12, 30 and 60 Pa. Our data showed a significant decrease of red cell deformability, expressed as elongation index (EI), in PV subjects compared with normal controls. These results suggest that the hyperviscosity syndrome accompanying this myeloproliferative disease may be considered a mixed form, resulting from the association of a polycythemic condition with a sclerocythemic disorder.

Type II diabetics with macrovascular complications: polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) filtration, PMN membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content after activation.

We evaluated polymorphonuclear (PMN) filtration parameters, membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content in 21 normal subjects and in 18 type II diabetics with macrovascular complications (MVC). Evaluations were carried out at baseline and after in vitro activation prolonged for 5 and 15 min. PMA (4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) and fMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) were used as stimulating agents. TMA-DPH (1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) was used as fluorescent probe for the membrane fluidity tests and Fura 2-AM for the cytosolic Ca2+ content. A significant variation was evident in PMN filtration parameters at 5 and 15 min. No variation was present i…

Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A Preliminary Study

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have recently been proposed as promising biomarkers in different immune-mediated disorders. We evaluated the plasma levels of MMP-9 and MMP-2 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in a patients’ cohort with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Plasma concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were evaluated in 14 patients with generalized MG and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The severity of disease was assessed by the modified Osserman classification. Results: Compared to the healthy subjects, MG patients had increased plasma concentrations of MMP-9, but redu…

Red blood cell deformability in multiple myeloma

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the erythrocyte deformability in multiple myeloma (MM). We enrolled 29MM patients and we evaluated, on fasting venous blood, the erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index, and examined using the diffractometric method. By comparing normal controls and MM patients, a significant decrease in erythrocyte deformability, especially at low shear stresses, was found. In this research paper we evaluated all the hypothesis for a possible explanation of the behaviour of red blood cell deformability in MM, even considering how the alteration of erythrocyte deformability worsens the microcirculatory flow in these patients in association with th…

Lipid Peroxidation, Protein Oxidation, Gelatinases, and Their Inhibitors in a Group of Adults with Obesity

AbstractThe association between obesity and cardiovascular diseases has a multifactorial pathogenesis, including the synthesis of inflammatory molecules, the increase in oxidative stress and the dysregulation of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP) concentration and activity. In a group of adults with obesity, divided in 2 subgroups according to the body mass index (BMI), we examined lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein oxidation, expressed as protein carbonyl groups (PCs), plasma gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). In the whole group, as well as in the 2 subgroups (with BMI 30–35 or BMI&gt;35) of o…

Nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite and nitrate) in young patients with recent acute myocardial infarction

Nitric oxide (NO) has a role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic cardiovascular events. We studied the plasma concentration of NO stable end products (nitrite and nitrate - NO x ) in 43 patients aged <46 years, with recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The evaluation was effected at the initial stage, after 3 and 12 months. We subdivided the patients into subgroups according to the number of the main cardiovascular risk factors and to the extent of coronary disease. In the whole group the NO x concentration was initially increased and progressively decreased after 3 and 12 months, remaining at both times significantly higher than in control subjects. The patients with more risk…

Leukocyte flow properties, polymorphonuclear membrane fluidity, and cytosolic Ca2+ content in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease with and without noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The aim of this research was the evaluation of white blood cell (WBC) filtration, reflecting WBC flow properties, polymorphonuclear cell membrane fluidity, and cytosolic Ca 2+ content in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) and in VAD subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), in good hemodynamic balance. The authors examined WBC filtration (unfractionated, mononuclear [MN], polymorphonu clear [PMN] cells), using the St. George Filtrometer and considering, respectively, the initial relative flow rate (IRFR) and the clogging rate (CR); the PMN membrane fluidity, employing the fluorescent probe TMA-DPH and calculating the fluorescence polarization degree; a…

Eventi vascolari correlati ad alcune condizioni di iperviscosità sclerocitemica

The function of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in several clinical conditions: Results and analysis of our survey.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the plasma concentration of MMP-9 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP-1) in different clinical conditions. It included several groups of subjects: 31 overweight subjects; 91 obese adults divided into two subgroups according to the BMI value (BMI 30–35 Kg/m2 and BMI &gt; 35 Kg/m2); 90 subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) divided into two subgroups (with and without diabetes mellitus); 100 subjects with preclinical carotid atherosclerosis (PCA) divided according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors and to the insulin resistance degree; 48 subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) divided according to the apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI); 2…

Nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite and nitrate) in several clinical condition.

We determined the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites (NO2-+NO3-), expressed as NOx, in several clinical conditions. Regarding this, we have examined 25 subjects with arterial hypertension, 41 subjects with chronic kidney disease in conservative treatment, 106 subjects with metabolic syndrome subdivided according to the presence (n = 43) or not (n = 63) of diabetes mellitus, 48 subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), 14 women with systemic sclerosis complicated with Raynaud's phenomenon, 42 dialyzed subjects and 105 young subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In subjects with arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, systemic sclerosi…