0000000000452287
AUTHOR
A. Rao Camemi
Effects of Mediterranean Diet on Lipid Levels and Cardiovascular Risk in Renal Transplant Recipients
<i>Background:</i> Renal transplant recipients have an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. These patients present abnormalities of lipoprotein profile which are persistent and involve an increasing number of individuals, suggesting the opportunity of an early therapeutic intervention. <i>Methods:</i> We evaluated the effects of a 10- to 12-week diet based on the American Heart Association step-one diet criteria, modified with an increased intake of monounsaturated fats and alimentary fibers, on lipid profile and lipid-related cardiovascular risk in 78 normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic renal transplant recipients. <i>Results:</i> Diet led to a s…
Matrix metalloproteinases production in malignant pleural effusions after talc pleurodesis
SUMMARY In this study we have evaluated the modifications of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in malignant pleural fluids taken from patients suffering from lung cancer and treated with intrapleural talc instillation to induce pleurodesis. Furthermore, we have analysed the variations of some inflammatory mediators (C-reactive protein, α-1 antitrypsin) and of a protein (plasminogen) involved in MMP activation. In all patients the clinical improvement after talc pleurodesis was followed by a reduction in MMP-1, TIMP-1, C-reactive protein, α-1 antitrypsin and plasminogen activity. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels were variable; in fact, in some patients they were high at the beginning of treatment, i…
Effectiveness of cascade filtration plasmapheresis in two patients affected by familial hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia has been recognised as a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease. Reduction of plasma levels of total and LDL cholesterol has been shown to decrease coronary atherosclerosis. Plasmapheresis represents an useful non-pharmacological tool to treat severe hypercholesterolemias. We have evaluated the effectiveness of a system of plasmapheresis using a cascade filtration method in two young male subjects (aged 16 and 26 years) with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Both showed severe coronary atherosclerosis as determined by angiography. Procedures were performed at intervals of 7 days in each case. We observed a mean reduction of plasma levels of total cholest…