0000000000778253
AUTHOR
Bruno Giuseppe Gioia
Uncoupling Protein 2 as genetic risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus: association with malondialdehyde levels and intima media thickness
BACKGROUND Increased oxidative stress potentially leads to accelerated atherosclerosis and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of death in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). To gain insight into these mechanisms, we studied the association of uncoupling protein (UCP) 2 genetic variants, gene involved in the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress with SLE and the presence of atherosclerosis. METHODS Genetic analysis of the UCP2 -866G/A and UCP2 Ins/Del polymorphisms was performed in 45 SLE patients and 36 healthy controls by RFLP-PCR. Oxidation status was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Presence of subclinical athero…
Imaging evaluation of cardiac stem cells transplantation
Cardiovascular Disease is the number one cause of death in the World. Although advances in treatment and intervention have reduced the mortality rate in patients with coronary artery disease, the number of patients with refractory myocardial ischemia and congestive heart failure is rapidly increasing. “Cellular therapy” represents an important new approach in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and the scientific community needs to establish not only the appropriate type and timing of cellular administration but also the diagnostic gold standard to better enable the study of subjects before and after cellular therapy
Computed tomography of bowel obstruction: Tricks of the trade
Bowel obstruction (BO) is a frequent cause of hospitalization and surgical consultation for acute abdominal pain. It is usually suspected at physical examination, but clinical and laboratory data are often nonspecific. Thus, computed tomography plays a crucial role in a correct diagnosis of BO. Indeed, computed tomography can confirm a diagnosis of BO, and identify the location and cause of the obstruction. In this review, the computed tomography appearances of common and uncommon causes of BO and pseudo-obstruction are reviewed.