IL GENE PCSK9: UN NUOVO GENE IMPLICATO NEL CONTROLLO DELLA COLESTEROLEMIA

The distribution of cholesterol plasma is regulated by complex interactions between genes and environmental factors. Mutations of PCSK9 gene seem to modulate the levels of LDL-C. Mutations of PCSK9 gene with gain of function are associated to hypercholesterolemia and mutations with loss of function determine hypocholesterolemia.

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth and irritable bowel syndrome-related symptoms: Experience with Rifaximin

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in our geographical area (Western Sicily, Italy) by means of an observational study, and to gather information on the use of locally active, non-absorbable antibiotics for treatment of SIBO. METHODS: Our survey included 115 patients fulfilling the Rome II criteria for diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a total of 97 patients accepted to perform a breath test with lactulose (BTLact), and those who had a positive test, received Rifaximin (Normix®, Alfa Wassermann) 1200 mg/d for 7 d; 3 wk after the end of treatment, the BTLact was repeated. RESULTS: Based on the BTLact results, SIBO was present in about 5…

Le ipocolesterolemie primitive

Hypobetalipoproteinemia (HBL) is characterized by cholesterol levels below the 5th percentile of the population distribution. Familial HBL (FHBL) is characterized by an inherited HBL trait within a family. In the last years gene defects underlying some cases of FHBL, but not all, have been identified. The molecular basis of some gene defect and the clinical onset of FHBL are presented in this paper.

LE IPERCOLESTEROLEMIE PRIMITIVE