Clinical conditions responsible for hyperviscosity and skin ulcers complications

In this brief review, we have examined some clinical conditions that result to be associated to an altered hemorheological profile and at times accompanied by skin ulcers. This skin condition may be observed in patients with the following condtions, such as primary polycythemic hyperviscosity (polycythemia, thrombocytemia) treated with hydroxyurea, primary plasma hyperviscosity (multiple myeloma, cryoglobulinemia, cryofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia, and connective tissue diseases), primary sclerocythemic hyperviscosity (hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease). In addition, it may be present in patients with secondary hyperviscosity conditions such as diabetes mell…

Value of Home Blood Pressures as Predictor of Target Organ Damage in Mild Arterial Hypertension

Home blood pressure measurement has gained increasing importance for the management of hypertensive patients. The aim of our study was to compare levels of clinic (CBP), ambulatory (ABP), and home blood pressure (HBP) measurements, and their relationships with various indexes of target organ damage in I-II grade essential hypertension.Thirty-eight essential hypertensives underwent evaluation of clinic, ambulatory and home blood pressures. Each patient recorded HBP for 2 days with a digital BP monitor three times daily, the first time on the same day during which ABP monitoring was simultaneously performed. Moreover, in all subjects electrocardiogram recording, echocardiographic study, micro…

Interrelation between macrorheological variables and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome

Essential Hypertension: Elastase, Nitric Oxide Metabolites and Oxidative Status.

Erythrocyte rheology in diabetes mellitus and hypertension

Pathophysiology of polymorphonuclear leukocyte in arterial hypertension

This review shows how polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) play a pivotal role in the development of the organ injury that is associated with arterial hypertension. Elevated white blood cell count and higher levels of PMNs activation are risk factors for arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Spontaneously activated PMNs release proinflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species, which have negative effects on vascular tone and on their adhesion to the endothelium. The oxidative stress in hypertensive PMNs is revealed by increased NADPH-oxidase production and lipid peroxidation and by decreased cytosolic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase concentrations. The overexpression of…

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…

Physiopathological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of hepatopulmonary syndrome

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after activation in essential hypertension

Association between platelet glycoprotein Ib-alpha and myocardial infarction: results of a pilot study performed in male and female patients from Sicily.

Myocardial infarction (AMI) is a complex multifactorial disorder. Platelet adhesion and thrombosis are pivotal events in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Occlusive thrombus is almost exclusively initiated by plaque rupture and adhesion of platelets to subendothelial von Willebrand factor (vWf) by its specific platelet receptor, the alpha-chain of glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex of the human platelet-specific antigens (HPA). Two polymorphisms have been reported in the sequence of GPIb-alpha. The first, a C/T transition at nucleotide 1018 results in an amino acid dimorphism (Thr/Met) at residue 145 of GPIb-alpha, which is located within the vWF-binding domain of the receptor. The…

Role of the pyrin M694V (A2080G) allele in acute myocardial infarction and longevity: a study in the Sicilian population

Abstract A proinflammatory genotype seems to contribute significantly to the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD). Conversely, the susceptibility alleles to inflammatory disease should be infrequent in the genetic background favoring longevity. In fact, in a modern environment, attainment of longevity is facilitated by an anti-inflammatory status. To evaluate whether inflammatory alleles of pyrin, the gene responsible for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may play an opposite role in CHD and in longevity, we examined three FMF-associated mutations, M694V (A2080G), M694I (G2082A), and V726A (T2177C), encoded by the FMF gene (MEFV) in 121 patients affected by acute myocardial infa…

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 …

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after activation in essential hypertension

Obiective: To examine in essential hypertension (EH) the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after in vitro activation. Subjects and methods: In 45 hypertensive subjects (27 men and 18 women; mean age 45.8 +/- 11.3 years) we evaluated the PMN membrane fluidity, obtained by labeling PMNs with 1-[4-(trimethyImino)phenyl]-6phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) and considering the TMA-DPH polarization degree, inversely related to the membrane fluidity, and the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content, obtained by marking PMNs with Fura 2-AM. These PMN parameters were examined at baseline and after in vitro activation (prolonged for 5 min) with two agents…

Calf veins thrombosis: optimal duration of treatment

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

Iperviscosita' sclerocitemica da alterazioni congenite della membrana eritrocitaria

Calculated Whole Blood Viscosity and Albumin/Fibrinogen Ratio in Patients with a New Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma: Relationships with Some Prognostic Predictors

Background: In this single center study, we retrospectively evaluated the calculated hemorheological profile in patients with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma, with the aim to evaluate possible relationships with some prognostic predictors, such as ISS, albumin levels, beta2-microglobulin, red cell distribution width, and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration. Methods: In a cohort of 190 patients, we examined the calculated blood viscosity using the de Simone formula, and the albumin/fibrinogen ratio as a surrogate of erythrocyte aggregation, and then we related these parameters to prognostic factors, using the Kruskal–Wallis and the Mann–Whitney tests, respectively. Results: From our ana…

Gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors in metabolic syndrome

Esercizio fisico ed emoreologia

An assessment of the hemorheological profile in patients with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis divided in relation to the number of cardiovascular risk factors and different degrees of insulin resistance.

We present a cohort of 100 subjects [43 men and 57 women; median age 66.00(25)] who were tested using carotid ultrasound to identify subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (SCA). We have evaluated the behaviour of whole blood viscosity (WBV) at high (450 s–1) and low (0.51 s–1) shear rates, plasma viscosity (450–1), hematocrit and mean erythrocyte aggregation. When compared to normal control subjects, using the Mann-Whitney test, we observed in SCA patients a significant increase in WBV only. The results were substantial after having divided the SCA subjects according to the cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and the degree of insulin resistance; the research was performed using two surrogate …

Pro-inflammatory gene variants in myocardial infarction and longevity: implications for pharmacogenomics.

Inflammation and genetics play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, despite the increasing appreciation of the role of genetics in CHD and myocardial infarction (MI) pathogenesis, pharmacogenomic approaches to uncover drug target have not been extensively explored. Cyclo-oxygenases (COXs) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) are the key enzymes in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT) and are implicated in a wide variety of inflammatory disorders, including atherosclerosis. In fact, PGE2 activates Matrix Metallo-proteinases whereas LTB4 is a chemoactractant for monocytes and activates gene expression in inflammatory c…

Elastase in young subjects with acute myocardial infarction: Evaluation at the initial stage and after 12 months

La microangiopatia diabetica

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…

Vascular atherosclerotic disease: evaluation of the whole-blood filterability and red cell membrane microrheological pattern after intravenous administration of a single dose of pentoxifylline.

SummaryA study was carried out in 10 patients with vascular atherosclerotic disease to investigate the effects of a single dose of 300 mg pentoxifylline, given by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes, on various macrorheological and nzicrorheological parameters. Measurements were made at baseline, at the end of the intravenous infusion and again 30 minutes later of whole-blood filterability, erythrocyte membrane fluidity (using pyrene as probe) and transverse fluidity gradient (using fluorescent fatty acids as probes). The results showed that there was a significant variation in whole-blood filterability and the red cell membrane fluidity gradient after pentoxifylline. No difference, howeve…

Correspondence

Emoreologia ed ipertensione

Evaluation of the Haemorheological Determinants in Coronary Heart Disease

Increased blood viscosity has been described in patients with coronary artery disease (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).

Stress ossidativo e disfunzione endoteliale

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile in essential hypertension

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease subdivided according to the extent.

An abnormal activation state of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) plays a key role in organ injury induced by vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). PMN membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content can be considered markers of PMN activation. In this research we evaluated the PMN membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content in VAD subjects with and without type 2 DM and examined the association between these parameters and the mono- or polyvascular localization. We enrolled 155 VAD subjects, including 92 non-diabetic (group A: mean age 63.6 +/- 9.2 years) and 63 diabetic patients (group B: mean age 65.4 +/- 7.8 years). Among group A 63 patients had monovascular …

Influence of chronic exercise on vascular remodelling: possible involvement of endothelial-derived nitric-oxide

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 …

Behaviour of the erythrocyte deformability and nitric oxide metabolites in unprofessional athletes

Correlation between markers of oxidative status and plasma elastase in juvenile myocardial infarction.

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

Behaviour of blood rheology and respiratory exchanges in a group of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease after acute diuretic treatment

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…

Hemorheological pattern in different groups of athletes submitted to cardio-pulmonary exercise test

Febbre familiare mediterranea, longevità ed infarto del miocardio: uno studio nella popolazione siciliana

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…

Acute ischemic stroke: leukocytes properties at the initial stage and after 30 days

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…

Plasma viscosity pattern and erythrocyte aggregation in two patients with congenital afibrinogenemia

: In this case report, we examine the behavior of plasma viscosity, explored at high and low shear rates, and erythrocyte aggregation in two patients with congenital afibrinogenemia, a clinical disorder firstly described in 1920 and that has an estimated incidence of 1 : 1-200 0000. The two hemorheological parameters examined by us showed a marked decrease in both patients, in one of whom erythrocyte aggregation was even undetectable. Keeping in mind that spontaneous thrombosis (venous and arterial) has been often described in congenital afibrinogenemia, it can be hypothesized that the decrease in plasma viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation might cause a reduction of the endothelial synthe…

Genetic risk factors in myocardial infarction at young age.

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…

Lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation are related to the severity of OSAS

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Considering that oxidative stress is involved in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis development, our aim was to examine lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, two parameters of oxidative status, in a group of subjects with OSAS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 48 patients (36 men and 12 women; mean age 49.7±14.6 yrs) with OSAS, subsequently subdivided according to the apnea/hy-popnea index (AHI) value in two subgroups: Low (L= 21 subjects with AHI30). We examined lipid peroxidation, expressed as TBARS, and protein oxidation, measured as carbonyl …

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 …

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

Association between the Polymorphism of CCR5 and Alzheimer's Disease: results of a study performed on male and female patients from Northern Italy

Diabetic retinopathy: Monitoring of the macro and microrheological parameters after oral administration of a single dose of calcium dobesilate (Doxium®)

Metalloproteinasi, stress ossidativo e sindrome metabolica

PMN membrane fluidity, cytosolic Ca2+ content and beta2-integrin pattern in vascular atherosclerotic disease

Pattern emoreologico in diversi gruppi di atleti sottoposti a test da sforzo cardiopolmonare.

Behaviour of nitric oxide metabolites in unprofessional athletes before and after a cardiopulmonary test.

Physical training causes an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production [2, 3, 8, 9] and this datum explains the link between exercise and endothelium and seems to demonstrate how regular training upregulates eNOS expression, although it is not sure if this upregulation is due to shear stress or metabolic factors [3]. However, it must be underlined that besides to be directly influenced by exogenous NO, erythrocytes express a functional NOS [5, 6, 11, 13] that raises the circulation NO pool. The literature data describe that an 8-week exercise training induced an increase in plasma levels of NO metabolites (NOx), that persisted four weeks after interruption of training [8]. A similar trend was…

Assetto emoreologico nell'infarto miocardico giovanile

Studio dei polimorfismi genetici nell’IMA giovanile

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: behaviour of granulocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ content at baseline and after in vitro activation

COVID-19 Sepsis and Microcirculation Dysfunction

The spreading of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, known as COVID-19, has caused a great number of fatalities all around the World. Up to date (2020 May 6) in Italy we had more than 28,000 deaths, while there were more than 205.000 infected. The majority of patients affected by COVID-19 complained only slight symptoms: fatigue, myalgia or cough, but more than 15% of Chinese patients progressed into severe complications, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), needing intensive treatment. We tried to summarize data reported in the last months from several Countries, highlighting that COVID-19 was characterized by cytokine storm (CS) and endothelial dysfunction in severely ill patie…

Moderata assunzione di vino e protezione vascolare

Calf vein thrombosis: optimal duration of tretment

Comparison between whole blood viscosity measured and calculated in subjects with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and in patients with multiple myeloma: Re-evaluation of our survey.

BACKGROUND: in this study, with a re-evaluation of the hemorheological determinants previously described in MGUS subjects and in MM patients, we have detected the calculated whole blood viscosity, according whether to the hematocrit and total plasma protein concentration (de Simone formula) or to the haematocrit and plasma fibrinogen level (Merrill formula), and a marker of the erythrocyte aggregation (albumin/fibrinogen level). METHODS: data were expressed as means±standard deviation. Student’s t test for unpaired data was used to compare MGUS subjects and MM patients. The correlation coefficient between mean erythrocyte aggregation (MEA) and hematocrit (Ht) was evaluated in MGUS, MM and M…

A low resting metabolic rate is associated with metabolic syndrome

Background & aims: The metabolic syndrome is associated with central accumulation of fat. Previous studies showed that some obese subjects are characterized by a sparing energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obese subjects with metabolic syndrome have a lower resting metabolic rate than obese subjects without metabolic syndrome. Methods: Forty obese subjects were divided into three groups according to the presence of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; 15 non-obese healthy control subjects were also enrolled. Body composition (bio-impedance analysis) and resting metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry) were performed. Results: The group with metabolic syndrome…

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 …

Fluidita' di membrana, calcio citosolico ed assetto integrinico dei leucociti polimorfonucleati in pazienti con ulcere venose

Genetic Pattern and Haemorheological Determinants in Type 1 Diabetics

Hemorheology in the metabolic syndrome.

Hemorheology in metabolic syndrome

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…

Gelatinases and physical exercise: A systematic review of evidence from human studies

Background Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly gelatinase A (MMP-2) and gelatinase B (MMP-9), as well as their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), are involved in the development of skeletal muscle tissue, in the repair process after muscle injury and in the adaptive modifications induced by physical exercise in skeletal muscle. This paper aims at reviewing results from human studies that investigated the role of gelatinases and their inhibitors in skeletal muscle response to acute physical exercise or training. Methods Electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for papers published between January 2000 and February 2017. The papers were eligi…

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…

Red Cell Filterability and Erythrocyte Membrane Microviscosity during Ticlopidine Treatment

The effects of 10 days' treatment with 500 mg/day ticlopidine on the filterability of red blood cells in suspension and on the microviscosity of the red blood cell membrane was evaluated in 11 patients with vascular atherosclerosis. The results show ticlopidine to be effective in influencing the rheological measures of red cell filterability and membrane microviscosity: filterability was increased and microviscosity was decreased. Ticlopidine also decreased the extent of fluorescence polarization. These results are discussed regarding possible mechanisms of action of ticlopidine.

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…

Portopulmonary hypertension.

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHT) is a respiratory complication of portal hypertension, defined as an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of > 25 mmHg with an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance of > 240 dyn.s/cm-5 and a normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ( < 15 mmHg), which often occurs in subjects with liver cirrhosis. Histopathological features of PPHT are endothelial and smooth-muscle cell proliferation and fibrosis leading to luminal obstruction in the resistance arteries. The pathogenesis of PPHT may result from an imbalance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilating factors. The most common pulmonary symptom is exertional dyspnea; fatigue, chest pain…

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…

Calf vein thrombosis: optimal duration of treatment

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte: rheology, metabolism and integrin pattern in vascular atherosclerotic disease and in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Leukocytes, and in particular polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), play a role in the organ injury that characterizes the progression of vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). We enrolled subjects with VAD, subjects with type 2 DM (DM2) and subjects with VAD and DM2. We evaluated the initial relative flow rate (IRFR) of PMN, using the St. George Filtrometer, the PMN membrane fluidity, labelling intact PMN cells with the fluorescent probe 1.4-(trimethylamino)-phenyl-4-phenylhexatriene (TMA-DPH), the PMN cytosolic Ca2+ content marking the cells with the fluorescent probe Fura 2-AM and the PMN integrin profile using the flow cytofluorimetry. All these evaluations were eff…

Association between +1059G/C CRP polymorphism and acute myocardial infarction in a cohort of patients from Sicily: a pilot study.

Inflammation plays a role in all the phases of atherosclerosis, and increased production of the acute-phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP), predicts future cardiovascular events. Furthermore, CRP has been claimed to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; therefore, CRP polymorphisms might be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We have analyzed male patients affected by AMI and healthy age-related male controls from Sicily for +1059G/C CRP single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). There was a significantly higher frequency of +1059C SNP (P = 0.0008; OR 3.86) in patients compared to controls. CRP serum levels were significantly higher in C+ healthy subjects rather …

Diabetes Mellitus and Ramadan: Physiopathological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects

Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. A significant number of diabetic patients insist on fasting during Ramadan against the recommendations of their physicians. Fasting in diabetic subjects may be associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, dehydration and thrombosis. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus are predisposed to major metabolic risks. Another problem is the reluctance of diabetic patients in taking their medications during the fast; therefore the timing and the dosage of anti-diabetic drugs must be adapted for each patient. It is important for diabetic patients who wish to fast during …

Low relative resting metabolic rate and body weight gain in adult Caucasian Italians

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between resting metabolic rate (RMR) and subsequent changes in body size and degree of fatness in a group of adult Caucasian Italians. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. SUBJECTS: In total, 155 subjects (72 males and 83 females, age range: 18–55 y; BMI: 17.5–63.4 kg/m2) were evaluated. In total, 43 (26 m and 17 f; BMI: 28.971.1 kg/m2, mean7s.e.m.) of them were reassessed 10–12 y later. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric and body composition (bioimpedance analysis) parameters and RMR (indirect calorimetry) were taken at baseline and after 10–12 y. RESULTS: Subjects (15 m, 8 f) who gained body weight (arbitrarily defined as a change in…

Significato clinico delle alterazioni emoreologiche

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…

Short-Term Prognosis of Juvenile Myocardial Infarction

In our early research regarding the hemorheological pattern in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a mean age of 61.45 + 10.99 years, we showed that the major hemorheological parameters were almost normalized 2 weeks after the acute event. In the last decade, we focused on hemorheological parameters in juvenile myocardial infarction (JMI), defined as AMI in patients aged 45 years, in the ‘‘Sicilian study on juvenile myocardial infarction’’. Juvenile myocardial infarction is responsible for 2% to 10% of all cases with AMI in different surveys. Juvenile myocardial infarction presents a typical pattern of risk factors and shows clinical, angiographic, and prognostic characteri…

MTHFR allele 677T and risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Opposite role of pyrin M694V allele in acute myocardial infarction and longevity: results of a pilot study performed in Sicily.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte rheology, cytosolic Ca2+ content, beta2-integrin expression and oxidative stress in hypertension.

Comportamento delle gelatinasi e dei loro inibitori tissutali nella sindrome metabolica

Red Cell Membrane Protein Lateral Mobility in Diabetes Mellitus

In a group of 24 diabetics subdivided for type, we evaluated the red cell membrane protein lateral mobility marking intact red cells with pyrene-3-maleimide (3-PM) and calculating the dimer to monomer fluorescence intensity ratio (Iex/Im). The same fluorescent parameter was determined in a group of 13 normal controls. From the obtained data, it is evident that the red cell membrane protein lateral mobility clearly discriminates normals from diabetics of type 1 and 2. In normals and in diabetics of type 1 and 2 no relationship is present between this fluorescent determinant and the glycometabolic parameters (FBGL and HbA1c); considering all the diabetics, a negative relationship is evident b…

Deep venous thrombosis: polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile

Macro and microrheological determinants in chronic renal failure

Clinical disorders responsible for plasma hyperviscosity and skin complications

In this brief review, we have examined some clinical disorders which are associated to an altered hemorheological profile and at times accompanied by skin ulcers. This skin condition may be, in fact, observed in patients with primary plasma hyperviscosity such as multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, cryoglobulinemia, cryofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia and connective tissue diseases. It must be underlined that the altered hemorheological pattern is not the only responsible for this skin complication but, as it worsens the microcirculatory flow, it contributes to determine the occurrence of the skin ulcers.

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 (…

Membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of the circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes in diabetes mellitus

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 …

Il ruolo dei leucociti polimorfonucleati in patologia venosa

Interrelationships between oxidative stress and MMP-9 in subjects with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality and some studies have demonstrated that the incidence of cardiovascular events is related to its severity. Our aim was to examine the oxidative status and the matrix metalloproteases (MMP) profile in a group of subjects with OSAS. We enrolled 48 subjects with OSAS, defined after a 1-night cardiorespiratory sleep study, which were subsequently subdivided in two subgroups according to the severity of OSAS: mild-moderate OSAS = “Low”, severe OSAS = “High”. We measured the parameters of oxidative stress, such as l…

Macrorheological determinants, red cell membrane dynamic properties and erythrocyte Ca2+ content (total and cytosollc) in VAD subjects with and without NIDDM

Studio Siciliano sull’Infarto Miocardico Giovanile: considerazioni osservazionali dopo tre anni di arruolamento

Role of genetic polymorphisms in myocardial infarction at young age

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in young adult presents a typical pattern of risk factors, clinical, angiographic and prognostic characteristics. In the last years we demonstrated that hemorheological profile is altered in these patients in a persistent way and independently of the number of risk factors and of the extent of coronary lesions. Thus, the hyperviscosity syndrome following AMI could be considered an intrinsic characteristic of these patients. Consequently it is possible to hypothesise the presence of a genetic background at the origin of this predisposition. If this background is able to influence the risk of ischemic heart disease, this should be particularly evident in youn…

Oxidative status in nondiabetic middle-aged subjects with metabolic syndrome: preliminary data.

Polymorphonuclear membrane fluidity and Ca2+ content in atherosclerosis and diabetes

Effects of exercise on inflammation markers in type 2 diabetic subjects

Endothelial dysfunction and plasma markers of inflammation are significantly increased in type 2 diabetics. Several proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and cell adhesion molecules, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukines (IL), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), seem to play a role in the low-grade systemic inflammation observed in these subjects. Lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Physical exercise is known to reduce markers of inflammation by decreasing adipocytokine production and cytokine release from skeletal muscles, endothelial cells, and immune system and also improving antioxidant status. In type 2 diabeti…

Infiammazione, infarto del miocardio e longevità: ruolo del polimorfismo del CCR5.

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 …

Diabetes mellitus: oxidative stress and wine.

This review focuses on the link between diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress and, in particular, on the role that moderate wine consumption may play in preventing diabetic complications and the onset of diabetes. With this aim, a search of PubMed was carried out for literature published up to March 2003. In diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress results both from exposure to hyperglycaemia through glycoxidation and sorbitol system activation, and from functional limitation of the hexose monophosphate shunt, leading to a decrease in glutathione synthesis. Oxidative stress alters the plasma lipoprotein profile (particularly low-density lipoproteins), the coagulative parameters (with an increas…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile in diabetes mellitus at baseline and after in vitro activation.

Cardiopatia ischemica cronica: pattern integrinico dei leucociti polimorfonucleati dopo attivazione in vitro e durante test ergometrico

Emoreologia negli atleti

Sindrome iponatriemica

Uric acid and uric acid/creatinine ratio and their correlations with the hemorheological determinants in subjects with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: we have examined the concentration of serum uric acid and the serum uric acid/creatinine ratio as well as their correlations with the main determinants of the hemorheological profile in a group of subjects with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: we evaluated the concentration of serum uric acid and the serum uric acid/creatine ratio in 43 men and 57 women [median age 66.00 (25)] with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, subsequently divided according to the number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to the insulin resistance degree. RESULTS: serum uric acid, but not the serum uric acid/creatinine ratio, results strongly influenced by the numbe…

Metabolic syndrome: from insulin resistance to adipose tissue dysfunction.

Recently the definition, the pathophysiology and even the clinical utility of metabolic syndrome (MS) have been discussed. The risk induced by each component of the metabolic syndrome is higher than the risk induced by MS alone. MS alone is, in fact, a weaker predictor of cardiovascular disease than diabetes. New criteria to define the metabolic syndrome have been proposed, as adipokines, CRP and PAI-1. IGFBP-1 is related to hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance and to the risk of diabetes and fatal ischemic heart disease development. IGF/IGFBP system could be a link between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. RBP-4 can attenuate insulin signalling in skeletal muscle and induce hep…

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…

Studio delle interrelazioni tra stress ossidativo, gelatinasi e loro inibitori in soggetti con sindrome delle apnee ostruttive nel sonno

Deformabilità eritrocitaria e metaboliti dell'ossido nitrico in un gruppo di soggetti con sindrome delle apnee ostruttive nel sonno

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

Diabetic microangiopathy: physiopathological, clinical and therapeutic aspects.

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…

Lipid peroxidation/nitric oxide metabolite ratio in trained subjects before and after a cardiopulmonary test

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

Nitric oxide metabolites and oxidative stress in mild essential hypertension

Many papers have showed non univocal data about oxidative stress status and nitric oxide metabolites in essential hypertension. Considering this preamble we examined the total antioxidant status (TAS), the lipid peroxidation (LP), expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the stable end products of nitric oxide (NOx) and LP/NOx ratio in 25 subjects with untreated mild essential hypertension. The obtained data show a significant increase in TBARS (p < 0.001) and NOx (p < 0.001) in hypertensives and no variation in TAS and in TBARS/NOx ratio. None of these parameters was statistically related to the metabolic parameters or to the blood pressure values. The high level of li…

Interrelationships between lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant status in sedentary controls and unprofessional athletes.

We examined the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation, and the total antioxidant status (TAS) in 81 unprofessional athletes subdivided into three subgroups. The first group included 28 subjects who practised endurance sports, the second included 30 subjects who practised mixed sports, the third included 23 subjects who practised power sports. We enrolled also a group of 61 sedentary controls (SC). TBARS were increased and TAS was decreased in the whole group of athletes in comparison with SC; an almost similar behaviour was present also subdividing athletes according to the practised sport. A significant negative correlation between these two para…

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

Insulin resistance and polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity in obese subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

Beta-Thromboglobulin and Platelet Factor 4 in Juvenile Myocardial Infarction

Multiple sclerosis: Haemorheological pattern

Alterazioni funzionali leucocitarie nella malattia ipertensiva

Leukocyte activation markers and oxidative status in chronic kidney disease

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…

Behaviour of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in young subjects with acute myocardial infarction

In the last years the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been examined in cardiovascular disorders and in particular in coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Now we examined this parameter in subjects with juvenile myocardial infarction at the initial stage and after 3 and 12 months. We enrolled 123 young subjects (112 men and 11 women, mean age 39.4 ± 5.8 yrs) with AMI. The time interval between the AMI onset and the investigation was 13 ± 7 days. The mean value of NLR observed in young AMI subjects was significantly increased compared to normal controls (N = 1.817 ± 0.711; young AMI subjects = 2.376 ± 0.873, p <  0.0001). NLR does not discriminate STEMI (2.4…

Polymorphonuclear integrins, membrane fluidity, and cytosolic Ca(2+) content after activation in essential hypertension.

Abstract —The purpose of this research was to obtain further information about the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in essential hypertension. These cells could be involved in the pathogenesis of organ injury. Thirty subjects (14 men and 16 women) with essential hypertension were enrolled. In these subjects we determined, at baseline and after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and N -formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, the polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity, obtained by labeling the cells with 1-[4-(trimethylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene, cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration, obtained by marking the cells with Fura 2-AM, and integrin pattern (C…

Erythrocyte aggregation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Wine consumption in the Mediterranean diet: old concepts in a new sight

The term “Mediterranean diet” is widely employed to indicate the typical diet of the Countries located on the Mediter- ranean sea coast. A growing body of scientific literature pointed out the healthy effects of this diet. In recent years we investigated about the protective effects of a regular and moderate wine consumption. As we know, alcoholic and non alcoholic wine constituents are responsible of different effects by means of molecular and cell mechanisms. Among the non alcoholic components, polyphenols (for example resveratrol and quercetin) were deeply investigated. The aim of this review is to underline the effects of a moderate and regular wine drinking in the context of the Medite…

Hemorheological abnormalities in human arterial hypertension

Blood rheology is impaired in hypertensive patients. The alteration involves blood and plasma viscosity, and the erythrocyte behaviour is often abnormal. The hemorheological pattern appears to be related to some pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension and to organ damage, in particular left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial ischemia. Abnormalities have been observed in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, explored by fluorescence spectroscopy and electron spin resonance. This may be relevant for red cell flow in microvessels and oxygen delivery to tissues. Although blood viscosity is not a direct target of antihypertensive therapy, the rheological properties of blood play a role in the…

Deformabilita' eritrocitaria, metaboliti stabili dell'NO e perossidazione lipidica in atleti non professionisti

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin expression in subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

Role of proinflammatory alleles in longevity and atherosclerosis: results of studies performed on -1562C/T MMP-9 in centenarians and myocardial infarction patients from Sicily.

Centenarians are characterized by marked delay or escape from age-associated diseases that cause mortality at earlier ages. Jointly, atherosclerosis and its complications, such as myocardial infarction (AMI), significantly contribute to mortality in the elderly. Inflammation is a key component of atherosclerosis and inflammatory genes are good candidates for the risk of the development of atherosclerosis. Genetic traits contribute to the risk of AMI and allelic variations in inflammatory genes should boost the risk of disease. If proinflammatory genotypes significantly contribute to the risk of AMI, alleles associated with disease susceptibility should not be included in the genetic backgro…

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…

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria-like phenotype and thrombotic risk in several clinical disorders.

MTHFR allele 677T band risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm

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…

Erythrocyte Ca2+ content and red cell membrane transverse fluidity gradient in a group of subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF)

High Output Heart Failure in Multiple Myeloma: Pathogenetic Considerations.

The high output heart failure is a clinical condition in which the systemic congestion is associated to a high output state, and it can be observed in a non-negligible percentage of hematological diseases, particularly in multiple myeloma, a condition in which the risk of adverse cardiovascular events may increase, with a worse prognosis for patients. For this reason, though an accurate literature search, we provided in this review a complete overview of different pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for high output heart failure in multiple myeloma. Indeed, this clinical finding is present in the 8% of multiple myeloma patients, and it may be caused by artero-venous shunts, enhanced angioge…

Protein carbonyl groups in trained subjects before and after a cardiopulmonary test

Physical exercise influences the body's oxidative status. The modifications can involve lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, and different effects seem to be induced by regular and acute exercise respectively. We examined protein oxidation, expressed as concentration of protein carbonyl groups (PC), in trained subjects before (time 0), 10 min (time 1) and 24 hours (time 2) after a cardiopulmonary test performed on a cycloergometer. We enrolled 38 trained subjects (26 men and 12 women), subdivided in two groups (A1 and B1) of 19 subjects each, according to the median value of VO2max, and in two groups (A2 and B2) of 19 subjects each, according to the median value of PC at baseline. PC concent…

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…

Wine, Diet, and Arterial Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, and the number of prehypertensive patients is increasing. The beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular diseases have been demonstrated, along with the healthy influence of a Mediterranean dietary pattern. The association of these 2 factors on hypertension and its complications is considered here. As wine polyphenols exert a vasorelaxing action, they might positively influence the hemodynamic situation of these patients. These effects could be enhanced by dietary constituents, such as garlic, onions, and olive oil, which are widely employed in Mediterranean cooking. By evaluating many studies…

Emoreologia ed aferesi.

Fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes at baseline in some chronic and acute clinical conditions: review of our survey

Abstract. Objective: In this mini-review we describe the behavior of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) membrane fluidity and of PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in some chronic and acute clinical conditions. Methods: PMN membrane fluidity was evaluated employing the fluorescent probe Fura-2AM, and PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was evaluated using the fluorescent probe TMA-DPH. Results: From the determination of these two parameters investigated on resting PMNs, an almost constant increase in PMN cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in chronic clinical conditions, such as vascular atherosclerotic disease with and without diabetes mellitus, essential hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and diabe…

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…

Behaviour of the oxidative status in athletes before and after a cardio-pulmonary test

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

Platelet activation markers in long-term follow-up of young subjects with acute myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction in Young adults: risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognosis according to our experience

Objectives. Myocardial infarction is a relatively unusual phenomenon in young subjects. The aim if this work is to characterize the risk profile and factors influencing outcomes of these patients since it makes possible to manage prevention interventions. Patients and Methods. We examined cardiovascular risk factors, clinical presentation, angiographic picture and outcome of a group of young patients hospitalized for a myocardial infarction. We enrolled 121 young patients consecutively admitted to our hospital for a myocardial infarction and examined them not only at the initial stage, but also after 3 months and one year; finally a long-term telephonic follow up was performed, when possibl…

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 and polymorphonuclear leukocyte rheology in diabetes mellitus

Platelet Activity in Relation to Smoke and Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Effects of Platelet Antiaggregating Drugs

Lung tissue is involved in the synthesis and/or metabolism of many vasoactive substances such as histamine, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, bradikinin, angiotensin II and prostaglandins (1).

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…

Pro-Inflammatory Genetic Markers of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic, progressive, multifactorial disease mostly affecting large and medium-sized elastic and muscular arteries. It has formerly been considered a bland lipid storage disease. Currently, multiple independent pathways of evidence suggest this pathological condition is a peculiar form of inflammation, triggered by cholesterol-rich lipoproteins and influenced both by environmental and genetic factors. The Human Genome Project opened up the opportunity to dissect complex human traits and to understand basic pathways of multifactorial diseases such as AS. Population-based association studies have emerged as powerful tools for examining genes with a role in common mul…

Vascular atherosclerotic disease: Behaviour of the red cell phospholipids and their relationships with the erythrocyte membrane fluidity. Preliminary report

Resting energy expenditure and body composition in morbidly obese, obese and control subjects

Resting energy expenditure (REE) was investigated by indirect calorimetry in relation to body composition and to different degrees of obesity in order to assess if a defective energy expenditure contributes to extra body fat accumulation. Differences were found between control subjects (group C; BMI 23 +/- 0.5 kg/m2, REE 5890 +/- 218 kJ/day; mean +/- SEM) and obese subjects (group O; BMI 34.2 +/- 0.9 kg/m2, REE 7447 +/- 360 kJ/day; P0.0001) and between group C and morbidly obese subjects (group MO; BMI 49.9 +/- 1.6 kg/m2, REE 8330 +/- 360 kJ/day; P0.0001); REE was not significantly different between groups O and MO. Body composition data were obtained by means of body impedance analysis. Ev…

Behaviour of protein carbonyl groups in trained subjects

Familial mediterranean fever, longevity and cardiovascular diseases: a pilot study in the Sicilian population

Exercise in obesity management

Obesity is considered a global epidemic by the World Health Organization in both developed and developing countries. It is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer and other clinical conditions. Visceral fat is the major responsible for metabolic complications, such as insulin-resistance, and it acts as an endocrine organ producing adipokines involved in lipidic and glycaemic metabolism. TNF-α and IL-6, produced by adipose tissue, increase NADPH oxidase activity activating protein kinase C and NFκB leading to an higher oxidative stress. The obesity management includes physical activity: aerobic training improves lipid profile and insulin sensitivity…

Matrix metalloproteinases in metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is commonly accompanied by an elevated cardiovascular risk with high morbidity and mortality. The alterations of the arterial vasculature begin with endothelial dysfunction and lead to micro- and macrovascular complications. The remodeling of the endothelial basal membrane, that promotes erosion and thrombosis, has a multifactorial pathogenesis that includes leukocyte activation, increased oxidative stress and also an altered matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression. MMPs are endopeptidases which degrade extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen, gelatins, fibronectin and laminin. They can be secreted by several cells within the vascular wall, but macrophages are…

Reologia eritrocitaria nel diabete mellito

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile in vascular atherosclerotic disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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…

Alterazioni emoreologiche nella sindrome metabolica

La sindrome metabolica (SM) si accompagna ad un elevato rischio cardiovascolare. Oltre ai tradizionali fattori di rischio, dei quali la SM rappresenta un’aggregazione, sono identificabili fattori non tradizionali quali l’assetto emoreologico. È noto da tempo che un disordine emoreologico si accompagna alla SM, ed è ipotizzabile una sua influenza sui meccanismi che instaurano e mantengono l’insulino-resistenza. In un gruppo di pazienti con SM abbiamo osservato un incremento della viscosità ematica e plasmatica e una riduzione della filtrabilità ematica. Il rapporto vita-fianchi, indice di obesità addominale, era direttamente correlato con la viscosità ematica e con l’ematocrito, mentre la vi…

Emoreologia, stress ossidativo ed attività agonistica.

Oxidative stress in juvenile myocardial infarction: evaluation at the initial stage and after 12 months.

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…

Physiopathologica, epidemiologica, clinical and therapeutic aspects of exercise-associated hyponatriemia

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is dilutional hyponatremia, a variant of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), characterized by a plasma concentration of sodium lower than 135 mEq/L. The prevalence of EAH is common in endurance (6 hours in duration), in which both athletes and medical providers need to be aware of risk factors, symptom presentation, and management. The development of EAH is a combination of excessive water intake, inadequate suppression of the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (due to non osmotic stimuli), long race duration, and very high or very low ambient temperatures. Additional risk factors include female gender, slower race times, and…

Vino e salute

Relationships between maximal oxygen uptake and endothelial function in healthy male adults: a preliminary study

Aerobic capacity, as indicated by maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2) max) has an important role in contrasting the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is known that endothelial function, measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, is strictly linked to atherogenesis and cardiovascular risk. However, the relationship between VO(2) max and FMD has not been fully investigated especially in healthy non-obese subjects. This preliminary study cross-sectionally investigated the relationship between VO(2) max and FMD in 22 non-obese, healthy sedentary male subjects. Dividing the cohort in two subgroups of 11 subjects each …

Thrombotic risk in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria-like (PNH-like) phenotype

The complement system is an essential component of the innate immune defence that, if overly activated, may damage organs and tissues. For this reason, there is a fine complement regulatory system. The complement modulation system includes two proteins with important regulatory activity, CD55 or decay accelerating factor (DAF) and CD59 or membrane inhibitor of reactive lysis (MIRL). The paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal and non-neoplastic disease characterized by intravascular haemolysis, occurrence of thrombosis and bone marrow failure. In clinical practice, in opposition to PNH, a variety of pathological conditions have been observed with an acquired and non-genetic de…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin pattern expression in atherosclerosis and diabetes

Physiopathological, Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia.

Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is dilutional hyponatremia, a variant of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), characterized by a plasma concentration of sodium lower than 135 mEq/L. The prevalence of EAH is common in endurance (&lt;6 hours) and ultra-endurance events (&gt;6 hours in duration), in which both athletes and medical providers need to be aware of risk factors, symptom presentation, and management. The development of EAH is a combination of excessive water intake, inadequate suppression of the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (due to non osmotic stimuli), long race duration, and very high or very low ambient temperatures. Additional risk factors …

Erythrocyte deformability and nitric oxide metabolites in athletes before and after a cardio-pulmonary test

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…

A novel component of the metabolic syndrome: The oxidative stress

The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors associated to CV disease and type 2 diabetes. It is still under debate whether MS is a mere aggregation of risk factors or it represents a clinical entity with visceral obesity as underlying pathophysiological trigger. The publication of several diagnostic criteria of MS by scientific associations or experts panels reflects this uncertainty in understanding the real nature of MS. Besides the metabolic disturbances of MS, as visceral obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension and hyperglycemia, novel mechanisms of arterial damage have been identified. This paper reviews the evidence sho…

Stress ossidativo in un gruppo di atleti sottoposti a test da sforzo cardiopolmonare.

Leucociti polimorfonucleati e diabete mellito

Deformabilità eritrocitaria nella policitemia vera

Deep venous thrombosis: Behaviour of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin pattern at baseline and after in vitro activation

In a group of 18 subjects with acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), evidenced by clinical examination and echo-color-Doppler, we examined the phenotypical expression of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) beta2-integrins (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD18), obtained by using a flow cytofluorimeter. The evaluation was performed before and after in vitro activation (prolonged for 5 and 15 minutes) with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). In DVT subjects, at baseline, the phenotypical expression of CD11b was decreased and that of CD11c was increased when compared with normal controls; no difference was found in CD11a and CD18 expression. In norm…

Erythrocyte deformability and nitric oxide metabolites in athletes before and after a cardiopulmonary test.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate erythrocyte deformability, nitric oxide metabolites, and their modifications induced by exercise in athletes who practised different sports. DESIGN: This evaluation was effected before and after cardiopulmonary test, using a cycloergometer. SETTING: The study was performed in the Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases of the University of Palermo. PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 62 male athletes who practised endurance (n = 23), mixed (n = 20), and power (n = 19) sports and 20 sedentary male subjects as controls. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: No subject had diabetes or hypertension or dyslipidemia. Five control subjects and 14 athletes were smokers…

Relationship between lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant status in juvenile myocardial infarction.

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…

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…

Impaired plasma nitric oxide availability and extracellular superoxide dismutase activity in healthy humans with advancing age

This study is aimed to verify the modifications of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) activity and its potential involvement on the mechanism responsible for the impairment of plasma nitric oxide (NO) availability occurring with advancing age in healthy humans. For this purpose, plasma samples were drawn from 40 healthy men, aged 20-92 years, in fasting state and used for measurements of stable end-product nitrite/nitrate (NOx), as expression of NO availability, EC-SOD activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as marker of lipid peroxidation, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) as a measure of plasma total antioxidant capacity, and in vitro susceptibility …

Red cell phospholipids and membrane microviscosity in diabetics

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and insulin resistance in obese subjects.

Platelet and polymorphonuclear leukocyte activation markers in juvenile myocardial infarction

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic subjects have a higher infective risk than healthy people, with more frequent and severe infections. This predisposition to infections is determined by hyperglycemia, microangiopathy and altered immune system. In particular, there is a polymorphonuclear leukocytes disfunction including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, bacterial killing and cellular activation by infective stimulus. These alterations are due to abnormal properties of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in diabetic patients. Several parameters like phagocytosis of bacterial cells, chemiluminescence during oxidative burst and cell membrane deformability are related to glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin. Recent acquisitions sho…

Monitoraggio delle determinanti emoreologiche nell’infarto miocardico giovanile

Erythrocyte deformability in Polycythemia Vera

Red cell metabolic parameters and rheological determinants in essential hypertension

Haematocrit in metabolic syndrome

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte membrane fluidity and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in subjects with vascular atherosclerotic disease subdivided according to the extent

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…

Sindrome metabolica ed emoreologia

Association between +1059G/C CRP polymorphism and acute myocardial infarction in a cohort of patients from Sicily: a pilot study.

Haematocrit in metabolic syndrome

In this paper are described normal and insulin resistant subjects, correlating the haematocrit value with M-index during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp. The haematocrit value is related negatively with the M-value. We conclude that insulin resistance is a possible factor in determinating the blood viscosity in relation with the red cells/plasma ratio.

Macro e microreologia eritrocitaria nella malattia diabetica e ipertensiva

Reflections on the unexpected laboratory finding of hemorheological alterations observed in some haematological disorders

Hyperviscosity syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by the slowing of blood flow through the vessels and it may be associated with several diseases. The nosographic classification of primary hyperviscosity conditions (Wells classification 1970) divided the primary hyperviscosity syndromes in polycythaemic, sclerocytemic and sieric. Recent and personal laboratory observations have highlighted an unexpected behaviour of the erythrocyte deformability observed in some haematological disorders such as polycythemia vera, multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The interest of this observation depends on the fact that up to now, according to the Wells cla…

Protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome

Purpose: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and in the progression of its complications. Carbonylated proteins are a stable marker of severe oxidative stress because damage to the protein structure is irreversible and may cause an inhibition of their enzymatic activity or an increased susceptibility to proteolysis. There are few data regarding protein oxidation in metabolic syndrome, although elevated levels of carbonyl groups are often detected in subjects with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or dyslipidemia, well-known components of the metaboic syndrome. In particular, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus are frequent…

Erythrocyte deformability profile evaluated by laser diffractometry in patients with multiple myeloma: Re-examination of our cases.

Background: Multiple myeloma is a complex pathology which represents about 10 % of all hematological neo-plasms. It can often present changes in the hemorheological profile and, in relation to this last topic, our aim is to evaluate the hemorheological profile in a group of multiple myeloma patients, with reference to erythrocyte deformability. Methods: We have examined the profile of the erythrocyte deformability in multiple myeloma enrolling 29 pa-tients; this profile, expressed as elongation index at several shear stress, has been obtained using the diffracto-metric method. Results: By comparing normal controls and MM patients, a significant decrease in erythrocyte deformability, especia…

Analysis of electrolyte abnormalities and the mechanisms leading to arrhythmias in heart failure. A literature review.

About 50% of deaths from heart failure (HF) are sudden, presumably referable to arrhythmias. Electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities are a frequent and potentially dangerous complication in HF patients. Their incidence is almost always correlated with the severity of cardiac dysfunction; furthermore leading to arrhythmias, these imbalances are associated with a poor prognosis. The frequency of ventricular ectopic beats and sudden cardiac death correlate with both plasma and whole body levels of potassium, especially in alkalemia. The early recognition of these alterations and the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms are useful for the management of these HF patients.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte
integrin pattern in acute
ischemic stroke

Molecole di adesione e malattia diabetica

Infiammazione e stress ossidativo: confronto tra pazienti con insufficienza renale cronica e pazienti sottoposti a trapianto renale

Red cell Ca2+ content (cytosolic and total) and erythrocyte membrane fluidity in vascular atherosclerotic disease

Haemorheological profile in congenital afibrinogenemia and in congenital dysfibrinogenemia: A clinical case report

Although the inherited quantitative and qualitative disorders of fibrinogen are rare, in the course of time patients may develop complications including episodes of arterial and venous thrombosis. It can be useful to complete the laboratory assessment of these clinical conditions with the evaluation of the haemorheological profile. The data obtained from this study showed that congenital afibrinogenemia was characterized by a primary plasma hypoviscosity, whereas congenital dysfibrinogenemia by a primary plasma hyperviscosity. Both these haemorheological alterations may concur, with different mechanisms, to the pathogenesis of thrombotic vascular complications.

Chloride/sodium ratio and sodium.chloride difference inpatients with renal failure and metabolic acidosis in hemodialysis treatment

Acute myocardial infarction in young subjects: behaviour of plasma markers of platelet activation

Opposite Role of Pro-Inflammatory Alleles in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Longevity: Results of Studies Performed in a Sicilian Population

The major trait characterizing offspring in centenarians is a reduction in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Because a pro-inflammatory genotype seems to contribute significantly to the risk of coronary heart disease, alleles associated with disease susceptibility would not be included in the genetic background favoring longevity, as suggested by our previous studies on inflammatory cytokines. To confirm whether genotypes of inflammatory molecules play an opposite role in atherosclerosis and longevity, we are studying the role of other proinflammatory alleles, such as pyrin and CCR5, in acute myocardial infarction and longevity. The results support the hypothesis that the genetic ba…

Nutritional predictors of mortality after discharge in elderly patients on a medical ward

Background: Malnutrition in elderly inpatients hospitalized on medical wards is a significant public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate nutritional markers as mortality predictors following discharge in hospitalized medical elderly patients. Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study with follow-up of 48 months. Two hundred and twenty-five individuals aged 60 and older admitted from the hospital emergency room in the past 48 h were investigated at the medical ward in the University hospital in Palermo (Italy). Anthropometric and clinical measurements, Mini-nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire, bioelectrical (BIA) phase angle (PA), gri…

Stress ossidativo e markers di attivazione granulocitaria nell'insufficienza renale cronica in trattamento conservativo e dialitico.

Wine consumption and renal diseases: new perspectives.

Investigations into the relation between wine consumption and kidney disease have been limited. Patients with chronic renal failure show accelerated atherosclerotic damage and, considering the well-known protective effect of wine on the cardiovascular system, moderate wine consumption might be advantageous. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, which are inter-related, play a role in the pathophysiology of many renal diseases, including acute and chronic renal failure. Ethanol and non-alcoholic wine components, especially polyphenols, influence oxidative balance and endothelial function. Although long-term alcohol abuse has been associated with many renal alterations in humans, in e…

Protein oxidation in mild essential hypertension

An intensified oxidative stress has been associated with aging and many disease, including essential hypertension (EH) [6, 11, 16]. In EH an increased level of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) may impair the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), by inducing its accelerated transformation in peroxynitrite [4]. Beside this, many other pathophysiological processes in EH may be influenced by RONS, considering their harmful effects on the structural and functional properties of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Some points need to be further investigated, such as the relationship between oxidative stress and the degree of hypertension, and identification of the most useful marker of…

Elastasi e stress ossidativo in cardiopatici ischemici sottoposti a test ergometrico

Stress ossidativo in pazienti con sclerodermia: effetti dell’iloprost.

Impairment of plasma nitric oxide availability in senescent healthy individuals: Apparent involvement of extracellular superoxide dismutase activity

To verify the potential involvement of the age-dependent modifications of EC-SOD activity in the impairment of plasma NO availability with advancing age, 40 healthy men divided into 4 age groups for the purpose of comparison (young: 27.4 +/- 1.5 years; middle: 50.8 +/- 2.2, years; old: 70.0 +/- 1.8 years; very old: 86.1 +/- 1.1 years) were enrolled in this study. Plasma samples were used for measurements of the stable end-product nitrite/nitrate (NOx), as an expression of NO availability, EC-SOD activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as a marker of lipid peroxidation, low density lipoprotein (LDL) copper-mediated oxidation in vitro and total antioxidant capacity (TEAC). O…

Leukocyte count, diabetes mellitus and age are strong predictors of stroke in a rural population in southern Italy: an 8-year follow-up.

Stroke incidence rates in the Mediterranean area are higher compared to northern European countries. In this study, we present the 8-year prospective data from a small rural Sicilian town. This population, consisting of 1351 subjects (622 males and 729 females), is homogeneous for ethnic background with traditional healthy dietary habits and shows low cholesterol mean levels. We found that the risk of stroke was significantly associated with the record of at least one previous neurological symptom (PNS), such as lack of strength, loss of vision or speech or possible drop attacks, and high hematocrit in males, and to high body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), diabetes, hypertensio…

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 …

TLR2 and age-related diseases: potential effects of Arg753Gln and Arg677Trp polymorphisms in acute myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT Inflammation is a key component of immune system. It is involved in both defense and pathophysiological events maintaining the dynamic homeostasis of host organism. Its function is controlled by innate immunity genes. Both their polymorphisms and environmental conditions give rise to different phenotypes in human population. Proinflammatory genotype may be beneficial in early life but not in old people. With advancing age, indeed, it increases the vulnerability and the intensity to inflammatory reactions responsible for the chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Several studies have looked for detecting a genetic risk profile that mig…

Effetti dell’iloprost sulla disfunzione leucocitaria nella sclerodermia.

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 …

PECAM-1/CD31 in infarction and longevity.

: Inflammation has recently proven to be associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and inflammatory genes are good candidates for the risk of developing atherosclerosis. The early phase of atherosclerosis involves the recruitment of inflammatory cells from the circulation and their transendothelial migration. This process is mainly mediated by cellular adhesion molecules, which are expressed by the vascular endothelium and by circulating leukocytes in response to several inflammatory stimuli. Adhesion of circulating cells to the arterial surface is among the first detectable events in atherogenesis. Cellular adhesion molecules, expressed by the vascular endothelium and by circulat…

Essential hypertension: polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile

Ricerca del genotipo pro-infiammatorio nell’infarto miocardico acuto: uno studio nella popolazione siciliana

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…

Sirtuins and Aging: is there a Role for Resveratrol?

Prolonged human life duration is consequently associated with a higher incidence of chronic diseases. Aging is a very complex process in which genetic, environmental and cellular pathways are involved. Along with aging, longevity has been linked with Sirtuins. Sirtuin enzymes are a family of highly conserved protein deacetylases that have been linked with calorie restriction and aging by modulating energy metabolism, genomic stability and stress resistance. Aim of this brief review is to describe Sirtuins’ influence on the conditions that worsen the physiological aging. We will also report the beneficial effects of the polyphenol resveratrol on these molecules and the possible therapeutical…

Red cell membrane fluidity and red cell aggregation in vascular atherosclerotic disease

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

Matrix Metalloproteases in Arterial Hypertension and their Trend after Antihypertensive Treatment

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background/Aims&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Arterial hypertension is characterized by vascular remodelling, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. Matrix metalloproteases (MPPs) are endopeptidases produced by all the cells present in the vascular wall and are involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix protein turnover. MMPs contribute to blood vessel formation, remodelling, angiogenesis; whereas an altered expression or activity of MMPs or their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) results correlated with the development and progression of cardiovascular complications. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; We examined the…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin profile in vascular atherosclerotic disease

Leukocyte-endothelial interactions could have a pathogenic role in atherogenesis. Adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells, such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interact with leukocyte integrins mediating the firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelium which is followed by their transendothelial migration. The aim of our research was to evaluate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) integrin expression, at baseline and after activation, in a group of subjects with chronic vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD). In 27 subjects with VAD we examined, at baseline and after in vitro activation with 4-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), the PMN integrin pattern (CD11a, CD11b…

Association between Platelet Glycoprotein Ib-α and Myocardial Infarction: results of a pilot study performed in male and female patients from Sicily

Evaluation of nitric oxide production at the initial stage, 3 months and 12 months after juvenile myocardial infarction.

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…

Lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation are related to the severity of OSAS

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.

Emoreologia ed infarto miocardico giovanile: rilievi in fase iniziale e dopo 3 e 12 mesi

Effects of non invasive ventilation on left and right hemodynamic parameters during acute respiratory failure secondary to COPD exacerbation

Effetti emoreologici del trattamento con iloprost in pazienti con fenomeno di Raynaud secondario a sclerodermia.

Chronic renal failure: oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and wine.

Atherosclerosis development is accelerated in chronic renal failure (CRF) and is the major cause of death in this clinical condition. An increased oxidative stress and an endothelial dysfunction, with their complex interrelationships, are relevant aspects of atherogenesis in CRF patients and might be targets for treatment. Many studies have underlined the cardiovascular protection provided by a moderate wine consumption. This beneficial effect is due to both alcohol and nonalcoholic components of wine including several phenolic molecules such as quercetin and resveratrol. Wine polyphenols have antioxidant properties and favorably influence endothelial function, in particular by stimulating …

Rilievi emoreologici nella sclerosi sistemica.

Microrheological determinants and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids in vascular atherosclerotic disease (VAD)

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…

Techniques to evaluate erythrocyte deformability in diabetes mellitus

Using several rheological techniques, we examined the erythrocyte deformability in different groups of diabetic subjects. The macrorheological techniques used for this evaluation were respectively whole-blood filtration, filtration of erythrocyte suspensions, polyviscosimetry and diffractometry. Whole-blood filterability, at a negative pressure of 20 cm water, was decreased in type 2 diabetics; no difference was evident at a negative pressure of 10 cm water. The filtration of erythrocyte suspensions at low haematocrit (5%) did not show differences between normal and diabetic subjects. The polyviscosimetry, which explores the filterability of erythrocyte suspensions at high haematocrit (80%)…

Pathophysiological and clinical aspects of malnutrition in chronic renal failure

AbstractKidney diseases are the ninth leading cause of death in the USA. In these patients cardiovascular mortality is greater than in the general population. This observation, not completely explained by the so-called ‘traditional’ cardiovascular risk factors, lead the authors to postulate other ‘emerging’ ones found in chronic renal failure patients. Among these new findings, nutritional status, considered as the balance existing between nutrient requirements and intakes, plays an important role for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In fact several nutritional parameters are widely known as pathophysiological determinants of cardiovascular disturbances, which are based on accele…

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…

Nitric oxide metabolites in chronic renal failure in conservative and in haemodialysis treatment.

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…

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte integrin expression in atherosclerosis and diabetes

Granulocyte cytosolic Ca2+ content and beta2-integrin profile in type 2 diabetic subjects with and without macrovascular complications.

Elastasi e parametri dello stress ossidativo nell’ipertensione arteriosa.

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…

Deformabilità eritrocitaria, metaboliti dell'ossido nitrico e stress ossidativo in un gruppo di soggetti con sindrome delle apnee ostruttive nel sonno

La sindrome delle apnee ostruttive nel sonno ((OSAS) si associa a disfunzione endoteliale ed aterosclerosi ed è gravata da un'elevata morbilità e mortalità cardiovascolare.

Employment of vasopressin receptor antagonists in management of hyponatraemia and volume overload in some clinical conditions

Summary What is known and objective Hyponatraemia, the most common electrolyte imbalance occurring in hospitalized subjects, is usually classified as hypovolaemic, euvolaemic or hypervolaemic. Hyponatraemia is a predictor of death among subjects with chronic heart failure and cirrhosis. The inappropriate secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (AVP) seems to be of pivotal importance in the decline of serum sodium concentration in these clinical conditions. The objective of this review was to summarize recent progress in management of hyponatraemia in SIADH, cirrhosis and heart failure. Methods Literature searches were conducted on the topics of hyponatraemia and vasopressin receptor antagonis…

Plasma viscosity and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome

Myeloperoxidase in chronic kidney disease.

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…

Leukocyte subtypes, gelatinases, and their tissue inhibitors in a group of subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis

In a cohort of subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis (ACA), we have evaluated the neutrophil and lymphocyte count and their ratio (NLR), the gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). At baseline, no difference was observed between ACA subjects and subject control group regarding neutrophil and lymphocyte count while was evident in ACA subjects a significant increase in MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 associated to a significant decrease in TIMP-1. Dividing the ACA according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) we have observed an increase in lymphocyte count in the subgroup with 3–5 CRFs. Evaluating the leukocyte subtypes according to…

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…