0000000001327876
AUTHOR
Marco Giammanco
Prevention of Eating Disorders (EDs): longitudinal study in preadolescent girls
Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of hydroxytyrosol derivates on human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines.
Antioxidant effectiveness of sicilian red wines in comparison with french red wines.
Effects of phenols of extra virgin olive oil on HL60 cell lines sensitive and reristant to anthracyclines
Effect of uric acid on plasma antioxidant capacity after red wine consumption in human
PREVENTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS:DIETARY HABITIS AND NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLCHILDREN
Flavonoids as bioactive components of food: Influence of the 7–o–glycosilation on antioxidant activity of flavanones
Modulating activity of dietary flavonols and flavan-3ols on the enzymes xanthina oxidase (XO) and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD)
Omega-3 PUFAs and gut microbiota: A preventive approach for colorectal cancer
The influence of diet on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and related pathologies has been known for some time. Some classes of nutrients, such as fatty acids belonging to the omega 3 series, have particular effects on the bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiota. ω-3 PUFAs affect the gut microbiota in three different ways: by modulating the type and abundance of intestinal bacteria, by regulate SCFAs levels, and by alter the levels of proinflammatory mediators. Through these modalities, ω-3 PUFAs could be useful for the prevention of intestinal diseases such as Colorectal Cancer (CRC). The ability of ω-3 PUFAs to modulate the intestinal inflammatory response, to preserve…
The adipokine leptin a pleiotropic molecule in the human respiratory tract
Leptin, a 16-kd adipocyte-derived hormone originally described in metabolism regulation, plays a pleiotropic role in the immune system and inflammation (1). Leptin exerts its action through the leptin receptor (Ob-R), present in several tissues, human respiratory tract included. Leptin is a survival cytokine for human neutrophils and eosinophils (2, 3), other than for other cytotypes, included lung carcinoma cells (4). The following findings highlight the specific role of leptin both in the lung and in the nasal tract. We firstly find that ex-vivo leptin expression is increased and co-localized with lymphocytes T inflammatory cells, in bronchial mucosa of chronic obstructive pulmonary disea…
Adipokines in obesity and metabolic diseases
Adipose tissue secretes many adipokines that regulate important physiological functions. Growing studies have highlighted that these bioactive molecules may contribute to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines exert systemic metabolic effects and independent activity on numerous cells of the cardiovascular system, including cardiomyocytes and vascular cell walls. Adiponectin shows anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activity on blood vessels. Conversely, resistin is endowed with pro-inflammatory effects and stimulates the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, thus promoting the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Leptin plays an important role in card…
EXTRACELLULAR VESCICLES DERIVED FROM GUT MICROBIOTA IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND COLORECTAL CANCER
The human gut microbiome encompasses inter alia, the myriad bacterial species that create the optimal host-micro-organism balance essential for normal metabolic and immune function. Various lines of evidence suggest that dys-regulation of the microbiota-host interaction is linked to pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Extracellular vesicles (EVs), found in virtually all body fluids and produced by both eukaryotic cells and bacteria are involved in cell-cell communication and crosstalk mechanisms, such as the immune response, barrier function and intestinal flora. This review highlights advancements in knowledge of the functional role that EVs ma…
CBS and MTRR mutations, observed in Sicily, in thromboembolic and hyperhomocystemic patients, unresponsive to administration of folate and vitamin B12
Effect of cadmium on anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein in human erythrocytes
The efficiency of transport through Band 3 protein, mediating HCO3–/Cl– exchange across erythrocytes membrane, is reduced by oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to verify whether Band 3 protein transport efficiency is compromised by treatment with Cadmium (Cd2+), an extremely toxic heavy metal known to interfere with antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism, gene expression and cell membranes. To this end, the rate constant for SO4= uptake through Band 3 protein (accounting for velocity of anion exchange) was measured along with membrane –SH groups, Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and Band 3 protein expression levels in Cd2+-treated human erythrocytes (300 μM, 1 mM). Our results show t…
Gastrointestinal tumors: Phytochemical and drug combinations targeting the hallmarks of cancer
Cancer is a worldwide burden resulting in millions of deaths each year. In particular, gastrointestinal tumors are life-threatening malignancies and one of the leading reasons for death in developed countries. Phytochemicals can be found in grains, vegetables, fruits and several foods. Many phytochemicals, such as curcumin, genistein, luteolin, vitexin-2-O-xyloside, avenanthramides, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, sulforaphane, piperine and thymoquinone have been used in combination with different chemotherapeutic agents for their synergistic anticancer effects against various forms of cancer. In this review, we describe the antitumor properties and biological eff…
"Prevalence of owerweight and obesity in children form some school of Palermo"
Study on the polyphenolic contents in oils from olea europea (var. nocellara del Belice, Sicily) plants: comparison between traditional and organic cultivation
Knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices of food service staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
The aim of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices of food service staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities for the elderly in Sicily, Italy. Association with some demographic and work-related variables was also investigated. This survey provides information and outlines many complex questions concerning the basics of food hygiene. Education level, length of service in the employment and attending courses on food hygiene influenced the knowledge, attitudes and practices of food service staff. This study has evidenced the need for continuous training among food service staff regarding food safety in LTCF and nursing homes.
Acidi grassi e composti antiossidanti degli oli extravergine D. O. P. Siciliani e la prevenzione delle patologie cardiovascolari
Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics of Sicilian wines from different varieties and vintage year
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1-R-3-(2-Piridyl)-4-nitroso-5 carboxiethyl-1H-Pyrazoles
SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF NEW 1-R-3-(2-PIRIDYL)- 4-NITROSO- 5-CARBOXIETHYL-1H-PYRAZOLES. Stefania Aielloa , Carmelo Massimo Maidab, Fabio Venturellab, Diego Planetac Marco Giammancod, M.Milicib a Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Molecolari e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Palermo bDipartimento di Scienze per la Promozione della Salute G. D’ Alessandro, Università degli Studi di Palermo cDipartimento dei Sistemi Agro-Abientali,Università degli Studi di Palermo d Dipartimednto di Studi Giuridici, Economici, Biomedici e Psicosociopedagogici delle Scienze Motorie e Sportive, Università degli Studi di Palermo Corresponding author: Stefania Aiello, Dipartimento di Scie…
"Prevention of eating disorders(eds) in preadolescent girls form some schools of Palermo: self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness"
Different Behaviour of Plasma Antioxidant Status after Red Wine Consumption in Subjects of the Same Sex: A Preliminary Report
<p>Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studi…
Variation of the Body Mass Index and the body composition in overweight and obese children submitted to nutritional counselling
The nutritional properties of sicilian red wines as determined by the analysis of their polyphenolic composition and antioxidant capacity
A protocol to evaluate the antioxidant capacity by crocin bleaching assay in Pleurotus edible mushrooms
Unpublished data on the chemical composition and nutritional value of Pleurotus mushrooms, growing on Umbelliferous plants (Apiaceae), are here reported. Cultivated basidiomata of four different Pleurotus taxa were analyzed in order to evaluate the composition in lipids, sugars, nitrogen, water, vitamins, ashes, and energetic values. The results showed that Pleurotus mushrooms are suitable in every type of diet thanks to their low caloric content, gastronomic value, vitamins, and mineral salt contents. The presence of a high content of vitamin B12 and riboflavin in Pleurotus nebrodensis is noteworthy.
Correlation between substance “P” and enzymatic activity of lysosomal Cathepsin A in rat peritoneal mast-cells, in physiologic conditions
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAXIMAL FAT OXIDATION AND OXYGEN UPTAKE: COMPARISON BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HEALTHY SEDENTARY SUBJECTS
The contribution of fat oxidation to energy production during exercise is influenced by intensity of exercise. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the highest value of fat oxidation rate (FATmax) and the oxygen uptake (VO2) in sedentary type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients vs healthy sedentary subjects. Sedentary T2D patients and healthy sedentary subjects were evaluated to a graded exercise test, and oxygen uptake and fat oxidation rate were detected. Data show that in T2D patients fat oxidation rate is not impaired and the positive linear correlation between FATmax and both VO2 and VO2max suggests that even in T2D patients the muscle oxidative capacity might increase in…
Food safety in hospitals and in nursing homes for the elderly: knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses and domestic staff
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Nutrition Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases Awaiting Liver Transplantation
It is important to prevent protein/calorie malnutrition in children with end stage liver diseases prior to transplantation. This study involved 34 patients between the ages of 10 and 156 months (mean value 25.69 months ± 32.2) (13 females and 21 males) on the liver transplant waiting list. Data collected as of three months before transplant and up to ten months after the procedure concerned gender, age, weight, height, Pediatric End Stage Liver Disease Score, baseline pathology, type of nutrition, type of transplant, immunosuppression, pulse steroid therapy, length of stay, and post transplant complications. Linear regression analysis showed that the length of hospital stay was 24.5 days mo…
Prevalence of overweight ad obesity in children from some schools of Palermo
Preliminary observation on antioxidant capacity in Pleurotus eryngii species-complex
Changes in brain natriuretic peptide levels and bioelectrical impedance measurements after treatment with high-dose furosemide and hypertonic saline solution versus high-dose furosemide alone in refractory congestive heart failure: a double-blind study.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new treatment for refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plasma levels and hydration station. BACKGROUND: The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of the combination of high-dose furosemide and small-volume hypertonic saline solution (HSS) in refractory CHF patients. METHODS: A total of 94 patients (34 women/60 men) with refractory CHF (age 55 to 80 years) were enrolled. They had to have an ejection fraction <35%, serum creatinine <2 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen <60 mg/dl, a reduced urinary volume, and a low natriuresis (<500 ml/24 h and <60 mEq/24 h, respectively). Pati…
Qualitative comparision of olive oil mediterranean
Relationship between diet in the first year of life, social factors and body weight in preadolescent schoolchildren in Palermo
A review of the literature and a new classification of the early determinants of childhood obesity: from pregnancy to the first years of life
Abstract From as early on as the development of the fetus, the risk of obesity can be evaluated. At the beginning of life, nutritional intake in man is controlled by innate biological systems and internal signals; and later on, the learning processes determine cognitive structures about food and nutrition, strongly influencing eating habits. It is important to identify all the factors that have an influence on childhood obesity and intervene with prevention programs. In this review, the databases “Pubmed" and “The Cochrane Library" were consulted to provide a review of recent literature (1982-2007) concerning childhood obesity. A particular importance is given to the influence exerted by th…
Stilbenes in red wine and their effects on antioxidant capacity.
Applicazioni di protocolli sulla gestione della terapia nutrizionale e risultati in bambini in attesa di trapianto di fegato.
Histamine release: a proof of physiologic inhibition mechanism of inflammatory function of Substance P, caused by Cathepsin A
Counteracting effects of apigenin and leptin on lung adenocarcinoma cells.
Amino acid profile of four varieties of durum wheat grown in Sicily
The major use of durum wheat is for pasta products, particularly in the European and North American countries, whereas in other areas (Middle East and North Africa) also it is used as couscous and for various types of bread. The durum wheat is therefore a staple food in the Mediterranean and is one of the commodities that characterize the dietary pattern of the Mediterranean diet. During the year 2012 were made in Ciminna (Palermo) in Sicily, four fields of experimental cultivation using four different varieties of durum wheat cultivated in Sicily: Simeto, Iride, Duilio and Saragolla. For each variety were set up two different kinds of cultivation tecniques, in order to verify the influence…
Effects of phenols of extra vergin olive oil on Hl60 cell lines sensitive and resistant to anthracycline
Immuno-oncological treatment of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in advanced stage with Nivolumab
Immuno-oncology marked a therapeutic revolution in the treatment of cancer. Thanks to the new strategy that aims to awaken the immune system to fight cancer cells, there has been a change in the clinical course in the treatment of advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of nivolumab monotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer beyond the second line. The results showed a progression-free survival of 7.35 months and an improvement in the quality of life of patients compared to other treatments. In addition, no type 3 and type 4 adverse reactions were detected in patients treated with …
Comparison between mediterranean extra–virgin olive oils
Effects of oleuropein on tumor cell growth and bone remodelling: Potential clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of malignant bone diseases
Oleuropein (Ole) is the main bioactive phenolic compound present in olive leaves, fruits and olive oil. This molecule has been shown to exert beneficial effects on several human pathological conditions. In particular, recent preclinical and observational studies have provided evidence that Ole exhibits chemo-preventive effects on different types of human tumors. Studies undertaken to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these effects have shown that this molecule may thwart several key steps of malignant progression, including tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, by modulating the expression and activity of several growth factors, cytokines, adh…
THE ROLE OF BUTYRIC ACID AS A OPROTECTIVE AGENT AGAINST INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are pathologies characterized by a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Their etiopathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Immune system and heat shock proteins (HSPs) dysfunctions are considered to be among the most likely causes of these diseases. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by intestinal microflora. It has a trophic, benefical and protective role in the colonic mucosa, and it also induces changes in Hsp levels and localization. It may therefore be a valuable complementary therapeutic agent when used alongside trraditional drugs (mesalazine and corticosteroids) to treat the …
The role of polymorphisms of thiopurine methyltransferase in therapy with Azathioprine: preliminary study Journal of Biological Research
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug belonging to the class of thiopurines widely used in clinical therapy. Its immunosuppressive action is linked to the substantial action mechanism in the inhibition of the synthesis of nitrogenous bases purine carried out in T-lymphocyte. The level of such medication limit resides in side effects such as myelosuppression and the development of tumours. The occurrence of side effects is linked to the presence of genetic polymorphisms of Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). To date, 40 allelic variants for TPMT have been detected. However, those responsible for the reduction of enzyme activity are three: *2, *3A, *3C. The presence of one of the three p…
Nutritional counselling in overweight and obese children of some schools from Palermo.
Study on the plasma antioxidant capacity after red wine intake: different behaviour of women and men.
Extra-virgin olive oils of the Mediterranean basin: Nocellara del Belice, (Sicily) and Koroneiki (Crete)
Statistical analysis about diffusion of exercise addiction in Sicily
Exercise Addiction (EA) is a behavioural dysfunction marked by uncontrolled compulsion towards all kinds of physical activity. With the purpose of understanding the epidemiology of this steadily increasing phenomenon, we have done a statistical analysis about some data obtained through the administration of an onlinequestionnaire (Google forms): the same one was also converted into paper-questionnaire and then it has been administered in many gyms in Palermo and Trapani (Sicily-Italy). The sample examined consists of 976 people aged between 14 and 65 (47.3% of them are women and 52.7% are men). For 53.8% of analysed people, physical activity is one of the most important things of their life…
Nutritional properties of red wine: composition of anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols of different Sicilian varieties
Folate deficiency as predisposing factor for childhood leukaemia: a review of the literature
© The Author(s). 2017. Background: Folic acid and its derivates, known as folates, are chemoprotective micronutrients of great interest because of their essential role in the maintenance of health and genomic integrity. The supplementation of folic acid during pregnancy has long been known to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the foetus. Folate metabolism can be altered by many factors, including adequate intake through diet. Folate deficiency can compromise the synthesis, repair and methylation of DNA, with deleterious consequences on genomic stability and gene expression. These processes are known to be altered in chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseas…
The Eureka! by Kary Mullis
Not available.
MONITORING AND USE OF ANTIMYCOTICS FOR SYSTEMIC USE SUPPLIED BY THE STATE HOSPITAL PHARMACY OF MARSALA (TP), ITALY: MYCAMINE® (MICAFUNGIN)
Micafungin is an antimycotic drug and represents an important addition to the available therapies for the treatment of systemic fungal infections. Micafungin is used in the treatment of invasive candidiasis, oesophageal and prophylaxis of Candida infections. It inhibits, in a non-competitive way, the synthesis of 1,3-b-D-glucan, a component of fungal cell wall and is rapidly distributed into the tissues. It has a high-rate bond with respect to plasma protein; the above mentioned bond is independent from the concentration of the drug. It is metabolized through the liver, being not subject to intense metabolic transformations until the excretion. There is no evidence of systemic accumulation …
Efficacia del Suboxone nel trattamento delle tossicodipendenze: monitoraggio dei pazienti in terapia presso il Ser.T. di Marsala ASL N.9 (TP).
I SerT sono i servizi pubblici del SSN dedicati alla cura, alla prevenzione e alla riabilitazione dei soggetti con problemi conseguenti all'uso di sostanze stupefacenti che generano dipendenza.Presso il SerT di Marsala dove è stato effettuato lo studio, accertato lo stato di salute psicofisica dei soggetti, è stato attuato un monitoraggio delle patologie collegate agli stati di dipendenza dei pazienti.Successivamente sono stai definiti i programmi terapeutici individuali da realizzare direttamente, o in convenzione con strutture di recupero sociale, valutando periodicamente l'andamento e i risultati del trattamento con Suboxone sui singoli tossicodipendenti.
"Prevention of atherosclerosis: dietary habits and nutritional education in schoolchildren."
Cytotoxic effects of a crude extract of extra virgin olive oil on human HL60 cell lines sensitive and resistant with MDR phenotype
Prevention of atherosclerosis: dietary habitus and nutritional education in schoolchildren
Distinct signalling mechanisms are involved in the dissimilar myocardial and coronary effects elicited by quercetin and myricetin, two red wine flavonols
Abstract Background and Aims: Moderate red wine consumption associates with lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Attention to the source of this cardioprotection was focused on flavonoids, the non-alcoholic component of the red wine, whose intake inversely correlates with adverse cardiovascular events. We analysed whether two red wine flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin, affect mammalian basal myocardial and coronary function. Methods and results: Quercetin and myricetin effects were evaluated on isolated and Langendorff perfused rat hearts under both basal conditions and a- and b-adrenergic stimulation. The intracellular signalling involved in the effects of these flavonoids was ana…
Hyperhomocysteinemia in thromboembolic disease: role of mthfr,cbs and mtrr mutations in Sicily
The control of abstinence in the treatment of alcohol dependence: the use of acamprosate in relapse prevention
"The alcoholism can also deal with drug treatments." This is the message that emerges from the press conference of presentation of Campral, trade name of acamprosate, a neuromodulator specifically indicated in the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients.Alcoholism is a disease characterized by: craving, loss of control, tolerance and physical dependence.For many years the prevention of relapse in use of alcohol after detoxification was supported almost exclusively by psychosocial procedures and techniques with modest success. Treatment with acamprosate is a valid tool to complement psychotherapy as it does not cause addiction, abuse or withdrawal of its suspension and does n…
Dietary habits and food consumptions
Intestinal microbiota mutualism and gastrointestinal diseases
The purpose of this work is to investigate the link between an altered intestinal mcro-biota or dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory disorders, in particular inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Along with probiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) opts to be a promising therapeutic treatment for restoring the bacterial homeostasis of the hu-man intestine and reducing the risk of colorectal carcinogenesis. Microbiota is the com-plex microbial flora that resides in the gut establishing a mutually beneficial relation-ship. Alteration of the microbiota’s composition, termed as dysbiosis, may lead to pathological conditions. Treatment with probiotics can restore the normal commensal flora i…
Antioxidant capacity of plasma after red wine intake in Human volunteers
Schoolchildren obesity, food consumptions, socio–cultural level and nutritional education in Sicily during the last 15 years
Induction of differentiation by phenols crude extract of extravirgin olive oil on tumor cell lines sensitive and resistatnt to antitumor agents
Study of the physiological effects of Quercetin and Kaempferol (alone or mixed) on the MnSOD enzyme
Extra virgin olive oil, Nutritional quality related to Jaen index
Corrigendum to “Effects of Oleuropein on tumor cell growth and bone remodeling: Potential clinical implications for the prevention and treatment of malignant bone diseases” [Life Sci. 264 (2021) 118694]
Dietary calcium intake and evaluation of some influencing factors, in preadolescent schoolchildren from Palermo, for the prevention of osteoporosis
Evaluation of plasma antioxidant status after red wine intake
Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studied highli…
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAXIMAL FAT OXIDATION AND OXYGEN UPTAKE: COMPARISON BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HEALTHY SEDENTARY SUBJECTS
Purpose Carbohydrate and fatty acids are the dominant fuels oxidized for energy production during exercise. Their contribution is influenced by intensity of exercise, with a progressive increase in the relative contribution of carbohydrate oxidation to energy expenditure, whereas the absolute rate of fat oxidation increases from low to moderate intensities of exercise and declines as exercise becomes more intense. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) the altered metabolism and the lower capacity to sustain efforts changed the choice and regulation of energy substrates for oxidation. Purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between the highest value of fat oxidation rate (FATmax…
Evaluation of the factors of family risk and style of food life in obese and overweight children
Selenium: A Cure for Autoimmune Thyroiditis.
Autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) is a disease whose incidence has increased dramatically over the past few decades. In iodine sufficient areas, this pathological condition affects up to 5% of the general population. The higher incidence of AT observed in areas of the world with low-selenium (Se) soils apperas to be the consequence of a reduced activity of the intracellular Sedependent glutathione peroxidase activity. Se is involved, through selenoproteins, in the regulation of intracellular antioxidant, redox and anti-inflammatory processes. As a component of selenoproteins, Se exerts various structural and enzymatic functions. A low Se/high fat diet can cause selenoprotein changes and promote t…
Gambling: spreading among students in Palermo
Adolescents represent a particularly high-risk group and they are also vulnerable to the development of gambling related problems. Thanks to technological advances in gaming industry (slot machines, video lottery terminals, casino-types games) new form of gambling are continuously appearing. With the purpose of having an idea about the spreading of gambling among the students of Palermo, a survey has been conducted through administration of questionnaires during the period from January to May 2017: this study involved 1622 students (686 boys and 936 girls) between the age of 14 and 19. In this survey it has been demonstrated that only 15% of students have never played; 36% declare they have…
Wild-type Saccharomyces characterization in spontaneous fermentation of red bulgarian wine
3,5-DIIODO-L-THYRONINE-INDUCED MODIFICATION IN PITUITARY-THYROID AXIS IN RATS FED HIGH-FAT DIET. A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Experimental observations highlight that the administration of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) may decrease the body weight and the plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and may prevent the onset of hepatic steatosis in rats fed diets rich in lipids (HFD). On the basis of these findings we have carried out some in vivo studies to evaluate the effects of increased levels of T2 on pituitary thyroid axis function in HFD rats. Fifteeen Wistar male rats were divided in 3 groups. The first group (N) was fed with a standard diet. The second group (G) was fed with a diet high in fat (HDF), while the third group (GT2) was additionally administered intraperitoneally with T2 (70 ug/100g body weig…
IMMUNO-ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG CANCER IN ADVANCED STAGE WITH NIVOLUMAB
In recent years, significant scientific progress has been made in the therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),which has made possible a better knowledge of this pathology and above all the realization of new personalized therapies. The main therapeutic revolution in advanced NSCLC is immunooncology, a new therapeutic strategy that aims to awaken the immune system to fight cancer cells. Our work helped us evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of monotherapy with Nivolumab in the treatment of patients with advanced stage IIIB/IV non-smallcell lung cancer beyond the second line. We can conclude that in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer, the use of Nivolumab improves the prognosis a…
Trends in childhood obesity, food habits, life styles and knowledge over three years: results from a longitudinal study
Influence of quercetin and luteolin on the activity of the catalase: study ex vivo about erythrocytes in smokers and non-smokers
Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds with different chemical structure and properties. These compounds may scavenge free radical species and other oxidants. In previous studies, we have observed that some polyphenols are able to cross the erythrocyte’smembrane and this process is influenced by the plasmatic albumin; in fact quercetin intracellular concentrations is albumin dose depending. The influence of flavonoids on catalase activity has been reported in some papers but the results are contradictory. Some authors have found an increase of catalase activity in cell in the presence of flavonoids. Others have observed any effect or even a decrease of catalase activity.The presen…
Fluticasone furoate maintains epithelial homeostasis via leptin/leptin receptor pathway in nasal cells
Leptin is involved in the lung epithelial homeostasis. Its role in the nasal tract is largely unknown. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by the allergen exposure leading to consequential structural abnormalities in the nasal epithelium. Topical corticosteroids are recommended as first-line therapy in AR. Parietaria pollen is one of the most important allergenic sources in the southern Europe. In vitro, in human nasal epithelial cell line RPMI 2650, we aimed to determine whether allergen stimulation acts on leptin/leptin receptor pathway and how fluticasone furoate (FF) influences this pathway. The effects of the major allergen recombinant Par j 1 (rPar j 1), of FF, of leptin, and of TGF-b1 …
Acetaldehyde and salsolinol in ethanol’s two-step mechanism of action: An overview
In the last years, numerous studies have supported the idea that, at least in part, motivational and neuropharmacological effects of ethanol are mediated by its first brain-derived metabolite, acetaldehyde, and its bioderivate salsolinol. This review aims at gathering and shaping as a whole the evidence on their role in the mechanism of action of ethanol. Acetaldehyde and salsolinol interact with the reward brain system and are involved as primum movens of motivational and addictive behaviour that can be especially relevant to ethanol use disorders. Understanding the neurobiology of acetaldehyde and salsolinol holds promising potential for the development of novel pharmacological approaches…
Evaluation of BNP levels and bioelectrical impedance measurements after a novel therapy of refractory congestive heart failure
Antitumoral activity of curcumin: an adjuvant therapeutic strategy
Curcumin, an active substance contained in an Indian spice called turmeric or curcuma, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In recent times, it was taken into account and studied as an antitumoral molecule, by relying on its interference on several biological mechanisms, such as the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, the enhancement of detoxifying enzymes’ action and processes of cell growth and proliferation. Studies show how the high dosage of curcumin in vitro inhibits colorectal tumor cells, pancreatic tumor cells, lung cancer cells and glioblastoma’s cells, interfering in signaling pathways as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-kB and PI3K/Akt and leading to cell cycle…
Influence of flavonoids on the transmembrane electron transport:study ex-vivo
The oxidative stress results from a change in the physiological balancebetween oxidant and antioxidant species. This condition induces an chemical change in the redox state of cells.. The function of t-PMET is to cooperate with intracellular redox pairs, like piruvate and lactate, to maintain thecytoplasmatic NAD+/NADH balance. The t-PMET is correlated with the modulation of internal pH and redox homeostasis, as it is able to activate proton release. Thus, t-PMET causes external and internal pH modification, as well as development of an inside negative membrane potential. The aim of this work was evaluate the erythrocytes redox status in a group of health volunteers and then to study whethe…
La termoregolazione corporea
Flavonols and flavan-3-ols as modulators of xanthine oxidase and manganese superoxide dismutase activity.
Experiments were performed to assess the dose-dependent effects of quercetin, kaempferol, (+) catechin, and (-) epicatechin on superoxide radical production through the modulation of manganese superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase activities. The experiments were carried out at flavanoid concentrations ranging from 1 µM to 100 µM. This investigation highlighted that flavonols induced opposite effects on superoxide radical production at different doses, i.e. pro-oxidant at the highest concentration (100 µM) and anti-oxidant at the lowest concentration (1 µM). Similar behaviors were observed for xanthine oxidase with flavan-3ols. The diastereoisomer (the catechin) acted as a stronger radi…
Physical, chemical and morphological changes of bread polyphenol extract on cellular cultures monolayer CaCo-2
The effect on potential transepithelial electrics resistance (TEER) and the electronic scansion microscopy analysis (SEM) of CaCo-2 cells line monolayer could be one useful method to study the different antioxidant or pro-oxidant capacity values of different concentrations of the hydrolizated polyphenol extracts of bread made with wheat Sant’Agata cultivar (HBPE).The various concentrations of HBPE have been tested on culture in monolayer CaCo-2 cells seeded on polycarbonate filter, in the cell culture chamber (Ø 6.5 μm; area 0.33cm2; pore Ø 0.4 μm), at a density of 1.5x105 cells per filter and placed in a multiwells Falcon; the filter divided the chamber in apical and basal compartments tha…
Genomic and non-genomic mechanisms of action of thyroid hormones and their catabolite 3,5-diiodo-l-thyronine in Mammals
Since the realization that the cellular homologs of a gene found in the retrovirus that contributes to erythroblastosis in birds (v-erbA), i.e. the proto-oncogene c-erbA encodes the nuclear receptors for thyroid hormones (THs), most of the interest for THs focalized on their ability to control gene transcription. It was found, indeed, that, by regulating gene expression in many tissues, these hormones could mediate critical events both in development and in adult organisms. Among their effects, much attention was given to their ability to increase energy expenditure, and they were early proposed as anti-obesity drugs. However, their clinical use has been strongly challenged by the concomita…
The phenolic compound of olive oil and human health
The influence of two different pH levels on the antioxidant properties of flavonols, flavan-3-ols, phenolic acids and aldehyde compounds analysed in synthetic wine and in a phosphate buffer
Abstract The aim of this study is evaluate either the antioxidant or pro-oxidant behaviour of some typical polyphenolic compounds of red wine, to investigate the influence of two different pH levels on the antioxidant properties and to clarify their activity–structure relationship. The antioxidant activity of compounds in hydrophilic solutions at pH 3.5 and pH 7.4 were measured by a competition kinetic test, based on the crocin bleaching. The position and the number of substitution groups influence the magnitude of the antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds, but their antioxidant properties are also strongly influenced by the pH conditions. Increasing the pH, a considerable incr…
Vitamin D in cancer chemoprevention
Context: There is increasing evidence that Vitamin D (Vit D) and its metabolites, besides their well-known calcium-related functions, may also exert antiproliferative, pro-differentiating, and immune modulatory effects on tumor cells in vitro and may also delay tumor growth in vivo. Objective: The aim of this review is to provide fresh insight into the most recent advances on the role of Vit D and its analogues as chemopreventive drugs in cancer therapy. Methods: A systematic review of experimental and clinical studies on Vit D and cancer was undertaken by using the major electronic health database including ISI Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Results and conclus…
Long-Term Effects of Dietary Sodium Intake on Cytokines and Neurohormonal Activation in Patients With Recently Compensated Congestive Heart Failure
Abstract Background A growing body of evidence suggests that the fluid accumulation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) and that the inflammatory and neurohormonal activation contribute strongly to the progression of this disorder. Methods and Results The study evaluated the long-term effects of 2 different sodium diets on cytokines neurohormones, body hydration and clinical outcome in compensated HF outpatients (New York Heart Association Class II). A total of 173 patients (105 males, mean age 72.5±7) recently hospitalized for worsening advanced HF and discharged in normal hydration and in clinical compensation were randomized in 2 groups (double blind). In Group …
DIETARY HABITS, LIFE STYLES, FOOD CONSUMPTION
Wild-type Saccharomyces characterisation in spontaneous fermentations of red Bulgarian wine
The Role of Vitamin K in Bone Remodeling and Osteoporosis
Vitamin K is an essential fat soluble vitamin involved in the regulation of normal coagulation. However, growing evidence highlights that this molecule appears to be also implicated in the regulation of other important biological functions such as bone mineralization, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, cell growth and signal transduction. In particular, many studies have focused their attention on the protective effects of vitamin K on bone tissue in the outlook of its use in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The objective of the present paper is to review data of the literature regarding the metabolic effects of Vitamin K in bone tissue and its clinical ro…
HOW CBT (COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY) CAN MODULATE NEGATIVE EMOTIONAL FACTORS AS ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION IN OBESE PATIENTS
Emotional factors have great influence on eating habits and increase the risk of obesity (1). Few studies demonstrate that patients affected by binge eating disorder felt negative emotions before overeatings; the main emotions reported were anxiety, then sadness and tiredness. Emotional eating is related to the stress (2,3), so when subjects feel anxiety and depression, is more probable that they use food as modulator of their emotions, in this way the weight develops fast with all risks of obesity. The obesity is often attended by a specific syndrome called metabolic syndrome; the main symptoms are insulin resistence, hyperinsulinemia, not-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia,…
Induction of differentiation by phenols crude extract of extavirgin olive oil on tumor cell lines sensitive and resistant to anticancer drugs
Le secrezioni gastrointestinali
Effects of extra virgin olive oil phenols on HL60 cell lines sensitive and resistant to anthracyclines
Risk factors for eating disorders and correlation with the body mass index, in preadolescent girls from some schools of Palermo
Effects of an intervention of nutrition and health on weight status and physical activity of sicilian schoolchildren.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children from some schools of Palermo
Polyphenols, tocopherols and fatty acids of extra virgin olive oils D.O.P. in Sicily
Antioxidant capacity as an index to charaterise wine nutraceutic properties: a study on Sicilian red wines
Total phenols, α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol and related antioxidant capacity in olive oil with different Jean index values
Polifenoli del vino come agenti protettivi contro l’aterogenesi: correlazione tra contenuto polifenolico e capacità antiossidante di vini siciliani
Statistical survey focused on diffusion and knowledge of energy drinks, conducted in Palermo
In recent years energy drinks consumption has increased, due to their ability to improve physical and cognitive performance. Unfortunately, because of poor or incorrect information, people are not always aware of the harmful consequences of these drinks such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, tachycardia until death. Therefore, we conducted a statistical survey in the Palermo area, submitting a paper questionnaire to 1003 people. Data analysis shows that only 29% of the audience never consumed energy drinks, while 71% tried them at least once in their life, especially in adolescence; 81% never or rarely drink them, 14% drink them a few times a month, while 5% drink them several times a wee…
The antioxidant capacity of red wine in relationship with its polyphenolic constituents
The aim of this study is evaluate either the antioxidant or pro-oxidant behaviour of some typical polyphenolic compounds of red wine, to investigate the influence of two different pH levels on the antioxidant properties and to clarify their activity–structure relationship. The antioxidant activity of compounds in hydrophilic solutions at pH 3.5 and pH 7.4 were measured by a competition kinetic test, based on the crocin bleaching. The position and the number of substitution groups influence the magnitude of the antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds, but their antioxidant properties are also strongly influenced by the pH conditions. Increasing the pH, a considerable increase in a…
Bioactive effects of citrus flavonoids and role in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer
Citrus fruits are the main fruits of the Mediterranean diet and have been long recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Observational studies have shown a significant association between dietary flavonoid intake and reduced risk of cardiovascular and malignant diseases. The beneficial effects of citrus fruits on human health appear to be due to their high content in vitamins, minerals and fibers. In particular, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been indicated as some of the mechanisms through which citrus fruits may thwart the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. This review would critically examine the results …
RELAZIONE TRA ECCESSO DI PESO, ATTIVITÀ FISICA E PATOLOGIE CARDIOVASCOLARI IN GENITORI E FIGLI: INDAGINE NELLE SCUOLE DEL PALERMITANO
Nutraceutic properties of wine: influence of resveratrol and malvidin-3-O-glucoside sorption by Oak wood
ROLE OF 3,5-DIIODO-L-THYRONINE ON THE PITUITARY-THYROID AXIS
Dietary flavonols and flavan-3ols as modulators of superoxide radicals production: opposite dose-dependent effects
Preliminary study on food habitus and consumpitions in adult subjects attendine general medicine outpatientients
Genetic heterogeneity of familial hypercholesterolemia in Sicily
CNIDARIAN JELLYFISH AS A NEW FOOD SOURCE. A TOOL TO CHANGE A PROBLEM TOWARDS A RESOURCE?
Apigenin affects leptin/leptin receptor pathway and induces cell apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cell line
Abstract Background Apigenin, a common edible plant flavonoid, is a well characterised antioxidant. The adipokine leptin exerts proliferative and anti-apoptotic activities in a variety of cell types. In cancer cells, apigenin may induce a pro-apoptotic pathway whereas leptin has an anti-apoptotic role. The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of apigenin and of leptin/leptin receptor pathway on proliferation and on apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and RT-q-RT PCR, were used to investigate the expression and modulation of leptin receptors on the lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 in presence or absence of apigenin and of leptin, alone o…
"Relazione fra stato ponderale e rischio cardiovascolare in soggetti obesi e in sovrappeso, in età scolare, previa analisi di composizione corporea"
THE ROLE OF POLYMORPHISM OF TIOPURINE METHYLTRANSFERASE IN THERAPY WITH AZATHIOPRINE. PRELIMINARY STUDY
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases (MICI). Despite its extensive use in therapy, azathioprine can result in serious side effects such as myelosuppression. The likelihood of developing myelosuppression also depends on genetic factors: one of the enzymes involved in drug metabolism, methyltransferase tiopurine (TPMT), is subject to genomic polymorphism. To date, 40 polymorphisms have been identified, of which three are associated with a reduction in enzymatic activity. These are TPMT*2, TPMT*3A and TPMT*3C polymorphisms. TPMT*1 is the wild-type coding form for an enzyme capable of efficiently metabolizing the drug. The objective of t…
Food safety in hospital: knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing staff of two hospitals in Sicily, Italy.
Abstract Background Food hygiene in hospital poses peculiar problems, particularly given the presence of patients who could be more vulnerable than healthy subjects to microbiological and nutritional risks. Moreover, in nosocomial outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease, the mortality risk has been proved to be significantly higher than the community outbreaks and highest for foodborne outbreaks. On the other hand, the common involvement in the role of food handlers of nurses or domestic staff, not specifically trained about food hygiene and HACCP, may represent a further cause of concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning food safet…
PLASMA ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY STATUS AFTER RED WINE CONSUMPTION
Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studied highli…
Squalene, α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol concentration during ripening phase in olive oil pulp
CHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF SICILIAN P.O.D. OLIVE OILS
Selenium and Autoimmune Thyroiditis
The essential mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. As a constituent of selenoproteins, selenium has structural and enzymic roles, in the latter context being best-known as an antioxidant and catalyst for the production of active thyroid hormone. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of the immune system. An elevated selenium intake may be associated with reduced cancer risk
Effects of extra-virgin olive oil enriched with E-vitamin and Q10-coenzyme on the heart rate variability and plasma antioxidant status in athletes
OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the assumption of extra virgin olive oil enriched with E-vitamin and Q10-coenzyme may improve the plasma anti-oxidant/pro-oxidant balance and be associated with favorable changes in heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: Four male athletes, mean age 22 (range 21-24), were recruited. They assumed 20 ml per day of the integrator (20 mg Q10 and 15 mg Vit E) for one month. The plasma antioxidant capacity (AC) was evaluated by the crocin bleaching assay. The frequency-domain analysis of HRV was carried out using Cardioline Cube recorder and specific software to obtain, from an autoregressive power spectrum approach, the power in normalized units (nu) of the low-(LF…
Preadolescent obesity in schoolchildren from Palermo: analysis of some correlated factors
NUTRIZIONE E MICROFLORA BATTERICA INTESTINALE
Methadone versus buprenorphine: data detected from Caltanissetta SER.T
In last years, heroin-addicted have exponentially increased: this has made it necessary to identify a pharmacological strategy as effective as possible. With this purpose, a statistical investigation was conducted in a sample of individuals, aged between 18 and 50. They were diagnosed and subjected to different treatments at Ser.T of Caltanissetta (Sicily-Italy) during the period 2013-2017. The analyzed patients were treated with three different pharmacological therapy: methadone 0.1%, methadone 0.5%, buprenorphine and suboxone. We obtained percentages of responders, low responders and non-responders patients from data processing, based on used therapy. Considering pharmacological responses…
NEW 5-DIMETHYL-3-HETEROARYL-1H-4-ONN-AZOXYCYANIDES: SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICOTICAL ACTIVITY.
In the field of infectious diseases, in the last years an increasingly high importance is ascribed to mycosis as causes of illness and mortality in particularly susceptible patients: leukemia, organ transplant, AIDS and immunosuppressed patients, creating clinical and epidemiological problems. Although several drugs are available, antifungal spectrum is still limited especially for invasive infections, which often have fatal results. We previously reported the antifungal activity of a series of products, in which the 1,5-dimethyl-4-(cyano-NNO-azoxy)pyrazol-3-yl and 1,3-dimethyl-4-(cyano-NNO-azoxy)pyrazol-5-yl moieties were linked to pyridine, pyrazole, isoxazole, thiophene and the furan rin…
The phenolic compounds of olive oil: structure, biological activity and beneficial effects on human health
AbstractThe Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, cereals, fruit, fish, milk, wine and olive oil and has salutary biological functions. Epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and certain kinds of cancer in the Mediterranean area. Olive oil is the main source of fat, and the Mediterranean diet's healthy effects can in particular be attributed not only to the high relationship between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in olive oil but also to the antioxidant property of its phenolic compounds. The main phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste, have powerful a…
Cytotoxic effects of polyphenols from waste-water of extra virgin olive oil on human HL60 and K562 cell lines.
EPIGENETIC PROFILING AND THERAPEUTICS IN LIVER DISEASE
Acetaldehyde as the first hit of addictive behaviour
Unhealthy alcohol use is common in the Western society, which puts risk of health consequences, causing multiple behavioural injuries. Increasing evidence focuses on acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, as the mediator of the several behavioural actions of alcohol, including its rewarding and motivational effects. In particular, acetaldehyde induces dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens modulating primary alcohol rewarding effect, drug seeking, and relapse behaviour. Recent behavioural studies point at acetaldehyde as a drug of abuse since its oral self-administration is induced and maintained in an operant/conflict paradigm. These findings provide further evidence on the role…
Effects of extra virgin olive oil phenols on HL60 cell lines sensitve and resistant to anthracycline
Antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of hydroxytyrosol derivatives on human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines
Purpose Hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA) derivatives (disulfide, thioacetate and thiohydroxytyrosol) were synthesized in order to test in vitro if the combination of catechol moiety of 3,4-DHPEA and sulfur containing functions results in an improvement of the pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities shown by 3,4-DHPEA. The involvement of H2O2 production in the cell culture medium has been studied. Methods The effects of thiohydroxytyrosol derivatives and 3,4-DHPEA on cell proliferation, apotosis and cell cycle of HL60 and its MDR variant HL60R were assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion test, by fluorescence microscopy or by flow cytometry respectively. H2O2 concentrations in the culture me…
Composition de vins rouges siciliens et leurs propriétés "nutraceutiques"
Chemical and nutritional properties of Sicilian P.O.D. extravirgin olive oils.
Analysis of total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content during ripeting of Sicilian red grapes
Alimentazione e tumori
The influence of hypocaloric diet, associated with moderate physical activity and CBT (cognitive behavioral theraphy), on self-esteem and self-efficacy and their modulator role on emotional eating.
Statistical analysis of a survey about diffusion of binge drinking and drunkorexia among students in Palermo
Youth alcohol consumption is a major global public health concern. Previous reviews have concluded that exposure to alcohol marketing was associated with drinking initiation and higher alcohol consumption among youth. From January to May 2017, a survey has been conducted through administration of questionnaires about the diffusion of Binge Drinking and Drunkorexia among the students of Palermo. Test was administered, during school time, to 2331 students between the ages of 13 and 20. Regarding the analysis of the questionnaires, 97,8% of student declares to have drunk at least once: their first taste of alcoholic drink happens at the age of thirteen/fourteen. They prefer to drink at the dis…
Relationship between ACE-DD polymorphism and diastolic performance in healthy subjects.
Background—The ACE-D allele has been associated with cardiovascular disease. The study evaluates the relationship between the ACE-ID genotypes and diastolic function in healthy subjects after 6 years of follow-up. Methods—Two hundred and seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 25–55 years had normal physical examination, 12-lead ECG, acceptable echocardiographic windows and echocardiogram at entry. Venous blood was drawn for DNA analysis. Results—Two hundred and forty-two subjects completed 6 years of follow-up. Three genetically distinct groups were obtained: ACE-DD group (n=71, 26F/45M, mean age 48±7 years); ACE-ID (n=115, 39F/76M, mean age 40±7 years); and ACE-II (n=56, 20F/36M, mean age 47…
UTILIZZO DELLA MICROSCOPIA ELETTRONICA A SCANSIONE PER L’ANALISI MORFOLOGICA E ULTRASTRUTTURALE DI CARIOSSIDI DI FRUMENTO DURO
Abstract: Questo studio è stato svolto nell’ambito del Progetto”ALISAL”: Miglioramento delle proprietà igienico-sanitarie, salutistiche e funzionali di materie prime per l’alimentazione dell’uomo e/o degli animali, promosso dal Ministero delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali italiano (MIPAAF). Lo studio in oggetto è parte del progetto sopra indicato il cui scopo era quello di selezionare nuovi genotipi di cereali, in particolare di frumento duro, al fine di migliorare le caratteristiche nutrizionali e tecnologiche dell’ intera filiera produttiva. La fase preliminare dello sviluppo progettuale è stata quella di sviluppare un metodo per la caratterizzazione morfologica e ultrastrut…
Prevention of Eating Disorders (EDs) in preadolescents girls from some schools of Palermo: self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness.
Pharmacological manipulation of serotonin receptors during brain embryogenesis favours stress resiliency in female rats
Manipulations of the serotonin transmission during early development induce long-lasting changes in the serotonergic circuitry throughout the brain. However, little is known on the developmental consequences in the female progeny. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the behavioural effects of pre- and postnatal stimulation of the serotonergic system by 5-methoxytryptamine in adolescent female rats on behavioural reactivity and anxiety- like phenotype. Our results show that perinatal 5- methoxythyptamine decreased total distance travelled and rearing frequency in the novel enviroment, and increased the preference for the centre of the arena in the open field test. Moreover, perinatal 5-…
The phenolic compounds of olive oil and human health
Additional file 1 of Food safety in hospital: knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing staff of two hospitals in Sicily, Italy
Additional file 1: Questionnaire about food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing staff of two hospitals in Sicily, Italy. It included five sections: a) demographic characteristics, employment status and hospital/ward where the nurse worked; b) knowledge about food hygiene; c) attitudes towards prevention of foodborne diseases; d) measures to be used in prevention of foodborne diseases; e) sources of information about food hygiene. (DOC 33 KB)
Relationship between maximal fat oxidation and oxygen uptake: comparison between type 2 diabetes patients and healthy sedentary subjects
The contribution of fat oxidation to energy production during exercise is influenced by intensity of exercise. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the highest value of fat oxidation rate (FATmax) and the oxygen uptake (VO2) in sedentary type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients vs healthy sedentary subjects. Sedentary T2D patients and healthy sedentary subjects were evaluated to a graded exercise test, and oxygen uptake and fat oxidation rate were detected. Data show that in T2D patients fat oxidation rate is not impaired and the positive linear correlation between FATmax and both VO2 and VO2max suggests that even in T2D patients the muscle oxidative capacity might increase in…
Flavanones in Citrus fruit: structure-antioxidant activity relationships
Epidemiological surveys have shown an inverse relationship between the intake of fruit and the incidence of coronary heart disease and some type of cancer. Data found in the literature regarding the flavonoids in general while this study focuses on flavanones, a subclass of flavonoids which occurs in Citrus fruit. The aim of this work is to elucidate the antioxidant or pro-oxidant behaviours of some common flavanones and to determine their activity–structure relationships as antioxidant using the crocin bleaching inhibition assay. The compounds studied were regarding both the aglycon form and the glycoside form. Data evidence that the substitution of the 7th OH group of the flavanones by a …
Nutritional counselling in overweight and obese children of some school from Palermo
Influence of Oak wood contact on nutraceutical properties of a model wine
SICILIAN OLIVE OIL ANTIOXIDANT AND PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Additional file 2 of Food safety in hospital: knowledge, attitudes and practices of nursing staff of two hospitals in Sicily, Italy
Authors’ original file for figure 1
The effects of extra-virgin olive oil supplemented with Vit. E and Q10 on plasma antioxidant capacity and aerobic performance in athletes
Behaviour of different nutritional parameters, in extra virgin olive oil, during the ripening phase
capacity and total phenolics of sicilian wines from different varieties and vintage year
Microscopia elettronica a scansione per l’analisi morfologica e ultrastrutturale di cariossidi di frumento duro
Cereals are an important source of carbohydrates in the human contributing to a certain extent also to the need of protein. They constitute a rich source of both nonstarch polysaccharides (dietary fiber) and starch, which together comprise 70-77% of kernel. The Guidelines for a Healthy Diet in Italy define the opportunity to take, on a daily basis, at least 60% of energy from carbohydrates, and particularly 45% from complex carbohydrates. In Italy, especially in Sicily, these nutrients are contained in traditional food as pasta and bread made starting from durum wheat as grow material. Recently, especially in the bigger towns, there is also widespread consumption of bread made with soft whe…
Biochemical adaptations in middle-distance runners: an assessment of blood and anthropometric parameters
In order to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological adaptation of purely aerobic workout, we investigated the effect of 2 months of training on nine males (17-22 year-old) middle distance running agonistic athletes. Blood sample was collected in the morning to analyze: hematological parameters, lipid profile, liver function enzymes [glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)] and skeletal and myocardial markers of muscle damage [creatin kinase (CK) and creatin kinase MB (CK-MB)]. Endurance training, as it implies high oxygen consumption, should increase reactive oxygen species, but it has been shown that exercise lea…
The role of polymorphisms of thiopurine methyltransferase in therapy with Azathioprine: preliminary study
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant drug belonging to the class of thiopurines widely used in clinical therapy. Its immunosuppressive action is linked to the substantial action mechanism in the inhibition of the synthesis of nitrogenous bases purine carried out in T-lymphocyte. The level of such medication limit resides in side effects such as myelosuppression and the development of tumours. The occurrence of side effects is linked to the presence of genetic polymorphisms of Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). To date, 40 allelic variants for TPMT have been detected. However, those responsible for the reduction of enzyme activity are three: *2, *3A, *3C. The presence of one of the three p…
Effect of extra virgin olive oli phenols on HL60 cell lines sensitive and resistant to anthracyclines
Leptin and Apigenin: Antagonists in the Apoptotic Pathway of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line
How cognitive behavioural therapy can modulate negative emotional factors as anxiety or depression in obese patients
ROLE OF THE NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND PEPTIDES INVOLVED IN FEEDING BEHAVIOUR CONTROL.
Citrus flavonoids: Molecular structure, biological activity and nutritional properties: A review
Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary flavonoid intakes and cardiovascular diseases. Citrus fruits are the main winter fruits consumed in the Mediterranean diet, so they are the main source of dietary flavonoids. The possible beneficial effects are due, not only to the high amounts of vitamins and minerals, but also to the antioxidant properties of their flavonoids. Dietary flavonoids may help to supplement the body antioxidant defences against free radicals. These compounds’ possible beneficial effects are due to their antioxidant activity, which is related to the development of atherosclerosis and cancer, and to anti-inflammatory and antimicro…
Nutritional and psychological therapies in the treatment of obesity: preliminary findings
SELENIUM AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of pivotal importance to human health. Se is incorporated into selenoproteins (SePs) which have pleiotropic effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and in the production of active thyroid hormone. These findings may explain the relationship between Se deficiency and pathogenesis of various human diseases including thyroid disorder. In line with these observations, the therapeutic effectiveness of Se supplementation has already been reported in patients with various thyroid diseases. However, there are still controversial data about the optimal dose of Se to be administered, as well as the duration and efficacy of treatment an…
Follistatin as potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer
Follistatin is a single-chain glycosylated protein whose primary function consists in binding and neutralizing some members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily such as activin and bone morphogenic proteins. Emerging evidence indicates that this molecule may also play a role in the malignant progression of several human tumors including prostate cancer. In particular, recent findings suggest that, in this tumor, follistatin may also contribute to the formation of bone metastasis through multiple mechanisms, some of which are not related to its specific activin or bone morphogenic proteins' inhibitory activity. This review provides insight into the most recent advances in understa…
Effects of eztra virgin olive oil phenols on HL60 cell line sensitive and resistant to anthracycline.
Nutrition, obesity and hormones
Obesity is a chronic pathological condition with a multifactorial aetiology, characterised by an excessive body fat accumulation with multiple organ-specific consequences. Emerging evidence highlights that obesity appears to be associated with multiple alterations in the endocrine system. However, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between obesity and this system remain still controversial. This review discusses the impact of obesity on various endocrine systems and, in particular, would provide a general overview on the biochemical changes that may occur in each of these axes in association with obesity.
Effects of extra virgin olive oil phenols on HL60 cell lines sensitive and resistant to anthracyclines
The aim of our study was to evaluate the capability of a crude extract of phenols from extra virgin olive oil of Moraiolo cultivar to induce apoptosis and/or differentiation in sensitive and resistant HL60 cell lines to anticancer drugs (Typical Multidrug Resistance). Our data highlight that the crude extract is able to induce apoptosis on both sensitive and resistant cells, whereas the exposure to a number of anticancer drugs does not induce apoptosis in resistant cells. In differentiation experiments we investigated the capability of crude extract of phenols to induce the expression of CD11 granulocytic or CD14 monocytic cell surface antigen in sensitive and resistant HL60 cell lines. At …
"Dietary calcium intake and evaluation of some influencing factors, in preadolescent schoolchildren form Palermo, for the prevention of dsteoporosis"
Effects of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine on the liver of high fat diet fed rats
Experimental studies have highlighted that the administration of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) to rats fed diets rich in lipids induces a decrease of cholesterol and triglycerides plasma levels and body weight (BW) without inducing liver steatosis. On the basis of these observations we carried out some experimental <em>in vivo</em> studies to assess the effects of multiple high doses of T2 on the pituitary thyroid axis of rats fed diet rich in lipids. Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five animals each. The first group (N group) received standard diet, the second group was fed with a high fat diet (HFD group), while the third group (HFDT2 group) was additi…
Amateur doping: a survey on Sicilian population
In the last years, amateur doping phenomenon has caused many victims. In order to know the diffusion of this phenomenon, we conducted an online survey thanks to Google forms. We also converted on paper the same questionnaire and we administered it in many gyms in Palermo and Trapani (Sicily, Italy). The examined sample consists of 976 people aged between 14 and 65 (47.3% of them are women and 52.7% are men). We asked them if they had ever taken substances to improve their athletic performances: 25.8% of them answered affirmatively and declared to take protein, amino acids, but also Ephedrine, Caffeine, Aspirin on a regular basis (34.6%). They bought these substances in sporting stores (32.2…
Intraepidermal perianal Paget’s disease.
the Autthors report a case of localised perianal Paget's disease consisting of an eczematous lesion unresponsive to steroid anal treatment subsequently treated with local excision. the patient after 20 months is alive and presents no further signs of disease. The Authors therefore point out that in elderly patients with stage I perianal Paget's disease local wide excision is considered the best therapeutical choice.
ERYTHROCYTE CATALASE ACTIVITY IN EVER-SMOKERS AND NO-SMOKERS HEALTHY SUBJECTS: INFLUENCE OF FLAVONOIDS (QUERCETIN AND LUTEOLIN)
ERYTHROCYTE CATALASE ACTIVITY IN EVER-SMOKERS AND NO-SMOKERS HEALTHY SUBJECTS: INFLUENCE OF FLAVONOIDS(QUERCETIN AND LUTEOLIN) Background. Oxygen free radicals are highly reactive species that can cause cell damage including lipid peroxidation, enzyme inactivation and DNA damage. Inactivation and removal of highly reactive species depend by the antioxidant defence systems. The catalase (CAT) belongs to the primary antioxidant defence system of the cell which catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen. Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds with different chemical structure and properties. They are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, nuts, …
ANALYSIS OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT (TP) DURING RIPENING OF TWO SICILIAN RED GRAPES VARIETIES
ANALYSIS OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT (TP) DURING RIPENING OF TWO SICILIAN RED GRAPES VARIETIES During the last decade the interest for polyphenols has increased considerably because numerous epidemiological studies, supported by several short term controlled randomised clinical trials, have suggested associations between consumption of polyphenol-rich food or beverages and the prevention of certain chronic diseases associated with the oxidative stress condition (1). In a our previous study on several samples of Sicilian red wine we found that the total polyphenol parameter can not to characterize the nutraceutical properties of a wine by only because the correla…