Search results for "Autonomic system"

Validity of multiplex biomarker model of 6 genes for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules

2011

Abstract Background Currently the cytological examination of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies is the standard technique for the pre-operative differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, the results may be non-informative in ~20% of cases due to an inadequate sampling and the lack of highly specific, measurable cytological criteria, therefore ancillary biomarkers that could aid in these cases are clearly needed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of 8 candidate marker genes as the diagnostic biomarkers for the discrimination of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to find a combination of biomarkers with the highest diagnostic value. Materials an…

Correlations between the Presence of Hurthle Cells and Cytomorphological Features of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Thyroid Nodules

2019

INTRODUCTION: The presence of Hürthle cells (HC) in fine needle thyroid biopsy (FNAB) is a real concern for a cytologist and also for an endocrinologist. We aimed to demonstrate if the presence of HC is associated with specific cytological features in FNAB results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 89 patients diagnosed with thyroid nodules, with FNAB; were two groups of patients: the study group A (HC+) (22 patients) with HC and control group B (HC-) (67 patients) with no HC; for both groups we analyzed the presence of 9 cytomorphologic features: overall cellularity, background colloid, lymphocyte infiltration, chronic inflammation, large nucleoli, small nucleoli, syn…

Visceral Adiposity Index: An Indicator of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction

2013

The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) has recently proven to be an indicator of adipose distribution and function that indirectly expresses cardiometabolic risk. In addition, VAI has been proposed as a useful tool for early detection of a condition of cardiometabolic risk before it develops into an overt metabolic syndrome. The application of the VAI in particular populations of patients (women with polycystic ovary syndrome, patients with acromegaly, patients with NAFLD/NASH, patients with HCV hepatitis, patients with type 2 diabetes, and general population) has produced interesting results, which have led to the hypothesis that the VAI could be considered a marker of adipose tissue dysfuncti…

Vitamin D and Osteoporosis in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients: A Literature Review

2015

Vitamin D deficiency further increases the risk of osteoporosis in HIV-positive patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, it is still unclear whether HCV-related increased fracture risk is a function of the severity of liver disease. The aim of this review was to identify studies on associative vitamin D deficiency patterns in high-risk populations such as HIV/HCV coinfected patients. We did this by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, from inception to August 2014, and included bibliographies. The final 12 articles selected are homogeneous in terms of age but heterogeneous in terms of sample size, participant recruitment, and data source. Most of the HIV/HCV coinfected …

[Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a consensus document].

2008

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by acute regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, frequently related to psycho-physical acute stress, and usually reversible. This rare syndrome involves more often the female sex with the highest frequency of occurrence between the seventh and eighth decade of life. Etiology has not been clarified yet and several hypotheses have been postulated: multiple epicardial coronary artery damage, abnormal coronary microcirculation, catecholamine-mediated cardiac toxicity, and neurogenic stunning. Clinical presentation is not easy to distinguish from an acute coronary syndrome: chest pain at rest or dyspnea, new-onset electrocardiogra…

Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Inhibitors Decrease Adrenergic Arylalkylamine N -Acetyltransferase Induction in the Rat Pineal Gland

2001

Adrenergic regulation of the pineal enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase [arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT); EC 2.3.1.87] accounts for the circadian rhythm in melatonin formation. In the present study, the role of protein phosphatases in the adrenergic regulation of rat pineal AA-NAT was investigated using specific inhibitors. In cultured pineals, the serine/threonine phosphatase type 1 and type 2A inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A significantly decreased adrenergically or cAMP-induced AA-NAT activity, whereas the serine/threonine phosphatase type 2B inhibitor cypermethrin and tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor dephostatin were ineffective. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain…

2016

Optimism is thought to be beneficial for health, and these effects may be mediated through modifications in psychophysiological stress reactivity. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with reduced cardiovascular responses to stress and heightened cortisol over the day. This study assessed the relationships between optimism, stress responsivity, and daily cortisol output in people with T2D. A total of 140 participants with T2D were exposed to laboratory stress. Heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and cortisol were measured throughout the session. Cortisol output over the day was also assessed. Optimism and self-reported health were measured using the revised Life …

Peripheral motor action of glucagon-like peptide-1 through enteric neuronal receptors

2010

Background  Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a proglucagon-derived peptide expressed in the enteroendocrine-L cells of small and large intestine and released in response to meal ingestion. Glucagon-like peptide-1 exerts inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal motility through vagal afferents and central nervous mechanisms; however, no data is available about a direct influence on the gastrointestinal wall. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 on the spontaneous and evoked mechanical activity of mouse duodenum and colon and to identify the presence and distribution of GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) in the muscle coat. Methods  Organ bath recording technique and immunohistochemistry wer…

GLP-2 receptor expression in excitatory and inhibitory enteric neurons and its role in mouse duodenum contractility

2011

Background  Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a nutrient-responsive hormone, exerts various actions in the gastrointestinal tract that are mediated by a G-protein coupled receptor called GLP-2R. A little information is available on GLP-2R expression in enteric neurons and nothing on the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Methods  We investigated presence and distribution of the GLP-2R in the mouse duodenum by immunohistochemistry and the potential motor effects of GLP-2 on the spontaneous and neurally evoked mechanical activity. Key Results  The GLP-2R was expressed by the myenteric and submucosal neurons. Labelling was also present in nerve varicosities within the circular muscular layer an…

'TRPing' synaptic ribbon function in the rat pineal gland: neuroendocrine regulation involves the capsaicin receptor TRPV1.

2009

Synaptic ribbons (SRs) are presynaptic structures thought to regulate and facilitate multivesicular release. In the pineal gland, they display a circadian rhythm with higher levels at night paralleling melatonin synthesis. To gain more insight into the processes involved and the possible functions of these structures, a series of experiments were conducted in rodents. We studied the regional distribution of a molecular marker of pineal SRs, the kinesin motor KIF3A in the gland. Respective immunoreactivity was abundant in central regions of the gland where sympathetic fibers were less dense, and vice versa, revealing that intercellular communication between adjacent pinealocytes is enhanced …