AIM:To evaluate the serum levels of endozepine-4,their relation with ammonia serum levels,the grading of coma and the severity of cirrhosis,in patients with hepatic coma. METHODS:In this study we included 20 subjects ...AIM:To evaluate the serum levels of endozepine-4,their relation with ammonia serum levels,the grading of coma and the severity of cirrhosis,in patients with hepatic coma. METHODS:In this study we included 20 subjects with Hepatic coma,20 subjects with minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) and 20 subjects control. All subjects underwent blood analysis,Child Pugh and Model for End- stage liver disease(MELD) assessment,endozepine-4 analysis. RESULTS:Subjects with hepatic coma showed significant difference in endozepine-4(P < 0.001) and NH3 levels(P < 0.001) compared both to MHE and controls patients. Between NH3 and endozepine-4 we observed a significant correlation(P = 0.009; Pearson correlation 0.570). There was a significant correlation between endozepine-4 and MELD(P = 0.017; Pearsoncorrelation = 0.529). In our study blood ammonia concentration was noted to be raised in patients with hepatic coma,with the highest ammonia levels being found in those who were comatose. We also found a high correlation between endozepine-4 and ammonia(P < 0.001). In patients with grade Ⅳ hepatic coma,endozepine levels were significantly higher compared to other groups. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that an increased level of endozepine in subjects with higher levels of MELD was observed. In conclusion,data concerning involvement of the GABA-ergic system in HE coma could be explained by stage-specific alterations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ASCs)are characterized by long-term self-renewal and a high proliferation rate.Under adequate conditions,they may differentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal,endo...BACKGROUND Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ASCs)are characterized by long-term self-renewal and a high proliferation rate.Under adequate conditions,they may differentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal,endodermal or ectodermal lineages.Pericytes support endothelial cells and play an important role in stabilizing the vessel wall at the microcirculation level.The loss of pericytes,as occurs in diabetic retinopathy,results in a breakdown of the blood-retina barrier(BRB)and infiltration of inflammatory cells.In this context,the use of pericytelike differentiated ASCs may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for restoring BRB damage.AIM To test in vitro strategies to obtain pericyte-like differentiation of human ASCs(hASCs).METHODS Different culture conditions were tested:hASCs cultured in a basal medium supplemented with transforming growth factorβ1;and hASCs cultured in a specific pericyte medium(PM-hASCs).In a further sample,pericyte growth supplement was omitted from the PM.In addition,cultures of human retinal pericytes(hRPCs)were used for comparison.Pericyte-like differentiation of hASCs was tested by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting to evaluate the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and neural/glial antigen 2(NG2).Interactions between human retinal endothelial cells(hRECs)and different groups of hASCs were investigated in co-culture experiments.In these cases,the expression of typical junctional proteins such as vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin were assessed in hRECs.In an in vitro model of the BRB,values of trans-endothelial electrical resistance were measured when hRECs were co-cultured with various groups of pretreated hASCs.The values observed were compared with co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs as well as with cultures of hRECs alone.Three-dimensional co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs or pericyte-like hASCs in Matrigel were designed to assess their reciprocal localization.RESULTS After 3-6 d of culture,α-SMA and NG2 immunocytochemistry showed that the closest pericyte-like phenotype was observed when hASCs were cultured in Pericyte Medium(PM-hASCs).In particular,α-SMA immunoreactivity,already visible at the basal level in pericytes and ASCs,was strongly increased only when transforming growth factor was added to the culture medium.NG2 expression,almost undetectable in most conditions,was substantially increased only in PMhASCs.Immunocytochemical results were confirmed by western blot analysis.The presence of pericyte growth supplement seems to increase NG2 expression rather thanα-SMA,in agreement with its role in maintaining pericytes in the proliferative state.In co-culture experiments,immunoreactivity of vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin was considerably increased in hRECs when hRPCs or PM-hASCs were also present.Supporting results were found by trans-endothelial electrical resistance measurements,gathered at 3 and 6 d of co-culture.The highest resistance values were obtained when hRECs were co-cultured with hRPCs or PM-hASCs.The pericyte-like phenotype of PM-hASCs was also confirmed in three-dimensional co-cultures in Matrigel,where PM-hASCs and hRPCs similarly localized around the tubular formations made by hRECs.CONCLUSION PM-hASCs seem able to strengthen the intercellular junctions between hRECs,likely reinforcing the BRB;thus,hASC-based therapeutic approaches may be developed to restore the integrity of retinal microcirculation.展开更多
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV(DPP-IV)is a serine protease best known for its role in inactivating glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide(PACAP)and glucose-dependent insulinotropic ...Dipeptidyl peptidase IV(DPP-IV)is a serine protease best known for its role in inactivating glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide(PACAP)and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP),three stimulators of pancreatic insulin secretion with beneficial effects on glucose disposal.Owing to the relationship between DPP-IV and these peptides,inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme activity is considered as an attractive treatment option for diabetic patients.Nonetheless,increasing studies support the idea that DPP-IV might also be involved in the development of neurological disorders with a neuroinflammatory component,potentially through its non-incretin activities on immune cells.In this review article,we aim at highlighting recent literature describing the therapeutic value of DPP-IV inhibitors for the treatment of such neurological conditions.Finally,we will illustrate some of the promising results obtained using berberine,a plant extract with potent inhibitory activity on DPP-IV.展开更多
Background: Since the survival rates of cancer have increased considerably, the long-term side effects of cancer and cancer-related treatments may impact survivors’ capability to regain normal lives. The aim of this ...Background: Since the survival rates of cancer have increased considerably, the long-term side effects of cancer and cancer-related treatments may impact survivors’ capability to regain normal lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the breast cancer on the job satisfaction and the quality of life. Methods: We enrolled 130 women divided into four groups: 1) 40 breast cancer survivors (aged 39 - 50);2) 44 women diagnosed with breast cancer (aged 35 - 49);3) 46 women in good health status (aged 37 - 48). Job satisfaction was measured with the Warr-Cook-Wall (WCW) Job satisfaction scale that measures overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with nine aspects of work. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, breast cancer survivors reported a poorer number of hours of work (p < 0.05) and a significant amount of variety in job (p < 0.01), opportunity to use abilities (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.01). Compared to patients with breast cancer at diagnosis, breast cancer survivors reported a significant amount of variety in job (p < 0.05), opportunity to use abilities (p < 0.05), amount of responsibility (p < 0.05), income (p < 0.05). In our study, the comparison between breast cancer survivors, breast cancer at diagnosis, and healthy subjects does not differ significantly in overall job satisfaction. Conclusions: Understanding the job problems associated with cancer can provide relevant information regarding potential treatment and psychological support in breast cancer survivors.展开更多
Background: The employment status of workers with cancer has important implications for impairment of intimate and family relationships and for economic, social and psychological health. The aim of the present study w...Background: The employment status of workers with cancer has important implications for impairment of intimate and family relationships and for economic, social and psychological health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy with capecitabine in patients with colorectal cancer on work productivity and daily activity. Methods: 30 patients with primary diagnosis of stage III colorectal cancer were enrolled for our study. All patients received capecitabine twice daily at a cumulative dose of 2500 mg/m2 on days 1 -14 and repeated on day 22. Work productivity was determined using the WPAI questionnaire. Results: We observed a significant increase in absenteeism after 1 cycle, after 6 cycles of therapy and at follow-up (p 0.001). On the other hand, presenteeism, work productivity loss and daily activity impairment, increased after 1 cycle and 6 cycles of therapy, but we could not find statistically different significances. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with frailty and vulnerability. Chemotherapy with capecitabine may result in negative consequences for job performance.展开更多
Background: Although the majority of breast cancer patients are able to work, lower work ability and reduced job retention have been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy wi...Background: Although the majority of breast cancer patients are able to work, lower work ability and reduced job retention have been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy with capecitabine in patients with breast cancer on work productivity and daily activity. Methods: 34 patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled for our study. Capecitabine was given twice daily at a cumulative dose of 2500 mg/m2 on days 1 - 14 and repeated on day 22. Work productivity was determined using the WPAI questionnaire. Results: We observed an increase in absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss and daily activity impairment after 1 cycle and 6 cycles of therapy, but we could not find statistically different significances. Conclusions: This study provides some data indicating an association between problems in breast cancer and work. Our results confirm that capecitabine may improve quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer.展开更多
文摘AIM:To evaluate the serum levels of endozepine-4,their relation with ammonia serum levels,the grading of coma and the severity of cirrhosis,in patients with hepatic coma. METHODS:In this study we included 20 subjects with Hepatic coma,20 subjects with minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) and 20 subjects control. All subjects underwent blood analysis,Child Pugh and Model for End- stage liver disease(MELD) assessment,endozepine-4 analysis. RESULTS:Subjects with hepatic coma showed significant difference in endozepine-4(P < 0.001) and NH3 levels(P < 0.001) compared both to MHE and controls patients. Between NH3 and endozepine-4 we observed a significant correlation(P = 0.009; Pearson correlation 0.570). There was a significant correlation between endozepine-4 and MELD(P = 0.017; Pearsoncorrelation = 0.529). In our study blood ammonia concentration was noted to be raised in patients with hepatic coma,with the highest ammonia levels being found in those who were comatose. We also found a high correlation between endozepine-4 and ammonia(P < 0.001). In patients with grade Ⅳ hepatic coma,endozepine levels were significantly higher compared to other groups. CONCLUSION:This study suggests that an increased level of endozepine in subjects with higher levels of MELD was observed. In conclusion,data concerning involvement of the GABA-ergic system in HE coma could be explained by stage-specific alterations.
基金“Piano Triennale per la Ricerca 2016-2018–Linea Intervento 2”,University of Catania,Italy,No.20722142118.
文摘BACKGROUND Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(ASCs)are characterized by long-term self-renewal and a high proliferation rate.Under adequate conditions,they may differentiate into cells belonging to mesodermal,endodermal or ectodermal lineages.Pericytes support endothelial cells and play an important role in stabilizing the vessel wall at the microcirculation level.The loss of pericytes,as occurs in diabetic retinopathy,results in a breakdown of the blood-retina barrier(BRB)and infiltration of inflammatory cells.In this context,the use of pericytelike differentiated ASCs may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for restoring BRB damage.AIM To test in vitro strategies to obtain pericyte-like differentiation of human ASCs(hASCs).METHODS Different culture conditions were tested:hASCs cultured in a basal medium supplemented with transforming growth factorβ1;and hASCs cultured in a specific pericyte medium(PM-hASCs).In a further sample,pericyte growth supplement was omitted from the PM.In addition,cultures of human retinal pericytes(hRPCs)were used for comparison.Pericyte-like differentiation of hASCs was tested by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting to evaluate the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and neural/glial antigen 2(NG2).Interactions between human retinal endothelial cells(hRECs)and different groups of hASCs were investigated in co-culture experiments.In these cases,the expression of typical junctional proteins such as vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin were assessed in hRECs.In an in vitro model of the BRB,values of trans-endothelial electrical resistance were measured when hRECs were co-cultured with various groups of pretreated hASCs.The values observed were compared with co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs as well as with cultures of hRECs alone.Three-dimensional co-cultures of hRECs and hRPCs or pericyte-like hASCs in Matrigel were designed to assess their reciprocal localization.RESULTS After 3-6 d of culture,α-SMA and NG2 immunocytochemistry showed that the closest pericyte-like phenotype was observed when hASCs were cultured in Pericyte Medium(PM-hASCs).In particular,α-SMA immunoreactivity,already visible at the basal level in pericytes and ASCs,was strongly increased only when transforming growth factor was added to the culture medium.NG2 expression,almost undetectable in most conditions,was substantially increased only in PMhASCs.Immunocytochemical results were confirmed by western blot analysis.The presence of pericyte growth supplement seems to increase NG2 expression rather thanα-SMA,in agreement with its role in maintaining pericytes in the proliferative state.In co-culture experiments,immunoreactivity of vascular endothelial-Cadherin,zonula occludens-1 and Occludin was considerably increased in hRECs when hRPCs or PM-hASCs were also present.Supporting results were found by trans-endothelial electrical resistance measurements,gathered at 3 and 6 d of co-culture.The highest resistance values were obtained when hRECs were co-cultured with hRPCs or PM-hASCs.The pericyte-like phenotype of PM-hASCs was also confirmed in three-dimensional co-cultures in Matrigel,where PM-hASCs and hRPCs similarly localized around the tubular formations made by hRECs.CONCLUSION PM-hASCs seem able to strengthen the intercellular junctions between hRECs,likely reinforcing the BRB;thus,hASC-based therapeutic approaches may be developed to restore the integrity of retinal microcirculation.
文摘Dipeptidyl peptidase IV(DPP-IV)is a serine protease best known for its role in inactivating glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1),pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide(PACAP)and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide(GIP),three stimulators of pancreatic insulin secretion with beneficial effects on glucose disposal.Owing to the relationship between DPP-IV and these peptides,inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme activity is considered as an attractive treatment option for diabetic patients.Nonetheless,increasing studies support the idea that DPP-IV might also be involved in the development of neurological disorders with a neuroinflammatory component,potentially through its non-incretin activities on immune cells.In this review article,we aim at highlighting recent literature describing the therapeutic value of DPP-IV inhibitors for the treatment of such neurological conditions.Finally,we will illustrate some of the promising results obtained using berberine,a plant extract with potent inhibitory activity on DPP-IV.
文摘Background: Since the survival rates of cancer have increased considerably, the long-term side effects of cancer and cancer-related treatments may impact survivors’ capability to regain normal lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the breast cancer on the job satisfaction and the quality of life. Methods: We enrolled 130 women divided into four groups: 1) 40 breast cancer survivors (aged 39 - 50);2) 44 women diagnosed with breast cancer (aged 35 - 49);3) 46 women in good health status (aged 37 - 48). Job satisfaction was measured with the Warr-Cook-Wall (WCW) Job satisfaction scale that measures overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with nine aspects of work. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, breast cancer survivors reported a poorer number of hours of work (p < 0.05) and a significant amount of variety in job (p < 0.01), opportunity to use abilities (p < 0.001), income (p < 0.01). Compared to patients with breast cancer at diagnosis, breast cancer survivors reported a significant amount of variety in job (p < 0.05), opportunity to use abilities (p < 0.05), amount of responsibility (p < 0.05), income (p < 0.05). In our study, the comparison between breast cancer survivors, breast cancer at diagnosis, and healthy subjects does not differ significantly in overall job satisfaction. Conclusions: Understanding the job problems associated with cancer can provide relevant information regarding potential treatment and psychological support in breast cancer survivors.
文摘Background: The employment status of workers with cancer has important implications for impairment of intimate and family relationships and for economic, social and psychological health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy with capecitabine in patients with colorectal cancer on work productivity and daily activity. Methods: 30 patients with primary diagnosis of stage III colorectal cancer were enrolled for our study. All patients received capecitabine twice daily at a cumulative dose of 2500 mg/m2 on days 1 -14 and repeated on day 22. Work productivity was determined using the WPAI questionnaire. Results: We observed a significant increase in absenteeism after 1 cycle, after 6 cycles of therapy and at follow-up (p 0.001). On the other hand, presenteeism, work productivity loss and daily activity impairment, increased after 1 cycle and 6 cycles of therapy, but we could not find statistically different significances. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment are associated with frailty and vulnerability. Chemotherapy with capecitabine may result in negative consequences for job performance.
文摘Background: Although the majority of breast cancer patients are able to work, lower work ability and reduced job retention have been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy with capecitabine in patients with breast cancer on work productivity and daily activity. Methods: 34 patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled for our study. Capecitabine was given twice daily at a cumulative dose of 2500 mg/m2 on days 1 - 14 and repeated on day 22. Work productivity was determined using the WPAI questionnaire. Results: We observed an increase in absenteeism, presenteeism, work productivity loss and daily activity impairment after 1 cycle and 6 cycles of therapy, but we could not find statistically different significances. Conclusions: This study provides some data indicating an association between problems in breast cancer and work. Our results confirm that capecitabine may improve quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer.
