AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatic effects of silybum marianum on non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In 72 patients affected by NAFLD, main metabolic, hepatic and anti-inflammatory...AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatic effects of silybum marianum on non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In 72 patients affected by NAFLD, main metabolic, hepatic and anti-inflammatory parameters were assayed after 3 mo of a restricted diet and before silymarin treatment (twice a day orally). The brightness of liver echography texture (hepatorenal ratio brightness) was also defined at same time. These evaluations were repeated after 6 mo of treatment. RESULTS: Serum levels of some metabolic and anti-inflammatory data nonsignificantly lowered after 6 mo of silymarin. On the contrary, Steato test, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced. Instead, the AST/ALT ratio unchanged. Finally, the hepatorenal brightness ratio, as an index of hepatic steatosis, significantly (P < 0.05) dropped. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that silymarin appears to be effective to reduce the biochemical, inflammatory and ultrasonic indices of hepatic steatosis. Some parameters indicative of early stage of atherosclerosis were also lowered.展开更多
Background:Diagnosis of Kounis syndrome,an acute coronary syndrome associatedwith anaphylactic reactions,is challenging owing to the overlapping symptoms ofmyocardial ischemia.Takotsubo syndrome(TTS),characterized by ...Background:Diagnosis of Kounis syndrome,an acute coronary syndrome associatedwith anaphylactic reactions,is challenging owing to the overlapping symptoms ofmyocardial ischemia.Takotsubo syndrome(TTS),characterized by stress-induced cardiomyopathy,may share pathophysiological mechanisms with Kounis syndrome and potentially coexist in the same patient.CasePresentation:We present a case of a 63-year-old patient who developed an allergic reaction to contrastmediumadministration,leading to dyspnea and chest pain.Electrocardiography revealed a new-onset left bundle-branch block,and echocardiography indicated wall motion abnormalities with apical ballooning,suggestive of TTS.Coronary angiography displayed a chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery.Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers,supporting the diagnosis of Kounis syndrome and TTS.Conclusion:This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing type II Kounis syndrome associated with concurrent TTS.This underscores the need for tailored therapeutic interventions and comprehensive guidelines to address these complex conditions effectively.展开更多
Background:Multiple sclerosis(MS),a chronic neurological disorder,is characterized by damage to the central nervous system,auto-immune processes,and deterioration of the myelin sheath,which lead to a variety of physic...Background:Multiple sclerosis(MS),a chronic neurological disorder,is characterized by damage to the central nervous system,auto-immune processes,and deterioration of the myelin sheath,which lead to a variety of physical,cognitive,and emotional symptoms.Cur-rently,a cure for MS does not exist,and treatments aim only to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.Betaferon(interferon beta-1b),a disease-modifying therapy,is used to minimize the frequency of relapses and the progression of disability by altering immune re-sponses.However,this therapeutic strategy also increases the risk of infectious diseases,such as tricuspid endocarditis,which is a severe infection of the heart valve that is often associated with chronic intravenous drug use and carries potential life-threatening consequences.Case presentation:We present a case of a 48-year-old male who was undergoing Betaferon therapy for MS.He was admitted to the emergency room owing to fever,shortness of breath,and altered mental state.Physical examination revealed clinical signs of endocarditis,and laboratory results indicated severe thrombocytopenia,anemia,and elevated inflammatory markers.Imaging confirmed lung abnor-malities and vegetations on the tricuspid valve.Blood cultures identified methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.Intravenous antibi-otics were initiated,and surgical intervention was planned.Despite initial antibiotic therapy improving his clinical and laboratory conditions,the patient experienced multiple pulmonary embolic events that led to death after 16 days of hospitalization.Conclusion:This case underscores the challenges of identifying and managing endocarditis in immunocompromised patients and high-lights the complexities of treating infections in individuals with chronic diseases.展开更多
文摘AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatic effects of silybum marianum on non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: In 72 patients affected by NAFLD, main metabolic, hepatic and anti-inflammatory parameters were assayed after 3 mo of a restricted diet and before silymarin treatment (twice a day orally). The brightness of liver echography texture (hepatorenal ratio brightness) was also defined at same time. These evaluations were repeated after 6 mo of treatment. RESULTS: Serum levels of some metabolic and anti-inflammatory data nonsignificantly lowered after 6 mo of silymarin. On the contrary, Steato test, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced. Instead, the AST/ALT ratio unchanged. Finally, the hepatorenal brightness ratio, as an index of hepatic steatosis, significantly (P < 0.05) dropped. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate that silymarin appears to be effective to reduce the biochemical, inflammatory and ultrasonic indices of hepatic steatosis. Some parameters indicative of early stage of atherosclerosis were also lowered.
文摘Background:Diagnosis of Kounis syndrome,an acute coronary syndrome associatedwith anaphylactic reactions,is challenging owing to the overlapping symptoms ofmyocardial ischemia.Takotsubo syndrome(TTS),characterized by stress-induced cardiomyopathy,may share pathophysiological mechanisms with Kounis syndrome and potentially coexist in the same patient.CasePresentation:We present a case of a 63-year-old patient who developed an allergic reaction to contrastmediumadministration,leading to dyspnea and chest pain.Electrocardiography revealed a new-onset left bundle-branch block,and echocardiography indicated wall motion abnormalities with apical ballooning,suggestive of TTS.Coronary angiography displayed a chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery.Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers,supporting the diagnosis of Kounis syndrome and TTS.Conclusion:This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and managing type II Kounis syndrome associated with concurrent TTS.This underscores the need for tailored therapeutic interventions and comprehensive guidelines to address these complex conditions effectively.
文摘Background:Multiple sclerosis(MS),a chronic neurological disorder,is characterized by damage to the central nervous system,auto-immune processes,and deterioration of the myelin sheath,which lead to a variety of physical,cognitive,and emotional symptoms.Cur-rently,a cure for MS does not exist,and treatments aim only to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.Betaferon(interferon beta-1b),a disease-modifying therapy,is used to minimize the frequency of relapses and the progression of disability by altering immune re-sponses.However,this therapeutic strategy also increases the risk of infectious diseases,such as tricuspid endocarditis,which is a severe infection of the heart valve that is often associated with chronic intravenous drug use and carries potential life-threatening consequences.Case presentation:We present a case of a 48-year-old male who was undergoing Betaferon therapy for MS.He was admitted to the emergency room owing to fever,shortness of breath,and altered mental state.Physical examination revealed clinical signs of endocarditis,and laboratory results indicated severe thrombocytopenia,anemia,and elevated inflammatory markers.Imaging confirmed lung abnor-malities and vegetations on the tricuspid valve.Blood cultures identified methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.Intravenous antibi-otics were initiated,and surgical intervention was planned.Despite initial antibiotic therapy improving his clinical and laboratory conditions,the patient experienced multiple pulmonary embolic events that led to death after 16 days of hospitalization.Conclusion:This case underscores the challenges of identifying and managing endocarditis in immunocompromised patients and high-lights the complexities of treating infections in individuals with chronic diseases.
