[Evaluation of the Yersinia enterocolitica pathogenicity through some phenotypic and genotypic characters: CRMOX agar positivity and presence of the ail gene]. / Valutazione della patogenicità di Yersinia enterocolitica attraverso alcuni caratteri fenotipici e genotipici: positività su CRMOX agar e presenza del gene ail.

Sixty-nine strains of Y. enterocolitica isolated from environmental and human matrices (waste water, food and faeces) were studied in order to evidence the presence of ail gene, calcium-dependency and Congo Red absorption for pathogenic strains identification. Out of 24 clinical strains, the ail gene was present in 21 (87%), among which 79% were CRMOX-positive as well. On the contrary, none of the 45 environmental strains showed the ail gene although only one (isolated from cooked vegetables) was CRMOX agar positive. Our results confirmed the importance of molecular methods to evidence the Y. enterocolitica pathogenic strains. However, our study pointed also the utility to consider the approach of classic bacteriology, like the subcoltivation on CRMOX agar to show calcium-dependency and Congo Red absorption. In particular, when dealing with environmental isolates, that medium will be useful as a preliminary screening to identify those isolates which need further research to indicate their pathogenic potential by the use of more complex but also more expensive molecular methods.

Phosphohexose isomerase activity as a tumor marker in hepatoma bearing rats (Yoshida A.H. 130).

The object of this study was to examine if there exists, analogously to what happens in human cancer patients, elevation of phosphohexose isomerase activity (PHI, EC 5.3.1.9) in the serum of animals bearing an experimental tumor and, if so, whether such increases were related to the progress of the tumor, as in humans. The behavior of the same enzyme activity within the tumor itself was also studied. Significant correlations were found between serum elevations of PHI and hepatoma growth. These correlations, moreover, emerge at a very early stage. On the other hand, no relation appears to exist between phosphohexose isomerase activity in the tumor and that in the blood. The two divisions, furthermore, do not seem to interact. These results may prove interesting prospectives for the monitoring of human cancer.

Evaluation of creatine kinase isoenzyme BB as a marker of neoplastic growth in Yoshida ascites hepatoma of the rat.

A considerable interest has recently been shown for the measurement of isoenzyme BB of creatine kinase as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator of tumor growth. This isoenzyme belongs to the group of oncofetal antigens and in human cancer elevated levels occur frequently in patients with metastatic disease. In this study we have attempted to quantify CK-BB serum levels during the growth of an experimental tumor (Yoshida Hepatoma AH 130) in male albino rats to determine if a significant correlation exists between isoenzyme serum levels and the rate of tumor growth. Creatine kinase-BB was measured spectrophotometrically by immunoinhibition of creatine kinase-M subunits. CK-BB normal values were 4.19 +/- 0.4 U/L and between days 5 and 9, where there is an increase in the rate of proliferation of neoplastic cells, CK-BB serum levels reaches its maximum 69.01 +/- 2.2 U/L. These data are in agreement with the hypothesis that the highest isoenzyme levels are a measure of the aggressiveness of the neoplastic clone. Moreover, this hypothesis is consistent with the proposed mathematical model, and we plan to expand this line of study to evaluate the predictive potential of this tumor marker in man.

Response of some haemocoagulatory and haemorheological variables to maximal exercise in sedentary and active subjects.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how physical conditioning is associated with haemostatic and rheological responses to strenuous exercise. A total of 25 males, divided into two groups differing in exercise fitness (14 sedentary and 11 active), underwent exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer with an initial 25 W workload increasing by the same amount every 3 min. The following variables were evaluated before and after the test: platelet count and aggregability, plasma fibrinogen, fibrinolytic degradation products, viscometry and micro-haematocrit. Significant differences in baseline values between the two groups were found only for blood viscosity. Irrespective of the group, significantly increased values were demonstrated for all the variables, except platelet aggregability and fibrinogen levels, in response to strenuous exercise. It is concluded that the possible protective effect of exercise against cardiovascular disease does not seem to be related to changes in the haemorheological and haemostatic measures evaluated.

[Determination of free light chains in biological fluids by a latex test]. / Determinazione delle catene leggere libere nei vari liquidi biologici tramite test al latice.

A novel latex test for the detection and characterization of free light chains in different biological fluids is presented. Accuracy, reliability and sensitivity of the method are evaluated, by comparing experimental results with reference techniques for light chain detection. The assay is tested for quickness and easiness, in order to be routinely used in laboratories of Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Nephrology and Radiology.

Clinical utility of the combined use of plurime tumor markers in human breast cancer.

Many biological substances are commonly used as markers for malignant neoplasms, but no single marker with high specificity and sensitivity has been found for cancer to date. In this study we evaluated simultaneously the serum levels of five biomarkers of malignancy: phosphohexose-isomerase (PHI), creatine kinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), beta 2-microglobulin (BMG), and ferritin. In 89 female patients with breast lesions, we identified 30 benign lesions, 32 primary breast cancers, and 27 metastatic breast cancers (pulmonary and/or bone metastases). Each marker was assayed individually and in a combination and was compared with other markers. The results revealed that in benign lesions only 7% had PHI values higher than our cut-off limit value, while 3% had elevated values of AAG, BMG, and ferritin. In primary breast cancer we discovered pathological values of CK-BB and AAG in 71%, of PHI in 69%, of BMG in 50%, and of ferritin in 47%. Metastatic disease was associated with elevated values in 88% of CK-BB, in 70% of PHI and AAG, and in only 55% of BMG and ferritin. Combined pathological values for primary and metastatic breast cancer were 79% for CK-BB, 71% for AAG, 70% for PHI, and only 55% for BMG and ferritin. These data were assessed by the Student t test, which revealed for each marker a significant capacity (P less than 0.01) to discriminate between benign lesions and neoplastic diseases. The same capacity to distinguish between primary and metastatic cancer was obtained by the simultaneous use of three markers (CK-BB, PHI, and AAG).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Doxorubicin and epirubicin cardiotoxicity: experimental and clinical aspects.

Epirubicin (EpiDx) belongs to the class of anthracycline antibiotics. It is an analog of doxorubicin (Dx) modified in the sugar moiety and in which the stereochemistry at the hydroxyl group bearing C-4' has been inverted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in an experimental model and in a clinical trial the cardiotoxic effects of EpiDx vs Dx. Cellular oxygen uptake was measured in vitro for equal concentration of Dx and EpiDx with a Warburg manometric apparatus and ATP intracellular concentration by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Dx inhibits cellular endogenous respiration of rat heart slices by 34% vs control, while EpiDx reduces oxygen uptake by 18%. ATP intracellular concentration was significantly reduced by both anthracycline derivates. The same results were obtained after Dx administration in vivo which enabled us to correlate the biochemical parameter (QO2) with the histological cardiac damages shown by light microscopy. For the clinical trial, we studied a total of 22 patients undergoing chemotherapy for solid tumors in an advanced stage. Nine of these were treated with Dx for a total of 66 therapeutic cycles and reached a maximal cumulative dose of 540 mg/m2. Thirteen were treated with EpiDx for a total of 121 cycles (maximal dose reached 720 mg/m2). The dosage of both agents were equal, 60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Acute cardiotoxicity was evaluated, measuring creatine-kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB) serum level before and 15 h after anthracyclines administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronobiological aspects of phosphohexoseisomerase in monitoring multiple myeloma.

In the field of oncology, the most important aim to date has been the finding of new means to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic diseases. Chronobiologically we have studied the behavior of phosphohexoseisomerase (PHI) in 11 multiple myeloma patients before treatment and in another group of 11 patients undergoing polychemotherapy treatment. From all patients, under the same standard conditions, 6 venous samples were taken at 4-hour intervals starting at 08.00 h, for a day. PHI serum levels were determined spectrophotometrically. The data obtained were analyzed by 'group mean cosinor' and from this analysis a mesor reduction of more than 50% was noted in subjects after polychemotherapy (M2) correlated with the absence of a circadian rhythm. The data suggest that PHI levels can be related to the characteristics of tumor growth and we feel they can be used as a guide in monitoring multiple myeloma patients.

[Circadian variations of bilirubin in the blood]. / Variazioni circadiane della bilirubina nel siero

A group of 12 presumably healthy subjects was standardized for 7 days with rest time extending from 22.00 to 05.00. Meals were scheduled at 08.00-08.30, 12.00-12.30, 17.30-18.00 and the amounts consumed were standardized and measured. Each subject was sampled at 4-hour intervals throughout one 24-hour period; this involved the measurement of body temperature, radial pulse, blood pressure. In addition a sample of blood was collected at each time point and subsequently total, direct and indirect bilirubin measurement was made on each sample of serum. All data were analized by macroscopic approach (chronograms) and by mean cosinor. A circadian rhythm is detected in total, direct and indirect serum bilirubin.

[Circadian aspects of iron metabolism. Changes of total iron binding capacity in patients with liver cirrhosis and in apparently healthy persons]. / Aspetti circadiani del metabolismo del ferro

A group of 8 patients (M) with liver cirrhosis were studied. Each subject was standardized with rest time extending from 22,00 to 05,00 and meals scheduled at 08,00-08,30, 12,00-12,30, 17,30-18,00. Then was sampled at 04,00, 08,00 12,00, 16,00, 20,00, 24,00. In each sample of serum were determined iron, T.I.B.C. and L.I.B.C. All data were analyzed by macroscopic approach (chronograms) and by mean cosinor. A significant circadian rhythm was detected in all parameters, with a statistically valid difference between normal subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis in the mesor of T.I.B.C. and L.I.B.C.

Circadian rhythms in blood, urine and gastric acid secretion of presumably healthy volunteers.

The mean conisor technique reveals statistically significant circadian rhythms for serum concentrations of iron, chloride, cortisol, PBI, the fibrinolytic activity of blood, urinary iron excretion and gastric acid secretion in studies covering a 24-h span for presumably healthy subjects. Quantification of these rhythms provides internationally comparable reference values both for the conventional clinical laboratory and for any special chronobiologic applications.