[The ovarian renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system]. / Il sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterone ovarico.

The ovarian renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (OVRAS), although not fully known, appears to play an important role in ovarian physiology (steroidogenesis, follicular stage, ovulation). The possibility of manipulating ovarian function by means of the pharmacological modulation of OVRAS opens new horizons for the control of human reproduction.

[Physiology and pathology of the immune system of reproduction]. / Fisiologia e patologia immune della riproduzione.

The Authors describe in detail the complex immunological mechanisms thanks to which the maternal organism does not reject the embryo, constituting an allogenic transplant. They examine the modifications, referring to both natural and adoptive immunity, occurring in the pregnant without ignoring the important contribution the foetus itself and adnexa make to the gestation positive termination. In the second part of the paper all the pregnancy pathologies, originating from an imbalance proper to the immunity system, are considered. The following pathologies are particularly described: a) the spontaneous recurrent abortion, both primary and secondary; b) the gestosis; c) the maternal-foetal isoimmunization towards transferable antigens present on red corpuscles, white corpuscles and blood platelets. At last Authors describe all the autoimmune illnesses in pregnancy and their influence on the foetus. Such illnesses may be: a) organ-specifics (immunological thrombocytopenic purpura, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema, serious myasthenia); b) systemics (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematous). The course of each pathology, its influence on the embryo and, the present therapeutic protocols are examined.

[Postmenopausal osteoporosis. Current therapy protocols]. / Osteoporosi postmenopausale. Attuali protocolli di terapia.

The Authors consider the etiology postmenopause osteoporosis and the drugs for a modern therapy of this disease. They also analyse the effectiveness and the unfavourable effects of these drugs and suggest a personal treatment for osteoporosis.

Mesenteric panniculitis. A case report.

We reviewed the clinical history, and the physical, laboratory and ultrasonography examinations of a young female suffering from mesenteric panniculitis. In our case, as well as those described by other authors, definitive diagnosis was histological and our patient has had a benign course of the disease.