Hydrogen sulfide and sulfaceutic or sulfanutraceutic agents: Classification, differences and relevance in preclinical and clinical studies.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been extensively studied as a signal molecule in the body for the past 30 years. Researchers have conducted studies using both natural and synthetic sources of H2S, known as H2S donors, which have different characteristics in terms of how they release H2S. These donors can be inorganic salts or have various organic structures. In recent years, certain types of sulfur compounds found naturally in foods have been characterized as H2S donors and explored for their potential health benefits. These compounds are referred to as "sulfanutraceuticals," a term that combines "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical". It is used to describe products derived from food sources that offer additional health advantages. By introducing the terms "sulfaceuticals" and "sulfanutraceuticals," we categorize sulfur-containing substances based on their origin and their use in both preclinical and clinical research, as well as in dietary supplements.

Persulfidation of mitoKv7.4 channels contributes to the cardioprotective effects of the H2S-donor Erucin against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter deeply involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and implicated in the myocardial protection against ischemia/reperfusion. The post-translational persulfidation of cysteine residues has been identified as the mechanism through which H2S regulates a plethora of biological targets. Erucin (ERU) is an isothiocyanate produced upon hydrolysis of the glucosinolate glucoerucin, presents in edible plants of Brassicaceae family, such as Eruca sativa Mill., and it has emerged as a slow and long-lasting H2S-donor. AIM: In this study the cardioprotective profile of ERU has been investigated and the action mechanism explored, focusing on the possible role of the recently identified mitochondrial Kv7.4 (mitoKv7.4) potassium channels. RESULTS: Interestingly, ERU showed to release H2S and concentration-dependently protected H9c2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. Moreover, in in vivo model of myocardial infarct ERU showed protective effects, reducing the extension of ischemic area, the levels of troponin I and increasing the amount of total AnxA1, as well as co-related inflammatory outcomes. Conversely, the pre-treatment with XE991, a blocker of Kv7.4 channels, abolished them. In isolated cardiac mitochondria ERU exhibited the typical profile of a mitochondrial potassium channels opener, in particular, this isothiocyanate produced a mild depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction of calcium accumulation into the matrix and finally a flow of potassium ions. Finally, mitoKv7.4 channels were persulfidated in ERU-treated mitochondria. CONCLUSIONS: ERU modulates the cardiac mitoKv7.4 channels and this mechanism may be relevant for cardioprotective effects.

Hexavalent vaccines in preterm infants: an update by Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology jointly with the Italian Society of Neonatology.

Hexavalent vaccines, protecting against six diseases (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis [DTaP], poliovirus, hepatitis B virus [HBV], and Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib], are routinely the standard of care in Europe. The use of combined vaccines allows the reduction of number of injections and side effects, the reduction of costs, and the increase in adherence of the family to the vaccination schedule both in terms of the number of doses and timing. The safety profile, efficacy and effectiveness of hexavalent vaccines have been extensively documented in infants and children born at term, and data are accumulating in preterm infants. Hexavalent vaccines are particularly important for preterm infants, who are at increased risk for severe forms of vaccine preventable diseases. However, immunization delay has been commonly reported in this age group. All the three hexavalent vaccines currently marketed in Italy can be used in preterm infants, and recent data confirm that hexavalent vaccines have a similar or lower incidence of adverse events in preterm compared to full-term infants; this is likely due to a weaker immune system response and reduced ability to induce an inflammatory response in preterm infants. Apnoea episodes are the adverse events that can occur in the most severe preterm infants and / or with history of respiratory distress. The risk of apnoea after vaccination seems to be related to a lower gestational age and a lower birth weight, supporting the hypothesis that it represents an unspecific response of the preterm infant to different procedures. High seroprotection rates have been reported in preterm infants vaccinated with hexavalent vaccine. However, a lower gestational age seems to be associated with lower antibody titres against some vaccine antigens (e.g. HBV, Hib, poliovirus serotype 1, and pertussis), regardless of the type of hexavalent vaccine used. Waiting for large effectiveness studies, hexavalent vaccines should be administered in preterm infants according to the same schedule recommended for infants born at term, considering their chronological age and providing an adequate monitoring for cardio-respiratory events in the 48-72 h after vaccination, especially for infants at risk of recurrence of apnoea.

Diet Modulation Restores Autophagic Flux in Damaged Skeletal Muscle Cells.

OBJECTIVES: Autophagy is a physiological and highly regulated mechanism, crucial for cell homeostasis maintenance. Its impairment seems to be involved in the onset of several diseases, including muscular dystrophies, myopathies and sarcopenia. According to few papers, chemotherapeutic drug treatment is able to trigger side effects on skeletal muscle tissue and, among these, a defective autophagic activation, which leads to the persistence of abnormal organelles within cells and, finally, to myofiber degeneration. The aim of this work is to find a strategy, based on diet modulation, to prevent etoposide-induced damage, in a model of in vitro skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: Glutamine supplementation and nutrient deprivation have been chosen as pre-treatments to counteract etoposide effect, a chemotherapeutic drug known to induce oxidative stress and cell death. Cell response has been evaluated by means of morpho-functional, cytofluorimetric and molecular analyses. RESULTS: Etoposide treated cells, if compared to control, showed dysfunctional mitochondria presence, ER stress and lysosomal compartment damage, confirmed by molecular investigations. CONCLUSIONS: Interestingly, both dietary approaches were able to rescue myofiber from etoposide-induced damage. Glutamine supplementation, in particular, seemed to be a good strategy to preserve cell ultrastructure and functionality, by preventing the autophagic impairment and partially restoring the normal lysosomal activity, thus maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis.

INPP4B overexpression and c-KIT downregulation in human achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is a rare motility disorder characterized by myenteric neuron and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) abnormalities leading to deranged/absent peristalsis and lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The mechanisms contributing to neuronal and ICC changes in achalasia are only partially understood. Our goal was to identify novel molecular features occurring in patients with primary achalasia. METHODS: Esophageal full-thickness biopsies from 42 (22 females; age range: 16-82 years) clinically, radiologically, and manometrically characterized patients with primary achalasia were examined and compared to those obtained from 10 subjects (controls) undergoing surgery for uncomplicated esophageal cancer (or upper stomach disorders). Tissue RNA extracted from biopsies of cases and controls was used for library preparation and sequencing. Data analysis was performed with the "edgeR" option of R-Bioconductor. Data were validated by real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS: Quantitative transcriptome evaluation and cluster analysis revealed 111 differentially expressed genes, with a P ≤ 10-3 . Nine genes with a P ≤ 10-4 were further validated. CYR61, CTGF, c-KIT, DUSP5, EGR1 were downregulated, whereas AKAP6 and INPP4B were upregulated in patients vs controls. Compared to controls, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a clear increase in INPP4B, whereas c-KIT immunolabeling resulted downregulated. As INPP4B regulates Akt pathway, we used western blot to show that phospho-Akt was significantly reduced in achalasia patients vs controls. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The identification of altered gene expression, including INPP4B, a regulator of the Akt pathway, highlights novel signaling pathways involved in the neuronal and ICC changes underlying primary achalasia.

Therapeutic targeting of CK2 in acute and chronic leukemias.

CK2 is a ubiquitously expressed, constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase, which is considered the most pleiotropic protein kinase in the human kinome. Such a pleiotropy explains the involvement of CK2 in many cellular events. However, its predominant roles are stimulation of cell growth and prevention of apoptosis. High levels of CK2 messenger RNA and protein are associated with CK2 pathological functions in human cancers. Over the last decade, basic and translational studies have provided evidence of CK2 as a pivotal molecule driving the growth of different blood malignancies. CK2 overexpression has been demonstrated in nearly all the types of hematological cancers, including acute and chronic leukemias, where CK2 is a key regulator of signaling networks critical for cell proliferation, survival and drug resistance. The findings that emerged from these studies suggest that CK2 could be a valuable therapeutic target in leukemias and supported the initiation of clinical trials using CK2 antagonists. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on the understanding of the signaling pathways involved in CK2 inhibition-mediated effects with a particular emphasis on the combinatorial use of CK2 inhibitors as novel therapeutic strategies for treating both acute and chronic leukemia patients.

Approval rating and opinion of outpatients and general practitioners toward generic drugs: a questionnaire-based real-world study.

PURPOSE: Generic drugs use in the Liguria region is higher than the Italian average, but lower than in other European countries. No data exist about real-life prescription and level of awareness of generic drugs. In this study, we analyzed demographic, social, economic and cultural factors that may affect the level of awareness of generic drugs and their effective use. METHODS: We conducted a population survey using a structured questionnaire, administered to a sample of 8 outpatient clinics of general practitioners located in different districts of Genoa (Liguria, Italy). Multivariate logistic modeling was adopted to study the relationship between awareness/use of generic drugs and characteristics of subjects. RESULTS: Out of 2,000 outpatients surveyed, 95% were aware of generic drugs: these were mostly females (OR =2.2, 95% CI: 1.4-3.6), >35 years old (OR >6.0 vs 18-35 years), with a high level of education (OR >4.4 vs "elementary sch"), living in the west side of the city (OR =1.9 vs center); of these, only 59% declared that they effectively use generic drugs. Users were younger (OR =3.1, 18-35 years vs >65 years), with a high level of education (high school/university degree vs no title/elementary/secondary school OR =1.7), and were aware of the lower cost compared with branded drugs, and were mainly informed by pharmacists and physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Although subjects were substantially aware of the existence of generic drugs, ~40% still did not use them; doubts about their efficacy seem to be mainly driven by the idea that cheaper drugs lead to lower product quality, in terms of efficacy, safety and tolerability. New education policies on generic drugs are needed.

Nutrition in the first 1000 days and respiratory health: A descriptive review of the last five years’ literature

The aim of this paper is to discuss the current evidence regarding short and long-term health respiratory effects of nutrients and dietary patterns during the first 1000 days from conception. Population of interest included children from birth to two years and their mothers (during pregnancy and lactation). Studies were searched on MEDLINE(R) and Cochrane database, inserting individually and using the Boolean ANDs and ORs, ‘nutrients’, ‘micronutrients’, ‘LC-PUFA’, ‘Mediterranean Diet’, ‘human milk’, ‘complementary food’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘respiratory disease’, ‘pulmonary disease’, ‘asthma’, ‘epigenetics’, ‘first 1000 days’, ‘maternal diet’ and ‘respiratory health’. All sources were retrieved between 01-09-2015 and 07-12-2016. While unhealthy maternal dietary patterns (high fat intake) during pregnancy can result in alteration of foetal lung development, with increased risk of respiratory disorders, Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk of allergic sensitisation and allergic rhinitis. Breastfeeding has beneficial effects on respiratory infections while evidences about its protective effect on allergic disorders are unclear. During complementary feeding there is no evidence to avoid or encourage exposition to ‘highly allergenic’ foods to have modification of tolerance development. In children from birth to two years of age, Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk of atopy, wheezing and asthma. Micronutrients, antioxidant and LCPUFA supplementation is not recommended and a whole food approach should be preferred, except for Vitamin D (AU)

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Nutrition in the first 1000 days and respiratory health: A descriptive review of the last five years' literature.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the current evidence regarding short and long-term health respiratory effects of nutrients and dietary patterns during the first 1000 days from conception. Population of interest included children from birth to two years and their mothers (during pregnancy and lactation). Studies were searched on MEDLINE® and Cochrane database, inserting individually and using the Boolean ANDs and ORs, 'nutrients', 'micronutrients', 'LC-PUFA', 'Mediterranean Diet', 'human milk', 'complementary food', 'pregnancy', 'respiratory disease', 'pulmonary disease', 'asthma', 'epigenetics', 'first 1000 days', 'maternal diet' and 'respiratory health'. All sources were retrieved between 01-09-2015 and 07-12-2016. While unhealthy maternal dietary patterns (high fat intake) during pregnancy can result in alteration of foetal lung development, with increased risk of respiratory disorders, Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk of allergic sensitisation and allergic rhinitis. Breastfeeding has beneficial effects on respiratory infections while evidences about its protective effect on allergic disorders are unclear. During complementary feeding there is no evidence to avoid or encourage exposition to 'highly allergenic' foods to have modification of tolerance development. In children from birth to two years of age, Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower risk of atopy, wheezing and asthma. Micronutrients, antioxidant and LCPUFA supplementation is not recommended and a whole food approach should be preferred, except for Vitamin D.

Monitoring the hospital management of acute asthma: the Italian Pediatric Network experience.

BACKGROUND: The Study Group on Accreditation and Quality Improvement of the Italian Society of Pediatrics has developed an observational study about the hospital management of pediatric patients affected by severe asthma, in order to evaluate how the Guidelines for severe asthma in childhood are applied in the daily practice. METHODS: This study included patients between 2 and 17 years, hospitalized or under short intensive observation for acute asthma. The data collection was carried out through the compilation of on-line forms. The statistical technique used was the Chi Square test. RESULTS: 409 forms were filled in by 32 Italian Centers. 17% of the patients showed severe asthma, 59% moderate and 24% mild. On arrival at the Emergency Room the oximetry was measured in 95% of the patients, the respiratory rate in 64% while the heart rate in 88% of them. 48% of the children were exposed to chest X-ray. More than half of the children received oxygen therapy, 98.5% received short-acting beta-2 agonists and systemic steroid therapy was given to 82% of children, mainly orally. At discharge only half of the children were provided with written instructions for the management of any subsequent asthmatic episode. The analysis of the collected data highlights that not all the children had their oxygen saturation measured, although this parameter is one of the main indicators of disease severity, as well as the respiratory rate, which was detected in a minimal percentage of cases. The frequency of chest X-ray was extremely high, even though it does not have any indication in the majority of asthma cases. The evaluation of the therapeutic treatment denotes an adequate use of the oxygen therapy according to the oximetry values found on arrival, but an abuse of steroid therapy. Critical issues emerge at discharge: children are not always educated about the home management of the disease and the self-evaluation of the illness seriousness. CONCLUSION: The pediatric network has become an excellent system of monitoring of the clinical management of asthmatic children, highlighting strengths and weaknesses on which to focus actions of improvement.

Awareness of allergic enterocolitis among primary-care paediatricians: A web-based pilot survey

BACKGROUND: Allergic enterocolitis, also known as food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), is an increasingly reported and potentially severe non-IgE mediated food allergy of the first years of life, which is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presenting symptoms and lack of diagnostic guidelines. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the knowledge of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of FPIES among Italian primary-care paediatricians. METHODS: A 16-question anonymous web-based survey was sent via email to randomly selected primary care paediatricians working in the north of Italy. RESULTS: There were 194 completed surveys (48.5% response rate). Among respondents, 12.4% declared full understanding of FPIES, 49% limited knowledge, 31.4% had simply heard about FPIES and 7.2% had never heard about it. When presented with clinical anecdotes, 54.1% recognised acute FPIES and 12.9% recognised all chronic FPIES, whereas 10.3% misdiagnosed FPIES as allergic proctocolitis or infantile colic. To diagnose FPIES 55.7% declared to need negative skin prick test or specific-IgE to the trigger food, whereas 56.7% considered necessary a confirmatory oral challenge. Epinephrine was considered the mainstay in treating acute FPIES by 25.8% of respondents. Only 59.8% referred out to an allergist for the long-term reintroduction of the culprit food. Overall, 20.1% reported to care children with FPIES in their practice, with cow's milk formula and fish being the most common triggers; the diagnosis was self-made by the participant in 38.5% of these cases and by an allergist in 48.7%. CONCLUSION: There is a need for promoting awareness of FPIES to minimise delay in diagnosis and unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions

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Awareness of allergic enterocolitis among primary-care paediatricians: A web-based pilot survey.

BACKGROUND: Allergic enterocolitis, also known as food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), is an increasingly reported and potentially severe non-IgE mediated food allergy of the first years of life, which is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presenting symptoms and lack of diagnostic guidelines. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the knowledge of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of FPIES among Italian primary-care paediatricians. METHODS: A 16-question anonymous web-based survey was sent via email to randomly selected primary care paediatricians working in the north of Italy. RESULTS: There were 194 completed surveys (48.5% response rate). Among respondents, 12.4% declared full understanding of FPIES, 49% limited knowledge, 31.4% had simply heard about FPIES and 7.2% had never heard about it. When presented with clinical anecdotes, 54.1% recognised acute FPIES and 12.9% recognised all chronic FPIES, whereas 10.3% misdiagnosed FPIES as allergic proctocolitis or infantile colic. To diagnose FPIES 55.7% declared to need negative skin prick test or specific-IgE to the trigger food, whereas 56.7% considered necessary a confirmatory oral challenge. Epinephrine was considered the mainstay in treating acute FPIES by 25.8% of respondents. Only 59.8% referred out to an allergist for the long-term reintroduction of the culprit food. Overall, 20.1% reported to care children with FPIES in their practice, with cow's milk formula and fish being the most common triggers; the diagnosis was self-made by the participant in 38.5% of these cases and by an allergist in 48.7%. CONCLUSION: There is a need for promoting awareness of FPIES to minimise delay in diagnosis and unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Therapeutic potential of targeting sphingosine kinases and sphingosine 1-phosphate in hematological malignancies.

Sphingolipids, such as ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are bioactive molecules that have important functions in a variety of cellular processes, which include proliferation, survival, differentiation and cellular responses to stress. Sphingolipids have a major impact on the determination of cell fate by contributing to either cell survival or death. Although ceramide and sphingosine are usually considered to induce cell death, S1P promotes survival of cells. Sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) are the enzymes that catalyze the conversion of sphingosine to S1P. There are two isoforms, SPHK1 and SPHK2, which are encoded by different genes. SPHK1 has recently been implicated in contributing to cell transformation, tumor angiogenesis and metastatic spread, as well as cancer cell multidrug-resistance. More recent findings suggest that SPHK2 also has a role in cancer progression. This review is an overview of our understanding of the role of SPHKs and S1P in hematopoietic malignancies and provides information on the current status of SPHK inhibitors with respect to their therapeutic potential in the treatment of hematological cancers.

Clinical experience about an unexpected adverse event during nalmefene treatment in two patients with alcohol use disorder.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Nalmefene, a new opioid system regulator, has recently been approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence, primarily for reducing heavy drinking days. CASES DESCRIPTION: Two patients with a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder were treated with nalmefene. Both patients developed fatigue and deep sleepiness after 2 days of treatment. Only after 1 day of drug discontinuation, symptoms normalized. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We have analysed symptoms' development before and after treatment discontinuation and the possible association with nalmefene therapy. This case should pinpoint our attention on this adverse event for a careful choice of anticraving therapy in patients with severe alcohol use disorder.

Short and long term health effects of parental tobacco smoking during pregnancy and lactation: a descriptive review.

A great deal of attention has been focused on adverse effects of tobacco smoking on conception, pregnancy, fetal, and child health. The aim of this paper is to discuss the current evidence regarding short and long-term health effects on child health of parental smoking during pregnancy and lactation and the potential underlying mechanisms. Studies were searched on MEDLINE(®) and Cochrane database inserting, individually and using the Boolean ANDs and ORs, 'pregnancy', 'human lactation', 'fetal growth', 'metabolic outcomes', 'obesity', 'cardiovascular outcomes', 'blood pressure', 'brain development', 'respiratory outcomes', 'maternal or paternal or parental tobacco smoking', 'nicotine'. Publications coming from the reference list of studies were also considered from MEDLINE. All sources were retrieved between 2015-01-03 and 2015-31-05. There is overall consistency in literature about negative effects of fetal and postnatal exposure to parental tobacco smoking on several outcomes: preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, impaired lung function, asthma and wheezing. While maternal smoking during pregnancy plays a major role on adverse postnatal outcomes, it may also cumulate negatively with smoking during lactation and with second-hand smoking exposure. Although this review was not strictly designed as a systematic review and the PRISMA Statement was not fully applied it may benefit the reader with a promptly and friendly readable update of the matter. This review strengthens the need to plan population health policies aimed to implement educational programs to hopefully minimize tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and lactation.

The oral food desensitization in the Italian allergy centres.

BACKGROUND: Attempts aimed at inducing food tolerance through oral food desensitization (OFD) for the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergies are increasing. In Italy, a number of allergy centres offer this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To collect information on how these centres are organized, how patients are selected, the methods used to administer OFD and how adverse reactions are managed. METHODS: A questionnaire was e-mailed to all the Italian allergy centres offering OFD. RESULTS: The survey shows a high degree of variability between centres. A correct diagnosis of food allergy is crucial for selecting patients for OFD. In the Italian allergy centres, oral food challenges are mostly open label (84%), but in 16% of cases they are single-blind (8%) or double-blind (8%). A high proportion of allergy centres (83%) offer OFD to children presenting forms of anaphylaxis triggered by traces--or very low doses--of food allergen. The majority of allergy centres (76%) enroll patients over 3 years of age, with 44% enrolling patients above the age of 5. Not-controlled asthma, unreliability of parents in the management of OFD and/or risk of adverse events, are the main reasons for exclusion from the procedure. CONCLUSION: Although OFD may sometimes be successful and may be considered a valid alternative to an elimination diet, further randomized controlled trials are needed, in order to clarify some controversial points, such as the characteristics of the child undergoing OFD, and the methods of food preparation and administration. Moreover, further studies should further investigate OFD safety, efficacy and costs.

Different patterns of H2S/NO activity and cross-talk in the control of the coronary vascular bed under normotensive or hypertensive conditions.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) play pivotal roles in the cardiovascular system. Conflicting results have been reported about their cross-talk. This study investigated their interplays in coronary bed of normotensive (NTRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The effects of H2S- (NaHS) and NO-donors (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) on coronary flow (CF) were measured in Langendorff-perfused hearts of NTRs and SHRs, in the absence or in the presence of propargylglycine (PAG, inhibitor of H2S biosynthesis), L-NAME (inhibitor of NO biosynthesis), ODQ (inhibitor of guanylate cyclase), L-Cysteine (substrate for H2S biosynthesis) or L-Arginine (substrate for NO biosynthesis). In NTRs, NaHS and SNP increased CF; their effects were particularly evident in Angiotensin II (AngII)-contracted coronary arteries. The dilatory effects of NaHS were abolished by L-NAME and ODQ; conversely, PAG abolished the effects of SNP. In SHRs, high levels of myocardial ROS production were observed. NaHS and SNP did not reduce the oxidative stress, but produced clear increases of the basal CF. In contrast, in AngII-contracted coronary arteries of SHRs, significant hyporeactivity to NaHS and SNP was observed. In SHRs, the vasodilatory effects of NaHS were only modestly affected by L-NAME and ODQ; PAG poorly influenced the effects of SNP. Then, in NTRs, the vascular actions of H2S required NO and vice versa. By contrast, in SHRs, the H2S-induced actions scarcely depend on NO release; as well, the NO effects are largely H2S-independent. These results represent the first step for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of NO/H2S interplays under both normotensive and hypertensive conditions.

Mitochondrial potassium channels as pharmacological target for cardioprotective drugs.

Brief periods of ischemia are known to confer to the myocardium an increased resistance to the injury due to a later and more prolonged ischemic episode. This phenomenon, known as ischemic preconditioning (IPreC), is ensured by different biological mechanisms. Although an exhaustive comprehension of them has not been reached yet, it is widely accepted that mitochondria are pivotally involved in controlling cell life and death, and thus in IPreC. Among the several signaling pathways involved, as triggers and/or end effectors, in the mitochondrial mechanisms of cardioprotection, an important role is played by the activation of potassium channels located in the mitochondrial inner membrane (mitoK) of cardiomyocytes. Presently, different types of mitoK channels have been recognized in the heart, such as ATP-sensitive (mitoKATP) and calcium-activated (mitoBK(Ca) and mitoSK(Ca)) potassium channels. Consistently, drugs modulating mitoK, on one hand, have been employed as useful experimental tools for early basic studies on IPreC. On the other hand, activators of mitoK are promising and innovative therapeutic agents for limiting the myocardial injury due to ischemic episodes. In this review, we report the experimental evidence supporting the role of mitoK in signaling pathways in the mechanisms of cardioprotection and an overview on the most important molecules acting as modulators of these channels, with their profiles of selectivity. Some innovative pharmaceutical strategies for mitochondriotropic drugs have been also reported. Finally, an appendix describing the main experimental approaches usually employed to study mitoK in isolated mitochondria or in intact cells has been added.

Omalizumab treatment in patient with severe asthma and Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis . A case report.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), formerly named Churg Strauss Syndrome, is a multisystem disorder characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and prominent peripheral blood eosinophilia; it is classified as a vasculitis of the small and medium sized arteries, although the vasculitis is often not clinically apparent in the initial phases of the disease. We present the case of a woman with EGPA who was frequently treated with high dose steroid therapy during hospital admission for refractory asthma. After December 2008, the date when we started Omalizumab, we observed a significative reduction of circulating eosinophils and IgE serum level, and the patient was no more hospitalized for respiratory failure or asthma attacks.

Paliperidone for the treatment of ketamine-induced psychosis: a case report.

Ketamine is an anaesthetic and analgesic drug synthesized in the 1960s from phencyclidine. The recreational use of ketamine increased among the dance culture of techno and house music, in particular in clubs, discotheques, and rave parties. The psychotropic effects of ketamine are now well known and they range from dissociation to positive, negative, and cognitive schizophrenia-like symptoms. We report a case of a chronic oral consumption of ketamine which induced agitation, behavioral abnormalities, and loss of contact with reality in a poly-drug abuser; these symptoms persisted more than two weeks after the drug consumption had stopped. Antipsychotic treatment with paliperidone led to a successful management of the psychosis, getting a complete resolution of the clinical picture. Paliperidone has proven to be very effective in the treatment of ketamine-induced disorders. Moreover, the pharmacological action and metabolism of paliperidone are poorly dependent from the activity of liver enzymes, so that it seems to be one of the best second generation antipsychotics for the treatment of smokers and alcohol abusers.