Dietary restriction counteracts age-related changes in cholesterol metabolism in the rat.

The effects of ageing on the metabolism of cholesterol were examined in three different organs (liver, aorta and brain) of 6-, 12- and 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ageing was associated with a significant increase in intracellular cholesterol esters in all three organs. Steady state mRNA levels of multidrug resistance protein (MDR) and acylCoA:cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT), enzymes involved in cholesterol import and esterification, were also increased. By contrast, expression of mRNA for neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase (nCEH) and caveolin-1, proteins involved in cholesterol ester hydrolysis and export, were significantly reduced. Dietary restriction is the only intervention shown to extend lifespan and retard age-related declines in function in mammals. To further explore the possible correlation between changes in cholesterol esterification and ageing, we analysed cholesterol metabolism in liver, aorta, and brain of aged rats exposed to two dietary restriction regimens: intermittent (alternate-day) fasting (IF) and food intake restriction (60% of ad libitum feeding). Both dietary regimens attenuated the age-related changes in cholesterol esters and in the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. These results provide evidence that distinctive age-associated changes in intracellular cholesterol metabolism occur in rats. Furthermore, these modifications can be partially reversed by dietary restriction, a condition known to affect the ageing process. Age-related changes in cholesterol metabolism may play a role in triggering and/or aggravating senescence-related disorders characterized by altered cholesterol homeostasis.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness and tolerability of MED 15 vs. piroxicam in patients with acute epicondylitis]. / Valutazione dell'efficacia e tollerabilità di MED 15 verso piroxicam in pazienti affetti da epicondilite acuta.

In this trial we studied 30 patients with acute epicondylitis: 15 were treated with Med 15, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and 15 with piroxicam. Med 15 was administered orally for 15 days: the first 2 days 2 tablets daily (1.200 mg) and the following 13 days 1 tablet daily (600 mg). Piroxicam was administered 2 tablets the first 2 days and 1 tablet daily the following 13 days. It was demonstrated that the new compound is significantly more active and better tolerated than the reference drug.

[Technical artifacts in biopsy of the oral cavity. I. Clinical and histopathologic aspects]. / Artefatti tecnici in biopsie del cavo orale. Nota I. Aspetti clinici ed istopatologici.

In the present work the problems of artifacts introduced in human oral biopsy specimens are discussed. The circumstances that can result in artifacts include: errors by the surgeon or assistant in handling the tissue at the time of biopsy, an improper fixation and faulty tissue processing. Different types of artifacts are described and illustrated and clinical and technical suggestions are given to prevent alterations of normal morphologic and cytologic features that can compromise an accurate diagnosis.