Association between IL-6 and MMP-3 gene polymorphisms and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case-control study.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Objective: As inflammation plays a key role in the etiology of intervertebral disc degeneration, we suggest a possible contribution of pro-inflammatory gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary Of Background Data: The nucleus pulposus of scoliotic discs responds to exogenous stimuli by secreting interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other inflammatory cytokines.

Reduction of oxidative stress by compression stockings in standing workers.

Background: Healthy workers who stand for prolonged periods show enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their systemic circulation. Oxidative stress is thought to be a risk factor for chronic venous insufficiency and other systemic diseases.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of compression stockings in the prevention of oxidative stress at work.

Analysis of functional polymorphisms of metalloproteinase genes in persons with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Vascular dementia (VAD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) may share common neuropathological mechanisms. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may induce destruction of the extracellular matrix, neuronal dysfunction, and death. Increased expression of these molecules has been found in a number of neurological diseases, including cerebral ischemia and AD.

Interaction between Helicobacter pylori infection and untreated coeliac disease on gastric histological pattern.

Objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is the major agent of gastric damage. Coeliac disease may affect the morphology and function of the entire gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the colon. The aim of this study was to assess the gastric histological pattern in patients with H.

Ten-year Echo-Doppler evaluation of forearm circulation following radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: To investigate the chronic consequences of radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass surgery on the forearm circulation.

Methods: Thirty-nine patients submitted to radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass were submitted to serial Echo-Doppler evaluation of the flow and morphology of the forearm arteries until 10 years follow-up.

Results: The peak systolic velocity of the ulnar artery of the operated side was significantly higher than the control site.

Acute cryptogenic liver failure in an untreated coeliac patient: a case report.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten in susceptible individuals. The clinical presentation of coeliac disease is variable and several extra-intestinal manifestations, as well as an association with autoimmune diseases, have been described. In particular, there are many links between liver disease and coeliac disease.

Idiopathic chronic urticaria and celiac disease.

Idiopathic chronic urticaria (ICU) is a chronic relapsing cutaneous disease. Some case reports or studies on small series of celiac disease (CD) patients have suggested a possible association between CD and ICU. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CD in a population of adults ICU patients with respect to healthy controls.

Chronic compensatory increase in ulnar flow and accelerated atherosclerosis after radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass.

Background: Only scant information is available on the chronic consequences of radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass surgery on forearm circulation.

Methods: Twenty-five patients submitted to radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass were submitted to serial Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of the flow and morphology of the forearm arteries.

Results: The peak systolic velocity of the ulnar artery of the operated side was significantly higher than that of the control site.

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after knee arthroscopy in athletes carrying the thrombophilic factor lupus anticoagulant.

In patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are rare and there is not clear indication as to the necessity of thromboprophylactic treatment in these patients. However, the role of coagulation disorders in thrombotic events following arthroscopy is unknown. We report 2 cases of massive deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after knee arthroscopy in athletes carrying the thrombophilic factor lupus anticoagulant, but with no personal or familial history of thrombotic diseases.

Proinflammatory genetic profiles in subjects with history of ischemic stroke.

Background And Purpose: Proinflammatory genetic profiles, resulting from the combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding inflammatory molecules, may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the association between history of ischemic stroke and genetic profiles determined by the synergistic effects of polymorphisms in genes encoding prototypical inflammatory proteins.

Methods: The study included 237 individuals with history of ischemic stroke and 223 age-matched and gender-matched controls.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene polymorphism and risk of Alzheimer's disease in Italians.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a key molecule for monocyte chemotaxis and tissue extravasation and for the modulation of leukocyte function during inflammation. Upregulation of MCP-1 may occur in the brain of subjects affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and MCP-1 levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid have been proposed as biological markers for the inflammatory process that accompanies AD pathogenesis. Importantly, serum levels and biological activity of MCP-1 protein are strongly influenced by a single nucleotide polymorphism occurring at position -2518 of the MCP-1 gene promoter.

Polymorphisms of the macrophage inhibitory factor and C-reactive protein genes in subjects with Alzheimer's dementia.

Neuroinflammation is a central feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key molecule of the acute phase of inflammation that has been localized in the two characteristic lesions of AD brain, senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangles. On the other hand, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine with multiple biological activities, including the ability to act as potent amyloid beta (A-beta)-binding protein.

Treatment of ischemic ulcers of the lower limbs with alprostadil (prostaglandin E1).

Background: Hemodynamic, hemorheologic, and metabolic changes are main determinants in the genesis of ischemic leg ulcers. Because prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) could successfully counteract these changes, it has been intravenously used in the treatment of this disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of alprostadil in the treatment of ischemic ulcers and to compare subcutaneous with intravenous administration.

The relationship between chronic H. pylori infection, CagA seropositivity and stroke: meta-analysis.

Aims: There is contrasting evidence on the relevance of chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as a risk factor for stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of case-control studies to assess association of H.

Atherosclerotic involvement of the radial artery in patients with coronary artery disease and its relation with midterm radial artery graft patency and endothelial function.

Background: The radial artery has recently been proposed as an alternative arterial conduit for surgical myocardial revascularization. This study was conceived to evaluate the degree of atherosclerotic involvement of the radial artery in patients with coronary artery disease and the eventual influence of a subtle degree of preoperative atherosclerosis on the midterm results of radial artery grafts.

Methods And Results: The intima-media thickness of the radial artery, common carotid artery, and internal thoracic artery was evaluated in 42 coronary artery disease patients and in 26 control patients.

CagA-positive cytotoxic H. pylori strains as a link between plaque instability and atherosclerotic stroke.

Aims: Previous studies suggested an association between infection by cytotoxic CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains and atherosclerotic stroke. It has been hypothesized that CagA strains could increase the risk for stroke by affecting carotid plaque irregularity. Our aims were: (1) to confirm the association between CagA strains and atherosclerotic stroke, and (2) to assess the association between CagA strains and carotid plaque irregularity.

Peripheral nerve ischemia: apolipoprotein E deficiency results in impaired functional recovery and reduction of associated intraneural angiogenic response.

Apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE KO) mice have peripheral sensory nerve defects, reduced and delayed response to noxious thermal stimuli, abnormal morphology of unmyelinated fibers, and impaired blood-nerve and blood-brain barriers. In this study, we show that, compared to wild-type mice, peripheral nerves of apoE KO mice have impaired ability to respond to ischemia, as demonstrated by measurement of motor and sensory conduction velocity. In addition, mice lacking apoE exhibit a deficit of reinnervation of ischemic epidermis, evaluated by immunofluorescent staining for the pan-neuronal marker PGP 9.

Association between Klinefelter syndrome and focal nodular hyperplasia.

Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign lesion of the liver, predominantly affecting women. Its etiology is unknown. Elevated levels of estrogens have been invoked to play a role in the disease.

Successful MARS treatment in severe cholestatic patients with acute on chronic liver failure.

Extracorporeal liver devices have gained great attention as a complementary approach to liver transplantation in patients with acute on chronic liver failure. Among others, Molecular Adsorbent Recycling System (MARS) is a hemodiafiltration against albumin able to remove low molecular weight toxins. We aimed to validate the use of MARS in patients presenting with acute on chronic liver failure with severe cholestasis.

Risks of using internal thoracic artery grafts in patients in chronic hemodialysis via upper extremity arteriovenous fistula.

Background: In patients in chronic hemodialysis via upper extremity arteriovenous fistula in whom ipsilateral internal thoracic artery graft was used for myocardial revascularization, hemodynamic interference between the fistula and the graft during dialysis can be hypothesized.

Methods And Results: In 5 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis via upper extremity arteriovenous fistula, ipsilateral to an internal thoracic to left anterior descending graft mammary flow was studied by means of transthoracic echo-color Doppler at baseline and during hemodialysis. Flow in the contralateral mammary artery was used as control.