Cytotoxicity evaluation after coexposure to perchloroethylene and selected peroxidant drugs in rat hepatocytes.

There is evidence of hepatotoxic effects caused by Perchloroethylene (PCE), presumably due to reactive metabolic intermediates; lipid peroxidation is under study as a potential mechanism of toxicity. We aimed to verify if PCE levels comparable to those reached in the blood of exposed subjects can cause cell damage and lipid peroxidation. The association of PCE with lipid peroxidation inducing drugs (cyclosporine A, valproic acid and amiodarone) was also tested on rat isolated hepatocytes.

[Role of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis: considerations and personal cases].

The therapeutic impact of thymectomy on the clinical course of myasthenia gravis is still very controversial. In fact, while nowadays the surgical approach is widely adopted for thymomas, its role is still debatable in patients suffering from myasthenia gravis. The surgical approach of choice for total thymectomy is represented by median sternotomy.

Is weekly docetaxel an active and gentle chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer?

Background: Docetaxel is a very active drug against breast cancer, but at the standard dose causes severe myelosuppression. In order to reduce the toxicity while maintaining the activity, weekly docetaxel administration was tested.

Patients And Methods: We enrolled 30 patients with metastatic breast cancer, who had been treated with intravenous infusion of weekly docetaxel 35 mg/m2 in 100 ml of normal saline over 30 minutes for six weeks, followed by two weeks' rest from docetaxel therapy (one cycle).

Venous damage prevention by defibrotide in vinorelbine-treated patients.

Goals: The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of venous toxicity induced by vinorelbine administration in patients who received a preventive therapy with defibrotide.

Patients And Methods: From July 1996 to July 2002 we treated 203 patients with vinorelbine, 51 with vinorelbine alone and 152 with vinorelbine in combination with other drugs via peripheral vein infusion. Of the 203 patients, 123 were male and 80 female with a median age of 67 years (range 18 to 82 years), and 118 were chemotherapy-naive.

Crucial role of nuclear factor-kappaB in neointimal hyperplasia of the mouse carotid artery after interruption of blood flow.

We used a molecular genetics approach to investigate the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in neointimal hyperplasia induced by flow interruption of carotid artery in mice. Wild type mice (WT mice) and mice rendered deficient in p105, the precursor of p50, one of the components of the multimeric transcription factor NF-kappaB (NF-kappaB knockout mice; KO mice), were subjected to a complete ligation of the left common carotid artery. Morphometric analysis of the structural alteration caused by the disruption of the arterial blood flow was performed 14 days after surgery.

The role of ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy of peripheral pulmonary nodules: our experience.

Background: Peripheral lung lesions are difficult to diagnose with conventional methods: ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy is an interesting prospect having been reported to have good sensitivity and specificity.

Patients And Methods: From January 1991 to August 2001 we investigated, in 268 patients, the role of ultrasound-guided transthoracic fine needle aspiration for cytological diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions. Nodule sizes ranged from 1 to 10 cm.

Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation by IRFI 042, protects against endotoxin-induced shock.

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of IRFI 042, a novel dual vitamin E-like antioxidant, on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, TNF-alpha gene priming and on the release of the mature protein during endotoxin shock.

Methods: Endotoxin shock was produced in male rats by a single intravenous (i.v.

Evidence for a role of nuclear factor-kappaB in acute hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock.

Background: In acute hypovolemic shock, a rapid systemic release of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) contributes to vascular failure. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is an ubiquitous rapid-response transcription factor involved in inflammatory reactions and exerts its effect by expressing cytokines, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of NF-kappaB in acute hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock.

[Cardiologic diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: echocardiography].

Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents the third more frequent cardiovascular disease following the acute coronary artery disease and stroke. The most important predisposing clinical condition for PE is represented by the deep-vein thrombosis. The clinical diagnosis of PE has a very low accuracy; so the clinical suspect has to be necessarily directed towards the performance of diagnostic procedures.