EFFECTS OF OXIDISED LDL ON NITRIC OXIDE AND ENDOTHELIN-1 PRODUCTION IN HUMAN MICROVASCULAR ENDOTHELIUM: ROLE OF THROMBOXANE A2 RECEPTOR

LDL particles modulate the release of NO and endothelin-1 by the endothelium. To what extent these effects depend on LDL concentration and degree of oxidation and eventually what is the role of tromboxane A2 receptor is unknown. HMEC-1 were exposed for 24-h to a) 3 concentrations (50, 100 and 200 ?g/ml) of either native, low- or medium-oxidised LDL, b) 8-epi-PGF2? (F2?IP, 10-11, 10-10, 10-9, and 10-8 M) either alone or with TXA2 receptor blocker SQ 29.548 (10-6 M), c) native, low- and medium-oxidised LDL either alone or with SQ 29.548 (10-6 M). In all experiments intracellular eNOS, and NO2/NO3, endothelin-1 and interleukin-6 concentration in the medium were measured. Both native and oxidised LDL induced a NO2/NO3 accumulation with dose and degree of oxidation acting synergistically; eNOS was stimulated only by oxidised LDL. F2?IP, NO2/NO3 and eNOS with SQ 29.548 completely preventing these effects but only partially the effect of LDL. IL-6 was also synergistically stimulated by LDL dose and degree of oxidation but not by direct exposure to F2?IP nor was affected by SQ 29.548. Both native and oxidised LDL stimulated endothelin-1 production independently of dose or degree of oxidation. F2?IP had a modest stimulatory effect while the effect of SQ 29.548 was evident only with oxidised LDL. In HMEC-1 LDL dose and degree of oxidation synergistically stimulate NO and IL-6 production and the effect on NO is largely mediated through the TXA2 receptor. LDL simultaneously facilitate endothelin-1 production independently of the dose and degree of oxidation

Effect of Vitamin K Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Older Men and Women

OBJECTIVE—Vitamin K has a potentially beneficial role in insulin resistance, but evidence is limited in humans. We tested the hypothesis that vitamin K supplementation for 36 months will improve insulin resistance in older men and women

A multicentre survey on the sociodemographic characteristics of Italian elderly inmates

Background & aim. In 2017, Italian inmates 60-69 years old were 3700, while 776 had an age >= 70 years. This article aimed to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics and types of crimes committed by elderly subjects restricted in different Italian prisons. Methods. A survey has been conducted in 8 penitentiary institutes: 4 located in Lombardy, and 4 in Apulia. The participation was anonymous and voluntary. By using a standardised format, age, gender, nationality, marital status, last occupation, type of crime, and duration of the punishment were assessed. In the case of previous convictions, additional data were also collected. All records were analysed as aggregates to guarantee privacy preservation. Results. The population was mainly represented by males (93.6%), married or living with a partner (46.8%). The most prevalent crimes committed by the elderlies belongs to the category against the property (33.1%) followed soon after by those against the person (27.7%), other offences (14%), drug-related (13.8%) and mafia-type crimes (11.7%). The Southern inmates were more frequently responsible for crimes against the person (38%), while property crimes (61%) were more recurrent in the Northern inmates. Sixty-four prisoners (68.8%) were already found guilty in the past for other misconducts. The Northern inmates were more frequently recidivist, with a higher number of previous convictions (p = 0.010) and detentions (p = 0.012) compared to the Southern prisoners. Conclusions. Committing crimes in older age is strongly different from being a criminal in young or adult age, especially for the complexity that per se characterizes the older population

Selective Adsorption of Homocysteine Using an HFR-ON LINE Technique

HFR-ON LINE (double chamber HDF with reinfusion of ultrafiltrate regenerated through a charcoalresin cartridge) is a novel method which combines the processes of diffusion, convection, and adsorbance. We have investigated the effect of such a treatment on the homocysteine (Hcy) levels in ten patients with a mean Hcy level of 57.6 mmol/L (range 24.1–119.7 mmol/L). We have measured the Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 predialysis and postdialysis, and in the ultrafiltrate precartridge and postcartridge at 10, 120, and 240 min. The mean Hcy levels were 57.6 and 35.3 mmol/L (range 9.9–80.3 mmol/L) (P = 0.005) predialysis and postdialysis, respectively, while folate and vitamin B12 were unchanged. Precartridge and postcartridge Hcy levels were 11.6 vs. 2.5 mmol/L (P = 0.005), 9.3 vs. 3.9 mmol/L (P = 0.005), and 7.7 vs. 4.6 mmol/L (P = 0.012) at the three time points considered, while folate and vitamin B12 were essentially undetectable.These preliminary data, which need confirmation in a long-term study, seem to indicate that HFRONLINE is able to reduce Hcy levels not only through a likely reduction of uremic toxins, but also through an actual removal of Hcy by adsorbance onto the charcoalresin cartridge