Comparative analysis of the effects of olive oil hydroxytyrosol and its 5-S-lipoyl conjugate in protecting human erythrocytes from mercury toxicity

Oxidative stress is one of the underlying mechanisms of the toxic effects exerted by mercury (Hg) on human health. Several antioxidant compounds, including the olive oil phenol hydroxytyrosol (HT), were investigated for their protective action. Recently, we have reported that 5-S-lipoylhydroxytyrosol (Lipo-HT) has shown increased antioxidant activities compared to HT and exerted potent protective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and oxidative damage in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell lines. In this study, the effects of Lipo-HT and HT on oxidative alterations of human erythrocytes induced by exposure to 40 μM HgCl2 were comparatively evaluated. When administered to the cells, Lipo-HT (5–20 μM) proved nontoxic and it decreased the Hg-induced generation of ROS, the hemolysis, and the depletion of intracellular GSH levels. At all tested concentrations, Lipo-HT exhibited higher ability to counteract Hg-induced cytotoxicity compared to HT. Model studies indicated the formation of a mercury complex at the SH group of Lipo-HT followed by a redox reaction that would spare intracellular GSH. Thus, the enhanced erythrocyte protective action of Lipo-HT from Hg-induced damage with respect to HT is likely due to an effective chelating and reducing ability toward mercury ions. These findings encourage the use of Lipo-HT in nutraceutical strategies to contrast heavy metal toxicity in humans

Adulthood issues in idiopathic central precocious puberty

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological condition of young adults who had experienced idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). Ten women aged 18.0 +/- 1.9 years who had previously been treated with GnRH agonists were studied 7 years after the conclusion of the treatment. The enrolled women participated in a group interview and completed standardized checklists; the Sexuality Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring Relation and the Anxiety Scale Questionnaire were also completed. Adult age anxiety was normal even if it had been pathological at the onset of precocious puberty, whereas embarrassment was found in their sexual sphere as well as troubled relationships in either a single or couple situation; 80.0% of them had a negative body image compared to 40.0% of healthy controls. Only 10.0% of the women who had had ICPP studied had practiced masturbation compared to 100% in healthy controls. Of the ICPP patients, 80.0% were single, while 80.0% of healthy controls were involved in a relationship. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ICPP can lead to specific problems in the sexual sphere, and that families and patients need psychological support from the onset of ICPP

Adopted girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty: observations about character.

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological traits of adopted girls affected by idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). Twelve adopted girls were evaluated before, during GnRH agonist (GnRHa) treatment, and after the treatment was stopped. Before, during and after treatment, adopted girls with ICPP showed a normal degree of anxiety, an adequate level of maturity, and a correct sexual identification. None of them had symbiotic character traits as previously reported in non-adopted girls with ICPP. The perception of their body was poor before treatment, but improved during GnRHa treatment and psychological support. The changes in the life of adopted girls are so numerous that precocious puberty may represent an additional risk for psychological discomfort. Therefore to treat precocious puberty it may not only be necessary to prevent premature changes in their body but also to give them enough time to face up to their emotional and psychological problems and to become competent adolescents