Desmin and vimentin as markers of regeneration in muscle diseases

Localization and distribution of desmin and vimentin have been studied in different neuromuscular disorders using monoclonal antibodies. We have demonstrated that vimentin, although virtually absent in normal human muscle fibers, is expressed in regenerating fibers in different neuromuscular disorders. Moreover, these fibers showed a strong positivity with desmin antibodies. In normal muscle fibers desmin is only localized at Z-line level. These results suggest that desmin and vimentin may be over-expressed during muscle regeneration processes, probably because of their importance in the structural organization of the sarcomere.

Congenital myopathy with type 2A muscle fiber uniformity and smallness

We describe a 12-year-old girl with congenital myopathy. ATPase histochemical reactions and immunocytochemical analysis of muscle fiber-type composition with monoclonal antibodies against slow, fast (2A and 2B) and fetal myosin demonstrate that this congenital disease is characterized by type 2A muscle fiber uniformity and smallness. This is an unusual feature for a congenital myopathy in which the fiber type predominance, when present, is confined to type I.

Synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of some new esters of glycerol and 2-O-methyl-glycerol with nicotinic and 5-fluoro-nicotinic acids

A series of new esters of glycerol and 2-O-methyl-glycerol with nicotinic and 5-fluoro-nicotinic acids were synthesized and their hypolipidemic activities were comparatively tested. The two most interesting compounds, 5 and 12, show a higher activity than both nicotinic and 5-fluoro-nicotinic acids in the following experimental models: Triton and olive oil hyperdyslipemia and tests on old rats.

Synthesis and biological properties of 1-methyl-2-[(4-aminophenyl)-sulfonyl-]amino-5-nitro imidazole

The synthesis of 1-methyl-2-[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl] amino-5-nitroimidazole 5 is described. The new sulfonamide 5 shows a good activity against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Compound 5 is well absorbed in rats after oral administration but the plasma levels are inferior to those of sulfadiazine and sulfamethoxazole.

Synthesis, antiinflammatory and antiarthritic properties of a new tiopronine gold derivative

The synthesis of triethylphosphine gold complex with the alpha-mercaptopropionylglycine ethyl ester (compound 3) is reported. The new compound shows an antiinflammatory and antiarthritic activity superior to auranofin.

Hypoglycorrhachia in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. A pathophysiological study

We describe a patient with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in whom no primary malignancy was found in spite of extensive laboratory investigations. The diagnosis was supported, however, by cytological and biochemical CSF examination. Of particular interest in this setting was the low level of glycorrhachia. In order to understand better the mechanism of hypoglycorrhachia, the patient was subjected to I.V. glucose loading; serial samples of blood and CSF were obtained to determine glucose and lactic acid levels. We found that: 1) The low CSF glucose concentration was not increased by I.V. infusion of sugar; 2) the high basal CSF lactic acid level was not further stimulated by I.V. glucose loading. These data suggest that hypoglycorrhachia was not due to an increased utilization of glucose by neoplastic cells that infiltrate the meninges but to abnormal transport of glucose from blood to CSF.

Synthesis, acute toxicity and chemotherapeutic anti-cancer activities of a new tripeptidic mustard

A new antitumor agent having the chemical composition of 3-(p-fluorophenyl)-Lalanyl-3-[m-bis-(2-chloroethyl)aminophenyl]-L- alanyl-L-methionine ethyl ester hydrochloride (PTT 119) was synthetized. It fundamental toxicological data in mice and rats were assessed; its antitumor activity was investigated by establishing in mice, inoculated with L 1210 leukemia or in AKR mice with spontaneous leukemia of viral origin, a significant increase in Mean Survival Time as well as a percent increase of Increased Life Span and of the number of survivors.