TRANSCRIPTOMICS OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC VITAMIN D IN HUMAN HEPATOCYTE LIPOTOXICITY

Vitamin D (VD) has been used to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition of lipotoxicity associated with a defective metabolism and function of this vitamin. Different forms of VD are available and can be used for this scope, but their effects on liver cell lipotoxicity remain unexplored. In this study we compared a natural formulation rich in VD2 (Shiitake Mushroom extract or SM-VD2) with a synthetic formulation containing pure VD3 (SV-VD3) and the bioactive metabolite 1,25(OH)₂-D3. These were investigated in chemoprevention mode in human HepaRG liver cells supplemented with oleic and palmitic acid to induce lipotoxicity. All the different forms of VD showed similar efficacy in reducing the levels of lipotoxicity and the changes that lipotoxicity induced on the cellular transcriptome. However, the three forms of VD generated different gene fingerprints suggesting diverse, even if functionally convergent, cytoprotective mechanisms. Main differences were 1) the number of differentially expressed genes (SV-VD3 > 1,25(OH)₂-D3 > SM-VD2), 2) their identity that demonstrated significant gene homology between SM-VD2 and 1,25(OH)₂-D3, and 3) the number and type of biological functions identified by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis as relevant to liver metabolism and cytoprotection annotations. Immunoblot confirmed a different response of VDR and other VDR-related proteins to natural and synthetic VD formulations, including FXR, PXR, PPARγ/PGC-1α, and CYP3A4 and CYP24A1. In conclusion, different responses of the cellular transcriptome drive the cytoprotective effect of natural and synthetic formulations of VD in the free fatty acid-induced lipotoxicity of human hepatocytes.

Wheat germ oil vitamin E cytoprotective effect and its nutrigenomics signature in human hepatocyte lipotoxicity

Wheat germ oil (WGO) is rich in α-tocopherol (vitamin E, VE), a vitamin that has long been suggested to exert hepatoprotective effects. In this study, this function of WGO-VE and its transcriptomics fingerprint were investigated in comparison with RRR-α-tocopherol and all-rac-α-tocopherol (nVE and sVE, respectively), in human liver cells treated with oleic acid (OA) to develop steatosis and lipotoxicity. Used in chemoprevention mode, all the VE formulations afforded significant reduction of the OA-induced steatosis and its consequent impact on lipotoxicity indicators, including ROS production and efflux (as H₂O₂), and apoptotic and necrotic cell death. A trend toward a better control of lipotoxicity was observed for WGO-VE and nVE compared to sVE. Gene microarray data demonstrated that these effects of VE formulations were associated with significantly different responses of the cellular transcriptome to compensate for the modifications of OA treatment, including the downregulation of cellular homeostasis genes and the induction of genes associated with defects of liver cell metabolism, fibrosis and inflammation, liver disease and cancer. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis data showed that WGO-VE modulated genes associated with liver carcinogenesis and steatosis, whereas nVE modulated genes involved in liver cell metabolism and viability biofunctions; sVE did not significantly modulate any gene dataset relevant to such biofunctions. In conclusion, WGO-VE prevents lipotoxicity in human liver cells modulating genes that differ from those affected by the natural or synthetic forms of pure VE. These differences can be captured by precision nutrition tools, reflecting the molecular complexity of this VE-rich extract and its potential in preventing specific cues of hepatocellular lipotoxicity.

Ochratoxin A contamination of the casing and the edible portion of artisan salamis produced in two Italian regions

The purpose of this study was to provide data on the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in artisan salamis produced in the Campania and Marche regions (Italy). For this aim, 96 different salamis were purchased from farms and small salami factories. Analysis were carried out firstly on the casings of all samples, and in a second step, in the outer and inner edible parts of those samples whose casings were found positive for OTA at concentration levels above the Italian guideline value established for OTA in pork meat (1 μg/kg). The analytical method, based on a sample preparation procedure with immunoaffinity columns, together with analysis by LC-MS/MS, has guaranteed average recoveries between 79.4 and 89.0%, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.10 and 0.25 μg/kg, respectively. OTA was detected in 25.0% of the analysed casings (24 samples) at concentration ranging from 0.25 to 98.52 μg/kg. Ten of these samples were from the same production plant in which an additional sampling was carried out, and where a problem of environmental contamination by ochratoxigenic moulds probably exists. The edible parts were mostly uncontaminated, except in 3 samples, 2 of which showed OTA contamination levels above 1 μg/kg. The presence of OTA on the casing does not seem to be cause for alarm about the safety of this type of product but it should in any case be monitored. Before slicing the meat for consumption, it is always good practice to peel the casing even if reported as edible on salami label.

Optimized PAMAM coated magnetic nanoparticles for simultaneous hyperthermic treatment and contrast enhanced MRI diagnosis

We report the synthesis and characterization of multi-functional monodisperse superparamagnetic Magnetic NanoParticles, MNPs, able to act as contrast agents for magnetic resonance and Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia (MFH) mediators.

Chlorin e6 keratin nanoparticles for photodynamic anticancer therapy

Chlorin e6-conjugated keratin nanoparticles were obtained and their effectiveness as carriers for cancer photodynamic therapy was demonstratedin vitro.

In vitro anti-angiogenic effects of Hemidesmus indicus in hypoxic and normoxic conditions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The decoction of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus is widely used in the Indian traditional medicine for many purposes and poly-herbal preparations containing Hemidesmus are often used by traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of cancer. In the context of anticancer pharmacology, anti-angiogenic therapy has become an effective strategy for inhibiting new vessel formation and contrast tumor growth. These considerations are supported by the evidence that most tumors originate in hypoxic conditions and limitation of oxygen diffusion stimulates the formation of tumor abnormal microvasculature. Aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anti-angiogenic potential of Hemidesmus indicus (0.31-0.93 mg/mL) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and delineate the main molecular mechanisms involved in its anti-angiogenic activity both in normoxia and hypoxia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The decoction of Hemidesmus indicus was subjected to an extensive HPLC phytochemical characterization. Its in vitro anti-angiogenic potential was investigated in normoxia and hypoxia. Cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of endothelial cell migration and invasion were analyzed by flow cytometry. The endothelial tube formation assay was evaluated in matrix gel. The capillary tube branch points formed were counted using a Motic AE21 microscope and a VisiCam videocamera. The regulation of key factors of the neovascularization process such as VEGF, HIF-1α and VEGFR-2 was explored at mRNA and protein level by real time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

Treatment with Hemidesmus resulted in a significant inhibition of cell proliferation and tube formation in both normoxia and hypoxia. Hemidesmus differently regulated multiple molecular targets related to angiogenesis according to oxygen availability. In normoxia, the inhibition of VEGF was the main responsible for its anti-angiogenic effect; the angiogenesis inhibition induced in hypoxia was regulated by a more complex mechanism involving firstly HIF-1α inhibition, and then VEGF and VEGFR-2 down-regulation. Additionally, the inhibition of endothelial cell migration and invasion by Hemidesmus was more pronounced in normoxia than in hypoxia, possibly due to the physiological enhanced induction of invasion characteristic of hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that Hemidesmus might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for diseases in which the inhibition of angiogenesis could be beneficial, such as cancer. The antiangiogenic activity of Hemidesmus is based on multiple interactions with critical steps in the angiogenic cascade. VEGF expression stimulated by HIF-1α as well as endothelial cell migration and differentiation represent important targets of Hemidesmus action and might contribute to its cancer therapeutic efficacy that is presently emerging and offer a scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine.

Measuring the efficiency of wastewater services through Data Envelopment Analysis

Efficient water management is a priority in the European Union, since the operational efficiency of many water utilities is very low compared to best practice. Several countries are restructuring the water industry to save costs. Larger-scale operations and vertical integration are promoted to achieve scale and scope economies; however, the literature is not unanimous that such economies exist. There is also little evidence of the effect of customer density on costs. This article offers some insights into this matter, analysing the Danish water industry by a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis approach to investigate the effects of size, scope and density in the wastewater industry. The results show that the Danish wastewater industry is positively affected by vertical integration and higher population density: firms that serve more than 100 person per km of sewer and combine water and wastewater services achieve better efficiency. Size does not have any significant influence on global efficiency, although technical pure efficiency decreases statistically with firm size.

Thiophene-based compounds as fluorescent tags to study mesenchymal stem cell uptake and release of taxanes

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are multipotent cells that display the unique ability to home and engraft in tumor stroma. This remarkable tumor tropic property has generated a great deal of interest in many clinical settings. Recently, we showed that hMSC represent an excellent base for cell-mediated anticancer therapy since they are able to internalize paclitaxel (PTX) and to release it in an amount sufficient to inhibit tumor cell proliferation. In order to shed light on the dynamics of drug uptake and release, in the present paper we describe the synthesis of two novel thiophene-based fluorophore-paclitaxel conjugates, namely PTX-F32 and PTX-F35, as tools for in vitro drug tracking. We aimed to study the ability of these novel derivatives to be efficiently internalized by hMSC and, in a properly engineered coculture assay, to be released in the medium and taken up by tumor cells. In order to ensure better stability of the conjugates toward enzymatic hydrolysis, the selected oligothiophenes were connected to the taxol core at the C7 position through a carbamate linkage between PTX and the diamino linker. Antiproliferative experiments on both tumor cells and stromal cells clearly indicate that, in good correlation with the parent compound, cells are sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of the fluorescent conjugates. Moreover, in the coculture assay we were able to monitor, by fluorescence microscopy, PTX-F32 trafficking from hMSC toward glioblastoma U87 tumor cells. Our work paves the way for novel possibilities to perform extensive and high quality fluorescence-based analysis in order to better understand the cellular mechanisms involved in drug trafficking, such as microvescicle/exosome mediated release, in hMSC vehicle cells.

Hemidesmus indicus induces apoptosis as well as differentiation in a human promyelocytic leukemic cell line

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The decoction of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus is widely used in the Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of blood diseases, dyspepsia, loss of taste, dyspnea, cough, poison, menorrhagia, fever, and diarrhea. Poly-herbal preparations containing Hemidesmus are often used by traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytodifferentiative, cytostatic and cytotoxic potential of a decoction of Hemidesmus indicus's roots (0.31-3 mg/mL) on a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The decoction of Hemidesmus indicus was characterized by HPLC to quantify its main phytomarkers. Induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle analysis, levels of specific membrane differentiation markers were evaluated by flow cytometry. The analysis of cell differentiation by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing activity, adherence to the plastic substrate, α-napthyl acetate esterase activity and morphological analysis was performed through light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

Starting from the concentration of 0.31 mg/ml, Hemidesmus indicus induced cytotoxicity and altered cell-cycle progression, through a block in the G0/G1 phase. The decoction caused differentiation of HL-60 cells as shown by NBT reducing activity, adherence to the plastic substrate, α-naphtyl acetate esterase activity, and increasing expression of CD14 and CD15. The morphological analysis by LM and TEM clearly showed the presence of granulocytes and macrophages after Hemidesmus indicus treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The cytodifferentiating, cytotoxic and cytostatic activities of Hemidesmus indicus offers a scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine. Its potent antileukemic activity provides a pre-clinical evidence for its traditional use in anticancer pharmacology. Further experiments are worthwhile to determine the in vivo anticancer potential of this plant decoction and its components.

Mesenchymal stem cells as delivery vehicle of porphyrin loaded nanoparticles: effective photoinduced in vitro killing of osteosarcoma

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have the unique ability to home and engraft in tumor stroma. These features render them potentially a very useful tool as targeted delivery vehicles which can deliver therapeutic drugs to the tumor stroma. In the present study, we investigate whether fluorescent core-shell PMMA nanoparticles (FNPs) post-loaded with a photosensitizer, namely meso-tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS) and uploaded by MSC could trigger osteosarcoma (OS) cell death in vitro upon specific photoactivation. In co-culture studies we demonstrate using laser confocal microscopy and time lapse imaging, that only after laser irradiation MSC loaded with photosensitizer-coated fluorescent NPs (TPPS@FNPs) undergo cell death and release reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are sufficient to trigger cell death of all OS cells in the culture. These results encourage further studies aimed at proving the efficacy of this novel tri-component system for PDT applications.

Enantiomeric HPLC resolution and absolute stereochemistry assignment of a new poligamain derivative

A new aryltetralin lignan derivative, 1, was obtained by reacting dimethyl succinate and piperonal, furnishing the lactone 4-(3',4'-methylenedioxybenzyl)-4,5-dihydro-2(3H)-furanone, which was reacted once again with piperonal and LDA to give the dibenzylbutirolactone 7-hydroxyhinokinin. The cyclization of 7-hydroxyhinokinin into polygamain occurred in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. The reduction of the furanic ring of polygamain was done by its reaction with DIBAL in THF, furnishing the diol functionalized lignin derivative 1 as single diastereomer. The enantiomeric fractions of 1 were obtained by preparative enantioselective HPLC. The absolute stereochemistry was assigned by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. An all-trans relative configuration was determined by NMR on the bases of ¹H coupling constants and nuclear Overhauser effect (n.O.e.) experiments. The absolute configuration at C1 was assigned on the basis of the ECD sign at 296 nm by comparison to the ECD spectra of structural analogues with defined stereochemistry. The assignment of the absolute configuration was confirmed by applying the exciton chirality method to the well-defined ECD couplets at 285 and 200 nm allied to the two electronic transitions L(b) and B(b) of the aromatic moieties, respectively. Rac-1 and its enantiomeric isomers were evaluated against important bacteria responsible for dental caries. The best results obtained for the (1R,2S,3S) isomer were against Streptococcus mutans (250 μM), Streptococcus salivarius (250 μM), Streptococcus sobrinus (280 μM) and Streptococcus mitis (280 μM). The (1S,2R,3R) isomer was active only against Streptococcus sanguinis (280 μM). The enantiomeric mixture was less active than the (1R,2S,3S) isomer.

Wild Amaranthus caudatus seed oil, a nutraceutical resource from Ecuadorian flora

Seed oil of wild Amaranthus caudatus from Ecuador was analyzed for determining the tocopherol, fatty acid, and sterol contents. The data obtained were compared with the analogous chemical profile of seed oil of Italian A. caudatus with the objective of evaluating the nutraceutical and alimentary potential of the Ecuadorian matrix. Supercritical fluid and ultrasound-enhanced extractions were performed on both matrices. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of tocopherols were performed by HPLC, whereas GC and GC-MS were used to determine the fatty acid composition and sterols, respectively. Supercritical fluid extraction at 400 atm was the most efficient extraction method in terms of both total yield extract and tocopherol yield. Seeds of Ecuadorian of A. caudatus contained higher levels of tocopherols than Italian samples, whereas the fatty acid composition and sterol content were similar. From the obtained results it can be suggested that seed oil of wild Ecuadorian A. caudatus can prove to be an effective nutraceutical and alimentary resource and a valid alternative to the European varieties.

Anodic electrochemical oxidation of cholic acid

Regioselectivity in the anodic electrochemical oxidation of cholic acid with different anodes is described. The oxidation with PbO(2) anode affords the dehydrocholic acid in quantitative yield after 22 h. 3alpha,12alpha-Dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid (59%) and 3alpha-hydroxy-7,12-dioxo-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid (51%) are obtained stopping the reaction at lower time. The rate of the OH-oxidation is C7 > C12 > C3. The electro-oxidation with platinum foil anode gives selectively the 7-ketocholic acid in 40% yield. On the other hand, the graphite plate anode, varying the reaction conditions, produces selectively the dehydrocholic acid in quantitative yield or the 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid (96%) while the 3alpha,7alpha-dihydroxy-12-oxo-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid (34%) is obtained together with the other oxo acids.

Addition reactions of aldehydes to lithium enolates of 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones: a configurational reassessment

The results for the addition reactions of chiral lithium (2S)-enolates of 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones to aldehydes and to acetophenone, yielding the corresponding dioxolanone alcohols have been revised. The results reported herein differ from those reported in the literature, both in product distribution and in the stereochemical assignment of the products. In fact, in several cases no stereocontrol was observed at the C5 carbon atom of the lithium enolate. The (2S,5R,1'S)/(2S,5R,1'R) stereochemistry was also reassessed for several dioxolanone alcohols. The major conformers are considered to have an intramolecular hydrogen-bonded five-membered ring structure instead of the six-membered ring structure previously suggested for cyclic dioxolanone alcohols.

Mixed oxo-hydroxy bile acids as actual or potential impurities in ursodeoxycholic acid preparation: a 1H and 13C NMR study

Some distinctive unprecedented 1H NMR signals and the complete 13C NMR resonances are assigned for the entire set of mixed oxo-hydroxy bile acid isomers, obtained by selective oxidation of the hydroxy groups at positions (3,7), (3,12) and (3,7,12) of chenodesoxycholic acid, desoxycholic acid and cholic acid, respectively. Partially or totally oxidized products are the major actual or potential impurities formed during the preparation of the pharmaceutically active ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids.

Clozapine metabolism rate as a possible index of drug-induced granulocytopenia

A possible relationship between haematological adverse reactions and clozapine (CLZ) metabolism rate was studied. Sixteen chronic schizophrenic outpatients (mean age 34.62 years +/- 7.56 SD) were treated with CLZ, 75-600 mg/daily for 9 weeks. CLZ and norclozapine (NCLZ) plasma levels were determined weekly, contemporarily with blood cell counts. CLZ plasma levels ranged from 25 to 1270 ng/ml (mean 266.27 ng/ml +/- 197.44 SD), while NCLZ plasma levels ranged from 25 to 1280 ng/ml (mean 169.0 ng/ml +/- 127.94 SD). NCLZ/CLZ ratio ranged from 0.13 to 1.72 (mean 0.72 +/- 0.28 SD). Leukocyte count ranged from 5.2 to 18.8 10(9)/l (mean 9.37 10(9)/l +/- 2.94 SD) and neutrophil count ranged from 1.8 to 13.4 10(9)/l (mean 5.73 +/- 2.57 SD). No correlation was found between CLZ dosage and NCLZ plasma levels. Both CLZ and NCLZ plasma levels correlated positively with neutrophil count (CLZ: P = 0.001, r = 0.26; NCLZ: P = 0.01, r = 0.20). The correlation between NCLZ/CLZ plasma level ratio and neutrophil count was significantly negative (P = 0.002, r = 0.25). These preliminary data suggest that the NCLZ/CLZ ratio, as an index of CLZ metabolism, might be a possible risk factor associated with CLZ treatment.

A study of the relationship between life events and disturbed self image in adolescents

The occurrence and subjective importance of a list of life events were determined in 1296 adolescents and compared with the risk of a disturbed self image, as assessed on the basis of Offer's (1981) questionnaire. A disturbed self image was shown by 24.2 per cent of the sample, and it was significantly associated with a reported excess of events (one standard deviation above the mean), and with the reporting of specific classes of events. These included serious disagreement between parents, sudden decrease in family income, serious abuse either within the family or outside the family, and having had an abortion. The events were sorted and ranked by the observed values of their sample frequency, subjective importance, and assessed risk of a disturbed self image. The rarest and subjectively most important events were often associated with a higher risk of a disturbed self image, and the role of reporting such "exceptional" experiences is discussed.

Effects of clomiphene citrate administraiton on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of male chronic schizophrenics

The clomiphene citrate stimulation test was performed in 16 adult male chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics (10 off therapy from 3 months to 1 year and six on therapy with phenothiazines or haloperidol) and in five normal controls, matched for age. Clomiphene citrate was given orally at a daily dose of 150 mg, divided into three doses, for 8 days. FSH, LH and testosterone levels were assayed before the administration of clomiphene citrate and after 4 and 8 days of treatment. Schizophrenics showed normal increase of FSH levels during the clomiphene administration, while LH and testosterone responses were blunted. Phenothiazines or haloperiodol had no effect on the test.

Prolactin secretion in chronic schizophrenia

Basal prolactin secretion and its response to various stimuli have been studied in 20 chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics, 10 males and 10 females, aged 20-54 years. The duration of the disease varied between 4 and 30 years. Eight normal subjects from the hospital staff, four males and four females, matched for age, were used as controls. The patients had been off medication for 10 days in 17 cases, for 3 months in one case and for 1 year in two cases. The TRH stimulation test was done by giving 500 mug of TRH i.v., both to schizophrenics and controls. Schizophrenics and controls. Schizophrenics only were subjected to a 2-day therapy with chlorpromazine (4 mg/kg body weight per day orally), and therafter for 8 days to a combined therapy with chlorpromazine at the same dose plus 2-BRalpha-ergokryptine-mesilate (500 mg per day orally). Prolactin levels were assayed radioimmunologically in the basal condition, during the TRH stimulation test, after 2 days of chlorpromazine alone, and after 4 and 8 days of combined therapy with chlorpromazine plus 2-Br-alpha-ergokryptine-mesilate. The results obtained showed normal basal prolactin levels, significantly enhanced responses to TRH, normal increases after chlorpromazine alone, and substantial decreases after 2-Br-alpha-ergokryptine-mesilate. A possible relative catecholamine deficiency, related to the mental disease, is suggested to explain the results.

Gonadotropin response to synthetic gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) in chronic schizophrenia

GnRH stimulation tests were performed in 15 adult male chronic hebephrenic schizophrenics and 15 oligophrenic controls, matched for age and length of hospitalization. GnRH was given at doses of 50, 100 and 150 gamma to five subjects of each type, and FSH and LH levels in the blood were assayed at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The tests were performed twice in schizophrenics off therapy and after 10, 20 and 30 days of chlorpromazine therapy (4 mg/kg body weight/day, per os). The controls were not given chlorpromazine and were tested only twice. Schizophrenics showed relative increases in both FSH and LH which were greater than those of the controls, and the response persisted longer. Chlorpromazine had no effect on the test.

Glucose-insulin metabolism in chronic schizophrenia

The present study deals with possible connections between the schizophrenic syndrome and alterations of the glucose-insulin metabolism. Data have been obtained in 18 patients, 9 males and 9 females, aged 22-62 years, suffering from chronic schizophrenia of 5-29 years duration. The patients were treated with Haloperidol for 30 days, 6 mg, i.m.p.d. to a total dose of 180 mg. The glucose metabolism was examined through a GTT (with a glucose load of 100 gr. per os), and an Insulin Tolerance Test (with 0.1 U/kg body weight). The insulin levels were examined under glucose load by the radioimmunological assay of Hales and Randle. The glycemic levels were examined under glucose load by an oxidative method. The psychopathological features were controlled by a Wittenborn Rating Scale. The metabolic and psychological examinations were done twice before the beginning of therapy, at 46 hrs. interval, then at 10-20-30 days of therapy. The results are probative for the presence of a chemical diabetes in a significantly high percent of patients. The significance of possible neurotransmitter impairments acting at both the biochemical and psychological levels is discussed.

Glucose-insulin metabolism in herion addicts

The insulinemic and glycemic response to a glucose load (100 g per os) was studied in 21 heroin addicts, 16 males and 5 females, age 16-28 years, history of addiction lasting from 6 months to 4 years with heroin alone (from 0.5 to 1.5 g/day i.v.). Nine normal sujects, from the hospital staff, 4 females and 5 males matched for age were use as control. The insulinemic and glycemic response to a glucose load was examined immediately after hospitalization, while the patients were still on heroin, 48 h later off drugs, and in 10 of the 21 cases 5 days later still off drugs. From the results obtained, it appears that in heroin addicts the glycemic response to the glucose load shows a delayed peak time. The insulin curves show increased insulin peaks, delayed peak time and prolonged hyperinsulinemia. The pathomechanism of heroin in inducing the above-metioned impairments is discussed, taking also in cosideration the possible influence of the drug on the neurotransmitter regulation of insulin.

Neuroendocrine effects of haloperidol therapy in chronic schizophrenia

The neuroendocrine effects of haloperidol therapy have been examined in 62 male chronic schizophrenic patients, aged 16-62 years. The duration of the disease varied between 2 and 29 years. The patients were divided into 48 hebephrenics with onset of the disease at puberty, or immediately after puberty, and 14 paranoids with onset of the disease in adulthood. They received 6 mg i.m.p.d. of haloperidol, for 30 days, up to a total dose of 180 mg. The following hormonal variables were examined before therapy and at 10-20 and 30 days of treatment: total urinary gonadotropins, serum FSH and LH, GH response to insulin stimulation, ACTH reserve (Metyrapone test), total urinary 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids before and after an ACTH stimulation test, serum testosterone, insulin response to glucose load, plasma thyroxine before and after a TSH stimulation test. The basic hormonal values revealed decreased secretion of total gonadotropins, FSH, LH, ACTH and testosterone, and increased insulin secretion. The haloperidol therapy seemed to stimulate the secretion of FSH, LH, total gonadotropins, ACTH and testosterone, up to normal or low-normal levels. No modifications were observed in the other hormonal variables. The significance of these results is discussed.

Growth hormone secretion in chronic schizophrenia

The GH response to insulin hypoglycemia (insulin 0.1 IU/kg i.v.) was studied under basal conditions and during a course of haloperidol therapy in 19 chronic schizophrenics, 15 hebephrenics and four paranoids (ten men and nine women, age 16--53 years). Haloperidol was given for 30 days, at a daily dose of 6 mg i.m., and the GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was tested twice, before, and 10, 20, 30 days following the initiation of the treatment. The psychopathological features were controlled daily by two psychiatrists and by the ward staff and by the use of a Wittenborn rating scale, rated at the same intervals as the hormonal assays. From the results obtained it appears that in schizophrenic patients, GH secretion and response to insulin stimulus are extremely variable and are unaffected by haloperidol treatment. On the basis of the results obtained, the neurotransmitter-neurohormone regulation of GH secretion in schizophrenics is discussed.

Psychoendocrine investigation in schizophrenia: relationship between pituitary-gonadal function and behavior

The Authors examine possible connections between the schizophrenic syndrome and the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal system, assuming that hormonal impairments may correlate with the appearance and development of peculiar behavioral features. The hormonal status and the behavioral parameters have been examined before, during and after a psychopharmacological therapy, and a combination of a psychopharmacological-hormonal treatment. Data have been obtained in 12 male hebephrenic schizophrenics, aged 18-36 years, with onset of the disease between 12 months and 20 years before our experiments. The patients were treated for 30 days with Haloperidol (6 mg.i.m.p.d. to a total dose of 180 mg.) and then for 45 days with Haloperidol at the same dose in combination with Chorionic Gonadotrophin (5000 I.U.i.m. twice a week for a total dose of 60.000 I.U.). The following hormonal assays were performed: total urinary gonadotrophins, serum FSH and LH, total urinary 17 ketosteroids, total urinary estrogens, serum testosterone. The hormonal assays were performed twice prior to therapy, twice during the Haloperidol therapy (12th and 26th days) twice during the Haloperidol plus HCG therapy (20th and 40th day) and 1 month after the withdrawal of the therapy. The psychological-behavioral parameters were examined through the Wittenborn Rating Scale. The result obtained seem to reveal a stimulatory effect of the Haloperidol plus HCG therapy on the deficient hormonal status. Moreover, it is evident that a constant correlation exists between biochemical improvement and behavioral improvement, especially in regard to affectivity disorders, adjustment to reality, active behavior.