Artemisia umbelliformis Lam. and Génépi Liqueur: Volatile Profile as Diagnostic Marker for Geographic Origin and To Predict Liqueur Safety

Artemisia umbelliformis, commonly known as "white génépi", is characterized by a volatile fraction rich in α- and β-thujones, two monoterpenoids; under European Union (EU) regulations these are limited to 35 mg/L in Artemisia-based beverages because of their recognized activity on the human central nervous system. This study reports the results of an investigation to define the geographical origin and thujone content of individual plants of A. umbelliformis from different geographical sites, cultivated experimentally at a single site, and to predict the thujone content in the resulting liqueurs through their volatile fraction. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and non-separative HS-SPME-MS were used as analytical platforms to create a database suitable for chemometric description and prediction through linear discriminant analysis (LDA). HS-SPME-MS was applied to shorten analysis time. With both approaches, a diagnostic prediction of (i) plant geographical origin and (ii) thujone content of plant-related liqueurs could be made.

Food safety and nutritional quality for the prevention of non communicable diseases: the Nutrient, hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point process (NACCP)

Background

The important role of food and nutrition in public health is being increasingly recognized as crucial for its potential impact on health-related quality of life and the economy, both at the societal and individual levels. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases calls for a reformulation of our view of food. The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, first implemented in the EU with the Directive 43/93/CEE, later replaced by Regulation CE 178/2002 and Regulation CE 852/2004, is the internationally agreed approach for food safety control. Our aim is to develop a new procedure for the assessment of the Nutrient, hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (NACCP) process, for total quality management (TMQ), and optimize nutritional levels.

Methods

NACCP was based on four general principles: i) guarantee of health maintenance; ii) evaluate and assure the nutritional quality of food and TMQ; iii) give correct information to the consumers; iv) ensure an ethical profit. There are three stages for the application of the NACCP process: 1) application of NACCP for quality principles; 2) application of NACCP for health principals; 3) implementation of the NACCP process. The actions are: 1) identification of nutritional markers, which must remain intact throughout the food supply chain; 2) identification of critical control points which must monitored in order to minimize the likelihood of a reduction in quality; 3) establishment of critical limits to maintain adequate levels of nutrient; 4) establishment, and implementation of effective monitoring procedures of critical control points; 5) establishment of corrective actions; 6) identification of metabolic biomarkers; 7) evaluation of the effects of food intake, through the application of specific clinical trials; 8) establishment of procedures for consumer information; 9) implementation of the Health claim Regulation EU 1924/2006; 10) starting a training program.

Results and discussion

We calculate the risk assessment as follows: Risk (R) = probability (P) × damage (D). The NACCP process considers the entire food supply chain “from farm to consumer”; in each point of the chain it is necessary implement a tight monitoring in order to guarantee optimal nutritional quality.

Determination of major, minor and trace elements in Glyceric Macerates and Mother Tinctures and in the starting plant materials

Glyceric Macerates (GMs) and Mother Tinctures (MTs) are liquid preparations obtained from plant buds (for GMs) and flowers, leaves or roots (for MT) by extraction with a mixture of solvents. Their quality depends on the quality of the plant materials and on the preparation procedures. In this work we determined the concentrations of major, minor and trace elements in buds, flowers and other plant components and in the GMs and MTs obtained from them by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave mineralization. To the best of our knowledge, this procedure has been applied for the first time here to the analysis of buds. We have taken into account spectral interferences and other causes of errors. Analogies and differences with regard to the method reported by European Pharmacopoeia for heavy metal determination in herbal drugs have been highlighted. The experimental results have been interpreted with chemometric techniques. No significant contamination was detected during the manufacturing step. Element concentrations in GMs and MTs, taking into account their daily dosages, are lower than acceptable intake levels.

[Herbs and cardiotoxic effects]

Accidental or deliberate ingestion of poisonous herbs has become an increasingly common phenomenon over the last years. From existing literature data and case reports from emergency room visits or poison control centers, an overview is presented of the potential cardiotoxic manifestations following intoxication by wild herbal plants of the territory. The effects of the consumption of cardiac glycoside-containing plants (e.g., digitalis) are discussed along with tachyarrhythmias induced by Aconitum napellus L., Atropa belladonna L., Mandragora officinarum L. or Ephedra distachya L. herbs, and hypertensive crises associated with licorice abuse. For each plant, a brief historical and botanical background is provided, focusing on pathophysiology of intoxication and cardiotoxic effects on the basis of the most recent literature. Finally, medical management of intoxication, from both a general and cardiological viewpoint, is reviewed.

Analysis of fluid extracts obtained from Papaver rhoeas petals contaminated with Papaver bracteatum petals

In this paper, we report a case of misidentification of medicinal plants involving dried petals of Papaver rhoeas (red poppy) contaminated with Papaver bracteatum (scarlet poppy) petals. Preliminary TLC analysis indicated the presence of thebaine either in the fluid extracts or in the petals. It was therefore necessary to carry out an accurate botanic examination of the plant material, which revealed contamination of the red poppy petals with scarlet poppy petals. Moreover, to confirm the adulteration, we developed and validated an efficient, reversed-phase ion pair HPLC method for determination of the alkaloids specific for the Papaver species. Six petal batches and five commercial fluid extracts were analyzed. Only one petal batch from Iran contained thebaine and its analogue oripavine while the alkaloids typical for the Papaver bracteatum species were identified in all fluid extracts, meaning that they were all prepared with contaminated petals.

Hypovolemic shock due to severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a child taking an herbal syrup

We report the case of a 4-years-old boy who was admitted with hypovolemic shock due to a severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) showed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulcerations of the lower esophagus, possibly due to a gastroesophageal reflux, and a small duodenal erosion. The child was previously healthy and he had never shown any symptoms related to this condition. The only product taken by the child in the previous days was a syrup containing several herbs, among which Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Salix spp. (known to contain salicylates), marketed as food and prescribed by his paediatrician to treat a mild cold accompanied by fever. Quali-quantitative analysis confirmed the presence of salicylates in the syrup. Naranjo algorithm showed a probable correlation between the onset of symptoms and the consumption of the herbal remedy. The child recovered after receiving intensive care. The product was withdrawn from Italian market.

An update on vitamin E, tocopherol and tocotrienol-perspectives

Vitamin E, like tocotrienols and tocopherols, is constituted of compounds essential for animal cells. Vitamin E is exclusively synthesized by photosynthetic eukaryotes and other oxygenic photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria. In order to prevent lipid oxidation, the plants mainly accumulate tocochromanols in oily seeds and fruits or in young tissues undergoing active cell divisions. From a health point of view, at the moment there is a great interest in the natural forms of tocochromanols, because they are considered promising compounds able to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and satisfactory blood cholesterol levels. Some evidence suggests that the potency of the antioxidant effects may differ between natural or synthetic source of tocochromanols (vitamin E).

Analytical aspects of diterpene alkaloid poisoning with monkshood

A sensitive and specific method for aconitine extraction from biological samples was developed. Aconitine, the main toxic alkaloid from plants belonging to Aconitum species (family Ranunculaceae), was determined in plant material by an external standard method, and by a standard addition calibration method in biological fluids. Described here is one fatal case and five intoxications of accidental aconitine poisoning following the ingestion of aconite mistaken for an edible grass, Aruncus dioicus (Walt.) Fernald, "mountain asparagus", and Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallroth. The aconitine content in urine was in the range 2.94 microg/mL (dead patient)-0.20 microg/mL (surviving patients), which was almost two to four times higher than that in plasma.

Analytical Aspects of Diterpene Alkaloid Poisoning with Monkshood

A sensitive and specific method for aconitine extraction from biological samples was developed. Aconitine, the main toxic alkaloid from plants belonging to Aconitum species (family Ranunculaceae), was determined in plant material by an external standard method, and by a standard addition calibration method in biological fluids. Described here is one fatal case and five intoxications of accidental aconitine poisoning following the ingestion of aconite mistaken for an edible grass, Aruncus dioicus (Walt.) Fernald, “mountain asparagus”, and Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallroth. The aconitine content in urine was in the range 2.94 μg/mL (dead patient) – 0.20 μg/mL (surviving patients), which was almost two to four times higher than that in plasma.

Digitalis must be banished from the table: a rare case of acute accidental Digitalis intoxication of a whole family

Advanced Digitalis intoxication is a rare event, mainly associated with overdose in patients with Digitalis therapy. We report an unusual case of acute 'familiar' digitalis poisoning in three patients who had eaten potato dumplings flavoured with leaves of Borago officinalis L. unconsciously mixed with leaves of Digitalis purpurea L. A complicated clinical course with marked bradyarrhythmias was presented, with good evolution thanks to the use of digoxin-specific antibody Fab fragments. The theme of the domestic use of plants with medicinal effects has been treated and discussed.

Analysis of food supplements containing iodine: a survey of Italian market

Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans as a critical constituent of thyroid hormones; both iodine deficiency and excess have adverse consequences for the thyroid gland. The aims of this research were to compare claimed concentrations of iodine with measured ones in various iodine-supplemented products, estimate the amount of iodine ingested by Italian consumers who use these products, and compare the calculated intakes to the Recommended Daily Allowance and tolerable Upper Level. A convenience sample of 43 food supplements was analyzed for iodine concentration. Analytical values resembled those declared in the label in fewer than half of the examples; in four cases, the maximal daily dose was higher than the tolerable upper level for iodine of 600 microg/day. Labeling of iodine-rich food supplements appears to be unreliable and caution should be exercised in the consumption of food supplements rich in iodine as there is a risk of exceeding the established safe upper level of daily intake.

Marine macroalgae as sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Algae from cold water (Canada) and warm water (China) were analysed for the total lipid content, and for their fatty acid (FA) composition and content. The major findings are that fatty acids (FA) from Canadian algae are generally richer in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), with a higher n-3/n-6 FA ratio, and a higher degree of total unsaturation. The C 18:4 FA (stearidonic acid, morotic acid as synonym) was detected in greater amounts in cold water samples. The high levels of total PUFA, and especially of n-3 FA in Canadian algae, suggests possible utilization for nutritional purposes.

Marine macroalgae analyzed by mass spectrometry are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Algae from cold water (Canada) and warm water (China) were analyzed for their total lipid content, and for their fatty acid (FA) composition and content. The major findings are that FA from Canadian algae are generally richer in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), with a higher n-3/n-6 FA ratio, and a higher degree of total unsaturation. The 18 C, 4 double bonds FA (18 : 4 stearidonic acid, morotic acid as synonym) was detected in greater amounts in cold water samples. The high levels of total PUFA, and especially of n-3 FA in Canadian algae, suggests their possible utilizations for nutritional purposes.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of natural coptisine and synthesis of coptisine from berberine

The crude extract (80% MeOH in water) of Chelidonii herba exhibited very interesting cytotoxicity against brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) nauplii and cultured human tumour cell in vitro, the colon carcinoma HT 29 (144 h treatment). Fractionation of the crude extract and bioassay-guided procedures showed that the cytotoxic and the antitumour activities were concentrated in the basic extract. On the basis of IR, MS and 1H NMR the compound responsible of the cytotoxic activity was determined to be coptisine. Cytotoxicity evaluation of coptisine was next extended to a panel of human and murine cell lines in comparison with the established antitumour drugs mitoxantrone, doxorubicin (Dx) and cisplatin (CDDP). Coptisine was cytotoxic on LoVo and HT 29 and less potent on L-1210, and it was partially crossresistant on the human tumour colon cell line resistant to Dx, LoVo/Dx, whereas it was not significantly crossresistant on the murine leukaemia cell line resistant to CDDP, L-1210/CDDP. Coptisine alkaloid was then synthesised in gram amount from commercial berberine. A four-step synthetic route was elaborated. The overall yield was about 8-10%. The structural identity of synthetic coptisine was verified by IR and NMR methods. A comparison of the cytotoxic effects on the human tumour colon cell line LoVo and on the murine leukaemia L1210 showed, for both natural and synthetic coptisines, a comparable cytotoxic activity more evident against HT 29 cell line and LoVo cell line, while the activity was lower against the L1210 cell line.

Pharmacological activities of Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae)

Chelidonium majus L. (Papaveraceae) has a long history as being useful for the treatment of many diseases in European countries. This plant is of great interest for its use also in Chinese herbal medicine. The plant contains, as major secondary metabolites, isoquinoline alkaloids, such as sanguinarine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, berberine and coptisine. Other compounds structurally unrelated to the alkaloids have been isolated from the aerial parts: several flavonoids and phenolic acids. C. majus extracts and its purified compounds exhibit interesting antiviral, antitumour and antimicrobial properties both in vitro and in vivo.

Bioactivity of flurithromycin and other macrolides against intracellular susceptible staphylococci

The intracellular activity of flurithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin and miocamycin against susceptible clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, phagocytosed by human monocytes, was investigated. Intracellular bioactivity was studied in a 24-hour assay, using experimental conditions which allowed the intracellular growth of bacteria. A colony counting method was used to differentiate between intracellular bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of antibiotics. Moreover, the effect of macrolides against extracellular staphylococci was assessed. All agents showed higher intracellular than extracellular activity against staphylococci. At low concentration (0.1 mg/l) they had intracellular bacteriostatic activity. At concentrations higher than the minimal inhibitory ones (1 and 5 mg/l), miocamycin only still produced a bacteriostatic effect while flurithromycin, erythromycin and roxithromycin also showed intracellular bactericidal activity.

Uptake of flurithromycin by human polymorphonuclear phagocytes: partial characterization of the entry mechanism

The ability of flurithromycin and erythromycin to enter human polymorphonuclear phagocytes were studied and compared by a velocity centrifugation gradient technique. Both macrolides were markedly concentrated by human cells and attained cellular to extracellular concentration ratios (C/E) > or = 10. The incorporation was rapid and essentially complete after 60 min incubation. When PMNs were pretreated with formaldehyde, or incubated at low temperatures (4-25 degrees C) or at low pH, the transport ratios of both molecules were reduced. Sodium fluoride and 2,4-dinitrophenol, which decreased erythromycin uptake, did not affect flurithromycin penetration. Perturbation of cell membrane by phorbol myristate acetate, but not by formyl methionyl leucyl peptide, affected C/E ratios of both antibiotics. The addition of amino acids or nucleosides did not influence their transfer into PMNs.

[Thyroid function in children with Down's syndrome]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate thyroid function in 45 Down's syndrome patients in order to verify the hypothesis of an increased risk of thyroid disorders associated with trisomy 21. A patient with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 16.6 microU/ml; T4 6.4 micrograms/dl) was diagnosed in a group of 28 subjects with Down's syndrome studied at a mean age of 6 years and 5 months using T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH assays and clinical examination. T4 and TSH values were also measured in 10 of these children at the neonatal screening. One infant presented transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia but later became euthyroid. The analysis of thyroid hormone values at the neonatal screening of other 17 subjects with Down's syndrome did not reveal other cases with thyroid function disorders. The results of this study highlight that altered thyroid functions are evident in children with trisomy 21 associated with heart anomalies. A careful clinico-endocrinological follow-up of patients with Down's syndrome is recommended in order to ensure an early diagnosis of thyroid function disorders and/or autoimmune diseases which might complicate the evolution of trisomy and negatively affect outcome.

[Cholesterol screening in a pediatric population at atherosclerotic risk]

We studied 344 children (174 girls and 170 boys) between the ages of 6 and 15 years (average age 11 years 9 months) chosen on the basis of a positive family anamnesis for dismetabolic and/or precocious cardiovascular pathologies, and also on the basis of objective data obtained at medical examinations, such as obesity and hypertension. These subjects underwent blood tests for glycaemia, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Children with total cholesterol levels above 170 mg/dl were considered to be hypercholesterolemic. 127 young people (65 girls and 62 boys) turned out to have excessively high cholesterol levels with an average level of 195.71 +/- 23.11 mg/dl and average LDL level of 127.05 +/- 25.08 mg/dl. 217 subjects (109 girls and 108 boys) turned out to be within the norm with total cholesterol level of 137.76 +/- 23.04 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol 75.59 +/- 22.89 mg/dl. We found a greater difference between the average values of LDL cholesterol and those of total cholesterol (40.5% compared to 29.61%), which shows that even at pediatric ages the LDL cholesterol concentration is the factor which best indicates the risk level for atherosclerotic development.

Production of Sanguinarine by Chelidonium majus Callus Cultures

Tissue callus cultures originating from CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L. seeds were established on Gamborg B5, Murashige-Skoog (MS), and Schenk-Hildebrandt (SH) media. In all experimental conditions, calli accumulated a complex pattern of isoquinoline derivatives. The highest values, both in growth and in sanguinarine production, were obtained using SH medium.

[Long-term results (May 1989-May 1990) concerning the mandatory use of restraining systems --safety belt and car chair-- for children in Italy]

Results of one year follow-up of children restraint system mandatory use in Italy are exposed: transgression are not pursued and a frequent traumatical pathology for the childhood takes place.

Increased coronary tone in exertional angina: the beneficial effects of calcium antagonists

Coronary vasoconstriction may play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, not only in patients with Prinzmetal's angina, but also in patients with chronic stable angina. In these patients the use of calcium antagonists, namely, dihydropyridine derivatives, may be beneficial. Hyperventilation is a simple and sensitive test to discriminate patients with effort angina who will improve their exercise capacity after administration of these drugs.

[Selenium in the full-term and premature newborn infant]

The following observations can be made on the basis of findings relating to selenium in serum samples taken from 55 neonates (35 born at term and 20 born pre-term): 1) the blood concentration of selenium in neonates born at term showed no substantial difference to that reported by other authors; moreover, there were no sex or birthweight-dependent variations, and no correlations were found with either the mother's age or the mode of engendering procreation; 2) the blood concentration of selenium in neonates born pre-term was 30% lower than that found in neonates born at term; it was correlated with gestational age and birthweight, but not with sex, mother's age or the mode of engendering procreation. It will be worthwhile continuing these tests in order to identify possible therapeutic uses of selenium in cases of deficiency.

[The safe transportation of children in automobiles]

The Author emphasizes the significant number of children who sustain fatal accidents during their transport on motor vehicles and relates the Act recently promulgated by the Italian Parliament on the mandatory use of particular restraining devices as well as safety harness for children.

[Carnitine and Down's syndrome]

The present study revealed a degree of carnitine deficiency in a large percentage of Down's syndrome children. In fact below average carnitine levels were noted in 39.1% of the cases examined with severe deficiency in 4. On the basis of these data supplementary carnitine is recommended in cases of deficiency particularly in view of the value of carnitine in the prevention of cell aging.

[Vitamin C in children with trisomy 21]

The present study revealed ascorbic acid deficiency in the blood of many children with Down's syndrome. It also revealed a fairly definite connection between Vitamin C deficiency and diet in these patients and a similar link between ascorbic acid deficiency and this incidence of infections. Where necessary the prescription of Vitamin C for the prevention and treatment of recurring infection is therefore recommended, bearing in mind the valuable antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid that can be exploited in combating cell deterioration.

[Blood zinc in patients with Down's syndrome and its relations with their immune status]

Studies performed in the last decade have shown the importance of zinc in human physiology particularly in cell mediated immunity. Blood zinc values were assayed with the atomic absorption method using a Perkin/Elmer 2.380 spectrophotometer in 35 Down's syndrome subjects (DS) (16 boys and 19 girls aged 6 months 20 years) and in normal subjects in good health. The immunological picture was determined as previously described. Zinc values in normal subjects were in the range 92-128 micrograms/dl (mean value 107 +/- 10.46 micrograms/dl). The values are in the normal range. The range of blood zinc values of DS children was 60-138 micrograms/dl (mean value 92.22 +/- 19.76 micrograms/dl). Of the 35 subjects with DS, 16 had values of 60-84 micrograms/dl (mean 74.25 +/- 8.29 micrograms/dl) (table I), which are well below normal. Blood zinc values were not correlated to age and sex. A relationship was found with mortality. Out of 16 patients with low zinc values 10 (68.5%) were particularly susceptible to infections. These data were then related to results concerning the immunological status of a previous study. The only three negative skin tests were observed in subjects with low blood zinc. 62.5% of DS subjects with low blood zinc also had a complete lymphocyte deficit (table I) as compared to 42.1% of DS cases with normal zinc levels. Respectively 56.25% and 36.8% of DS cases with low blood zinc values had an abnormal and normal T helper/T suppressor ratio. Only 3 (8.57% of all cases and 18.75% of low blood zinc values) subjects had an alteration of all the parameter evaluated (including morbility).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[In vitro antibacterial activity of neomycin, bacitracin and a combination of both]

Bacitracin and neomycin have been used for a long time for local intestinal antisepsis or decontamination, due to their scarce or nonexistent intestinal absorption. The aim of the present study was to determine the activity of bacitracin and neomycin against recent clinical isolates of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms and to verify their capacity to have a synergistic effect and to prevent the emergence of bacterial resistance when in combination. The results showed that the activity of either antibiotic against recent clinical isolates (even if resistant to cephalosporins and aminoglycosides) is similar to that originally displayed at the time introduction in therapy. Generally the combination of the two antibiotics showed a synergistic or additive effect and prevented the selection of resistant strains.

[The immunological profile of children with Down's syndrome]

In 1965 Benda demonstrated that bioptic and autoptic material of children with Down's syndrome showed hypoplasia of the thymus with poor histological differentiation between the cortex and medulla and impairment of Hassal's corpuscles which were also fewer than normal. In the seventies studies revealed the increased susceptibility to infections and higher incidence of leucosis in Down's syndrome patients as well as changes of immunologic defences (in particular cell mediated immunity). This study examines 35 children (16 boys and 19 girls) aged 6 months-20 years. Subjects were divided into a group of 18 cases in poor health with a history of recurrent infections and a group of 17 children in good health. Skin tests were performed by inoculating 0.1 ml of a solution formed by 1 ml physiological solution and 0.1 ml tetanus toxoid. Skin reaction was evaluated 48 hours later. Lymphocyte typing tests were performed with the rosette method and with monoclonal antibodies for T lymphocytes and with the determination of surface immunoglobulins for B lymphocytes. OKT4 (T helper), OKT8 (T suppressor) subsets assayed and the OKT4/OKT8 ratio was determined. Skin tests were negative in 3 cases (8.6%). The number of B lymphocytes was normal in all children. Total number of lymphocytes was decreased in 51.4% of cases. Two subjects had a reduction of OKT4 and 14 had an increased of OKT8 and 16 a significantly lower OKT4/OKT8 ratio. It is clear that skin tests were normal also in those children with low total lymphocyte values. The most closely related parameter to mobility was the OKT4/OKT8 ratio and the most distantly related on was the skin test. Only 3 cases had modifications of all 3 parameters together. Apart from the constant and complete immunological deficit described by many authors and which we cannot confirm the results of this study are in agreement with those of other authors.

A study of the diterpene alkaloids of Aconitum napellus ssp. neomontanum during its onthogenetic cycle

Qualitative and quantitative variations in the diterpene alkaloids content in the neomontanum subspecies of Aconitum napellus, growing near lake of Como, were studied throughout its complete onthogenetic cycle. Aconitine, N-deethylaconitine and two compounds with m.w. = 688 and m.w. = 629 have been detected in the various organs of plant almost at any time during the vegetative cycle.

A comparison of the bronchodilator effects of broxaterol and salbutamol

In 12 adult patients with reversible bronchospasm (7 bronchial asthma and 5 chronic obstructive bronchitis) the bronchodilator activity and tolerability of 200 and 400 mcg of broxaterol hydrochloride (Z 1170) were compared to those of 200 mcg of salbutamol administered by metered-dose inhaler. A single dose of the drugs was compared in a double-blind balanced latin square cross-over design. FEV1, FVC, MMEF, MEF25, heart rate and blood pressure were measured just before and 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after each treatment. At these times clinical evaluation was also carried out to ascertain the presence of side effects. In the doses employed, broxaterol and salbutamol caused significant increases over baseline FEV1, MMEF and MEF25 from 7.5 to 240 min and FVC from 7.5 to 120 min. The difference between the effects of the two doses of broxaterol on FVC, MMEF and MEF25 was significant at 15 min. No significant difference was observed in the activity curves of 400 mcg of broxaterol and salbutamol. The effects of salbutamol were significantly greater than those of 200 mcg of broxaterol on FEV1 at 7.5 and 15 min and on FVC, MMEF and MEF25 at 15 min. All three treatments were well tolerated. No significant changes were observed in heart rate or blood pressure and tremors were not reported in any patient.

In vitro and ex vivo influence of rifamycins on human phagocytes

We studied the effects of rifamycin SV, rifampicin and rifapentine on human phagocyte functions. Rifamycins inhibited in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis in the range of their therapeutic levels, and they significantly affected the survival of a rifamycin-sensitive strain of Staphylococcus aureus inside human monocytes. Both effects were related to the intraphagocytic penetration of these antibiotics. For the ex vivo studies, 600 mg of rifampicin were orally administered to five subjects with defective S. aureus killing. A significant reduction of neutrophil chemotaxis and increased activity against S. aureus were shown 150 and 210 min after administration of the drug.