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Loraschi A, Bellantonio P, Bortolon F, Capra R, Cavalla P, Costantino G, Lugaresi A, Martinelli V, Marrosu MG, Patti F, Rottoli M, Salvetti M, Sola P, Solaro C, Klersy C, Marino F, Zaffaroni M, Cosentino M. Use of herbal remedies by multiple sclerosis patients: a nation-wide survey in Italy. Neurol Sci 2016; 37:613-22. [PMID: 26895323 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-016-2519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Though recent progress in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is remarkable, numerous unmet needs remain to be addressed often inducing patients to look for complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), especially herbal remedies (HR). HR use, scarcely investigated in MS, may cause adverse reactions (AR) and interfere with conventional treatment. We performed a survey aimed at evaluating use and attitudes towards HR and factor associated to HR use. Other CAM use and attitudes have been investigated as well. Multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to MS out patients attending 14 Italian referral Centers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify HR use determinants. Present/past HR use for either MS or other diseases was reported in 35.6 % of 2419 cases (95 % CI 36.0-40.0 %). CAM use was reported in 42.5 % of cases. Independent predictors of HR use were represented by higher education, geographic area, dissatisfaction with conventional treatment of diseases other than MS and benefit perception from CAM use. Both HR and CAM use were not always disclosed to the healthcare professional. In conclusion, HR and other CAM appear to be popular among MS patients. The involvement of the healthcare professionals appears to be scarce with potential risk of AR or interference with conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Loraschi
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy
| | - P Bellantonio
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - F Bortolon
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, "San Bortolo" Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - R Capra
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Montichiari Hospital, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Cavalla
- 1 Division of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Costantino
- Struttura Semplice "Sclerosi multipla" Az Ospedale-Università "Ospedali riuniti", Foggia, Italy
| | - A Lugaresi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - V Martinelli
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - M G Marrosu
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - F Patti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science and Advanced Technologies, GF Ingrassia, Neurosciences Section, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Rottoli
- Multiple Sclerosis Center of Bergamo, USS Malattie Autoimmuni, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII of Bergamo, Piazza OMS 1, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - M Salvetti
- Neurology and Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Sola
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Modena, Nuovo Ospedale Civile S. Agostino Estense, Estense, Italy
| | - C Solaro
- Neurology Unit, Department Head and Neck, ASL3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Klersy
- Biometry and Statistics Service, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy
| | - M Zaffaroni
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Gallarate Hospital, Gallarate, Italy
| | - M Cosentino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Via Ottorino Rossi n. 9, 21100, Varese, VA, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore use and attitudes toward drugs and dietary supplements (DS) and knowledge concerning doping in cycling. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING Professional cycling. PARTICIPANTS Elite under-23 male cyclists. INTERVENTION Anonymous semistructured questionnaire administered during race periods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Use and attitudes toward DS and drugs, and doping knowledge. RESULTS Forty cyclists aged 19 to 23 years and practicing for 14 to 30 h/wk were interviewed. Previous use (last 3 months) of drugs or DS occurred in 33 of 40 (82.5%) and 39 of 40 (97.5%) cyclists, respectively. Almost all the subjects named at least 1 doping agent (range, 1-10). Within a fixed list of 18 substances (among which only 14 were doping agents), participants recognized 3 to 18 of them as doping agents. They recognized tramadol and sildenafil as doping agents, which are not doping agents, and failed to recognize probenecid and albumin, which actually are. Doping knowledge correlated with drug use (r2 = 0.1614; P = 0.01). Participants deemed doping prevalence high among cyclists in general but not in their own team (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Use of prescription drugs and DS was a common occurrence. Doping knowledge was poor and biased, and its relationship with drug use deserves consideration. Educational interventions are needed to improve knowledge and awareness about prescription drugs and DS use, as well as about doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Loraschi
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Guasti L, Marino F, Cosentino M, Maroni L, Maresca AM, Colombo F, Maio RC, Castiglioni L, Saporiti F, Loraschi A, Gaudio G, Bernasconi A, Laurita E, Grandi AM, Venco A. Cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in patients studied for suspected obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath 2009; 15:3-11. [PMID: 19924457 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-009-0315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2009] [Accepted: 10/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atherosclerosis-related inflammation has been poorly investigated, particularly focusing on functional responses of immune cells playing a key role in atherogenesis and in comparison with control groups with similar cardiovascular risk factors which are known to be themselves associated with inflammation. We sought to determine cellular tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and interleukin (IL)-8 release from neutrophils (PMNs) in patients studied for suspected OSA. METHODS Thirty-six consecutive patients who underwent a nocturnal complete cardiorespiratory evaluation for suspected OSA were initially evaluated. Serum, PBMCs, and PMNs were isolated (at baseline and after 12 weeks) from patients with apnea-ipopnea index (AHI) >20 (OSA group, n = 16) and from control patients with AHI <5 (nonOSA group, n = 11). All patients continued the same pharmacological therapy for 12 weeks; the OSA group was additionally treated with nocturnal continuous positive-airway-pressure ventilation (cPAP). RESULTS The two groups had similar clinical characteristics (prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardio-metabolic therapies) except for obesity. Resting and stimulated TNF-α production from PBMCs and IL-8 release from PMNs were similar in the two groups. Serum cytokines resulted within the normal range. In the OSA group, cPAP was not associated with changes in cellular responses. CONCLUSIONS In patients showing similar prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and cardio-metabolic therapies, differing for the presence or absence of OSA, cytokine productions from PBMC and PMN were similar and were not modified during cPAP therapy. Studies designed to investigate OSA-associated inflammation should carefully match the control group subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Guasti
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, Varese, 21100, Italy.
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Marino F, Guasti L, Cosentino M, Rasini E, Ferrari M, Maio RC, Loraschi A, Cimpanelli MG, Schembri L, Legnaro M, Molteni E, Crespi C, Crema F, Venco A, Lecchini S. Simvastatin treatment in subjects at high cardiovascular risk modulates AT1R expression on circulating monocytes and T lymphocytes. J Hypertens 2008; 26:1147-55. [PMID: 18475152 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e3282f97dde] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Angiotensin II, through the activation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors, plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Statins may interfere with the effects of angiotensin II. METHODS We have investigated the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor, angiotensin II type 2 receptor and angiotensinogen on circulating monocytes and T-lymphocytes from subjects at high risk for vascular events before and during simvastatin treatment, and healthy controls. In-vitro experiments were also performed to assess the ability of simvastatin to interfere with angiotensin II signalling. RESULTS In comparison with controls, high-risk subjects had similar angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression on the cell membranes but significantly higher angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA levels at least in monocyte subsets whereas their expression on T cells was similar. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor mRNA expression was higher than controls in both monocytes and T lymphocytes. No differences were observed in angiotensinogen expression on monocytes while T lymphocytes of high-risk subjects show higher expression. One-month treatment of high-risk subjects with simvastatin resulted in a reduction of angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA without affecting angiotensin II type 2 receptor whereas angiotensinogen mRNA expression was reduced at least in monocytes. Incubation in vitro with simvastatin reduces the expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA levels on monocytes from untreated subjects. CONCLUSION Simvastatin induces down-regulation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, interferes with angiotensin II activity in immune cells and contributes to the anti-inflammatory profile of statins that can explain the therapeutic effects of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Marino
- Section of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Guasti L, Marino F, Cosentino M, Cimpanelli M, Rasini E, Piantanida E, Vanoli P, De Palma D, Crespi C, Klersy C, Maroni L, Loraschi A, Colombo C, Simoni C, Bartalena L, Lecchini S, Grandi AM, Venco A. Pain perception, blood pressure levels, and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in patients followed for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a longitudinal study in hypothyroidism and during hormone treatment. Clin J Pain 2007; 23:518-23. [PMID: 17575492 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0b013e3180735e5e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated blood pressure levels that are associated with hypalgesia and hypothyroidism have major influences on the cardiovascular system. The potential modulation of pain sensitivity by thyroid hormones is largely undetermined. Moreover, a few experimental studies show that peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs), which may be altered in hypothyroidism, seem to be related with pain perception. METHODS Dental pain threshold and tolerance were evaluated in 19 patients followed for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (1) in severe short-term hypothyroidism (phase 1) and (2) during thyroid stimulating hormone-suppressive LT4 treatment (phase 2). PBR expression (cytofluorimetric evaluation) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also investigated in the 2 phases. RESULTS Pain perception differed throughout the study, the dental pain threshold was higher in phase 1 (P<0.05) whereas pain tolerance was higher but not significantly (P=0.07). Although the systolic blood pressure was higher during hypothyroidism (P<0.01), no relationship was found between blood pressure changes and pain sensitivity variations. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis showed an independent association of the clinical phase with pain sensitivity (r=-2.61, P=0.029), while accounting for systolic blood pressure. The intensity of PBRs was significantly higher in the first phase of the study (P=0.047) whereas the ratio did not significantly differ. However, no relationship was observed between pain sensitivity and PBRs. DISCUSSION In conclusion, in athyreotic patients, the pain sensitivity is related to the thyroid status and is independent of the increase in blood pressure induced by thyroid hormone deprivation. The PBRs do not seem to have major influence on pain sensitivity changes in hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Guasti
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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Loraschi A, Mauri M, Bono G, Lecchini S, Cosentino M. Two Cases of Hepatotoxicity Following High-Doses Methylprednisolone Therapy for Demyelinating Diseases. Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200730100-00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Loraschi A, Martignoni E, Cosentino M, Zangaglia R, Citterio A, Pacchetti C, Nappi G, Lecchini S. Neuroleptic Treatment and Extrapyramidal Disorders: A Survey In Long-Term Institutionalized Psychiatric Patients In Italy. Drug Saf 2006. [DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200629100-00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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