[Biochemical markers for bone activity and osteoporosis]. / Markers biochimici dell'attività ossea e osteoporosi.

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass, derangement of bone microscopic architecture and increased risk of fractures. For the evaluation of this risk an important role is played by bone mass peak (measurable with mineralometric techniques) and the rate of bone resorption. The latter can be assessed by means of many laboratory indexes, taken as markers of bone cells activity. The latest markers of osteoblastic activity are osteocalcin and the terminal fragment of type I pro-collagen. On the other hand pyridinolines are considered markers of bone resorption. The authors describe the assay procedures and the clinical meaning of these markers of bone metabolism.

[Pulmonary metabolism of beta-endorphin in asthmatic patients in asymptomatic periods and after bronchospasm induced by methacholine]. / Metabolismo polmonare delle beta-endorfine in soggetti asmatici asintomatici e dopo broncospasmo indotto con metacolina.

Blood concentration of endogenous beta-endorphines can change during the clinical evolution of chronic bronchopneumopathies. The authors assessed the beta-endorphine concentrations in the pulmonary arterial and systemic arterial blood in 8 asthmatic patients during a symptom-free period and after methacholine-induced bronchospasm. The beta-endorphine analysis was performed in duplicate dor each sample, by means of a RIA assay. There is not difference in the systemic arterial blood concentration of beta-endorphines between asthmatic patients and normal subjects. Furthermore, there is no change in the beta-endorphine blood concentration during the passage through the pulmonary tissue after methacoline-induced bronchospasm.

Theophylline in the treatment of the elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The authors describe the pharmacological effects of theophylline and elucidate its mechanisms of action according to latest hypothesis. The narrow therapeutic range of the drug and the existence of factors capable of modifying its distribution and clearance in the elderly, are taken into consideration, as well. The behaviour of theophylline concentrations in two groups of elderly subjects affected by chronic bronchitis, treated respectively with intravenous aminophylline and anhydrous theophylline administered orally are assessed. Usefulness of associating the two routes of administration is underlined. In fact, the delay in the achievement of the therapeutic range observed after oral intake can be made up for by the initial peak induced by intravenous injection. Our observations in the elderly are consistent with the necessity of therapeutic monitoring. In addition, a careful dosage of the drug can avoid the occurrence of untoward effects.

[Classification of chronic hepatitis]. / In tema di classificazioni delle epatiti croniche.

After an examination of the classifications of chronic hepatitis put forward between 1968 and the present a critical review of the subject is presented. On the basis of personal experience and in the light of recent developments, another classification is proposed which together with morphological criteria, haematochemical evaluation and particularly, statistically processed immunological data would permit adequate monitoring of possible therapeutic treatments.