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To evaluate serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), soluble receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kappa B (RANKL), and their relationship with FGF-23, lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers, five patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) and 40 healthy controls were studied. TIO patients were followed for 360 days after surgical removal of underlying tumor (n = 2) or beginning of therapy with phosphate and calcitriol when surgical treatment was impossible (n = 3). At diagnosis, TIO patients had higher levels of FGF-23 and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and lower levels of cathepsin K (CathK), RANKL, and RANKL/OPG ratio compared to controls. During the follow-up, FGF-23 decreased significantly only in patients who underwent a surgical excision, while phosphate and BMD increased in all patients. The increases in BMD, phosphate, and renal phosphate reabsorption rate were directly related. In the first 60 days of follow-up, we observed a prolonged inhibition of RANKL, CathK, and bone resorption markers associated with a persistence of TIO symptoms and an increase in bALP. From day 60, levels of bone turnover markers returned progressively within the normal range and a clinical remission was observed. The inhibition of the RANKL/OPG pathway and the uncoupling of bone formation and resorption observed in patients with active TIO may be a compensatory mechanism, attempting to reduce worsening of osteomalacia. The BMD increase during TIO treatment is related to the improvement of phosphate rather than FGF-23 levels. A "hungry bone"-like syndrome was observed after surgical or pharmacological treatment.

Purpose: Osteoporosis (Op) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are two common disorders showing common pathogenic patterns. This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate if MetS and its constitutive elements are associated to an increased risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) in free-living women examined by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for suspected Op. Methods: 13,182 free-living Caucasian women referring to “COMEGEN” general practitioners cooperative operating in Naples, Italy, performed a contextual evaluation of BMD by DXA and all MetS constitutive elements (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, serum levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose) between June 1st 2008 and May 31st 2018. Subjects aged less than 40 years or with signs or symptoms suggestive of secondary Op were excluded from the study. Results: MetS is associated to an increased risk of low BMD (Odds Ratio 1.19; 95% Confidence Interval 1.08–1.31). Among MetS constitutive elements, hypertension was associated to increased risk of low BMD, whereas high fasting glucose level/diabetes were associated to reduced risk of low BMD. Conclusions: The significant association between Op and MetS in free-living women examined by DXA for suspected Op suggests the advisability of a contextual evaluation of both disorders in this setting.

Purpose We have recently demonstrated a significant association between osteoporosis (Op) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Caucasian women examined by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for suspected Op. This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the association between MetS and Op in Caucasian men enrolled in the same geographical area, with identical criteria and in the same time range. Methods Among subjects enrolled in the SIMON study, we selected the medical records of all free-living men who performed a contextual evaluation of both bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA and MetS constitutive elements (arterial blood pressure, waist circumference, serum levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose). All enrolled subjects refer to “COMEGEN” general practitioners’ cooperative operating in Naples, Southern Italy. Results Overall, the medical records of 880 men were examined. No significant association between MetS and Op was observed. Among MetS constitutive elements, waist circumference was inversely related to Op risk. Conclusion In Caucasian men examined by DXA for suspected Op, no significant association was observed between Op and MetS. The study results contrast to those observed in women enrolled in the same geographical area, with identical criteria and in the same time range and may be related to sexual dimorphism occurring in clinical expressiveness of both MetS and Op.

Osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis are common multifactorial disorders with high incidence and prevalence in the adult population worldwide. Both are associated with high morbidity and mortality if not correctly diagnosed and accurately treated. Nephrolithiasis is considered a risk factor for reduced bone mineral density. Aim of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate if osteoporosis is a predictive factor for the nephrolithiasis occurrence. Free-living subjects referring to “COMEGEN” general practitioners cooperative operating in Naples, Southern Italy. Twelve thousand seven hundred ninety-four Caucasian subjects (12,165 female) who performed bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and have a negative personal history for nephrolithiasis. Subjects aged less than 40 years or with signs or symptoms suggestive of secondary osteoporosis were excluded from the study. In a mean lapse of time of 19.5 months, 516 subjects had an incident episode of nephrolithiasis. Subjects with osteoporosis had an increased risk of nephrolithiasis than subjects without osteoporosis (Hazard Ratio = 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval 1.01–1.74, p = 0.04). Free-living adult subjects over the age of 40 with idiopathic osteoporosis have an increased risk of incident nephrolithiasis, suggesting the advisability of appropriate investigation and treatment of the metabolic alterations predisposing to nephrolithiasis in patients with osteoporosis. The study protocol was approved by the ASL Napoli 1 Ethical Committee, protocol number 0018508/2018

In this work, the introduction of small variations in the electrical impedance ofHF (High Frequency) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags has been exploited in the proximity sensing of temperature by applying Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) interdigital capacitive sensors as a modification of the transponder’s circuitry. The adopted electrical parasitic sensing load introduces a shift in the primary resonance peakof the tag. Theimpedance spectra have been acquired by a dedicated laboratory setup allowing to apply simultaneously thermal forcing and RF signals to the transponder itself. Thesensitivity of the modified taghas been assessed after taking into account the thermal response of the transponder chipwhich is relevant in the formulation of thermal-sensing transponders.

Adequate vitamin D status is essential for skeletal health. Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is a common metabolic skeletal disorder, but data regarding the vitamin D status in PDB patients are lacking. We performed a case–control study to estimate vitamin D status in 708 PDB patients and in 1803 healthy controls from Italy and an observational prospective study to evaluate the efficacy–safety profile of oral cholecalciferol treatment [400.000 International Units (UI) of cholecalciferol administered in cycles of 8 weeks until 25OHD levels reaches 70 nmol/L as primary therapy and 50.000 UI of cholecalciferol administered every 2 weeks for 52 weeks for the maintenance therapy] in 82 PDB patients with hypovitaminosis D, i.e., 25OHD

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming over seven million lives each year. Permanent metal stents, the current standard of care for CHD, inhibit arterial vasomotion and induce serious complications such as late stent thrombosis. Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) made from poly L-lactide (PLLA) overcome these complications by supporting the occluded artery for 3-6 months and then being completely resorbed in 2-3 years, leaving behind a healthy artery. The BVS that recently received clinical approval is, however, relatively thick (~150 μm, approximately twice as thick as metal stents ~80 μm). Thinner scaffolds would facilitate implantation and enable treatment of smaller arteries. The key to a thinner scaffold is careful control of the PLLA microstructure during processing to confer greater strength in a thinner profile. However, the rapid time scales of processing (~1 s) defy prediction due to a lack of structural information. Here, we present a custom-designed instrument that connects the strain-field imposed on PLLA during processing to in situ development of microstructure observed using synchrotron X-ray scattering. The connection between deformation, structure and strength enables processing-structure-property relationships to guide the design of thinner yet stronger BVSs. © 2018 by the authors.

Simple nodular goiter and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are 2 frequent nonmalignant thyroid diseases. Tobacco smoking has detrimental effects on the endocrine system and in particular on thyroid function and morphology. The objective of this cross-sectional study, involving 1800 Caucasian adults from a geographical area with mild iodine deficiency, was to evaluate the relationship between tobacco smoking, smoking cessation, and the prevalence of simple nodular goiter and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thyroid status was evaluated by ultrasonic exploration of the neck, measurement of FT3, FT4, TSH, antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin, and urinary iodine excretion. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy of significant nodules was also performed. Smoking habits were evaluated by a specific questionnaire and the calculation of number of pack years. Both current and previous smokers showed an increased risk of simple nodular goiter compared to never smokers after adjustment for potential confounders and known goitrogen factors. Interestingly, the simple nodular goiter risk was similar for never smokers and for previous smokers declaring a time since cessation of smoking for more than 69 months. Smoking habit was not associated to an increased risk of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Smoking appears to be an independent risk factor for simple nodular goiter but not for Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an area with mild iodine deficiency. A prolonged withdrawal of smoking dramatically reduces the risk of simple nodular goiter occurrence.

Even though SQSTM1 gene mutations have been identified in a consistent number of patients, the etiology of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) remains in part unknown. In this study we analyzed SQSTM1 mutations in 533 of 608 consecutive PDB patients from several regions, including the high-prevalence area of Campania (also characterized by increased severity of PDB, higher number of familial cases, and peculiar phenotypic characteristics as giant cell tumor). Eleven different mutations (Y383X, P387L, P392L, E396X, M401V, M404V, G411S, D423X, G425E, G425R, and A427D) were observed in 34 of 92 (37%) and 43 of 441 (10%) of familial and sporadic PDB patients, respectively. All five patients with giant cell tumor complicating familial PDB were negative for SQSTM1 mutations. An increased heterogeneity and a different distribution of mutations were observed in southern Italy (showing 9 of the 11 mutations) than in central and northern Italy. Genotype-phenotype analysis showed only a modest reduction in age at diagnosis in patients with truncating versus missense mutations, whereas the number of affected skeletal sites did not differ significantly. Patients from Campania had the highest prevalence of animal contacts (i.e., working or living on a farm or pet ownership) without any difference between patients with or without mutation. However, when familial cases from Campania were considered, animal contacts were observed in 90% of families without mutations. Interestingly, a progressive age-related decrease in the prevalence of animal contacts, as well as a parallel increase in the prevalence of SQSTM1 mutations, was observed in most regions except in the subgroup of patients from Campania. Moreover, patients reporting animal contacts showed an increased number of affected sites (2.54 ± 2.0 versus 2.19 ± 1.9, p

Primary pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a rare syndrome, characterized by digital clubbing, periostosis, and pachydermia. We have evaluated biochemical bone turnover markers, including components of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-?B ligand (OPG/RANKL) systems, in an 18-year-old man affected by primary PDP. The acute phase of the disease was characterized in our patient by high serum levels of IL-6 and RANKL. The observed high serum levels of these parameters are associated with increased values in markers of bone resorption (degradation products of C-terminal telopeptides of type-I collagen and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio) and reduced serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase, a marker of bone formation. Serum levels of osteotrophic hormones were in the normal range. Our data suggest that, despite the radiographic findings, the acute phase of primary PDP is characterized by increased bone resorption, probably mediated by IL-6 and RANKL. Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03009740701772457

Background/aim: To study the characteristics of interleukin 6 (IL6), soluble form of interleukin 6 receptor (sILR)/IL6 complex in obese children and adolescents and its relationship with insulin resistance (IR). Subjects and methods: 66 obese children and adolescents [34 boys, mean age 10.3 ± 2.9 years, z-score of body mass index (BMI) 4.76 ± 1.36] and 24 non-obese healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Fasting levels of glucose, insulin, IL6, sIL6, sgp130 were measured. IR was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Results: Obese subjects showed increased levels of insulin and IL-6 and higher HOMA-IR compared to controls (117.67 ± 50.9 vs. 62.42 ± 29.4 pmol/L, 2.73 ± 0.98 vs. 1.07 ± 0.41 pg/ml and 4.03 ± 2.16 vs. 1.83 ± 1.05 for insulin, IL-6 and HOMA-IR, respectively, p < 0.01 in all cases). sIL-6R levels were significantly lower in obese subjects (34.7 ± 14.2 vs. 55.6 ± 15.2 ng/ml in controls, p = 0.005), whereas sgp130 levels were not significantly different. In obese subjects, IL-6 directly correlated with z-score BMI (r = 0.481, p = 0.009) and with waist-to-height ratio (r = 0.494, p = 0.007), while sIL6-R was inversely related to HOMA-IR (r = -0.522, p = 0.002). Insulin resistant subjects showed higher levels of IL6 and lower levels of sIL6R (3.31 ± 0.72 vs. 2.25 ± 0.64 pg/ml, p = 0.020 and 25.3 ± 9.3 vs. 42.5 ± 10.4 ng/ml, p = 0.013, respectively). Conclusions: In obese children and adolescents, IR is associated with elevated levels of IL-6 and diminished values of sIL-6R.

Context: Nephrolithiasis affects about 10% of the population in industrialized countries, with calcium salts composing more than 80% of renal stones. A significant percentage of patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and normal parathyroid function show hypophosphatemia and reduced renal phosphate reabsorption (i.e. a renal phosphate leak). Objectives: The objective of the study was to compare serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a regulator of phosphate homeostasis, in 110 recurrent stone formers with or without renal phosphate leak, six patients affected by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, five patients affected by oncogenic osteomalacia, and 60 unrelated healthy controls. Design: This was a prospective interventional study. Methods: Renal phosphate leak was identified based on the occurrence of idiopathic hypophosphatemia [serum phosphate concentration < 2.50 mg/dl ( Results: In 22 stone formers with renal phosphate leak, serum FGF23 concentration was significantly higher as compared with 88 stone formers without renal phosphate leak and with controls [83.3 (65.6–101.1) vs. 32.1 (26.8–37.4) and 24.5 (19.8–29.1) reference units (RU)/ml, respectively]. Stone formers with renal phosphate leak showed lower FGF23, compared with patients with oncogenic osteomalacia and X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets [572.3 (235.9–908.7) RU/ml]. Among stone formers and controls, serum FGF23 concentration displayed a strong inverse association with serum phosphate (r = −0.784, P = 0.009) and the rate of tubular phosphate reabsorption (r = −0.791, P = 0.008). Conclusions: In our study population, renal phosphate leak affected 20% of stone formers and was strongly associated with increased serum FGF23 concentration.

Serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6-soluble receptor (sIL-6R), IL-6 gp130-soluble receptor (sgp130), ligand of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were determined in 42 patients with polyostotic Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and acquired resistance to clodronate (M/F ratio 23:19; mean age 58.5 +/- 9.4 years) in acute phase of disease and after oral risedronate treatment (30 mg/day for 8 weeks). At baseline, pagetic patients showed higher levels of OPG, sIL-6R, and IL-6 with lower levels of sgp130 compared to 24 age- and sex-matched controls (respectively, 4.69 +/- 1.27 vs. 2.87 +/- 0.54 pmol/L; 40.89 +/- 8.61 vs. 30.98 +/- 4.24 ng/ml; 3.59 +/- 0.97 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.9 pg/ml; 327.34 +/- 43.41 vs. 411.7 +/- 79.5 ng/ml). Response to treatment is related to a significant increase of OPG levels in all patients (from 4.69 +/- 1.27 to 5.48 +/- 1.31 pmol/L). The disease remission, that is, total alkaline phosphatase (tALP) levels within the normal range after therapy, was associated with a simultaneous increase in OPG and sgp130 levels. In patients with tALP higher than the normal range after therapy, the OPG increase was associated with a parallel increase in RANKL levels. Our data suggest that serum levels of components of RANKL/OPG and IL-6 systems, before and after treatment, may be used to better define a therapeutical strategy in pagetic patients.

Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency due to selective malabsorption of the vitamin and usually results in megaloblastic anemia appearing in childhood. It is responsive to parenteral vitamin B12 therapy. The estimated prevalence (calculated based on Scandinavian data) is less than 6:1,000,000. However, many cases may be misdiagnosed. When there is reasonable evidence to suspect that a patient suffers from IGS, a new and straightforward approach to diagnosis is mutational analysis of the appropriate genes. We report for the first time the case of a girl of Italian ancestry with IGS genetically confirmed by the detection of a homozygous missense mutation in the AMN gene (c.208-2 A > G).

Background. Epidemiological data indicate an increasing incidence and prevalence of nephrolithiasis (NL) worldwide in the last few decades. Methods. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and biochemical profiles of recurrent stone formers referred to a Kidney Stone Centre from March 1983 to June 1986 with the one featured by patients seen 25 years later in the same geographical area, Campania, southern Italy. Results. Idiopathic calcium stone formers made up the large majority of the patient population in both series. Those examined in 2008–11 showed higher age at the onset of NL, higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and higher urinary excretion of oxalate and phosphate compared with those seen in 1983–86. The differences in the urinary biochemical variables remained significant upon accounting for age, gender, creatinine clearance and body mass index (BMI), and were not observed in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism enrolled in the same periods. A greater prevalence of uric acid stone formers was also observed in the 2008–11 population. Conclusions. The massive epidemics of overweight/obesity and the substantial modifications of dietary habits over the last few decades in most Western countries may be the factors underlying the changing clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with recurrent NL.

Neoplastic degeneration represents a rare but serious complication of Paget's disease of bone (PDB). Although osteosarcomas have been described in up to 1% of PDB cases, giant cell tumors are less frequent and mainly occur in patients with polyostotic disease. We recently characterized a large pedigree with 14 affected members of whom four developed giant cell tumors at pagetic sites. The high number of affected subjects across multiple generations allowed us to better characterize the clinical phenotype and look for possible susceptibility loci. Of interest, all the affected members had polyostotic PDB, but subjects developing giant cell tumors showed an increased disease severity with a reduced clinical response to bisphosphonate treatment and an increased prevalence of bone pain, deformities, and fractures. Together with an increased occurrence of common pagetic complications, affected patients of this pedigree also evidenced a fivefold higher prevalence of coronary artery disease with respect to either the unaffected family members or a comparative cohort of 150 unrelated PDB cases from the same geographical area. This association was further enhanced in the four cases with PDB and giant cell tumors, all of them developing coronary artery disease before 60 years of age. Despite the early onset and the severe phenotype, PDB patients from this pedigree were negative for the presence of SQSTM1 or TNFRSF11A mutations, previously associated with enhanced disease severity. Genome-wide linkage analysis identified six possible candidate regions on chromosomes 1, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 20. Because the chromosome 8 and 10 loci were next to the TNFRSF11B and OPTN genes, we extended the genetic screening to these two genes, but we failed to identify any causative mutation at both the genomic and transcription level, suggesting that a different genetic defect is associated with PDB and potentially giant cell tumor of bone in this pedigree. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL, OMIM 151800), is a rare disease characterised by the growth of uncapsulated masses of abnormal adipose tissue around the neck, shoulders or other parts of the trunk and typically associated with high ethanol intake. We describe the case of a 33 year-old woman with MSL and secondary amenorrhea. Despite the presence of an ovarian failure confirmed by undetectable serum levels of inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone, the patient had normal serum levels of estrone and gonadotropins coexisting with a biological adrenal hyperandrogenism. We suggest that the adrenal hyperandrogenism observed in our patient could be attributed to an impairment of the cytochrome p450 function, inducing a relative 21-hydroxylase deficiency/insufficiency, related to alcohol abuse and that the increased peripheral aromatization of androgens in estrogens lead to normal circulating levels of estrone. The result is the absence of gonadotropin elevation despite primary ovarian failure. The peculiar functional pattern of brown adipocytes in patients with MSL may contribute to this biological phenomenon with an additive effect related to alcohol consumption. Altogether, these data could help to better define the peculiar pituitary-gonadal profile observed in this rare syndrome and in some cases of women with heavy alcohol consumption.

Background. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for nephrolithiasis. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical and biochemical profile of calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis in stone formers with metabolic syndrome. Methods. A total of 526 recurrent stone formers, 184 of them with metabolic syndrome, and 214 controls were examined on a free diet and after a sodium-restricted diet (sodium intake 0.05]. After the test diet, this index was lower in diet-compliant stone formers with metabolic syndrome compared to diet-compliant stone formers without metabolic syndrome [1.15 (1.10–1.21) vs 1.39 (1.31–1.45); P < 0.01]. Conclusions. The biochemical profiles and responses to the sodium-restricted diet were significantly different between stone formers with metabolic syndrome and those without. Dietary habits play a central role in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis in stone formers with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A significant percentage of patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and normal parathyroid function have renal phosphate leak. This disorder is characterized by idiopathic hypophosphatemia and reduced renal phosphate threshold normalized for the glomerular filtration rate (TmPi/GFR). The majority of these patients harbor high or inappropriately normal circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a hormone regulating phosphate homeostasis. AIM: The aim of this study was to define the role of FGF23 allelic variants in the pathogenesis of hypophosphatemic nephrolithiasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We sequenced the regulative and coding regions of the FGF23 gene in 106 stone formers, 17 of which had renal phosphate leak, and in 87 healthy controls. We subsequently performed in vitro studies. RESULTS: A C716T nonsynonymous change (T239M, rs7955866) in the FGF23 gene was detected in seven of the 17 stone formers with renal phosphate leak. The prevalence of the T allele and of the CT genotype in stone formers with renal phosphate leak was significantly higher compared to that observed in stone formers without renal phosphate leak and in controls (P < 0.03 in all cases). In the whole study population, FGF23(716T) subjects showed levels of serum phosphate and TmPi/GFR significantly lower compared to FGF23(716C) subjects. In vitro studies showed that the T239M change increases FGF23 secretion and that the FGF23(239M) variant induces a higher activation of the FGF receptor/ERK pathway compared to FGF23(239T). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight a novel significant association between the C716T missense variation in the FGF23 gene and calcium nephrolithiasis with renal phosphate leak

For decades the vitamin D biological system has been considered almost exclusively as the master integrator of calcium-phosphate homeostasis and bone metabolism. More recently, the discovery that many human tissues and cells, which do not directly participate in mineral ion homeostasis, express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and are able to convert the circulating pro-hormone 25-hydroxyvitamin D in its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, has provided new insights into the biological function of this peculiar endocrine system. Several reports have highlighted a variety of human diseases possibly related to vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency (respectively defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels lower than 30 or lower than 20 ng/ml). In particular, experimental and observational studies, including those published in this journal issue, support the concept that vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure, a disabling condition affecting over 15 million of patients worldwide. Considering that circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D represent the accepted clinical indicator of individual vitamin D status, the measurement of this pro-hormone can be regarded as an appropriate and cost-effective screening tool in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for nephrolithiasis. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical and biochemical profile of calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis in stone formers with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: A total of 526 recurrent stone formers, 184 of them with metabolic syndrome, and 214 controls were examined on a free diet and after a sodium-restricted diet (sodium intake < 100 mmol/24 h). RESULTS: On free diet, stone formers with metabolic syndrome showed higher sodium excretion [mean (95% confidence interval), 196 (176-218) vs 160 (150-168) mmol/24 h; P < 0.01] and lower citrate excretion [2.23 (1.99-2.58) vs 2.84 (2.51-3.17) mmol/24 h; P < 0.01] compared to controls, whereas stone formers without metabolic syndrome showed higher calcium and oxalate excretion [5.43 (5.01-5.82) vs 3.58 (2.84-4.19) and 0.34 (0.32-0.36) vs 0.26 (0.20-0.31)m mmol/24 h for calcium and oxalate, respectively; P < 0.01] and lower citrate excretion [2.18 (1.98-2.38) vs 2.84 (2.51-3.17) mmol/24 h; P < 0.01] compared to controls. The ion activity product of urinary calcium-oxalate salts was similar between stone formers with and without metabolic syndrome [1.41 (1.31-1.59) vs 1.40 (1.35-1.45); P > 0.05]. After the test diet, this index was lower in diet-compliant stone formers with metabolic syndrome compared to diet-compliant stone formers without metabolic syndrome [1.15 (1.10-1.21) vs 1.39 (1.31-1.45); P < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: The biochemical profiles and responses to the sodium-restricted diet were significantly different between stone formers with metabolic syndrome and those without. Dietary habits play a central role in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis in stone formers with metabolic syndrome.

Aminobisphosphonates actually represent the most common treatment for Paget disease of bone (PDB). In a previous study we demonstrated that either zoledronic acid (4 mg) or neridronate (200 mg) given as a single intravenous infusion showed a similar short-term efficacy in achieving biochemical remission in up to 90% of patient nonresponders to pamidronate. In this study we compared the long-term (36 months) effects of a same neridronate dose (200 mg) given as an intravenous (100-mg infusion for 2 consecutive days) or intramuscular (25-mg injection weekly for 2 months) regimen in 56 patients with active PDB. All patients were advised to receive calcium plus vitamin D supplementation throughout the study period. At 6 months, 92.6% and 96.5% of patients receiving intravenous and intramuscular neridronate, respectively, achieved a therapeutic response [defined as normalization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels or a reduction of at least 75% in total ALP excess]. The response to treatment was significantly correlated with baseline ALP and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels at 6 months. The decrease in ALP levels was highest in patients with higher baseline total or bone-specific ALP levels and with higher 25(OH)D levels at 6 months. Response rates were maintained at 12 months but decreased progressively at 24 and 36 months without significant differences between the two neridronate regimens. Both regimens were well tolerated. The only relevant side effect was an acute-phase response occurring in 14% of the patients. In conclusion, these results indicate that a 200-mg intramuscular neridronate course has a similar efficacy as an intravenous infusion of the same dose for the treatment of PDB and might be of particular value for patients intolerant to oral bisphosphonates and unwilling or unable to undergo intravenous infusions.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is unknown in peninsular Southern Italy, although an elevated clinical severity of the disease was reported in patients from Campania. AIM: This study was performed to evaluate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of PDB in a rural area of Calabria, the southernmost region in the Italian peninsula. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We examined 1068 consecutive pelvic radiographs of patients older than 40 yr referred for any reason to the "Spinelli" Hospital, Belvedere Marittimo, from January 1st 2004 to December 31st 2006. In subjects with radiological findings of pelvic PDB, a 99m Technetium methylene diphosphonate bone scan and the sequence analysis of the sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) gene were subsequently performed. RESULTS: In the examined geographic area, the crude radiographic prevalence of pelvic PDB was 0.74% (8/1068; male:female 5:3, mean age 71.6 ± 13.1 yr) whereas the estimated overall prevalence of PDB between 0.82% and 1.21%. PDB patients from Calabria showed clinical characteristics similar to those reported in patients from Campania. The disease was also frequently complicated by osteoarthritis and the right side of the body was more affected than the left. The SQSTM1 gene analysis revealed the presence of a novel missense mutation (M401V) in exon 8 in one subject with a familial and aggressive form of PDB. CONCLUSION: The study results confirmed that patients with PDB from rural districts of Southern Italy show an earlier onset and an increased clinical severity of the disease that appears mostly independent from the presence of germinal SQSTM1 mutations.

Right ventricular dysfunction during acute pulmonary embolism (PE) predisposes to hemodynamic instability and cardiogenic shock. Aim of this case-control study was to determine the clinical, historical and diagnostic findings associated with right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute PE involving the main or segmental pulmonary arteries (central PE) and without hemodynamic instability on admission to the Emergency Department (ED) (non-massive PE). From January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2005, 211 patients with central PE were admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine of the "Antonio Cardarelli" Hospital (Naples, Italy). One hundred eighteen of them had echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction on admission to the ED. A history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were significantly associated with an increased risk of this PE-related complication. Compared to patients without right ventricular dysfunction, those with right ventricular dysfunction showed higher levels of markers of cardiac damage, and a significant impairment of respiratory function. Echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction on admission to the ED was significantly associated with the occurrence of hemodynamic instability and cardiogenic shock during the PE clinical course. The study results indicate that a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are significantly associated with the occurrence of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-massive and central PE independent of age, gender and other historical and clinical variables detectable on admission to the ED.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and nephrolithiasis (NL) are quite common disorders. While some of the components of MetS have been proposed as precursors of NL in population studies, no data are available about the possible association between NL and MetS as such. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between MetS and NL. The secondary outcome was to examine the relationship between MetS single constitutive elements and NL considering the strict correlation occurring among these factors. METHODS: We studied 2132 Caucasian inpatients of the 'Spinelli' Hospital in southern Italy (males/females = 0.95; mean age 63.8 +/- 15.8 years; body mass index 26.1 +/- 3.9 kg/m(2)). The MetS diagnosis was performed according to the Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. The presence of NL was assessed by ultrasound examination of the kidneys and upper urinary tract. RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-five subjects (34.0%) had a positive diagnosis of MetS. Two hundred twenty subjects (10.3%) had echographic evidence of NL, while 199 subjects reported a past history of NL (9.3%). The presence of MetS, as well as the male sex, and the occurrence of a previous episode of NL (in male subjects only) were each independently related to echographic evidence of NL. Among the individual components of MetS, high blood pressure and abdominal obesity (in female individuals only) were also independently related to echographic evidence of NL. CONCLUSIONS: MetS is significantly associated with echographic evidence of NL. A gender-related difference in the clinical expression of NL was also observed.

Bisphosphonates are first-choice drugs for treatment of Paget’s disease of bone (PDB); nevertheless, acquired resistance to bisphosphonate therapy has been described in PDB patients. The 1,25(OH)2D3/vitamin D receptor (VDR) system influences the effectiveness of antiresorptive treatments in metabolic bone disorders. This study evaluated the relationship between acquired resistance to clodronate treatment and BsmI, TaqI, and FokI VDR polymorphisms in Caucasian patients with polyostotic PDB (n = 84). We also evaluated the influence of mutations in exons 7 and 8 of the sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) gene on the occurrence of this phenomenon. All patients were treated from diagnosis for several cycles with intravenous clodronate infusion (1500 mg/cycle). Acquired resistance to clodronate treatment was defined as the failure of total alkaline phosphatase serum levels to be suppressed to at least 50% of the patient’s previous highest levels during a subsequent treatment course with the same compound, which produced a >50% response after the first exposure. During an observation period of 10.6 ± 2.7 years, 31 PDB patients (36.9%) showed acquired resistance to clodronate. It was observed that the bb and TT VDR genotypes as well as a lower persistence of the biochemical response to the first treatment course were significantly and independently associated with the risk of developing resistance to clodronate treatment. SQSTM1 gene mutations, considered altogether, did not influence the occurrence of this phenomenon. Our results indicate that 3′VDR allelic variants and duration of biochemical response to the first treatment course are independent predictors of acquired resistance to clodronate treatment in patients with polyostotic PDB.

Impaired renal phosphate reabsorption, as measured by dividing the tubular maximal reabsorption of phosphate by the glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR), increases the risks of nephrolithiasis and bone demineralization. Data from animal models suggest that sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) controls renal phosphate transport. We sequenced the NHERF1 gene in 158 patients, 94 of whom had either nephrolithiasis or bone demineralization. We identified three distinct mutations in seven patients with a low TmP/GFR value. No patients with normal TmP/GFR values had mutations. The mutants expressed in cultured renal cells increased the generation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and inhibited phosphate transport. These NHERF1 mutations suggest a previously unrecognized cause of renal phosphate loss in humans.