1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 19... more 1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 1940s as a nasal decongestant which can be used as a recreational stimulant. Alleged to occur in nature, DMAA has become a widely used ingredient in sports food supplements, despite its status as a doping agent and concerns over its safety. There is now some doubt as to whether it can be sourced naturally or whether it actually occurs naturally at all. The presence of DMAA was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in extracts of the leaves and stems of four geranium species and of three well‐known cultivars. The amounts of DMAA in commercial geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil and the leading sports supplement which uses the ingredient were also measured. DMAA was not found in any of the leaves or stems or in the commercial geranium oil included in this study. Approximately 30 mg per daily dose was found in the food supplement. Therefore, the amount of DMAA found ...
Indoprofen was given intravenously (bolus followed by infusion) and orally to 7 patients sufferin... more Indoprofen was given intravenously (bolus followed by infusion) and orally to 7 patients suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis with knee joint effusion. Indoprofen readily penetrated into synovial fluid in amounts which were directly correlated with areas under curves of plasma drug levels. Synovial fluid acted as a compartment distinct from the central (plasma) compartment. Indoprofen caused a substantial decrease in E2 and F2 alpha prostaglandin concentration in synovial fluid.
The antünflammatory activity of a homologous aeries of a-alkyl substituted [4-(1-oxo-2-iso-indoli... more The antünflammatory activity of a homologous aeries of a-alkyl substituted [4-(1-oxo-2-iso-indolinyl)-phenyl]-acetic acid has been assayed by some in vitro and in vivo tests. These compounds were shown to be particularly active is inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis from bovine seminal vesicles, and their potency was seen to increase as the sine of the subetituenta in the side chain increased . The antünflammatory activity in vivo is not correlated with _ia vitro inhibition of PC-synthetase. Discussion of the data takes into account the plasma protein binding and pharmscokinetics of these compounds .
The plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary elimination of the enantiomers of indobufen, a novel plat... more The plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary elimination of the enantiomers of indobufen, a novel platelet aggregation inhibitor, have been studied in rats and mice given either the racemic compound or the individual enantiomers (rat 8 mg/kg racemate, 4 mg/kg enantiomers; mouse 25 mg/ kg racemate, 12.5 mg/kg enantiomers). Enantiospecific analysis of indobufen in plasma and urine was achieved by HPLC of its L-leucinamide diastereoisomers.
ABSTRACT Citrus aurantium L. (bitter orange) is frequently used as an ingredient of food suppleme... more ABSTRACT Citrus aurantium L. (bitter orange) is frequently used as an ingredient of food supplements aimed to reduce body weight or improve general physical performances. The most active compounds of C. aurantium are amines having adrenergic activity: octopamine, synephrine, tyramine, N-methyl-tyramine and hordenine. The quantification of these amines is critical since their content in food supplements is regulated by national/international rules. Some methods for the quantification of C. aurantium amines have been published, including the official method developed by AOAC, but most of them are not totally satisfactory for the analysis of complex matrixes, such as extracts or food supplements. A new HPLC–UV–fluorescence procedure has therefore been developed; the method is quick and simple, and allows the analysis of samples after a rapid extraction procedure without any further cleaning step. The assay, using one or two detectors, showed good results during the validation tests performed according to the FDA guidelines.
This study investigates whether infusions of green and black tea inhibit the NF-κB driven transcr... more This study investigates whether infusions of green and black tea inhibit the NF-κB driven transcription in human epithelial gastric AGS cells. Water extracts were prepared from different brands of green and black tea available on the Italian market. Teas with or without caffeine were studied. An industrially prepared freeze-dried water extract of green tea was also tested. Catechin and caffeine contents were measured by HPLC analysis. The decrease in phenol and catechin content three months after the expiry date was also investigated. The NF-κB driven transcription and the free radical scavenger activity were inhibited, and this effect was related to catechin levels. The potency of epigallocatechin 3-gallate in inhibiting NF-κB driven transcription is so great that tea extracts low in epigallocatechin 3-gallate are still highly active. In one decaffeinated sample of green tea, the phenol and catechin content was very low, probably as a consequence of caffeine removal. The decrease in catechin levels after 3 months did not reduce the inhibition of NF-κB driven transcription by tea infusions. This is the first paper reporting the inhibitory effect of NF-κB of commercial green and black infusions at the gastric level, evaluating their stability as well.
1. The pharmacokinetics of the antimycobacterial agent rifabutin were studied in healthy voluntee... more 1. The pharmacokinetics of the antimycobacterial agent rifabutin were studied in healthy volunteers, following single (450 mg) and repeated (450 mg once daily for 10 days) oral administration. 2. After repeated administration, induction of metabolism was indicated by lower AUC and Cmin values, compared to the corresponding theoretical values. The elimination half-life was unchanged after repeated administration. 3. Induction of presystemic extrahepatic metabolism, which seems to be important in the availability of rifabutin, should be mainly responsible for the decrease in the AUC observed, while induced systemic clearance (if any) should be of minor importance. 4. Induction of presystemic extrahepatic metabolism after repeated administration has also been reported for rifampicin, an antibiotic agent with hepatic enzyme-inducing properties, which has a structure similar to rifabutin but a different pharmacokinetic profile.
The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen conifer that is widespread over central and southern... more The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen conifer that is widespread over central and southern Europe. The toxic effects of this conifer and its leaves have been known since ancient times. The seeds are generally responsible for accidental intoxications in childhood, whereas the bark and the leaves are mainly used for homicidal or suicidal attempts. We investigated the metabolic pattern of taxines in a healthy 44-year-old male farmer who was admitted to Bergamo Emergency Department after attempting suicide. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to separate and identify taxine metabolites. Data reported in this paper confirmed that the patient attempted suicide by ingesting Taxus baccata leaves, which had been suggested by clinical examination. The most abundant free and conjugated taxine metabolites were characterized. The high concentration of conjugated metabolites found in urine underscores the critical role that conjugation in the liver plays in eliminating taxines and increasing the probability of the patient's survival.
1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 19... more 1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 1940s as a nasal decongestant which can be used as a recreational stimulant. Alleged to occur in nature, DMAA has become a widely used ingredient in sports food supplements, despite its status as a doping agent and concerns over its safety. There is now some doubt as to whether it can be sourced naturally or whether it actually occurs naturally at all. The presence of DMAA was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in extracts of the leaves and stems of four geranium species and of three well-known cultivars. The amounts of DMAA in commercial geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil and the leading sports supplement which uses the ingredient were also measured. DMAA was not found in any of the leaves or stems or in the commercial geranium oil included in this study. Approximately 30 mg per daily dose was found in the food supplement. Therefore, the amount of DMAA found in the supplement is most unlikely to have been sourced in nature, and it must be concluded that synthetic DMAA, known to be capable of causing severe adverse physiological effects, has been added.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans as a critical constituent of thyroid hormones; both io... more 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.
Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine qualit... more Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine quality. A simple method of assaying glycerol, glucose and fructose in wine by high- performance liquid chromatography using a modified polar bonded NH 2 -silica phase column and a refractive index detector was used to determine their concentrations in high- and standard-quality wines. Results show glycerol.
Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine qualit... more Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine quality. A simple method of assaying glycerol, glucose and fructose in wine by high- performance liquid chromatography using a modified polar bonded NH 2 -silica phase column and a refractive index detector was used to determine their concentrations in high- and standard-quality wines. Results show glycerol.
1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 19... more 1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 1940s as a nasal decongestant which can be used as a recreational stimulant. Alleged to occur in nature, DMAA has become a widely used ingredient in sports food supplements, despite its status as a doping agent and concerns over its safety. There is now some doubt as to whether it can be sourced naturally or whether it actually occurs naturally at all. The presence of DMAA was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in extracts of the leaves and stems of four geranium species and of three well‐known cultivars. The amounts of DMAA in commercial geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil and the leading sports supplement which uses the ingredient were also measured. DMAA was not found in any of the leaves or stems or in the commercial geranium oil included in this study. Approximately 30 mg per daily dose was found in the food supplement. Therefore, the amount of DMAA found ...
Indoprofen was given intravenously (bolus followed by infusion) and orally to 7 patients sufferin... more Indoprofen was given intravenously (bolus followed by infusion) and orally to 7 patients suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis with knee joint effusion. Indoprofen readily penetrated into synovial fluid in amounts which were directly correlated with areas under curves of plasma drug levels. Synovial fluid acted as a compartment distinct from the central (plasma) compartment. Indoprofen caused a substantial decrease in E2 and F2 alpha prostaglandin concentration in synovial fluid.
The antünflammatory activity of a homologous aeries of a-alkyl substituted [4-(1-oxo-2-iso-indoli... more The antünflammatory activity of a homologous aeries of a-alkyl substituted [4-(1-oxo-2-iso-indolinyl)-phenyl]-acetic acid has been assayed by some in vitro and in vivo tests. These compounds were shown to be particularly active is inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis from bovine seminal vesicles, and their potency was seen to increase as the sine of the subetituenta in the side chain increased . The antünflammatory activity in vivo is not correlated with _ia vitro inhibition of PC-synthetase. Discussion of the data takes into account the plasma protein binding and pharmscokinetics of these compounds .
The plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary elimination of the enantiomers of indobufen, a novel plat... more The plasma pharmacokinetics and urinary elimination of the enantiomers of indobufen, a novel platelet aggregation inhibitor, have been studied in rats and mice given either the racemic compound or the individual enantiomers (rat 8 mg/kg racemate, 4 mg/kg enantiomers; mouse 25 mg/ kg racemate, 12.5 mg/kg enantiomers). Enantiospecific analysis of indobufen in plasma and urine was achieved by HPLC of its L-leucinamide diastereoisomers.
ABSTRACT Citrus aurantium L. (bitter orange) is frequently used as an ingredient of food suppleme... more ABSTRACT Citrus aurantium L. (bitter orange) is frequently used as an ingredient of food supplements aimed to reduce body weight or improve general physical performances. The most active compounds of C. aurantium are amines having adrenergic activity: octopamine, synephrine, tyramine, N-methyl-tyramine and hordenine. The quantification of these amines is critical since their content in food supplements is regulated by national/international rules. Some methods for the quantification of C. aurantium amines have been published, including the official method developed by AOAC, but most of them are not totally satisfactory for the analysis of complex matrixes, such as extracts or food supplements. A new HPLC–UV–fluorescence procedure has therefore been developed; the method is quick and simple, and allows the analysis of samples after a rapid extraction procedure without any further cleaning step. The assay, using one or two detectors, showed good results during the validation tests performed according to the FDA guidelines.
This study investigates whether infusions of green and black tea inhibit the NF-κB driven transcr... more This study investigates whether infusions of green and black tea inhibit the NF-κB driven transcription in human epithelial gastric AGS cells. Water extracts were prepared from different brands of green and black tea available on the Italian market. Teas with or without caffeine were studied. An industrially prepared freeze-dried water extract of green tea was also tested. Catechin and caffeine contents were measured by HPLC analysis. The decrease in phenol and catechin content three months after the expiry date was also investigated. The NF-κB driven transcription and the free radical scavenger activity were inhibited, and this effect was related to catechin levels. The potency of epigallocatechin 3-gallate in inhibiting NF-κB driven transcription is so great that tea extracts low in epigallocatechin 3-gallate are still highly active. In one decaffeinated sample of green tea, the phenol and catechin content was very low, probably as a consequence of caffeine removal. The decrease in catechin levels after 3 months did not reduce the inhibition of NF-κB driven transcription by tea infusions. This is the first paper reporting the inhibitory effect of NF-κB of commercial green and black infusions at the gastric level, evaluating their stability as well.
1. The pharmacokinetics of the antimycobacterial agent rifabutin were studied in healthy voluntee... more 1. The pharmacokinetics of the antimycobacterial agent rifabutin were studied in healthy volunteers, following single (450 mg) and repeated (450 mg once daily for 10 days) oral administration. 2. After repeated administration, induction of metabolism was indicated by lower AUC and Cmin values, compared to the corresponding theoretical values. The elimination half-life was unchanged after repeated administration. 3. Induction of presystemic extrahepatic metabolism, which seems to be important in the availability of rifabutin, should be mainly responsible for the decrease in the AUC observed, while induced systemic clearance (if any) should be of minor importance. 4. Induction of presystemic extrahepatic metabolism after repeated administration has also been reported for rifampicin, an antibiotic agent with hepatic enzyme-inducing properties, which has a structure similar to rifabutin but a different pharmacokinetic profile.
The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen conifer that is widespread over central and southern... more The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is an evergreen conifer that is widespread over central and southern Europe. The toxic effects of this conifer and its leaves have been known since ancient times. The seeds are generally responsible for accidental intoxications in childhood, whereas the bark and the leaves are mainly used for homicidal or suicidal attempts. We investigated the metabolic pattern of taxines in a healthy 44-year-old male farmer who was admitted to Bergamo Emergency Department after attempting suicide. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to separate and identify taxine metabolites. Data reported in this paper confirmed that the patient attempted suicide by ingesting Taxus baccata leaves, which had been suggested by clinical examination. The most abundant free and conjugated taxine metabolites were characterized. The high concentration of conjugated metabolites found in urine underscores the critical role that conjugation in the liver plays in eliminating taxines and increasing the probability of the patient's survival.
1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 19... more 1,3 dimethylamylamine or methylexaneamine (DMAA) is a synthetic pharmaceutical patented in the 1940s as a nasal decongestant which can be used as a recreational stimulant. Alleged to occur in nature, DMAA has become a widely used ingredient in sports food supplements, despite its status as a doping agent and concerns over its safety. There is now some doubt as to whether it can be sourced naturally or whether it actually occurs naturally at all. The presence of DMAA was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in extracts of the leaves and stems of four geranium species and of three well-known cultivars. The amounts of DMAA in commercial geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil and the leading sports supplement which uses the ingredient were also measured. DMAA was not found in any of the leaves or stems or in the commercial geranium oil included in this study. Approximately 30 mg per daily dose was found in the food supplement. Therefore, the amount of DMAA found in the supplement is most unlikely to have been sourced in nature, and it must be concluded that synthetic DMAA, known to be capable of causing severe adverse physiological effects, has been added.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans as a critical constituent of thyroid hormones; both io... more 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.
Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine qualit... more Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine quality. A simple method of assaying glycerol, glucose and fructose in wine by high- performance liquid chromatography using a modified polar bonded NH 2 -silica phase column and a refractive index detector was used to determine their concentrations in high- and standard-quality wines. Results show glycerol.
Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine qualit... more Glycerol is the major by-product of ethanol fermentation and could be associated with wine quality. A simple method of assaying glycerol, glucose and fructose in wine by high- performance liquid chromatography using a modified polar bonded NH 2 -silica phase column and a refractive index detector was used to determine their concentrations in high- and standard-quality wines. Results show glycerol.
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Papers by Enzo Moro