Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Clin Invest 2019 12;129(12):5424-5441

Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with spontaneous burning pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. Although acetaldehyde has been implicated in the painful alcoholic neuropathy, the mechanism by which the ethanol metabolite causes pain symptoms is unknown. Acute ethanol ingestion caused delayed mechanical allodynia in mice. Read More

Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019 10 23;43(10):2144-2152. Epub 2019 Aug 23.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, (NMZ, KMP, AP, EVS), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

Background: Among the neurological consequences of alcoholism is peripheral neuropathy. Relative to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or diabetes-related neuropathies, neuropathy associated with alcohol use disorders (AUD) is understudied. In both the diabetes and HIV literature, emerging evidence supports a central nervous system (CNS) component to peripheral neuropathy. Read More

Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019 Dec 21;36(12):1134-1154. Epub 2019 May 21.

1 Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a nutraceutical endocannabinoid that was retrospectively discovered in egg yolks. Feeding poor children with known streptococcal infections prevented rheumatic fever. Subsequently, it was found to alter the course of influenza. Read More

Neurotox Res 2019 Jul 23;36(1):175-192. Epub 2019 Apr 23.

Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) is a well-known side effect of cisplatin characterized by axonal damage. In the early stage of neurotoxicity, cisplatin affects proteins that modulate neurite outgrowth and neuroplasticity, without inducing mitochondrial damage or apoptosis. There are no preventive therapies for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy; therefore, measures to improve axonal growth and connectivity would be beneficial. Read More

Endocrine 2019 11 4;66(2):178-184. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Department of Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of oral alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) ± palmitoyl-ethanolamide (PEA) on neuropathic symptoms in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to identify factors related to the efficacy of the treatment.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational pilot study evaluating 49 patients with diabetes and positive Neuropathy Symptoms Score (NSS). Clinical and biochemical variables, including NSS, were compared between untreated patients and patients treated with oral 600 mg/day ALA ± 600 mg/day PEA at baseline (first occurrence of NSS ≥ 3) and at least 2 months after baseline. Read More

J Neurol 2019 Dec 22;266(12):2907-2919. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK.

The primary aim of this systematic review was to establish the prevalence, character, and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy amongst chronic alcohol abusers and to identify the most appropriate management strategies. In this review, possible pathogenetic mechanisms are also discussed. A systematic, computer-based search was conducted using the PubMed database. Read More

Minerva Med 2018 Oct;109(5):358-362

Dementia Center, Neurology Clinic, Tor Vergata Polyclinic, Rome, Italy.

Background: Painful distal symmetric polyneuropathy (pDSPN) is one of the most common and invalidating complications of diabetes mellitus, both of type 1 and type 2. Mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of the pDSPN are multifactorial and involve metabolic pathways regulating inflammation, microvessel circulation, axonal degeneration and so on. Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed to treat pain and each of them showed positive effects associated to drug-related side effects. Read More

Neurotox Res 2018 07 19;34(1):32-46. Epub 2017 Dec 19.

Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug that is toxic to the peripheral nervous system. Findings suggest that axons are early targets of the neurotoxicity of cisplatin. Although many compounds have been reported as neuroprotective, there is no effective treatment against the neurotoxicity of cisplatin. Read More

Curr Med Chem 2018 ;25(37):4827-4836

Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125 - Catania, Italy.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Different pathogenic processes are involved in the etiology of the disease. Indeed, chronic diabetes hyperglycemia is often associated with severe long-term complications including cardiovascular symptoms, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Read More

PLoS One 2016;11(9):e0163812. Epub 2016 Sep 28.

Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America.

Adverse effect of alcohol on neural function has been well documented. Especially, the teratogenic effect of alcohol on neurodevelopment during embryogenesis has been demonstrated in various models, which could be a pathologic basis for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). While the developmental defects from alcohol abuse during gestation have been described, the specific mechanisms by which alcohol mediates these injuries have yet to be determined. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2014 Aug;93(10):e62

Neurology Section (YZI, SK, OE, TES, YO, DD); Department of Medicine (HK), Hamad Medical Corporation; and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (SK, OE, TES, DD), Doha, Qatar.

Diethylene glycol is a common industrial solvent which is responsible for accidental and epidemic poisoning as early as the 1930s. Due to the unavailability and unaffordability of ethanol, people in Qatar among the low income group are consuming household chemicals, some of which contain diethylene glycol, for recreational purposes.The history of ingestion is usually not volunteered and the initial clinical presentation is usually nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose from the clinical presentation. Read More

Pharm Biol 2014 May 7;52(5):628-36. Epub 2014 Feb 7.

Department of Food Science, National Chiayi University , Chiayi, Taiwan, ROC.

Context: Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound generated as an intermediate of glycolysis during the physical glycation in the diabetic condition. MG itself has been commonly implicated in the development of diabetic neuropathy. Several active compounds in Actinidia callosa have been found to inhibit glycation and MG-protein reaction. Read More

PLoS One 2013 13;8(8):e70833. Epub 2013 Aug 13.

Neurovascular Oxidative Injury Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

Neuropathy and neurocognitive deficits are common among chronic alcohol users, which are believed to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. The specific type of brain mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (mRCC) that are adversely affected by alcohol abuse has not been studied. Thus, we examined the alterations of mRCC in freshly isolated mitochondria from mice brain that were pair-fed the ethanol (4% v/v) and control liquid diets for 7-8 weeks. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2013 Aug 13;48(2):204-11. Epub 2013 Jun 13.

Department of Neurology, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Suite 555, 2 Dudley Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA.

Introduction: The aim of this work was to determine the effect of chronic alcohol exposure on peripheral nerves in a nutritionally balanced rat model of alcoholism.

Methods: Three different strains of adult male rats were pair-fed for 8 weeks with isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed. Read More

Nutrients 2012 08 17;4(8):1042-57. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA.

The mechanisms of alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy (ALPN) are poorly understood. We hypothesize that, like alcohol-related liver and brain degeneration, ALPN may be mediated by combined effects of insulin/IGF resistance and oxidative stress. Adult male Long Evans rats were chronically pair-fed with diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol (caloric), and subjected to nerve conduction studies. Read More

Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2013 Mar 10;32(1):95-7. Epub 2012 Aug 10.

Sankara Nethralaya, A Unit of Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, India.

We report a case of acute, bilateral and severe vision loss after inadvertent consumption of a large quantity of the homoeopathic medication Arnica-30. Severe vomiting which required hospitalization preceded visual symptoms. In the acute stage, pupillary responses to light were absent and fundus examination was normal. Read More

Oral Dis 2012 Sep 24;18(6):548-57. Epub 2012 Feb 24.

Department of Stomatology, Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo, USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Objective: Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs) can be treated with Carnoy's solution, although this treatment modality is not free from complications. It is important to verify the incidence of complications after the use of Carnoy's solution and compare these with the literature.

Materials And Methods: This study verified the effects of a complementary treatment for KOTs and assessed the incidence of such complications as recurrence, infection, sequestrum formation, mandibular fracture, dehiscence, and neuropathy. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2011 Mar;43(3):309-16

Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Medical Office Center, 2 Dudley Street, Suite 555, Providence, Rhode Island 02905, USA.

Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy (ALN) is a potentially debilitating complication of alcoholism that results in sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction. Unfortunately, ALN is rarely discussed as a specific disease entity in textbooks because it is widely assumed to primarily reflect consequences of nutritional deficiency. This hypothesis is largely based on observations first made over eight decades ago when it was demonstrated that thiamine deficiency (beriberi) neuropathy was clinically similar to ALN. Read More

J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008 Nov 29;327(2):584-91. Epub 2008 Jul 29.

Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-3013, USA.

Activation of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors suppresses neuropathic pain induced by traumatic nerve injury. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cannabinoid CB(2) receptor activation in suppressing painful peripheral neuropathy evoked by chemotherapeutic treatment with the antitumor agent paclitaxel. Rats received paclitaxel (2 mg/kg i. Read More

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2007 Jan;82(1):21-6

Unidad de Investigación Oftalmológica Santiago Grisolía (Valencia, España) y Departamento de Oftalmología, Hospital Universitario Punta de Europa, Algeciras, España.

Purpose: The main aim of this work was to analyse the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in retinal and optic nerve development, and the consequences of methamphetamine "ice" (MA) or alcohol (EtOH) abuse during pregnancy on the developing visual system.

Material And Methods: Wistar rats were exposed to MA or EtOH during gestation and lactation and their offspring studied. Control isocaloric rats were maintained in parallel. Read More

Neuroscience 2007 Mar 3;145(1):350-6. Epub 2007 Jan 3.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program in Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Small-fiber painful peripheral neuropathy, a complication of chronic ethanol ingestion, is more severe in women. In the present study, we have replicated this clinical finding in the rat and evaluated for a role of estrogen and second messenger signaling pathways. The alcohol diet (6. Read More

Internist (Berl) 2005 Nov;46(11):1198-206

Friedrich-Baur-Institut, Neurologische Klinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

A growing number of therapeutic agents and exogenous toxins are harmful to structure and function of human skeletal muscle. The clinical syndrome encompasses asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation, myalgia, exercise intolerance, muscle paresis and atrophy, and lastly acute rhabdomyolysis. Toxic myopathies are potentially reversible, hence a prompt recognition is particularly helpful for the early diagnosis and in conclusion elimination of a myopathy inducing toxin. Read More

Eur J Biochem 2004 May;271(10):1814-9

Neurogen Corporation, Branford, CT, USA.

There is mounting evidence that the vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor; transient receptor potential channel, vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), is subjected to multiple interacting levels of control. The first level is by reversible phosphorylation catalyzed by intrinsic kinases (e.g. Read More

Arch Neurol 2004 Apr;61(4):546-51

Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Objectives: To examine distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) in a highly active antiretroviral therapy era, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cohort, to determine whether clinical manifestations are affected by demographic or other clinical variables.

Patients: One hundred eighty-seven patients with HIV infection enrolled in the Manhattan HIV Brain Bank underwent baseline neurologic evaluations between January 29, 1999, and June 17, 2002. Distal sensory polyneuropathy was diagnosed if patients displayed abnormalities in 2 or more of the following: ankle reflexes or vibratory or pinprick perception. Read More

J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2003 ;24(1):55-63

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN, UK.

Alcohol-induced muscle disease (AIMD) is a composite term to describe any muscle pathology (molecular, biochemical, structural or physiological) resulting from either acute or chronic alcohol ingestion or a combination thereof. The chronic form of AIMD is arguably the most prevalent skeletal muscle disorder in the Western Hemisphere affecting more than 2000 subjects per 100,000 population and is thus much more common than hereditary disorders such as Becker or Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Paradoxically, most texts on skeletal myopathies or scientific meetings covering muscle disease have generally ignored chronic alcoholic myopathy. Read More

Life Sci 2003 Sep;73(18):2345-53

Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, Hungary.

Anandamide (AEA) is an endogenous cannabinoid ligand acting predominantly on the cannabinoid 1 (CB(1)) receptor, but it is also an agonist on the capsaicin VR(1)/TRPV(1) receptor. In the present study we examined the effects of AEA and the naturally occurring cannabinoid 2 (CB(2)) receptor agonist palmitylethanolamide (PEA) on basal and resiniferatoxin (RTX)-induced release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and somatostatin in vivo. Since these sensory neuropeptides play important role in the development of neuropathic hyperalgesia, the effect of AEA and PEA was also examined on mechanonociceptive threshold changes after partial ligation of the sciatic nerve. Read More

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2002 Oct;31 Suppl 2:S29-34

Department of Neurology, Harlem Hospital Center and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10037, USA.

In addition to overdose, withdrawal, and addictive behavior, licit and illicit drugs produce a wide range of neurologic complications. Trauma results from intoxication and from violence related to a drug's illegality. Infection, including AIDS, is most often a consequence of parenteral use. Read More

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002 Feb;26(2):253-61

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Background: Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a rare disease characterized by the growth of uncapsulated masses of adipose tissue. MSL is associated with high ethanol intake and complicated by somatic and autonomic neuropathy and by the infiltration of the adipose tissue at the mediastinal level. To date, the disease is considered as slowly progressive, but long-term longitudinal data are still lacking. Read More

Eur J Neurol 2001 Nov;8(6):677-87

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, UK.

Alcohol misusers frequently have difficulties in gait, and various muscle symptoms such as cramps, local pain and reduced muscle mass. These symptoms are common in alcoholic patients and have previously been ascribed as neuropathological in origin. However, biochemical lesions and/or the presence of a defined myopathy occur in alcoholics as a direct consequence of alcohol misuse. Read More

Alcohol Alcohol 2001 May-Jun;36(3):271-5

Departments of Neurophysiopathology and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine - II University of Naples, Italy.

A consecutive sample of 76 chronic alcoholic patients was studied clinically, biochemically and electrophysiologically to assess clinical and/or subclinical signs of alcohol-related neuropathy as well as the most important and disputed risk factors for neuropathy such as age, parental history of alcoholism, nutritional status, alcoholic disease duration and total lifetime dose of ethanol (TLDE). The results show that alcohol-related neuropathy, especially when subclinical, seems to be frequent and mostly characterized by axonal degeneration of peripheral nerve fibres with earlier and more frequent involvement of sensory fibres and lower limbs. Moreover, positive family history of alcoholism, but above all alcoholic disease duration and TLDE, could be more important factors than malnutrition in determining neuropathy. Read More