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Lauro R, Irrera N, Eid AH, Bitto A. Could Antigen Presenting Cells Represent a Protective Element during SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children? Pathogens 2021; 10:476. [PMID: 33920011 PMCID: PMC8071032 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) are immune cells that recognize, process, and present antigens to lymphocytes. APCs are among the earliest immune responders against an antigen. Thus, in patients with COVID-19, a disease caused by the newly reported SARS-CoV-2 virus, the role of APCs becomes increasingly important. In this paper, we dissect the role of these cells in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, this virus appears to cause a higher mortality among adults than children. This may suggest that the immune system, particularly APCs, of children may be different from that of adults, which may then explain differences in immune responses between these two populations, evident as different pathological outcome. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that differentiate juvenile from other APCs are not well understood. Whether juvenile APCs are one reason why children are less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 requires much attention. The goal of this review is to examine the role of APCs, both in adults and children. The molecular mechanisms governing APCs, especially against SARS-CoV-2, may explain the differential immune responsiveness in the two populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Lauro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (N.I.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (N.I.)
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (N.I.)
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Picciolo G, Mannino F, Irrera N, Altavilla D, Minutoli L, Vaccaro M, Arcoraci V, Squadrito V, Picciolo G, Squadrito F, Pallio G. PDRN, a natural bioactive compound, blunts inflammation and positively reprograms healing genes in an "in vitro" model of oral mucositis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 138:111538. [PMID: 34311536 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral mucositis is a side effect hard to treat following high dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Adenosine A2A receptor stimulation blocks NF-κB and boosts the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thus blunting inflammation and triggering growth factor codifying genes. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a registered drug that activates the A2A receptor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate PDRN effects in an "in vitro" model of oral mucositis induced by prompting an inflammatory phenotype in human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and human oral mucosal epithelial cells (EC). GF and EC were stimulated with LPS (2 μg/ml) alone or in combination with i) PDRN (100 μg/ml); ii) PDRN plus ZM241385 (1 μM) as an A2AR antagonist; iii) CGS21680 (1 μM) as an A2AR agonist. LPS boosted NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 expression, decreased IL-10 levels and downregulated both Wnt/β-catenin, VEGF and EGF expression. PDRN reverted the LPS-induced phenotype as well as CGS21680. Co-incubation with ZM241385 abolished PDRN effects, thus confirming A2A receptor involvement in PDRN mechanism of action. These results suggest that PDRN efficacy may be due to a "dual mode" of action: NF-κB inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation. However, these interesting findings need to be confirmed by animal and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Violetta Squadrito
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Picciolo
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Scalise RFM, De Sarro R, Caracciolo A, Lauro R, Squadrito F, Carerj S, Bitto A, Micari A, Bella GD, Costa F, Irrera N. Fibrosis after Myocardial Infarction: An Overview on Cellular Processes, Molecular Pathways, Clinical Evaluation and Prognostic Value. Med Sci (Basel) 2021; 9:medsci9010016. [PMID: 33804308 PMCID: PMC7931027 DOI: 10.3390/medsci9010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ischemic injury caused by myocardial infarction activates a complex healing process wherein a powerful inflammatory response and a reparative phase follow and balance each other. An intricate network of mediators finely orchestrate a large variety of cellular subtypes throughout molecular signaling pathways that determine the intensity and duration of each phase. At the end of this process, the necrotic tissue is replaced with a fibrotic scar whose quality strictly depends on the delicate balance resulting from the interaction between multiple actors involved in fibrogenesis. An inflammatory or reparative dysregulation, both in term of excess and deficiency, may cause ventricular dysfunction and life-threatening arrhythmias that heavily affect clinical outcome. This review discusses cellular process and molecular signaling pathways that determine fibrosis and the imaging technique that can characterize the clinical impact of this process in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Francesco Maria Scalise
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
| | - Rosalba De Sarro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
| | - Alessandro Caracciolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
| | - Rita Lauro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (F.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (F.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Scipione Carerj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.L.); (F.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Antonio Micari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Martino”, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-23-41; Fax: +39-090-221-23-81
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.F.M.S.); (R.D.S.); (A.C.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.); (N.I.)
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Procopio MC, Lauro R, Nasso C, Carerj S, Squadrito F, Bitto A, Di Bella G, Micari A, Irrera N, Costa F. Role of Adenosine and Purinergic Receptors in Myocardial Infarction: Focus on Different Signal Transduction Pathways. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020204. [PMID: 33670488 PMCID: PMC7922652 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a dramatic event often caused by atherosclerotic plaque erosion or rupture and subsequent thrombotic occlusion of a coronary vessel. The low supply of oxygen and nutrients in the infarcted area may result in cardiomyocytes necrosis, replacement of intact myocardium with non-contractile fibrous tissue and left ventricular (LV) function impairment if blood flow is not quickly restored. In this review, we summarized the possible correlation between adenosine system, purinergic system and Wnt/β-catenin pathway and their role in the pathogenesis of cardiac damage following MI. In this context, several pathways are involved and, in particular, the adenosine receptors system shows different interactions between its members and purinergic receptors: their modulation might be effective not only for a normal functional recovery but also for the treatment of heart diseases, thus avoiding fibrosis, reducing infarcted area and limiting scaring. Similarly, it has been shown that Wnt/β catenin pathway is activated following myocardial injury and its unbalanced activation might promote cardiac fibrosis and, consequently, LV systolic function impairment. In this regard, the therapeutic benefits of Wnt inhibitors use were highlighted, thus demonstrating that Wnt/β-catenin pathway might be considered as a therapeutic target to prevent adverse LV remodeling and heart failure following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Rita Lauro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Nasso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Scipione Carerj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonio Micari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, A.O.U. Policlinic “G. Martino”, 98165 Messina, Italy;
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-3093; Fax: +39-090-221-23-81
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98165 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.L.); (C.N.); (S.C.); (F.S.); (A.B.); (G.D.B.); (F.C.)
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Bagnato G, Pigatto E, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Abignano G, Ferrera A, Sciortino D, Wilson M, Squadrito F, Buch MH, Emery P, Zanatta E, Gangemi S, Saitta A, Cozzi F, Roberts WN, Del Galdo F. The PREdictor of MAlnutrition in Systemic Sclerosis (PREMASS) Score: A Combined Index to Predict 12 Months Onset of Malnutrition in Systemic Sclerosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:651748. [PMID: 33816531 PMCID: PMC8010181 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.651748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Malnutrition is a severe complication in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and it is associated with significant mortality. Notwithstanding, there is no defined screening or clinical pathway for patients, which is hampering effective management and limiting the opportunity for early intervention. Here we aim to identify a combined index predictive of malnutrition at 12 months using clinical data and specific serum adipokines. Methods: This was an international, multicentre observational study involving 159 SSc patients in two independent discovery (n = 98) and validation (n = 61) cohorts. Besides routine clinical and serum data at baseline and 12 months, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) score and serum concentration of leptin and adiponectin were measured for each participant at baseline. The endpoint of malnutrition was defined according to European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recommendation. Significant parameters from univariate analysis were tested in logistic regression analysis to identify the predictive index of malnutrition in the derivation cohort. Results: The onset of malnutrition at 12 months correlated with adiponectin, leptin and their ratio (A/L), MUST, clinical subset, disease duration, Scl70 and Forced Vital Capaciy (FVC). Logistic regression analysis defined the formula: -2.13 + (A/L*0.45) + (Scl70*0.28) as the best PREdictor of MAlnutrition in SSc (PREMASS) (AUC = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 0.99). PREMASS < -1.46 had a positive predictive value (PPV) > 62% and negative predictive value (NPV) > 97% for malnutrition at 12 months. Conclusion: PREMASS is a feasible index which has shown very good performance in two independent cohorts for predicting malnutrition at 12 months in SSc. The implementation of PREMASS could aid both in clinical management and clinical trial stratification/enrichment to target malnutrition in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Bagnato
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Erika Pigatto
- Department of Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Abignano
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Rheumatology Institute of Lucania (IReL), Rheumatology Department of Lucania, San Carlo Hospital of Potenza and Madonna delle Grazie Hospital of Matera, Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonino Ferrera
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Sciortino
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Wilson
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maya H Buch
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Emery
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Franco Cozzi
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Del Galdo
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leeds Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Leeds Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Benvenga S, Micali A, Ieni A, Antonelli A, Fallahi P, Pallio G, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Picciolo G, Puzzolo D, Minutoli L. The Association of Myo-Inositol and Selenium Contrasts Cadmium-Induced Thyroid C Cell Hyperplasia and Hypertrophy in Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:608697. [PMID: 33716965 PMCID: PMC7949001 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.608697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that, in addition to inducing structural changes in thyroid follicles, cadmium (Cd) increased the number of C cells. We examined the effects of myo-inositol (MI), seleno-L-methionine (Se), MI + Se, and resveratrol on C cells of mice exposed to cadmium chloride (Cd Cl2), as no data are currently available on the possible protective effects of these molecules. In contrast, we have previously shown this protective effect against CdCl2 on the thyroid follicles of mice. Ninety-eight C57 BL/6J adult male mice were divided into 14 groups of seven mice each: (i) 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); (ii) Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); (iii) Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); (iv) MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); (v) Se (0.2 mg/kg/day) + MI; (vi) Se (0.4 mg/kg/day) + MI; (vii) resveratrol (20 mg/kg); (viii) CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) + vehicle; (ix) CdCl2 + Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); (x) CdCl2 + Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); (xi) CdCl2 + MI; (xii) CdCl2 + Se (0.2 mg/kg/day) + MI; (xiii) CdCl2 + Se (0.4 mg/kg/day) + MI; (xiv) CdCl2 + resveratrol (20 mg/kg). After 14 days, thyroids were processed for histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric evaluation. Compared to vehicle, Cd significantly decreased follicle mean diameter, increased CT-positive cells number, area and cytoplasmic density, and caused the disappearance of TUNEL-positive C cells, namely, the disappearance of C cells undergoing apoptosis. Se at either 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg/day failed to significantly increase follicular mean diameter, mildly decreased CT-positive cells number, area and cytoplasmic density, and was ineffective on TUNEL-positive C cells. Instead, MI alone increased significantly follicular mean diameter and TUNEL-positive cells number, and decreased significantly CT-positive cells number, area and cytoplasmic density. MI + Se 0.2 mg/kg/day or MI + Se 0.4 mg/kg/day administration improved all five indices more markedly. Indeed, follicular mean diameter and TUNEL-positive cells number increased significantly, while CT-positive cells number, area and cytoplasmic density decreased significantly. Thus, all five indices overlapped those observed in vehicle-treated mice. Resveratrol improved significantly all the considered parameters, with a magnitude comparable to that of MI alone. In conclusion, the association Myo + Se is effective in protecting the mouse thyroid from the Cd-induced hyperplasia and hypertrophy of C cells. This benefit adds to that exerted by Myo + Se on thyrocytes and testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Pallio,
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Irrera N, Pallio G, Mannino F, Gugliotta R, Metro D, Altavilla D, Squadrito F. Administration of a Nutraceutical Mixture Composed by Aloe arborescens, Annona muricata, Morinda citrifolia, Beta rubra, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Vaccinium myrtillus Reduces Doxorubicin-Induced Side Effects. Nutr Cancer 2020; 72:343-351. [PMID: 31259639 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2019.1633364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The antibiotic doxorubicin is often used as an anti-neoplastic drug; however, many patients showed very unpleasant side-effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary substances such as Aloe arborescens, Annona muricata, Morinda citrifolia, Beta rubra, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Vaccinium myrtillus may have anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of a mixture of these components in an experimental model of doxorubicin toxicity. Rats (n = 30) received doxorubicin (5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks and were randomized to receive the dietary mixture 2 hours following the first doxorubicin injection and until the end of the experiment. Animals were killed following 4 weeks, and blood, liver, and heart were collected for further analysis. The dietary supplement improved the depressed body weight and food consumption induced by DOX. In addition, the nutraceutical mixture reduced oxidative stress, ameliorated the morphological score, and preserved liver and heart structure, demonstrating a protective effect. These data show for the first time that the mixture of Aloe arborescens, Annona muricata, Morinda citrifolia, Beta rubra, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Vaccinium myrtillus may be useful to reduce the side effects following treatment with doxorubicin, and might ameliorate the quality of life of patients following chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosario Gugliotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Metro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Gazzi, Messina, Italy
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Mannino F, Bitto A, Irrera N. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Induces Cytokine Storm and Inflammation During Coronavirus Disease 19: Perspectives and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:592169. [PMID: 33633566 PMCID: PMC7902081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.592169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The new coronavirus outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and has turned out to be a global health emergency, affecting millions of people worldwide. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can manifest with flu-like symptoms and can be complicated by severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however a large percentage of infected individuals do not have symptoms but contribute to the spread of the disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection has become a global public health emergency since no available treatment seems effective and it is hard to manage the several complications caused by an intense release of cytokines. This paper reviews the current options on drugs used to reduce the deadly effects of the cytokine storm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Picciolo G, Peditto M, Irrera N, Pallio G, Altavilla D, Vaccaro M, Picciolo G, Scarfone A, Squadrito F, Oteri G. Preclinical and Clinical Applications of Biomaterials in the Enhancement of Wound Healing in Oral Surgery: An Overview of the Available Reviews. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E1018. [PMID: 33114407 PMCID: PMC7692581 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12111018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral surgery has undergone dramatic developments in recent years due to the use of biomaterials. The aim of the present review is to provide a general overview of the current biomaterials used in oral surgery and to comprehensively outline their impact on post-operative wound healing. A search in Medline was performed, including hand searching. Combinations of searching terms and several criteria were applied for study identification, selection, and inclusion. The literature was searched for reviews published up to July 2020. Reviews evaluating the clinical and histological effects of biomaterials on post-operative wound healing in oral surgical procedures were included. Review selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer, and 41 reviews were included in the final selection. The selected papers covered a wide range of biomaterials such as stem cells, bone grafts, and growth factors. Bioengineering and biomaterials development represent one of the most promising perspectives for the future of oral surgery. In particular, stem cells and growth factors are polarizing the focus of this ever-evolving field, continuously improving standard surgical techniques, and granting access to new approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
| | - Matteo Peditto
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (G.P.); (M.V.); (A.S.)
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (G.P.); (M.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (G.P.); (M.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Picciolo
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Scarfone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (G.P.); (M.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (G.P.); (M.V.); (A.S.)
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Oteri
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
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Pallio G, Bitto A, Ieni A, Irrera N, Mannino F, Pallio S, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Scarpignato C, Minutoli L. Combined Treatment with Polynucleotides and Hyaluronic Acid Improves Tissue Repair in Experimental Colitis. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100438. [PMID: 33092298 PMCID: PMC7589719 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions that can benefit from the combined treatment of adenosine receptor agonists and hyaluronic acid (HA), which, binding the CD44, has pro-survival effects. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of a mixture of polynucleotides and HA in an experimental model of dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis. A group of 40 rats received a single intra-colonic instillation of DNBS, and after 6 h, animals were randomized to receive daily: (i) saline solution; (ii) polynucleotides (Poly; 8 mg/kg); (iii) polynucleotides (8 mg/kg) plus hyaluronic acid (HA; 15 mg/kg); and (iv) hyaluronic acid (HA; 15 mg/kg). Rats in the control group (n = 10) received saline solution only. Seven days after induction, animals receiving Poly plus HA showed reduced clinical signs, weight loss and colon shortening, ameliorated macroscopic and histological damage, and apoptosis. Moreover, the combined treatment reduced the positivity in the colonic infiltrate of CD3 positive T cells, CD20 positive B cells and CD44. Furthermore, Poly plus HA reduced colonic myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde, indicating a dampening of the inflammatory infiltrate and oxidation products. Our research demonstrated that a combined treatment of polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid had a protective effect in a model of ulcerative colitis, suggesting that this association deserves further attention for the treatment of IBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology and Evolutive Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Socrate Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Carmelo Scarpignato
- Department of Health Sciences, United Campus of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta;
- Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, ShaTin, Hong Kong
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.B.); (N.I.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
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Irrera N, Russo M, Pallio G, Bitto A, Mannino F, Minutoli L, Altavilla D, Squadrito F. The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Pathogenesis of Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176204. [PMID: 32867310 PMCID: PMC7503761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents an important problem of global health. The damage related to TBI is first due to the direct injury and then to a secondary phase in which neuroinflammation plays a key role. NLRP3 inflammasome is a component of the innate immune response and different diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, are characterized by NLRP3 activation. This review aims to describe NLRP3 inflammasome and the consequences related to its activation following TBI. NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 are significantly upregulated after TBI, therefore, the use of nonspecific, but mostly specific NLRP3 inhibitors is useful to ameliorate the damage post-TBI characterized by neuroinflammation. Moreover, NLRP3 and the molecules associated with its activation may be considered as biomarkers and predictive factors for other neurodegenerative diseases consequent to TBI. Complications such as continuous stimuli or viral infections, such as the SARS-CoV-2 infection, may worsen the prognosis of TBI, altering the immune response and increasing the neuroinflammatory processes related to NLRP3, whose activation occurs both in TBI and in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review points out the role of NLRP3 in TBI and highlights the hypothesis that NLRP3 may be considered as a potential therapeutic target for the management of neuroinflammation in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Massimo Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphologic and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98,125 Messina, Italy; (N.I.); (M.R.); (G.P.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Pallio G, Mannino F, Irrera N, Eid AH, Squadrito F, Bitto A. Polymorphisms Involved in Response to Biological Agents Used in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091203. [PMID: 32825059 PMCID: PMC7565539 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease that leads to joint destruction. During the last decade, the therapy of RA has been principally based on biological drugs. Although the efficacy of biological therapy has been established, patients demonstrated a high heterogeneity in clinical response to treatment. Several genetic polymorphisms play a part in the different response to biological drugs. This review summarizes the pharmacogenetics of biological agents approved for clinical RA treatment. We reviewed PubMed papers published over the past 20 years (2000-2020), inserting as the search term "rheumatoid arthritis and polymorphisms". Despite some studies showing important correlations between genetic polymorphisms and response to biological therapy in RA patients, most of these findings are still lacking and inconsistent. The personalized treatment according to a pharmacogenetics approach is promising but the available pharmacogenetics data on biological treatment in RA are not adequate and reliable to recommend pharmacogenetic tests before starting biological therapy in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (F.M.); (N.I.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (F.M.); (N.I.); (F.S.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (F.M.); (N.I.); (F.S.)
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, Riad El Solh, 1107-2020 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (F.M.); (N.I.); (F.S.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (F.M.); (N.I.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-2213086; Fax: +39-090-2213300
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Nasso C, Mecchio A, Rottura M, Valenzise M, Menniti-Ippolito F, Cutroneo PM, Squadrito V, Squadrito F, Pallio G, Irrera N, Arcoraci V, Altavilla D. A 7-Years Active Pharmacovigilance Study of Adverse Drug Reactions Causing Children Admission to a Pediatric Emergency Department in Sicily. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1090. [PMID: 32765282 PMCID: PMC7379477 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Children represent one of the most susceptible groups to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), as a consequence of physiological growth and maturation of different organ systems. The aim of this study was to characterize the frequency, preventability and seriousness of ADRs recorded in the Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) of the University hospital of Messina, in Sicily. All the suspected adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines collected from 2012 to 2018 were selected and then analyzed. Only adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with a probable or possible causality assessment were included, according to the Naranjo Algorithm and the World Health Organization criteria; the preventability assessment using Schumock and Thornton criteria was also carried out. The Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) was used to group ADRs. Of 75,935 admissions to the Pediatric ED, 120 were due to suspected ADRs. The rate of hospital admission due to ADRs (75.8%) was significantly greater than that of patients without ADRs (11.9%). Among pediatric patients with ADRs the median (Q1–Q3) age was 29.5 (12–73.25) months. Most of ADRs were observed in infants and children (43.3% and 41.7%, respectively vs adolescents, 15%). In addition, in children with ADRs, females [41 (14–105)] were older than males [23 (11–45)] (p=0.044). Most adverse reactions were serious (75.8%) and 20.8% were preventable or probably preventable; however, the majority of serious ADRs (93.4%) resulted without sequelae. The reactions were found to be as probable (54.2%) or possible (45.8%). Vaccines (n=63), antibacterials (n=31) and anti-inflammatory medicines (n=14) were the most frequently drugs involved. Organ toxicity mapping due to vaccines was general disorders and administration site conditions (65.1%), nervous disorders (50.2%), cutaneous disorders (35%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (20.6%). Cutaneous disorders (76%) gastrointestinal (20.7%), general (15.5%), and nervous disorders (8.6%) were the organ toxicity mapping due to drugs. Active pharmacovigilance has an essential role in supporting the development of strategies aimed at intervention to reduce admissions due to ADRs. Our data suggest that ADRs represent the first cause of hospitalization to the Pediatric Emergency Department. Furthermore, according to the literature, vaccines and antibiotics are the most frequent cause of adverse drug reactions in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nasso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Mecchio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Rottura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariella Valenzise
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Paola Maria Cutroneo
- Sicilian Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Violetta Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Benvenga S, Micali A, Pallio G, Vita R, Malta C, Puzzolo D, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Minutoli L. Effects of Myo-inositol Alone and in Combination with Seleno-Lmethionine on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Mice. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 12:311-323. [PMID: 31250768 DOI: 10.2174/1874467212666190620143303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) impairs gametogenesis and damages the blood-testis barrier. OBJECTIVE As the primary mechanism of Cd-induced damage is oxidative stress, the effects of two natural antioxidants, myo-inositol (MI) and seleno-L-methionine (Se), were evaluated in mice testes. METHODS Eighty-four male C57 BL/6J mice were divided into twelve groups: 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day i.p.); Se (0.2 mg/kg/day per os); Se (0.4 mg/kg/day per os); MI (360 mg/kg/day per os); MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day i.p.) plus vehicle; CdCl2 plus MI; CdCl2 plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.2 mg/kg/day); and CdCl2 plus MI plus Se (0.4 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, testes were processed for biochemical, structural and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS CdCl2 increased iNOS and TNF-α expression and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, lowered glutathione (GSH) and testosterone, induced testicular lesions, and almost eliminated claudin-11 immunoreactivity. Se administration at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression, maintained GSH, MDA and testosterone levels, structural changes and low claudin-11 immunoreactivity. MI alone or associated with Se at 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg significantly reduced iNOS and TNF-α expression and MDA levels, increased GSH and testosterone levels, ameliorated structural organization and increased claudin-11 patches number. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a protective effect of MI, a minor role of Se and an evident positive role of the association between MI and Se on Cd-induced damages of the testis. MI alone or associated with Se might protect testes in subjects exposed to toxicants, at least to those with behavior similar to Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Consuelo Malta
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
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Picciolo G, Pallio G, Altavilla D, Vaccaro M, Oteri G, Irrera N, Squadrito F. β-Caryophyllene Reduces the Inflammatory Phenotype of Periodontal Cells by Targeting CB2 Receptors. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8060164. [PMID: 32560286 PMCID: PMC7344807 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and human oral mucosa epithelial cells (EC) with an inflammatory phenotype represent a valuable experimental paradigm to explore the curative activity of agents to be used in oral mucositis. The role of cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) has not yet been investigated in oral mucositis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a CB2 agonist, in an in vitro model of oral mucositis. GF and EC were stimulated with LPS (2 µg/mL) alone or in combination with BCP; a group of LPS challenged GF and EC were treated with BCP and AM630, a CB2 antagonist. LPS increased the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17A whereas it decreased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13. The upstream signals were identified in an augmented expression of NF-κB and STAT-3 and in reduced mRNA levels of PPARγ and PGC-1α. BCP blunted the LPS-induced inflammatory phenotype and this effect was reverted by the CB2 antagonist AM630. These results suggest that CB2 receptors are an interesting target to develop innovative strategies for oral mucositis and point out that BCP exerts a marked curative effect in a preclinical model of oral mucositis which deserves to be confirmed in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.V.); (N.I.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.V.); (N.I.)
| | - Giacomo Oteri
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (D.A.); (G.O.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.V.); (N.I.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (M.V.); (N.I.)
- SunNutraPharma, Academic Spin-Off Company of the University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0902213648
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Squadrito F, Rottura M, Irrera N, Minutoli L, Bitto A, Barbieri MA, Cicala G, Mecchio A, Pallio G, Marino S, Picciolo G, Altavilla D, Arcoraci V. Anti-obesity drug therapy in clinical practice: Evidence of a poor prescriptive attitude. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 128:110320. [PMID: 32502842 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a worldwide growing problem for the health care systems and its treatment is strongly recommended. Orlistat, naltrexone/bupropion, and liraglutide are approved for weight loss in Italy in patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 with concomitant diseases. However, the prescription of these drugs is significantly low worldwide. General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the early diagnosis and appropriate management of obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the management of obesity and the prescriptive attitude of anti-obesity drugs in a general practice setting. All patients registered in lists of 8 GPs with a recorded diagnosis of obesity or BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m2 in the period 2017-2018, were recruited. A descriptive analysis of demographic and clinical characteristic was carried out. The Spearman's correlation rank test was applied to identify correlations between BMI and all the variables of interest. Among 1301 obese patients, only 66.1 % had been diagnosed and 29.4 % had no registered BMI value. Patients with recorded BMI, were overweight (7.8 %) or in the obesity class I (38.8 %), class II (14.1 %), and class III (7.1 %), respectively. The obese patients (class 1-3) were older [66 (55-76) vs 49 (32-59); p < 0.01], and had more concurrent diseases [5 (3-8) vs 4 (2-6); p < 0.01] than patients who reached a BMI < 30 Kg/m2. Moreover, most of obese were high cardiovascular risk (HCVr) patients (67.0 % vs 31.9 %; p < 0.01). The BMI was directly related to age (rs 0.14; p < 0.01), diabetes (rs 0.19; p < 0.01), hypertension (rs 0.14; p < 0.01), heart failure (rs 0.09; p < 0.01), HCVr (rs 0. 12; p < 0.01) and number of comorbidities (rs 0.08; p = 0.01). No prescriptions of orlistat or naltrexone/bupropion were found. Liraglutide was prescribed only in 7 patients because of the concomitant presence of diabetes. Our results suggest a low adherence to guide line recommendations for obesity management and confirm an under-prescription of anti-obesity drugs in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy.
| | - Michelangelo Rottura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Barbieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cicala
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Mecchio
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, c/o AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Pallio G, Irrera N, Bitto A, Mannino F, Minutoli L, Rottura M, Pallio S, Altavilla D, Alibrandi A, Marciano MC, Righi M, Mannucci C, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F. Failure of Achieving Tacrolimus Target Blood Concentration Might Be Avoided by a Wide Genotyping of Transplanted Patients: Evidence from a Retrospective Study. J Pers Med 2020; 10:jpm10020047. [PMID: 32492825 PMCID: PMC7354451 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10020047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise tacrolimus treatment in transplanted patients is achieved in the clinical setting by performing therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and consequently adjusting therapy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the variability in tacrolimus blood levels throughout 2 years of observation in 75 transplanted patients and to investigate if tacrolimus blood levels correlate with presence of genetic polymorphisms, thus modifying tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. CYP3A5*1 (G6986A), CYP3A4*1B (A392G), CYP3A4*22, ABCB1 (C3435T; C1236T; G2677A/T), SLCO1B1 (T521C), polymorphisms were analyzed. Based on the effect of their genotypes, patients were stratified into 5 groups: (1) reduced tacrolimus metabolism (RM), (2) increased metabolism (IM), (3) transporters polymorphisms (TM), (4) metabolism and transporter polymorphisms (AM) and (5) no mutations (Wild Type, WT). The percentage of the samples out of therapeutic range was significantly higher in the IM group than in the WT group (p = 0.001), as well as compared to the TM group (p = 0.004). Only IM pattern (p = 0.015) resulted as an independent predictor of number of tacrolimus blood levels out of therapeutic range. RM pattern (p = 0.006) was inversely related to the administered dose. Therefore, genotyping could become a standard practice before tacrolimus prescription thus decreasing side effects, increasing efficacy and reducing the economic burden for the national health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Michelangelo Rottura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Socrate Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.A.); (M.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics Section of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Marciano
- Grande Ospedale Metropolitano: “Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli”, Via Giuseppe Melacrino, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Maria Righi
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.A.); (M.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Carmen Mannucci
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (D.A.); (M.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.P.); (N.I.); (A.B.); (F.M.); (L.M.); (M.R.); (S.P.); (F.S.)
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Barbieri MA, Rottura M, Cicala G, Mandraffino R, Marino S, Irrera N, Mannucci C, Santoro D, Squadrito F, Arcoraci V. Chronic Kidney Disease Management in General Practice: A Focus on Inappropriate Drugs Prescriptions. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051346. [PMID: 32375415 PMCID: PMC7290782 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrotoxic drugs prescriptions are often prescribed inappropriately by general practitioners (GPs), increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to detect inappropriate prescriptions in patients with CKD and to identify their predictive factors. A retrospective study on patients with creatinine values recorded in the period 2014-2016 followed by 10 GPs was performed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was used to identify CKD patients. The demographic and clinical characteristics and drugs prescriptions were collected. A descriptive analysis was conducted to compare the characteristics and logistic regression models to estimate the predictive factors of inappropriate prescriptions. Of 4098 patients with creatinine values recorded, 21.9% had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2. Further, 56.8% received inappropriate prescriptions, with a significantly lower probability in subjects with at least a nephrologist visit (Adj OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.36-0.81)) and a greater probability in patients treated with more active substances (1.10 (1.08-1.12)), affected by more comorbidities (1.14 (1.06-1.230)), or with serious CKD (G4/G5 21.28 (7.36-61.57)). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were the most used contraindicated drugs (48.5%), while acetylsalicylic acid was the most inappropriately prescribed (39.5%). Our results highlight the inappropriate prescriptions for CKD authorized by GPs and underline the need of strategies to improve prescribing patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Barbieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Michelangelo Rottura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Cicala
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Rossella Mandraffino
- General Practitioner, Provincial Health Unit of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Marino
- General Practitioner, Provincial Health Unit of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (R.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Carmen Mannucci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.A.B.); (M.R.); (G.C.); (N.I.); (D.S.); (F.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Benvenga S, Marini HR, Micali A, Freni J, Pallio G, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Antonelli A, Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Puzzolo D, Minutoli L. Protective Effects of Myo-Inositol and Selenium on Cadmium-Induced Thyroid Toxicity in Mice. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051222. [PMID: 32357526 PMCID: PMC7282027 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) damages the thyroid gland. We evaluated the effects of myo-inositol (MI), seleno-L-methionine (Se) or their combination on the thyroids of mice simultaneously administered with Cd chloride (CdCl2). Eighty-four male mice were divided into 12 groups (seven mice each). Six groups (controls) were treated with 0.9% NaCl (vehicle), Se (0.2 mg/kg/day), Se (0.4 mg/kg/day), MI (360 mg/kg/day), MI+Se (0.2 mg/kg) and MI+Se (0.4 mg/kg). The other six groups were treated with CdCl2 (2 mg/kg), CdCl2+MI, CdCl2+Se (0.2 mg/kg), CdCl2+Se (0.4 mg/kg), CdCl2+MI+Se (0.2 mg/kg) and CdCl2+MI+Se (0.4 mg/kg). An additional group of CdCl2-challenged animals (n= 7) was treated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg), an effective and potent antioxidant. All treatments lasted 14 days. After sacrifice, the thyroids were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically. CdCl2 reduced the follicular area, increased the epithelial height, stroma, and cells expressing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10). CdCl2+Se at 0.2/0.4 mg/kg insignificantly reversed the follicular and stromal structure, and significantly decreased the number of MCP-1 and CXCL10-positive cells. CdCl2+MI significantly reversed the thyroid structure and further decreased the number of MCP-1 and CXCL10-positive cells. CdCl2+MI+Se, at both doses, brought all indices to those of CdCl2-untreated mice. MI, particularly in association with Se, defends mice from Cd-induced damage. The efficacy of this combination was greater than that of resveratrol, at least when using the follicular structure as a read-out for a comparison. We suggest that the use of these nutraceuticals, more specifically the combination of MI plus SE, can protect the thyroid of Cd-exposed subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Herbert R. Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.A.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-692427; Fax: +39-090-2213630
| | - Jose Freni
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.A.); (S.M.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.A.); (S.M.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.A.); (S.M.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (J.F.); (D.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (S.B.); (H.R.M.); (G.P.); (N.I.); (F.S.); (L.M.)
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Irrera N, D'Ascola A, Pallio G, Bitto A, Mazzon E, Mannino F, Squadrito V, Arcoraci V, Minutoli L, Campo GM, Avenoso A, Bongiorno EB, Vaccaro M, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. β-Caryophyllene Mitigates Collagen Antibody Induced Arthritis (CAIA) in Mice Through a Cross-Talk between CB2 and PPAR-γ Receptors. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080326. [PMID: 31370242 PMCID: PMC6723248 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist that tempers inflammation. An interaction between the CB2 receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) has been suggested and PPAR-γ activation exerts anti-arthritic effects. The aim of this study was to characterize the therapeutic activity of BCP and to investigate PPAR-γ involvement in a collagen antibody induced arthritis (CAIA) experimental model. CAIA was induced through intraperitoneal injection of a monoclonal antibody cocktail and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 50 μg/100 μL/ip). CAIA animals were then randomized to orally receive either BCP (10 mg/kg/100 μL) or its vehicle (100 μL of corn oil). BCP significantly hampered the severity of the disease, reduced relevant pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13. BCP also decreased joint expression of matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9. Arthritic joints showed increased COX2 and NF-ĸB mRNA expression and reduced expression of the PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha, PGC-1α, and PPAR-γ. These conditions were reverted following BCP treatment. Finally, BCP reduced NF-ĸB activation and increased PGC-1α and PPAR-γ expression in human articular chondrocytes stimulated with LPS. These effects were reverted by AM630, a CB2 receptor antagonist. These results suggest that BCP ameliorates arthritis through a cross-talk between CB2 and PPAR-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela D'Ascola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Violetta Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maurizio Campo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Avenoso
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Ettari R, Pallio G, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Zappalà M, Maiorana S, Di Chio C, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Bitto A. Non-covalent immunoproteasome inhibitors induce cell cycle arrest in multiple myeloma MM.1R cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:1307-1313. [PMID: 31307247 PMCID: PMC6691773 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1594802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasome inhibition is a promising strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma; unfortunately, this disease is often associated with an increasing chemoresistance. One novel approach may be to target the immunoproteasome, a proteasomal isoform mainly present in cells of hematopoietic origin. We investigated the activity of a panel of amides against immunoproteasome core particles as potential agents for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Amide 6 showed an ideal profile since it was able to inhibit both the chymotrypsin-like activities of the immunoproteasome with Ki values of 4.90 µM and 4.39 µM for β1i and β5i, respectively, coupled with an EC50 =17.8 µM against MM.1R cells. Compound 6 inhibited also ubiquitinated protein degradation and was able to act on different phases of MM cell cycle reducing the levels of cyclin A/CDK1, cyclin B/CDK1 and cyclin D/CDK4/6 complexes, which turns in cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ettari
- a Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Maria Zappalà
- a Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Santina Maiorana
- a Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Carla Di Chio
- a Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- c Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, and Morphofunctional Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- b Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
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Pallio G, Micali A, Benvenga S, Antonelli A, Marini HR, Puzzolo D, Macaione V, Trichilo V, Santoro G, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Minutoli L. Myo-inositol in the protection from cadmium-induced toxicity in mice kidney: An emerging nutraceutical challenge. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 132:110675. [PMID: 31306689 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) induces functional and morphological changes in kidney. Therefore, the effects of a natural nutraceutical antioxidant, myo-inositol (MI), were evaluated in mice kidneys after Cd challenge. Twenty-eight C57 BL/6 J mice were divided into these groups: 0.9% NaCl; MI (360 mg/kg/day); CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day) plus vehicle; CdCl2 (2 mg/kg/day) plus MI (360 mg/kg/day). After 14 days, kidneys were processed for structural, biochemical and morphometric evaluation. Treatment with CdCl2 increased urea nitrogen and creatinine in serum and augmented tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Furthermore, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX) immunoreactivity, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells number were significantly higher than control and MI groups. Glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were reduced and structural changes were evident. The treatment with MI significantly lowered urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, TNF-α and iNOS expression, MCP-1, KIM-1 and MIOX immunoreactivity and TUNEL positive cells number, increased GSH content and GPx activity and preserved kidney morphology. A protection of MI against Cd-induced damages in mice kidney was demonstrated, suggesting a strong antioxidant role of this nutraceutical against environmental Cd harmful effects on kidney lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Herbert R Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Macaione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Trichilo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98121, Messina, Italy
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73
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D’Ascola A, Irrera N, Ettari R, Bitto A, Pallio G, Mannino F, Atteritano M, Campo GM, Minutoli L, Arcoraci V, Squadrito V, Picciolo G, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Exploiting Curcumin Synergy With Natural Products Using Quantitative Analysis of Dose-Effect Relationships in an Experimental In Vitro Model of Osteoarthritis. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1347. [PMID: 31798452 PMCID: PMC6868087 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Drug combination is widely used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. A similar strategy might be worth of interest to design plant-derived natural products to treat inflammatory conditions. Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound which shares anti-inflammatory activity with both flavocoxid, a flavonoid mixture of baicalin and catechin, and β-caryophyllene, a bicyclic sesquiterpene. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergy potential of curcumin with both flavocoxid and β-caryophyllene in human articular chondrocytes triggered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in an experimental in vitro model of osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: Human articular chondrocytes were stimulated with LPS alone or in combination with different treatments. Total RNA was extracted 4 h after treatment to study interleukin 1β (IL-1β), NF-κB, and STAT3 mRNA expression. A drug combination study was designed choosing 5 doses to demonstrate a synergistic effect of compounds, according to Chou and Talalay method. A median-effect equation was applied and finally, the combination index (CI) was used to clarify the nature of the compounds interaction (synergistic versus additive versus antagonistic inhibitory effects); CI < 1, CI = 1, and CI > 1 indicated synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects, respectively. Results: LPS prompted IL-1β expression. Curcumin, flavocoxid and β-caryophyllene suppressed IL-1β expression with different IC50. A synergistic action for the reduction of the inflammatory phenotype in human chondrocytes was observed for the combination curcumin-flavocoxid with a percentage from 10% to 90%, and for the combination curcumin-β-caryophyllene from 50% to 90%. IC50 doses of either flavocoxid, β-caryophyllene and curcumin alone or in combination were safe and did not affect cell vitality. Moreover, the same IC50 doses reduced the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3 mRNA expression and interestingly the effects of the combinations were greater than the natural products alone, thus suggesting that the site where the synergy takes place could be at the signal transduction level. Discussion: The results suggest that curcumin synergizes with either flavocoxid or β-caryophyllene, exerting an anti-inflammatory activity and thus strongly suggesting the potential of a dual combination of these compounds for the management of osteoarthritis and unmasking a new feature of these natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela D’Ascola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Atteritano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe M. Campo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Violetta Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Picciolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesco Squadrito,
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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74
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Cerrone M, van Opbergen CJM, Malkani K, Irrera N, Zhang M, Van Veen TAB, Cronstein B, Delmar M. Blockade of the Adenosine 2A Receptor Mitigates the Cardiomyopathy Induced by Loss of Plakophilin-2 Expression. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1750. [PMID: 30568602 PMCID: PMC6290386 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mutations in plakophilin-2 (PKP2) are the most common cause of familial Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a disease characterized by ventricular arrhythmias, sudden death, and progressive fibrofatty cardiomyopathy. The relation between loss of PKP2 expression and structural cardiomyopathy remains under study, though paracrine activation of pro-fibrotic intracellular signaling cascades is a likely event. Previous studies have indicated that ATP release into the intracellular space, and activation of adenosine receptors, can regulate fibrosis in various tissues. However, the role of this mechanism in the heart, and in the specific case of a PKP2-initiated cardiomyopathy, remains unexplored. Objectives: To investigate the role of ATP/adenosine in the progression of a PKP2-associated cardiomyopathy. Methods: HL1 cells were used to study PKP2- and Connexin43 (Cx43)-dependent ATP release. A cardiac-specific, tamoxifen-activated PKP2 knock-out murine model (PKP2cKO) was used to define the effect of adenosine receptor blockade on the progression of a PKP2-dependent cardiomyopathy. Results: HL1 cells silenced for PKP2 showed increased ATP release compared to control. Knockout of Cx43 in the same cells blunted the effect. PKP2cKO transcriptomic data revealed overexpression of genes involved in adenosine-receptor cascades. Istradefylline (an adenosine 2A receptor blocker) tempered the progression of fibrosis and mechanical failure observed in PKP2cKO mice. In contrast, PSB115, a blocker of the 2B adenosine receptor, showed opposite effects. Conclusion: Paracrine adenosine 2A receptor activation contributes to the progression of fibrosis and impaired cardiac function in animals deficient in PKP2. Given the limitations of the animal model, translation to the case of patients with PKP2 deficiency needs to be done with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cerrone
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chantal J M van Opbergen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kabir Malkani
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Division of Translational Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mingliang Zhang
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Toon A B Van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bruce Cronstein
- Division of Translational Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Irrera N, Arcoraci V, Mannino F, Vermiglio G, Pallio G, Minutoli L, Bagnato G, Anastasi GP, Mazzon E, Bramanti P, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Activation of A2A Receptor by PDRN Reduces Neuronal Damage and Stimulates WNT/β-CATENIN Driven Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:506. [PMID: 29896101 PMCID: PMC5986913 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex clinical and progressive condition characterized by neuronal loss, axonal destruction and demyelination. In the last few years, adenosine receptors have been studied as a target for many diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an adenosine receptor agonist, PDRN, in an experimental model of SCI. Moreover, since adenosine receptors stimulation may also activate the Wnt pathway, we wanted to study PDRN effects on Wnt signaling following SCI. Spinal trauma was induced by extradural compression of spinal cord at T5-T8 level in C57BL6/J mice. Animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: Sham (n = 10), SCI (n = 14), SCI+PDRN (8 mg/kg/i.p.; n = 14), SCI+PDRN+DMPX (8 and 10 mg/kg/i.p., respectively; n = 14). DMPX was used as an adenosine receptor antagonist to evaluate whether adenosine receptor block might prevent PDRN effects. PDRN systemically administered 1 h following SCI, protected from tissue damage, demyelination, and reduced motor deficits evaluated after 10 days. PDRN also reduced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, reduced BAX expression and preserved Bcl-2. Furthermore, PDRN stimulated Wnt/β-catenin pathway and decreased apoptotic process 24 h following SCI, whereas DMPX administration prevented PDRN effects on Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These results confirm PDRN anti-inflammatory activity and demonstrate that a crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin signaling is possible by adenosine receptors activation. Moreover, these data let us hypothesize that PDRN might promote neural repair through axonal regeneration and/or neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vermiglio
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bagnato
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Pio Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Bagnato G, Pigatto E, Bitto A, Pizzino C, Irrera N, Abignano G, Hutchinson M, Ferrera A, Zanatta E, Squadrito F, Buch M, Emery P, Saitta A, Cozzi F, Del Galdo F. O18 The PREdictor of MAlnutrition in Systemic Sclerosis (PREMASS) score: the first validated combined index predictive of future weight loss in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key075.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Bagnato
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Erika Pigatto
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, ITALY
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | - Carmelo Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | - Giuseppina Abignano
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Michelle Hutchinson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Antonino Ferrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | | | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | - Maya Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Antonino Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, ITALY
| | - Franco Cozzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, ITALY
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
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Pizzino G, Irrera N, Galfo F, Pallio G, Mannino F, D'amore A, Pellegrino E, Ieni A, Russo GT, Calapai M, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Bitto A. Effects of the antagomiRs 15b and 200b on the altered healing pattern of diabetic mice. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:644-655. [PMID: 29178246 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetic patients with non-healing ulcers have a reduced expression of VEGF. Genetically diabetic mice have an altered expression pattern of VEGF and its receptor, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). In diabetic wounds, the microRNAs, miR15b and miR200b, which respectively inhibit VEGF and VEGF-R2 mRNAs, are up-regulated, further affecting the impaired angiogenesis. We investigated whether anti-miRs directed toward miR15b and miR200b could improve wound repair in genetically diabetic mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Skin wounds were produced on the backs of female diabetic mice. The anti-miRs (antimiR15b, antimiR200b or antimiR15b/200b) at 10 mg·kg-1 , or vehicle were applied to the wound edge. Mice were killed on days 7, 14 and at time of complete wound closure. Levels of mRNA and protein of angiogenic mediators and their receptors were measured with RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Wounds were examined by histological and immunochemical methods. KEY RESULTS mRNA expression of VEGF, VEGFR-2, angiopoietin-1 and its receptor TEK were evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Protein levels of VEGF and transglutaminase II were measured at day 7, while VEGFR-2 and Angiopoietin-1 were measured at day 14. Histological features and the time to achieve a complete wound closure were also examined. Treatment with the anti-miRs improved the analysed parameters and the co-treatment resulted the most effective. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that the inhibition of miR15b and miR200b may have a potential application in diabetes-related wound disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Galfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angelica D'amore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Enrica Pellegrino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina T Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Calapai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Mannino F, Vaccaro M, Arcoraci V, Aliquò F, Minutoli L, Colonna MR, Galeano MR, Brines M, De Ponte C, Collino M, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Activation of the EPOR-β common receptor complex by cibinetide ameliorates impaired wound healing in mice with genetic diabetes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:632-639. [PMID: 29223734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is characterized by poor wound healing which currently lacks an efficacious treatment. The innate repair receptor (IRR) is a master regulator of tissue protection and repair which is expressed as a response injury or metabolic stress, including in diabetes. Activation of the IRR might provide benefit for diabetic wound healing. A specific IRR agonist cibinetide was administered in an incisional wound healing model performed mice with genetic diabetes (db+/db+) and compared to the normal wild-type. Animals were treated daily with cibinetide (30μg/kg/s.c.) or vehicle and euthanized 3, 7, and 14days after the injury to quantitate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), malondialdehyde (MAL), phospho-Akt (pAkt), phospho e-NOS (p-eNOS), and nitrite/nitrate content within the wound. Additional evaluations included quantification of skin histological change, angiogenesis, scar strength, and time to complete wound closure. Throughout the wound healing process diabetic animals treated with vehicle exhibited increased wound MAL with reduced VEGF, pAkt, peNOS and nitrite/nitrate, all associated with poor re-epitheliziation, angiogenesis, and wound breaking strength. Cibenitide administration significantly improved these abnormalities. The results suggest that cibinetide-mediated IRR activation may represent an interesting strategy to treat diabetes-associated wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Aliquò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Chiara De Ponte
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Collino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
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79
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Vaccaro M, Irrera N, Altavilla D, Squadrito F. L’activation du récepteur de l’adénosine par PDRN améliore le remodelage cutané dans un modèle expérimental de dermatite de type psoriasis. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2017.09.338] [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: 11/28/2022]
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80
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Vaccaro M, Irrera N, Cutroneo G, Rizzo G, Vaccaro F, Anastasi GP, Borgia F, Cannavò SP, Altavilla D, Squadrito F. Differential Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms nNOS and iNOS in Patients with Non-Segmental Generalized Vitiligo. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122533. [PMID: 29186858 PMCID: PMC5751136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in several biological processes, but its role in human melanogenesis is still not well understood. Exposure to UVA and UVB induces nitric oxide production in keratinocytes and melanocytes through the activation of constitutive nitric oxide synthase, increasing tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, whereas inducible nitric oxide synthase over expression might be involved in hypopigmentary disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether inducible nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression were modified in vitiligo skin compared to healthy controls. Skin biopsies were obtained from inflammatory/lesional and white/lesional skin in 12 patients with active, non-segmental vitiligo; site-matched biopsies of normal skin from eight patients were used as controls. Nitric oxide synthase isoforms expression was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and Western Blot analysis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression was significantly increased in inflammatory/lesional skin compared to healthy skin; melanocytes showed a moderate neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in white/lesional skin, demonstrating that metabolic function still goes on. The obtained data demonstrated that vitiligo lesions were characterized by modifications of nitric oxide synthase isoforms, thus confirming the hypothesis that nitric oxide imbalance is involved in vitiligo and supporting the idea that nitric oxide synthase inhibitors might be used as a possible therapeutic approach for the management of vitiligo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Cutroneo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-Functional Images, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Federico Vaccaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-Functional Images, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe P Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-Functional Images, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Serafinella P Cannavò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-Functional Images, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124 Messina, Italy.
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Pizzino G, Irrera N, Galfo F, Oteri G, Atteritano M, Pallio G, Mannino F, D'Amore A, Pellegrino E, Aliquò F, Anastasi GP, Cutroneo G, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Adenosine Receptor Stimulation Improves Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis in a Rat Model. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:558. [PMID: 28928654 PMCID: PMC5591884 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is a secondary cause of bone loss. Bisphosphonates approved for GIO, might induce jaw osteonecrosis; thus additional therapeutics are required. Adenosine receptor agonists are positive regulators of bone remodeling, thus the efficacy of adenosine receptor stimulation for treating GIO was tested. In a preventive study GIO was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by methylprednisolone (MP) for 60 days. Animals were randomly assigned to receive polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), an adenosine A2 receptor agonist, or PDRN and DMPX (3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine, an A2 antagonist), or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). Another set of animals was used for a treatment study, following the 60 days of MP-induction rats were randomized to receive (for additional 60 days) PDRN, or PDRN and DMPX (an adenosine A2 receptor antagonist), or zoledronate (as control for gold standard treatment), or vehicle. Control animals were administered with vehicle for either 60 or 120 days. Femurs were analyzed after treatments for histology, imaging, and breaking strength analysis. MP treatment induced severe bone loss, the concomitant use of PDRN prevented the developing of osteoporosis. In rats treated for 120 days, PDRN restored bone architecture and bone strength; increased b-ALP, osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and stimulated the Wnt canonical and non-canonical pathway. Zoledronate reduced bone resorption and ameliorated the histological features, without significant effects on bone formation. Our results suggest that adenosine receptor stimulation might be useful for preventing and treating GIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Federica Galfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Oteri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Marco Atteritano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Angelica D'Amore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Enrica Pellegrino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Federica Aliquò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe P Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cutroneo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
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82
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Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2017; 2017:8416763. [PMID: 28819546 PMCID: PMC5551541 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8416763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1646] [Impact Index Per Article: 235.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products. ROS can play, and in fact they do it, several physiological roles (i.e., cell signaling), and they are normally generated as by-products of oxygen metabolism; despite this, environmental stressors (i.e., UV, ionizing radiations, pollutants, and heavy metals) and xenobiotics (i.e., antiblastic drugs) contribute to greatly increase ROS production, therefore causing the imbalance that leads to cell and tissue damage (oxidative stress). Several antioxidants have been exploited in recent years for their actual or supposed beneficial effect against oxidative stress, such as vitamin E, flavonoids, and polyphenols. While we tend to describe oxidative stress just as harmful for human body, it is true as well that it is exploited as a therapeutic approach to treat clinical conditions such as cancer, with a certain degree of clinical success. In this review, we will describe the most recent findings in the oxidative stress field, highlighting both its bad and good sides for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariapaola Cucinotta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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83
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Irrera N, Pizzino G, Calò M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Famà F, Arcoraci V, Fodale V, David A, Francesca C, Minutoli L, Mazzon E, Bramanti P, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Lack of the Nlrp3 Inflammasome Improves Mice Recovery Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:459. [PMID: 28769794 PMCID: PMC5509758 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains elusive despite compelling evidence from animal models for a variety of therapeutic targets. The activation of the NLRP3 (Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome has been proposed as key point in the brain damage associated with TBI. NLRP3 was tested as potential target for reducing neuronal loss and promoting functional recovery in a mouse model of TBI. Male NLRP3-/- (n = 20) and wild type (n = 27) mice were used. A closed TBI model was performed and inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated. A group of WT mice also received BAY 11-7082, a NLRP3 inhibitor, to further evaluate the role of this pathway. At 24 h following TBI NLRP3-/- animals demonstrated a preserved cognitive function as compared to WT mice, additionally brain damage was less severe and the inflammatory mediators were reduced in brain lysates. The administration of BAY 11-7082 in WT animals subjected to TBI produced overlapping results. At day 7 histology revealed a more conserved brain structure with reduced damage in TBI NLRP3-/- animals compared to WT. Our data indicate that the NLRP3 pathway might be exploited as molecular target for the short-term sequelae of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Margherita Calò
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Fausto Famà
- Department of Human Pathology, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fodale
- Department of Human Pathology, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Antonio David
- Department of Human Pathology, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Cosentino Francesca
- Department of Human Pathology, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Sciences, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
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Bitto A, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Mannino F, Irrera N, Altavilla D, Squadrito F. Abstract 406: Flavocoxid a Dual Cox/Lox Inhibitor Reduces Atherosclerosis Development in ApoE KO Mice Fed With a Western High Fat Diet. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1161/atvb.37.suppl_1.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Flavocoxid is composed by two flavonoids, baicalin and catechin and it exerts anti-inflammatory effect blocking the peroxidase activity of COX1/2 and 5-LOX. This balanced inhibition prevents the development of adverse effects as demonstrated in clinical trials. The antinflammatory effect of flavocoxid was tested in ApoE knock out mice fed with a high fat western diet. Mice (of both sex) were 5 weeks old at the beginning of the experiment and were fed with a high fat diet for 8 weeks. Mice were randomized to receive: vehicle, or simvastatin (40mg/kg/day by oral suspension), or flavocoxid by oral suspension at the human equivalent dose of 500 mg/day (20mg/kg/day) that was previously reported effective in other inflammatory conditions. The body weight, food intake, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were recorded every week and at the time of sacrifice the thoracic aorta, liver, and blood samples were taken. Flavocoxid supplementation reduced blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and the extent of atherosclerotic plaques. In liver samples the mRNA expression of PPAR-alpha and SREBP-1 was significantly affected by flavocoxid supplementation (p less than 0.05 vs untreated ApoE mice), and the western blot analysis demonstrated an increased expression of the AMPK-alpha kinase demonstrating increased cellular metabolism in treated animals (p less than 0.05 vs untreated ApoE mice). The positive results obtained in this pre-clinical model further support the use of flavocoxid to reduce the atherosclerotic burden.
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85
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Squadrito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Minutoli L, Altavilla D. Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:224. [PMID: 28491036 PMCID: PMC5405115 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PDRN is a proprietary and registered drug that possesses several activities: tissue repairing, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory. These therapeutic properties suggest its use in regenerative medicine and in diabetic foot ulcers. PDRN holds a mixture of deoxyribonucleotides with molecular weights ranging between 50 and 1,500 KDa, it is derived from a controlled purification and sterilization process of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmon Trout) or Oncorhynchus keta (Chum Salmon) sperm DNA. The procedure guarantees the absence of active protein and peptides that may cause immune reactions. In vitro and in vivo experiments have suggested that PDRN most relevant mechanism of action is the engagement of adenosine A2A receptors. Besides engaging the A2A receptor, PDRN offers nucleosides and nucleotides for the so called “salvage pathway.” The binding to adenosine A2A receptors is a unique property of PDRN and seems to be linked to DNA origin, molecular weight and manufacturing process. In this context, PDRN represents a new advancement in the pharmacotherapy. In fact adenosine and dipyridamole are non-selective activators of adenosine receptors and they may cause unwanted side effects; while regadenoson, the only other A2A receptor agonist available, has been approved by the FDA as a pharmacological stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging. Finally, defibrotide, another drug composed by a mixture of oligonucleotides, has different molecular weight, a DNA of different origin and does not share the same wound healing stimulating effects of PDRN. The present review analyses the more relevant experimental and clinical evidences carried out to characterize PDRN therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Squadrito
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
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86
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Bitto A, Giuliani D, Pallio G, Irrera N, Vandini E, Canalini F, Zaffe D, Ottani A, Minutoli L, Rinaldi M, Guarini S, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Effects of COX1-2/5-LOX blockade in Alzheimer transgenic 3xTg-AD mice. Inflamm Res 2017; 66:389-398. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-017-1022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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87
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Squadrito F, Micali A, Rinaldi M, Irrera N, Marini H, Puzzolo D, Pisani A, Lorenzini C, Valenti A, Laurà R, Germanà A, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Altavilla D, Minutoli L. Polydeoxyribonucleotide, an Adenosine-A2 A Receptor Agonist, Preserves Blood Testis Barrier from Cadmium-Induced Injury. Front Pharmacol 2017; 7:537. [PMID: 28119612 PMCID: PMC5222826 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) impairs blood-testis barrier (BTB). Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), an adenosine A2A agonist, has positive effects on male reproductive system. We investigated the effects of PDRN on the morphological and functional changes induced by Cd in mice testes. Adult Swiss mice were divided into four groups: controls administered with 0.9% NaCl (1 ml/kg, i.p., daily) or with PDRN (8 mg/kg, i.p. daily), animals challenged with Cd chloride (CdCl2; 2 mg/kg, i.p, daily) and animals challenged with CdCl2 (2 mg/kg, i.p., daily) and treated with PDRN (8 mg/kg, i.p., daily). Experiments lasted 14 days. Testes were processed for biochemical, structural, and ultrastructural evaluation and hormones were assayed in serum. CdCl2 increased pERK 1/2 expression and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels; it decreased testosterone (TE) and inhibin-B levels and induced structural damages in extratubular compartment and in seminiferous epithelium, with ultrastructural features of BTB disruption. Many TUNEL-positive germ cells were present. CdCl2 increased tubular TGF-β3 immunoreactivity and reduced claudin-11, occludin, and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. PDRN administration reduced pERK 1/2 expression, FSH, and LH levels; it increased TE and inhibin-B levels, ameliorated germinal epithelium changes and protected BTB ultrastructure. Few TUNEL-positive germ cells were present and the extratubular compartment was preserved. Furthermore, PDRN decreased TGF-β3 immunoreactivity and enhanced claudin-11, occludin, and N-cadherin immunoreactivity. We demonstrate a protective effect of PDRN on Cd-induced damages of BTB and suggest that PDRN may play an important role against Cd, particularly against its harmful effects on gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Rinaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Herbert Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Antonina Pisani
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Cesare Lorenzini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Valenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Messina, Italy
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88
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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89
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Pallio G, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Galfo F, Irrera N, Squadrito F, Squadrito G, Pallio S, Anastasi GP, Cutroneo G, Macrì A, Altavilla D. Adenosine Receptor Stimulation by Polydeoxyribonucleotide Improves Tissue Repair and Symptomology in Experimental Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:273. [PMID: 27601997 PMCID: PMC4993775 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the adenosine receptor pathway has been demonstrated to be effective in improving tissue remodeling and blunting the inflammatory response. Active colitis is characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction resulting in extensive tissue damage. Symptomatic improvement requires both control of the inflammatory process and repair and remodeling of damaged tissues. We investigated the ability of an A2A receptor agonist, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), to restore tissue structural integrity in two experimental colitis models using male Sprague-Dawley rats. In the first model, colitis was induced with a single intra-colonic instillation of dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), 25 mg diluted in 0.8 ml 50% ethanol. After 6 h, animals were randomized to receive either PDRN (8 mg/kg/i.p.), or PDRN + the A2A antagonist [3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX); 10 mg/kg/i.p.], or vehicle (0.8 ml saline solution) daily. In the second model, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 8%. Control animals received standard drinking water. After 24 h animals were randomized to receive PDRN or PDRN+DMPX as described above. Rats were sacrificed 7 days after receiving DNBS or 5 days after DSS. In both experimental models of colitis, PDRN ameliorated the clinical symptoms and weight loss associated with disease as well as promoted the histological repair of damaged tissues. Moreover, PDRN reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase activity, and malondialdehyde. All these effects were abolished by the concomitant administration of the A2A antagonist DMPX. Our study suggests that PDRN may represent a promising treatment for improving tissue repair during inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Galfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | | | - Socrate Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe P Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Macrì
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina Messina, Italy
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90
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Minutoli L, Rinaldi M, Marini H, Irrera N, Crea G, Lorenzini C, Puzzolo D, Valenti A, Pisani A, Adamo EB, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Micali A. Apoptotic Pathways Linked to Endocrine System as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081311. [PMID: 27529214 PMCID: PMC5000708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic condition common in older men that can result in bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. The molecular mechanisms and networks underlying the development and the progression of the disease are still far from being fully understood. BPH results from smooth muscle cell and epithelial cell proliferation, primarily within the transition zone of the prostate. Apoptosis and inflammation play important roles in the control of cell growth and in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Disturbances in molecular mechanisms of apoptosis machinery have been linked to BPH. Increased levels of the glycoprotein Dickkopf-related protein 3 in BPH cause an inhibition of the apoptosis machinery through a reduction in B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 associated X protein (Bax) expression. Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins influence cell death by direct inhibition of caspases and modulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB. Current pharmacotherapy targets either the static component of BPH, including finasteride and dutasteride, or the dynamic component of BPH, including α-adrenoceptor antagonists such as tamsulosin and alfuzosin. Both these classes of drugs significantly interfere with the apoptosis machinery. Furthermore, phytotherapic supplements and new drugs may also modulate several molecular steps of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Mariagrazia Rinaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Herbert Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Crea
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cesare Lorenzini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Andrea Valenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonina Pisani
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Elena B Adamo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
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91
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Bitto A, Bagnato GL, Pizzino G, Roberts WN, Irrera N, Minutoli L, Russo G, Squadrito F, Saitta A, Bagnato GF, Altavilla D. Simvastatin prevents vascular complications in the chronic reactive oxygen species murine model of systemic sclerosis. Free Radic Res 2016; 50:514-22. [PMID: 26846205 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2016.1149171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aims Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by vasculopathy and organ fibrosis. Although microvascular alterations are very well characterized, structural and functional abnormalities of large vessels are not well defined. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of simvastatin administration on aortic and small renal arteries thickening, and on myofibroblasts differentiation in a murine model of SSc. Methods and results SSc was induced in BALB/c mice by daily subcutaneous injections of hypochlorous acid (HOCl, 100 μl) for 6 weeks. Mice (n = 23) were randomized to receive: HOCl (n = 10); HOCl plus simvastatin (40 mg/kg; n = 8); or vehicle (n = 5). Simvastatin administration started 30 min after HOCl injection, and up to week 6. Aortic and small renal arteries intima-media thickness was evaluated by histological analysis. Immunostaining for α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), and CD31 in aortic tissues was performed to evaluate myofibroblast differentiation and endothelial markers.In HOCl-treated mice, intima-media thickening with reduced lumen diameter was observed in the aorta and in small renal arteries and simvastatin administration prevented this increase. Aortic and renal myofibroblasts count, as expressed by α-SMA + density, was lower in the group of mice treated with simvastatin compared to HOCl-treated mice. Simvastatin prevented the reduction in VEGFR2 and CD31 expression induced by HOCl. Conclusions The administration of simvastatin regulates collagen deposition in the aortic tissues and in the small renal arteries by modulating myofibroblasts differentiation and vascular markers. Further studies are needed to better address the effect of statins in the macrovascular component of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Gian Luca Bagnato
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | | | - Natasha Irrera
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Giuseppina Russo
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Antonino Saitta
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Gian Filippo Bagnato
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- c Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
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92
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Minutoli L, Micali A, Pisani A, Puzzolo D, Bitto A, Rinaldi M, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Galfo F, Arena S, Pallio G, Mecchio A, Germanà A, Bruschetta D, Laurà R, Magno C, Marini H, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Flavocoxid Protects Against Cadmium-Induced Disruption of the Blood–Testis Barrier and Improves Testicular Damage and Germ Cell Impairment in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2015; 149:270. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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93
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Minutoli L, Micali A, Pisani A, Puzzolo D, Bitto A, Rinaldi M, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Galfo F, Arena S, Pallio G, Mecchio A, Germanà A, Bruschetta D, Laurà R, Magno C, Marini H, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Flavocoxid Protects Against Cadmium-Induced Disruption of the Blood–Testis Barrier and Improves Testicular Damage and Germ Cell Impairment in Mice [corrected]. Toxicol Sci 2015; 148:311-29. [PMID: 26424772 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) causes male infertility. There is the need to identify safe treatments counteracting this toxicity. Flavocoxid is a flavonoid that induces a balanced inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 peroxidase moieties and of 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and has efficacy in the male genitourinary system. We investigated flavocoxid effects on Cd-induced testicular toxicity in mice. Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: 2 control groups received 0.9% NaCl (vehicle; 1 ml/kg/day) or flavocoxid (20 mg/kg/day ip); 2 groups were challenged with cadmium chloride (CdCl2; 2 mg/kg/day ip) and administered with vehicle or flavocoxid. The treatment lasted for 1 or 2 weeks. The testes were processed for biochemical and morphological studies. CdCl2 increased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, COX-2, 5-LOX, malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell-lymphoma (Bcl)-2-associated X protein (Bax), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), transforming growth factor (TGF) -β3, decreased Bcl-2, testosterone, inhibin-B, occludin, N-Cadherin, induced structural damages in the testis and disrupted the blood-testis barrier. Many TUNEL-positive germ cells and changes in claudin-11, occludin, and N-cadherin localization were present. Flavocoxid administration reduced, in a time-dependent way, p-ERK 1/2, TNF-α, COX-2, 5-LOX, MDA, Bax, FSH, LH, TGF-β3, augmented Bcl-2, testosterone, inhibin B, occludin, N-Cadherin, and improved the structural organization of the testis and the blood-testis barrier. Few TUNEL-positive germ cells were present and a morphological retrieval of the intercellular junctions was observed. In conclusion, flavocoxid has a protective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic function against Cd-induced toxicity in mice testis. We suggest that flavocoxid may play a relevant positive role against environmental levels of Cd, otherwise deleterious to gametogenesis and tubular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images
| | - Antonina Pisani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Salvatore Arena
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences
| | | | - Anna Mecchio
- *Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
| | | | - Daniele Bruschetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images
| | - Rosaria Laurà
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and
| | - Carlo Magno
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences
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94
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Minutoli L, Antonuccio P, Irrera N, Rinaldi M, Bitto A, Marini H, Pizzino G, Romeo C, Pisani A, Santoro G, Puzzolo D, Magno C, Squadrito F, Micali A, Altavilla D. NLRP3 Inflammasome Involvement in the Organ Damage and Impaired Spermatogenesis Induced by Testicular Ischemia and Reperfusion in Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 355:370-80. [PMID: 26407722 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.226936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome during testis ischemia and reperfusion injury (TI/R) in wild-type (WT) and NLRP3 knock-out (KO) mice. WT and KO mice underwent 1 hour testicular ischemia followed by 4 hours and 1 and 7 days of reperfusion or a sham TI/R. Furthermore, two groups of WT mice were treated at the beginning of reperfusion and up to 7 days with two inflammasome inhibitors, BAY 11-7082 (20 mg/kg i.p.) or Brilliant Blue G (45.5 mg/kg i.p.), or vehicle. Animals were killed with a pentobarbital sodium overdose at 4 hours and 1 and 7 days, and bilateral orchidectomies were performed. Biochemical and morphologic studies were carried out in all groups. TI/R in WT mice significantly increased caspase-1 and interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA after 4 hours and IL-18 mRNA at 1 day of reperfusion (P ≤ 0.05). There was also a significant increase in caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-deoxyuridine nick-end labeling-positive cells, marked histologic damage, and altered spermatogenesis in WT mice in both testes after 1 and 7 days of reperfusion. KO TI/R mice, WT TI/R BAY 11-7082, and Brilliant Blue G treated mice showed a significant reduced IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA expression, blunted caspase-1 and -3 expression, minor histologic damages, low terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-deoxyuridine nick-end labeling activity, and preserved spermatogenesis. These data suggest that the activation of NLRP3 plays a key role in TI/R, and its inhibition might represent a therapeutic target for the management of patients with unilateral testicular torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Pietro Antonuccio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Mariagrazia Rinaldi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Herbert Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Carmelo Romeo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Antonina Pisani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Domenico Puzzolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Carlo Magno
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Antonio Micali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (L.M., N.I., M.R., A.B., H.M., G.P., F.S.); Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (P.A., C.R., D.A.); Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (A.P., G.S., D.P., A.M.); and Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy (C.M.)
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95
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Interdonato M, Pizzino G, Bitto A, Galfo F, Irrera N, Mecchio A, Pallio G, Ramistella V, De Luca F, Santamaria A, Minutoli L, Marini H, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Cadmium delays puberty onset and testis growth in adolescents. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 83:357-62. [PMID: 25521350 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cadmium (Cd) has been shown to impair pubertal development in experimental animals. However, no data are available for male adolescents with increased urinary cadmium levels. DESIGN The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate pubertal onset and pituitary-gonadal axis hormones in male adolescents with increased urinary levels of Cd. SUBJECTS We studied 111 males, aged 12-14 years living in the Milazzo-Valle del Mela area. A control age-matched population (n = 60) living 28-45 km far from the industrial site was also enrolled. MEASUREMENTS Pubertal stages were assessed by clinical examination according to Tanner's score. Mean testicular volume was also investigated by ultrasound examination. Urinary Cd concentration and blood levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and inhibin B were also investigated. RESULTS Cd levels were significantly higher in adolescents living in the Milazzo-Valle del Mela area, compared to both age-matched subjects living far from the industrial plants and the reference values. Our population showed also a delayed onset of puberty, a smaller testicular volume and lower testosterone levels. An inverse correlation was found between urinary Cd and testicular volume (r = -0·25; P = 0·0008), testosterone levels (Spearman's r = -0·0·37; two-tailed P < 0·0001) and LH levels (Spearman's r = 0·048; P < 0·05). Testosterone levels were positively correlated with testicular volume (Spearman's r = 0·48; P < 0·0001). CONCLUSIONS This study, for the first time, suggests that increased Cd burden is associated with delayed onset of puberty in male adolescents and impaired testicular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Interdonato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Galfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Mecchio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ramistella
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Filippo De Luca
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Santamaria
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Herbert Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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96
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Messina S, Bitto A, Vita GL, Aguennouz M, Irrera N, Licata N, Sframeli M, Bruschetta D, Minutoli L, Altavilla D, Vita G, Squadrito F. Modulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and apoptosis by the isoflavone genistein in Mdx mice. Biofactors 2015; 41:324-9. [PMID: 26332024 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dystrophin lack in DMD causes neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) membrane delocalization which in turn promotes functional muscle ischemia, and exacerbates muscle injury. Apoptosis and the exhaustion of muscle regenerative capacity are implicated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) pathogenesis and therefore are relevant therapeutic targets. Genistein has been reported to have pro-proliferative effects, promoting G1/S cell phase transition through the induction of cyclin D1, and anti-apoptotic properties. We previously showed that genistein could reduce muscle necrosis and enhance regeneration with an augmented number of myogenin-positive satellite cells and myonuclei, ameliorating muscle function in mdx mice. In this study we evaluated the underlying mechanisms of genistein effect on muscle specimens of mdx and wild type mice treated for five weeks with genistein (2 mg/kg/i.p. daily) or vehicle. Western blot analysis show that genistein increased cyclin D1 and nNOS expression; and showed an antiapoptotic effect, modulating the expression of BAX and Bcl-2. Our results suggest that this isoflavone might enhance the regenerative spurt in mdx mice muscle restoring nNOS, promoting G1/S phase transition in muscle cell, and inhibiting apoptosis. Further studies with longer time treatment or using different experimental approaches are needed to better investigate the underlying mechanisms of such results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Messina
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo Sud, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Vita
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo Sud, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Norma Licata
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Bruschetta
- Department of Biomorphology and Biotechnologies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Paediatric, Gynaecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vita
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Centro Clinico Nemo Sud, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Minutoli L, Marini H, Rinaldi M, Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Calò M, Adamo EB, Trichilo V, Interdonato M, Galfo F, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. A Dual Inhibitor of Cyclooxygenase and 5-Lipoxygenase Protects Against Kainic Acid-Induced Brain Injury. Neuromolecular Med 2015; 17:192-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-015-8351-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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98
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Bitto A, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Galfo F, Squadrito F. Epigenetic modifications due to heavy metals exposure in children living in polluted areas. Curr Genomics 2015; 15:464-8. [PMID: 25646074 PMCID: PMC4311390 DOI: 10.2174/138920291506150106153336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present article is to provide a summary of the epigenetic modifications that might occur in children exposed to heavy metals pollutants. It is known that children are more susceptible to environmental pollutants, because their detoxification enzymes are less competent, and this may lead to alterations in chromatin structure or of DNA causing, in turn, epigenetic modifications. Little is currently known about the long-term effects of these changes when occur early in childhood, none-theless there are ethics and practical concerns that make the assessment of DNA modifications difficult to perform in large-scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Galfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Bitto A, Altavilla D, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Pallio G, Colonna MR, Squadrito F. Inhibition of inflammasome activation improves the impaired pattern of healing in genetically diabetic mice. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:2300-7. [PMID: 24329484 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Type 2 diabetes impairs the healing process because of an exaggerated and persistent inflammatory response, and an altered expression pattern of angiogenic molecules. We investigated the effects of inflammasome blockade in diabetes-related wound-healings defects, in genetically diabetic mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH An incisional skin wound model was produced on the back of female diabetic C57BL/KsJ-m +/+ Lept(db) mice (db⁺ /db⁺) and their normal littermates (db⁺ /m⁺). Animals were treated daily with two inflammasome blocking agents, BAY 11-7082 (20 mg·kg⁻¹ i.p.), or Brilliant Blue G (BBG, 45.5 mg·kg⁻¹ i.p.), or vehicle. Mice were killed on 3, 6 and 12 days after skin injury to measure expression of the NOD-like receptor NLRP3, caspase-1, VEGF, the inflammasome adapter protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and the chemokine CXCL12. Wound levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were also measured, along with histological assessments of wound tissue and the time to complete wound closure. KEY RESULTS During healing, the diabetic mice exhibited increased activation of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18. They also showed a reduced expression of VEGF and CXCL12.Treatment with BAY 11-7082 or BBG, to block activation of the inflammasome, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules. Histological evaluation indicated that inflammasome blockade improved the impaired healing pattern, at day 12 in diabetic mice, along with a decreased time to complete skin healing. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data strongly suggest that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the key contributors to the delayed healing of wounds in diabetic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Irrera N, Bitto A, Interdonato M, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Evidence for a role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in the treatment of experimental acute pancreatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:16535-16543. [PMID: 25469021 PMCID: PMC4248196 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i44.16535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by acute inflammation and necrosis of the pancreatic parenchyma. AP is often associated with organ failure, sepsis, and high mortality. The pathogenesis of AP is still not well understood. In recent years several papers have highlighted the cellular and molecular events of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is initiated by activation of digestive enzymes within the acinar cells that are involved in autodigestion of the gland, followed by a massive infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages and release of inflammatory mediators, responsible for the local and systemic inflammatory response. The hallmark of AP is parenchymal cell necrosis that represents the cause of the high morbidity and mortality, so that new potential therapeutic approaches are indispensable for the treatment of patients at high risk of complications. However, not all factors that determine the onset and course of the disease have been explained. Aim of this article is to review the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.
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