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Fumagalli S, Perego C, Zangari R, De Blasio D, Oggioni M, De Nigris F, Snider F, Garred P, Ferrante AMR, De Simoni MG. Lectin Pathway of Complement Activation Is Associated with Vulnerability of Atherosclerotic Plaques. Front Immunol 2017; 8:288. [PMID: 28360913 PMCID: PMC5352714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory mechanisms may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. By using a novel histology-based method to quantify plaque instability here, we assess whether lectin pathway (LP) of complement activation, a major inflammation arm, could represent an index of plaque instability. Plaques from 42 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and the lipid core, cholesterol clefts, hemorrhagic content, thickness of tunica media, and intima, including or not infiltration of cellular debris and cholesterol, were determined. The presence of ficolin-1, -2, and -3 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL), LP initiators, was assessed in the plaques by immunofluorescence and in plasma by ELISA. LP activation was assessed in plasma by functional in vitro assays. Patients presenting low stenosis (≤75%) had higher hemorrhagic content than those with high stenosis (>75%), indicating increased erosion. Increased hemorrhagic content and tunica media thickness, as well as decreased lipid core and infiltrated content were associated with vulnerable plaques and therefore used to establish a plaque vulnerability score that allowed to classify patients according to plaque vulnerability. Ficolins and MBL were found both in plaques’ necrotic core and tunica media. Patients with vulnerable plaques showed decreased plasma levels and intraplaque deposition of ficolin-2. Symptomatic patients experiencing a transient ischemic attack had lower plasma levels of ficolin-1. We show that the LP initiators are present within the plaques and their circulating levels change in atherosclerotic patients. In particular, we show that decreased ficolin-2 levels are associated with rupture-prone vulnerable plaques, indicating its potential use as marker for cardiovascular risk assessment in atherosclerotic patients.
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Llovera G, Hofmann K, Roth S, Salas-Pérdomo A, Ferrer-Ferrer M, Perego C, Zanier ER, Mamrak U, Rex A, Party H, Agin V, Fauchon C, Orset C, Haelewyn B, De Simoni MG, Dirnagl U, Grittner U, Planas AM, Plesnila N, Vivien D, Liesz A. Results of a preclinical randomized controlled multicenter trial (pRCT): Anti-CD49d treatment for acute brain ischemia. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:299ra121. [PMID: 26246166 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaa9853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous treatments have been reported to provide a beneficial outcome in experimental animal stroke models; however, these treatments (with the exception of tissue plasminogen activator) have failed in clinical trials. To improve the translation of treatment efficacy from bench to bedside, we have performed a preclinical randomized controlled multicenter trial (pRCT) to test a potential stroke therapy under circumstances closer to the design and rigor of a clinical randomized control trial. Anti-CD49d antibodies, which inhibit the migration of leukocytes into the brain, were previously investigated in experimental stroke models by individual laboratories. Despite the conflicting results from four positive and one inconclusive preclinical studies, a clinical trial was initiated. To confirm the preclinical results and to test the feasibility of conducting a pRCT, six independent European research centers investigated the efficacy of anti-CD49d antibodies in two distinct mouse models of stroke in a centrally coordinated, randomized, and blinded approach. The results pooled from all research centers revealed that treatment with CD49d-specific antibodies significantly reduced both leukocyte invasion and infarct volume after the permanent distal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, which causes a small cortical infarction. In contrast, anti-CD49d treatment did not reduce lesion size or affect leukocyte invasion after transient proximal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, which induces large lesions. These results suggest that the benefits of immune-targeted approaches may depend on infarct severity and localization. This study supports the feasibility of performing pRCTs.
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Stravalaci M, De Blasio D, Orsini F, Perego C, Palmioli A, Goti G, Bernardi A, De Simoni MG, Gobbi M. A New Surface Plasmon Resonance Assay for In Vitro Screening of Mannose-Binding Lectin Inhibitors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:749-57. [PMID: 26969323 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116637563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a circulating protein that acts as a soluble pattern recognition molecule of the innate immunity. It binds to carbohydrate patterns on the surface of pathogens or of altered self-cells, with activation of the lectin pathway of the complement system. Recent evidence indicates that MBL contributes to the pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion injury and other conditions. Thus, MBL inhibitors offer promising therapeutic strategies, since they prevent the interaction of MBL with its target sugar arrays. We developed and characterized a novel assay based on surface plasmon resonance for in vitro screening of these compounds, which may be useful before the more expensive and time-consuming in vivo studies. The assay measures the inhibitor's ability to interfere with the binding of murine MBL-A or MBL-C, or of human recombinant MBL, to mannose residues immobilized on the sensor chip surface. We have applied the assay to measure the IC50 of synthetic glycodendrimers, two of them with neuroprotective properties in animal models of MBL-mediated injuries.
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Abstract
This article reviews the results obtained in the synthesis, characterization and applications of zeolites and related microporous materials, focusing on catalytic processes developed in Eni research laboratories over the last 40 years.
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Zanier ER, Marchesi F, Ortolano F, Perego C, Arabian M, Zoerle T, Sammali E, Pischiutta F, De Simoni MG. Fractalkine Receptor Deficiency Is Associated with Early Protection but Late Worsening of Outcome following Brain Trauma in Mice. J Neurotrauma 2015; 33:1060-72. [PMID: 26180940 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
An impaired ability to regulate microglia activation by fractalkine (CX3CL1) leads to microglia chronic sub-activation. How this condition affects outcome after acute brain injury is still debated, with studies showing contrasting results depending on the timing and the brain pathology. Here, we investigated the early and delayed consequences of fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) deletion on neurological outcome and on the phenotypical features of the myeloid cells present in the lesions of mice with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Wild type (WT) and CX3CR1(-/-) C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to sham or controlled cortical impact brain injury. Outcome was assessed at 4 days and 5 weeks after TBI by neuroscore, neuronal count, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Compared with WT mice, CX3CR1(-/-) TBI mice showed a significant reduction of sensorimotor deficits and lower cellular damage in the injured cortex 4 days post-TBI. Conversely, at 5 weeks, they showed a worsening of sensorimotor deficits and pericontusional cell death. Microglia (M) and macrophage (μ) activation and polarization were assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry for CD11b, CD68, Ym1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-markers of M/μ activation, phagocytosis, M2, and M1 phenotypes, respectively. Morphological analysis revealed a decreased area and perimeter of CD11b(+) cells in CX3CR1(-/-) mice at 4 days post-TBI, whereas, at 5 weeks, both parameters were significantly higher, compared with WT mice. At 4 days, CX3CR1(-/-) mice showed significantly decreased CD68 and iNOS immunoreactivity, while at 5 weeks post-injury, they showed a selective increase of iNOS. Gene expression on CD11b(+) sorted cells revealed an increase of interleukin 10 and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) at 1 day and a decrease of IGF1 4 days and 5 weeks post-TBI in CX3CR1(-/-), compared with WT mice. These data show an early protection followed by a chronic exacerbation of TBI outcome in the absence of CX3CR1. Thus, longitudinal effects of myeloid cell manipulation at different stages of pathology should be investigated to understand how and when their modulation may offer therapeutic chances.
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Castoldi G, Giollo F, Di Gioia C, Carletti R, Antoniotti M, Perego C, Zerbini G, Stella A. PP.42.15. J Hypertens 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000469008.69717.da] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Perego C, Salvalaglio M, Parrinello M. Molecular dynamics simulations of solutions at constant chemical potential. J Chem Phys 2015; 142:144113. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4917200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Fumagalli S, Perego C, Pischiutta F, Zanier ER, De Simoni MG. The ischemic environment drives microglia and macrophage function. Front Neurol 2015; 6:81. [PMID: 25904895 PMCID: PMC4389404 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells of myeloid origin, such as microglia and macrophages, act at the crossroads of several inflammatory mechanisms during pathophysiology. Besides pro-inflammatory activity (M1 polarization), myeloid cells acquire protective functions (M2) and participate in the neuroprotective innate mechanisms after brain injury. Experimental research is making considerable efforts to understand the rules that regulate the balance between toxic and protective brain innate immunity. Environmental changes affect microglia/macrophage functions. Hypoxia can affect myeloid cell distribution, activity, and phenotype. With their intrinsic differences, microglia and macrophages respond differently to hypoxia, the former depending on ATP to activate and the latter switching to anaerobic metabolism and adapting to hypoxia. Myeloid cell functions include homeostasis control, damage-sensing activity, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, all distinctive features of these cells. Specific markers and morphologies enable to recognize each functional state. To ensure homeostasis and activate when needed, microglia/macrophage physiology is finely tuned. Microglia are controlled by several neuron-derived components, including contact-dependent inhibitory signals and soluble molecules. Changes in this control can cause chronic activation or priming with specific functional consequences. Strategies, such as stem cell treatment, may enhance microglia protective polarization. This review presents data from the literature that has greatly advanced our understanding of myeloid cell action in brain injury. We discuss the selective responses of microglia and macrophages to hypoxia after stroke and review relevant markers with the aim of defining the different subpopulations of myeloid cells that are recruited to the injured site. We also cover the functional consequences of chronically active microglia and review pivotal works on microglia regulation that offer new therapeutic possibilities for acute brain injury.
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Zanier ER, Fumagalli S, Perego C, Pischiutta F, De Simoni MG. Shape descriptors of the "never resting" microglia in three different acute brain injury models in mice. Intensive Care Med Exp 2015. [PMID: 26215806 PMCID: PMC4513020 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-015-0039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of microglia and macrophage (M/M) morphology represents a key tool to understand the functional activation state and the pattern of distribution of these cells in acute brain injury. The identification of reliable quantitative morphological parameters is urgently needed to understand these cell roles in brain injury and to explore strategies aimed at therapeutically manipulating the inflammatory response. METHODS We used three different clinically relevant murine models of focal injury, namely, controlled cortical impact brain injury (traumatic brain injury (TBI)) and transient and permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery (tMCAo and pMCAo, respectively). Twenty-four hours after injury, M/M cells were labeled by CD11b, and ×40 photomicrographs were acquired by unbiased sampling of the lesion core using a motorized stage microscope. Images were processed with Fiji software to obtain shape descriptors. RESULTS We validated several parameters, including area, perimeter, Feret's diameter (caliper), circularity, aspect ratio, and solidity, providing quantitative information on M/M morphology over wide tissue portions. We showed that the shape descriptors that best represent M/M ramification/elongation are area and perimeter, while circularity and solidity provide information on the ameboid shape. We also provide evidence of the involvement of different populations in local inflammatory events, with macrophages replacing microglia into the lesion core when reperfusion does not occur. Analysis of CD45(high)+ cell morphology, whose shape does not change, did not yield any difference, thus confirming the reliability of the approach. CONCLUSIONS We have defined specific morphological features that M/M acquire in response to different acute insults by applying a sensitive and readily applicable approach to cell morphological analysis in the brain tissue. Potential application of this method can be extended to all cell types able to change shape following activation, e.g., astrocytes, or to different disease states, including chronic pathologies.
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Zanier ER, Pischiutta F, Riganti L, Marchesi F, Turola E, Fumagalli S, Perego C, Parotto E, Vinci P, Veglianese P, D’Amico G, Verderio C, De Simoni MG. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells drive protective M2 microglia polarization after brain trauma. Neurotherapeutics 2014; 11:679-95. [PMID: 24965140 PMCID: PMC4121458 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia/macrophages (M) are major contributors to postinjury inflammation, but they may also promote brain repair in response to specific environmental signals that drive classic (M1) or alternative (M2) polarization. We investigated the activation and functional changes of M in mice with traumatic brain injuries and receiving intracerebroventricular human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or saline infusion. MSCs upregulated Ym1 and Arginase-1 mRNA (p < 0.001), two M2 markers of protective M polarization, at 3 and 7 d postinjury, and increased the number of Ym1(+) cells at 7 d postinjury (p < 0.05). MSCs reduced the presence of the lysosomal activity marker CD68 on the membrane surface of CD11b-positive M (p < 0.05), indicating reduced phagocytosis. MSC-mediated induction of the M2 phenotype in M was associated with early and persistent recovery of neurological functions evaluated up to 35 days postinjury (p < 0.01) and reparative changes of the lesioned microenvironment. In vitro, MSCs directly counteracted the proinflammatory response of primary murine microglia stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α + interleukin 17 or by tumor necrosis factor-α + interferon-γ and induced M2 proregenerative traits, as indicated by the downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and upregulation of Ym1 and CD206 mRNA (p < 0.01). In conclusion, we found evidence that MSCs can drive the M transcriptional environment and induce the acquisition of an early, persistent M2-beneficial phenotype both in vivo and in vitro. Increased Ym1 expression together with reduced in vivo phagocytosis suggests M selection by MSCs towards the M2a subpopulation, which is involved in growth stimulation and tissue repair.
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Treccani G, Musazzi L, Perego C, Milanese M, Nava N, Bonifacino T, Lamanna J, Malgaroli A, Drago F, Racagni G, Nyengaard JR, Wegener G, Bonanno G, Popoli M. Stress and corticosterone increase the readily releasable pool of glutamate vesicles in synaptic terminals of prefrontal and frontal cortex. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:433-43. [PMID: 24535456 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress and glucocorticoids alter glutamatergic transmission, and the outcome of stress may range from plasticity enhancing effects to noxious, maladaptive changes. We have previously demonstrated that acute stress rapidly increases glutamate release in prefrontal and frontal cortex via glucocorticoid receptor and accumulation of presynaptic SNARE complex. Here we compared the ex vivo effects of acute stress on glutamate release with those of in vitro application of corticosterone, to analyze whether acute effect of stress on glutamatergic transmission is mediated by local synaptic action of corticosterone. We found that acute stress increases both the readily releasable pool (RRP) of vesicles and depolarization-evoked glutamate release, while application in vitro of corticosterone rapidly increases the RRP, an effect dependent on synaptic receptors for the hormone, but does not induce glutamate release for up to 20 min. These findings indicate that corticosterone mediates the enhancement of glutamate release induced by acute stress, and the rapid non-genomic action of the hormone is necessary but not sufficient for this effect.
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Perego C, Millini R. Porous materials in catalysis: challenges for mesoporous materials. Chem Soc Rev 2013; 42:3956-76. [PMID: 23132427 DOI: 10.1039/c2cs35244c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of ordered mesoporous materials has opened great opportunities for new applications in heterogeneous catalysis, thanks to their hitherto unprecedented intrinsic structural features. Evidence shows that, however, these materials have not met the researchers' expectations mainly because of the severe limitations related to the strength of acid sites and to the thermal/hydrothermal stability, significantly lower than those of zeolites and due to the amorphous nature of the mesostructured materials. These features are highlighted in the first part of this review, where the peculiarities of mesostructured materials are compared with those of zeolite catalysts in some reactions of industrial interest. New synthesis strategies, especially designed for preparing materials with improved physico-chemical and textural properties, together with the catalytic features of the resulting materials, are described and discussed in the second part of the review.
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Perego C, Fumagalli S, De Simoni MG. Three-dimensional confocal analysis of microglia/macrophage markers of polarization in experimental brain injury. J Vis Exp 2013. [PMID: 24056862 DOI: 10.3791/50605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
After brain stroke microglia/macrophages (M/M) undergo rapid activation with dramatic morphological and phenotypic changes that include expression of novel surface antigens and production of mediators that build up and maintain the inflammatory response. Emerging evidence indicates that M/M are highly plastic cells that can assume classic pro-inflammatory (M1) or alternative anti-inflammatory (M2) activation after acute brain injury. However a complete characterization of M/M phenotype marker expression, their colocalization and temporal evolution in the injured brain is still missing. Immunofluorescence protocols specifically staining relevant markers of M/M activation can be performed in the ischemic brain. Here we present immunofluorescence-based protocols followed by three-dimensional confocal analysis as a powerful approach to investigate the pattern of localization and co-expression of M/M phenotype markers such as CD11b, CD68, Ym1, in mouse model of focal ischemia induced by permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (pMCAO). Two-dimensional analysis of the stained area reveals that each marker is associated to a defined M/M morphology and has a given localization in the ischemic lesion. Patterns of M/M phenotype marker co-expression can be assessed by three-dimensional confocal imaging in the ischemic area. Images can be acquired over a defined volume (10 μm z-axis and a 0.23 μm step size, corresponding to a 180 x 135 x 10 μm volume) with a sequential scanning mode to minimize bleed-through effects and avoid wavelength overlapping. Images are then processed to obtain three-dimensional renderings by means of Imaris software. Solid view of three dimensional renderings allows the definition of marker expression in clusters of cells. We show that M/M have the ability to differentiate towards a multitude of phenotypes, depending on the location in the lesion site and time after injury.
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Biaggi C, Benaglia M, Ortenzi M, Micotti E, Perego C, De Simoni MG. Easily available, low cost 19F MRI agents: Poly(ethylene-glycol)-functionalized fluorinated ethers. J Fluor Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluchem.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Fumagalli S, Perego C, Ortolano F, De Simoni MG. CX3CR1 deficiency induces an early protective inflammatory environment in ischemic mice. Glia 2013; 61:827-42. [PMID: 23440897 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The studies on fractalkine and its unique receptor CX3CR1 in neurological disorders yielded contrasting results. We have explored the consequences of CX3CR1 deletion in ischemic (30' MCAo) mice on: (1) brain infarct size; (2) microglia dynamism and morphology; (3) expression of markers of microglia/macrophages (M/M) activation and polarization. We observed smaller infarcts in cx3cr1(-/-) (26.42 ± 7.41 mm(3) , mean ± sd) compared to wild type (36.29 ± 11.57) and cx3cr1(-/+) (34.49 ± 8.91) mice. We longitudinally analyzed microglia by in vivo two-photon microscopy before, 1 and 24 h after transient ischemia. Microglia were stationary in both cx3cr1(-/-) and cx3cr1(-/+) mice throughout the study. In cx3cr1(-/-) mice, they displayed a significantly higher number of ramifications >10 μm at baseline and at 24 h after ischemia compared to cx3cr1(-/+) mice, indicating that CX3CR1 deficiency impaired the development of microglia hypertrophic/amoeboid morphology. At 24 h after ischemia, we performed post mortem quantitative immunohistochemistry for different M/M markers. In cx3cr1(-/-) immunoreactivity for CD11b (M/M activation) and for CD68 (associated with phagocytosis) were decreased, while that for CD45(high) (macrophage and leukocyte recruitment) was increased. In addition, immunoreactivity for Ym1 (M2 polarization) was enhanced, while that for iNOS (M1) was decreased. Our data show that in cx3cr1(-/-) mice protection from ischemia at early time points after injury is associated with a protective inflammatory milieu, characterized by the promotion of M2 polarization markers.
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Perego C, Batani D, Zani A, Passoni M. Target normal sheath acceleration analytical modeling, comparative study and developments. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2012; 83:02B502. [PMID: 22380301 DOI: 10.1063/1.3666188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ultra-intense laser interaction with solid targets appears to be an extremely promising technique to accelerate ions up to several MeV, producing beams that exhibit interesting properties for many foreseen applications. Nowadays, most of all the published experimental results can be theoretically explained in the framework of the target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) mechanism proposed by Wilks et al. [Phys. Plasmas 8(2), 542 (2001)]. As an alternative to numerical simulation various analytical or semi-analytical TNSA models have been published in the latest years, each of them trying to provide predictions for some of the ion beam features, given the initial laser and target parameters. However, the problem of developing a reliable model for the TNSA process is still open, which is why the purpose of this work is to enlighten the present situation of TNSA modeling and experimental results, by means of a quantitative comparison between measurements and theoretical predictions of the maximum ion energy. Moreover, in the light of such an analysis, some indications for the future development of the model proposed by Passoni and Lontano [Phys. Plasmas 13(4), 042102 (2006)] are then presented.
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Perego C, Fumagalli S, De Simoni MG. Temporal pattern of expression and colocalization of microglia/macrophage phenotype markers following brain ischemic injury in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2011; 8:174. [PMID: 22152337 PMCID: PMC3251548 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence indicates that, similarly to what happens for peripheral macrophages, microglia can express different phenotypes depending on microenvironmental signals. In spite of the large literature on inflammation after ischemia, information on M/M phenotype marker expression, their colocalization and temporal evolution in the injured brain is lacking. The present study investigates the presence of microglia/macrophage phenotype markers, their temporal expression, whether they are concomitantly expressed by the same subpopulation, or they are expressed at distinct phases or locations in relation to the ischemic lesion. Methods Volume of ischemic lesion, neuronal counts and TUNEL staining were assessed in C57Bl/6 mice at 6-12-24-48 h and 7d after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. At the same time points, the expression, distribution in the lesioned area, association with a definite morphology and coexpression of the microglia/macrophage markers CD11b, CD45, CD68, Ym1, CD206 were assessed by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. Results The results show that: 1) the ischemic lesion induces the expression of selected microglia/macrophage markers that develop over time, each with a specific pattern; 2) each marker has a given localization in the lesioned area with no apparent changes during time, with the exception of CD68 that is confined in the border zone of the lesion at early times but it greatly increases and invades the ischemic core at 7d; 3) while CD68 is expressed in both ramified and globular CD11b cells, Ym1 and CD206 are exclusively expressed by globular CD11b cells. Conclusions These data show that the ischemic lesion is accompanied by activation of specific microglia/macrophage phenotype that presents distinctive spatial and temporal features. These different states of microglia/macrophages reflect the complexity of these cells and their ability to differentiate towards a multitude of phenotypes depending on the surrounding micro-environmental signals that can change over time. The data presented in this study provide a basis for understanding this complex response and for developing strategies resulting in promotion of a protective inflammatory phenotype.
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Rossi S, Benaglia M, Ortenzi M, Micotti E, Perego C, De Simoni MG. Poly(ethylene-glycol)-based fluorinated esters: a readily available entry for novel 19F-MRI agents. Tetrahedron Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.09.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Cipriani R, Villa P, Chece G, Lauro C, Paladini A, Micotti E, Perego C, De Simoni MG, Fredholm BB, Eusebi F, Limatola C. CX3CL1 is neuroprotective in permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rodents. J Neurosci 2011; 31:16327-35. [PMID: 22072684 PMCID: PMC6633249 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3611-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 are constitutively expressed in the nervous system. In this study, we used in vivo murine models of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) to investigate the protective potential of CX3CL1. We report that exogenous CX3CL1 reduced ischemia-induced cerebral infarct size, neurological deficits, and caspase-3 activation. CX3CL1-induced neuroprotective effects were long lasting, being observed up to 50 d after pMCAO in rats. The neuroprotective action of CX3CL1 in different models of brain injuries is mediated by its inhibitory activity on microglia and, in vitro, requires the activation of adenosine receptor 1 (A₁R). We show that, in the presence of the A₁R antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine and in A₁R⁻/⁻ mice, the neuroprotective effect of CX3CL1 on pMCAO was abolished, indicating the critical importance of the adenosine system in CX3CL1 protection also in vivo. In apparent contrast with the above reported data but in agreement with previous findings, cx3cl1⁻/⁻ and cx3cr1(GFP/GFP) mice, respectively, deficient in CX3CL1 or CX3CR1, had less severe brain injury on pMCAO, and the administration of exogenous CX3CL1 increased brain damage in cx3cl1⁻/⁻ ischemic mice. We also report that CX3CL1 induced a different phagocytic activity in wild type and cx3cl1⁻/⁻ microglia in vitro during cotreatment with the medium conditioned by neurons damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Together, these data suggest that acute administration of CX3CL1 reduces ischemic damage via an adenosine-dependent mechanism and that the absence of constitutive CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling changes the outcome of microglia-mediated effects during CX3CL1 administration to ischemic brain.
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MESH Headings
- Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Animals, Newborn
- Brain Infarction/etiology
- Brain Infarction/prevention & control
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1
- Cells, Cultured
- Cerebral Cortex/cytology
- Chemokine CX3CL1/deficiency
- Chemokine CX3CL1/metabolism
- Chemokine CX3CL1/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods
- Glucose/deficiency
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypoxia/prevention & control
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/complications
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/metabolism
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/prevention & control
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nervous System Diseases/etiology
- Nervous System Diseases/metabolism
- Nervous System Diseases/therapy
- Neurons/drug effects
- Phagocytosis/drug effects
- Rats
- Receptors, Chemokine/deficiency
- Receptors, Purinergic P1/deficiency
- Xanthines/therapeutic use
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Longhi L, Gesuete R, Perego C, Ortolano F, Sacchi N, Villa P, Stocchetti N, De Simoni MG. Long-lasting protection in brain trauma by endotoxin preconditioning. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2011; 31:1919-29. [PMID: 21468087 PMCID: PMC3185879 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2011.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the occurrence of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) preconditioning in traumatic brain injury (TBI), evaluating the time window of LPS-induced protection, its persistence, and the associated molecular mechanisms. Mice received 0.1 mg/kg LPS or saline intraperitoneally and subsequently TBI (by controlled cortical impact brain injury) at various time intervals. Mice receiving LPS 3, 5, or 7 days before TBI showed attenuated motor deficits at 1 week after injury compared with mice receiving saline. Those receiving LPS 5 days before injury had also a reduced contusion volume (7.9±1.3 versus 12±2.3 mm(3)) and decreased cell death. One month after injury, the protective effect of LPS on contusion volume (14.5±1.2 versus 18.2±1.2 mm(3)) and neurologic function was still present. Traumatic brain injury increased glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD11b, CD68, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 mRNA expression 24 hours after injury. Lipopolysaccharide administered 5 (but not 9) days before injury increased the expression of CD11b (233%) and of interferon β (500%) in uninjured mice, while it reduced the expression of CD68 (by 46%) and increased that of IL-6 (by 52%) in injured mice. Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning conferred a long-lasting neuroprotection after TBI, which was associated with a modulation of microglia/macrophages activity and cytokine production.
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Snyder E, Cardenas-Turanzas M, Perego C, Erfe R, Chemaly RC, Price KP, Nates JL. Respiratory failure in cancer patients with influenza A (H1N1) is associated with poor prognosis. Crit Care 2011. [PMCID: PMC3066896 DOI: 10.1186/cc9642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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48
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Valerio A, Bertolotti P, Delbarba A, Perego C, Dossena M, Ragni M, Spano P, Carruba MO, De Simoni MG, Nisoli E. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition reduces ischemic cerebral damage, restores impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and prevents ROS production. J Neurochem 2011; 116:1148-59. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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49
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de Angelis A, Bellussi G, Pollesel P, Perego C. New method for H(2)S removal in acid solutions. CHEMSUSCHEM 2010; 3:829-833. [PMID: 20564280 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201000010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Several different technologies are available for H(2)S removal from the gas stream of medium capacity. Among them, the most widely used is Locat with more than 120 plants worldwide. In the last decade, many new processes, such as Sulfatreat-DO, Crystasulf, Caltech, and UCSR, were proposed to overcome the drawbacks of the state-of-the-art processes (low sulfur purity, chemical degradation, thiosulfate formation). We have developed a new H(2)S conversion method based on acid ferric nitrate solution, co-catalyzed by a heteropolyacid. H(2)S was converted to pure sulfur (>99.9 %), with no traces of organic compounds. Due to the acid pH of the solution, no chelant or surfactant was needed and iron content in the solution could reach very high levels. Keggin heteropolyacid (H(6)PW(9)V(3)O(40)) catalyzed the reoxidation of reduced ferrous solution with air at mild temperature and at very high reaction rate. The undesired side reaction (NO(x) formation) could be avoided by simply increasing the oxygen partial pressure.
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50
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Crocellà V, Cerrato G, Magnacca G, Morterra C, Cavani F, Cocchi S, Passeri S, Scagliarini D, Flego C, Perego C. The balance of acid, basic and redox sites in Mg/Me-mixed oxides: The effect on catalytic performance in the gas-phase alkylation of m-cresol with methanol. J Catal 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2009.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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