Search for Gamma-Ray Spectral Lines from Dark Matter Annihilation up to 100 TeV toward the Galactic Center with MAGIC

Linelike features in TeV γ rays constitute a "smoking gun" for TeV-scale particle dark matter and new physics. Probing the Galactic Center region with ground-based Cherenkov telescopes enables the search for TeV spectral features in immediate association with a dense dark matter reservoir at a sensitivity out of reach for satellite γ-ray detectors, and direct detection and collider experiments. We report on 223 hours of observations of the Galactic Center region with the MAGIC stereoscopic telescope system reaching γ-ray energies up to 100 TeV. We improved the sensitivity to spectral lines at high energies using large-zenith-angle observations and a novel background modeling method within a maximum-likelihood analysis in the energy domain. No linelike spectral feature is found in our analysis. Therefore, we constrain the cross section for dark matter annihilation into two photons to ⟨σv⟩≲5×10^{-28}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 1 TeV and ⟨σv⟩≲1×10^{-25}  cm^{3} s^{-1} at 100 TeV, achieving the best limits to date for a dark matter mass above 20 TeV and a cuspy dark matter profile at the Galactic Center. Finally, we use the derived limits for both cuspy and cored dark matter profiles to constrain supersymmetric wino models.

Myxoid glioneuronal tumor: Histopathologic, neuroradiologic, and molecular features in a single center series

BACKGROUND

Myxoid glioneuronal tumor (MGT) is a benign glioneuronal neoplasm recently introduced in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the central nervous system (CNS) tumors. MGTs are typically located in the septum pellucidum, foramen of Monro or periventricular white matter of the lateral ventricle. They were previously diagnosed as dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT), showing histological features almost indistinguishable from classical cortical DNT. Despite that, MGTs have been associated with a specific dinucleotide substitution at codon 385 in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) gene, replacing a lysine residue with either leucine or isoleucine (p. LysK385Leu/Iso). This genetic variation has never been described in any other CNS tumor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive tumors, previously diagnosed as DNTs at the Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS between January 2010 and June 2021 were collected for a comprehensive study of their clinical, imaging, pathological features, and molecular profile.

RESULTS

In six out of the thirty-one tumors we had previously diagnosed as DNTs, we identified the recurrent dinucleotide mutation in the PDGFRA. All six tumors were typically located within the periventricular white matter of the lateral ventricle and in the septum pellucidum. We then renamed these lesions as MGT, according to the latest WHO CNS classification. In all patients we observed an indolent clinical course, without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

MGT represent a rare but distinct group of neoplasm with a typical molecular profiling, a characteristic localization, and a relative indolent clinical course.

Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant and Photobiological Properties of Different Extracts from Prangos ferulacea Lindl

Interesting photobiological properties have been demonstrated for some Cachrys species, including C. libanotis L., C. sicula L., and C. pungens Jan. The present study was designed to assess the photocytotoxic activity of Prangos ferulacea Lindl. (synonym of C. ferulacea (L.) Calest.). This plant was previously considered a Cachrys species but, at present, it is part of the Prangos genus. P. ferulacea is an orophilous plant present in the eastern Mediterranean and in western Asia. Three different extraction techniques were utilized. Obtained extracts were compared both for their phytochemical content and for their photobiological properties on human melanoma cells irradiated with UVA light. The apoptotic responses, together with the antioxidant activity, were also assessed. P. ferulacea extracts were able to affect cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with the sample obtained through supercritical CO₂ extraction showing the highest activity (IC₅₀ = 4.91 μg/mL). This research points out the interesting content in the photoactive compounds of this species, namely furanocoumarins, and could provide a starting point for further studies aimed at finding new photosensitizing agents useful in cancer photochemotherapy.

Genetic and gut microbiome determinants of SCFA circulating and fecal levels, postprandial responses and links to chronic and acute inflammation

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are involved in immune system and inflammatory responses. We comprehensively assessed the host genetic and gut microbial contribution to a panel of eight serum and stool SCFAs in two cohorts (TwinsUK, n = 2507; ZOE PREDICT-1, n = 328), examined their postprandial changes and explored their links with chronic and acute inflammatory responses in healthy individuals and trauma patients. We report low concordance between circulating and fecal SCFAs, significant postprandial changes in most circulating SCFAs, and a heritable genetic component (average h2: serum = 14%(SD = 14%); stool = 12%(SD = 6%)). Furthermore, we find that gut microbiome can accurately predict their fecal levels (AUC>0.71) while presenting weaker associations with serum. Finally, we report different correlation patterns with inflammatory markers depending on the type of inflammatory response (chronic or acute trauma). Our results illustrate the breadth of the physiological relevance of SCFAs on human inflammatory and metabolic responses highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of this important class of molecules.

Proteomic Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Leptin-Treated Breast Cancer Cells: A Potential Role in Cancer Metabolism

Tumor extracellular vesicles (EVs), as endocytic vesicles able to transport nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites in recipient cells, have been recognized fundamental mediators of cell-to-cell communication in breast cancer. The biogenesis and release of EVs are highly regulated processes and both the quantity of EVs and their molecular cargo might reflect the metabolic state of the producing cells. We recently demonstrated that the adipokine leptin, whose circulating levels correlate with adipose tissue expansion, is an inducer of EV release from breast cancer cells. Here, we show a specific proteomic signature of EVs released by MCF-7 breast cancer cells grown in the presence of leptin (Lep-EVs), in attempt to find additional molecular effectors linking obesity to breast cancer biology. An analysis of the proteomic profile of Lep-EVs by LC-MS/MS revealed a significant enrichment in biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components mainly related to mitochondrial machineries and activity, compared to protein content of EVs from untreated breast cancer cells. Metabolic investigations, carried out to assess the autocrine effects of these vesicles on breast cancer cells, revealed that Lep-EVs were able to increase ATP levels in breast cancer cells. This result is associated with increased mitochondrial respiration evaluated by Seahorse analyzer, supporting the concept that Lep-EVs can modulate MCF-7 breast cancer cell oxidative metabolism. Moreover, taking into account the relevance of tumor immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we analyzed the impact of these vesicles on macrophage polarization, the most abundant immune component in the breast TME. We found that tumor-derived Lep-EVs sustain the polarization of M0 macrophages, derived from the human THP-1 monocytic cells, into M2-like tumor-associated macrophages, in terms of metabolic features, phagocytic activity, and increased expression of CD206-positive population. Overall, our results indicate that leptin by inducing the release of EV-enriched in mitochondrial proteins may control the metabolism of MCF-7 breast cancer cells as well as that of macrophages. Characterization of tumor-derived EV protein cargo in an obesity-associated milieu, such as in the presence of elevated leptin levels, might allow identifying unique features and specific metabolic mechanisms useful to develop novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of breast cancer, especially in obese patients.

Managing Children's Fears during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies Adopted by Italian Caregivers

BACKGROUND

Life-threatening events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may generate feelings of insecurity and fear in the affected population, particularly children. Parents' ability to help children cope with negative emotions is essential during challenging periods. The current study aims to analyse the coping strategies adopted by Italian caregivers concerning their children's fears about COVID-19.

METHOD

An online survey was administered during the Italian lockdown to 649 parents of at least one child aged 5 to 17 years old. Respondents completed the survey for themselves and their children. In addition, a qualitative content analysis of the data from the open-ended question was conducted (N = 569; 87.9% women; M_Age = 45 years).

RESULTS

Several themes were identified. Firstly, families' primary approach was 'communication and meaning-making'. Secondly, another essential strategy was 'the importance of safe space', enabled by keeping routine in place and creating a loving and caring environment. Thirdly, other factors relevant to managing children's fears were 'adaptation', 'religion', 'a positive attitude', and 'humour and hope'. Finally, the last two strategies significant and valuable for Italian families were 'flexibility' and 'maintaining virtual contacts.

CONCLUSION

During the pandemic COVID-19, parents may have used various strategies to protect their children from stress. Future research could investigate single parents' coping strategies explicitly developed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

ORP5 and ORP8 orchestrate lipid droplet biogenesis and maintenance at ER-mitochondria contact sites

Lipid droplets (LDs) are the primary organelles of lipid storage, buffering energy fluctuations of the cell. They store neutral lipids in their core that is surrounded by a protein-decorated phospholipid monolayer. LDs arise from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER protein seipin, localizing at ER-LD junctions, controls LD nucleation and growth. However, how LD biogenesis is spatially and temporally coordinated remains elusive. Here, we show that the lipid transfer proteins ORP5 and ORP8 control LD biogenesis at mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) subdomains, enriched in phosphatidic acid. We found that ORP5/8 regulates seipin recruitment to these MAM-LD contacts, and their loss impairs LD biogenesis. Importantly, the integrity of ER-mitochondria contact sites is crucial for ORP5/8 function in regulating seipin-mediated LD biogenesis. Our study uncovers an unprecedented ORP5/8 role in orchestrating LD biogenesis and maturation at MAMs and brings novel insights into the metabolic crosstalk between mitochondria, ER, and LDs at the membrane contact sites.

Metformin counteracts stimulatory effects induced by insulin in primary breast cancer cells

Background

Metabolic disorders are associated with increased incidence, aggressive phenotype and poor outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients. For instance, hyperinsulinemia is an independent risk factor for BC and the insulin/insulin receptor (IR) axis is involved in BC growth and metastasis. Of note, the anti-diabetic metformin may be considered in comprehensive therapeutic approaches in BC on the basis of its antiproliferative effects obtained in diverse pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis were performed using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. The naturally immortalized BC cell line, named BCAHC-1, as well as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from BC patients were used as model systems. In order to identify further mechanisms that characterize the anticancer action of metformin in BC, we performed gene expression and promoter studies as well as western blotting experiments. Moreover, cell cycle analysis, colony and spheroid formation, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell migration and matrigel drops evasion assays were carried out to provide novel insights on the anticancer properties of metformin.

Results

We first assessed that elevated expression and activation of IR correlate with a worse prognostic outcome in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. Thereafter, we established that metformin inhibits the insulin/IR-mediated activation of transduction pathways, gene changes and proliferative responses in BCAHC-1 cells. Then, we found that metformin interferes with the insulin-induced expression of the metastatic gene CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which we found to be associated with poor disease-free survival in BC patients exhibiting high levels of IR. Next, we ascertained that metformin prevents a motile phenotype of BCAHC-1 cells triggered by the paracrine liaison between tumor cells and CAFs upon insulin activated CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights regarding the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects of metformin in both BC cells and important components of the tumor microenvironment like CAFs. Further investigations are warranted to corroborate the anticancer action of metformin on the tumor mass toward the assessment of more comprehensive strategies halting BC progression, in particular in patients exhibiting metabolic disorders and altered insulin/IR functions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03463-y.

The effect of sacubitril/valsartan on device detected heart failure status

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V) improves survival in symptomatic patients with heart failure with reduced ejection function (HFrEF) when compared to standard treatment guidelines. The mechanism by which S/V further reduces mortality is not utterly clear: a favorable left ventricular reverse remodeling connected with a reduction of the arrhythmic burden, seems to play a key role in this setting. The HeartLogic multiparametric algorithm combines multiple cardioverter-defibrillator sensor and has emerged as a powerful and well-validated tool to follow patients with HF.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of S/V on a device based algorithm to predict heart failure (HeartLogic) in HFrEF patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

ICD patients with HFrEF and with at least an HeartLogic alert (HL index >16) were enrolled in this single-centre prospective observational study. S/V was added on top of medical therapy. All patients underwent device interrogation at baseline, before S/V administration, and at 12 months follow-up. Serum levels of NT-proBNP (pg/mL) were measured at baseline and at follow-up. The primary endpoint was the number of HeartLogic alerts after 12 months from the beginning of S/V. The secondary endpoint was the total number of ventricular arrhythmias recorded on the ICD controls.

Results

36 ICD patients (83% male, age 69±6) with HFrEF (LVEF ≤ 35%) and at least an HL alert, were consecutively enrolled and treated with S/V on top of standard therapy. At 12 months follow-up, HeartLogic alerts were significantly reduced (HL 38 vs 24; p=0,024) consistently with the reduction in NT-proBNP serum levels (2358 vs 1134 pg/mL; p=0,019). Both sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia episodes decreased (3 vs 0.7; p =0,05 and 15.7 vs 2.2; p=0,04) irrespective of S/V dose.

Conclusion

The administration of S/V effectively reduced HeartLogic index and NT-proBNP values supporting the favourable impact of this drug in HFrEF patients. The results confirm the reliability of HeartLogic algorithm for heart failure management. Thus, an alert-based follow-up approach can be used for therapy optimization in this population.

P77 SIEMENS ARTIS VD11 ANGIOGRAPH‘S POTENTIAL WITH THE CLEARSTENT PROTOCOL IN PERFORMING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY: FIRST EXPERIENCES

Objectives

The use of the CLEARstent image functions allows you to highlight fine structures, for example the expansion of a stent. Composite images are created by averaging several frames of a scene and considering the alignment of the markers of a stent. If an ECG signal is available, the cardiac phase is also considered. Using the CLEARstent function allows you to create special reference images from any scene or natively acquired fluoroscopic scene. The goal of CLEARstent images is to optimize the procedural result of mechanical cardiac revascularization and to improve the outcomes of treated patients.

Methods

The use of the Siemens Artis VD11 angiograph requires specific technical and medical knowledge and skills regarding, at least, radiation protection, safety procedures and patient safety. The people who work with the system, who use it and who move it must have acquired this knowledge and skills in their working life The application training was provided to the medical–technical–nursing staff of the Hemodynamics Unit of the “San Luca” PO of Vallo della Lucania “by qualified Siemens personnel. The application training offered by Siemens is binding before any use of the system

Results

701 coronary angiography procedures and 118 urgent revascularizations were performed at our Hemodynamics Unit in the period from 11/27–2020 to 12/21–2021, period of use of the aforementioned angiograph, 701 coronary angiography procedures and 118 revascularizations in an emergency pattern ( STEMI–NSTEMI at high risk). In all mechanical myocardial revascularization procedures, the opening and optimal positioning of the coronary stents were verified with the CLEARstent system. There was no periprocedural complication.

Conclusions

The CLEARstent system allows to highlight fine structures, for example hypo–expanded stents, creating special reference images from any negatively acquired fluoroscopic scene, consequently allowing optimal positioning and opening of a coronary stent. Therefore, it is inserted together with intracoronary imaging techniques (IVUS, OCT) as a further aid to guide percutaneous interventions in order to optimize the acute procedural outcome of PCI and to improve the clinical outcomes of treated patients.

P60 COVID–19 (YEAR 2021) AND ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION‘ TIME–DEPENDENT NETWORK: HUB–HEMODYNAMIC UNIT‘S EXPERIENCES

Objectives

The sudden SARS–CoV–2 emergency, has so far led to over 283 million infections and more than 5 million deaths globally, has put a strain on countries around the world. The result was a difficulty in accessing care both on an outpatient basis which resulted, in regione Campania, in a reduction in hospitalizations for ACS in the period Mar–Jun 2020 (1183) compared to the same period in 2019 (1862) (Agenas data ). The trend was inevitably reversed in the year 2021, with the new availability of access to treatment, due to both the reduction of restrictions and the vaccination coverage of the population, with a marked increase in hospitalizations for ACS as well as in the Hospital “ San Luca ”of Vallo della Lucania (Sa).

Methods

Cardiovascular diseases in 2021 are the leading cause of death in the world with 18.5 million lives lost a year and the leading cause also in Italy for both men (31.7%) and women (37.7%) ) with 230 thousand deaths certified by Istat, after 18 months of pandemic denounce a real war bulletin … The provincial cardiology network plays a fundamental role in the timeliness of the transfer to Hub centers such as the PO San Luca in the management of acute coronary syndromes.

Results

704 coronary angiography procedures and 118 emergency revascularizations (STEMI–NSTEMI at high risk Grace risk score> 140). Periprocedural complications were recorded around 0.5% (35) in line with the literature‘s data, all manageable and related to the femoral or radial puncture access.

Conclusions

In the year 2021, due to the reduction of restrictions and the marked increase in vaccination coverage, there was an increase in the number of hospitalizations for ACS and consequently in the mechanical myocardial revascularizations performed in Emergency (Stemi and Nstemi at high risk with Grace Risk Score> 140) probably linked to the lack of clinical–instrumental follow–up on an outpatient basis and day–hospital admissions in the year 2020 due to Covid–19 restrictions. At the Hemodynamics of the “San Luca” hospital (medium–volume center about 700 procedures / year), 118 emergency revascularisations were performed at 30.12.2021, compared to 82 in the same period of the year 2020.

Building resilience for healthcare professionals working in an Italian red zone during the COVID‐19 outbreak: A pilot study

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed considerable strain on healthcare workers showing high rates of stress and psychological health problems. Interventions are urgently needed to help healthcare workers perform under conditions of great risk and uncertainty. In particular, healthcare leadership is known to be critical to supporting healthcare workers to deal with an uncertain and distressing healthcare environment. This pilot study evaluated the impact of the R2 resilience program tailored for healthcare leaders working in a highly affected COVID-19 area in Italy. Through two group cohorts, 21 healthcare leaders completed the intervention, with 17 participants providing pre- and post-intervention assessment data. Sixty-two staff members who benefitted from their coordinators' resilience-focused leadership were also included in the study. Findings show that participation in R2 was associated with reduction in levels of perceived stress and burnout symptoms, and increases in rugged qualities, self-efficacy and in social-ecological resilience. Significant changes in rugged qualities, self-efficacy and perceived stress were also detected in staff members. High rates of participants' program satisfaction have been detected. R2 is a promising intervention for healthcare professionals working in emergency settings designed to enhance the rugged qualities and resources required to deal with heightened exposure to stress.

Ischemic Preconditioning Modulates the Peripheral Innate Immune System to Promote Anti-Inflammatory and Protective Responses in Mice Subjected to Focal Cerebral Ischemia

The development of tolerance triggered by a sublethal ischemic episode (preconditioning, PC) involves a complex crosstalk between neurons, astrocytes and microglia, although the role of the peripheral immune system in this context is largely unexplored. Here, we report that severe cerebral ischemia caused by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in adult male mice elevates blood counts of inflammatory neutrophils and monocytes, and plasma levels of miRNA-329-5p. These inflammatory responses are prevented by ischemic PC induced by 15 min MCAo, 72h before the severe insult (1h MCAo). As compared with sham-operated animals, mice subjected to either ischemic PC, MCAo or a combination of both (PC+MCAo) display spleen contraction. However, protein levels of Ym1 (a marker of polarization of myeloid cells towards M2/N2 protective phenotypes) are elevated only in spleen from the experimental groups PC and PC+MCAo, but not MCAo. Conversely, Ym1 protein levels only increase in circulating leukocytes from mice subjected to 1h MCAo, but not in preconditioned animals, which is coincident with a dramatic elevation of Ym1 expression in the ipsilateral cortex. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observe that expression of Ym1 occurs in amoeboid-shaped myeloid cells, mainly representing inflammatory monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. As a result of its immune-regulatory functions, ischemic PC prevents elevation of mRNA levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β in the ipsilateral cortex, while not affecting IL-10 mRNA increase induced by MCAo. Overall, the elevated anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory ratio observed in the brain of mice pre-exposed to PC is associated with reduced brain infarct volume and ischemic edema, and with amelioration of functional outcome. These findings reaffirm the crucial and dualistic role of the innate immune system in ischemic stroke pathobiology, extending these concepts to the context of ischemic tolerance and underscoring their relevance for the identification of novel therapeutic targets for effective stroke treatment.

A Notch inhibitor plus Resveratrol induced blockade of autophagy drives glioblastoma cell death by promoting a switch to apoptosis

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain tumors and the hardest type of cancer to treat. Therapies targeting developmental pathways, such as Notch, eliminate neoplastic glioma cells, but their efficacy can be limited by various mechanisms. Combination regimens may represent a good opportunity for effective therapies with durable effects. We used low doses of the γ-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 (GSI), to block the Notch pathway activity, in combination with Resveratrol (RSV) and we evidenced the mechanisms of autophagy/apoptosis transition in GBM cells. Resveratrol and GSI combination results in the synergistic induction of cell death together with the block of the autophagic flux evidenced by a sustained increase of LC3-II and p62 protein content, due to the dramatic reduction of CDK4, an important regulator of lysosomal function. The ectopic overexpression of the constitutive active CDK4 mutant, greatly counteracted the RSV+GSI induced block of the autophagy. Triggering autophagy in RSV+GSI-treated cells, which have impaired lysosomal function, caused the collapse of the system and a following apoptosis. For instance, by combining the CDK4 mutant as well as the early stage autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenina, abolished the RSV+GSI induced caspases activation. The initiator caspases (caspases-8 and -9), effector caspase (caspase-3) and its downstream substrate PARP were induced after RSV+GSI exposure as well as the percentage of the TUNEL positive cells. Moreover, the pro-apoptotic signaling MAPK p38 was activated while the pro-survival MAPK p42/p44 signaling was inhibited. In short, we establish the role of CDK4 in the regulation of autophagy/apoptosis transition induced by RSV and GSI in GBM cells. This new synergistic therapeutic combination, increasing the accumulation of autophagosomes, may have therapeutic value for GBM patients.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Novel Insights into the Antagonistic Effects of Losartan against Angiotensin II/AGTR1 Signaling in Glioblastoma Cells

Simple Summary

Patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) such as glioblastoma (GBM) who undergo surgical resection with adjuvant therapy have a mean overall survival of 14.6 months and 100% of recurrence. Thus, these disappointing outcomes in terms of glioblastoma life expectancy require seeking novel pharmacological tools, including drug repurposing. In the present study, we identify a novel molecular mechanism through which Losartan antagonizes Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) signaling, overexpressed in GBM cells. For instance, we demonstrate how Losartan drastically inhibits the stimulatory effects of Ang II on aromatase activity and consequently reduces local estrogen production, sustaining cancer progression. Thus, it is reasonable to repurpose Losartan as an adjuvant pharmacological tool to be implemented prospectively in the novel therapeutic strategies adopted in GBM patients.

Abstract

New avenues for glioblastoma therapy are required due to the limited mortality benefit of the current treatments. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exhibits local actions and works as a paracrine system in different tissues and tumors, including glioma. The glioblastoma cell lines U-87 MG and T98G overexpresses Angiotensin II (Ang II)/Angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) signaling, which enhances in vitro and in vivo local estrogen production through a direct up-regulation of the aromatase gene promoters p I.f and p I.4. In addition, Ang II/AGTR1 signaling transactivates estrogen receptor-α in a ligand-independent manner through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. The higher aromatase mRNA expression in patients with glioblastoma was associated with the worst survival prognostic, according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). An intrinsic immunosuppressive glioblastoma tumor milieu has been previously documented. We demonstrate how Ang II treatment in glioblastoma cells increases programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression reversed by combined exposure to Losartan (LOS) in vitro and in vivo. Our findings highlight how LOS, in addition, antagonizes the previously documented neoangiogenetic, profibrotic, and immunosuppressive effects of Ang II and drastically inhibits its stimulatory effects on local estrogen production, sustaining glioblastoma cell growth. Thus, Losartan may represent an adjuvant pharmacological tool to be repurposed prospectively for glioblastoma treatment.

Adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles promote breast cancer cell malignancy through HIF-1α activity

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging key protagonists in intercellular communication between adipocytes and breast cancer (BC) cells. Here, we described a new mechanism by which EVs released by mature adipocytes promoted breast cancer cell malignancy "in vitro" and "in vivo". We found that adipocyte-derived EVs enhanced growth, motility and invasion, stem cell-like properties, as well as specific traits of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both estrogen receptor positive and triple negative BC cells. Of note, adipocyte-derived EVs aid breast tumor cells in lung metastatic colonization after tail-vein injection in mice. These EV-mediated effects occur via the induction of HIF-1α activity, since they were abrogated by the use of the HIF-1α inhibitor KC7F2 or in cells silenced for HIF-1α expression. Moreover, using an "ex vivo" model of obese adipocytes we found that the depletion of EVs counteracted the ability of obese adipocytes to sustain pro-invasive phenotype in BC cells. Interestingly, EVs released by undifferentiated adipocytes failed to induce aggressiveness and HIF-1α expression. These findings shed new light on the role of adipocyte-derived EVs in breast cancer progression, suggesting the possibility to target HIF-1α activity to block the harmful adipocyte-tumor cell dialogue, especially in obese settings.

Toward Multitasking Pharmacological COX-Targeting Agents: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Prodrugs with Antiproliferative Effects

The antitumor activity of certain anti-inflammatory drugs is often attributed to an indirect effect based on the inhibition of COX enzymes. In the case of anti-inflammatory prodrugs, this property could be attributed to the parent molecules with mechanism other than COX inhibition, particularly through formulations capable of slowing down their metabolic conversion. In this work, a pilot docking study aimed at comparing the interaction of two prodrugs, nabumetone (NB) and its tricyclic analog 7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-one (MC), and their common active metabolite 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid (MNA) with the COX binding site, was carried out. Cytotoxicity, cytofluorimetry, and protein expression assays on prodrugs were also performed to assess their potential as antiproliferative agents that could help hypothesize an effective use as anticancer therapeutics. Encouraging results suggest that the studied compounds could act not only as precursors of the anti-inflammatory metabolite, but also as direct antiproliferative agents.

Correlation between pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors and maternal and neonatal outcomes: Results from a naturalistic study in patients with affective disorders

OBJECTIVE

Some studies have linked the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) to the risk of perinatal complications. This study explored the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics, SSRIs/SNRIs tolerability and effectiveness and maternal and newborn outcomes.

METHODS

Fifty-five pregnant women with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnoses of affective disorders, treated with SSRIs/SNRIs, were recruited and, during the third trimester, their blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic analyses. Plasma levels and metabolic phenotypes were then related to different obstetrical and maternal outcomes.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetic data were more stable for Sertraline, Citalopram, and Escitalopram compared to other molecules (p = 0.009). The occurrence of postnatal adaptation syndrome onset was associated with higher plasma levels for Sertraline (median at delivery: 16.7 vs. 10.5 ng/ml), but not for fluoxetine and venlafaxine. Finally, the subgroup within range plasma concentrations had less blood loss than the below range subgroup (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of Sertraline, Citalopram and Escitalopram were more frequently in range in late pregnancy when compared to other drugs. Drug plasma concentrations do not strictly correlate with worse perinatal outcomes, but with possible differences between the different drugs.

The National Institute of Health and the Italian Poison Centers Network: results of a collaborative study for the surveillance of exposures to chemicals

Results

Important information was obtained, regarding also exposures to chemicals and their management in pediatric populations. The surveillance network was proved effective not only under "normal" conditions but also to promptly monitor changes during exceptional health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2020 lockdown the surveillance system registered a significant increase in the frequency of exposures to disinfectants (p-value=0.002), an evidence that highlighted the need of tailored intervention.

Conclusions

This Italian Project model proves to be reliable and suitable to be transferred to other European countries, in order to realize an European Poison Centers' Network, able to overcome unsolved health problems and to globally improve the "evidence-based" prevention of exposures to chemicals.

Background

The Public Health Surveillance Systems are essential to improve and protect public health, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. According with this consideration, a systematic collaboration between the National Institute of Health and the Poison Centers of Northern, Central and Southern Italy was established. Its aim was to improve the national network for the surveillance of dangerous exposures to chemicals. The developed network provided harmonized data essential for evidence-based interventions and significantly ameliorated the data flow between the Poison Centers and the Central Health Institutions.

Methods

The improvement of the system was obtained through several actions, such as the development of the "Online Surveillance Card" for the detection of sentinel events in real time and the harmonization of the data collection flow, including the product categorization according to the European Product Categorization System. Data analysis was carried out by Microsoft's IBM SPSS Statistics version 26, Access and Excel.

Combining Dextran Conjugates with Stimuli-Responsive and Folate-Targeting Activity: A New Class of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy

Nanoparticles with active-targeting and stimuli-responsive behavior are a promising class of engineered materials able to recognize the site of cancer disease, targeting the drug release and limiting side effects in the healthy organs. In this work, new dual pH/redox-responsive nanoparticles with affinity for folate receptors were prepared by the combination of two amphiphilic dextran (DEX) derivatives. DEXFA conjugate was obtained by covalent coupling of the polysaccharide with folic acid (FA), whereas DEXssPEGCOOH derived from a reductive amination step of DEX was followed by condensation with polyethylene glycol 600. After self-assembling, nanoparticles with a mean size of 50 nm, able to be destabilized in acidic pH and reducing media, were obtained. Doxorubicin was loaded during the self-assembling process, and the release experiments showed the ability of the proposed system to modulate the drug release in response to different pH and redox conditions. Finally, the viability and uptake experiments on healthy (MCF-10A) and metastatic cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells proved the potential applicability of the proposed system as a new drug vector in cancer therapy.