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Mancusi A, Proroga YTR, Maiolino P, Marrone R, D’Emilio C, Girardi S, Egidio M, Boni A, Vicenza T, Suffredini E, Power K. Droplet Digital RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Honey Bees and Honey Collected in Apiaries across the Campania Region. Viruses 2024; 16:729. [PMID: 38793611 PMCID: PMC11126096 DOI: 10.3390/v16050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), a subfamily of Orthocoronavirinae, are viruses that sometimes present a zoonotic character. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the recent outbreak of COVID-19, which, since its outbreak in 2019, has caused about 774,593,066 confirmed cases and 7,028,881 deaths. Aereosols are the main route of transmission among people; however, viral droplets can contaminate surfaces and fomites as well as particulate matter (PM) in suspensions of natural and human origin. Honey bees are well known bioindicators of the presence of pollutants and PMs in the environment as they can collect a great variety of substances during their foraging activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of honey bees as bioindicators of the prevalence SARS-CoV-2. In this regard, 91 samples of honey bees and 6 of honey were collected from different apiaries of Campania region (Southern Italy) in four time periods from September 2020 to June 2022 and were analyzed with Droplet Digital RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 target genes Orf1b and N. The screening revealed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in 12/91 in honey bee samples and in 2/6 honey samples. These results suggest that honey bees could also be used as indicators of outbreaks of airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (Y.T.R.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Yolande Thérèse Rose Proroga
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (Y.T.R.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Paola Maiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (R.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Raffaele Marrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (R.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Claudia D’Emilio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (R.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Santa Girardi
- Department of Food Security Coordination, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute No. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.M.); (Y.T.R.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Marica Egidio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (R.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Arianna Boni
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (T.V.); (E.S.)
| | - Teresa Vicenza
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (T.V.); (E.S.)
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (T.V.); (E.S.)
| | - Karen Power
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
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2
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Rai T, Kaushik N, Malviya R, Sharma PK. A review on marine source as anticancer agents. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2024; 26:415-451. [PMID: 37675579 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2023.2249825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This review investigates the potential of natural compounds obtained from marine sources for the treatment of cancer. The oceans are believed to contain physiologically active compounds, such as alkaloids, nucleosides, macrolides, and polyketides, which have shown promising effects in slowing human tumor cells both in vivo and in vitro. Various marine species, including algae, mollusks, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges, and soft corals, have been studied for their bioactive metabolites with diverse chemical structures. The review explores the therapeutic potential of various marine-derived substances and discusses their possible applications in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Rai
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Niranjan Kaushik
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
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Ledda C, Loreto C, Lombardo C, Cardile V, Rapisarda V. Mesothelin methylation, soluble mesothelin related protein levels and inflammation profiling in workers chronically exposed to naturally occurring asbestos fibers. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101872. [PMID: 38134842 PMCID: PMC10751818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to asbestiform fibers, including chrysotile and amphibole, is carcinogenic, causing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) when inhaled. Some populations globally face Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) exposure, leading to MPM cases like in Biancavilla, Italy, from Fluoro-edenite (FE) contamination. Studies show NOA exposure causes epigenetic changes, focusing on mesothelin methylation, an MPM marker, and altered inflammation, emphasizing the health risks of FE and asbestos. This research, conducted from February 2022 to October 2022, studied 125 construction workers from Biancavilla and 125 controls from 40 km away without Biancavilla work history. With at least ten years in construction and no respiratory conditions, participants underwent medical assessments and gave blood samples for analysis, including inflammation markers, mesothelin methylation, and soluble mesothelin-related protein levels. The results showed similar demographics but differing inflammation and methylation levels in exposed workers, suggesting long-term cellular changes. Pearson correlation showed intricate biomarker relationships. Significant inflammatory differences were found between FE exposed and non-exposed workers, indicating potential health impacts from FE. This raises concerns for communities like Biancavilla, emphasizing the importance of extensive epigenetic research for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Filetti V, Lombardo C, Loreto C, Dounias G, Bracci M, Matera S, Rapisarda L, Rapisarda V, Ledda C, Vitale E. Small RNA-Seq Transcriptome Profiling of Mesothelial and Mesothelioma Cell Lines Revealed microRNA Dysregulation after Exposure to Asbestos-like Fibers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020538. [PMID: 36831074 PMCID: PMC9953340 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposure to fibers of respirable size has been identified as a risk for public health. Experimental evidence has revealed that a variety of fibers, including fluoro-edenite, can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects in humans. Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a silicate mineral first found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy) in 1997. Environmental exposure to its fibers has been correlated with a cluster of malignant pleural mesotheliomas. This neoplasm represents a public health problem due to its long latency and to its aggression not alerted by specific symptoms. Having several biomarkers providing us with data on the health state of those exposed to FE fibers or allowing an early diagnosis on malignant pleural mesothelioma, still asymptomatic patients, would be a remarkable goal. To these purposes, we reported the miRNA transcriptome in human normal mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A) and in the human malignant mesothelioma cell line (JU77) exposed and not exposed to FE fibers. The results showed a difference in the number of deregulated miRNAs between tumor and nontumor samples both exposed and not exposed to FE fibers. As a matter of fact, the effect of exposure to FE fibers is more evident in the expression of miRNA in the tumor samples than in the nontumor samples. In the present paper, several pathways involved in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma have been analyzed. We especially noticed the involvement of pathways that have important functions in inflammatory processes, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and necrosis. Besides this amount of data, further studies will be designed for the selection of the most significant miRNAs to test and validate their diagnostic potential, alone or in combination with other protein biomarkers, in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsy to have a noninvasive tool of diagnosis for this neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - George Dounias
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of West Attica, 10563 Athens, Greece
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Bioinformatics Analysis of miRNAs Targeting TRAF5 in DLBCL Involving in NF- κB Signaling Pathway and Affecting the Apoptosis and Signal Transduction. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:3222253. [PMID: 36619898 PMCID: PMC9803564 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3222253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with high heterogeneity. There is an unmet need to investigate valid indicators for the diagnosis and therapy of DLBCL. Methods GEO database was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential miRNAs in DLBCL tissues. The Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were applied to analyse DEGs. Then multiple databases were searched for related miRNAs within DLBCL, TNF receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) and NF-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The KOBAS database was used to assist in the screening of miRNAs of interest and construct the regulatory network of miRNA-mRNA. Finally, the expression level and diagnostic performance of miRNAs were analyzed with GEO datasets, and DEGs were identified from the GEPIA database. Results DEGs were significantly concentrated in the NF-κB signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and involved in the process of immune response and protein binding. MiR-15a-5p, miR-147a, miR-192-5p, miR-197-3p, miR-532-5p, and miR-650 were revealed to be targeting TRAF5 and participating in NF-κB signaling pathway and might impact the apoptosis and signal transduction of DLBCL. In the GEPIA database, TRAF5 was significantly overexpressed in DLBCL. The expression of miR-197-3p was upregulated within GEO datasets, while the rest of the miRNAs were downregulated in DLBCL. Conclusions Subsets of miRNAs may participate in the NF-κB signaling pathway by co-targeting TRAF5 and could be prospective biomarkers exploring the pathogenesis of DLBCL.
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Dysregulation of microRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in mesothelial and mesothelioma cell lines after asbestiform fiber exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9181. [PMID: 35654808 PMCID: PMC9163335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence demonstrated that fluoro-edenite (FE) can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects. Environmental exposure to FE fibers is correlated with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). An early diagnosis of MPM, and a comprehensive health monitoring of the patients exposed to FE fibers are two clinical issues that may be solved by the identification of specific biomarkers. We reported the microRNA (miRNA) and transfer RNA-derived non coding RNA (tRNA-derived ncRNA) transcriptome in human normal mesothelial and malignant mesothelioma cell lines exposed or not exposed to several concentration FE fibers. Furthermore, an interactive mesothelioma-based network was derived by using NetME tool. In untreated condition, the expression of miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in tumor cells was significantly different with respect to non-tumor samples. Moreover, interesting and significant changes were found after the exposure of both cells lines to FE fibers. The network-based pathway analysis showed several signaling and metabolic pathways potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MPM. From papers analyzed by NetME, it is clear that many miRNAs can positively or negatively influence various pathways involved in MPM. For the first time, the analysis of tRNA-derived ncRNAs molecules in the context of mesothelioma has been made by using in vitro systems. Further studies will be designed to test and validate their diagnostic potential in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsies.
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7
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Li X, Du L, Liu Q, Lu Z. MicroRNAs: Novel players in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer cachexia (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:446. [PMID: 35720622 PMCID: PMC9199081 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cachexia denotes a complex metabolic syndrome featuring severe loss of weight, fatigue and anorexia. In total, 50-80% of patients suffering from advanced cancer are diagnosed with cancer cachexia, which contributes to 40% of cancer-associated mortalities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs capable of regulating gene expression. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been observed in muscle tissue, adipose tissue and blood samples from patients with cancer cachexia compared with that of samples from patients with cancer without cachexia or healthy controls. In addition, miRNAs promote and maintain the malignant state of systemic inflammation, while inflammation contributes to cancer cachexia. The present review discusses the role of miRNAs in the progression of cancer cachexia, and assess their diagnostic value and potential therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Lidong Du
- Graduate School, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Graduate School, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Lu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong 261000, P.R. China
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8
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Jacky L, Yurk D, Alvarado J, Leatham B, Schwartz J, Annaloro J, MacDonald C, Rajagopal A. Virtual-Partition Digital PCR for High-Precision Chromosomal Counting Applications. Anal Chem 2021; 93:17020-17029. [PMID: 34905685 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Digital PCR (dPCR) is the gold-standard analytical platform for rapid high-precision quantification of genomic fragments. However, current dPCR assays are generally limited to monitoring 1-2 analytes per sample, thereby limiting the platform's ability to address some clinical applications that require the simultaneous monitoring of 20-50 analytes per sample. Here, we present virtual-partition dPCR (VPdPCR), a novel analysis methodology enabling the detection of 10 or more target regions per color channel using conventional dPCR hardware and workflow. Furthermore, VPdPCR enables dPCR instruments to overcome upper quantitation limits caused by partitioning error. While traditional dPCR analysis establishes a single threshold to separate negative and positive partitions, VPdPCR establishes multiple thresholds to identify the number of unique targets present in each positive droplet based on fluorescence intensity. Each physical partition is then divided into a series of virtual partitions, and the resulting increase in partition count substantially decreases partitioning error. We present both a theoretical analysis of the advantages of VPdPCR and an experimental demonstration in the form of a 20-plex assay for noninvasive fetal aneuploidy testing. This demonstration assay─tested on 432 samples contrived from sheared cell-line DNA at multiple input concentrations and simulated fractions of euploid or trisomy-21 "fetal" DNA─is analyzed using both traditional dPCR thresholding and VPdPCR. VPdPCR analysis significantly lowers the variance of the chromosomal ratio across replicates and increases the accuracy of trisomy identification when compared to traditional dPCR, yielding > 98% single-well sensitivity and specificity. VPdPCR has substantial promise for increasing the utility of dPCR in applications requiring ultrahigh-precision quantitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucien Jacky
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Dominic Yurk
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - John Alvarado
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Bryan Leatham
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Jerrod Schwartz
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - John Annaloro
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Chris MacDonald
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States
| | - Aditya Rajagopal
- ChromaCode Inc., 2330 Faraday Ave Suite 100, Carlsbad, California 92008, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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9
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Filetti V, Loreto C, Falzone L, Lombardo C, Cannizzaro E, Castorina S, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Three microRNAs in Environmental Asbestiform Fibers-Associated Malignant Mesothelioma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111205. [PMID: 34834557 PMCID: PMC8618926 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestiform fiber identified in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy). Environmental exposure to FE has been associated with a higher incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM). The present study aimed to validate the predicted diagnostic significance of hsa-miR-323a-3p, hsa-miR-101-3p, and hsa-miR-20b-5p on a subset of MM patients exposed to FE and matched with healthy controls. For this purpose, MM tissues vs. nonmalignant pleura tissues were analyzed through droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to evaluate differences in the expression levels of the selected miRNAs and their MM diagnostic potential. In addition, further computational analysis has been performed to establish the correlation of these miRNAs with the available online asbestos exposure data and clinic-pathological parameters to verify the potential role of these miRNAs as prognostic tools. ddPCR results showed that the three analyzed miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in MM cases vs. controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed high specificity and sensitivity rates for both hsa-miR-323a-3p and hsa-miR-20b-5p, which thus acquire a diagnostic value for MM. In silico results showed a potential prognostic role of hsa-miR-101-3p due to a significant association of its higher expression and increased overall survival (OS) of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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Giambò F, Leone GM, Gattuso G, Rizzo R, Cosentino A, Cinà D, Teodoro M, Costa C, Tsatsakis A, Fenga C, Falzone L. Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations Induced by Pesticide Exposure: Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression, microRNA Expression, and DNA Methylation Datasets. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168697. [PMID: 34444445 PMCID: PMC8394939 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental or occupational exposure to pesticides is considered one of the main risk factors for the development of various diseases. Behind the development of pesticide-associated pathologies, there are both genetic and epigenetic alterations, where these latter are mainly represented by the alteration in the expression levels of microRNAs and by the change in the methylation status of the DNA. At present, no studies have comprehensively evaluated the genetic and epigenetic alterations induced by pesticides; therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify modifications in gene miRNA expression and DNA methylation useful for the prediction of pesticide exposure. For this purpose, an integrated analysis of gene expression, microRNA expression, and DNA methylation datasets obtained from the GEO DataSets database was performed to identify putative genes, microRNAs, and DNA methylation hotspots associated with pesticide exposure and responsible for the development of different diseases. In addition, DIANA-miRPath, STRING, and GO Panther prediction tools were used to establish the functional role of the putative biomarkers identified. The results obtained demonstrated that pesticides can modulate the expression levels of different genes and induce different epigenetic alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs and in the modulation of DNA methylation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giambò
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Gian Marco Leone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.); (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.); (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.); (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessia Cosentino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.); (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Diana Cinà
- Health Management of the “Cannizzaro” Emergency Hospital of Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy;
- Clinical Pathology and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, “Garibaldi Centro” Hospital, ARNAS Garibaldi, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Chiara Costa
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (C.F.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute-IRCCS ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1278
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Jiang M, Liu X, Zhang C, Zhu L, Wu HD, Dong L, Wang T, Lin T, He Y. Bioinformatics identification of the candidate microRNAs and construction of a competing endogenous RNA regulatory network in lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma high-grade transformation. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:360. [PMID: 33747217 PMCID: PMC7967933 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (LACC) is a major orbital malignancy. The recurrence rate and mortality rate are higher in LACC high-grade transformation (LACC-HGT) compared with in LACC. The present study aimed to identify the candidate microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network for LACC-HGT. A miRNA microarray on paraffin-embedded tissues was performed to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of LACC-HGT. The overlap with the salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma miRNA/RNA sequencing dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus was used to identify candidate miRNAs. In order to construct a ceRNA regulatory network of LACC-HGT, a microarray of mRNA and circRNA in primary cell lines was performed. The circRNAs and genes with high expression in LACC-HGT were predicted as targeting miRNAs, and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed. miR-140-3p was identified as part of the ceRNA network and as a candidate miRNA, therefore this was further analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. Overall, the Agilent Human microarray analysis identified a total of 16 DEMs from the LACC-HGT paraffin-embedded tissues. A total of 653 DECs and 9,566 DEGs of LACC-HGT primary cell lines were screened via the microarray of mRNA and circRNA. The ceRNA regulatory network was constructed using the cross-binding of circRNA-miRNA, miRNA-mRNA and the downregulated miRNAs in LACC-HGT to clearly demonstrate the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction relationship. RT-qPCR results confirmed that miR-140-3p was downregulated in LACC-HGT tissues and primary cell lines compared with LACC. Target genes CD200 and parathyroid hormone-related protein were significantly upregulated in LACC-HGT primary cell lines. miR-140-3p and its target genes may play an important role in LACC-HGT pathogenesis. In conclusion, the current bioinformatics study constructed a ceRNA network based on a microarray, which may help identify novel miRNA therapeutic targets for LACC-HGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixia Jiang
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Xun Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Chuanli Zhang
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Limin Zhu
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Dong Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Early Draggability Evaluation of Innovative Drugs, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Lijie Dong
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
| | - Yanjin He
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
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12
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Fallico M, Raciti G, Longo A, Reibaldi M, Bonfiglio V, Russo A, Caltabiano R, Gattuso G, Falzone L, Avitabile T. Current molecular and clinical insights into uveal melanoma (Review). Int J Oncol 2021; 58:10. [PMID: 33649778 PMCID: PMC7910016 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2021.5190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) represents the most prominent primary eye cancer in adults. With an incidence of approximately 5 cases per million individuals annually in the United States, UM could be considered a relatively rare cancer. The 90-95% of UM cases arise from the choroid. Diagnosis is based mainly on a clinical examination and ancillary tests, with ocular ultrasonography being of greatest value. Differential diagnosis can prove challenging in the case of indeterminate choroidal lesions and, sometimes, monitoring for documented growth may be the proper approach. Fine needle aspiration biopsy tends to be performed with a prognostic purpose, often in combination with radiotherapy. Gene expression profiling has allowed for the grading of UMs into two classes, which feature different metastatic risks. Patients with UM require a specialized multidisciplinary management. Primary tumor treatment can be either enucleation or globe preserving. Usually, enucleation is reserved for larger tumors, while radiotherapy is preferred for small/medium melanomas. The prognosis is unfavorable due to the high mortality rate and high tendency to metastasize. Following the development of metastatic disease, the mortality rate increases to 80% within one year, due to both the absence of an effective treatment and the aggressiveness of the condition. Novel molecular studies have allowed for a better understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in UM biological activity, which differs compared to skin melanomas. The most commonly mutated genes are GNAQ, GNA11 and BAP1. Research in this field could help to identify effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Raciti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, I‑95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, I‑10122 Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, I‑90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale', I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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13
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Tsatsakis A, Calina D, Falzone L, Petrakis D, Mitrut R, Siokas V, Pennisi M, Lanza G, Libra M, Doukas SG, Doukas PG, Kavali L, Bukhari A, Gadiparthi C, Vageli DP, Kofteridis DP, Spandidos DA, Paoliello MMB, Aschner M, Docea AO. SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and its clinical implications: An integrative overview of the pharmacotherapeutic management of COVID-19. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 146:111769. [PMID: 32979398 PMCID: PMC7833750 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Common manifestations of COVID-19 are respiratory and can extend from mild symptoms to severe acute respiratory distress. The severity of the illness can also extend from mild disease to life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). SARS-CoV-2 infection can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreatic functions, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 can cause central and peripheral neurological manifestations, affect the cardiovascular system and promote renal dysfunction. Epidemiological data have indicated that cancer patients are at a higher risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the multitude of clinical symptoms of COVID-19, the objective of the present review was to summarize their pathophysiology in previously healthy patients, as well as in those with comorbidities. The present review summarizes the current, though admittedly fluid knowledge on the pathophysiology and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Although unclear issues still remain, the present study contributes to a more complete understanding of the disease, and may drive the direction of new research. The recognition of the severity of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 is crucial for the specific therapeutic management of affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Dimitrios Petrakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece.
| | - Radu Mitrut
- Department of Cardiology, University and Emergency Hospital, 050098, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Vasileios Siokas
- Department of Neurology, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41221, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy; Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Sotirios G Doukas
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Peter's University Hospital, 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Panagiotis G Doukas
- University of Pavol Josef Safarik University, Faculty of Medicine, Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Leena Kavali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Peter's University Hospital, 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Amar Bukhari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care 240 Easton Ave, Adult Ambulatory at Cares Building 4th Floor, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Chiranjeevi Gadiparthi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Dimitra P Vageli
- Department of Surgery, The Yale Larynx Laboratory, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Diamantis P Kofteridis
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003, Greece.
| | - Monica M B Paoliello
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Eisntein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Michael Aschner
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146, Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Eisntein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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14
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Crimi S, Falzone L, Gattuso G, Grillo CM, Candido S, Bianchi A, Libra M. Droplet Digital PCR Analysis of Liquid Biopsy Samples Unveils the Diagnostic Role of hsa-miR-133a-3p and hsa-miR-375-3p in Oral Cancer. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9110379. [PMID: 33172167 PMCID: PMC7694750 DOI: 10.3390/biology9110379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the availability of screening programs, oral cancer is often diagnosed due to the lack of effective biomarkers. Therefore, the identification of new effective diagnostic and late prognostic biomarkers is of fundamental importance for the management of this tumor type. In our previous computational study, we have identified a set of microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly dysregulated in oral cancer and with a potential diagnostic and prognostic significance for oral cancer patients. Starting from our preliminary bioinformatics results, the aim of the present study was to validate the diagnostic potential of four selected miRNAs, hsa-miR-133a-3p, hsa-miR-375-3p, hsa-miR-503-5p and hsa-miR-196a-5p, in liquid biopsy samples obtained from oral cancer patients and healthy donors. For this purpose, the expression levels of the selected miRNAs were determined in plasma samples by using specific miRNA probes and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The ddPCR results showed that the hsa-miR-133a-3p and hsa-miR-375-3p were significantly down-regulated in oral cancer and their evaluation in liquid biopsy samples can predict the risk of oral cancer development with high sensitivity and specificity. Finally, the computational analysis of miRNA expression and clinical-pathological features of patients allowed us to establish the functional role and prognostic significance of the two validated miRNAs. Abstract Despite the availability of screening programs, oral cancer deaths are increasing due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers leading to late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover novel effective biomarkers for this tumor. On these bases, the aim of this study was to validate the diagnostic potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) through the analysis of liquid biopsy samples obtained from ten oral cancer patients and ten healthy controls. The expression of four selected miRNAs was evaluated by using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in a pilot cohort of ten oral cancer patients and ten healthy donors. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to assess the functional role of these miRNAs. The expression levels of the predicted down-regulated hsa-miR-133a-3p and hsa-miR-375-3p were significantly reduced in oral cancer patients compared to normal individuals while no significant results were obtained for the up-regulated hsa-miR-503-5p and hsa-miR-196a-5p. ROC analysis confirmed the high sensitivity and specificity of hsa-miR-375-3p and hsa-miR-133a-3p. Therefore, both miRNAs are significantly down-regulated in cancer patients and can be used as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. The analysis of circulating miRNAs in a larger series of patients is mandatory to confirm the results obtained in this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Crimi
- Department of General Surgery, Section of Maxillo Facial Surgery, Policlinico San Marco, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1271
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (S.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Caterina Maria Grillo
- Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (S.C.); (M.L.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alberto Bianchi
- Department of General Surgery, Section of Maxillo Facial Surgery, Policlinico San Marco, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (S.C.); (M.L.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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15
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Filetti V, Vitale E, Broggi G, Hagnäs MP, Candido S, Spina A, Lombardo C. Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro-edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review). Biomed Rep 2020; 13:60. [PMID: 33149905 PMCID: PMC7605121 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE), asbestiform fiber found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), presents various characteristics similar to the asbestos group, in particular two fibrous phases tremolite and actinolite. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that FE fibers have similar effects to those of asbestos fibers. Such studies have reported a high incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal membranes lining the pleural cavity, in individuals residing there due to FE exposure in Biancavilla related to environmental contamination. Evidence has led to the classification of FE as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The aim of this systematic review is to compare the results achieved in in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies involving FE in order to update the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms responsible for FE-mediated MM development as well as the availability of effective biomarkers for MM prevention and diagnosis. This review is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by inflammation induced by FE fiber exposure and which are responsible for MM development. This review also discusses the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the management of this pathology. It is known that the risk of cancer development increases with chronic inflammation, arising from enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO• production stimulated by the body to remove exogenous agents, causing DNA damage and enhanced signal transduction that may lead to activation of oncogenes. Studies concerning MM biomarker discovery indicate that several biomarkers have been proposed for MM, but mesothelin is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biomarker for MM, with limitations. In recent studies, in silico analysis to identify selected miRNAs highly deregulated in cancer samples when compared with normal control have been developed. This in silico approach could represent an effort in the field of biomarker discovery for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Pathologic Anatomy, Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria P Hagnäs
- Rovaniemi Health Centre, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland.,Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, 90150 Oulu, Finland
| | - Saverio Candido
- Oncologic, Clinic and General Pathology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy.,Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Spina
- INPS Italian National Social Security Institution, I-95129 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Pathologic Anatomy, Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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16
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Falzone L, Gattuso G, Lombardo C, Lupo G, Grillo CM, Spandidos DA, Libra M, Salmeri M. Droplet digital PCR for the detection and monitoring of Legionella pneumophila. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:1777-1782. [PMID: 33000184 PMCID: PMC7521553 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila(L. pneumophila is a harmful pathogen often found in water systems. In hospitals, the absence of L. pneumophila in water systems is mandatory by law, therefore, frequent and effective monitoring of water is of fundamental importance. Molecular methods based on reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) have been proposed for the detection of L. pneumophila, however, the sensitivity and accuracy of these methods have not been validated yet. Therefore, it is important to evaluate other strategies able to overcome the limits of culture-based and RT-qPCR methods. On these bases, we compared the sensitivity and accuracy of droplet digital PC (ddPCR) and RT-qPCR in water samples with known concentrations of L. pneumophila and in an in vitro model of water heat treatments. ddPCR showed a higher sensitivity rate and accuracy compared to RT-qPCR in detecting low bacterial load. In addition, ddPCR is not affected by the presence of fragmented DNA and showed higher accuracy than RT-qPC in monitoring the efficacy of heat shock treatments. In conclusion, ddPCR represents an innovative strategy to effectively detect L. pneumophila in water samples. Thanks to its high robustness, ddPCR could be applied also for the detection of L. pneumophila in patients with suspected legionellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale', I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General Pathology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Maria Grillo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General Pathology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Salmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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17
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Falzone L, Grimaldi M, Celentano E, Augustin LSA, Libra M. Identification of Modulated MicroRNAs Associated with Breast Cancer, Diet, and Physical Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092555. [PMID: 32911851 PMCID: PMC7564431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Healthy diet and physical activity are able to induce beneficial molecular modifications that have been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (BC) incidence and a better prognosis for BC patients. Although the beneficial effects of healthy lifestyle have been described, the beneficial epigenetic modifications induced by dietary and exercise intervention in BC patients have not been elucidated yet. On these bases, the aim of the present study was to computationally identify microRNAs (miRNAs) strictly associated with BC progression and with dietary and exercise interventions. Through several computational approaches, a set of miRNAs modulated by diet and exercise and useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for BC was identified. The results obtained represent the starting point for further validation analyses performed on BC patients undergoing lifestyle interventions to propose the miRNAs here identified as novel biomarkers for BC management. Abstract Background: Several studies have shown that healthy lifestyles prevent the risk of breast cancer (BC) and are associated with better prognosis. It was hypothesized that lifestyle strategies induce microRNA (miRNA) modulation that, in turn, may lead to important epigenetic modifications. The identification of miRNAs associated with BC, diet, and physical activity may give further insights into the role played by lifestyle interventions and their efficacy for BC patients. To predict which miRNAs may be modulated by diet and physical activity in BC patients, the analyses of different miRNA expression datasets were performed. Methods: The GEO DataSets database was used to select miRNA expression datasets related to BC patients, dietary interventions, and physical exercise. Further bioinformatic approaches were used to establish the value of selected miRNAs in BC development and prognosis. Results: The analysis of datasets allowed the selection of modulated miRNAs associated with BC development, diet, and physical exercise. Seven miRNAs were also associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Conclusions: The identified miRNAs may play a role in the development of BC and may have a prognostic value in patients treated with integrative interventions including diet and physical activity. Validation of such modulated miRNAs on BC patients undergoing lifestyle strategies will be mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Epidemiology Unit, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (E.C.); (L.S.A.A.)
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (M.L.); Tel.: +39-095-478-1278 (L.F.); +39-095-478-1271 (M.L.)
| | - Maria Grimaldi
- IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Epidemiology Unit, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (E.C.); (L.S.A.A.)
| | - Egidio Celentano
- IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Epidemiology Unit, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (E.C.); (L.S.A.A.)
| | - Livia S. A. Augustin
- IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, Epidemiology Unit, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.G.); (E.C.); (L.S.A.A.)
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Centre for Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (M.L.); Tel.: +39-095-478-1278 (L.F.); +39-095-478-1271 (M.L.)
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18
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Nikolouzakis TK, Falzone L, Lasithiotakis K, Krüger-Krasagakis S, Kalogeraki A, Sifaki M, Spandidos DA, Chrysos E, Tsatsakis A, Tsiaoussis J. Current and Future Trends in Molecular Biomarkers for Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Purposes in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2868. [PMID: 32899768 PMCID: PMC7564050 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer among Caucasians and presents in two main forms: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is an umbrella term, under which basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) are found along with the pre-neoplastic lesions, Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Due to the mild nature of the majority of NMSC cases, research regarding their biology has attracted much less attention. Nonetheless, NMSC can bear unfavorable characteristics for the patient, such as invasiveness, local recurrence and distant metastases. In addition, late diagnosis is relatively common for a number of cases of NMSC due to the inability to recognize such cases. Recognizing the need for clinically and economically efficient modes of diagnosis, staging, and prognosis, the present review discusses the main etiological and pathological features of NMSC as well as the new and promising molecular biomarkers available including telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), CpG island methylation (CIM), histone methylation and acetylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and micronuclei frequency (MNf). The evaluation of all these aspects is important for the correct management of NMSC; therefore, the current review aims to assist future studies interested in exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of molecular biomarkers for these entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Konstantinos Lasithiotakis
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | | | - Alexandra Kalogeraki
- Department of Pathology-Cytopathology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Maria Sifaki
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Emmanuel Chrysos
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; (K.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
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19
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Falzone L, Musso N, Gattuso G, Bongiorno D, Palermo CI, Scalia G, Libra M, Stefani S. Sensitivity assessment of droplet digital PCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:957-964. [PMID: 32705153 PMCID: PMC7388836 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Due to pre-analytical and technical limitations, samples with low viral load are often misdiagnosed as false-negative samples. Therefore, it is important to evaluate other strategies able to overcome the limits of RT-qPCR. Blinded swab samples from two individuals diagnosed positive and negative for COVID-19 were analyzed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and RT-qPCR in order to assess the sensitivity of both methods. Intercalation chemistries and a World Health Organization (WHO)/Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-approved probe for the SARS-CoV-2 N gene were used. SYBR-Green RT-qPCR is not able to diagnose as positive samples with low viral load, while, TaqMan Probe RT-qPCR gave positive signals at very late Ct values. On the contrary, ddPCR showed higher sensitivity rate compared to RT-qPCR and both EvaGreen and probe ddPCR were able to recognize the sample with low viral load as positive even at 10-fold diluted concentration. In conclusion, ddPCR shows higher sensitivity and specificity compared to RT-qPCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in false-negative samples with low viral load. Therefore, ddPCR is strongly recommended in clinical practice for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the follow-up of positive patients until complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale', I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General Pathology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Dafne Bongiorno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Ilenia Palermo
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. 'Policlinico‑Vittorio Emanuele', I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Scalia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General Pathology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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20
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Napoli S, Scuderi C, Gattuso G, Di Bella V, Candido S, Basile MS, Libra M, Falzone L. Functional Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051151. [PMID: 32392801 PMCID: PMC7291303 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the regulation of the tissue microenvironment and in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Several proteins with a proteolytic activity toward several ECM components are involved in the regulation and remodeling of the ECM. Among these, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of peptidase able to remodel the ECM by favoring the tumor invasive processes. Of these peptidases, MMP-9 is the most involved in the development of cancer, including that of melanoma. Dysregulations of the MAPKs and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways can lead to an aberrant overexpression of MMP-9. Even ncRNAs are implicated in the aberrant production of MMP-9 protein, as well as other proteins responsible for the activation or inhibition of MMP-9, such as Osteopontin and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases. Currently, there are different therapeutic approaches for melanoma, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. However, no biomarkers are available for the prediction of the therapeutic response. In this context, several studies have tried to understand the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential of MMP-9 in melanoma patients by performing clinical trials with synthetic MMPs inhibitors. Therefore, MMP-9 may be considered a promising molecule for the management of melanoma patients due to its role as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Napoli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
| | - Chiara Scuderi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
| | - Virginia Di Bella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.N.); (C.S.); (G.G.); (V.D.B.); (S.C.); (M.S.B.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.L.); or (L.F.); Tel.: +39-095-478-1271 (M.L.); +39-094-478-1278 (L.F.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.L.); or (L.F.); Tel.: +39-095-478-1271 (M.L.); +39-094-478-1278 (L.F.)
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