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Bränn E, Chen Y, Song H, László KD, D'Onofrio BM, Hysaj E, Almqvist C, Larsson H, Lichtenstein P, Valdimarsdottir UA, Lu D. Bidirectional association between autoimmune disease and perinatal depression: a nationwide study with sibling comparison. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-023-02351-1. [PMID: 38191927 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Although major depression, characterized by a pro-inflammatory profile, genetically overlap with autoimmune disease (AD) and the perinatal period involve immune system adaptations and AD symptom alterations, the bidirectional link between perinatal depression (PND) and AD is largely unexplored. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the bidirectional association between PND and AD. Using nationwide Swedish population and health registers, we conducted a nested case-control study and a matched cohort study. From 1,347,901 pregnancies during 2001-2013, we included 55,299 incident PND, their unaffected full sisters, and 10 unaffected matched women per PND case. We identified 41 subtypes of AD diagnoses recorded in the registers and compared PND with unaffected population-matched women and full sisters, using multivariable regressions. Women with an AD had a 30% higher risk of subsequent PND (95% CI 1.2-1.5) and women exposed to PND had a 30% higher risk of a subsequent AD (95% CI 1.3-1.4). Comparable associations were found when comparing exposed women with their unaffected sisters (nested case-control OR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.5, matched cohort HR: 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), and when studying antepartum and postpartum depression. The bidirectional association was more pronounced among women without psychiatric comorbidities (nested case-control OR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.4-1.6, matched cohort HR: 1.4, 95% CI 1.4-1.5) and strongest for multiple sclerosis (nested case-control OR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.3, matched cohort HR: 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.1). These findings demonstrate a bidirectional association between AD and PND independent of psychiatric comorbidities, suggesting possibly shared biological mechanisms. If future translational science confirms the underlying mechanisms, healthcare providers need to be aware of the increased risk of PND among women with ADs and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bränn
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yufeng Chen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Huan Song
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Krisztina D László
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Brian M D'Onofrio
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Elgeta Hysaj
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catarina Almqvist
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Unnur A Valdimarsdottir
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Donghao Lu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Wang Y, Wang J, Feng J. Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy: Pathogenesis, influencing factors, and treatment options. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103449. [PMID: 37741528 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103449] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-mediated degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammatory demyelination. It is primarily found in women of childbearing age, making pregnancy a significant concern for both patients with MS and clinicians. To assist these patients in achieving their desire for pregnancy, reducing MS relapses during all stages of pregnancy, preventing the progression of MS, mitigating the impact of MS treatment on the course and outcome of pregnancy, and a thorough understanding of the relationship between pregnancy and MS, as well as specific management and the application of relevant medications for MS patients at each stage of pregnancy, are essential. This article provides an update on pregnancy-related issues in women with MS, including the general recommendations for management at each stage of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinxiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St., Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St., Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao St., Shenyang 110004, China.
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3
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Vacca V, Rossi C, Pieroni L, De Angelis F, Giacovazzo G, Cicalini I, Ciavardelli D, Pavone F, Coccurello R, Marinelli S. Sex-specific adipose tissue's dynamic role in metabolic and inflammatory response following peripheral nerve injury. iScience 2023; 26:107914. [PMID: 37817933 PMCID: PMC10561049 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107914] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data and research highlight increased neuropathy and chronic pain prevalence among females, spanning metabolic and normometabolic contexts, including murine models. Prior findings demonstrated diverse immune and neuroimmune responses between genders in neuropathic pain (NeP), alongside distinct protein expression in sciatic nerves. This study unveils adipose tissue's (AT) role in sex-specific NeP responses after peripheral nerve injury. Metabolic assessments, metabolomics, energy expenditure evaluations, AT proteomic analyses, and adipokine mobilization depict distinct AT reactions to nerve damage. Females exhibit altered lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, heightened energy expenditure, and augmented steroids secretion affecting glucose and insulin metabolism. Conversely, male neuropathy prompts glycolysis, reduced energy expenditure, and lowered unsaturated fatty acid levels. Males' AT promotes regenerative molecules, oxidative stress defense, and stimulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-γ) and adiponectin. This study underscores AT's pivotal role in regulating gender-specific inflammatory and metabolic responses to nerve injuries, shedding light on female NeP susceptibility determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vacca
- National Council of Research - Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luisa Pieroni
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica De Angelis
- National Council of Research - Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Università degli studi di Teramo (UniTE) - Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciavardelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- School of Medicine, University Kore of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- National Council of Research - Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- European Center for Brain Research/Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Complex Systems (ISC), National Council of Research (CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Marinelli
- National Council of Research - Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Monterotondo (RM), Italy
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Zahaf A, Kassoussi A, Hutteau-Hamel T, Mellouk A, Marie C, Zoupi L, Tsouki F, Mattern C, Bobé P, Schumacher M, Williams A, Parras C, Traiffort E. Androgens show sex-dependent differences in myelination in immune and non-immune murine models of CNS demyelination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1592. [PMID: 36949062 PMCID: PMC10033728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36846-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and remyelinating properties of androgens are well-characterized in demyelinated male mice and men suffering from multiple sclerosis. However, androgen effects mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), have been only poorly studied in females who make low androgen levels. Here, we show a predominant microglial AR expression in demyelinated lesions from female mice and women with multiple sclerosis, but virtually undetectable AR expression in lesions from male animals and men with multiple sclerosis. In female mice, androgens and estrogens act in a synergistic way while androgens drive microglia response towards regeneration. Transcriptomic comparisons of demyelinated mouse spinal cords indicate that, regardless of the sex, androgens up-regulate genes related to neuronal function integrity and myelin production. Depending on the sex, androgens down-regulate genes related to the immune system in females and lipid catabolism in males. Thus, androgens are required for proper myelin regeneration in females and therapeutic approaches of demyelinating diseases need to consider male-female differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Zahaf
- U1195 Inserm, Paris-Saclay University, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | | | - Amine Mellouk
- UMR996 Inserm, Paris-Saclay University, Clamart, France
| | | | - Lida Zoupi
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Foteini Tsouki
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Pierre Bobé
- UMR996 Inserm, Paris-Saclay University, Clamart, France
| | | | - Anna Williams
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carlos Parras
- Paris Brain Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
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5
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Soleimani A, Ezabadi SG, Möhn N, Esfandabadi ZM, Khosravizadeh Z, Skripuletz T, Azimzadeh M. Influence of hormones in multiple sclerosis: focus on the most important hormones. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:739-747. [PMID: 36595158 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal imbalance may be an important factor in the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. In this context, hormone therapy has been shown to have immunoregulatory potential in various experimental approaches. There is increasing evidence of potentially beneficial effects of thyroid, melatonin, and sex hormones in MS models. These hormones may ameliorate the neurological impairment through immunoregulatory and neuroprotective effects, as well as by reducing oxidative stress. Expanding our knowledge of hormone therapy may be an effective step toward identifying additional molecular/cellular pathways in MS disease. In this review, we discuss the role of several important hormones in MS pathogenesis in terms of their effects on immunoregulatory aspects and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soleimani
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sajjad Ghane Ezabadi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nora Möhn
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Zahra Khosravizadeh
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Azimzadeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
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6
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Bandala C, Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Reyes-Long S, Cortés-Algara A, Contreras-García IJ, Cruz-Hernández TR, Alfaro-Rodriguez A, Cortes-Altamirano JL, Perez-Santos M, Anaya-Ruiz M, Lara-Padilla E. Estrogens as a Possible Therapeutic Strategy for the Management of Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection in COVID-19. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2110-2125. [PMID: 37326113 PMCID: PMC10556364 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230616103850] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects several tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous system. It has also been related to signs and symptoms that suggest neuroinflammation with possible effects in the short, medium, and long term. Estrogens could have a positive impact on the management of the disease, not only due to its already known immunomodulator effect, but also activating other pathways that may be important in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, such as the regulation of the virus receptor and its metabolites. In addition, they can have a positive effect on neuroinflammation secondary to pathologies other than COVID-19. The aim of this study is to analyze the molecular mechanisms that link estrogens with their possible therapeutic effect for neuroinflammation related to COVID-19. Advanced searches were performed in scientific databases as Pub- Med, ProQuest, EBSCO, the Science Citation index, and clinical trials. Estrogens have been shown to participate in the immune modulation of the response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to this mechanism, we propose that estrogens can regulate the expression and activity of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), reestablishing its cytoprotective function, which may be limited by its interaction with SARS-CoV-2. In this proposal, estrogens and estrogenic compounds could increase the synthesis of Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) that acts through the Mas receptor (MasR) in cells that are being attacked by the virus. Estrogens can be a promising, accessible, and low-cost treatment for neuroprotection and neuroinflammation in patients with COVID-19, due to its direct immunomodulatory capacity in decreasing cytokine storm and increasing cytoprotective capacity of the axis ACE2/Ang (1-7)/MasR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Bandala
- Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, 11340, Mexico
| | - Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, 11340, Mexico
- Neuroscience Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, 04530, Mexico
| | - Samuel Reyes-Long
- Basic Neurosciences, National Institute of Rehabilitation LGII, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Cortés-Algara
- Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, 11340, Mexico
- Department of Robotic Surgery and Laparoscopy in Gynecology, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - José Luis Cortes-Altamirano
- Basic Neurosciences, National Institute of Rehabilitation LGII, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico
- Research Department, Ecatepec Valley State University, Valle de Anahuac, Ecatepec, 55210, Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Martín Perez-Santos
- Directorate of Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, 72570, Puebla
| | - Maricruz Anaya-Ruiz
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Oriente Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Metepec, 74360, Puebla
| | - Eleazar Lara-Padilla
- Higher School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, 11340, Mexico
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7
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Ultsch A, Lötsch J. Robust Classification Using Posterior Probability Threshold Computation Followed by Voronoi Cell Based Class Assignment Circumventing Pitfalls of Bayesian Analysis of Biomedical Data. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214081. [PMID: 36430580 PMCID: PMC9693220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bayesian inference is ubiquitous in science and widely used in biomedical research such as cell sorting or “omics” approaches, as well as in machine learning (ML), artificial neural networks, and “big data” applications. However, the calculation is not robust in regions of low evidence. In cases where one group has a lower mean but a higher variance than another group, new cases with larger values are implausibly assigned to the group with typically smaller values. An approach for a robust extension of Bayesian inference is proposed that proceeds in two main steps starting from the Bayesian posterior probabilities. First, cases with low evidence are labeled as “uncertain” class membership. The boundary for low probabilities of class assignment (threshold ε) is calculated using a computed ABC analysis as a data-based technique for item categorization. This leaves a number of cases with uncertain classification (p < ε). Second, cases with uncertain class membership are relabeled based on the distance to neighboring classified cases based on Voronoi cells. The approach is demonstrated on biomedical data typically analyzed with Bayesian statistics, such as flow cytometric data sets or biomarkers used in medical diagnostics, where it increased the class assignment accuracy by 1−10% depending on the data set. The proposed extension of the Bayesian inference of class membership can be used to obtain robust and plausible class assignments even for data at the extremes of the distribution and/or for which evidence is weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Ultsch
- DataBionics Research Group, University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 22, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence:
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8
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González-Madrid E, Rangel-Ramírez MA, Mendoza-León MJ, Álvarez-Mardones O, González PA, Kalergis AM, Opazo MC, Riedel CA. Risk Factors from Pregnancy to Adulthood in Multiple Sclerosis Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137080. [PMID: 35806081 PMCID: PMC9266360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a robust inflammatory response against myelin sheath antigens, which causes astrocyte and microglial activation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple genetic predispositions and environmental factors are known to influence the immune response in autoimmune diseases, such as MS, and in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Although the predisposition to suffer from MS seems to be a multifactorial process, a highly sensitive period is pregnancy due to factors that alter the development and differentiation of the CNS and the immune system, which increases the offspring’s susceptibility to develop MS. In this regard, there is evidence that thyroid hormone deficiency during gestation, such as hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia, may increase susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as MS. In this review, we discuss the relevance of the gestational period for the development of MS in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Madrid
- Laboratorio Endocrinología-Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (E.G.-M.); (M.A.R.-R.); (M.J.M.-L.); (O.Á.-M.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Ma. Andreina Rangel-Ramírez
- Laboratorio Endocrinología-Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (E.G.-M.); (M.A.R.-R.); (M.J.M.-L.); (O.Á.-M.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
| | - María José Mendoza-León
- Laboratorio Endocrinología-Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (E.G.-M.); (M.A.R.-R.); (M.J.M.-L.); (O.Á.-M.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Oscar Álvarez-Mardones
- Laboratorio Endocrinología-Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (E.G.-M.); (M.A.R.-R.); (M.J.M.-L.); (O.Á.-M.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Ma. Cecilia Opazo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Manuel Montt 948, Providencia 7500000, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Laboratorio Endocrinología-Inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (E.G.-M.); (M.A.R.-R.); (M.J.M.-L.); (O.Á.-M.)
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (P.A.G.); (A.M.K.); (M.C.O.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Saltarelli MA, Ferrante R, Marcello FD, David D, Valentinuzzi S, Pilenzi L, Federici L, Rossi C, Stuppia L, Tumini S. A Novel Heterozygous Mutation of the CYP17A1 Gene in a Child with a Micropenis and Isolated 17,20-Lyase Deficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116880. [PMID: 35682463 PMCID: PMC9180258 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are characterized by a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions associated with atypical development of the sex chromosomes, gonadal or anatomical sex. We report the case of a child with an isolated micropenis, a typical feature of the 46,XY DSD showing low basal testosterone levels and post-stimulation with the hCG test. Molecular analysis using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 50 genes involved in DSDs was performed, revealing a heterozygous mutation, c.1040G > ANM_000102.4, in the CYP17A1 gene. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the gene variant detected by NGS; it was also performed to his parents, revealing the presence of the same mutation in the mother, who presented no features of the disease. Then, the serum steroid profile was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Interestingly, this analysis highlighted low levels of testosterone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrostenedione, as also confirmed by a stimulus test with ACTH. These results suggest that, in some cases, heterozygous mutations in recessive genes involved in adrenal steroidogenesis can also affect the patient’s phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alessandra Saltarelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UOSD Regional Center of Pediatric Diabetology, Chieti Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.D.M.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
| | - Rossella Ferrante
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (C.R.); (L.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Di Marcello
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UOSD Regional Center of Pediatric Diabetology, Chieti Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.D.M.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
| | - Daniela David
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UOSD Regional Center of Pediatric Diabetology, Chieti Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.D.M.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
| | - Silvia Valentinuzzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Pilenzi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (C.R.); (L.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
| | - Luca Federici
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (C.R.); (L.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.P.); (C.R.); (L.S.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (L.F.)
| | - Stefano Tumini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UOSD Regional Center of Pediatric Diabetology, Chieti Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.A.S.); (F.D.M.); (D.D.); (S.T.)
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Rispoli MG, Valentinuzzi S, De Luca G, Del Boccio P, Federici L, Di Ioia M, Digiovanni A, Grasso EA, Pozzilli V, Villani A, Chiarelli AM, Onofrj M, Wise RG, Pieragostino D, Tomassini V. Contribution of Metabolomics to Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011112. [PMID: 34681773 PMCID: PMC8541167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics-based technologies map in vivo biochemical changes that may be used as early indicators of pathological abnormalities prior to the development of clinical symptoms in neurological conditions. Metabolomics may also reveal biochemical pathways implicated in tissue dysfunction and damage and thus assist in the development of novel targeted therapeutics for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Metabolomics holds promise as a non-invasive, high-throughput and cost-effective tool for early diagnosis, follow-up and monitoring of treatment response in multiple sclerosis (MS), in combination with clinical and imaging measures. In this review, we offer evidence in support of the potential of metabolomics as a biomarker and drug discovery tool in MS. We also use pathway analysis of metabolites that are described as potential biomarkers in the literature of MS biofluids to identify the most promising molecules and upstream regulators, and show novel, still unexplored metabolic pathways, whose investigation may open novel avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Gabriella Rispoli
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Silvia Valentinuzzi
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Research Unit, Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (P.D.B.); (L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Luca
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Research Unit, Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (P.D.B.); (L.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luca Federici
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Research Unit, Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (P.D.B.); (L.F.)
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Di Ioia
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Anna Digiovanni
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Eleonora Agata Grasso
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valeria Pozzilli
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Alessandro Villani
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
| | - Antonio Maria Chiarelli
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
| | - Richard G. Wise
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Analytical Biochemistry and Proteomics Research Unit, Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (P.D.B.); (L.F.)
- Department of Paediatrics, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.G.R.); (A.D.); (V.P.); (A.V.); (A.M.C.); (M.O.); (R.G.W.)
- Department of Neurology, “SS. Annunziata” University Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.D.L.); (M.D.I.)
- Correspondence: (D.P.); (V.T.)
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11
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Romano A, Friuli M, Del Coco L, Longo S, Vergara D, Del Boccio P, Valentinuzzi S, Cicalini I, Fanizzi FP, Gaetani S, Giudetti AM. Chronic Oleoylethanolamide Treatment Decreases Hepatic Triacylglycerol Level in Rat Liver by a PPARγ/SREBP-Mediated Suppression of Fatty Acid and Triacylglycerol Synthesis. Nutrients 2021; 13:394. [PMID: 33513874 PMCID: PMC7910994 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a naturally occurring bioactive lipid belonging to the family of N-acylethanolamides. A variety of beneficial effects have been attributed to OEA, although the greater interest is due to its potential role in the treatment of obesity, fatty liver, and eating-related disorders. To better clarify the mechanism of the antiadipogenic effect of OEA in the liver, using a lipidomic study performed by 1H-NMR, LC-MS/MS and thin-layer chromatography analyses we evaluated the whole lipid composition of rat liver, following a two-week daily treatment of OEA (10 mg kg-1 i.p.). We found that OEA induced a significant reduction in hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) content and significant changes in sphingolipid composition and ceramidase activity. We associated the antiadipogenic effect of OEA to decreased activity and expression of key enzymes involved in fatty acid and TAG syntheses, such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1. Moreover, we found that both SREBP-1 and PPARγ protein expression were significantly reduced in the liver of OEA-treated rats. Our findings add significant and important insights into the molecular mechanism of OEA on hepatic adipogenesis, and suggest a possible link between the OEA-induced changes in sphingolipid metabolism and suppression of hepatic TAG level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (S.G.)
| | - Marzia Friuli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (S.G.)
| | - Laura Del Coco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (L.D.C.); (S.L.); (D.V.)
| | - Serena Longo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (L.D.C.); (S.L.); (D.V.)
| | - Daniele Vergara
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (L.D.C.); (S.L.); (D.V.)
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.B.); (S.V.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Silvia Valentinuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.B.); (S.V.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco P. Fanizzi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (L.D.C.); (S.L.); (D.V.)
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (M.F.); (S.G.)
| | - Anna M. Giudetti
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Prov.le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (L.D.C.); (S.L.); (D.V.)
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12
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Thoman ME, McKarns SC. Metabolomic Profiling in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Biomarker Discovery. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10090374. [PMID: 32961928 PMCID: PMC7570337 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10090374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no specific test for diagnosing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a disabling autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Instead, diagnosis relies on ruling out other related disorders with overlapping clinical symptoms. An urgency for NMOSD biomarker discovery is underscored by adverse responses to treatment following misdiagnosis and poor prognosis following the delayed onset of treatment. Pathogenic autoantibiotics that target the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) contribute to NMOSD pathology. The importance of early diagnosis between AQP4-Ab+ NMOSD, MOG-Ab+ NMOSD, AQP4-Ab− MOG-Ab− NMOSD, and related disorders cannot be overemphasized. Here, we provide a comprehensive data collection and analysis of the currently known metabolomic perturbations and related proteomic outcomes of NMOSD. We highlight short chain fatty acids, lipoproteins, amino acids, and lactate as candidate diagnostic biomarkers. Although the application of metabolomic profiling to individual NMOSD patient care shows promise, more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxton E. Thoman
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- Laboratory of TGF-β Biology, Epigenetics, and Cytokine Regulation, Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Susan C. McKarns
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- Laboratory of TGF-β Biology, Epigenetics, and Cytokine Regulation, Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Correspondence:
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The Potential of Steroid Profiling by Mass Spectrometry in the Management of Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090314. [PMID: 32872281 PMCID: PMC7555975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiological and endocrinological work up of adrenal neoplasms is aimed at distinguishing between frequent non-functioning adenomas and rare but very aggressive adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Relevant research has addressed the identification of molecular, genetic and hormonal markers that could have clinical significance for malignancy, as well as a prognostic value. Regarding endocrine aspects, attention has been paid to the pattern of steroid secretion that can be affected by altered steroidogenic pathway in ACC. The advent of mass spectrometry techniques has overcome many limitations usually associated with immunoassays, allowing the determination of both common and rarely measured steroids in a single analysis with high specificity and sensitivity. Indeed, mass spectrometry strategies may be able to identify an individualized steroid profile of ACC, allowing a rapid diagnosis and a specific follow-up. In this review, insights, strengths and limitations of mass spectrometry-based approaches in steroid profiling, as well as of immunoassay in steroid measurements, will be specifically discussed. Moreover, the latest findings on steroid profiling by mass spectrometry-based techniques, the most promising analytical tool, will be summarized to evaluate if steroid profiling might be the clue for solving the clinical dilemma in differentiating ACC from non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas (ACA).
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14
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Pieragostino D, Cicalini I, Di Michele S, Fusilli P, Cotugno G, Ferrante R, Bucci I, Dionisi-Vici C, Stuppia L, De Laurenzi V, Rossi C. A Case of Suspected Hyperphenylalaninemia at Newborn Screening by Tandem Mass Spectrometry during Total Parenteral Nutrition. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10020044. [PMID: 31991569 PMCID: PMC7074497 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting about 1 in 10,000 people in the Europe, with a higher rate in some countries, like Ireland and Italy. In Italy, newborn screening (NBS) by MS/MS allows the diagnostic suspicion of PKU and its variants (Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis deficiency, and Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) recycling deficiency) through the quantification of Phenylalanine (Phe) and the Phenylalanine/Tyrosine (Phe/Tyr) ratio in dried blood Spot (DBS) samples. Here, we report a case of an HPA whose suspicion was possible with expanded NBS, even if the normal-weight newborn was in total parenteral nutrition (TPN). It is known that TPN may present metabolic alterations, mainly for amino acids at NBS in MS/MS, frequently causing false positives. Actually, TPN is considered a special protocol in NBS, requiring several sample collections. In particular, a DBS sample is required before TPN, at basal time point (48 h after birth) and 72 h after the end of the procedure. In the case we report, even if the first DBS sample (before TPN) resulted negative, the repeated NBS tests revealed increased levels of Phe and dramatically high Phe/Tyr ratio. Thus, the newborn was recalled, and the NBS test was repeated several times before that HPA suspicion was confirmed by other specific biochemical tests. This case highlights the importance of Phe/Tyr ratio, only detectable by MS/MS analysis, in supporting the diagnostic suspicion during amino acids administration in the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiana Pieragostino
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Michele
- Department of Pediatrics, "Spirito Santo" Hospital, 65100 Pescara, Italy
| | - Paola Fusilli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU, "Spirito Santo" Hospital, 65100 Pescara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cotugno
- Metabolic Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital and Research Institute, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ferrante
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Dionisi-Vici
- Metabolic Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital and Research Institute, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Cicalini I, Tumini S, Guidone PI, Pieragostino D, Zucchelli M, Franchi S, Lisi G, Lelli Chiesa P, Stuppia L, De Laurenzi V, Rossi C. Serum Steroid Profiling by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Rapid Confirmation and Early Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Neonatal Case Report. Metabolites 2019; 9:metabo9120284. [PMID: 31766536 PMCID: PMC6950672 DOI: 10.3390/metabo9120284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) describes a group of autosomal recessive disorders of steroid biosynthesis, in 95% of cases due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The resulting hormonal imbalances lead to increased 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androgens levels, at the expense of decreased concentrations of glucocorticoids and, in some cases, of mineralocorticoids. A variety of clinical presentations accompany a range of severities, which are described as different forms of CAH, and are the result of these hormonal imbalances. The incidence of CAH worldwide is approximately 1 in 15,000 live births, and is population-dependent; thus, its inclusion in neonatal screening tests is widely discussed. Diagnosis of CAH is based on the quantification of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, usually by immunoassay, which has low specificity and high false-positive rates, resulting in a relatively high demand for a second-tier confirmation test. We report a case of a newborn recognized as female at birth, but showing ambiguous genitalia and other CAH clinical features, including hypernatremia, in the first days of life. In addition to the classical assays, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the serum steroid profile, allowing for the accurate and simultaneous quantification of seven steroids in the same analysis. Such an application immediately revealed an alteration in the levels of specific steroids related to CAH, leading to an early intervention by hormone replacement therapy. Subsequently, the diagnosis of classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency was further confirmed by molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cicalini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.L.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Stefano Tumini
- Department of Pediatrics, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Paola Irma Guidone
- Department of Pediatrics, “Ospedale della Murgia—Fabio Perinei ”, 70022 Altamura, Italy;
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirco Zucchelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Franchi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Psychological, Healthand Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lisi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.L.); (P.L.C.)
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Lelli Chiesa
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.L.); (P.L.C.)
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Psychological, Healthand Territory Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (I.C.); (D.P.); (M.Z.); (S.F.); (L.S.); (V.D.L.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (G.L.); (P.L.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Granzotto A, Bomba M, Castelli V, Navarra R, Massetti N, d'Aurora M, Onofrj M, Cicalini I, Del Boccio P, Gatta V, Cimini A, Piomelli D, Sensi SL. Inhibition of de novo ceramide biosynthesis affects aging phenotype in an in vitro model of neuronal senescence. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:6336-6357. [PMID: 31467258 PMCID: PMC6738398 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although aging is considered to be an unavoidable event, recent experimental evidence suggests that the process can be counteracted. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid dysregulation are critical factors that contribute to senescence-related processes. Ceramides, a pleiotropic class of sphingolipids, are important mediators of cellular senescence, but their role in neuronal aging is still largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects of L-cycloserine (L-CS), an inhibitor of thede novoceramide biosynthesis, on the aging phenotype of cortical neurons cultured for 22 days, a setting employed as anin vitromodel of senescence. Our findings indicate that, compared to control cultures, ‘aged’ neurons display dysregulation of [Ca2+]ilevels, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered synaptic activity as well as the activation of neuronal death-related molecules. Treatment with L-CS positively affected the senescent phenotype, a result associated with recovery of neuronal [Ca2+]isignaling and reduction of mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS generation. The results suggest that thede novoceramide biosynthesis represents a critical intermediate in the molecular and functional cascade leading to neuronal senescence and identify ceramide biosynthesis inhibitors as promising pharmacological tools to decrease age-related neuronal dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Granzotto
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Bomba
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Riccardo Navarra
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Noemi Massetti
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco d'Aurora
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), Assergi, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSI-MeT), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders (iMIND), University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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17
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Rossi C, Cicalini I, Cufaro MC, Agnifili L, Mastropasqua L, Lanuti P, Marchisio M, De Laurenzi V, Del Boccio P, Pieragostino D. Multi-Omics Approach for Studying Tears in Treatment-Naïve Glaucoma Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164029. [PMID: 31426571 PMCID: PMC6721157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) represents the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is a multifactorial, chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by retinal ganglion cell and visual field loss. There are many factors that are associated with the risk of developing POAG, with increased intraocular pressure being one of the most prevalent. Due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease, the diagnosis of POAG often occurs too late, which necessitates development of new effective screening strategies for early diagnosis of the disease. However, this task still remains unfulfilled. In order to provide further insights into the pathophysiology of POAG, we applied a targeted metabolomics strategy based on a high-throughput screening method for the determination of tear amino acids, free carnitine, acylcarnitines, succinylacetone, nucleosides, and lysophospholipids in naïve to therapy glaucomatous patients and normal controls. Also, we conducted proteomic analyses of the whole lacrimal fluid and purified extracellular vesicles obtained from POAG patients and healthy subjects. This multi-omics approach allowed us to conclude that POAG patients had lower levels of certain tear amino acids and lysophospholipids compared with controls. These targeted analyses also highlighted the low amount of acetylcarnitine (C2) in POAG patient which correlated well with proteomics data. Moreover, POAG tear proteins seemed to derive from extracellular vesicles, which carried a specific pro-inflammatory protein cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cicalini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Cufaro
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luca Agnifili
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Opthalmic Clinic, Ss Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Opthalmic Clinic, Ss Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University ''G. d'Annunzio'' of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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Integrated Lipidomics and Metabolomics Analysis of Tears in Multiple Sclerosis: An Insight into Diagnostic Potential of Lacrimal Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061265. [PMID: 30871169 PMCID: PMC6471885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics based on mass spectrometry represents an innovative approach to characterize multifactorial diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MuS). To date, the most important biomarker source for MuS diagnosis is the cerebrospinal fluid. However, an important goal for research is to identify new molecules in more easily accessible biological fluids. A very interesting biofluid in MuS is represented by tears, considered as an intermediate fluid between the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. In this work, we developed a merged strategy for the analysis of lipids containing choline by Liquid Chromatography coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as well as for the targeted analysis of free carnitine, acylcarnitines and aminoacids by direct infusion mass spectrometry. Samples for both metabolomics and lipidomics approaches were obtained in a single extraction procedure from tears of patients affected by MuS and healthy controls. Tear lipidomics showed 30 phospholipids significantly modulated and, notably, many sphingomyelins resulted lower in MuS. Moreover, the metabolomics approach carried out both on tears and serum highlighted the diagnostic potential of specific aminoacids and acylcarnitines. In conclusion, the metabolic profiling of tears appears to reflect the pathological conditions of the central nervous system, suggesting that the molecular repository of tears can be considered as a source of potential biomarkers for MuS.
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