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Rajput U, Swami D, Joshi N. Geospatial analysis of toxic metal contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the lower Himalayan industrial region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 938:173328. [PMID: 38777062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Once known for its clean and natural environment, the lower Himalayan region is now no exception to human-induced disturbances. Rapid industrial growth in Baddi-Barotiwala (BB) industrial region has led to degradation of groundwater resources in the area. Groundwater samples were collected from 37 locations to study the groundwater chemistry, geospatial variation of 15 toxic metals in groundwater, source apportionment, metals of concern and associated health risks in the region. The results showed rock dominated hydrogeology with decreasing order of anion and cation abundance as HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > Br- > F- and Ca+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Li+ respectively. Concentrations of Iron (BDL-3.6 mg/l), Nickel (BDL-0.023 mg/l), Barium (0.22-0.89 mg/l), Lead (0.0001-0.085 mg/l) and Zinc (0.006-21.4 mg/l) were found above the permissible limits at few locations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and coefficient of variance (CV) showed both geogenic and anthropogenic origin of metals in groundwater of the BB industrial region. A consistent concentration of Uranium was detected at all the sampling locations with an average value of 0.0039 mg/l and poor spatial variation indicating its natural presence. Overall, non-carcinogenic (N-CR) risk in the study area via oral pathway was high for adults and children (Hazard Index > 1) with geogenic Uranium as the major contributor (Hazard Quotient > 1) followed by Zinc, Lead and Cobalt. Carcinogenic (CR) risk in the region was high for adults having mean value above the threshold (1E-04) with Nickel and Chromium as the metals of major concern. Spatial variation of health risks was overlayed on village boundaries of the region to identify the potential industrial sources of the metals of major concern. The results highlight the need for immediate remediation of groundwater resources in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence between industrialization and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsav Rajput
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India
| | - Deepak Swami
- School of Civil and Environmental engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175005, India.
| | - Nitin Joshi
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jammu, 181221, India.
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Bonfiglio R, Sisto R, Casciardi S, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Giacobbi E, Servadei F, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. Aluminium bioaccumulation in colon cancer, impinging on epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and cell death. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168335. [PMID: 37939965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of aluminium (Al) in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. 25 consecutive colon samples were collected from patients undergoing colonic resection. Both neoplastic and normal mucosa were collected from each patient and subjected to histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Moreover, colon samples from two Al-positive patients underwent multi-omic analyses, including whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Morin staining, used to identify in situ aluminium bioaccumulation, showed the presence of Al in tumor areas of 24 % of patients. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis confirmed the presence of Al specifically in intracytoplasmic electrondense nanodeposits adjacent to mitochondria of colon cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analyses for vimentin and nuclear β-catenin were performed to highlight the occurrence of the EMT phenomenon in association to Al bioaccumulation. Al-positive samples showed a significant increase in both the number of vimentin-positive and nuclear β-catenin-positive cancer cells compared to Al-negative samples. Moreover, Al-positive samples exhibited a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells, as well as the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule BCL-2. Multi-omic analyses revealed a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) in Al-positive colon cancers (n = 2) compared to a control cohort (n = 100). Additionally, somatic mutations in genes associated with EMT (GATA3) and apoptosis (TP53) were observed in Al-positive colon cancers. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of Al bioaccumulation in colon cancer and its potential role in modulating molecular pathways involved in cancer progression, such as EMT and apoptosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Al toxicity might contribute to improve strategies for prevention, early detection, and targeted therapies for the management of colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome 00078, Italy.
| | - Stefano Casciardi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome 00078, Italy.
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Bonfiglio R, Sisto R, Casciardi S, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Palumbo A, Trivigno D, Giacobbi E, Servadei F, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. The impact of toxic metal bioaccumulation on colorectal cancer: Unravelling the unexplored connection. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167667. [PMID: 37813250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern, with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxic metals, such as lead, chromium, cadmium, aluminium, copper, arsenic and mercury, have been suggested to play a significant role in the development and progression of this neoplasia. In particular, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals can play a significant role in colorectal cancer by regulating biological phenomenon associated to both cancer occurrence and progression, such as cell death and proliferation. Also, frequently these metals can induce DNA mutations in well-known oncogenes. This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence, highlighting the need for further research to fully grasp the complex interplay between toxic metal bioaccumulation and colorectal cancer. Understanding the contribution of toxic metals to colorectal cancer occurrence and progression is essential for the development of targeted preventive strategies and social interventions, with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Casciardi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donata Trivigno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Bonfiglio R, Scimeca M, Mauriello A. The impact of environmental pollution on cancer: Risk mitigation strategies to consider. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166219. [PMID: 37567301 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Bonfiglio R, Scimeca M, Mauriello A. Addressing environmental pollution and cancer: the imperative of the 2030 agenda. Future Oncol 2023; 19:2273-2276. [PMID: 37920907 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
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Yacouba A, Bellali S, Haddad G, Mavros N, Fontanini A, Dubourg G, Lagier JC, Raoult D, Bou Khalil J. Use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray for urine analysis: A preliminary investigation. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1249-1257. [PMID: 36773029 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) are powerful tools to study the ultrastructure of numerous specimens and to determine their elemental composition, respectively. However, results have not yet been reported on their application to urine samples in routine clinical laboratory practice. Herein we investigate urine sediment by using SEM and EDX to detect and identify different urine components. A total of 206 urine samples from patients with and without urinary tract infections were analyzed using SEM and EDX. Microorganisms, crystals, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and erythrocytes were targeted in urine sediment samples. The identification of urine components was based on their morphology, size, contrast, and elemental composition. SEM-analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram-negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram-negative bacilli, gram-positive bacilli, and yeasts. In addition, various types of epithelial cells such as renal, transitional, and squamous epithelial cells were found. Furthermore, leukocytes and erythrocytes were well identified, with the detection of various morphological forms of erythrocytes, such as dysmorphic and isomorphic erythrocytes. Using SEM-EDX analysis, calcium oxalate was the most frequently-identified crystal (92.0%), with prominent peaks of C, O, and Ca elements, followed by struvite (6%), with peaks of Mg, P, O, and N. These preliminary data suggest that the two complementary SEM-EDX analyses can be used to detect and identify microorganisms and crystals in urine samples. Further studies are still needed to apply SEM-EDX to urine sediment analysis. SEM-EDX analyses provided comparative results with the routine results, with accurate identification, high resolution and deep focus compared to the routine urinalysis SEM-analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram-negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram-negative bacilli, gram-positive bacilli and yeasts. SEM-EDX analysis enabled the accurate identification of crystals based on both morphology and elemental composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdourahamane Yacouba
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger
| | | | - Gabriel Haddad
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Grégory Dubourg
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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Michalczyk K, Kupnicka P, Witczak G, Tousty P, Bosiacki M, Kurzawski M, Chlubek D, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Assessment of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Blood Concentration on the Risk of Endometrial Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050717. [PMID: 37237530 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals with carcinogenic potential. Their increased concentration has been correlated with a risk of malignancies, including breast, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and gynecological cancers. Most of the studies have evaluated tissue heavy metal concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate blood Cd and lead levels in different uterine pathologies and the risk of endometrial cancer. METHODS This study included 110 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma, and normal endometrium. The patients included in the study were assessed in terms of their endometrial cancer risk factors and blood heavy metal levels. The analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the Cd and Cd/Pb ratio among the different groups of patients (p = 0.002), with higher a median Cd concentration among the endometrial cancer patients. The differences in Pb concentration were not significant (p = 0.717). There were also no differences in the Cd and Pb concentrations based on the patients' menopausal status nor BMI index. The univariate logistic regression showed a blood cadmium concentration above the median to be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (OR = 5.25; 95% CI 1.56, 17.72). No significant associations were observed between the Pb concentration or Cd/Pb ratio and endometrial cancer risk. CONCLUSION The concentration of Cd varies in patients diagnosed with different uterine pathologies. Increased blood cadmium concentration seems to be a risk factor for endometrial studies. Further research on greater populations, accounting for environmental and lifestyle heavy metal exposure, is required to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Michalczyk
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kupnicka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Witczak
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Tousty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bosiacki
- Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kurzawski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Stojković AS, Krstić NS, Đorđević DM, Milivojević M, Krstić IM. Comparative physicochemical analysis of galvanic sludge wastes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2023; 58:459-468. [PMID: 37017246 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2023.2196207] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The paper provides the physicochemical analysis of galvanic sludge to determine the presence and concentration of toxic metals. Two sludges sampled from the same factory, but from different technological processes, alkaline galvanic sludge obtained from galvanizing process and acidic sludge generated from the chromium plating process were analyzed. Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) revealed increased concentrations of toxic heavy metal ions Zn2+, Cr3+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ in the sludge from the galvanizing process and Cr3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ from the chroming process. Moreover, the sludges were further physicochemically characterized by Reflectance Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results of ICP-OES were corroborated by FTIR. Analysis of FTIR spectra revealed the specific bands indicating the existence of metal oxides in the analyzed sludges, as well as the presence of organic substances, i.e. solvents and surfactants, used in the electroplating process. The analysis was accomplished following international norms and confirmed the increased concentrations of heavy metal ions from both sludges. In line with the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the results proved the hypothesis that galvanic sludge is hazardous waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Stojković
- Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Nis, Niš, Serbia
| | - Nenad S Krstić
- Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Nis, Niš, Serbia
| | | | | | - Ivan M Krstić
- Faculty of Occupational Safety, University of Nis, Niš, Serbia
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Lim SY, Selvaraji S, Lau H, Li SFY. Application of omics beyond the central dogma in coronary heart disease research: A bibliometric study and literature review. Comput Biol Med 2022; 140:105069. [PMID: 34847384 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite remarkable progress in disease diagnosis and treatment, coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the number one leading cause of death worldwide. Many practical challenges still faced in clinical settings necessitates the pursuit of omics studies to identify alternative/orthogonal biomarkers, as well as to discover novel insights into disease mechanisms. Albeit relatively nascent as compared to the omics frontrunners (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics), omics beyond the central dogma (OBCD; e.g., metabolomics, lipidomics, glycomics, and metallomics) have undeniable contributions and prospects in CHD research. In this bibliometric study, we characterised the global trends in publication/citation outputs, collaborations, and research hotspots concerning OBCD-CHD, with a focus on the more prolific fields of metabolomics and lipidomics. As for glycomics and metallomics, there were insufficient publication records on their applications in CHD research for quantitative bibliometrics analysis. Thus, we reviewed their applications in health/disease research in general, discussed and justified their potential in CHD research, and suggested important/promising research avenues. By summarising evidence obtained both quantitatively and qualitatively, this study offers a first and comprehensive picture of OBCD applications in CHD, facilitating the establishment of future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Ying Lim
- Integrative Sciences & Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing, Singapore 119077, Singapore; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Sharmelee Selvaraji
- Integrative Sciences & Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing, Singapore 119077, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 2 Medical Drive MD9, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Hazel Lau
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Sam Fong Yau Li
- Integrative Sciences & Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, University Hall, Tan Chin Tuan Wing, Singapore 119077, Singapore; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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Delrish E, Jabbarvand M, Ghassemi F, Amoli FA, Atyabi F, Lashay A, Soleimani M, Aghajanpour L, Dinarvand R. Efficacy of topotecan nanoparticles for intravitreal chemotherapy of retinoblastoma. Exp Eye Res 2021; 204:108423. [PMID: 33453276 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular malignancy in children that accounts for approximately 4% of all pediatric malignancies. Since chemotherapy is a widely practiced treatment for Rb, there is a growing interest in developing new and effective drugs to overcome systemic and local side effects of chemotherapy to improve the quality of life and increase the chances of survival. This study sought to fabricate thiolated chitosan nanoparticles containing topotecan (TPH-TCs-NPs) with a view of enhancing drug loading and release control. This research was also designed to assess the ability of TPH-TCs-NPs to improve cell association, increase treatment efficacy in retinoblastoma cells and xenograft-rat-model of retinoblastoma, and overcome current topotecan hydrochloride (TPH) intravitreal administration challenges, including stability loss and poor cellular uptake. Modified ionic gelation method was optimized to fabricate TPH-TCs-NPs and TPH-TMC-NPs (N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles containing TPH). We characterized the NPs and quantified topotecan loading and release against a free TPH standard. The efficacy of TPH-NPs was quantified in human retinoblastoma cells (Y79) by XTT and flow cytometry measurement. In addition, Y79 cells were injected intravitreally in both eyes of immunodeficient wistar albino rats to create a xenograft-rat-model to compare the antitumor effectiveness of TPH-NPs and TPH by intravitreal administration. TPH-NPs complexation was confirmed by EDX, FTIR, and DSC techniques. TPH-TCs-NPs and TPH-TMC-NPs had high encapsulation efficiency (85.23 ± 2 and 73.34 ± 2% respectively). TPH-TCs-NPs showed a mean diameter, polidispersity index, and zeta potential of 25±2 nm, 0.21 ± 0.03 and +12 ± 2 mV, respectively. As a function of dose, TCs and TMC NPs were more efficacious than free topotecan (IC50s 53.17 and 85.88 nM, relative to 138.30 nM respectively, P = 0.012). Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Additionally, a significant difference between the tumor control and TPH-TCs-NPs treated group in xenograft-rat-model ( Range of P-value: 0.026 to 0.035) was shown by Bonferroni post hoc test. The current investigation demonstrated enhanced efficacy and association of TPH-TCs-NPs relative to free TPH in retinoblastoma cells and tumor in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Delrish
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Centre (TORC), Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Jabbarvand
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Centre (TORC), Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Ghassemi
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Centre (TORC), Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Retina & Vitreous Service, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Asadi Amoli
- Department of Pathology, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Lashay
- Translational Ophthalmology Research Centre (TORC), Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Aghajanpour
- Stem Cell Preparation Unit, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rassoul Dinarvand
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Di Pietro G, Scimeca M, Iundusi R, Celi M, Gasbarra E, Tarantino U, Capuani S. Differences between muscle from osteoporotic and osteoarthritic subjects: in vitro study by diffusion-tensor MRI and histological findings. Aging Clin Exp Res 2020; 32:2489-2499. [PMID: 32026431 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01483-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are strongly coupled with alterations of muscles quality and fats metabolism. However, there are no studies for investigating possible differences between osteoporotic and osteoarthritic muscles. Understanding muscle-bone and muscle-cartilage interactions would be of high clinical value. AIM Investigate potential microstructural and physiological differences between osteoporotic and osteoarthritic muscles by diffusion Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging (diffusion MRI) and histological findings. METHODS Vastus-lateralis muscles excised from osteoporotic (n = 26, T Score < - 2.5, Kellgren-Lawrence ≤ 2) and osteoarthritic (n = 26, T Score > - 2.5, Kellgren--Lawrence 3 and 4) age-matched women were investigated by NMR relaxometry, diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) at 9.4 T, and histological techniques. Intramyocellular (IMCL) and extramyocellular (EMCL) lipid were quantified. The percentage and mean diameters of fibers I and II were evaluated. Relationship between mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), the DTI eigenvalues (λ1, λ2, λ3), histological findings in muscles and clinical data (Kellgren-Lawrence and T score, age, menopausal age, body mass index) were studied. Pairwise comparisons between groups were made using one-way analysis of variance and correlation between variables was assessed with linear correlation analysis (Pearson's r coefficient). RESULTS Osteoporotic muscles showed higher MD, λ1, λ2, λ3 compared to osteoarthritis ones. This is explainable with a significant higher density of IMCL droplets found inside the osteoarthritic muscles and a large amount of fibrotic tissue and IMCL infiltration between fibers, i.e. in endomysium and perimysium that lead to a more hindered diffusion. Furthermore, histological analysis suggests mitochondrial degeneration as the origin of the greatest amount of IMCL droplets in osteoarthritic muscles. CONCLUSION This work highlights differences between muscles of osteoporotic and osteoarthritic subjects that can be quantified by NMR DTI investigations.
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Qayyum MA, Farooq Z, Yaseen M, Mahmood MH, Irfan A, Zafar MN, Khawaja M, Naeem K, Kisa D. Statistical Assessment of Toxic and Essential Metals in the Serum of Female Patients with Lung Carcinoma from Pakistan. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 197:367-383. [PMID: 31848922 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is the number one cancer killer of women both in the USA and around the world. Besides cigarette smoking, an important feature in the etiology of LC is its strong association with exposure of toxic metals. The primary objective of the present investigation was to assess the concentrations of toxic/essential elements (Ni, Ca, Se, Zn, Co, K, Cr, As, Cu, Na, Fe, Hg, Cd, Mg, Mn, and Pb) in the serum samples of LC female patients with female controls by atomic absorption spectrometry after wet-acid digestion procedure. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was also measured in the serum of the patients using immunoradiometric method. Comparative appraisal of the data revealed that concentrations of Cr, Mg, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, and Ni were noted to be high significantly in serum of LC female patients, while the average Fe, Co, Mn, Na, K, Zn, Ca, and Se were observed at higher levels in female controls (p < 0.05). The correlation study revealed significantly different mutual associations among the elements in the both donor groups. Markedly, variations in the elemental levels were also noted for different types (non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer) and stages (I, II, III, & IV) of LC patients. Multivariate analyses showed substantially diverse apportionment of the metals in the female patients and female controls. Hence, present findings suggest that the toxic and essential metals accumulated in the body may pose a high risk for LC progression in Pakistani females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Qayyum
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Zahid Farooq
- Department of Physics, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yaseen
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mian Hr Mahmood
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Science & Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Irfan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Muddassir Khawaja
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Kashif Naeem
- Central Analytical Facility Division, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), P.O Nilore, Islamabad, 45650, Pakistan
| | - Dursun Kisa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bartin University Kutlubey Campus Yazcilar, Merkez , Bartin 74110, Turkey
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Effects of Different Continuous Aerobic Training Protocols in a Heterozygous Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Type C Disease. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020; 5:jfmk5030053. [PMID: 33467268 PMCID: PMC7739240 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk5030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive effects of physical activity on cognitive functions are widely known. Aerobic training is known to promote the expression of neurotrophins, thus inducing an increase in the development and survival of neurons, as well as enhancing synaptic plasticity. Based on this evidence, in the present study, we analyze the effects of two different types of aerobic training, progressive continuous (PC) and varying continuous (VC), on synaptic and muscular plasticity in heterozygous mice carrying the genetic mutation for Niemann-Pick type C disease. We also analyze the effects on synaptic plasticity by extracellular recordings in vitro in mouse hippocampal slices, while the morphological structure of muscle tissue was studied by transmission electron microscopy. Our results show a modulation of synaptic plasticity that varies according to the type of training protocol used, and only the VC protocol administered twice a week, has a significantly positive effect on long-term potentiation. On the contrary, ultrastructural analysis of muscle tissue shows an improvement in cellular conditions in all trained mice. These results confirm the beneficial effects of exercise on quality of life, supporting the hypothesis that physical activity could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease.
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Ladeira LCM, Dos Santos EC, Valente GE, da Silva J, Santos TA, Dos Santos Costa Maldonado IR. Could biological tissue preservation methods change chemical elements proportion measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy? Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:168-172. [PMID: 31654256 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is a powerful technical tool used in the biomedical field to investigate the proportion of chemical elements of interest in research, such as heavy metal bioaccumulation and the enzymatic cofactors and nanoparticle therapy in various pathologies. However, the correct evaluation of the proportion of the elements is subject to some factors, including the method of sample preservation. In this study, we seek to investigate the effect of biological tissue preservation methods on the proportion of chemical elements obtained by the EDS methodology. For such, we used EDS to measure the proportion of chemical elements with biomedical interest in preserved livers, using three common methods for preserving biological tissues: (a) freezing, (b) paraformaldehyde fixative solution, and (c) Karnovsky solution. We found an increased level of sodium and reduced contents of potassium and copper in samples fixed in fixative solutions, when compared to frozen samples (p < 0.05). Our data indicate that preservation methods can change the proportion of chemical elements in biological samples, when measured by EDS. Frozen preservation should be preferred to retain the actual chemical content of samples and allow a correct assessment of the proportion of their elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Carlos Maia Ladeira
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Janaina da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Talita Amorim Santos
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Brazil
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Microcalcifications Drive Breast Cancer Occurrence and Development by Macrophage-Mediated Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225633. [PMID: 31718020 PMCID: PMC6888678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate: (a) the putative association between the presence of microcalcifications and the expression of both epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and bone biomarkers, (b) the role of microcalcifications in the breast osteoblast-like cells (BOLCs) formation, and (c) the association between microcalcification composition and breast cancer progression. METHODS We collected 174 biopsies on which we performed immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis. In vitro experiments were performed to demonstrate the relationship among microcalcification, BOLCs development, and breast cancer occurrence. Ex vivo investigations demonstrated the significant increase of breast osteoblast-like cells in breast lesions with microcalcifications with respect to those without microcalcifications. RESULTS In vitro data displayed that in the presence of calcium oxalate and activated monocytes, breast cancer cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Also, in this condition, cells acquired an osteoblast phenotype, thus producing hydroxyapatite. To further confirm in vitro data, we studied 15 benign lesions with microcalcification from patients that developed a malignant condition in the same breast quadrant. Immunohistochemical analysis showed macrophages' polarization in benign lesions with calcium oxalate. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data shed new light about the role of microcalcifications in breast cancer occurrence and progression.
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Urbano N, Scimeca M, Bonfiglio R, Bonanno E, Schillaci O. New advance in breast cancer pathology and imaging. Future Oncol 2019; 15:2707-2722. [DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of knowledge concerning the pathology of breast cancer could provide the rationale for the development of new imaging diagnostic protocols. Indeed, as for the microcalcifications, new histopathological markers can be used as target for in vivo early detection of breast cancer lesions by using molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography. Specifically, the mutual contribution of these medical specialties can ‘nourish’ the dream of a personalized medicine that takes into account the intrinsic variability of breast cancer. In this review, we report the main discoveries concerning breast cancer pathology highlighting the possible cooperation between the departments of anatomic pathology and imaging diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Urbano
- Nuclear Medicine, Policlinico ‘Tor Vergata,’ viale Oxford, 81, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano (Mi), Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University ‘Tor Vergata’, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University ‘Tor Vergata’, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- Neuromed Group, ‘Diagnostica Medica’ & ‘Villa dei Platani', Via Errico Carmelo, 2, 83100 Avellino AV, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Duggento A, Toschi N, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Novel insights into breast cancer progression and metastasis: A multidisciplinary opportunity to transition from biology to clinical oncology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:138-148. [PMID: 31348975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to the most recent epidemiological studies, breast cancer shows the highest incidence and the second leading cause of death in women. Cancer progression and metastasis are the main events related to poor survival of breast cancer patients. This can be explained by the presence of highly resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy stem cells in many breast tumor tissues. In this context, numerous studies highlighted the possible involvement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon as biological program to generate cancer stem cells, and thus participate to both metastatic and drug resistance process. Therefore, the comprehension of mechanisms (both cellular and molecular) involved in breast cancer occurrence and progression can lay the foundation for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutical protocols. In this review, we reported the most important findings in the field of breast cancer highlighting the most recent data concerning breast tumor biology, diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano (Mi), Italy.
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Duggento
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy; Neuromed Group, "Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy
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18
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Schillaci O, Scimeca M, Toschi N, Bonfiglio R, Urbano N, Bonanno E. Combining Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology for Improving Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cancer. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2019; 2019:9429761. [PMID: 31354394 PMCID: PMC6636452 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9429761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the era of personalized medicine, the management of oncological patients requires a translational and multidisciplinary approach. During early phases of cancer development, biochemical alterations of cell metabolism occur much before the formation of detectable tumour masses. Current molecular imaging techniques, targeted to the study of molecular kinetics, employ molecular tracers capable of detecting cancer lesions with both high sensitivity and specificity while also providing essential information for both prognosis and therapy. On the contrary, complementary and crucial information is provided by histopathological examination and ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry. Thus, the successful collaboration between diagnostic imaging and anatomic pathology can represent a fundamental step in the "tortuous" but decisive path towards personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- University of San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | | | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed Lab, “Diagnostica Medica”, “Villa dei Platani”, Avellino, Italy
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Scimeca M, Montanaro M, Bonfiglio R, Anemona L, Bonanno E. Electron microscopy in human diseases: diagnostic and research perspectives. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:371-373. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
- ‘Diagnostica Medica’ & ‘Villa dei Platani’, Neuromed Group, Avellino, 83100, Italy
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20
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Prostate Osteoblast-Like Cells: A Reliable Prognostic Marker of Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer Patients. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2018; 2018:9840962. [PMID: 30627063 PMCID: PMC6305022 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9840962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate the putative association among the presence of prostate cancer cells, defined as prostate osteoblast-like cells (POLCs), and showing the expression of typical morphological and molecular characteristics of osteoblasts, the development of bone metastasis within 5 years of diagnosis, and the uptake of 18F-choline evaluated by PET/CT analysis. To this end, prostate biopsies (n = 110) were collected comprising 44 benign lesions and 66 malignant lesions. Malignant lesions were further subdivided into two groups: biopsies from patients that had clinical evidence of bone metastasis (BM+, n = 23) and biopsies from patients that did not have clinical evidence of bone metastasis within 5 years (BM-, n = 43). Paraffin serial sections were obtained from each specimen to perform histological classifications and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Small fragments of tissue were used to perform ultrastructural and microanalytical investigations. IHC demonstrated the expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (VIM), bone mineralization, and osteoblastic differentiation (BMP-2, PTX-3, RUNX2, RANKL, and VDR) in prostate lesions characterized by the presence of calcium-phosphate microcalcifications and high metastatic potential. Ultrastructural studies revealed the presence of prostate cancer cells with osteoblast phenotype close to microcalcifications. Noteworthy, PET/CT analysis showed higher uptake of 18F-choline in BM+ lesions with high positivity (≥300/500 cells) for RUNX2 and/or RANKL immunostaining. Although these data require further investigations about the molecular mechanisms of POLCs generation and role in bone metastasis, our study can open new and interesting prospective in the management of prostate cancer patients. The presence of POLCs along with prostate microcalcifications may become negative prognostic markers of the occurrence of bone metastases.
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Bruni E, Reichle A, Scimeca M, Bonanno E, Ghibelli L. Lowering Etoposide Doses Shifts Cell Demise From Caspase-Dependent to Differentiation and Caspase-3-Independent Apoptosis via DNA Damage Response, Inducing AML Culture Extinction. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1307. [PMID: 30483138 PMCID: PMC6243040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy, still the most widely adopted anticancer treatment, aims at eliminating cancer cells inducing apoptosis with DNA damaging agents, exploiting the differential replication rate of cancer vs. normal cells; efficiency is evaluated in terms of extent of induced apoptosis, which depends on the individual cell sensitivity to a given drug, and on the dose. In this in vitro study, we report that the concentration of etoposide, a topoisomerase II poison widely used in clinics, determines both the kinetics of cell death, and the type of apoptosis induced. We observed that on a set of myeloid leukemia cell lines, etoposide at high (50 uM) dose promoted a rapid caspase-3-mediated apoptosis, whereas at low (0.5 uM) dose, it induced morphological and functional granulocytic differentiation and caspase-2-dependent, but caspase-3-independent, cell death, displaying features consistent with apoptosis. Both differentiation and caspase-2- (but not 3)-mediated apoptosis were contrasted by caffeine, a well-known inhibitor of the cellular DNA damage response (DDR), which maintained cell viability and cycling, indicating that the effects of low etoposide dose are not the immediate consequence of damage, but the result of a signaling pathway. DDR may be thus the mediator responsible for translating a mere dosage-effect into different signal transduction pathways, highlighting a strategic action in regulating timing and mode of cell death according to the severity of induced damage. The evidence of different molecular pathways induced by high vs. low drug doses may possibly contribute to explain the different effects of cytotoxic vs. metronomic therapy, the latter achieving durable clinical responses by treating cancer patients with stable, low doses of otherwise canonical cytotoxic drugs; intriguingly caspase-3, a major promoter of wounded tissue regeneration, is also a key factor of post-therapy cancer repopulation. All this suggests that cancer control in response to cytotoxic drugs arises from complex reprogramming mechanisms in tumor tissue, recently described as anakoinosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Bruni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Diagnostica Medica and Villa dei Platani, Avellino, Italy
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
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22
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Malatesta M. Ultrastructural histochemistry in biomedical research: Alive and kicking. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62. [PMID: 30418011 PMCID: PMC6250102 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The high-resolution images provided by the electron microscopy has constituted a limitless source of information in any research field of life and materials science since the early Thirties of the last century. Browsing the scientific literature, electron microscopy was especially popular from the 1970’s to 80’s, whereas during the 90’s, with the advent of innovative molecular techniques, electron microscopy seemed to be downgraded to a subordinate role, as a merely descriptive technique. Ultra -structural histochemistry was crucial to promote the Renaissance of electron microscopy, when it became evident that a precise localization of molecules in the biological environment was necessary to fully understand their functional role. Nowadays, electron microscopy is still irreplaceable for ultrastructural morphology in basic and applied biomedical research, while the application of correlative light and electron microscopy and of refined ultrastructural histochemical techniques gives electron microscopy a central role in functional cell and tissue biology, as a really unique tool for high-resolution molecular biology in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Malatesta
- University of Verona, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences.
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Urbano N, Scimeca M, Bonanno E, Schillaci O. Nuclear medicine and anatomic pathology in personalized medicine: a challenging alliance. Per Med 2018; 15:457-459. [PMID: 30398094 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2018-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed Lab. 'Diagnostica Medica' & 'Villa dei Platani', Via Nazionale, Mercogliano (AV) 146-83010, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, Pozzilli 86077 (IS), Italy
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Scimeca M, Bonanno E. New highlight in breast cancer development: the key role of hepcidin and iron metabolism. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:S56. [PMID: 30613631 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.10.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,"Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy
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Cerroni B, Cicconi R, Oddo L, Scimeca M, Bonfiglio R, Bernardini R, Palmieri G, Domenici F, Bonanno E, Mattei M, Paradossi G. In vivo biological fate of poly(vinylalcohol) microbubbles in mice. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00770. [PMID: 30238062 PMCID: PMC6143702 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) are used in clinical practice as vascular ultrasound contrast agents, and are gaining popularity as a platform supporting multimodal imaging and targeted therapy, facilitating drug delivery under ultrasound exposure. Here, we report on the in vivo biological impact of newly discovered MBs with promising features as a multimodal theranostic device. The shell of the air-filled MBs is made of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a well-established, FDA-approved polymer. Nevertheless, as size, shape and dispersity can significantly impact the biological response of particulate systems, studying their fate after administration is crucial. The safety and the biodistribution of PVA MBs were analysed in vivo and ex vivo by coupling a near infrared (NIR) fluorophore on their shell: MBs accumulated mainly in liver and spleen at 24 hours post-injection with their clearance from the spleen 7 days post-dosing. A possible way of elimination was identified in macrophages ability to engulf MBs both in vitro and in vivo. One month post-dosing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) highlighted the lack of relevant defects and the elimination of PVA MBs by Kupffer cells. This study is the first successful attempt to fill the lack of knowledge necessary to bring PVA MBs one step closer to their possible clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cerroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rosella Cicconi
- Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Oddo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Università San Raffaele, via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
- OrchideaLAB S.r.l., via del Grecale 6, 00067 Morlupo, Rome, Italy1
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Graziana Palmieri
- Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Plaisant Srl, Via Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Domenici
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Centro Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaio Paradossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Zeng Y, Cui Y, Ma J, Huo T, Dong F, Zhang Q, Deng J, Zhang X, Yang J, Wang Y. Lung injury and expression of p53 and p16 in Wistar rats induced by respirable chrysotile fiber dust from four primary areas of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22389-22399. [PMID: 28963651 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chrysotile products were widely used in daily life, and a large amount of respirable dust was produced in the process of production and application. At present, there was seldom research on the safety of chrysotile fiber dust, and whether its long-term inhalation can lead to lung cancer was unknown. In order to determine whether respirable chrysotile fiber dust of China caused lung cancer, four major chrysotile-producing mine areas in China were selected for this study. Chrysotile fibers were prepared into respirable dust. Particle size was measured by laser particle analysis, morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope, chrysotile fiber phase was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, trace chemical elements were identified by X-ray fluorescence, and the structure and the active groups of the dust were determined after grinding by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Male Wistar rats were exposed to non-exposed intratracheal instillation with different concentrations of chrysotile fiber dust. The rats were weighed after 1, 3, and 6 months, then the lung tissues were separated, the lung morphology was observed, and the pulmonary index was calculated. Pathological changes in lung tissues were observed by optical microscope after the HE staining of tissues, and the gene expression of p53 and p16 was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. First, the results showed that the particle sizes of the four fibers were less than 10 μm. Four primary areas of chrysotile had similar fibrous structure, arranged in fascicles, or mixed with thin chunks of material. Second, the elementary composition of the four fibers was mainly chrysotile, and the structure and the active groups of the grinding dust were not damaged. Third, the weights of the treated rats were obviously lower, and the lung weights and the pulmonary index increased significantly (P < 0.05). Fourth, the treated Wistar rat lung tissues revealed different degrees of congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mild fibrosis. Fifth, the p53 and p16 genes decreased in the Mangnai group after 1 month of exposure, and the other groups increased. The expression of p53 and p16 in each group decreased significantly after 6 months (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the respirable chrysotile fiber dust from the four primary areas of China had the risk of causing lung injury, and these changes may be related to the physical and chemical characteristics of chrysotile from different production areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Cui
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Huo
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and the Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, 621010, People's Republic of China
| | - Faqin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and the Resource Recycle, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, 621010, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingbi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, 404 Hospital of Mianyang, Mianyang, 621000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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27
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Grape seed procyanidin extract protects against Pb-induced lung toxicity by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/p62 signaling axis. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 116:59-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Bonfiglio R, Scimeca M, Toschi N, Pistolese CA, Giannini E, Antonacci C, Ciuffa S, Tancredi V, Tarantino U, Albonici L, Bonanno E. Radiological, Histological and Chemical Analysis of Breast Microcalcifications: Diagnostic Value and Biological Significance. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2018; 23:89-99. [PMID: 29744755 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Classification of mammary microcalcifications is based on radiological and histological characteristics that are routinely evaluated during the diagnostic path for the identification of breast cancer, or in patients at risk of developing breast cancer. The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the imaging parameters most commonly used for the study of mammary microcalcifications and the corresponding histological and chemical properties. To this end, we matched the radiographic characteristics of microcalcifications to breast lesion type, histology of microcalcifications and elemental composition of microcalcifications as obtained by energy dispersive x ray (EDX)-microanalysis. In addition, we investigated the properties of breast cancer microenvironment, under the hypothesis that microcalcification formation could result from a mineralization process similar to that occurring during bone osteogenesis. In this context, breast lesions with and without microcalcifications were compared in terms of the expression of the main molecules detected during bone mineralization (BMP-2, BMP-4, PTX3, RANKL OPN and RUNX2). Our data indicate that microcalcifications classified by mammography as "casting type" are prevalently made of hydroxyapatite magnesium substituted and are associated with breast cancer types with the poorest prognosis. Moreover, breast cancer cells close to microcalcifications expressed higher levels of bone mineralization markers as compared to cells found in breast lesions without microcalcifications. Notably, breast lesions with microcalcifications were characterized by the presence of breast-osteoblast-like cells. In depth studies of microcalcifications characteristics could support a new interpretation about the genesis of ectopic calcification in mammary tissue. Candidating this phenomenon as an integral part of the tumorigenic process therefore has the potential to improve the clinical management of patients early during their diagnostic path.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- OrchideaLab S.r.l., via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome, RM, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiara Adriana Pistolese
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Giannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Antonacci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Albonici
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed Lab. 'Diagnostica Medica' & 'Villa dei Platani', 83100, Avellino, Italy.
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29
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Management of oncological patients in the digital era: anatomic pathology and nuclear medicine teamwork. Future Oncol 2018; 14:1013-1015. [PMID: 29623724 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, Rome 00166, Italy.,OrchideaLab S.r.l., Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome (RM) 000674, Italy
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine & Prevention, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli 860777, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS Neuromed Lab. 'Diagnostica Medica' & 'Villa dei Platani', Avellino 83100, Italy
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30
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Scimeca M, Bonfiglio R, Varone F, Ciuffa S, Mauriello A, Bonanno E. Calcifications in prostate cancer: An active phenomenon mediated by epithelial cells with osteoblast-phenotype. Microsc Res Tech 2018; 81:745-748. [PMID: 29633435 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate putative correlation between the formation of prostate calcifications and the presence of cancer cells showing the ultrastructural and morphological aspects of osteoblasts. To this end, 40 prostate biopsies of prostate cancer were enrolled and investigated from histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural point of view. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to propose a new cell type related to the ectopic calcifications in prostate tissue, the prostate osteoblast-like cells (POLCs). Although our data require further investigations about the molecular mechanisms of both POLCs Cells generation and calcification formation, this study can open new and interesting prospective in the management of prostate cancer patients. In fact, if our data will be validated in large-cohort studies, the presence of POLCs Cells and/or prostate calcifications could become a poor negative prognostic marker for cancer occurrence due to the correlation between the presence of POLCs Cells and epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, 00166, Italy.,OrchideaLab S.r.l, Morlupo, Rome (RM), Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Fabiana Varone
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University "Tor Vergata", Rome, 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed Lab. "Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy
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31
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Scimeca M, Bischetti S, Lamsira HK, Bonfiglio R, Bonanno E. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis: A powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnosis. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62:2841. [PMID: 29569878 PMCID: PMC5907194 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis is a technique of elemental analysis associated to electron microscopy based on the generation of characteristic Xrays that reveals the presence of elements present in the specimens. The EDX microanalysis is used in different biomedical fields by many researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, most of the scientific community is not fully aware of its possible applications. The spectrum of EDX microanalysis contains both semi-qualitative and semi-quantitative information. EDX technique is made useful in the study of drugs, such as in the study of drugs delivery in which the EDX is an important tool to detect nanoparticles (generally, used to improve the therapeutic performance of some chemotherapeutic agents). EDX is also used in the study of environmental pollution and in the characterization of mineral bioaccumulated in the tissues. In conclusion, the EDX can be considered as a useful tool in all works that require element determination, endogenous or exogenous, in the tissue, cell or any other sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Department of Biomedicine and Prevention.
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32
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Busser B, Moncayo S, Trichard F, Bonneterre V, Pinel N, Pelascini F, Dugourd P, Coll JL, D'Incan M, Charles J, Motto-Ros V, Sancey L. Characterization of foreign materials in paraffin-embedded pathological specimens using in situ multi-elemental imaging with laser spectroscopy. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:378-384. [PMID: 29148536 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2017.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pathologists typically encounter many disparate exogenous materials in clinical specimens during their routine histopathological examinations, especially within the skin, lymph nodes, and lungs. These foreign substances may be free extracellular deposits or induce several clinical abnormalities or histopathological patterns. However, pathologists almost never investigate or report the chemical nature of exogenous metals in clinical specimens due to a lack of convenient and available technologies. In this paper, a novel strategy based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology is evaluated for in situ multi-elemental tissue imaging. The improved procedures allow visualization of the presence of chemical elements contained within paraffin-embedded specimens of medical interest with elemental images that are stackable with conventional histology images. We selected relevant medical situations for which the associated pathology reports were limited to the presence of lymphohistiocytic and inflammatory cells containing granules (a granuloma and a pseudolymphoma) or to lymph nodes or skin tissues containing pigments or foreign substances. Exogenous elements such as aluminum, titanium, copper, and tungsten were identified and localized within the tissues. The all-optical LIBS elemental imaging instrument that we developed is fully compatible with conventional optical microscopy used for pathology analysis. When combined with routine histopathological analysis, LIBS is a versatile technology that might help pathologists establish or confirm diagnoses for a wide range of medical applications, particularly when the nature of external agents present in tissues needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Busser
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309 joint research center, Grenoble, France.,Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France.,Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Samuel Moncayo
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Florian Trichard
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Nicole Pinel
- Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Philippe Dugourd
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Luc Coll
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309 joint research center, Grenoble, France
| | - Michel D'Incan
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Charles
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309 joint research center, Grenoble, France.,Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Vincent Motto-Ros
- Institut Lumière Matière, UMR 5306, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Lucie Sancey
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS UMR 5309 joint research center, Grenoble, France
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33
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Bischetti S, Scimeca M, Bonanno E, Federici M, Anemona L, Menghini R, Casella S, Cardellini M, Ippoliti A, Mauriello A. Carotid plaque instability is not related to quantity but to elemental composition of calcification. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2017; 27:768-774. [PMID: 28739184 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies highlighted the role of calcification processes in the clinical progression of chronic cardiovascular diseases. In this study we investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of calcification and atherosclerotic plaque stability in carotid arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS To this end, we characterized the calcification on 229 carotid plaques, by morphology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Plaques were classified into two categories: unstable and stable. No significant differences were found in the incidence of the various risk factors between patients with and without carotid calcification, with the exception of diabetes. The energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis allowed us to identify two types of calcium salts in the atheromatous plaques, hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium oxalate (CO). Our results showed that calcification is a common finding in carotid plaques, being present in 77.3% of cases, and the amount of calcium is not a factor of vulnerability. Noteworthy, we observed an association between HA calcification and unstable plaques. On the contrary, CO calcifications were mainly detected in stable plaques. CONCLUSIONS The presence of different types of calcification in atheromatous plaques may open new perspectives in understanding the molecular mechanisms of atheroma formation and plaque instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bischetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - M Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; OrchideaLab S.r.l., Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00166 Rome, Italy.
| | - E Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - M Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Center for Atherosclerosis, Department of Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - L Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - R Menghini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Center for Atherosclerosis, Department of Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - S Casella
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - M Cardellini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Center for Atherosclerosis, Department of Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - A Ippoliti
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - A Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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34
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Arianna C, Eliana C, Flavio A, Marco R, Giacomo D, Manuel S, Elena B, Alessandra G. Rapid Rapamycin-Only Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Blood-Derived Stem Cells and Their Adhesion to Natural and Artificial Scaffolds. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:2976541. [PMID: 28814956 PMCID: PMC5549509 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2976541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells are a centerpiece of regenerative medicine research, and the recent development of adult stem cell-based therapy systems has vigorously expanded the scope and depth of this scientific field. The regeneration of damaged and/or degraded bone tissue in orthopedic, dental, or maxillofacial surgery is one of the main areas where stem cells and their regenerative potential could be used successfully, requiring tissue engineering solutions incorporating an ideal stem cell type paired with the correct mechanical support. Our contribution to this ongoing research provides a new model of in vitro osteogenic differentiation using blood-derived stem cells (BDSCs) and rapamycin, visibly expressing typical osteogenic markers within ten days of treatment. In depth imaging studies allowed us to observe the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of BDSCs to both titanium and bone scaffolds. We demonstrate that BDSCs can differentiate towards the osteogenic lineage rapidly, while readily adhering to the scaffolds we exposed them to. Our results show that our model can be a valid tool to study the molecular mechanisms of osteogenesis while tailoring tissue engineering solutions to these new insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carpentieri Arianna
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cozzoli Eliana
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Acri Flavio
- Baxter Healthcare Ltd, Caxton Way, Thetford, UK
| | - Ranalli Marco
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Diedenhofen Giacomo
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Scimeca Manuel
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- OrchideaLab S.r.l., Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome, Italy
| | - Bonanno Elena
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gambacurta Alessandra
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- NAST Centre for Nanoscience, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
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35
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Antitumor activity of resveratrol is independent of Cu(II) complex formation in MCF-7 cell line. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017. [PMID: 28647350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Resveratrol (Rsv) is widely reported to possess anticarcinogenic properties in a plethora of cellular and animal models having limited toxicity toward normal cells. In the molecular level, Rsv can act as a suppressive agent for several impaired signaling pathways on cancer cells. However, Fukuhara and Miyata have shown a non-proteic reaction of Rsv, which can act as a prooxidant agent in the presence of copper (Cu), causing cellular oxidative stress accompanied of DNA damage. After this discovery, the complex Rsv-Cu was broadly explored as an antitumor mechanism in multiples tumor cell lines. The aim of the study is to explore the anticarcinogenic behavior of resveratrol-Cu(II) complex in MCF-7 cell line. Selectivity of Rsv binding to Cu ions was analyzed by HPLC and UV-VIS. The cells were enriched with concentrations of 10 and 50µM CuSO4 solution and treated with 25µM of Rsv. Copper uptake after enrichment of cells, as its intracellular distribution in MCF-7 line, was scanned by ICP-MS and TEM-EDS. Cell death and intracellular ROS production were determined by flow cytometry. Different from the extracellular model, no relationship of synergy between Rsv-Cu(II) and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production was detected in vitro. ICP-MS revealed intracellular copper accumulation to both chosen concentrations (0.33±0.09 and 1.18±0.13ppb) but there is no promotion of cell death by Rsv-Cu(II) complex. In addition, significant attenuation of ROS production was detected when cells were exposed to CuSO4 after Rsv treatment, falling from 7.54% of ROS production when treated only with Rsv to 3.07 and 2.72% with CuSO4. Based on these findings antitumor activity of resveratrol when in copper ions presence, is not mediated by Rsv-Cu complex formation in MCF-7 human cell line, suggesting that the antitumoral reaction is dependent of a cancer cellular model.
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Pellicciari C. Is there still room for novelty, in histochemical papers? Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2758. [PMID: 28076939 PMCID: PMC5381530 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemistry continues to be widely applied in biomedical research, being nowadays mostly addressed to detect and locate single molecules or molecular complexes inside cells and tissues, and to relate structural organization and function at the high resolution of the more advanced microscopical techniques. In the attempt to see whether histochemical novelties may be found in the recent literature, the articles published in the European Journal of Histochemistry in the period 2014-2016 have been reviewed. In the majority of the published papers, standardized methods have been preferred by scientists to make their results reliably comparable with the data in the literature, but several papers (approximately one fourth of the published articles) described novel histochemical methods and procedures. It is worth noting that there is a growing interest for minimally-invasive in vivo techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, autofluorescence spectroscopy), which may parallel conventional histochemical analyses to acquire evidence not only on the morphological features of living organs and tissues, but also on their functional, biophysical and molecular characteristics. Thanks to this unceasing methodological refinement, histochemistry will continue to provide innovative applications in the biomedical field.
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Pinteala T, Chiriac AE, Rosca I, Larese Filon F, Pinteala M, Chiriac A, Podoleanu C, Stolnicu S, Coros MF, Coroaba A. Nail Damage (Severe Onychodystrophy) Induced by Acrylate Glue: Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Investigations. Skin Appendage Disord 2016; 2:137-142. [PMID: 28232921 DOI: 10.1159/000450791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques have been used in various fields of medical research, including different pathologies of the nails; however, no studies have focused on obtaining high-resolution microscopic images and elemental analysis of disorders caused by synthetic nails and acrylic adhesives. METHODS Damaged/injured fingernails caused by the use of acrylate glue and synthetic nails were investigated using SEM and EDX methods. RESULTS SEM and EDX proved that synthetic nails, acrylic glue, and nails damaged by contact with acrylate glue have a different morphology and different composition compared to healthy human nails. CONCLUSIONS SEM and EDX analysis can give useful information about the aspects of topography (surface sample), morphology (shape and size), hardness or reflectivity, and the elemental composition of nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Pinteala
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Irina Rosca
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Petru Poni, Iasi, Romania
| | - Francesca Larese Filon
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Medicina Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mariana Pinteala
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Petru Poni, Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Chiriac
- Department of Dermatology, Nicolina Medical Center, Iasi, Romania; Department of Dermato-Physiology, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Podoleanu
- Cardiology Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Simona Stolnicu
- Pathology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Marius Florin Coros
- Surgery Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Targu-Mures, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Adina Coroaba
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry Petru Poni, Iasi, Romania
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Tarantino U, Baldi J, Scimeca M, Piccirilli E, Piccioli A, Bonanno E, Gasbarra E. The role of sarcopenia with and without fracture. Injury 2016; 47 Suppl 4:S3-S10. [PMID: 27496721 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2016.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bone and muscle tissues are in a close relationship. They are linked from a biological and functional point of view and both are related to an increased fracture risk in the elderly. The aging process is involved in the loss of functionality of both bones and muscles. In particular, aging-induced decline in muscle size and quality accompanies catabolic alterations in bone tissue; furthermore, age-related changes in bone alter its response to muscle-derived stimulation. The increased fracture risk in individuals with sarcopenia and osteoporosis is due to the decline of muscle mass and strength, the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and limited mobility. In this study, we investigated the role of sarcopenia and the main age-related bone diseases, osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS Muscular performance status was evaluated using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) test in 27 female patients with OP who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip fracture, and in 27 age-matched female patients with OA who underwent total hip arthroplasty. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed and the T-score values were used to discriminate between OP and OA patients. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. As part of a multiparametric model of evaluation, biopsies of vastus lateralis muscle were analysed by immunohistochemical reaction to find a correlation with the above mentioned functional index. RESULTS The PASE test showed that the OP patients had a low or moderate level of physical activity before fracture occurred, whereas the OA patients had more intensive pre-fracture physical performances. Histological analysis showed that osteoporosis is characterised by a preferential type II fibre atrophy; in particular, data correlation showed that lower PASE test scores were related to lower diameter of type II fibres. No correlation was found between bone mineral density (BMD) and PASE test results. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Osteoporosis is closely related to sarcopenia before and after fracture. Bone remodelling is influenced by muscle morphological and functional impairment and sarcopenia is considered one of the major factors for functional limitation and motor dependency in elderly osteoporotic individuals. Therefore, physical activity should be strongly recommended for OP patients at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Baldi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; School of Specialisation in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; "Multidisciplinary Study of the Effects of Microgravity on Bone Cells" Project, Italian Space Agency (ASI), Spatial Biomedicine Center, Via del Politecnico snc, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Piccirilli
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; School of Specialisation in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioli
- Oncologic Centre, "Palazzo Baleani", Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 244, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gasbarra
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Foundation, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Metal accumulation in the human uterus varies by pathology and smoking status. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:1511-1518.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Gao S, Fan C, Huang H, Zhu C, Su M, Zhang Y. Effects of HCG on human epithelial ovarian cancer vasculogenic mimicry formation in vivo. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:459-466. [PMID: 27347165 PMCID: PMC4907296 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality due to gynecological malignancy, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation is correlated with poor prognosis. In a previous study, the present authors observed that human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) could promote VM formation in three-dimensional OVCAR-3 cell cultures. In order to investigate whether HCG could promote VM formation in ovarian cancer in vivo, the role of OVCAR-3 cells overexpressing or depleted of chorionic gonadotropin, beta polypeptide 5 (CGB5, which is the fifth subunit of β-HCG and was identified as the key part of HCG) were injected into nude mice in the present study, while BeWo cells were used as a positive control. The results demonstrated that overexpressed CGB5 promoted xenografts tumor formation in nude mice, and the results of hematoxylin and eosin and cluster of differentiation (CD)34-periodic acid-Schiff dual staining revealed that CGB5 promoted VM formation. Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunochemistry staining demonstrated that the expression of the vascular markers CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor and factor VIII was also upregulated in the CGB5-overexpressing xenografts tumors. In addition, the expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), the receptor of CGB5, was increased in CGB5-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, CGB5 may promote tumor growth and VM formation via activation of the LHR signal transduction pathway, which may support a novel strategy for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sainan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Changlai Zhu
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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Scimeca M, Pietroiusti A, Milano F, Anemona L, Orlandi A, Marsella LT, Bonanno E. Elemental analysis of histological specimens: a method to unmask nano asbestos fibers. Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2573. [PMID: 26972714 PMCID: PMC4800250 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is recent mounting evidence that nanoparticles may have enhanced toxicological potential in comparison to the same material in the bulk form. The aim of this study was to develop a new method for unmask asbestos nanofibers from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded tissue. There is an increasing amount of evidence that nanoparticles may enhance toxicological potential in comparison to the same material in the bulk form. The aim of this study was to develop a new method to unmask asbestos nanofibers from Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue. For the first time, in this study we applied Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis through transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate the presence of asbestos nanofibers in histological specimens of patients with possible occupational exposure to asbestos. The diagnostic protocol was applied to 10 randomly selected lung cancer patients with no history of previous asbestos exposure. We detected asbestos nanofibers in close contact with lung cancer cells in two lung cancer patients with previous possible occupational exposure to asbestos. We were also able to identify the specific asbestos iso-type, which in one of the cases was the same rare variety used in the workplace of the affected patient. By contrast, asbestos nanofibers were not detected in lung cancer patients with no history of occupational asbestos exposure. The proposed technique can represent a potential useful tool for linking the disease to previous workplace exposure in uncertain cases. Furthermore, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues stored in the pathology departments might be re-evaluated for possible etiological attribution to asbestos in the case of plausible exposure. Since diseases acquired through occupational exposure to asbestos are generally covered by workers' insurance in most countries, the application of the protocol used in this study may have also relevant social and economic implications.
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Pellicciari C. Histochemistry in biology and medicine: a message from the citing journals. Eur J Histochem 2015; 59:2610. [PMID: 26708189 PMCID: PMC4698620 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2015.2610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Especially in recent years, biomedical research has taken advantage of the progress in several disciplines, among which microscopy and histochemistry. To assess the influence of histochemistry in the biomedical field, the articles published during the period 2011-2015 have been selected from different databases and grouped by subject categories: as expected, biological and biomedical studies where histochemistry has been used as a major experimental approach include a wide of basic and applied researches on both humans and other animal or plant organisms. To better understand the impact of histochemical publications onto the different biological and medical disciplines, it was useful to look at the journals where the articles published in a multidisciplinary journal of histochemistry have been cited: it was observed that, in the five-years period considered, 20% only of the citations were in histochemical periodicals, the remaining ones being in journals of Cell & Tissue biology, general and experimental Medicine, Oncology, Biochemistry & Molecular biology, Neurobiology, Anatomy & Morphology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Reproductive biology, Veterinary sciences, Physiology, Endocrinology, Tissue engineering & Biomaterials, as well as in multidisciplinary journals.It is easy to foresee that also in the future the histochemical journals will be an attended forum for basic and applied scientists in the biomedical field. It will be crucial that these journals be open to an audience as varied as possible, publishing articles on the application of refined techniques to very different experimental models: this will stimulate non-histochemist scientists to approach histochemistry whose application horizon could expand to novel and possibly exclusive subjects.
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Scimeca M, Antonacci C, Colombo D, Bonfiglio R, Buonomo OC, Bonanno E. Emerging prognostic markers related to mesenchymal characteristics of poorly differentiated breast cancers. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:5427-35. [PMID: 26563370 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the screening program, breast cancer is the commonest cause of cancer death in women in the industrialized world. In this study, we investigate the correlation among poorly differentiated carcinoma, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon, and expression of NF-kB, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), K-RAS, and PTX3 in breast cancer in 100 breast biopsies. Samples were classified as follows: 30 benign lesions (BL), 30 ductal infiltrating carcinomas low grade (MLG1), and 40 ductal infiltrating carcinomas high grade (MLG3). Expression of vimentin, CD44, β-catenin, NF-kB, SHH, K-RAS, CD44, and PTX3 was studied by immunohistochemistry. The different rate of cells with vimentin, nuclear β-catenin, and CD44 expression in MLG3 as compared with MLG1 and BL suggested that the process of de-differentiation of breast cancer cells could be related to the EMT. Our results showed a significant increase in NF-kB signal in MLG3 (2.33 ± 0.77) with respect to MLG1 (1.26 ± 0.55) and BL (0.86 ± 0.52). SHH expression appeared low in BL (1.00 ± 0.41) and homogenously widespread in MLG1 (1.23 ± 0.63) and MLG3 (1.56 ± 0.54). An important increase in K-RAS signal was observed in MLG3 compared to that in BL (2.20 ± 0.69 vs 0.82 ± 0.59). As regards PTX3, we observed a strong expression in MLG3 (2.00 ± 0.78) with respect to BL (0.58 ± 0.55) and MLG1 (1.53 ± 0.76). The recurring expression of NF-kB, SHH, K-RAS, and PTX3 in vimentin- and CD44-positive breast cancer cells allows to speculate that breast cells acquire the ability to express these molecules in concomitance to EMT phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Antonacci
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Colombo
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Bonanno
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,TMALab s.r.l., Spin-off of University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia and osteoporosis increase the risk of bone fracture in the elderly due to the loss of muscle mass and the decrease in bone mineral density. Myostatin and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are important molecules involved in muscle mass homeostasis. AIM In this study, we investigated the role of BMP4 and myostatin in the pathophysiogenesis of sarcopenia related to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. METHODS Muscle atrophy, BMP4 and myostatin expression were evaluated in 27 biopsies of osteoarthritic (OA) women and 27 biopsies from osteoporotic (OP) group by immunohistochemical reaction. Muscle stem cell niches were investigated by transmission electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS Myostatin and BMP4 expression was evaluated by counting the number of positive fibers on 25 high-power field. We found that OA muscle biopsies showed a significantly higher number of BMP4-positive fibers (37.35 ± 5.63) as compared with muscle of OP patients (9.60 ± 1.57). Unlike BMP4 expression, the number of myostatin-positive fibers in OP patients (33.95 ± 4.10) was significantly higher compared to OA group (13.86 ± 1.68). The ultrastructural analysis of BMP4-positive tissues displayed the presence of a high rate of satellite cells both single or as syncytium giving proof of muscle regeneration capability. DISCUSSION Our results indicated that sarcopenia and osteoporosis shared an impairment of metabolic activity. Conversely, the molecular mechanisms of OA seem to inhibit the onset of an age-related sarcopenia. CONCLUSION The characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying the bone-muscle crosstalk could open new therapeutic perspectives in elderly diseases.
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Pellicciari C. Impact of Histochemistry on biomedical research: looking through the articles published in a long-established histochemical journal. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2474. [PMID: 25578981 PMCID: PMC4289853 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Histochemistry provides the unique opportunity to detect single molecules in the very place where they exert their structural roles or functional activities: this makes it possible to correlate structural organization and function, and may be fruitfully exploited in countless biomedical research topics. Aiming to estimate the impact of histochemical articles in the biomedical field, the last few years citations of articles published in a long-established histochemical journal have been considered. This brief survey suggests that histochemical journals, especially the ones open to a large spectrum of research subjects, do represent an irreplaceable source of information not only for cell biologists, microscopists or anatomists, but also for biochemists, molecular biologists and biotechnologists.
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