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Pühringer R, Muckenthaler M, Burtscher M. Association Between Ferritin Levels and Altitude-Dependent Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Mountain Guides. High Alt Med Biol 2023; 24:139-143. [PMID: 37134197 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2023.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pühringer, Reinhard, Martina Muckenthaler, and Martin Burtscher. Association between ferritin levels and altitude-dependent cardiorespiratory fitness in mountain guides. High Alt Med Biol. 24:139-143, 2023. Background: Higher ferritin levels may be associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF; i.e., maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) and may represent early markers of cardiovascular risk but may also support high-altitude acclimatization. To evaluate these potential associations, data recordings from a large sample of male mountain guides have been analyzed. Methods: A total of 154 data sets (including anthropometric data, VO2max, blood lipids, hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin levels) of regularly physically active and well-acclimatized mountain guides were available for analyses. Participants performed equal incremental cycle ergometer tests to exhaustion at low (600 m) and (∼1 week later) at moderate altitude (2,000 m). Results: Ferritin levels were positively correlated with levels of hemoglobin (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), total cholesterol (r = 0.18, p < 0.05), triglycerides (r = 0.23, p < 0.01), and low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.22, p < 0.01), and negatively with high-density lipoprotein levels (r = -0.16, p < 0.05) and also with baseline (taken at low altitude) VO2max values (r = -0.19, p < 0.05). In contrast, higher ferritin levels were associated with less VO2max decline from low-to-moderate altitude (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Higher ferritin levels in male mountain guides are weakly associated with lower CRF and higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors but with slightly less reduction in VO2max when acutely exposed to moderate altitude. The clinical relevance of these observations needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Pühringer
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Austrian Society for Alpine- and High-Altitude Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Muckenthaler
- Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Centre for Translational Biomedical Iron Research, Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU) Group Leader, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Burtscher
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Austrian Society for Alpine- and High-Altitude Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
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Verratti V, Mrakic-Sposta S, Fusi J, Sabovic I, Franzoni F, Pietrangelo T, Bondi D, Dall'Acqua S, Daniele S, Scarfò G, Di Giulio C, Garolla A. Fertility Impairment after Trekking at High Altitude: A Proof of Mechanisms on Redox and Metabolic Seminal Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23. [PMID: 36012330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many authors described negative but reversible effects of high-altitude hypoxic exposure on animal and human fertility in terms of sperm concentration, function, and biochemical alterations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of high-altitude exposure on classical sperm parameters, redox status, and membrane composition in a group of travellers. Five healthy Italian males, all lowlanders not accustomed to the altitude, were evaluated after 19 days-trekking through low, moderate, and high altitudes in the Himalayas. Sperm samples were collected before (Pre), 10 days after (Post), and 70 days after the end of the expedition (Follow-up). Sperm concentration, cholesterol and oxysterol membrane content, and redox status were measured. Hypoxic trek led to a significant reduction in sperm concentration (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.91), with a reduction from Pre to Post (71.33 ± 38.81 to 60.65 ± 34.63 × 106/mL) and a further reduction at Follow-up (to 37.13 ± 39.17 × 106/mL). The seminal volume was significantly affected by the hypoxic trek (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.75) with a significant reduction from Pre to Post (2.86 ± 0.75 to 1.68 ± 0.49 mL) and with partial recovery at Follow-up (to 2.46 ± 0.45 mL). Moreover, subjects had an increase in ROS production (+86%), and a decrease in antioxidant capacity (−37%) in the Post period with partial recovery at Follow-up. These results integrated the hormonal response on thyroid function, hypothalamus−pituitary−gonadal axis, and the prolactin/cortisol pathways previously reported. An uncontrolled ROS production, rather than a compromised antioxidant activity, was likely the cause of impaired sperm quality. The reduction in fertility status observed in this study may lie in an evolutionary Darwinian explanation, i.e., limiting reproduction due to the “adaptive disadvantage” offered by the combined stressors of high-altitude hypoxia and daily physical exercise.
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Sharma V, Varshney R, Sethy NK. Human adaptation to high altitude: a review of convergence between genomic and proteomic signatures. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:21. [PMID: 35841113 PMCID: PMC9287971 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Both genomics- and proteomics-based investigations have identified several essential genes, proteins, and pathways that may facilitate human adaptive genotype/phenotype in a population-specific manner. This comprehensive review provides an up-to-date list of genes and proteins identified for human adaptive responses to high altitudes. Genomics studies for indigenous high-altitude populations like Tibetans, Andeans, Ethiopians, and Sherpas have identified 169 genes under positive natural selection. Similarly, global proteomics studies have identified 258 proteins (± 1.2-fold or more) for Tibetan, Sherpa, and Ladakhi highlanders. The primary biological processes identified for genetic signatures include hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated oxygen sensing, angiogenesis, and erythropoiesis. In contrast, major biological processes identified for proteomics signatures include 14–3-3 mediated sirtuin signaling, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), and integrin signaling. Comparing genetic and protein signatures, we identified 7 common genes/proteins (HBB/hemoglobin subunit beta, TF/serotransferrin, ANGPTL4/angiopoietin-related protein 4, CDC42/cell division control protein 42 homolog, GC/vitamin D-binding protein, IGFBP1/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, and IGFBP2/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2) involved in crucial molecular functions like IGF-1 signaling, LXR/RXR activation, ferroptosis signaling, iron homeostasis signaling and regulation of cell cycle. Our combined multi-omics analysis identifies common molecular targets and pathways for human adaptation to high altitude. These observations further corroborate convergent positive selection of hypoxia-responsive molecular pathways in humans and advocate using multi-omics techniques for deciphering human adaptive responses to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Sharma
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Rajeev Varshney
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Niroj Kumar Sethy
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India.
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Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Petro JL, Forero DA, Vargas-Molina S, Odriozola-Martínez A, Orozco CA, Stout JR, Rawson ES, Kreider RB. A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review on Iron Metabolism and Immune System to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Exercise Stress-Induced Immunosuppression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030724. [PMID: 35327526 PMCID: PMC8945881 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune function is closely related to iron (Fe) homeostasis and allostasis. The aim of this bioinformatics-assisted review was twofold; (i) to update the current knowledge of Fe metabolism and its relationship to the immune system, and (ii) to perform a prediction analysis of regulatory network hubs that might serve as potential biomarkers during stress-induced immunosuppression. Several literature and bioinformatics databases/repositories were utilized to review Fe metabolism and complement the molecular description of prioritized proteins. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) was used to build a protein-protein interactions network for subsequent network topology analysis. Importantly, Fe is a sensitive double-edged sword where two extremes of its nutritional status may have harmful effects on innate and adaptive immunity. We identified clearly connected important hubs that belong to two clusters: (i) presentation of peptide antigens to the immune system with the involvement of redox reactions of Fe, heme, and Fe trafficking/transport; and (ii) ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation processes of proteins related to Fe metabolism in immune cells (e.g., macrophages). The identified potential biomarkers were in agreement with the current experimental evidence, are included in several immunological/biomarkers databases, and/or are emerging genetic markers for different stressful conditions. Although further validation is warranted, this hybrid method (human-machine collaboration) to extract meaningful biological applications using available data in literature and bioinformatics tools should be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogota 110311, Colombia; (Y.M.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Education, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogota 110311, Colombia
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
- Sport Genomics Research Group, Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-320-335-2050
| | - Yurany Moreno
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogota 110311, Colombia; (Y.M.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Education, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogota 110311, Colombia
| | - Jorge L. Petro
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogota 110311, Colombia; (Y.M.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Diego A. Forero
- Health and Sport Sciences Research Group, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (D.A.F.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Salvador Vargas-Molina
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, EADE-University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 29018 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Adrián Odriozola-Martínez
- Sport Genomics Research Group, Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- kDNA Genomics, Joxe Mari Korta Research Center, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Carlos A. Orozco
- Health and Sport Sciences Research Group, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá 111221, Colombia; (D.A.F.); (C.A.O.)
| | - Jeffrey R. Stout
- Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
| | - Eric S. Rawson
- Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA;
| | - Richard B. Kreider
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
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Mrakic-Sposta S, Biagini D, Bondi D, Pietrangelo T, Vezzoli A, Lomonaco T, Di Francesco F, Verratti V. OxInflammation at High Altitudes: A Proof of Concept from the Himalayas. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020368. [PMID: 35204250 PMCID: PMC8869289 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-altitude locations are fascinating for investigating biological and physiological responses in humans. In this work, we studied the high-altitude response in the plasma and urine of six healthy adult trekkers, who participated in a trek in Nepal that covered 300 km in 19 days along a route in the Kanchenjunga Mountain and up to a maximum altitude of 5140 m. Post-trek results showed an unbalance in redox status, with an upregulation of ROS (+19%), NOx (+28%), neopterin (+50%), and pro-inflammatory prostanoids, such as PGE2 (+120%) and 15-deoxy-delta12,14-PGJ2 (+233%). The isoprostane 15-F2t-IsoP was associated with low levels of TAC (−18%), amino-thiols, omega-3 PUFAs, and anti-inflammatory CYP450 EPA-derived mediators, such as DiHETEs. The deterioration of antioxidant systems paves the way to the overload of redox and inflammative markers, as triggered by the combined physical and hypoxic stressors. Our data underline the link between oxidative stress and inflammation, which is related to the concept of OxInflammation into the altitude hypoxia fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy; (S.M.-S.); (A.V.)
| | - Denise Biagini
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.L.); (F.D.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (D.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (D.B.); (T.P.)
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy; (S.M.-S.); (A.V.)
| | - Tommaso Lomonaco
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.L.); (F.D.F.)
| | - Fabio Di Francesco
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (T.L.); (F.D.F.)
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
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Bondi D, Aloisi AM, Pietrangelo T, Piccinelli R, Le Donne C, Jandova T, Pieretti S, Taraborrelli M, Santangelo C, Lattanzi B, Verratti V. Feeding Your Himalayan Expedition: Nutritional Signatures and Body Composition Adaptations of Trekkers and Porters. Nutrients 2021; 13:460. [PMID: 33573243 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High-altitude exposure leads to many physiological challenges, such as weight loss and dehydration. However, little attention has been posed to the role of nutrition and ethnic differences. Aiming to fulfill this gap, five Italian trekkers and seven Nepalese porters, all males, recorded their diet in diaries during a Himalayan expedition (19 days), and the average daily intake of micro and macro-nutrients were calculated. Bioimpedance analysis was performed five times during the trek; muscle ultrasound was performed before and after the expedition, only for the Italians. The Nepalese group consumed a lot of rice and only Italians consumed cheese. Water intake was slightly over 3000 g/d for both groups. Nepalese diet had a higher density of dietary fibre and lower density of riboflavin, vitamins A, K, and B12. Intake of calcium was lower than recommended levels. Body mass index, waist circumference, fat-free mass, and total body water decreased in both groups, whereas resistance (Rz) increased. Italians reactance (Xc) increased at day 9, whereas that of Nepalese occurred at days 5, 9, and 16. The cross-sectional area of the Vastus lateralis was reduced after the expedition. Specific nutritional and food-related risk factors guidance is needed for diverse expedition groups. Loss of muscle mass and balance of fluids both deserve a particular focus as concerns altitude expeditions.
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Tafuri A, Bondi D, Princiotta A, Pietrangelo T, Yadav P, Altieri VM, Cerruto MA, Pelliccione F, Antonelli A, Verratti V. Effects of Physical Activity at High Altitude on Hormonal Profiles in Foreign Trekkers and Indigenous Nepalese Porters. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021; 1335:111-9. [PMID: 33742419 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Altitude exposure affects hormonal homeostasis, but the adaptation of different populations is still not finely defined. This study aims to compare the mid-term effects of combining physical activity and altitude hypoxia on hormonal profiles in foreign trekkers coming from Italy versus indigenous Nepalese porters during a Himalayan trek. Participants (6 Italians and 6 Nepalese) completed a 300 km distance in 19 days of an accumulated altitude difference of 16,000 m, with an average daily walk of 6 h. The effect of high altitude on hormonal pathways was assessed by collecting blood samples the day before the expedition and the day after its completion. Foreign trekkers had an additional follow-up sample collected after 10 days. The findings revealed a different adaptation of thyroidal and gonadal axes to mid-term strenuous physical activity combined with high-altitude hypobaric hypoxia. The thyroid function shifted to the protective mechanism of low free triiodothyronine (FT3), whereas the gonadal axis was suppressed. The Italian trekkers and Nepalese porters had lower total testosterone and 17-β-estradiol levels after the expedition. At the follow-up, the Italians had increased testosterone values. Prolactin secretion decreased in the Italians but increased in the Nepalese. We conclude that exposure to high-altitude affects the hormonal axes. The effect seems notably pronounced for the hypothalamus-pituitary gonadal axis, suppressed after high-altitude exposure.
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Verratti V, Bondi D, Mulliri G, Ghiani G, Crisafulli A, Pietrangelo T, Marinozzi ME, Cerretelli P. Muscle Oxygen Delivery in the Forearm and in the Vastus Lateralis Muscles in Response to Resistance Exercise: A Comparison Between Nepalese Porters and Italian Trekkers. Front Physiol 2020; 11:607616. [PMID: 33240112 PMCID: PMC7683416 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.607616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Altitude ascending represents an intriguing experimental model reproducing physiological and pathophysiological conditions sharing hypoxemia as the denominator. The aim of the present study was to investigate fractional oxygen extraction and blood dynamics in response to hypobaric hypoxia and to acute resistance exercises, taking into account several factors including different ethnic origin and muscle groups. As part of the “Kanchenjunga Exploration & Physiology” project, six Italian trekkers and six Nepalese porters took part in a high altitude trek in the Himalayas. The measurements were carried out at low (1,450 m) and high altitude (HA; 4,780 m). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-derived parameters, i.e., Tot-Hb and tissue saturation index (TSI), were gathered at rest and after bouts of 3-min resistive exercise, both in the quadriceps and in the forearm muscles. TSI decreased with altitude, particularly in forearm muscles (from 66.9 to 57.3%), whereas the decrement was less in the quadriceps (from 62.5 to 57.2%); Nepalese porters were characterized by greater values in thigh TSI than Italian trekkers. Tot-Hb was increased after exercise. At altitude, such increase appeared to be higher in the quadriceps. This effect might be a consequence of the long-term adaptive memory due to the frequent exposures to altitude. Although speculative, we suggest a long-term adaptation of the Nepalese porters due to improved oxygenation of muscles frequently undergoing hypoxic exercise. Muscle structure, individual factors, and altitude exposure time should be taken into account to move on the knowledge of oxygen delivery and utilization at altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mulliri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Ghiani
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Crisafulli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Cerretelli
- Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, Segrate, Italy
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