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Sarnelli G, Del Re A, Palenca I, Franzin SB, Lu J, Seguella L, Zilli A, Pesce M, Rurgo S, Esposito G, Sanseverino W, Esposito G. Intranasal administration of Escherichia coli Nissle expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces long-term immunization and prevents spike protein-mediated lung injury in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116441. [PMID: 38518597 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116441] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While current anti-Spike protein (SP) vaccines have been pivotal in managing the pandemic, their limitations in delivery, storage, and the inability to provide mucosal immunization (preventing infections) highlight the ongoing necessity for research and innovation. To tackle these constraints, our research group developed a bacterial-based vaccine using a non-pathogenic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) strain genetically modified to express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on its surface (EcN-pAIDA1-SP). We intranasally delivered the EcN-pAIDA1-SP in two doses and checked specific IgG/IgA production as well as the key immune mediators involved in the process. Moreover, following the initial and booster vaccine doses, we exposed both immunized and non-immunized mice to intranasal delivery of SARS-CoV-2 SP to assess the effectiveness of EcN-pAIDA1-SP in protecting lung tissue from the inflammation damage. We observed detectable levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG in serum samples and IgA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid two weeks after the initial treatment, with peak concentrations in the respective samples on the 35th day. Moreover, immunoglobulins displayed a progressively enhanced avidity index, suggesting a selective binding to the spike protein. Finally, the pre-immunized group displayed a decrease in proinflammatory markers (TLR4, NLRP3, ILs) following SP challenge, compared to the non-immunized groups, along with better preservation of tissue morphology. Our probiotic-based technology provides an effective immunobiotic tool to protect individuals against disease and control infection spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy; Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), Naples 80100, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Silvia Basili Franzin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Jie Lu
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), Naples 80100, Italy; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Aurora Zilli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), Naples 80100, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Centro Ingegneria Genetica-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a rl, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Walter Sanseverino
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), Naples 80100, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), Naples 80100, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
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Palenca I, Seguella L, Zilli A, Basili Franzin S, Del Re A, Pepi F, Troiani A, Pesce M, Rurgo S, De Palma FDE, Luglio G, Tropeano FP, Sarnelli G, Esposito G. Intrarectal Administration of Adelmidrol plus Hyaluronic Acid Gel Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice and Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Response in Ex Vivo Cultured Biopsies Derived from Ulcerative Colitis-Affected Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:165. [PMID: 38203336 PMCID: PMC10778920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010165] [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] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Improving clinical outcomes and delaying disease recrudescence in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) patients is crucial for clinicians. In addition to traditional and new pharmacological therapies that utilize biological drugs, the development of medical devices that can ameliorate UC and facilitate the remission phase should not be overlooked. Drug-based therapy requires time to be personalized and to evaluate the benefit/risk ratio. However, the increasing number of diagnosed UC cases worldwide necessitates the exploration of new strategies to enhance clinical outcomes. By incorporating medical devices alongside pharmacological treatments, clinicians can provide additional support to UC patients, potentially improving their condition and slowing down the recurrence of symptoms. Chemically identified as an azelaic acid derivative and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) analog, adelmidrol is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of an intrarectal administration of 2% adelmidrol (Ade) and 0.1% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel formulation in both the acute and resolution phase of a mouse model of colitis induced via DNBS enema. We also investigated its activity in cultured human colon biopsies isolated from UC patients in the remission phase at follow-up when exposed in vitro to a cytomix challenge. Simultaneously, with its capacity to effectively alleviate chronic painful inflammatory cystitis when administered intravesically to urological patients such as Vessilen, the intrarectal administration of Ade/HA gel has shown remarkable potential in improving the course of colitis. This treatment approach has demonstrated a reduction in the histological damage score and an increase in the expression of ZO-1 and occludin tight junctions in both in vivo studies and human specimens. By acting independently on endogenous PEA levels and without any noticeable systemic absorption, the effectiveness of Ade/HA gel is reliant on a local antioxidant mechanism that functions as a "barrier effect" in the inflamed gut. Building on the findings of this preliminary study, we are confident that the Ade/HA gel medical device holds promise as a valuable adjunct in supporting traditional anti-UC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Aurora Zilli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Silvia Basili Franzin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
| | - Federico Pepi
- Department of Chemistry and Drug Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Anna Troiani
- Department of Chemistry and Drug Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Fatima Domenica Elisa De Palma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Centro Ingegneria Genetica-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a rl, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Luglio
- Endoscopic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Gastrointestinal Disease, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.T.)
| | - Francesca Paola Tropeano
- Endoscopic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Gastrointestinal Disease, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (F.P.T.)
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (A.Z.); (S.B.F.); (A.D.R.); (G.E.)
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Sarnelli G, Del Re A, Pesce M, Lu J, Esposito G, Sanseverino W, Corpetti C, Basili Franzin S, Seguella L, Palenca I, Rurgo S, De Palma FDE, Zilli A, Esposito G. Oral Immunization with Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Mucosal and Systemic Antibody Responses in Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030569. [PMID: 36979504 PMCID: PMC10046078 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030569] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
As of October 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a major public health conundrum, with increased rates of symptomatic infections in vaccinated individuals. An ideal vaccine candidate for the prevention of outbreaks should be rapidly scalable, easy to administer, and able to elicit a potent mucosal immunity. Towards this aim, we proposed an engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 (EcN) strain with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP)-coding plasmid, which was able to expose SP on its cellular surface by a hybridization with the adhesin involved in diffuse adherence 1 (AIDA1). In this study, we presented the effectiveness of a 16-week intragastrically administered, engineered EcN in producing specific systemic and mucosal immunoglobulins against SARS-CoV-2 SP in mice. We observed a time-dependent increase in anti-SARS-CoV-2 SP IgG antibodies in the sera at week 4, with a titre that more than doubled by week 12 and a stable circulating titre by week 16 (+309% and +325% vs. control; both p < 0.001). A parallel rise in mucosal IgA antibody titre in stools, measured via intestinal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of the treated mice, reached a plateau by week 12 and until the end of the immunization protocol (+300, +47, and +150%, at week 16; all p < 0.001 vs. controls). If confirmed in animal models of infection, our data indicated that the engineered EcN may be a potential candidate as an oral vaccine against COVID-19. It is safe, inexpensive, and, most importantly, able to stimulate the production of both systemic and mucosal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Jie Lu
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), 80100 Naples, Italy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), 80100 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Centro Ingegneria Genetica-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a rl, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Walter Sanseverino
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Basili Franzin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Fatima Domenica Elisa De Palma
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Centro Ingegneria Genetica-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a rl, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Aurora Zilli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Nextbiomics S.R.L. (Società a Responsabilità Limitata), 80100 Naples, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Del Re A, Palenca I, Seguella L, Pesce M, Corpetti C, Steardo L, Rurgo S, Sarnelli G, Esposito G. Oral Adelmidrol Administration Up-Regulates Palmitoylethanolamide Production in Mice Colon and Duodenum through a PPAR-γ Independent Action. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050457. [PMID: 35629962 PMCID: PMC9144287 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050457] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adelmidrol is a promising palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) analog which displayed up-and-coming anti-inflammatory properties in several inflammatory conditions. Recent studies demonstrated that Adelmidrol is an in vitro enhancer of PEA endogenous production, through the so called “entourage” effect. The present study investigated the ability of Adelmidrol (1 and 10 mg/Kg per os) to increase the endogenous level of PEA in the duodenum and colon of mice after 21-day oral administration in the presence and absence of PPAR-γ inhibitor (1 mg/kg). The level of PEA was analyzed by HPLC-MS. The expression of PEA-related enzymatic machinery was evaluated by western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Our findings demonstrated that Adelmidrol significantly increased PEA levels in the duodenum and colon in a dose/time-dependent manner. We also revealed that Adelmidrol up regulated the enzymatic machinery responsible for PEA metabolism and catabolism. Interestingly, the use of the selective irreversible PPAR-γ antagonist did not affect either PEA intestinal levels or expression/transcription of PEA metabolic enzymes following Adelmidrol administration. The “entourage effect” with Adelmidrol as an enhancer of PEA was thus PPAR-γ-independent. The findings suggest that Adelmidrol can maximize a PEA therapeutic-based approach in several intestinal morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale AldoMoro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale AldoMoro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale AldoMoro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale AldoMoro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, Giustino Fortunato University, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale AldoMoro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (L.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2948
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Pesce M, Seguella L, Del Re A, Lu J, Palenca I, Corpetti C, Rurgo S, Sanseverino W, Sarnelli G, Esposito G. Next-Generation Probiotics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105466. [PMID: 35628274 PMCID: PMC9141965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered probiotics represent a cutting-edge therapy in intestinal inflammatory disease (IBD). Genetically modified bacteria have provided a new strategy to release therapeutically operative molecules in the intestine and have grown into promising new therapies for IBD. Current IBD treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, are associated with relevant side effects and a significant proportion of patients are dependent on these therapies, thus exposing them to the risk of relevant long-term side effects. Discovering new and effective therapeutic strategies is a worldwide goal in this research field and engineered probiotics could potentially provide a viable solution. This review aims at describing the proceeding of bacterial engineering and how genetically modified probiotics may represent a promising new biotechnological approach in IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (C.C.); (G.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2948
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (C.C.); (G.E.)
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (C.C.); (G.E.)
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (C.C.); (G.E.)
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
| | | | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (S.R.); (G.S.)
- Nextbiomics S.r.l., 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.D.R.); (I.P.); (C.C.); (G.E.)
- Nextbiomics S.r.l., 80100 Naples, Italy;
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Lucarini E, Seguella L, Vincenzi M, Parisio C, Micheli L, Toti A, Corpetti C, Del Re A, Squillace S, Maftei D, Lattanzi R, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Esposito G. Role of Enteric Glia as Bridging Element between Gut Inflammation and Visceral Pain Consolidation during Acute Colitis in Rats. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111671. [PMID: 34829900 PMCID: PMC8616000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute inflammation is particularly relevant in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Glia within the enteric nervous system, as well as within the central nervous system, contributes to neuroplasticity during inflammation, but whether enteric glia has the potential to modify visceral sensitivity following colitis is still unknown. This work aimed to investigate the occurrence of changes in the neuron–glial networks controlling visceral perception along the gut–brain axis during colitis, and to assess the effects of peripheral glial manipulation. Enteric glia activity was altered by the poison fluorocitrate (FC; 10 µmol kg−1 i.p.) before inducing colitis in animals (2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, DNBS; 30 mg in 0.25 mL EtOH 50%), and visceral sensitivity, colon damage, and glia activation along the pain pathway were studied. FC injection significantly reduced the visceral hyperalgesia, the histological damage, and the immune activation caused by DNBS. Intestinal inflammation is associated with a parallel overexpression of TRPV1 and S100β along the gut–brain axis (colonic myenteric plexuses, dorsal root ganglion, and periaqueductal grey area). This effect was prevented by FC. Peripheral glia activity modulation emerges as a promising strategy for counteracting visceral pain induced by colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
| | - Silvia Squillace
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and the Henry and Amelia Nasrallah Center for Neuroscience, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.S.); (M.V.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.); (D.M.); (R.L.); (G.E.)
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Corpetti C, Del Re A, Seguella L, Palenca I, Rurgo S, De Conno B, Pesce M, Sarnelli G, Esposito G. Cannabidiol inhibits SARS-Cov-2 spike (S) protein-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation through a PPARγ-dependent TLR4/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling suppression in Caco-2 cell line. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6893-6903. [PMID: 34643000 PMCID: PMC8662250 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Given the abundancy of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE‐2) receptors density, beyond the lung, the intestine is considered as an alternative site of infection and replication for severe acute respiratory syndrome by coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently been proposed in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) respiratory symptoms because of its anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity exerted in the lung. In this study, we demonstrated the in vitro PPAR‐γ‐dependent efficacy of CBD (10−9‐10−7 M) in preventing epithelial damage and hyperinflammatory response triggered by SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein (SP) in a Caco‐2 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed that CBD was able to reduce all the analyzed proinflammatory markers triggered by SP incubation, such as tool‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4), ACE‐2, family members of Ras homologues A‐GTPase (RhoA‐GTPase), inflammasome complex (NLRP3), and Caspase‐1. CBD caused a parallel inhibition of interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and IL‐18 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. By immunofluorescence analysis, we observed increased expression of tight‐junction proteins and restoration of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) following CBD treatment, as well as the rescue of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran permeability induced by SP. Our data indicate, in conclusion, that CBD is a powerful inhibitor of SP protein enterotoxicity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Rurgo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara De Conno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Pesce M, Seguella L, Cassarano S, Aurino L, Sanseverino W, Lu J, Corpetti C, Del Re A, Vincenzi M, Sarnelli G, Esposito G. Phytotherapics in COVID19: Why palmitoylethanolamide? Phytother Res 2021; 35:2514-2522. [PMID: 33296131 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At present, googling the search terms "COVID-19" and "Functional foods" yields nearly 500,000,000 hits, witnessing the growing interest of the scientific community and the general public in the role of nutrition and nutraceuticals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many compounds have been proposed as phytotherapics in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. The extensive interest of the general public and the enormous social media coverage on this topic urges the scientific community to address the question of whether which nutraceuticals can actually be employed in preventing and treating this newly described coronavirus-related disease. Recently, the Canadian biotech pharma company "FSD Pharma" received the green light from the Food and Drug Administration to design a proof-of-concept study evaluating the effects of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in COVID-19 patients. The story of PEA as a nutraceutical to prevent and treat infectious diseases dates back to the 1970s where the molecule was branded under the name Impulsin and was used for its immunomodulatory properties in influenza virus infection. The present paper aims at analyzing the potential of PEA as a nutraceutical and the previous evidence suggesting its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in infectious and respiratory diseases and how these could translate to COVID-19 care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cassarano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Aurino
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Jie Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, China
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Esposito G, Corpetti C, Pesce M, Seguella L, Annunziata G, Del Re A, Vincenzi M, Lattanzi R, Lu J, Sanseverino W, Sarnelli G. A Palmitoylethanolamide Producing Lactobacillus paracasei Improves Clostridium difficile Toxin A-Induced Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:639728. [PMID: 33986673 PMCID: PMC8111445 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.639728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered probiotics, able to in situ deliver therapeutically active compounds while restoring gut eubiosis, could represent an attractive therapeutic alternative in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Palmitoylethanolamide is an endogenous lipid able to exert immunomodulatory activities and restore epithelial barrier integrity in human models of colitis, by binding the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPARα). The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a newly designed PEA-producing probiotic (pNAPE-LP) in a mice model of C. difficile toxin A (TcdA)-induced colitis. The human N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of PEA, was cloned and expressed in a Lactobacillus paracasei that was intragastrically administered to mice 7 days prior the induction of the colitis. Bacteria carrying the empty vector served as negative controls (pLP).In the presence of palmitate, pNAPE-LP was able to significantly increase PEA production by 27,900%, in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Mice treated with pNAPE-LP showed a significant improvement of colitis in terms of histological damage score, macrophage count, and myeloperoxidase levels (−53, −82, and −70.4%, respectively). This was paralleled by a significant decrease both in the expression of toll-like receptor-4 (−71%), phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (−72%), hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha (−53%), p50 (−74%), and p65 (−60%) and in the plasmatic levels of interleukin-6 (−86%), nitric oxide (−59%), and vascular endothelial growth factor (−71%). Finally, tight junction protein expression was significantly improved by pNAPE-LP treatment as witnessed by the rescue of zonula occludens-1 (+304%), Ras homolog family member A-GTP (+649%), and occludin expression (+160%). These protective effects were mediated by the specific release of PEA by the engineered probiotic as they were abolished in PPARα knockout mice and in wild-type mice treated with pLP. Herein, we demonstrated that pNAPE-LP has therapeutic potential in CDI by inhibiting colonic inflammation and restoring tight junction protein expression in mice, paving the way to next generation probiotics as a promising strategy in CDI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Nextbiomics S.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Annunziata
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Nextbiomics S.r.l., Naples, Italy.,UNESCO Chair Staff Member, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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10
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Esposito G, Pesce M, Seguella L, Lu J, Corpetti C, Del Re A, De Palma FDE, Esposito G, Sanseverino W, Sarnelli G. Engineered Lactobacillus paracasei Producing Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) Prevents Colitis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062945. [PMID: 33799405 PMCID: PMC7999950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an N-acylethanolamide produced on-demand by the enzyme N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-preferring phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD). Being a key member of the larger family of bioactive autacoid local injury antagonist amides (ALIAmides), PEA significantly improves the clinical and histopathological stigmata in models of ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite its safety profile, high PEA doses are required in vivo to exert its therapeutic activity; therefore, PEA has been tested only in animals or human biopsy samples, to date. To overcome these limitations, we developed an NAPE-PLD-expressing Lactobacillus paracasei F19 (pNAPE-LP), able to produce PEA under the boost of ultra-low palmitate supply, and investigated its therapeutic potential in a murine model of UC. The coadministration of pNAPE-LP and palmitate led to a time-dependent release of PEA, resulting in a significant amelioration of the clinical and histological damage score, with a significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration, lower expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and a markedly improved epithelial barrier integrity. We concluded that pNAPE-LP with ultra-low palmitate supply stands as a new method to increase the in situ intestinal delivery of PEA and as a new therapeutic able of controlling intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (L.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.)
- Nextbiomics S.R.L., 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (L.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning 110122, China;
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (L.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (L.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.)
| | - Fatima Domenica Elisa De Palma
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a r.l., Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.E.); (L.S.); (C.C.); (A.D.R.)
- Nextbiomics S.R.L., 80100 Naples, Italy;
- UNESCO Chair Staff Member, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80100 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0817463488
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11
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Pietrangeli P, Corpetti C, Seguella L, Del Re A, Pesce M, Vincenzi M, Lori C, Annunziata G, Mateescu MA, Sarnelli G, Esposito G, Marcocci L. Lathyrus sativus diamine oxidase reduces Clostridium difficile toxin A-induced toxicity in Caco-2 cells by rescuing RhoA-GTPase and inhibiting pp38-MAPK/NF-κB/HIF-1α activation. Phytother Res 2020; 35:415-423. [PMID: 32914548 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile toxin A (TcdA) impairs the intestinal epithelial barrier, increasing the mucosa permeability and triggering a robust inflammatory response. Lathyrus sativus diamino oxidase (LSAO) is a nutraceutical compound successfully used in various gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Here, we evaluated the LSAO (0.004-0.4 μM) ability to counter TcdA-induced (30 ng/mL) toxicity and damage in Caco-2 cells, investigating its possible mechanism of action. LSAO has improved the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) score and increased cell viability in TcdA-treated cells, significantly rescuing the protein expression of Ras homolog family members, A-GTPase (RhoA-GTPase), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). LSAO has also exhibited an anti-apoptotic effect by inhibiting the TcdA-induced expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), p50 nuclear factor-kappa-B (p50), p65nuclear factor-kappa-B (p65), and hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the cell milieu. Our data showed that LSAO exerts a protective effect on TcdA-induced toxicity in Caco-2 cells, placing itself as an interesting nutraceutical to supplement the current treatment of the Clostridium difficile infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pietrangeli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Lori
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mircea A Mateescu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montreal, CP8888 Branch A, Montreal (Québec), Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Marcocci
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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