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Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, Benmahieddine A, El Zerey-Belaskri A, Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Canini A, Gismondi A. Nutraceutical Content and Biological Properties of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Fractions of the Phytocomplex from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Buds, Roots, and Fruits. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:611. [PMID: 38475458 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050611] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present investigation was to obtain 12 aqueous extracts and 1 oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica specimens. The samples differed for processed plant organs (i.e., roots, buds, and fruits), gender and geographical station of the collected trees. Total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined, revealing that bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (386.785 ± 16.227 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root preparations. Similar results were detected for flavonoids and tannins, whose quantitation ranged from 0.014 ± 0.005 to 74.780 ± 9.724 mg CE/g DM and from 0.037 ± 0.003 to 14.793 ± 0.821 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The biochemical profile of the extracts was further characterized by HPLC-DAD, in terms of specific phenolics. This analysis identified gallic acid as a typical metabolite for ripe fruit, while hydroxytyrosol for female roots and male buds. In parallel, P. atlantica fruit oil was profiled by GC-MS analysis, which detected 37 lipophilic components, including palmitic acid (the major component, ~55%), anacardol, tetradecanol, arachidic acid, squalene, and some terpenes. The samples revealed interesting antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 0.073 ± 0.001 to 193.594 ± 28.942 mg/mL and from 0.029 ± 0.001 to 103.086 ± 20.540 mg/mL, in that order, for DPPH and reducing power assays. Concerning the total antioxidant capacity, the results ranged from 0.053 ± 0.008 to 51.648 ± 1.659 mg AAE/g DM. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts was estimated against 7 bacterial species and 2 fungal strains, known to be human pathogens, demonstrating a good antibiotic effect for the bud extracts. All these findings strongly suggest that P. atlantica would represent a natural reservoir for novel additives to be used in therapeutic, food, and cosmetic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Larbi Belyagoubi
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Assia Benmahieddine
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Asma El Zerey-Belaskri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie des Rizobia et Amélioration des Plantes, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université Oran1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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D'Agostino A, Di Marco G, Rolfo MF, Alessandri L, Marvelli S, Braglia R, Congestri R, Berrilli F, Fuciarelli MF, Ferracci A, Canini A, Gismondi A. Microparticles from dental calculus disclose paleoenvironmental and palaeoecological records. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11053. [PMID: 38405407 PMCID: PMC10891416 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11053] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants have always represented a key element in landscape delineation. Indeed, plant diversity, whose distribution is influenced by geographic/climatic variability, has affected both environmental and human ecology. The present contribution represents a multi-proxy study focused on the detection of starch, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs in ancient dental calculus collected from pre-historical individuals buried at La Sassa and Pila archaeological sites (Central Italy). The collected record suggested the potential use of plant taxa by the people living in Central Italy during the Copper-Middle Bronze Age and expanded the body of evidence reported by previous palynological and palaeoecological studies. The application of a microscopic approach provided information about domesticated crops and/or gathered wild plants and inferred considerations on ancient environments, water sources, and past health and diseases. Moreover, the research supplied data to define the natural resources (e.g., C4-plant intake) and the social use of the space during that period. Another important aspect was the finding of plant clues referable to woody habitats, characterised by broad-leaved deciduous taxa and generally indicative of a warm-temperate climate and grassy vegetation. Other unusual records (e.g., diatoms, brachysclereids) participated in defining the prehistoric ecological framework. Thus, this work provides an overview on the potential of the human dental calculus analysis to delineate some features of the ancient plant ecology and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
- Present address: PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Mario Federico Rolfo
- Department of History, Culture and Society University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Luca Alessandri
- Groningen Institute of Archaeology University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Marvelli
- Laboratory of Palynology and Archaeobotany-C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli Bologna Italy
| | - Roberto Braglia
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Roberta Congestri
- Laboratory of Biology of the Algae, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | | | - Angelica Ferracci
- Department of History, Culture and Society University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome Italy
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Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Braglia R, Redi EL, Iacobelli S, Gismondi A, Canini A. Pollen variability in Quercus L. species and relative systematic implications. Plant Physiol Biochem 2023; 204:108079. [PMID: 37862931 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108079] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to address one of the challenges related to the complexity of the Quercus L. genus, that is the identification of structural elements favouring the systematic identification of the oak pollen. Thus, in this contribution, we explored the variation of morphometric and chemical parameters in pollen samples collected from 47 different Quercus species and hybrids. Several qualitative (e.g., outline in polar view, class, aperture structures) and quantitative (e.g., diameter, exine and sporoderm thickness, autofluorescence, content in proteins and plant metabolites) features were evaluated by optic microscopy and spectrophotometric assays. Statistical analyses were also carried out to assess significant correlations and clustering effects among the studied taxa, based on phenotypical and biochemical data, to identify the parameters which could be useful for taxonomic discrimination at inter- and intra-specific level. Only few morphological traits showed the potentiality to be diagnostic, such as pollen diameter and outline in polar view. The intensity of pollen autofluorescence varied among the samples but it did not seem to correlate with protein, carotenoid, phenolic and flavonoid content. However, differences in protein and carotenoid levels were detected, suggesting them as possible taxonomic discriminants for oak pollen. Thus, our work represents a step forward in understanding morphology and biochemistry of oak pollen, constitutes an experimental set-up applicable in future systematic studies on other genera, and opens new perspectives for further molecular investigations on Quercus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto Braglia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Simona Iacobelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Villani V, Di Marco G, Iacovelli F, Pietrucci D, Canini A, Gismondi A. Profile and potential bioactivity of the miRNome and metabolome expressed in Malva sylvestris L. leaf and flower. BMC Plant Biol 2023; 23:439. [PMID: 37726667 PMCID: PMC10507896 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Malva sylvestris L. (common mallow) is a plant species widely used in phytotherapy and ethnobotanical practices since time immemorial. Characterizing the components of this herb might promote a better comprehension of its biological effects on the human body but also favour the identification of the molecular processes that occur in the plant tissues. Thus, in the present contribution, the scientific knowledge about the metabolomic profile of the common mallow was expanded. In particular, the phytocomplex of leaves and flowers from this botanical species and the extraction capacity of different concentrations of ethanol (i.e., 95%, 70%, 50%, and 0%; v/v in ddH2O) for it were investigated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic approaches. In detail, 95% ethanol extracts showed the worst capacity in isolating total phenols and flavonoids, while all the hydroalcoholic samples revealed a specific ability in purifying the anthocyanins. HPLC-DAD system detected and quantified 20 phenolic secondary metabolites, whose concentration in the several extracts depended on their own chemical nature and the percentage of ethanol used in the preparation. In addition, the stability of the purified phytochemicals after resuspension in pure ddH2O was also proved, considering a potential employment of them in biological/medical studies which include in vitro and in vivo experiments on mammalian models. Here, for the first time, the expressed miRNome in M. sylvestris was also defined by Next Generation Sequencing, revealing the presence of 33 microRNAs (miRNAs), 10 typical for leaves and 2 for flowers. Then, both plant and human putative mRNA targets for the detected miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatics analyses, with the aim to clarify the possible role of these small nucleic acids in the common mallow plant tissues and to try to understand if they could exert a potential cross-kingdom regulatory activity on the human health. Surprisingly, our investigations revealed that 19 miRNAs out of 33 were putatively able to modulate, in the plant cells, the expression of various chromosome scaffold proteins. In parallel, we found, in the human transcriptome, a total of 383 mRNAs involved in 5 fundamental mammalian cellular processes (i.e., apoptosis, senescence, cell-cycle, oxidative stress, and invasiveness) that theoretically could be bound and regulated by M. sylvestris miRNAs. The evidence collected in this work would suggest that the beneficial properties of the use of M. sylvestris, documented by the folk medicine, are probably linked to their content of miRNAs and not only to the action of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanins). This would open new perspectives about the possibility to develop gene therapies based on miRNAs isolated from medicinal plants, including M. sylvestris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Villani
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Botany, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
- Department of Biology, PhD Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Botany, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Federico Iacovelli
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Daniele Pietrucci
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Via S.M. in Gradi N.4, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Botany, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Botany, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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Minutolo A, Gismondi A, Chirico R, Di Marco G, Petrone V, Fanelli M, D’Agostino A, Canini A, Grelli S, Albanese L, Centritto M, Zabini F, Matteucci C, Meneguzzo F. Antioxidant Phytocomplexes Extracted from Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Using Hydrodynamic Cavitation Show Potential Anticancer Activity In Vitro. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1560. [PMID: 37627555 PMCID: PMC10451776 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081560] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), as an effective, efficient, and scalable extraction technique for natural products, could enable the affordable production of valuable antioxidant extracts from plant resources. For the first time, whole pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits, rich in bioactive phytochemicals endowed with anti-cancer properties, were extracted in water using HC. Aqueous fractions sequentially collected during the process (M1-M5) were lyophilized (L), filtered (A), or used as such, i.e., crude (C), and analyzed for their biochemical profile and in vitro antioxidant power. The fractions M3 and M4 from the L and C series showed the highest antiradical activity and phytochemical content. While the lyophilized form is preferable for application purposes, sample L-M3, which was produced faster and with lower energy consumption than M4, was used to assess the potential antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer line (AU565-PAR) and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells from healthy donors. In a pilot study, cell growth, death, and redox state were assessed, showing that L-M3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and intracellular oxygen reactive species. No effect on PBMCs was detected. Thus, the antioxidant phytocomplex extracted from pomegranate quickly (15 min), at room temperature (30 °C), and efficiently showed potential anticancer activity without harming healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Rossella Chirico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
- Virology Unit, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Albanese
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
| | - Mauro Centritto
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Federica Zabini
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.M.); (R.C.); (V.P.); (M.F.); (S.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesco Meneguzzo
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council of Italy, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.A.); (F.Z.)
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Olmi L, Pepe G, Helmer-Citterich M, Canini A, Gismondi A. Looking for Plant microRNAs in Human Blood Samples: Bioinformatics Evidence and Perspectives. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2023:10.1007/s11130-023-01063-9. [PMID: 37256506 PMCID: PMC10363053 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-023-01063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Literature has proposed the existence of a cross kingdom regulation (CRK) between human and plants. In this context, microRNAs present in edible plants would be acquired through diet by the consumer's organism and transported via bloodstream to tissues, where they would modulate gene expression. However, the validity of this phenomenon is strongly debated; indeed, some scholars have discussed both the methodologies and the results obtained in previous works. To date, only one study has performed a bioinformatics analysis on small RNA-sequencing data for checking the presence of plant miRNAs (pmiRNAs) in human plasma. For that investigation, the lack of reliable controls, which led to the misidentification of human RNAs as pmiRNAs, has been deeply criticized. Thus, in the present contribution, we aim to demonstrate the existence of pmiRNAs in human blood, adopting a bioinformatics approach characterized by more stringent conditions and filtering. The information obtained from 380 experiments produced in 5 different next generation sequencing (NGS) projects was examined, revealing the presence of 350 circulating pmiRNAs across the analysed data set. Although one of the NGS projects shows results likely to be attributed to sample contamination, the others appear to provide reliable support for the acquisition of pmiRNAs through diet. To infer the potential biological activity of the identified pmiRNAs, we predicted their putative human mRNA targets, finding with great surprise that they appear to be mainly involved in neurogenesis and nervous system development. Unfortunately, no consensus was identified within the sequences of detected pmiRNAs, in order to justify their stability or capability to be preserved in human plasma. We believe that the issue regarding CKR still needs further clarifications, even if the present findings would offer a solid support that this hypothesis is not impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Olmi
- Dept. Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Gerardo Pepe
- Dept. Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Manuela Helmer-Citterich
- Dept. Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Dept. Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Dept. Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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De Rossi S, Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Braglia R, Mecca G, Canini A, Gismondi A. Influence of environmental conditions on the production of nutraceuticals in Italian edible plant landraces. Food Res Int 2023; 165:112483. [PMID: 36869496 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112483] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Autochthonous plant varieties, also referred to as landraces, represent an important genetic resource, being well-adapted to the environment in which they have been selected. Landraces usually show profiles rich in nutraceuticals, making them an effective and valuable alternative to commercial agri-products, as well as potential candidates for crop improvement programs. Basilicata region is recognized as an Italian hotspot for agrobiodiversity, due to its complex orography. Thus, this work aimed to characterize and monitor, for two successive years, the content of secondary metabolites and related antioxidant properties of seven different species, four officinal (i.e., wild fennel - Feoniculum vulgare Mill.; oregano - Origanum vulgare L.; thyme - Thymus vulgaris L.; valerian - Valeriana officinalis L.) and three fruit species (i.e., fig - Ficus carica L. cv. Dottato; sweet cherry Prunus avium L. cv. Majatica; plum - Prunus domestica L. cv. Cascavella Gialla), collected in three different sites of this region. In detail, spectrophotometric tests were performed to assess the concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and - for officinal plants - also terpenoids, together with the antiradical activity (FRAP assays). In addition, to better typify the phytocomplexes of these landraces, HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analyses were carried out. In general, officinal plants showed higher values of nutraceutical compounds and related bioactivity with respect to fruit species. The data showed how different accessions of the same species had different phytochemical profiles, according to the sampling area and the year of collection, suggesting a role for both genetic and environmental factors in determining the observed results. Therefore, the final goal of this research was also to find a possible correlation between environmental factors and nutraceutics. The greatest correlation was found in valerian, where a lower water intake seemed to lead to a higher accumulation of antioxidants, and in plum, where the flavonoid content correlated positively with high temperatures. All these outcomes contribute at valorising Basilicata landraces for their aptitude to be high-quality foods and, at the same time, promoting the preservation of the agrobiodiversity for this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Braglia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Mecca
- EXO-Ricerca Soc. Consortile a r.l., Via del Gallitello 116/I, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00132 Rome, Italy.
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Benmahieddine A, Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, Amari NO, Zerey-Belaskri AE, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Canini A, Habi S, Atik Bekkara F, Djebli N. Leaf-buds of Pistacia atlantica: a novel source of bioactive molecules with high anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and antimicrobial properties. Physiol Mol Biol Plants 2023; 29:209-219. [PMID: 36875728 PMCID: PMC9981845 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01290-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and antimicrobial property of P. atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica leaf-bud extract have been investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined in vivo by reducing carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in mice, while the antiradical function was evaluated using DPPH, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduction power assays. The extract induced a significant reduction of the edema, from 1 to 6 h in a dose-dependent manner (150, 200 and 300 mg/kg). Histological observations of the inflamed tissues also confirmed this. An effective antioxidant activity of the plant samples was demonstrated, showing an EC50 = 0.183 ± 0.005 mg/mL for the DPPH test, a value of 28.776 ± 2.541 mg AAE/g for the TAC and an EC50 = 0.136 ± 0.003 mg/mL for reducing power. The leaf-bud extract also revealed a good antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes (mean diameter of inhibition zones of 13.2 and 17.0 mm, respectively), while a slight antifungal effect was observed. The plant preparation was then documented to inhibit tyrosinase activity, with an EC50 value of 0.098 ± 0.00 mg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that dimethyl-allyl caffeic acid and rutin were the most abundant molecules. The current data documented that P. atlantica leaf-bud extract has strong biological properties and constitutes a potential source of pharmacological molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Benmahieddine
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Larbi Belyagoubi
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Nesrine Ouda Amari
- Pharmacognosy, Api-Phytoteraphy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of SNV, Mostaganem University, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Asma El Zerey-Belaskri
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Salim Habi
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Fawzia Atik Bekkara
- Natural Product Laboratory (LAPRONA), Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, and Sciences of Earth and Universe, University Abou Bekr Belkaid, PB 119, Imama, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Djebli
- Pharmacognosy, Api-Phytoteraphy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of SNV, Mostaganem University, Mostaganem, Algeria
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9
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Vitaliti A, Roccatani I, Iorio E, Perta N, Gismondi A, Chirico M, Pisanu ME, Di Marino D, Canini A, De Luca A, Rossi L. AKT-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition is affected by copper bioavailability in HER2 negative breast cancer cells via a LOXL2-independent mechanism. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:93-115. [PMID: 36454513 PMCID: PMC9947069 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00738-w] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main mechanism underlying cancer dissemination is the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is orchestrated by cytokines like TGFβ, involving "non-canonical" AKT- or STAT3-driven pathways. Recently, the alteration of copper homeostasis seems involved in the onset and progression of cancer. METHODS We expose different breast cancer cell lines, including two triple negative (TNBC) ones, an HER2 enriched and one cell line representative of the Luminal A molecular subtype, to short- or long-term copper-chelation by triethylenetetramine (TRIEN). We analyse changes in the expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin and αSMA), in the levels and activity of extracellular matrix components (LOXL2, fibronectin and MMP2/9) and of copper homeostasis markers by Western blot analyses, immunofluorescence, enzyme activity assays and RT-qPCR. Boyden Chamber and wound healing assays revealed the impact of copper chelation on cell migration. Additionally, we explored whether perturbation of copper homeostasis affects EMT prompted by TGFβ. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses were applied to search the effects of copper chelation on the metabolism of breast cancer cells. Finally, bioinformatics analysis of data on breast cancer patients obtained from different databases was employed to correlate changes in kinases and copper markers with patients' survival. RESULTS Remarkably, only HER2 negative breast cancer cells differently responded to short- or long-term exposure to TRIEN, initially becoming more aggressive but, upon prolonged exposure, retrieving epithelial features, reducing their invasiveness. This phenomenon may be related to the different impact of the short and prolonged activation of the AKT kinase and to the repression of STAT3 signalling. Bioinformatics analyses confirmed the positive correlation of breast cancer patients' survival with AKT activation and up-regulation of CCS. Eventually, metabolomics studies demonstrate a prevalence of glycolysis over mitochondrial energetic metabolism and of lipidome changes in TNBC cells upon TRIEN treatment. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence of a pivotal role of copper in AKT-driven EMT activation, acting independently of HER2 in TNBC cells and via a profound change in their metabolism. Our results support the use of copper-chelators as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Vitaliti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy ,PhD program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Roccatani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Iorio
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nunzio Perta
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mattea Chirico
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- Core Facilities High Resolution NMR Unit, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luisa Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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10
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D'Agostino A, Di Marco G, Marvelli S, Marchesini M, Rizzoli E, Rolfo MF, Canini A, Gismondi A. Neolithic dental calculi provide evidence for environmental proxies and consumption of wild edible fruits and herbs in central Apennines. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1384. [PMID: 36536113 PMCID: PMC9763411 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04354-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Looking for a biological fingerprint relative to new aspects of the relationship between humans and natural environment during prehistoric times is challenging. Although many issues still need to be addressed in terms of authentication and identification, microparticles hidden in ancient dental calculus can provide interesting information for bridging this gap of knowledge. Here, we show evidence about the role of edible plants for the early Neolithic individuals in the central Apennines of the Italian peninsula and relative cultural landscape. Dental calculi from human and animal specimens exhumed at Grotta Mora Cavorso (Lazio), one of the largest prehistoric burial deposits, have returned an archaeobotanical record made up of several types of palaeoecological proxies. The organic fraction of this matrix was investigated by a multidisciplinary approach, whose novelty consisted in the application of next generation sequencing to ancient plant DNA fragments, specifically codifying for maturase K barcode gene. Panicoideae and Triticeae starches, together with genetic indicators of Rosaceae fruits, figs, and Lamiaceae herbs, suggested subsistence practices most likely still based on wild plant resources. On the other hand, pollen, and non-pollen palynomorphs allowed us to outline a general vegetational framework dominated by woodland patches alternated with meadows, where semi-permanent settlements could have been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D'Agostino
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Marvelli
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Archeobotanica-C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli, San Giovanni in Persiceto, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Marchesini
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Archeobotanica-C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli, San Giovanni in Persiceto, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rizzoli
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Archeobotanica-C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli, San Giovanni in Persiceto, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Federico Rolfo
- Department of History, Culture and Society, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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11
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Zitouni-Nourine SH, Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, El-Houaria Zitouni-Haouar F, Douahi O, Chenafi F, Fetati H, Chabane Sari S, Benmahieddine A, Zaoui C, Mekaouche FZN, Atik Bekkara F, Kambouche N, Gismondi A, Toumi H. Echinops spinosissimus Turra Root Methanolic Extract: Characterization of the Bioactive Components and Relative Wound Healing, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties. Plants (Basel) 2022; 11:3440. [PMID: 36559550 PMCID: PMC9784825 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243440] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Echinops spinosissimus Turra subsp. bovei (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant in western Algeria. Traditionally, roots and inflorescences are employed as hypertensive agents and in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The current study evaluates the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties of the root methanolic extract from E. spinosissimus subsp. bovei. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins was determined. In addition, the phenolic profile was typified. The studied plant extract resulted in being primarily composed of Apigenin, Kaempferol, and their derivatives. The total phenolic content was equal to 95.31 ± 2.90 mg GAE/g DW, while the number of flavonoids and condensed tannins was 16.01 ± 0.16 mg CE/g DW and 8.30 ± 0.65 mg CE/g DW, respectively. The methanolic extract was found to exhibit antioxidant activity towards the DPPH radical, with an IC50 of 7.99 ± 0.28 mg/mL and a TAC of 30.30 ± 0.54 mg AAE/g DW, as well as an antibacterial effect, especially against P. aeruginosa. No significant wound-healing property was observed, even though the histopathological observations showed enhanced wound-healing quality. According to our evidence, E. spinosissimus could represent a source of phytochemicals with potential beneficial effects for human health in terms of antioxidant and antibiotic properties, although further investigations on this species are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saida Hanane Zitouni-Nourine
- Pharmaceutical Development Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Fatima El-Houaria Zitouni-Haouar
- Laboratory of Biology of Microorganisms and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Omar Douahi
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Faouzia Chenafi
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University Oran 2, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Habiba Fetati
- Pharmaceutical Development Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Siham Chabane Sari
- Anatompathological Department, Faculty of Medicine, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Assia Benmahieddine
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Chahinez Zaoui
- Developmental and Differentiation Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Fatima Zohra Nadjet Mekaouche
- Pharmaceutical Development Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Fawzia Atik Bekkara
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen 13000, Algeria
| | - Nadia Kambouche
- Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of General Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Houari Toumi
- Pharmaceutical Development Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella University, Oran 31000, Algeria
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12
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Roglia V, Potestà M, Minchella A, Bruno SP, Bernardini R, Lettieri-Barbato D, Iacovelli F, Gismondi A, Aquilano K, Canini A, Muleo R, Colizzi V, Mattei M, Minutolo A, Montesano C. Exogenous miRNAs from Moringa oleifera Lam. recover a dysregulated lipid metabolism. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1012359. [PMID: 36465560 PMCID: PMC9715436 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1012359] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A balanced diet is critical for human health, and edible plants play an important role in providing essential micronutrients as well as specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate human gene expression. Here we present the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) miRNAs (mol-miRs) on lipid metabolism. Through in silico studies we identified the potential genes involved in lipid metabolism targeted by mol-miRs. To this end, we tested the efficacy of an aqueous extract of MO seeds (MOES), as suggested in traditional African ethnomedicine, or its purified miRNAs. The biological properties of MO preparations were investigated using a human derived hepatoma cell line (HepG2) as a model. MOES treatment decreased intracellular lipid accumulation and induced apoptosis in HepG2. In the same cell line, transfection with mol-miRs showed similar effects to MOES. Moreover, the effect of the mol-miR pool was investigated in a pre-obese mouse model, in which treatment with mol-miRs was able to prevent dysregulation of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Roglia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UNESCO Interdisciplinary Chair in Biotechnology and Bioethics, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Paola Bruno
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Interdepartmental Center for Animal Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Muleo
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UNESCO Interdisciplinary Chair in Biotechnology and Bioethics, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- UNESCO Interdisciplinary Chair in Biotechnology and Bioethics, Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Animal Technology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UNESCO Interdisciplinary Chair in Biotechnology and Bioethics, Rome, Italy
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13
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D'Agostino A, Di Marco G, Marvelli S, Marchesini M, Martínez‐Labarga JM, Rolfo MF, Canini A, Gismondi A. Pollen record of the Late Pleistocene–Holocene stratigraphic sequence and current plant biodiversity from
Grotta Mora Cavorso
(Simbruini Mountains, Central Italy). Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9486. [PMCID: PMC9643123 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D'Agostino
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
| | - Silvia Marvelli
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Archeobotanica C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli Bologna Italy
| | - Marco Marchesini
- Laboratorio di Palinologia e Archeobotanica C.A.A. Giorgio Nicoli Bologna Italy
| | - Juan Manuel Martínez‐Labarga
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, E.T.S.I. Montes, Forestal y del Medio Natural Universidad Politécnica de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Mario Federico Rolfo
- Dipartimento di Storia, Patrimonio culturale, Formazione e Società Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata” Rome Italy
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14
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Tittarelli R, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Mineo F, Vernich F, Russo C, Marsella LT, Canini A. Forensic Application of Genetic and Toxicological Analyses for the Identification and Characterization of the Opium Poppy ( Papaver somniferum L.). Biology (Basel) 2022; 11:672. [PMID: 35625400 PMCID: PMC9138826 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reliable and science-based taxonomic determination of Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy), the illegal species of the genus Papaver, may have practical and legal implications for law enforcement. P. somniferum is a controlled plant because of its narcotic substances, such as morphine and codeine. As poppy plants have rather similar morphological features, both chemical and genetic analysis are required in order to achieve an accurate characterization of such species. The chemical structures of alkaloids are extremely variable even within the same species, which is why the genetic approach may lead to a more scientific Papaver sp. differentiation. The aim of our study was the taxonomic identification of poppy capsules seized by the Italian Police Forces being considered as potential P. somniferum derivatives. METHODS The alkaloids detected using gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GC/MS) were morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, meconin, hydrocotarnine, and traces of papaverine. Further genetic analysis was carried out simultaneously using three plastid DNA barcoding regions (matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL) for the samples' identification. RESULTS The Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method showed that the analysed samples were genetically identical. CONCLUSIONS The morphological, toxicological, and genetic profile of the samples revealed that they belonged to P. somniferum species. Furthermore, the alkaloid content of dried poppy capsules might be used to investigate and track their origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Tittarelli
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (F.V.); (C.R.); (L.T.M.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Science, University Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Science, University Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Federico Mineo
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (F.V.); (C.R.); (L.T.M.)
| | - Francesca Vernich
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (F.V.); (C.R.); (L.T.M.)
| | - Carmelo Russo
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (F.V.); (C.R.); (L.T.M.)
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (F.V.); (C.R.); (L.T.M.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Science, University Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
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15
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Braglia R, Costa P, Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Redi EL, Scuderi F, Gismondi A, Canini A. Phytochemicals and quality level of food plants grown in an aquaponics system. J Sci Food Agric 2022; 102:844-850. [PMID: 34231921 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11420] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beyond nutrition, fruits and vegetables can be considered as natural sources of bioactive molecules, for which beneficial effects on human health are widely recognised. To improve food quality, soilless growing systems could represent a good strategy for promoting a sustainable food production chain, although the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of their products should be investigated in depth. The main quality traits and the volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites of Solanum lycopersicum L., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss and Ocimun basilicum L. grown in an aquaponics system and in organic farming were quantified and compared. RESULTS On a fresh basis, soil-grown P. crispum and O. basilicum showed significantly higher total phenolics and antioxidant activity compared to aquaponic crops, whereas, on a dry basis, both plants showed opposite results. Soil-grown S. lycopersicum was significantly richer in total phenolics, whereas the aquaponic type showed a higher antioxidant activity. Aquaponics induced the accumulation of resveratrol in P. crispum, rosmarinic acid and myricetin in O. basilicum, and lycopene in S. lycopersicum. Among the volatile compounds, in O. basilicum, linalool was the main constituent in both treatments, whereas τ-cadinol represented the second constituent in aquaponic crops. The volatile profiles of P. crispum did not differ significantly between the two cultivation methods. CONCLUSION The overall quality of organic and aquaponics cultures appeared to be comparable. The results showed that aquaponic farming method can be an innovative, rapid and sustainable way of producing quality food. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico L Redi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Scuderi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
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16
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Cristiani E, Radini A, Zupancich A, Gismondi A, D'Agostino A, Ottoni C, Carra M, Vukojičić S, Constantinescu M, Antonović D, Price TD, Borić D. Wild cereal grain consumption among Early Holocene foragers of the Balkans predates the arrival of agriculture. eLife 2021; 10:72976. [PMID: 34850680 PMCID: PMC8782571 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Forager focus on wild cereal plants has been documented in the core zone of domestication in southwestern Asia, while evidence for forager use of wild grass grains remains sporadic elsewhere. In this paper, we present starch grain and phytolith analyses of dental calculus from 60 Mesolithic and Early Neolithic individuals from five sites in the Danube Gorges of the central Balkans. This zone was inhabited by likely complex Holocene foragers for several millennia before the appearance of the first farmers ~6200 cal BC. We also analyzed forager ground stone tools (GSTs) for evidence of plant processing. Our results based on the study of dental calculus show that certain species of Poaceae (species of the genus Aegilops) were used since the Early Mesolithic, while GSTs exhibit traces of a developed grass grain processing technology. The adoption of domesticated plants in this region after ~6500 cal BC might have been eased by the existing familiarity with wild cereals. Before humans invented agriculture and the first farmers appeared in southwestern Asia, other ancient foragers (also known as hunter-gatherers) in southeastern Europe had already developed a taste for consuming wild plants. There is evidence to suggest that these foragers were intensely gathering wild cereal grains before the arrival of agriculture. However, until now, the only place outside southwestern Asia this has been shown to have occurred is in Greece, and is dated around 20,000 years ago. In the past, researchers proposed that forager societies in the Balkans also consumed wild cereals before transitioning to agriculture. But this has been difficult to prove because plant foods are less likely to preserve than animal bones and teeth, making them harder to detect in prehistoric contexts. To overcome this, Cristiani et al. studied teeth from 60 individuals found in archaeological sites between Serbia and Romania, which are attributed to the Mesolithic and Early Neolithic periods. Food particles extracted from crusty deposits on the teeth (called the dental calculus) were found to contain structures typically found in plants. In addition, Cristiani et al. discovered similar plant food residues on ground stone tools which also contained traces of wear associated with the processing of wild cereals. These findings suggest that foragers in the central Balkans were already consuming certain species of wild cereal grains 11,500 years ago, before agriculture arrived in Europe. It is possible that sharing knowledge about plant resources may have helped introduce domesticated plant species in to this region as early as 6500 BC. This work challenges the deep-rooted idea that the diet of hunter-gatherers during the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods primarily consisted of animal proteins. In addition, it highlights the active role the eating habits of foragers might have played in introducing certain domesticated plant species that have become primary staples of our diet today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Cristiani
- DANTE - Diet and Ancient Technology Laboratory, Department of Oral and Maxilla-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anita Radini
- Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Zupancich
- DANTE - Diet and Ancient Technology Laboratory, Department of Oral and Maxilla-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of General Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata"", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Agostino
- Laboratory of General Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata"", Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Ottoni
- DANTE - Diet and Ancient Technology Laboratory, Department of Oral and Maxilla-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Carra
- DANTE - Diet and Ancient Technology Laboratory, Department of Oral and Maxilla-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Snežana Vukojičić
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 'Jevremovac', University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - T Douglas Price
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States
| | - Dušan Borić
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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17
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Ghionzoli N, Mandoli GE, Gismondi A, Di Florio A, Cavigli L, Sciaccaluga C, Pastore MC, D'Ascenzi F, Cameli M, Focardi M. Acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction: the role of CMR in long term follow up. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has an important role in subjects presenting with acute myocarditis and preserved ejection fraction (pEF); it is widely used as a non-invasive imaging test in patients with suspected myocarditis, both for diagnostic and prognostic purpose. Despite this, poor data is available regarding which parameters define a worst prognosis in acute myocarditis with pEF.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to analyze the role of CMR in acute myocarditis with pEF at long term follow up.
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled 61 patients admitted to our Cardiology Department with suspected acute myocarditis and pEF. In the acute phase we analyzed clinical parameters, blood sample tests, echocardiographic and CMR indices. Myocarditis was confirmed using the Lake-Louis criteria on CMR images. The patients were followed up for a median of 4.8 years for the development of two composite endpoints: the first including cardiovascular death, cardiac arrest and/or ICD implantation; the second hospitalization for acute heart failure and/or recurrence of myocarditis.
Results
The clinical presentation was infart-like in the 78% of subjects; they all had a NYHA class I and had a pEF at basal echocardiogram. CMR showed myocardial edema in 50 patients (83%) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 94% of subjects. LGE involved the inferolateral wall in the 70%, the interventricular septum in 25% and other walls in 5%. During follow up, the first composite endpoint occurred in the 8% of patients, while 7 subjects (11%) had a new hospitalization for cardiac causes (heart failure or recurrence of myocarditis). Those patients with events during follow up had a significantly higher LGE quantity (21±9,8 gr vs 12,8±6 gr; p=0.006 Figure 1) at basal CMR compared to the other group.
Conclusions
LGE quantification by CMR could represent a prognostic added tool at long-term follow up in patients presenting with acute myocarditis and left ventricular pEF.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ghionzoli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - G E Mandoli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - A Di Florio
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - L Cavigli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - C Sciaccaluga
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - M C Pastore
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - F D'Ascenzi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - M Cameli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - M Focardi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
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18
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Cavigli L, Zorzi A, Spadotto V, Gismondi A, Sisti N, Valentini F, Anselmi F, Mandoli GE, Spera L, Di Florio A, Baccani B, Cameli M, D"ascenzi F. The acute effects of an ultramarathon on biventricular function and ventricular arrhythmias in master athletes. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab061.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background. Endurance sports practice has significantly increased over the last decades, with a growing proportion of participants older than 40 years. Although the benefits of moderate regular exercise are well known, concerns exist regarding the potential negative effects induced by extreme endurance sport. The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of an ultramarathon race on the ECG, biventricular function and ventricular arrhythmias in a population of master athletes.
Methods. Master athletes participating in an ultramarathon (50 km, 600 meters of elevation gain) with no history of heart disease were recruited. A single-lead ECG was recorded continuously from the day before to the end of the race. Echocardiography and 12-lead resting ECG were performed before and at the end of the race.
Results. The study sample consisted of 68 healthy non-professional master athletes. Compared with baseline, R-wave amplitude in V1 and QTc duration were higher after the race (p < 0.001). Exercise-induced isolated premature ventricular beats were observed in 7% of athletes; none showed non-sustained ventricular tachycardia before or during the race. Left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and twisting did not significantly differ before and after the race. After the race, no significant differences were found in right ventricular inflow and outflow tract dimensions, fractional area change, s’ and GLS.
Conclusions. In master endurance athletes running an ultra-marathon, exercise-induced ventricular dysfunction or relevant ventricular arrhythmias were not detected. These results did not confirm the hypothesis of a detrimental acute effect of strenuous exercise on the heart.
Abstract Figure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cavigli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - A Zorzi
- University of Padua, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy
| | - V Spadotto
- University of Padua, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova, Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - N Sisti
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - F Valentini
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - F Anselmi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - GE Mandoli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - L Spera
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - A Di Florio
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - B Baccani
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - M Cameli
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
| | - F D"ascenzi
- University of Siena, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Cardiology, Siena, Italy
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19
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Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Redi EL, Ferrucci L, Cantonetti M, Canini A. The antimicrobial activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil against Staphylococcus species in a hospital environment. J Herb Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2021.100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Benmahieddine A, Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, El Zerey-Belaskri A, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Canini A, Bechlaghem N, Atik Bekkara F, Djebli N. Influence of plant and environment parameters on phytochemical composition and biological properties of Pistacia atlantica Desf. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2021.104231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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21
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Samperna S, Boari A, Vurro M, Salzano AM, Reveglia P, Evidente A, Gismondi A, Canini A, Scaloni A, Marra M. Arabidopsis Defense against the Pathogenic Fungus Drechslera gigantea Is Dependent on the Integrity of the Unfolded Protein Response. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020240. [PMID: 33567651 PMCID: PMC7915340 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drechslera gigantea Heald & Wolf is a worldwide-spread necrotrophic fungus closely related to the Bipolaris genus, well-known because many member species provoke severe diseases in cereal crops and studied because they produce sesterpenoid phytoxins named ophiobolins which possess interesting biological properties. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved mechanism protecting eukaryotic cells from the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In plants, consolidated evidence supports the role of UPR in the tolerance to abiotic stress, whereas much less information is available concerning the induction of ER stress by pathogen infection and consequent UPR elicitation as part of the defense response. In this study, the infection process of D. gigantea in Arabidopsis thaliana wild type and UPR-defective bzip28 bzip60 double mutant plants was comparatively investigated, with the aim to address the role of UPR in the expression of resistance to the fungal pathogen. The results of confocal microscopy, as well as of qRT-PCR transcript level analysis of UPR genes, proteomics, microRNAs expression profile and HPLC-based hormone analyses demonstrated that ophiobolin produced by the fungus during infection compromised ER integrity and that impairment of the IRE1/bZIP60 pathway of UPR hampered the full expression of resistance, thereby enhancing plant susceptibility to the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Samperna
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Boari
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Institute, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Maurizio Vurro
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Institute, 70126 Bari, Italy; (A.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Anna Maria Salzano
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Naples, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Pierluigi Reveglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (A.E.)
| | - Antonio Evidente
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (P.R.); (A.E.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (A.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Naples, Italy; (A.M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Mauro Marra
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (S.S.); (A.G.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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D’Agostino A, Canini A, Di Marco G, Nigro L, Spagnoli F, Gismondi A. Investigating Plant Micro-Remains Embedded in Dental Calculus of the Phoenician Inhabitants of Motya (Sicily, Italy). Plants (Basel) 2020; 9:plants9101395. [PMID: 33092237 PMCID: PMC7590007 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant records reveal remarkable evidence about past environments and human cultures. Exploiting dental calculus analysis and using a combined approach of microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, our research outlines dietary ecology and phytomedicinal practices of the ancient community of Motya (Sicily, eight to sixth century BC), one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean basin. Micro-remains suggest use or consumption of Triticeae cereals, and animal-derived sources (e.g., milk and aquatic birds). Markers of grape (or wine), herbs, and rhizomes, endemic of Mediterranean latitudes and the East, provide insight into the subsistence of this colony, in terms of foodstuffs and phytotherapeutic products. The application of resins and wood of Gymnosperms for social and cultural purposes is hypothesized through the identification of Pinaceae secondary metabolites and pollen grains. The information hidden in dental calculus discloses the strong human-plant interaction in Motya’s Phoenician community, in terms of cultural traditions and land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-06-7259-4330 (A.C.); +39-06-7259-4344 (A.G.); Fax: +39-06-2023-500 (A.C. & A.G.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Nigro
- Department Italian Institute of Oriental Studies—ISO, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Spagnoli
- Department Italian Institute of Oriental Studies—ISO, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.); (G.D.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-06-7259-4330 (A.C.); +39-06-7259-4344 (A.G.); Fax: +39-06-2023-500 (A.C. & A.G.)
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23
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Nanni V, Di Marco G, Sacchetti G, Canini A, Gismondi A. Oregano Phytocomplex Induces Programmed Cell Death in Melanoma Lines via Mitochondria and DNA Damage. Foods 2020; 9:foods9101486. [PMID: 33080917 PMCID: PMC7603152 DOI: 10.3390/foods9101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant secondary metabolites possess chemopreventive and antineoplastic properties, but the lack of information about their exact mechanism of action in mammalian cells hinders the translation of these compounds in suitable therapies. In light of this, firstly, Origanum vulgare L. hydroalcoholic extract was chemically characterized by spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses; then, the molecular bases underlying its antitumor activity on B16-F10 and A375 melanoma cells were investigated. Oregano extract induced oxidative stress and inhibited melanogenesis and tumor cell proliferation, triggering programmed cell death pathways (both apoptosis and necroptosis) through mitochondria and DNA damage. By contrast, oregano extract was safe on healthy tissues, revealing no cytotoxicity and mutagenicity on C2C12 myoblasts, considered as non-tumor proliferating cell model system, and on Salmonella strains, by the Ames test. All these data provide scientific evidence about the potential application of this food plant as an anticancer agent in in vivo studies and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Nanni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Terra&Acqua Tech-Research Unit 7, Pharmaceutical Biology Lab, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Piazzale Luciano Chiappini 3, 44123 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (V.N.); (G.D.M.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-7259-4333
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24
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Colosimo G, Di Marco G, D'Agostino A, Gismondi A, Vera CA, Gerber GP, Scardi M, Canini A, Gentile G. Chemical signatures of femoral pore secretions in two syntopic but reproductively isolated species of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus marthae and C. subcristatus). Sci Rep 2020; 10:14314. [PMID: 32868803 PMCID: PMC7458923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71176-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The only known population of Conolophus marthae (Reptilia, Iguanidae) and a population of C. subcristatus are syntopic on Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island, Galápagos). No gene flow occurs suggesting that effective reproductive isolating mechanisms exist between these two species. Chemical signature of femoral pore secretions is important for intra- and inter-specific chemical communication in squamates. As a first step towards testing the hypothesis that chemical signals could mediate reproductive isolation between C. marthae and C. subcristatus, we compared the chemical profiles of femoral gland exudate from adults caught on Wolf Volcano. We compared data from three different years and focused on two years in particular when femoral gland exudate was collected from adults during the reproductive season. Samples were processed using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). We identified over 100 different chemical compounds. Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) was used to graphically represent the similarity among individuals based on their chemical profiles. Results from non-parametric statistical tests indicate that the separation between the two species is significant, suggesting that the chemical profile signatures of the two species may help prevent hybridization between C. marthae and C. subcristatus. Further investigation is needed to better resolve environmental influence and temporal reproductive patterns in determining the variation of biochemical profiles in both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Colosimo
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027-7000, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlos A Vera
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, Technical Biodiversity Research, Av. C. Darwin, Puerto Ayora, 200350, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Glenn P Gerber
- Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027-7000, USA
| | - Michele Scardi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Gentile
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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25
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Potestà M, Roglia V, Fanelli M, Pietrobono E, Gismondi A, Vumbaca S, Nguedia Tsangueu RG, Canini A, Colizzi V, Grelli S, Minutolo A, Montesano C. Effect of microvesicles from Moringa oleifera containing miRNA on proliferation and apoptosis in tumor cell lines. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:43. [PMID: 32550010 PMCID: PMC7272625 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-0271-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human microvesicles are key mediators of cell-cell communication. Exosomes function as microRNA transporters, playing a crucial role in physiological and pathological processes. Plant microvesicles (MVs) display similar features to mammalian exosomes, and these MVs might enhance plant microRNA delivery in mammals. Considering that plant microRNAs have been newly identified as bioactive constituents in medicinal plants, and that their potential role as regulators in mammals has been underlined, in this study, we characterized MVs purified from Moringa oleifera seeds aqueous extract (MOES MVs) and used flow cytometry methods to quantify the ability to deliver their content to host cells. The microRNAs present in MOES MVs were characterized, and through a bioinformatic analysis, specific human apoptosis-related target genes of plant miRNAs were identified. In tumor cell lines, MOES MVs treatment reduced viability, increased apoptosis levels associated with a decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 protein expression and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. Interestingly, the effects observed with MOES MVs treatment were comparable to those observed with MOES treatment and transfection with the pool of small RNAs isolated from MOES, used as a control. These results highlight the role of microRNAs transported by MOES MVs as natural bioactive plant compounds that counteract tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Roglia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Fanelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Pietrobono
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Vumbaca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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26
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Gismondi A, Baldoni M, Gnes M, Scorrano G, D’Agostino A, Di Marco G, Calabria G, Petrucci M, Müldner G, Von Tersch M, Nardi A, Enei F, Canini A, Rickards O, Alexander M, Martínez-Labarga C. A multidisciplinary approach for investigating dietary and medicinal habits of the Medieval population of Santa Severa (7th-15th centuries, Rome, Italy). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227433. [PMID: 31990948 PMCID: PMC6986732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach, combining stable isotope analysis from bone proteins and investigations on dental calculus using DNA analysis, light microscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, was applied to reconstruct dietary and medicinal habits of the individuals recovered in the cemetery of the Castle of Santa Severa (7th-15th centuries CE; Rome, Italy). Stable isotope analysis was performed on 120 humans, 41 faunal specimens and 8 charred seeds. Dental calculus analyses were carried out on 94 samples. Overall, isotope data indicated an omnivorous diet based on C3-terrestrial protein, although some individuals possessed carbon values indicative of C4 plant consumption. In terms of animal protein, the diet was probably based on cattle, sheep, pig and chicken products, as witnessed by the archaeozoological findings. Evidence from calculus suggested the consumption of C3 cereals, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, milk and dairy products. Secondary metabolites of herbs and wine were also detected. The detection of marine fish ancient DNA, as well as of ω3 fatty acids in calculus, hypothesized the consumption of marine foodstuffs for this coastal population, despite the lack of a clear marine isotopic signal and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in plant tissues. Moreover, the knowledge of ethnopharmacological tradition and the application of medicinal plants (e.g. Punica granatum L., Ephedra sp. L.) were also identified. The detection of artemisinin, known to have antimalarial properties, led to hypothesize the presence of malaria in the area. Altogether, the combined application of microscopy and biomolecular techniques provided an innovative reconstruction of Medieval lifeways in Central Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Baldoni
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Gnes
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Scorrano
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulietta Calabria
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Petrucci
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gundula Müldner
- Department of Archaeology, University of Reading, Reading, England, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Von Tersch
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Nardi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Enei
- Museo Civico di Santa Marinella “Museo del Mare e della Navigazione Antica”, Castello di Santa Severa (Roma–Italia)
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratory of Botany, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Rickards
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelle Alexander
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Martínez-Labarga
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA Antico, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Cammalleri V, Tavernese A, De Vico P, Macrini M, Gismondi A, Muscoli S, Mauceri A, Stelitano M, Uccello G, Mollace R, Marino MM, Romeo F. P299 Acute effects of Levosimendan on myocardial function in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction undergoing MitraClip repair. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jez319.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
MitraClip system has developed as a valid therapeutic option in patients affected by moderate to severe and severe mitral regurgitation, low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and high surgical risk. Often, after the procedure occurs afterload mismatch, an acute and transient worsening of LVEF. Inotropic drugs can improve hemodynamic values at the prize of severe side effects. Levosimendan increases myocardial contractility without an elevation of intracellular calcium concentration, tachyarrhythmia and cardiomyocytes necrosis.
Purpose
Aim of our study was to assess the acute Levosimendan effects on LVEF of patients who underwent MitraClip procedure
Methods
Among 160 patients who underwent MitraClip procedure in our institute, 99 patients, with LVEF ≤35%, were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in all patients, at moment of hospital admission and at discharge; transesophageal echocardiogram was performed during the procedure. We recorded the LVEF by modified Simpson’s rule. Periprocedural hemodynamic parameters were also recorded. 59 patients received Levosimendan during and early after the procedure (L-group) and 40 patients did not (no-L-group). Levosimendan perfusion was started at 0.01 μg/kg/min 1 h before the procedure without a loading dose, and maintained for 12h, according to hemodynamics.
Results
In the overall population, patients suffered from a severe reduction of LVEF (29.5 ± 5.3%) and high systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (51 ± 14.2 mmHg), without significant difference between the two groups. Acute procedural success was achieved in 98% of the study population, with 2 procedural failures in no-L-group (p = 0.16). During the procedure we observed a significant improvement of LVEF compared to baseline values only in L-group (from 29.6 ± 5.7% to 32.1 ± 7.6%, p = 0.046); in no-L-group the LVEF improved from 29.4 ± 5% to 30.2 ± 4.9% (p = 0.47); at discharge the LVEF was 31.3 ± 4.9% and 30.8 ± 5.7%, in L-group and no-L-group, respectively (p = ns compared to baseline and procedure). At discharge the sPAP significantly reduced in the overall population to 46.3 ± 12.7 mmHg (p 0.015): from 50.8 ± 12.3 mmHg vs 48.7 ± 11.9 in L-group (p = 0.35); from 51.2 ± 16 to 44.3 ± 13.2 mmHg (p = 0.04) in no-L-group. In-hospital mortality was 1.7% in L-group (1 patient die) and 0% in no-L-group. No relevant arrhythmias were reported in any patient during the hospital recovery.
Conclusion
In MitraClip patients with severe reduction of LVEF, Levosimendan has proven to improve hemodynamic outcome, increasing myocardial contractility during and early after procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Cammalleri
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - A Tavernese
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - P De Vico
- University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Anaesthesia, Rome, Italy
| | - M Macrini
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- University Hospital Policlinico Tor Vergata, Anaesthesia, Rome, Italy
| | - S Muscoli
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - A Mauceri
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - M Stelitano
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - G Uccello
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - R Mollace
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - M M Marino
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
| | - F Romeo
- University of Rome, Polyclinic "Tor Vergata", Department of Cardiology, Rome, Italy
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D’Agostino A, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Lo Castro M, Olevano R, Cinti T, Leonardi D, Canini A. Lifestyle of a Roman Imperial community: ethnobotanical evidence from dental calculus of the Ager Curensis inhabitants. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2019; 15:62. [PMID: 31801550 PMCID: PMC6894264 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-019-0334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The analysis of ancient calcified dental plaque is a powerful archaeobotanical method to elucidate the key role of the plants in human history. METHODS In this research, by applying both optic microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry on this matrix, a detailed qualitative investigation for reconstructing the lifestyle of a Roman imperial community of the Ager Curensis (Sabina Tiberina, Central Italy) was performed. RESULTS The detection of animal micro-remains and molecules (e.g., hairs, feather barbules, markers of dairy products), starch granules of several cereals and legumes, pollen (e.g., Juglans regia L., Hedera sp. L.) and other plant micro-debris (e.g., trichome of Olea sp., hemp fibers), and phytochemicals (e.g., Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae herbs, Ferula sp., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., wine, and Humulus lupulus L.) in the dental calculus sample demonstrated that plant-derived foods were regularly consumed together with animal resources. CONCLUSIONS This nutritional plan, consistent with the information reported in ancient written texts, suggested that the studied population based its own subsistence on both agriculture and husbandry, probably also including beekeeping and hunting activities. All together, these results represent proofs for the comprehension of food habits, phytotherapeutic practices, and cultural traditions of one of the first Roman settlements in the Sabina Tiberina area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Lo Castro
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Rosaria Olevano
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Tiziano Cinti
- Società Cooperativa “Il Bètilo” - Servizi per i Beni Culturali a r. l., Via Remigio De Paolis 15, 00030 San Vito Romano (RM), Italy
| | - Donatella Leonardi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Pirrò S, Matic I, Guidi A, Zanella L, Gismondi A, Cicconi R, Bernardini R, Colizzi V, Canini A, Mattei M, Galgani A. Publisher Correction: Identification of microRNAs and relative target genes in Moringa oleifera leaf and callus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18573. [PMID: 31797912 PMCID: PMC6892808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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30
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Pirrò S, Matic I, Guidi A, Zanella L, Gismondi A, Cicconi R, Bernardini R, Colizzi V, Canini A, Mattei M, Galgani A. Identification of microRNAs and relative target genes in Moringa oleifera leaf and callus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15145. [PMID: 31641153 PMCID: PMC6805943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs, a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play important roles in plant growth, development and stress response by negatively regulating gene expression. Moringa oleifera Lam. plant has many medical and nutritional uses; however, little attention has been dedicated to its potential for the bio production of active compounds. In this study, 431 conserved and 392 novel microRNA families were identified and 9 novel small RNA libraries constructed from leaf, and cold stress treated callus, using high-throughput sequencing technology. Based on the M. oleifera genome, the microRNA repertoire of the seed was re-evaluated. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression pattern of 11 conserved microRNAs in all groups. MicroRNA159 was found to be the most abundant conserved microRNA in leaf and callus, while microRNA393 was most abundantly expressed in the seed. The majority of predicted microRNA target genes were transcriptional factors involved in plant reproduction, growth/development and abiotic/biotic stress response. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive analysis of microRNAs in M. oleifera leaf and callus which represents an important addition to the existing M. oleifera seed microRNA database and allows for possible exploitation of plant microRNAs induced with abiotic stress, as a tool for bio-enrichment with pharmacologically important phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Pirrò
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, 00133, Italy
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centre for Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ivana Matic
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, 00133, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Zanella
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, 00133, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Galgani
- Mir-Nat s.r.l., Rome, 00133, Italy.
- CIMETA, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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31
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Zanella L, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Braglia R, Scuderi F, Redi EL, Galgani A, Canini A. Induction of Antioxidant Metabolites in Moringa oleifera Callus by Abiotic Stresses. J Nat Prod 2019; 82:2379-2386. [PMID: 31430152 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Moringa oleifeira has recently been subjected to numerous scientific studies pursuing its biological properties. However, biotechnological approaches promoting the synthesis of pharmacological compounds in this species are still scarce, despite the fact that moringa metabolites have shown significant nutraceutical effects. For this reason, in vitro cultures of moringa callus, obtained from leaf explantation, were subjected to various abiotic stresses such as temperature, salicylic acid, and NaCl, to identify the best growth conditions for the production of high levels of antioxidant molecules. Temperature stresses (exposure to 4 and 45 °C) led to no significant variation in moringa callus, in terms of antiradical metabolites, whereas salicylic acid (200 μM) and NaCl (50-100 μM) affected an increase of total phenolic compounds, after 15 and 30 days of treatment. Overall, the treatment with 100 μM NaCl for 30 days showed the highest free radical scavenging activity, comparable to that measured in moringa leaf. In addition, high doses of NaCl (200 μM) inhibited callus growth and reduced the amount and bioactivity of the secondary metabolites of callus. This study provides useful information to standardize growth conditions for the production of secondary metabolites in moringa in vitro cultures, a biotechnological system that could be employed for a rapid, controlled, and guaranteed production of antioxidant molecules for pharmaceutical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Zanella
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Roberto Braglia
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Francesco Scuderi
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Enrico L Redi
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Interdepartmental Centre for Animal Technology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome 00133 , Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1 , Rome 00133 , Italy
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32
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Chekroun-Bechlaghem N, Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, Mansour S, Djebli N, Bouakline H, Gismondi A, Nanni V, Di Marco G, Canuti L, Canini A, Atik-Bekkara F. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of three halophyte plants from Algeria and detection of some biomolecules by HPLC-DAD. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:2107-2111. [PMID: 31437017 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1655413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extracts (30/70) from leaves and stems of three halophytes (Tamarix africana, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and Suaeda fruticose) was investigated. In vivo toxicological study and anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract of T. africana were tested on carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema. T. africana possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity at 150 and 300 mg/kg confirmed by histological study of inflamed tissues. Six phenolic acids and 10 flavonoids where identified by HPLC-DAD. Gallic acid, Rutin and Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the major compounds. For the antibiotic assays, S. fruticosa leaf extract exhibited strong bactericidal power against S. aureus with MBC of 1.25 mg/mL whereas T. africana leaf and stem samples exhibited a significant bactericidal activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis compared to the negative control (Ampicillin and Chloramphenicol). Crude leaf and stem extracts from T. africana and stem extract from S. fruticosa exhibited a strong antifungal effect against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadjat Chekroun-Bechlaghem
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria
| | - Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria
| | - Larbi Belyagoubi
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria
| | - Sadia Mansour
- Pharmacognosy, Api-Phytoteraphy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Mostaganem University, Algeria
| | - Noureddine Djebli
- Pharmacognosy, Api-Phytoteraphy Laboratory, Department of Biology, Mostaganem University, Algeria
| | - Houssam Bouakline
- Laboratoire d'anatomie pathologie, hôpital militaire régional universitaire d'Oran, Algérie
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Valentina Nanni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Fouzia Atik-Bekkara
- Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, University Abou-Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen, 13000, Algeria
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Aquilano K, Ceci V, Gismondi A, De Stefano S, Iacovelli F, Faraonio R, Di Marco G, Poerio N, Minutolo A, Minopoli G, Marcone A, Fraziano M, Tortolici F, Sennato S, Casciardi S, Potestà M, Bernardini R, Mattei M, Falconi M, Montesano C, Rufini S, Canini A, Lettieri-Barbato D. Adipocyte metabolism is improved by TNF receptor-targeting small RNAs identified from dried nuts. Commun Biol 2019; 2:317. [PMID: 31453381 PMCID: PMC6704100 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0563-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [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: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in therapeutically targeting the inflammatory response that underlies age-related chronic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Through integrative small RNA sequencing, we show the presence of conserved plant miR159a and miR156c in dried nuts having high complementarity with the mammalian TNF receptor superfamily member 1a (Tnfrsf1a) transcript. We detected both miR159a and miR156c in exosome-like nut nanovesicles (NVs) and demonstrated that such NVs reduce Tnfrsf1a protein and dampen TNF-α signaling pathway in adipocytes. Synthetic single-stranded microRNAs (ss-miRs) modified with 2'-O-methyl group function as miR mimics. In plants, this modification naturally occurs on nearly all small RNAs. 2'-O-methylated ss-miR mimics for miR156c and miR159a decreased Tnfrsf1a protein and inflammatory markers in hypertrophic as well as TNF-α-treated adipocytes and macrophages. miR156c and miR159a mimics effectively suppress inflammation in mice, highlighting a potential role of plant miR-based, single-stranded oligonucleotides in treating inflammatory-associated metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ceci
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna De Stefano
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Faraonio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Noemi Poerio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Minopoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonia Marcone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Tortolici
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sennato
- CNR-ISC and Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 2, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Casciardi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) Research, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bernardini
- Interdepartmental Service Center-Station for Anima Technology (STA), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Service Center-Station for Anima Technology (STA), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Rufini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lettieri-Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
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34
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Carlino C, Rippo MR, Lazzarini R, Monsurrò V, Morrone S, Angelini S, Trotta E, Stabile H, Bastianelli C, Albertini MC, Olivieri F, Procopio A, Santoni A, Gismondi A. Differential microRNA expression between decidual and peripheral blood natural killer cells in early pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2184-2195. [PMID: 30388265 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Have decidual natural killer (dNK) cells a different microRNA (miRNA or miR) expression pattern compared to NK cells circulating in the peripheral blood (pb) of healthy pregnant women in the first trimester of gestation? SUMMARY ANSWER dNK cells have a unique miRNA profile, showing exclusive expression of a set of miRNAs and significant up- or down-regulation of most of the miRNAs shared with pbNK cells. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY dNK cells differ from pbNK cells both phenotypically and functionally, and their origin is still debated. Many studies have indicated that miRNAs regulate several important aspects of NK cell biology, such as development, activation and effector functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Decidua basalis and peripheral blood specimens were collected from women (n = 7) undergoing voluntary termination of gestation in the first trimester of pregnancy. dNK and pbNK cells were then highly purified by cell sorting. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS miRNAs expression was analysed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR)-based arrays using RNA purified from freshly isolated and highly purified pbNK and dNK cells. Results from arrays were validated by qRT-PCR assays. The bioinformatics tool ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was applied to determine the cellular network targeted by validated miRNAs and the correlated biological functions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Herein, we identified the most differentially expressed miRNAs in NK cells isolated from peripheral blood and uterine decidua of pregnant women. We found that 36 miRNAs were expressed only in dNK cells and two miRNAs only in pbNK cells. Moreover, 48 miRNAs were commonly expressed by both NK cell preparations although at different levels: 28 were upregulated in dNK cells, while 15 were downregulated compared to pbNK cells. Validation of a selected set (n = 11) of these miRNAs confirmed the differential expression of nine miRNAs: miR-10b and miR-214 expressed only in dNK cells and miR-200a-3p expressed only in pbNK cells; miR-130b-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-212-3p and miR-454 were upregulated while miR-210-3p and miR-132 were downregulated in dNK cells compared to pbNK cells. IPA network analysis identified a single network connecting all the miRNAs as well as their significant involvement in several classes of functions: 'Organismal injury, Reproductive system disease, Inflammatory disease' and 'Cellular development'. These miRNAs target molecules such as argonaute 2, tumour protein p53, insulin and other genes that belong to the same network and significantly influence cell differentiation and pregnancy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the present study, the cellular network and biological functions modulated by miRNAs differentially expressed in dNK and pbNK cells were identified by IPA considering only molecules and relationships that were with confidence 'experimentally observed' in leucocytes. The decidual and pbNK cells that were analysed here are a heterogeneous population and further study will help to disentangle whether there are differences in miRNA production by the different subsets of NK cells. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This is the first study describing a different miRNA expression profile in dNK cells compared to matched pbNK cells during the first trimester of pregnancy. Our findings improved the body of knowledge on dNK cell biology and strongly suggest further investigation into the roles of miRNAs that are differentially expressed in human dNK compared to pbNK cells. Our results suggest that specific miRNAs can modulate dNK cell origin and functions, highlighting a potential role of this miRNA signature in human development and diseases. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, the European NoE EMBIC within FP6 (Contract number LSHN-CT-2004-512040), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, and Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca (Ricerche Universitarie), and from Università Politecnica delle Marche. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carlino
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - R Lazzarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - V Monsurrò
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università Degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Trotta
- UCSF Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - H Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Bastianelli
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M C Albertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - F Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and innovative therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center of Clinical Pathology and innovative therapy, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Potestà M, Minutolo A, Gismondi A, Canuti L, Kenzo M, Roglia V, Macchi F, Grelli S, Canini A, Colizzi V, Montesano C. Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of different extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam on lymphoid and monocytoid cells. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:5-17. [PMID: 31258632 PMCID: PMC6566050 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO) is one of the most well-known and widely distributed species of the Moringaceae family in African communities, and various preparations of M. oleifera are used for the treatment of several diseases. Due to the extensive worldwide use of MO products, and the use of MO aqueous extract in traditional African medicine, the aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-proliferative, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activities of different aqueous extracts from leaves and seeds of M. oleifera (MOE), which have been prepared using different protocols, in lymphoid and monocytoid cells. The results of the present study demonstrated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of the aqueous extracts obtained from M. oleifera leaves and seeds on tumour cells; however, not on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors. The pro-apoptotic effect of MO seed aqueous extract (MOE-S) was correlated with decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein expression, which are involved in apoptosis. Considering the effects of plant secondary metabolites on human cells and the role of plant microRNA in cross-kingdom interactions, the presence of secondary metabolites and microRNA in MOE was characterised. In conclusion, M. oleifera aqueous extracts appeared to be able to differentially regulate proliferation and apoptosis in healthy cells and cancer cells, and this ability could be associated with the microRNA present in the extracts. These results highlighted the possible use of MOE as an adjuvant in traditional cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurice Kenzo
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang B.P. 96, Cameroon
| | - Valentina Roglia
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Macchi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
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36
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Novelli S, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Canuti L, Nanni V, Canini A. Plant defense factors involved in Olea europaea resistance against Xylella fastidiosa infection. J Plant Res 2019; 132:439-455. [PMID: 30993555 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-019-01108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) is a dangerous plant disease, caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which targets olive (Olea europaea). Since field observations suggested that some olive cultivars (i.e. Leccino) were more resistant to OQDS than others (i.e. Cellina di Nardò), the plant defense strategies adopted by olive to contrast X. fastidiosa infection were investigated. In the present study, ELISA and genetic approaches were used to confirm plant infection, while microbial colonization mechanism and distribution in host plant tissues and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined by light, scanning electron and confocal microscopy analyses. Spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques were performed to measure secondary metabolites content and qPCR assay was carried out for monitoring plant gene expression variation. Our analysis showed that X. fastidiosa caused accumulation of ROS in Leccino samples compared to Cellina di Nardò. Moreover, the infection induced the up-regulation of defense-related genes, such as NADPH oxidase, some protein kinases, pathogen plant response factors and metabolic enzymes. We also found that Leccino plants enhanced the production of specific antioxidant and antimicrobial molecules, to fight the pathogen and avoid its spreading into xylem vessels. We provided new information on OQDS resistance mechanism applied by Leccino cultivar. In particular, we evidenced that high concentrations of ROS, switching on plant defence signalling pathways, may represent a key factor in fighting X. fastidiosa infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Novelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Valentina Nanni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
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Bucekova M, Jardekova L, Juricova V, Bugarova V, Di Marco G, Gismondi A, Leonardi D, Farkasovska J, Godocikova J, Laho M, Klaudiny J, Majtan V, Canini A, Majtan J. Antibacterial Activity of Different Blossom Honeys: New Findings. Molecules 2019; 24:E1573. [PMID: 31010070 PMCID: PMC6514785 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial activity is the most investigated biological property of honey. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 57 Slovak blossom honeys against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and investigate the role of several bioactive substances in antibacterial action of honeys. Inhibitory and bactericidal activities of honeys were studied to determine the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. The contents of glucose oxidase (GOX) enzyme, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and total polyphenols (TP) were determined in honeys. We found that honey samples showed different antibacterial efficacy against the tested bacteria as follows: wildflower honeys > acacia honeys > rapeseed honeys. Overall antibacterial activity of the honeys was statistically-significantly correlated with the contents of H2O2 and TP in honeys. A strong correlation was found between the H2O2 and TP content. On the other hand, no correlation was found between the content of GOX and level of H2O2. Antibacterial activity of 12 selected honeys was markedly reduced by treatment with catalase, but it remained relatively stable after inactivation of GOX with proteinase-K digestion. Obtained results suggest that the antibacterial activity of blossom honeys is mainly mediated by H2O2 levels present in honeys which are affected mainly by polyphenolic substances and not directly by GOX content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Bucekova
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Lucia Jardekova
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Valeria Juricova
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Veronika Bugarova
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Donatella Leonardi
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Jarmila Farkasovska
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Jana Godocikova
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Maros Laho
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Jaroslav Klaudiny
- Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 38 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Viktor Majtan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbova 12, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Antonella Canini
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Juraj Majtan
- Laboratory of Apidology and Apitherapy, Department of Microbial Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Belyagoubi-Benhammou N, Belyagoubi L, Gismondi A, Di Marco G, Canini A, Atik Bekkara F. GC/MS analysis, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of alkaloids extracted by polar and apolar solvents from the stems of Anabasis articulata. Med Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-019-02332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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De Santis F, Poerio N, Gismondi A, Nanni V, Di Marco G, Nisini R, Thaller MC, Canini A, Fraziano M. Hydroalcoholic extract from Origanum vulgare induces a combined anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory response in innate immune cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213150. [PMID: 30830942 PMCID: PMC6398838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In nature, many plants or their extracted compounds have been found to possess anti-inflammatory features and therapeutic properties against infectious as well as non-infectious diseases, including cancer. In this study, we analysed the immunomodulatory effects on innate immune cells of hydroalcoholic extract from Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (HyE-Ov), a plant traditionally known for its anti-oxidative properties. The effects of HyE-Ov were tested on human monocyte derived dendritic cells (DC), type-1 (M1) and type-2 macrophages (M2) infected with M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), used as a model of persistent intracellular bacterium. DC, M1 and M2 treated with HyE-Ov significantly enhanced their mycobactericidal activity, which was associated with phagosomal acidification in M1 and M2 and increase of phagosomal, but not mitochondrial ROS production in M1, M2, and DC. Treatment of BCG-infected DC with HyE-Ov significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-12 production and increased TGF-β synthesis. Finally, experiments were repeated using eight different HPLC fractions of HyE-Ov. Results showed that the capability to activate anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory response is shared by different fractions, suggesting that diverse bioactive molecules are present within the hydroalcoholic extract. Altogether, these results show that HyE-Ov promotes anti-mycobacterial innate immunity and limits inflammatory response in vitro and suggest that this plant extract may be exploitable as phytocomplex or nutraceutical for novel host-directed therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noemi Poerio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Nanni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Nisini
- Department of infectious diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fraziano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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40
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Bucekova M, Juricova V, Di Marco G, Gismondi A, Leonardi D, Canini A, Majtan J. Effect of thermal liquefying of crystallised honeys on their antibacterial activities. Food Chem 2018; 269:335-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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41
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Baldoni M, Scorrano G, Gismondi A, D’Agostino A, Alexander M, Gaspari L, Vallelonga F, Canini A, Rickards O, Martínez-Labarga C. Who were the miners of Allumiere? A multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct the osteobiography of an Italian worker community. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205362. [PMID: 30308078 PMCID: PMC6181348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This research presents an in-depth study of the skeletal remains collected from the archaeological site of Allumiere (15th-16th centuries CE; Rome, Italy). A multidisciplinary approach was used, combining skeletal biology, molecular anthropology and archaeobotany with the aim of reconstructing the osteobiography of the alum miners buried at the site. Since 1460, the area of the Tolfa Mountains was significant for the exploitation of alum which was used for a wide range of purposes in the Middle Ages, ranging from woven production to medical practice. A total of 70 individuals (63 adults and 7 juveniles) were studied. The sex ratio of the community indicated a higher prevalence of males with respect to females. Morphological examination indicated occupational musculoskeletal stress markers, which might reflect the specific phase of alum production that each individual was occupied in. Dietary reconstruction was primarily performed through carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis with integration of the results obtained by microscopic, genetic and GC-MS investigations on dental calculus. The diet was omnivorous, indicating a reliance on C3-terrestrial protein and evidence for limited C4 consumption by some individuals. Herbivores, such as sheep and cattle, appear to have contributed to the diet more than pigs and chickens. Consumption of Fagaceae and Poaceae species was predominant; moreover, indicators of Brassicaceae and milk and its derivatives were abundantly recurrent in the population, followed by plant oils and theophylline. Furthermore, the detection of pharmacological alkaloids indicated the knowledge and application of medicinal plants by the community. The novel use of multiple techniques based on cutting-edge technologies has provided a unique window on the lifestyles of individuals from one of the first Italian settlements of alum workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Baldoni
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Forense e Biologia dello Scheletro, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
- Laboratorio di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Gabriele Scorrano
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Alessia D’Agostino
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Michelle Alexander
- Department of Archaeology, BioArCh, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Gaspari
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Fabrizio Vallelonga
- Sapienza Università di Roma, Dipartimento di Scienza dell'Antichità, Cattedra di Archeologia Cristiana e Medievale, Roma, Italia
| | - Antonella Canini
- Laboratorio di Botanica, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Olga Rickards
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
| | - Cristina Martínez-Labarga
- Laboratorio di Antropologia Forense e Biologia dello Scheletro, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
- Centro di Antropologia Molecolare per lo Studio del DNA antico, Dipartimento di Biologia Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italia
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Minutolo A, Potestà M, Gismondi A, Pirrò S, Cirilli M, Gattabria F, Galgani A, Sessa L, Mattei M, Canini A, Muleo R, Colizzi V, Montesano C. Olea europaea small RNA with functional homology to human miR34a in cross-kingdom interaction of anti-tumoral response. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12413. [PMID: 30120339 PMCID: PMC6098056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional foods include compounds with nutritional and health properties. The human diet could play a stronger role in cancer prevention. Only a few studies have described the presence of plant small RNA, in humans who were fed with plant foods, which demonstrated the ability of these molecules to modulate consumer's genes and evidenced the existence of a plant-animal regulation. Through in silico prediction, Olea europaea small RNAs (sRs), which had been previously reported as miRNAs, were identified, each with functional homology to hsa-miR34a. According to this initial funding, we investigated the ability of oeu-sRs to regulate tumorigenesis in human cells. The transfection of these synthetic oeu-sRs reduced the protein expression of hsa-miR34a mRNA targets, increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation in different tumor cells; by contrast, no effect was observed in PBMCs from healthy donors. The introduction of oeu-small RNA in hsa-miR34a-deficient tumor cells restores its function, whereas cells with normal expression of endogenous hsa-miR34a remained unaffected. The natural oeu-small RNAs that were extracted from O. europaea drupes induce the same effects as synthetic sRs. Careful research on the small RNA sequences executed for mapping and annotation in the genome of O. europaea var. Sylvestris and var. Farga led to the hypothesis that RNA fragments with functional homology to human miRNAs could be generated from the degradation of regions of RNA transcripts. These results indicate the possibility of developing novel natural non-toxic drugs that contain active plant-derived tumor-suppressing small RNA with functional homology to hsa-miRNAs and that can support antineoplastic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Potestà
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pirrò
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Mir-Nat s.r.l, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cirilli
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry, Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Fabiano Gattabria
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry, Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Mir-Nat s.r.l, Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Animal Technology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Libera Sessa
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- Interdepartmental Center for Animal Technology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Muleo
- Department of Agricultural and Forestry, Science, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Mir-Nat s.r.l, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Montesano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Gismondi A, De Rossi S, Canuti L, Novelli S, Di Marco G, Fattorini L, Canini A. From Robinia pseudoacacia L. nectar to Acacia monofloral honey: biochemical changes and variation of biological properties. J Sci Food Agric 2018; 98:4312-4322. [PMID: 29427347 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Robinia pseudoacacia L. nectar and its derivative monofloral honey were systematically compared in this study, to understand how much the starting solution reflected the final product, after re-elaboration by Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola. RESULTS Subjected to dehydration in the hive, nectar changed in its water and sugar content when transformed into honey, as physicochemical and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses revealed. Spectrophotometric measurements and characterization by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection of 18 plant molecules demonstrated honey to be richer than nectar in secondary metabolites. For the first time, the hypothesis of the existence of a nectar redox cycle in R. pseudoacacia was reported, as previously described for Nicotiana sp., based on 1D-protein profiles, western blot analysis and detection of H2 O2 and ascorbate. The bioactivity of both matrices was also investigated. Antiradical in vitro tests showed that Acacia honey was more antioxidant than nectar, which was even able to induce oxidative stress directly in a eukaryotic cell system. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that nectar was bacteriostatic, due to H2 O2 activity, whereas honey was even bactericidal. CONCLUSION All these data support the ecological role of nectar and honey in nature: protection of the gynoecium from pathogens and preservation from degradative processes, respectively. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Rossi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Novelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Fattorini
- Department of Environmental Biology, University of Rome 'Sapienza', Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
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44
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Di Marco G, Gismondi A, Panzanella L, Canuti L, Impei S, Leonardi D, Canini A. Botanical influence on phenolic profile and antioxidant level of Italian honeys. J Food Sci Technol 2018; 55:4042-4050. [PMID: 30228402 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-018-3330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees directly transfer plant compounds from nectar into honey. Each plant species possesses a specific metabolic profile, the amount and the typology of plant molecules that may be detected in honey vary according to their botanical origin. Aim of the present work was the spectrophotometrical determination of concentration ranges of simple phenols and flavonoids in 460 several Italian monofloral honeys, in order to individuate specific intervals of plant metabolites for each typology of honey. Moreover, an LC-MS analysis was performed to determine amount of various secondary metabolites in the samples, with the purpose to use them as potential molecular markers in support to honey melissopalynological classification. As plant molecules have a strong reducing power, the antioxidant activity of the honeys was evaluated by two antiradical assays, DPPH and FRAP. The free radical scavenging effect of each monofloral group was correlated to the concentration of simple phenols and flavonoids, with the aim to deduce the existence of possible relationships between these parameters. In conclusion, dark honeys (Castanea sativa, honeydew, Erica sp. and Eucalyptus sp.) appeared to be the richest in secondary metabolites and, consequently, showed higher antioxidant activity. However, all analyzed monofloral honeys showed to be good sources of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Di Marco
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Panzanella
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Impei
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Leonardi
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Honey Research Center, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Nanni V, Canuti L, Gismondi A, Canini A. Hydroalcoholic extract of Spartium junceum L. flowers inhibits growth and melanogenesis in B16-F10 cells by inducing senescence. Phytomedicine 2018; 46:1-10. [PMID: 30097108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultraviolet light exposure generates, in human tissues, radical species, which represent the main cause of photo-aging, DNA damage and skin cancer onset. On the other hand, Mediterranean plants, being continuously subjected to high solar radiation levels, are naturally adapted to take on this type of abiotic stress, thanks to the production of antioxidant secondary metabolites. For these reasons, several plant extracts were documented to be excellent antineoplastic drugs. PURPOSE We investigated the potential antitumor activity of the flower extract obtained by Spartium junceum L., a Mediterranean shrub, correlating it with the plant metabolic profile. STUDY DESIGN After selecting the best extraction method to obtain as more secondary metabolites as possible from S. junceum flowers, we characterized the extract metabolic content. Then, by in vitro analyses, the antioxidant profile and the antineoplastic activity on B16-F10 murine melanoma cell of our extract were investigated. METHODS Spectrophotometric assays, HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analyses provided us information about flower extract composition and antioxidant activity. MTT assay and Trypan Blue exclusion test were performed to assess the extract toxicity and the viability, after treatments, of B16-F10 cancer cells and of C2C12 murine myoblasts. In vitro experiments (i.e. cytofluorimetry, protein analysis and qPCR) allowed us to analyze the effect of the plant extract on B16-F10 cell redox state, melanogenesis and cell cycle. Senescence induction was investigated by using a specific kit. RESULTS We observed that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. junceum flowers (HFE) strongly inhibited B16-F10 murine melanoma cell proliferation, while just a feeble effect was observed on C2C12 murine myoblasts. Moreover, we found that HFE exerted a pro-oxidant activity on melanoma cells, inhibited melanogenesis and caused cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, inducing senescence. These anti-cancer properties of HFE could be related to the rich metabolic profile of the extract that we characterized by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analyses. CONCLUSION This evidence suggests that S. junceum phytocomplex can be used as a selective, nontoxic, economic and easily available anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Nanni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
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46
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Mastropasqua MC, D'Orazio M, Cerasi M, Pacello F, Gismondi A, Canini A, Canuti L, Consalvo A, Ciavardelli D, Chirullo B, Pasquali P, Battistoni A. Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in zinc poor environments is promoted by a nicotianamine-related metallophore. Mol Microbiol 2017; 106:543-561. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Melania D'Orazio
- Department of Biology; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | - Mauro Cerasi
- Department of Biology; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | | | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology; University of Rome Tor Vergata; Rome Italy
| | - Ada Consalvo
- Centro Scienze dell'Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale - CeSI-MeT; Chieti Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences; “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara; Chieti Italy
| | - Domenico Ciavardelli
- Centro Scienze dell'Invecchiamento e Medicina Traslazionale - CeSI-MeT; Chieti Italy
- School of Human and Social Science; “Kore” University of Enna; Enna Italy
| | - Barbara Chirullo
- Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health; Istituto Superiore di Sanità; Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Pasquali
- Department of Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health; Istituto Superiore di Sanità; Rome Italy
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47
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Gismondi A, Trionfera E, Canuti L, Di Marco G, Canini A. Royal jelly lipophilic fraction induces antiproliferative effects on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1833-1844. [PMID: 28737831 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is one the most important bee product because it strongly influences the larval development in the hive, including the queen bee. In literature, RJ is known for its antioxidant, immunoregulatory, antifungal, antibiotical, erythropoietic, hypoglycemic, anticholesteremic, antithyroidic, anti-osteoporotic and estrogenic properties. However, it is surprising how rare the scientific evidence about RJ antineoplastic capacity are. That being said, we investigated, for the first time, the in vitro bioactivity of six different RJs on the growth of three different mammalian cell lines: immortalized murine myoblasts (C2C12), human prostate cancer (PC3) and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y). These studies were performed treating the cells with the only lipophilic, or hydrophilic, fraction of the RJs, a scientific approach never performed before. Moreover, chemical and protein profiles of all RJs were finely characterized, in qualitative and quantitative terms, by GC-MS and 1D-SDS-PAGE, respectively, in order to give a complete framework to the research. Despite the deep differences we found in the composition of each sample, unexpectedly, RJs showed comparable or very similar biological effects. In particular, our attention was captured by the extraordinary antiproliferative activity of the lipophilic extract of all RJs against SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a potential medical application of this bee product to prevent the onset and slow down the growth of human neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Trionfera
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Canuti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', I-00133 Rome, Italy
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48
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Abstract
For the first time in the literature, our group has managed to demonstrate the existence of plant RNAs in honey samples. In particular, in our work, different RNA extraction procedures were performed in order to identify a purification method for nucleic acids from honey. Purity, stability and integrity of the RNA samples were evaluated by spectrophotometric, PCR and electrophoretic analyses. Among all honey RNAs, we specifically revealed the presence of both plastidial and nuclear plant transcripts: RuBisCO large subunit mRNA, maturase K messenger and 18S ribosomal RNA. Surprisingly, nine plant microRNAs (miR482b, miR156a, miR396c, miR171a, miR858, miR162a, miR159c, miR395a and miR2118a) were also detected and quantified by qPCR. In this context, a comparison between microRNA content in plant samples (i.e. flowers, nectars) and their derivative honeys was carried out. In addition, peculiar microRNA profiles were also identified in six different monofloral honeys. Finally, the same plant microRNAs were investigated in other plant food products: tea, cocoa and coffee. Since plant microRNAs introduced by diet have been recently recognized as being able to modulate the consumer’s gene expression, our research suggests that honey’s benefits for human health may be strongly correlated to the bioactivity of plant microRNAs contained in this matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Marco
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Canini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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49
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Juli G, Gismondi A, Monteleone V, Caldarola S, Iadevaia V, Aspesi A, Dianzani I, Proud CG, Loreni F. Depletion of ribosomal protein S19 causes a reduction of rRNA synthesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35026. [PMID: 27734913 PMCID: PMC5062126 DOI: 10.1038/srep35026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosome biogenesis plays key roles in cell growth by providing increased capacity for protein synthesis. It requires coordinated production of ribosomal proteins (RP) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), including the processing of the latter. Here, we show that, the depletion of RPS19 causes a reduction of rRNA synthesis in cell lines of both erythroid and non-erythroid origin. A similar effect is observed upon depletion of RPS6 or RPL11. The deficiency of RPS19 does not alter the stability of rRNA, but instead leads to an inhibition of RNA Polymerase I (Pol I) activity. In fact, results of nuclear run-on assays and ChIP experiments show that association of Pol I with the rRNA gene is reduced in RPS19-depleted cells. The phosphorylation of three known regulators of Pol I, CDK2, AKT and AMPK, is altered during ribosomal stress and could be involved in the observed downregulation. Finally, RNA from patients with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), shows, on average, a lower level of 47S precursor. This indicates that inhibition of rRNA synthesis could be one of the molecular alterations at the basis of DBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Juli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Angelo Gismondi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Sara Caldarola
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina Iadevaia
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anna Aspesi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Irma Dianzani
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Loreni
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
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50
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Giovannini D, Gismondi A, Basso A, Canuti L, Braglia R, Canini A, Mariani F, Cappelli G. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential Oil Exerts Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Macrophage Mediated Immune Response to Staphylococcus aureus. Immunol Invest 2016; 45:11-28. [PMID: 26730790 DOI: 10.3109/08820139.2015.1085392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Different studies described the antibacterial properties of Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.) essential oil and its anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, no data exist on its ability to activate human macrophages during the innate response against Staphylococcus aureus. The discovery of promising regulators of macrophage-mediated inflammatory response, without side effects, could be useful for the prevention of, or as therapeutic remedy for, various inflammation-mediated diseases. This study investigated, by transcriptional analysis, how a L. angustifolia essential oil treatment influences the macrophage response to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The results showed that the treatment increases the phagocytic rate and stimulates the containment of intracellular bacterial replication by macrophages. Our data showed that this stimulation is coupled with expression of genes involved in reactive oxygen species production (i.e., CYBB and NCF4). Moreover, the essential oil treatment balanced the inflammatory signaling induced by S. aureus by repressing the principal pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors and inducing the heme oxygenase-1 gene transcription. These data showed that the L. angustifolia essential oil can stimulate the human innate macrophage response to a bacterium which is responsible for one of the most important nosocomial infection and might suggest the potential development of this plant extract as an anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory coadjutant drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giovannini
- a Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , National Research Council , Italy , Rome , Italy
| | - A Gismondi
- b Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - A Basso
- a Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , National Research Council , Italy , Rome , Italy
| | - L Canuti
- b Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - R Braglia
- b Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - A Canini
- b Department of Biology , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - F Mariani
- a Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , National Research Council , Italy , Rome , Italy
| | - G Cappelli
- a Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology , National Research Council , Italy , Rome , Italy
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