Food Safety Assessment and Nutraceutical Outcomes of Dairy By-Products: Ovine Milk Whey as Wound Repair Enhancer on Injured Human Primary Gingival Fibroblasts

The valorization of milk whey appears to be a promising strategy for managing by-products from dairy food industries, which incur demanding economic costs for treatment and/or disposal. Thanks to its numerous bioactive components, whey is expected to be increasingly incorporated into foods in the future. We investigated the safety of ovine milk whey through in vitro experiments on human primary gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) proliferation and wound healing. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in the repair processes from the late inflammatory phase until the final stages. Cells treated with varying concentrations of ovine whey (0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, and 10%) were able to close wounds more rapidly than vehicle-treated cells. Time- and dose-dependent responses were observed in cell populations exposed to ovine whey. Specifically, wounds treated with 0.1% and 10% milk whey showed better migratory capabilities compared to those treated with 0.01% and 1% milk whey after 24 and 48 h. In addition, ovine milk whey stimulates extracellular matrix deposition, as evidenced by the increasing levels of CD44 antigen density evaluated through FACS analysis, as well as COL1A1 expression measured both via RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. This phenomenon was particularly evident at concentrations of 0.01% and 10%. Ensuring quality and safety has become a major concern for health authorities in the food industry. Our findings suggest that ovine milk whey is safe and possesses regenerative properties. It facilitates tissue re-establishment following exposure to environmental stress, particularly accelerating gingival wound closure.

Novel insights into the pharmacological modulation of human periodontal ligament stem cells by the amino-bisphosphonate Alendronate

Alendronate (ALN) is a second-generation bisphosphonate widely used for osteoporosis and cancer-induced bone lesions. Many studies have confirmed a strong relationship between osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) development and oral bisphosphonates, especially ALN, although the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology have not yet been elucidated. The reduction in bone turnover and vascularization usually observed in ONJ are the result of ALN action on different cell types harboured in oral microenvironment, such as osteoclasts, endothelial cells, and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). In this perspective, the present study aims to investigate the effects of different ALN concentrations (2 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, 25 μM, 50 μM) on the phenotype and functional properties of human PDLSCs (hPDLSCs). hPDLSCs showed a decrease in cell viability (MTT assay) only when treated with ALN concentration of 10 μM or larger for 48 h and 72 h. Cell cycle analysis revealed a moderate increase in proportion of S-phase cells after exposure to low ALN concentration (2-5 μM), an effect that was reverted after exposure to 10-50 μM ALN. Conversely, cell death was evidenced via Annexin V/PI assay at very high concentration of ALN (50 μM) after 4 days of treatment. In addition, we explored whether the effects of ALN on hPDLSCs growth and survival can be mediated by its ability to modulate oxidative stress. To this, we quantified the intracellular ROS amount and lipid peroxidation by using DCF probe and Bodipy staining, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis showed that ALN induced a dose-dependent reduction of intracellular oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation upon treatment with low concentrations at both 48 h and 72 h. Increased levels of oxidative stress was reported at 50 μM ALN and was also confirmed via TEM analysis. Despite the stability of the cellular immunophenotype, hPDLSCs showed impaired mobility after ALN exposure. Chronic exposure (7-14 days) to ALN in the range of 2-10 μM significantly decreased the expression of the differentiation-related factors ALP, RUNX2, COLI, and OPN as well as the osteogenic ability of hPDLSCs compared with untreated cells. Conversely, higher doses were found to be neutral. Our findings indicated that the effects of ALN on hPDLSCs behavior are dose-dependent and suggest a role for oxidative stress in ALN-induced cell death that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for ONJ.

A Review of Novel Strategies for Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell Ex Vivo Expansion: Are They an Evidence-Based Promise for Regenerative Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontitis is a gingiva disease sustained by microbially associated and host-mediated inflammation that results in the loss of the connective periodontal tissues, including periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Symptoms include swollen gingiva, tooth loss and, ultimately, ineffective mastication. Clinicians utilize regenerative techniques to rebuild and recover damaged periodontal tissues, especially in advanced periodontitis. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are considered an appealing source of stem cells for regenerative therapy in periodontium. hPDLSCs manifest the main properties of mesenchymal stem cells, including the ability to self-renew and to differentiate in mesodermal cells. Significant progress has been made for clinical application of hPDLSCs; nevertheless, some problems remain, including the small number of cells isolated from each sample. In recent decades, hPDLSC ex vivo expansion and differentiation have been improved by modifying cell culture conditions, especially with the supplementation of cytokines' or growth factors' mix, chemicals, and natural compounds, or by using the decellularized extracellular matrix. Here, we analyzed the changes in stemness properties and differentiation potential of hPDLSCs when culturing in alternative media. In addition, we focused on the possibility of replacing FBS with human emoderivates to minimize the risks of xenoimmunization or zoonotic transmission when cells are expanded for therapeutic purposes.

Utilization of Dairy By-Products as a Source of Functional and Health Compounds-The Role of Ovine Colostrum and Milk Whey on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Nowadays, the search for food products that promote consumers' health has gained interest, and dairy by-products, due to their biological quality, could have a prominent position among products with health benefits. However, little is known about their activity on cancer cells. This study aimed to provide evidence about the effect of ovine colostrum and milk whey on K562 cells, a model of the human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line. The exposure of K562 cells to a single administration of sheep by-products at different concentrations for three days and three treatments for three days was carried out. Using a flow cytometric approach, we found that CD235a expression remained stable in the cells exposed to ovine whey (milk and colostrum) at concentrations ranging from 1 ng/mL to 100 μg/mL, after three days from one or three administrations, respectively. A significant reduction in fluorescent cells was observed in the populations exposed to 1 mg/mL of both milk and colostrum at the same time points. In these conditions, the size and granularity of the leukemic cells also changed, with a substantial reduction in the number of actively dividing cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. This phenomenon was highlighted by the Annexin V/PI cytofluorimetric test, which is able to provide quantitative results regarding the population of cells in early or late apoptosis or necrotic cells after exposure to a single dose or three doses of colostrum or sheep whey for three days, respectively. This report showed that both colostrum and milk whey were able to modify the phenotypic profile and cell cycle of the K562 cell line, inducing apoptosis at the highest concentration.

Emotional and Spontaneous Locomotor Behaviors Related to cerebellar Daidzein-dependent TrkB Expression Changes in Obese Hamsters

Current evidence supports the beneficial role of phytoestrogens in metabolic diseases, but their influences on spontaneous motor and anxiety behaviors plus neuroprotective effects have still not been completely elucidated. With the present study, neuro-behavioral activities were correlated to daidzein (DZ)-dependent expression changes of a high affinity catalytic receptor for several neurotrophins, and namely tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB) in the cerebellar cortex of high-fat diet (HFD) hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Indeed, these changes appear to be tightly linked to altered plasma lipid profiles as shown by reduced low-density lipoproteins plus total cholesterol levels in DZ-treated obesity hamsters accounting for increased spontaneous locomotor together with diminished anxiety activities in novel cage (NCT) and light/dark box (LDT) tests. For this latter case, the anxiolytic-like hamsters spent more time in the light compartment, which was retained the aversive area of the LDT box. As for the evaluation of the neurotrophin receptor site, significantly elevated TrkB levels were also detected, for the first time, in the cerebellum of obese hamsters treated with DZ. In this condition, such a treatment widely led to an overall improvement of HFD-induced neurodegeneration damages, above all in the Purkinje and granular layers of the cerebellum. In this context, the notably active TrkB signaling events occurring in a DZ-dependent manner may turn out to be a key neuroprotective element capable of restoring normal emotional and spontaneously linked locomotor behaviors regulated by cerebellar cortical areas especially in obesity-related conditions.

The anticancer effects of Metformin in the male germ tumor SEM-1 cell line are mediated by HMGA1

INTRODUCTION

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common type of cancer in young men. These tumors usually originate from the testis, but they can occasionally develop from extragonadal sites probably due to primordial germ cells (PGCs) migration errors. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is usually effective for male GCTs, but the risk of toxicity is high and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Although Metformin (Met) has been widely studied as a potential cancer treatment over the past decades, there is limited evidence to support its use in treating male GCTs. Additionally, the mechanism by which it acts on tumor cells is still not entirely understood.

METHODS

SEM-1 cells, a newly established human cell line of extragonadal origin, were treated with Met. Cell viability was studied by MTT assay, while cell migration and invasion were studied by the wound healing assay and the transwell assay, respectively. The effect of Met on 3D spheroid formation was determined by seeding SEM-1 cells in appropriate cell suspension culture conditions, and cell cycle was characterized by flow cytometry. Factors involved in PGCs migration and GCT invasion, such as IGFBP1, IGF1R, MMP-11 and c-Kit, together with cyclin D1 (a key regulator of cell cycle progression), and the upstream factor, HMGA1, were determined by immunoblots.

RESULTS

Treatment of SEM-1 cells with Met resulted in a potent and dose-dependent reduction of cell proliferation, as evidenced by decreased nuclear abundance of cyclin D1 and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Also, Met prevented the formation of 3D spheroids, and blocked cell migration and invasion by reducing the expression of IGFBP1, IGF1R and MMP-11. Both, IGFBP1 and MMP-11 are under control of HMGA1, a chromatin-associated protein that is involved in the regulation of important oncogenic, metabolic and embryological processes. Intriguingly, an early reduction in the nuclear abundance of HMGA1 occurred in SEM-1 cells treated with Met.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results document the antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of Met in SEM-1 cells, providing new insights into the potential treatments for male GCTs. The anticancer properties of Met in SEM-1 cells are likely related to its ability to interfere with HMGA1 and downstream targets, including cyclin D1, the IGFs system, and MMP-11.

Impact of Magnetic Stimulation on Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a time-dependent magnetic field on the biological performance of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). A Western blot analysis and Alamar Blue assay were performed to investigate the proliferative capacity of magnetically stimulated PDLSCs (PDLSCs MAG) through the study of the MAPK cascade (p-ERK1/2). The observation of ALP levels allowed the evaluation of the effect of the magnetic field on osteogenic differentiation. Metabolomics data, such as oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and ATP production provided an overview of the PDLSCs MAG metabolic state. Moreover, the mitochondrial state was investigated through confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results showed a good viability for PDLSCs MAG. Magnetic stimulation can activate the ERK phosphorylation more than the FGF factor alone by promoting a better cell proliferation. Osteogenic differentiation was more effectively induced by magnetic stimulation. The metabolic panel indicated significant changes in the mitochondrial cellular respiration of PDLSCs MAG. The results suggested that periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) can respond to biophysical stimuli such as a time-dependent magnetic field, which is able to induce changes in cell proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, the magnetic stimulation also produced an effect on the cell metabolic profile. Therefore, the current study demonstrated that a time-dependent magnetic stimulation may improve the regenerative properties of PDLSCs.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Zoledronic Acid on Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: An In Vitro Pilot Study

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used to treat several metabolic and oncological diseases affecting the skeletal system. Despite BPs’ well-known therapeutic potential, they also displayed important side effects, among which is BPs-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, by targeting osteoclast activities, osteoblast, and osteocyte behavior. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biological effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) in an in vitro model of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) by using an experimental setting that resembles the in vivo conditions. PDLSCs were treated with different concentrations of ZOL ranging from 0.1 to 5 μM. The effects of ZOL exposure were evaluated on cell viability via 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiaoly]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection, and immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), colorimetric detection of alkaline phosphatase activity, and Alizarin Red S staining were performed to investigate the osteogenic potential of PDLSCs exposed to ZOL. MTT analysis showed that the viability of PDLSCs exposed to ZOL concentration ≥1.5 μM for 3 and 6 days was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than that of untreated cells. The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in PDLSCs exposed for 4 days to ZOL at 2 μM (P < 0.01) and 5 μM (P < 0.001) when compared to the control. Moreover, ZOL treatment (3 days) accounted for alterations in cell cycle distribution, with an increase in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and a reduction in the proportion of cells in S phase. Chronic exposure (longer than 7 days) of PDLSCs to ZOL accounted for the downregulation of ALP, RUNX2, and COL1 genes at all tested concentrations, which fit well with the reduced alkaline phosphatase activity reported after 7 and 14 days of treatment. Reduced Col1 deposition in the extracellular matrix was reported after 14 days of treatment. Increased calcium deposits were observed in treated cells when compared to the control cultures. In conclusion, chronic exposure to 1 μM ZOL induced significant reduction of osteogenic differentiation, while ZOL concentrations ≥1.5 μM are required to impair PDLSCs viability and induce apoptosis.

Correlation of distinct behaviors to the modified expression of cerebral Shank1,3 and BDNF in two autistic animal models

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder featuring altered neuronal circuitry and consequently impaired social interactions, restrictive interests plus repetitive stereotypic activities. In the present study, differentiated behaviors of valproic (VPA) and propionic (PPA) acid-mediated autism rats were correlated to cerebral scaffolding proteins (Shank1,3) and BDNF expression variations. Sprague-Dawley offspring that received VPA during pregnancy displayed a notably diminished permanence (-78 %, p < 0.01) in the light chamber of light dark (LD) test, reduced exploratory tasks, i.e. grooming (-90 %) and rearing (-65 %). Moreover, they executed extremely greater climbing intervals (+300 %, p < 0.001) in novel cage (NC) test, plus exhibited an extremely reduced (-331 %) discrimination index in novel object recognition (NOR) test when compared to controls. PPA-treated postnatal days (PND) 12-16 rats also displayed anxiety-like behaviors, although in a less evident manner, as indicated by a moderate time (+55 %; p < 0.05) spent in dark chamber along with notable and moderate decreases in digging (-78 %) plus grooming (-52 %), respectively. Contextually, VPA- more than PPA supplied opposite Shank1,3 expression changes in cerebellum (CB; -62 %; +78 %), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DM-PFC; +95 % -76 %), respectively, while resulting extremely upregulated in hippocampus (HIP; +125 % - +155 %). Even BDNF resulted to be substantially and notably diminished in HIP (-85 %) and DM-PFC (-72 %), respectively, of VPA rats while it was only moderately reduced (-35 % to -45 %) in these same areas of PPA rats. The early altered brain-specific expression levels accounting for different behavioral performances may provide useful diagnostic indications and constitute valuable therapeutic strategies for autistic patients.

Daidzein Pro-cognitive Effects Coincided with Changes of Brain Neurotensin1 Receptor and Interleukin-10 Expression Levels in Obese Hamsters

At present, concerns are pointing to "tasteful" high-fat diets as a cause of conditioning physical-social states that through alterations of some key emotional- and nutritional-related limbic circuits such as hypothalamic and amygdalar areas lead to obesity states. Feeding and energetic homeostatic molecular mechanisms are part of a complex neuronal circuit accounting for this metabolic disorder. In an attempt to exclude conventional drugs for treating obesity, daidzein, a natural glycosidic isoflavone, which mimics estrogenic neuroprotective properties against increased body weight, is beginning to be preferred. In this study, evident anxiolytic-like behaviors were detected following treatment of high-fat diet hamsters with daidzein as shown by extremely evident (p < 0.001) exploration tendencies in novel object recognition test and a notably greater amount of time spent (p < 0.01) in open arms of elevated plus maze. Moreover, the isoflavone promoted a protective role against neurodegeneration processes as shown by few, if any, amino cupric silver granules in amygdalar, hypothalamic and hippocampal neuronal fields when compared with obese hamsters. Interestingly, elevated expression levels of the anorexic neuropeptide receptor neurotensin1 in the above limbic areas of obese hamsters were extremely reduced by daidzein, especially during recovery of cognitive events. Contextually, such effects were strongly paralleled by increased levels of the anti-neuroinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-10. Our results corroborate a neuroprotective ability of this natural glycosidic isoflavone, which through its interaction with the receptor neurotensin1 and interleukin-10 pathways is correlated not only to improved feeding states, and subsequently obesity conditions, but above all to cognitive performances.

The Case of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Addressed from a Pathogenic Point of View. Innovative Therapeutic Strategies: Focus on the Most Recent Discoveries on Oral Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes

Bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) was firstly reported by Marx in 2003. Since 2014, the term medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is recommended by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Development of MRONJ has been associated to the assumption of bisphosphonates but many MRONJ-promoting factors have been identified. A strong involvement of immunity components has been suggested. Therapeutic intervention includes surgical and non-surgical treatments, as well as regenerative medicine procedures for the replacement of the lost tissues. The literature confirms that the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), biomaterials and local biomolecules can support the regeneration/repair of different structures. In this review, we report the major open topics in the pathogenesis of MRONJ. Then, we introduce the oral tissues recognized as sources of MSCs, summing up in functional terms what is known about the exosomes release in physiological and pathological conditions.

FtH-Mediated ROS Dysregulation Promotes CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis Activation and EMT-Like Trans-Differentiation in Erythroleukemia K562 Cells

The cell-microenvironment communication is essential for homing of hematopoietic stem cells in stromal niches. Recent evidences support the involvement of epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) process in hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis as well as in leukemia cells invasiveness and migration capability. Here, we demonstrate that the alteration of iron homeostasis and the consequent increase of redox metabolism, mediated by the stable knock down of ferritin heavy chain (FtH), enhances the expression of CXCR4 in K562 erythroleukemia cells, thus promoting CXCL12-mediated motility. Indeed, addition of the CXCR4 receptor antagonist AMD3100 reverts this effect. Upon FtH knock down K562 cells also acquire an “EMT-like” phenotype, characterized by the increase of Snail, Slug and Vimentin with the parallel loss of E-cadherin. By using fibronectin as substrate, the cell adhesion assay further shows a reduction of cell adhesion capability in FtH-silenced K562 cells. Accordingly, confocal microscopy shows that adherent K562 control cells display a variety of protrusions while FtH-silenced K562 cells remain roundish. These phenomena are largely due to the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated up-regulation of HIF-1α/CXCR4 axis which, in turn, promotes the activation of NF-κB and the enhancement of EMT features. These data are confirmed by treatments with either N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or AMD3100 or NF-κB inhibitor IκB-alpha which revert the FtH-silenced K562 invasive phenotype. Overall, our findings demonstrate the existence of a direct relationship among iron metabolism, redox homeostasis and EMT in the hematological malignancies. The effects of FtH dysregulation on CXCR4/CXCL12-mediated K562 cell motility extend the meaning of iron homeostasis in the leukemia cell microenvironment.

Trabectedin triggers direct and NK-mediated cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Genomic instability is a feature of multiple myeloma (MM), and impairment in DNA damaging response (DDR) has an established role in disease pathobiology. Indeed, a deregulation of DNA repair pathways may contribute to genomic instability, to the establishment of drug resistance to genotoxic agents, and to the escape from immune surveillance. On these bases, we evaluated the role of different DDR pathways in MM and investigated, for the first time, the direct and immune-mediated anti-MM activity of the nucleotide excision repair (NER)-dependent agent trabectedin.

METHODS

Gene-expression profiling (GEP) was carried out with HTA2.0 Affymetrix array. Evaluation of apoptosis, cell cycle, and changes in cytokine production and release have been performed in 2D and 3D Matrigel-spheroid models through flow cytometry on MM cell lines and patients-derived primary MM cells exposed to increasing nanomolar concentrations of trabectedin. DNA-damage response has been evaluated through Western blot, immunofluorescence, and DNA fragmentation assay. Trabectedin-induced activation of NK has been assessed by CD107a degranulation. miRNAs quantification has been done through RT-PCR.

RESULTS

By comparing GEP meta-analysis of normal and MM plasma cells (PCs), we observed an enrichment in DNA NER genes in poor prognosis MM. Trabectedin triggered apoptosis in primary MM cells and MM cell lines in both 2D and 3D in vitro assays. Moreover, trabectedin induced DDR activation, cellular stress with ROS production, and cell cycle arrest. Additionally, a significant reduction of MCP1 cytokine and VEGF-A in U266-monocytes co-cultures was observed, confirming the impairment of MM-promoting milieu. Drug-induced cell stress in MM cells led to upregulation of NK activating receptors ligands (i.e., NKG2D), which translated into increased NK activation and degranulation. Mechanistically, this effect was linked to trabectedin-induced inhibition of NKG2D-ligands negative regulators IRF4 and IKZF1, as well as to miR-17 family downregulation in MM cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings indicate a pleiotropic activity of NER-targeting agent trabectedin, which appears a promising candidate for novel anti-MM therapeutic strategies.

Identification of mesothelial cells in intraoperative blood salvage

Intraoperative auto-transfusion with the use of cell saver systems is routinely used to reduce the rate of packed red blood transfusion in major surgery. Nevertheless some concerns have been raised on possible risks of coagulation disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the blood processed by the cell saver, ready to be re-infused to the patient, in order to individuate unexpected cellular components, that can favor coagulopathy. We tested the blood processed by the cell saver in thirteen patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery with Cellsearch^®, ScreenCell^®, Cytology and Immunofluorescence. Those four methods allowed us to look for the presence of unexpected cells, quantify and characterize them. Furthermore, the blood processed by the cell saver was mixed with the patient's peripheral blood and analyzed with the ROTEM^® thromboelastography. The Cellsearch^® revealed and counted a mean number of 1241 unexpected cells/7.5 ml in the blood processed by the cell saver. The ScreenCell^® and Cytology confirmed the presence of non-hematological cells. Immunofluorescence showed positivity for Calretinin and WT-1, confirming the mesothelial origin. Moreover we detected a peculiar arrangement of the platelets around the mesothelial cells in a "cloud" form, suggesting platelet activation. The ROTEM^® analysis showed a significantly longer clot formation time, smaller clot amplitude and maximum clot firmness, compared to controls. In conclusion we demonstrated the presence of mesothelial cells in the cell saving blood, ready to be auto-transfused. This finding can contribute to develop a platelet depletion coagulopathy, with coagulation factors consumption.

In Vitro Long-Term Expansion and High Osteogenic Potential of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: More Than a Mirage

The periodontal ligament displays a reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells which can account for periodontal regeneration. Despite the numerous studies directed at the definition of optimal culture conditions for long-term expansion of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), no consensus has been reached as to what is the ideal protocol. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal medium formulation for long-term expansion and stemness maintenance of PDLSCs, in order to obtain a sufficient number of cells for therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, the effects of three different culture medium formulations were evaluated on PDLSCs obtained from three periodontal ligament samples of the same patient: minimum essential medium Eagle, alpha modification (α-MEM), Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), both supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and a new medium formulation, Ham's F12 medium, supplemented with 10% FBS, heparin 0.5 U/ml, epidermal growth factor (EGF) 50 ng/ml, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 25 ng/ml, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) 1% (enriched Ham's F12 medium; EHFM). PDLSCs grown in EHFM displayed a higher PE-CD73 mean fluorescence intensity compared with cells maintained in α-MEM and DMEM, even at later passages. Cells maintained in EHFM displayed an increased population doubling and a reduced population doubling time compared with cells grown in DMEM or α-MEM. α-MEM, DMEM and EHFM with added dexamethasone, 2-phospho-L-ascorbic acid, and β-glycerophosphate were all able to promote alkaline phosphatase activity; however, no calcium deposition was detected in PDLSCs cultured in EHFM-differentiation medium. When EHFM-, α-MEM- and DMEM-expanded PDLSCs were transferred to a commercial culture medium for the osteogenesis, mineralization became much more evident in confluent monolayers of EHFM-expanded PDLSCs compared with DMEM and α-MEM. The results suggest EHFM is the optimal medium formulation for growth and stemness maintenance of primary PDLSCs. Moreover, EHFM confers higher osteogenic potential to PDLSCs compared with cells maintained in the other culture media. Overall, the results of the present work confirmed the advantages of using EHFM for long-term expansion of mesenchymal cells in vitro and the preservation of high osteogenic potential.

Innate immunity in cardiac myxomas and its pathological and clinical correlations

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign cardiac tumor. We investigated the immunohistochemical properties of 11 surgically excised cardiac myxomas, in order to analyze the correlation between macrophages and mast cell populations and clinical parameters. CD68⁺/CD163⁻/iNOS⁻ (M0) cells represent the most abundant macrophage phenotype; however, CD68⁺/CD163⁺ cells (M2) were also frequent. CD68⁺/iNOS⁺ (M1) elements were rare. Mast cells, defined as a population of c-kit (CD117)⁺ and/or tryptase⁺ cells were also detected. Statistical analysis showed significant correlations between c-kit (CD117)⁺ and tryptase, CD68 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ESR and red blood cell count (RBC), and prothrombin time and platelet count. The inverse correlation between RBCs in peripheral blood and ESR suggested that anemia associated with chronic inflammatory disease is a noncasual event in patients suffering from cardiac myxoma. Mechanical hemolysis may be only a minor component of anemia, according to the lack of correlation between echographic surface and RBCs. Moreover, tumor size did not correlate with ESR, showing that inflammatory state may depend from both tumor cells population and inflammatory infiltrate. In the future, modulation of macrophage polarization in cardiac myxomas might represent important therapeutic target.

Innate immunity may play a role in growth and relapse of chordoid meningioma

Chordoid meningioma (CM) is a rare subtype of meningioma, which represents only 0.5% of all meningiomas. It is classified as Grade II according to the World Health Organization classification because of its tendency to relapse. Pathological and clinical characteristics have been studied in order to forecast the future evolution of the lesions. However, information about infiltration of macrophagic elements and mast cells is very scarce. The authors analyzed the immunohistochemical patterns of three cases and a relapse of CM, in order to verify whether infiltrating macrophages are in a polarized state and what would be the proportion between such elements and mastocytes. Results suggest that macrophages in CMs are mainly in a non-polarized or M2 state and their abundance might be associated with a major potential of relapse; additionally, there is an inverse correlation between the number of mast cells and macrophages. Further studies are requested in order to confirm these intriguing data.

Extravascular type of intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia mimicking parotid gland neoplasia and the possible role of ferritin in the pathogenesis: A case report

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is defined as a vascular lesion characterized by extensive proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. This lesion was first described by Pierre Masson in 1923 as intravascular hemangioendothelioma. The most frequent sites of involvement are the skin and subcutis. IPEH comprises ~2% of the vascular tumors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue and it has a predilection for the head, neck, trunk and the extremities. The diagnosis is based on histopathology. We herein present the second case of Masson's tumor of the parotid gland described in literature. The patient was a 70-year-old female. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular lesion with smooth margins, initially considered to be compatible with pleomorphic adenoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity of the tumor cells for ferritin heavy and light chains, vimentin and CD31. The aim of the present study was to emphasize the immunohistochemical characteristics and briefly discuss the potential role of ferritin in the pathogenesis of IPEH.

Inflammation and macrophage polarization in cutaneous melanoma: Histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered to affect tumor growth and progression. Macrophages can be classified into two states of polarized activation, namely classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. The dynamic balance between TAMs and tumor cells has an important impact on tumor homeostasis and progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of TAMs present in different subtypes of superficial spreading cutaneous melanoma and their relationship with the lymphocytic infiltrate in order to identify new histopathological tools for melanoma prognosis and suitable targets for melanoma therapy. We selected four groups of patients with malignant melanoma in order to analyze the profile of polarized macrophage activation using immunohistochemical methods. Histopathological analysis showed that the macrophage polarization state appears to be more related to the lymphocytic infiltrate than to the thickness of the lesions. Further studies are necessary to increase understanding of the immunopathological dynamic of melanoma that may be modulated by future targeted immunotherapies.

Aurora Kinase A expression predicts platinum-resistance and adverse outcome in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma patients

High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSOC) is the predominant histotype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), characterized by advanced stage at diagnosis, frequent TP53 mutation, rapid progression, and high responsiveness to platinum-based-chemotherapy. To date, standard first-line-chemotherapy in advanced EOC includes platinum salts and paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab. The major prognostic factor is the response duration from the end of the platinum-based treatment (platinum-free interval) and about 10–0 % of EOC patients bear a platinum-refractory disease or develop early resistance (platinum-free interval shorter than 6 months). On these bases, a careful selection of patients who could benefit from chemotherapy is recommended to avoid unnecessary side effects and for a better disease outcome. In this retrospective study, an immunohistochemical evaluation of Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) was performed on 41 cases of HGSOC according to platinum-status. Taking into account the number and intensity of AURKA positive cells we built a predictive score able to discriminate with high accuracy platinum-sensitive patients from platinum-resistant patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we observed that AURKA overexpression correlates to worse overall survival (p = 0.001; HR 0.14). We here suggest AURKA as new effective tool to predict the biological behavior of HGSOC. Particularly, our results indicate that AURKA has a role both as predictor of platinum-resistance and as prognostic factor, that deserves further investigation in prospective clinical trials. Indeed, in the era of personalized medicine, AURKA could assist the clinicians in selecting the best treatment and represent, at the same time, a promising new therapeutic target in EOC treatment.

Ex-vivo characterization of circulating colon cancer cells distinguished in stem and differentiated subset provides useful biomarker for personalized metastatic risk assessment

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent one of the most interesting target in improving diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Herein we evaluate the possibility of using an emo-cytometric approach on the evaluation of the heterogeneous population of CTCs to improve personalized metastatic risk assessment. We benchmarked ex vivo behavior of distinct subsets of circulating colon tumor cells with correspondent clinical behavior of patients from which we isolated CTCs.

METHODS

Isolation and CTC expansion were performed by a gradient protocol. In vitro characterization was determined by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, western blotting and proteomic profiling. Cell sorter was performed with immunomagnetic beads. Confocal microscopy was used to evaluate tissue sections. Kaplan Mayer curves was cared for through Medcalc program.

RESULTS

We collected heterogeneous CTCs, derived from the whole blood of seven patients affected by colon cancer, expressing CD133(pos)CD45(neg) (5 ± 1) and (2 ± 1) and CK20(pos)CD45(neg) of (29 ± 3) (11 ± 1) cells/ml in Dukes D and A stage respectively. Proliferation rate of 57 ± 16 %, expression for CXCR4(pos) of 18 ± 7 % and detectable levels of IL-6, IL-8 and SDF-1 cytokines in conditioned culture medium characterized short-time expanded-CTCs (eCTCs). ECTCs organized in tumor sphere were CD45(neg)CD133(pos) while in adhesion were CXCR4(pos)CK20(pos). These two subsets were separately injected in mice. The first group of xenografts developed superficial lesions within 2 weeks. In the second group, in absence of growing tumour, the survival of injected eCTCs was monitored through SDF-1 serum levels detection. The detection of human cancer cells expressing CK20, in mice tissues sections, suggested a different biological behaviour of injected eCTC-subsets: tumorigenic for the first and disseminating for the second. The benchmarking of the experimental data with the clinical course highlights that patients with prevalence of circulating cancer stem cells (CD45(neg)CD133(pos)) have a lower overall survival. Conversely, patients with prevalence of circulating differentiated cells (CXCR4(pos)CK20(pos)) have a low disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the heterogeneous composition and despite the low number of CTCs, it was possible to distinguish two subgroups of CTCs, suggesting a different clinical outcome. CTC-subsets detailing is useful to better define the metastatic-risk personalized score thus improving disease management and reducing patient care cost.

Circulating non-hematological cells during cardiopulmonary bypass: new findings in cardiac surgery procedures

BACKGROUND

Several factors have been historically advocated to explain the coagulative and inflammatory disorders following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this paper, we describe the presence of circulating non-hematological cells, introduced within the bloodstream during CPB. We defined the origin of the cells and tested their impact on coagulation.

METHODS

We collected peripheral arterial blood samples in twenty consecutive coronary artery bypass graft cases at four different surgical moments and assessed the presence and nature of circulating cells with the use of the CELLSEARCH® Test, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence, evaluating the expression of cytokeratin and calretinin. The effect of the circulating non-hematological cells on coagulation was tested in vitro, using the ROTEM assay.

RESULTS

A mean of 263.85 ± 57.5 (median 258.5) cells were present in the samples following the suction of blood from the surgical field while all the other samples were negative (zero cells) (p<0.00001). Immunologic tests confirmed the mesothelial origin of the cells. The ROTEM® assay of the blood samples contaminated by the mesothelial cells presented longer clotting times (53.4 ± 8.2 secs 48.3 ± 8.9 sec, p=0.05), longer clot formation times (137.1 ± 31.5 sec vs 111.9 ± 25.2 sec, p=0.009), smaller alfa angle amplitudes (66.7 ± 9.1° vs 71.1 ± 5.1°, p=0.04) and maximum clot firmness times (59.0 ± 5.4 sec vs 61.9 ±4.6 sec, p=0.004) than the controls.

CONCLUSION

The presence of circulating non-hematological cells during CPB with a mesothelial immunophenotype alters in vitro coagulation assays. This finding can help to further understand the pathophysiology of CPB.

H ferritin silencing induces protein misfolding in K562 cells: A Raman analysis

The redox state of the cell is involved in the regulation of many physiological functions as well as in the pathogenesis of several diseases, and is strictly dependent on the amount of iron in its catalytically active state. Alterations of iron homeostasis determine increased steady-state concentrations of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that cause lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and altered protein folding. Ferritin keeps the intracellular iron in a non-toxic and readily available form and consequently plays a central role in iron and redox homeostasis. The protein is composed by 24 subunits of the H- and L-type, coded by two different genes, with structural and functional differences. The aim of this study was to shed light on the role of the single H ferritin subunit (FHC) in keeping the native correct protein three-dimensional structure. To this, we performed Raman spectroscopy on protein extracts from K562 cells subjected to FHC silencing. The results show a significant increase in the percentage of disordered structures content at a level comparable to that induced by H2O2 treatment in control cells. ROS inhibitor and iron chelator were able to revert protein misfolding. This integrated approach, involving Raman spectroscopy and targeted-gene silencing, indicates that an imbalance of the heavy-to-light chain ratio in the ferritin composition is able to induce severe but still reversible modifications in protein folding and uncovers new potential pathogenetic mechanisms associated to intracellular iron perturbation.

Overstimulation of glutamate signals leads to hippocampal transcriptional plasticity in hamsters

It's known that neurons in mammalian hibernators are more tolerant to hypoxia than those in non-hibernating species and as a consequence animals are capable of awakening from the arousal state without exhibiting cerebral damages. In addition, evidences have suggested that euthermic hamster neurons display protective adaptations against hypoxia, while those of rats are not capable, even though molecular mechanisms involved in similar neuroprotective strategies have not been yet fully studied. In the present work, overstimulation of glutamatergic receptors NMDA recognized as one of the major death-promoting element in hypoxia, accounted for altered network complexity consistent with a moderate reduction of hippocampal neuronal survival (p < 0.05) in hamsters. These alterations appeared to be featured concomitantly with altered glutamatergic signaling as indicated by significant down-regulation (p < 0.01) of NMDAergic (NR2A) and AMPAergic (GluR1, R2) receptor subtypes together with the metabotropic mGluR5 subtype. Diminished mRNA levels were also reported for NMDA receptor binding factors and namely PSD95 plus DREAM, which exert positive and negative regulatory properties, respectively, on receptor trafficking events. Conversely, involvement of glutamatergic signaling systems on neuronal excitotoxicity was strengthened by the co-activation of GABAAR-mediated effects as indicated by toxic morphological effects being notably reduced along with up-regulated GluR1, GluR2, mGluR5, DREAM, and Homer1c scaffold proteins when muscimol was added. Overall, these results point to a neuroprotective role of the GABAergic system against excitotoxicity episodes via DREAM-dependent inhibition of NMDA receptor and activation of AMPA receptor plus mGluR5, respectively, thus proposing them as novel therapeutic targets against cerebral ischemic damages in humans.

PAN hollow fiber membranes elicit functional hippocampal neuronal network

This study focuses on the development of an advanced in vitro biohybrid culture model system based on the use of hollow fibre membranes (HFMs) and hippocampal neurons in order to promote the formation of a high density neuronal network. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK-WC) membranes were prepared in hollow fibre configuration. The morphological and metabolic behaviour of hippocampal neurons cultured on PAN HF membranes were compared with those cultured on PEEK-WC HF. The differences of cell behaviour between HFMs were evidenced by the morphometric analysis in terms of axon length and also by the investigation of metabolic activity in terms of neurotrophin secretion. These findings suggested that PAN HFMs induced the in vitro reconstruction of very highly functional and complex neuronal networks. Thus, these biomaterials could potentially be used for the in vitro realization of a functional hippocampal tissue analogue for the study of neurobiological functions and/or neurodegenerative diseases.

Distinct α GABA(A)R subunits influence structural and transcriptional properties of CA1 hippocampal neurons

The hippocampus is recognized as a major telencephalic area modulating learning and episodic memory through the activation of its different subregions. The various functional properties of Ammon's horn 1 (Cornu Amonis 1; CA1) area have been shown to rely on GABAergic and Glutamat- (Glu)-ergic neuronal signals during both postnatal and adult stages. For this purpose, it was the aim of the present study to establish whether certain alpha GABA(A)R subunits (alpha(2,5)) were capable of modifying CA1 structural and functional features via their interaction with specific NMDA receptor subunits such as NR1 during early development stages of the hibernating hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Indeed, in vitro addition of the selective alpha(2,5) GABA(A)R agonist diazepam (DZP; alpha(2,5)) accounted for early neuronal formations that were blocked by its antagonist flumazenil (FLM). In particular, the former drug caused very great (p<0.001) increases of dendritic sprouting and branching processes mainly at day in vitro (DIV) 3, while its effects still continued to be responsible for moderate (p<0.05) increases of axonal length during the entire culture period. Contextually, DZP was also responsible for a very great up-regulated expression of neuritic NR1 and MAP2 together with a great (p<0.01) increase of synaptophysin at DIV7. Overall, this first study suggests a specifically tight cross-talking relationship of GABAergic/Gluergic mechanisms operating during CA1 neuronal development, which may bring us closer to the identification of more selective therapeutic targets for hippocampal-linked neurological disorders.

Lungfish aestivating activities are locked in distinct encephalic γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α subunits

Ammonia in dipnoans plays a crucial role on neuronal homeostasis, especially for those brain areas that maintain torpor and awakening states in equilibrium. In the present study, specific α subunits of the major neuroreceptor inhibitory complex (GABA(A) R), which predominated during some phases of aestivation of the lungfish Protopterus annectens, turned out to be key adaptive factors of this species. From the isolation, for the first time, of the encoding sequence for GABA(A) R α₁, α₄ , and α₅ subunits in Protopterus annectens, qPCR and in situ hybridization levels of α₄ transcript in thalamic (P < 0.001) and mesencephalic (P < 0.01) areas proved to be significantly higher during long aestivating maintenance states. Very evident α₅ mRNA levels were detected in diencephalon during short inductive aestivating states, whereas an α₄ /α₁ turnover characterized the arousal state. Contextually, the recovery of physiological activities appeared to be tightly related to an evident up-regulation of α₁ transcripts in telencephalic and cerebellar sites. Surprisingly, TUNEL and amino cupric silver methods corroborated apoptotic and neurodegenerative cellular events, respectively, above all in telencephalon and cerebellum of lungfish exposed to long maintenance aestivating conditions. Overall, these results tend to underlie a novel GABAergic-related ON/OFF molecular switch operating during aestivation of the lungfish, which might have a bearing on sleeping disorders.

Distinct α subunit variations of the hypothalamic GABAA receptor triplets (αβγ) are linked to hibernating state in hamsters

Background

The structural arrangement of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA_AR) is known to be crucial for the maintenance of cerebral-dependent homeostatic mechanisms during the promotion of highly adaptive neurophysiological events of the permissive hibernating rodent, i.e the Syrian golden hamster. In this study, in vitro quantitative autoradiography and in situ hybridization were assessed in major hypothalamic nuclei. Reverse Transcription Reaction-Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were performed for specific GABA_AR receptor subunit gene primers synthases of non-hibernating (NHIB) and hibernating (HIB) hamsters. Attempts were made to identify the type of αβγ subunit combinations operating during the switching ON/OFF of neuronal activities in some hypothalamic nuclei of hibernators.

Results

Both autoradiography and molecular analysis supplied distinct expression patterns of all α subunits considered as shown by a strong (p < 0.01) prevalence of α₁ ratio (over total α subunits considered in the present study) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and arcuate nucleus (Arc) of NHIBs with respect to HIBs. At the same time α₂ subunit levels proved to be typical of periventricular nucleus (Pe) and Arc of HIB, while strong α₄ expression levels were detected during awakening state in the key circadian hypothalamic station, i.e. the suprachiasmatic nucleus (Sch; 60%). Regarding the other two subunits (β and γ), elevated β₃ and γ₃ mRNAs levels mostly characterized MPOA of HIBs, while prevalently elevated expression concentrations of the same subunits were also typical of Sch, even though this time during the awakening state. In the case of Arc, notably elevated levels were obtained for β₃ and γ₂ during hibernating conditions.

Conclusion

We conclude that different αβγ subunits are operating as major elements either at the onset of torpor or during induction of the arousal state in the Syrian golden hamster. The identification of a brain regional distribution pattern of distinct GABA_AR subunit combinations may prove to be very useful for highlighting GABAergic mechanisms functioning at least during the different physiological states of hibernators and this may have interesting therapeutic bearings on neurological sleeping disorders.

Distinct alpha subunits of the GABAA receptor are responsible for early hippocampal silent neuron-related activities

The modulatory actions of GABA(A) receptor subunits are crucial for morphological and transcriptional neuronal activities. In this study, growth of hamster hippocampal neurons on biohybrid membrane substrates allowed us to show for the first time that the two major GABA(A) alpha receptor subunits (alpha(2,5)) are capable of early neuronal shaping plus expression differences of some of the main neuronal cytoskeletal factors (GAP-43, the neurotrophin--BDNF) and of Gluergic subtypes. In a first case the inverse alpha(5) agonist (RY-080) seemed to account for the reduction of dendritic length at DIV7, very likely via lower BDNF levels. Conversely, the effects of the preferentially specific agonist for hippocampal alpha(2) subunit (flunitrazepam) were, instead, directed at the formation of growth cones at DIV3 in the presence of greatly (P < 0.01) diminished GAP-43 levels as displayed by strongly reduced axonal sprouting. It is interesting to note that concomitantly to these morphological variations, the transcription of some Gluergic receptor subtypes resulted to be altered. In particular, flunitrazepam was responsible for a distinctly rising expression of axonal NR1 mRNA levels from DIV3 (P < 0.01) until DIV7 (P < 0.001), whereas RY-080 evoked a very great (P < 0.001) downregulation of dendritic GluR2 at only DIV7. Together, our results demonstrate that GABA(A) alpha(2,5) receptor-containing subunits by regulating the precise synchronization of cytoskeletal factors are considered key modulating neuronal elements of hippocampal morphological growth features. Moreover, the notable NR1 and GluR2 transcription differences promoted by these GABA(A) alpha subunits tend to favorably corroborate the early role of alpha(2) + alpha(5) on hippocampal neuronal networks in hibernating rodents through the recruitment and activation of silent neurons, and this may provide useful insights regarding molecular neurodegenerative events.

[Usefulness of the modified Dixon technique associated with gadolinium administration in the characterization of adrenal masses]

We investigated the usefulness of modified Dixon technique at 0.5 T after Gadolinium (Gd) administration in the characterization of adrenal masses. One hundred and one patients (45 men, 56 women; mean age: 60.5 +/- 13.5 years) with 125 adrenal masses found at previous US or CT of the abdomen were submitted to MRI. The study protocol included preliminary T1-weighted, PD and T2-weighted SE images. A bolus of 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA was administered and then T1-weighted SE scans were acquired with modified Dixon technique (TR = 450-600 ms, TE = 30 ms, 192 x 192 matrix, no craniocaudal presaturation). Acquisition time is twice as long with this technique as with conventional SE sequences, but three sets of T1-weighted images are acquired: conventional SE, fat-suppressed and water-suppressed images. The diagnosis was made at surgery (18 lesions) and fine-needle biopsy (34 lesions), or with stable US follow-up findings for at least 1 year (73 masses). Adrenocortical adenomas (no. 88) were homogeneously isointense to liver in pre- and postcontrast images, but 32 of them exhibited a small high intensity spot in enhanced fat-suppressed images. Malignant lesions and pheochromocytomas (no. 19) had inhomogeneous signal intensity, with relatively higher signal on T2-weighted and Gd-enhanced fat-saturated images. Fat-water images were useful to assess fatty and myeloid components within myelolipomas (no. 7). Benign conditions were distinguished from malignant conditions with 90% sensitivity, 93% specificity and 92.5% diagnostic accuracy. To conclude, modified three-point Dixon technique after contrast agent administration appears to be another useful diagnostic application of midfield MRI to characterize adrenal tissues.