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Bernardi S, Tonon F, Barbieri M, Zamagni G, Nuredini R, Perer L, Comar S, Toffoli B, Ronfani L, Ricci G, Fabris B, Stampalija T. A longitudinal study on the effect of obesity upon circulating renin-angiotensin system in normal pregnancy. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 34:771-782. [PMID: 38161127 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.10.030] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Obesity is the most common health issue in women of reproductive age, which profoundly affects maternal-fetal health. Despite progress in understanding key inflammatory and metabolic changes, the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular phenotype of obese pregnant women remains to be fully understood. This study aimed at: (i) evaluating the changes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) throughout pregnancy in obese vs normal weight (control) women, and (ii) evaluating the presence of any associations between maternal hemodynamic status and RAS changes. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-eight normal weight and nineteen obese pregnant women were included. Clinical assessment, blood samples and maternal hemodynamic evaluation were performed at 12, 20, 30, and 36 weeks, while ultrasound assessment was scheduled at 20, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation. Measurements of sFlt-1, PlGF, Angiotensinogen, Renin, AngII, Ang1-7, ACE and ACE2 were performed by ELISA. Our data show that normotensive obese women had lower placental blood supply, as assessed by UV-Q and UV-Q/EFW, as compared to controls, and significantly higher levels of AngII and AngII/Ang1-7 ratio, which were inversely related to placental blood supply. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows for the first time that normotensive obese women exhibited a significant progressive increase of AngII and AngII/Ang1-7 throughout pregnancy, which were inversely related to placental blood supply as assessed by UV-Q and UV-Q/EFW. Our data shed light on the early changes in pregnant obese women and suggest that RAS dysregulation is a prerequisite rather than a consequence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and other maternal neonatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, ASUGI, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Moira Barbieri
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Zamagni
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34147, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberto Nuredini
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Perer
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sarah Comar
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34147, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137, Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, ASUGI, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149, Trieste, Italy; Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137, Trieste, Italy
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Candido R, Gaiotti S, Giudici F, Toffoli B, De Luca F, Velardi V, Petrucco A, Gottardi C, Manca E, Buda I, Fabris B, Bernardi S. Real-World Retrospective Study into the Effects of Oral Semaglutide (As a Switchover or Add-On Therapy) in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6052. [PMID: 37762991 PMCID: PMC10532177 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12186052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Oral semaglutide represents the first oral GLP-1 RA approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This real-world retrospective study aimed at evaluating its effectiveness and tolerability in the treatment of patients with T2DM when patients switched from a glucose-lowering agent to it and when it was added to the usual therapy. (2) Methods: Adult patients with T2DM taking oral semaglutide and followed in the ASUGI Diabetes Center were identified with the use of electronic medical records between October 2022 and May 2023. (3) Results: A total of 129 patients were recruited. The median follow-up was 6 months. Be it as a switchover or as an add-on therapy, oral semaglutide significantly reduced HbA1c and BMI. Switching from DPPIV inhibitors to oral semaglutide was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c and BMI, switching from SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c, and switching from sulphonylureas was associated with a significant reduction in BMI. The median HbA1c change was associated with baseline HbA1c. SBP significantly decreased in the add-on group. Oral semaglutide was well tolerated. (4) Conclusions: This study shows that in the real-world setting, oral semaglutide is effective and safe as a switchover or as an add-on therapy for the treatment of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Candido
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (C.G.); (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Sara Gaiotti
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
| | - Federica De Luca
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
| | - Valerio Velardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
| | - Alessandra Petrucco
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (C.G.); (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Chiara Gottardi
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (C.G.); (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Elena Manca
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (C.G.); (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Iris Buda
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy; (A.P.); (C.G.); (E.M.); (I.B.)
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
- SS Endocrinologia Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (R.C.); (S.G.); (F.G.); (B.T.); (F.D.L.); (V.V.); (B.F.)
- SS Endocrinologia Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), 34128 Trieste, Italy
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Toffoli B, Tonon F, Giudici F, Ferretti T, Ghirigato E, Contessa M, Francica M, Candido R, Puato M, Grillo A, Fabris B, Bernardi S. Preliminary Study on the Effect of a Night Shift on Blood Pressure and Clock Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119309. [PMID: 37298261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119309] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Night shift work has been found to be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. One of the underlying mechanisms seems to be that shift work promotes hypertension, but results have been variable. This cross-sectional study was carried out in a group of internists with the aim of performing a paired analysis of 24 h blood pressure in the same physicians working a day shift and then a night shift, and a paired analysis of clock gene expression after a night of rest and a night of work. Each participant wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) twice. The first time was for a 24 h period that included a 12 h day shift (08.00-20.00) and a night of rest. The second time was for a 30 h period that included a day of rest, a night shift (20.00-08.00), and a subsequent period of rest (08.00-14.00). Subjects underwent fasting blood sampling twice: after the night of rest and after the night shift. Night shift work significantly increased night systolic blood pressure (SBP), night diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) and decreased their respective nocturnal decline. Clock gene expression increased after the night shift. There was a direct association between night blood pressure and clock gene expression. Night shifts lead to an increase in blood pressure, non-dipping status, and circadian rhythm misalignment. Blood pressure is associated with clock genes and circadian rhythm misalignement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ferretti
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elena Ghirigato
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Matilde Contessa
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Morena Francica
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Candido
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- SC Patologie Diabetiche, ASUGI, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Massimo Puato
- SSD Angiologia e Fisiologia Clinica Vascolare Multidisciplinare Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Grillo
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Tonon F, Candido R, Toffoli B, Tommasi E, Cortello T, Fabris B, Bernardi S. Type 1 diabetes is associated with significant changes of ACE and ACE2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 32:1275-1282. [PMID: 35260304 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2022.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is a key mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis, has two main axes. The classic one, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Angiotensin (Ang) II, promoting vasoconstriction, and the "alternative" one, including ACE2 and Ang1-7, with opposed actions to AngII. ACE2 has been identified as the main receptor of SARS-CoV2, whereby it enters the cells, leading to the downregulation of surface ACE2 and RAS tissue unbalance. Given that diabetes is associated with an increase in COVID-19 severity and death, we aimed at evaluating RAS expression in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS AND RESULTS This is a case-control study comparing 39 T1D patients to 33 controls, with a median age of 29 and 32 years, and no comorbidities. ACE and ACE2 gene expression was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. T1D patients had higher ACE expression and circulating AngII, which were related to glucose levels. T1D patients had lower ACE2 expression. However, ACE2 expression was also related to the sex of participants, being higher in the female group. T1D women did not show the same increase of ACE2 expression that was seen in control women. CONCLUSION T1D promotes the increase of ACE, AngII, and ACE/ACE2, which might contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk, as well as to severe tissue injury induced by SARS-CoV2 in these patients. The ratio ACE/ACE2 does not differ between men and women with T1D, which might explain why CVD or COVID-19 do not show substantial gender differences in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Candido
- Centro Diabetologico Distretto 3 e 4, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tommasi
- Centro Diabetologico Distretto 3 e 4, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Thomas Cortello
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano-Isontina, Trieste, Italy.
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Tonon F, Di Bella S, Giudici F, Zerbato V, Segat L, Koncan R, Misin A, Toffoli B, D'Agaro P, Luzzati R, Fabris B, Bernardi S. Discriminatory Value of Adiponectin to Leptin Ratio for COVID-19 Pneumonia. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:9908450. [PMID: 35529082 PMCID: PMC9072020 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9908450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Obesity is a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Circulating adipokines have been associated with inflammatory burden and amplified or dysregulated immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminatory ability of adipokines to identify COVID-19 pneumonia and to assess disease severity. METHODS We conducted an observational case-control study, with a prospective design, and recruited patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 36), who were matched by age, sex, and BMI. Leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had higher levels of leptin, lower adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio, and higher expression of IL-6. Leptin had an acceptable discriminatory accuracy for COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with BMI >30 (AUC 0.74 [0.58, 0.90]) with a cutoff of 7852 pg/mL and it was associated with maximum respiratory support. By contrast, Adpn/Lep had an excellent discriminatory accuracy for COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with BMI <25 (AUC 0.9 [0.74, 1.06]) with a cutoff of 2.23. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that high Adpn/Lep (>2.23) in lean patients is consistent with a state of good health, which decreases in case of inflammatory states, ranging from adipose tissue dysfunction with low-grade inflammation to COVID-19 pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
- SC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Gustave-Roussy, Bureau Biostatistique et Epidémiologie - 114, Rue Eduard Vaillant, Villejuif 94805, France
| | - Verena Zerbato
- SC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Ludovica Segat
- U.C.O. Igiene e Sanità Pubblica, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Raffaella Koncan
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Andrea Misin
- SC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Pierlanfranco D'Agaro
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
- U.C.O. Igiene e Sanità Pubblica, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
- SC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34125, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Isontino-Giuliana, Trieste 34149, Italy
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Tonon F, Tornese G, Giudici F, Nicolardi F, Toffoli B, Barbi E, Fabris B, Bernardi S. Children With Short Stature Display Reduced ACE2 Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:912064. [PMID: 35909539 PMCID: PMC9335146 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.912064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cause of short stature remains often unknown. The renin-angiotensin system contributes to growth regulation. Several groups reported that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-knockout mice weighed less than controls. Our case-control study aimed to investigate if children with short stature had reduced ACE2 expression as compared to controls, and its significance. MATERIALS AND METHODS children aged between 2 and 14 years were consecutively recruited in a University Hospital pediatric tertiary care center. Cases were children with short stature defined as height SD ≤ -2 diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or idiopathic short stature (ISS), before any treatment. Exclusion criteria were: acute diseases, kidney disease, endocrine or autoimmune disorders, precocious puberty, genetic syndromes, SGA history. ACE and ACE2 expression were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, angiotensins were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Children with short stature displayed significantly lower ACE2 expression, being 0.40 fold induction (0.01-2.27) as compared to controls, and higher ACE/ACE2, with no differences between GHD and ISS. ACE2 expression was significantly and inversely associated with the risk of short stature, OR 0.26 (0.07-0.82), and it had a moderate accuracy to predict it, with an AUC of 0.73 (0.61-0.84). The cutoff of 0.45 fold induction of ACE2 expression was the value best predicting short stature, identifying correctly 70% of the children. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the association between the reduction of ACE2 expression and growth retardation. Further studies are needed to determine its diagnostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS ‘Burlo Garofolo’, Trieste, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gianluca Tornese,
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Nicolardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Egidio Barbi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS ‘Burlo Garofolo’, Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Operative Unit of Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, Ospedale di Cattinara, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Operative Unit of Medicina Clinica, Ospedale di Cattinara, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
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Ludwig-Begall LF, Di Felice E, Toffoli B, Ceci C, Di Martino B, Marsilio F, Mauroy A, Thiry E. Analysis of Synchronous and Asynchronous In Vitro Infections with Homologous Murine Norovirus Strains Reveals Time-Dependent Viral Interference Effects. Viruses 2021; 13:823. [PMID: 34063220 PMCID: PMC8147416 DOI: 10.3390/v13050823] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral recombination is a key mechanism in the evolution and diversity of noroviruses. In vivo, synchronous single-cell coinfection by multiple viruses, the ultimate prerequisite to viral recombination, is likely to be a rare event and delayed secondary infections are a more probable occurrence. Here, we determine the effect of a temporal separation of in vitro infections with the two homologous murine norovirus strains MNV-1 WU20 and CW1 on the composition of nascent viral populations. WU20 and CW1 were either synchronously inoculated onto murine macrophage cell monolayers (coinfection) or asynchronously applied (superinfection with varying titres of CW1 at half-hour to 24-h delays). Then, 24 h after initial co-or superinfection, quantification of genomic copy numbers and discriminative screening of plaque picked infectious progeny viruses demonstrated a time-dependent predominance of primary infecting WU20 in the majority of viral progenies. Our results indicate that a time interval from one to two hours onwards between two consecutive norovirus infections allows for the establishment of a barrier that reduces or prevents superinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall
- FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.F.L.-B.); (B.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Di Felice
- Department of Diagnosis and Surveillance of Exotic Disease, IZS Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale A&M G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.F.L.-B.); (B.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Chiara Ceci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (B.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (B.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (B.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Axel Mauroy
- FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.F.L.-B.); (B.T.); (A.M.)
- Staff Direction for Risk Assessment, Control Policy, FASFC, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (L.F.L.-B.); (B.T.); (A.M.)
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Madel MB, Fu H, Pierroz DD, Schiffrin M, Winkler C, Wilson A, Pochon C, Toffoli B, Taïeb M, Jouzeau JY, Gilardi F, Ferrari S, Bonnet N, Blin-Wakkach C, Desvergne B, Moulin D. Lack of Adiponectin Drives Hyperosteoclastogenesis in Lipoatrophic Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:627153. [PMID: 33869176 PMCID: PMC8047205 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.627153] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long bones from mammals host blood cell formation and contain multiple cell types, including adipocytes. Physiological functions of bone marrow adipocytes are poorly documented. Herein, we used adipocyte-deficient PPARγ-whole body null mice to investigate the consequence of total adipocyte deficiency on bone homeostasis in mice. We first highlighted the dual bone phenotype of PPARγ null mice: one the one hand, the increased bone formation and subsequent trabecularization extending in the long bone diaphysis, due to the well-known impact of PPARγ deficiency on osteoblasts formation and activity; on the other hand, an increased osteoclastogenesis in the cortical bone. We then further explored the cause of this unexpected increased osteoclastogenesis using two independent models of lipoatrophy, which recapitulated this phenotype. This demonstrates that hyperosteoclastogenesis is not intrinsically linked to PPARγ deficiency, but is a consequence of the total lipodystrophy. We further showed that adiponectin, a cytokine produced by adipocytes and mesenchymal stromal cells is a potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, pharmacological activation of adiponectin receptors by the synthetic agonist AdipoRon inhibited mature osteoclast activity both in mouse and human cells by blocking podosome formation through AMPK activation. Finally, we demonstrated that AdipoRon treatment blocks bone erosion in vivo in a murine model of inflammatory bone loss, providing potential new approaches to treat osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Bernadette Madel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7370, Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | - He Fu
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Mariano Schiffrin
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Wilson
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mahdia Taïeb
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7370, Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | | | - Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serge Ferrari
- Division of Bone Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Geneva University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Claudine Blin-Wakkach
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7370, Laboratoire de PhysioMédecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode, Lausanne Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Moulin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, Nancy, France
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Rimondi E, Marcuzzi A, Casciano F, Tornese G, Pellati A, Toffoli B, Secchiero P, Melloni E. Role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of atheromatosis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2021; 31:344-353. [PMID: 33500110 PMCID: PMC7486169 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide, but the collective efforts to prevent this pathological condition are directed exclusively to individuals at higher risk due to hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, diabetes. Recently, vitamin D deficiency was identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in healthy people, as it predisposes to different vascular dysfunctions that can result in plaque development and fragility. In this scenario, the fundamental aim of the study was to reproduce a disease model inducing vitamin D deficiency and atheromatosis in ApoE-/- mice and then to evaluate the impact of this vitamin D status on the onset/progression of atheromatosis, focusing on plaque formation and instability. METHODS AND RESULTS In our murine disease model, vitamin D deficiency was achieved by 3 weeks of vitamin D deficient diet along with intraperitoneal paricalcitol injections, while atheromatosis by western-type diet administration. Under these experimental conditions, vitamin D deficient mice developed more unstable atheromatous plaques with reduced or absent fibrotic cap. Since calcium and phosphorus metabolism and also cholesterol and triglycerides systemic concentration were not affected by vitamin D level, our results highlighted the role of vitamin D deficiency in the formation/instability of atheromatous plaque and, although further studies are needed, suggested a possible intervention with vitamin D to prevent or delay the atheromatous disease. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained open the question about the potential role of the vitamins in the pharmacological treatments of cardiovascular disorders as coadjutant of the primary drugs used for these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Rimondi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo'', Trieste, Italy
| | - Agnese Pellati
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo'', Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Bernardi S, Toffoli B, Tonon F, Francica M, Campagnolo E, Ferretti T, Comar S, Giudici F, Stenner E, Fabris B. Sex Differences in Proatherogenic Cytokine Levels. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113861. [PMID: 32485823 PMCID: PMC7311959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that sex affects immunity, including cytokine production. Given that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease promoted by specific cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, we aimed at evaluating whether sex could affect the levels of these proatherogenic cytokines in a group of healthy adults. In this analysis, we also included other cytokines and peptides that have been implicated in atherosclerosis development and progression. METHODS A total of 104 healthy adults were recruited; we measured circulating levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, angiotensins and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), as well as osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). RESULTS IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly higher in men as compared to women. They were all associated with testosterone and the testosterone/estradiol ratio. They remained significantly associated with sex (but not with hormones) after being tested for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS Sex seems to influence the levels of proatherogenic cytokines. This is consistent not only with sex differences in vulnerability to infections but also with the higher cardiovascular risk exhibited by the male gender as compared to the female gender. Nevertheless, this association is only partly explained by hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
- ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-399-4318
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Federica Tonon
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
| | - Morena Francica
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
| | - Elena Campagnolo
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
| | - Tommaso Ferretti
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
| | - Sarah Comar
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
- ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
- ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Stenner
- Department of Diagnostics, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, 57100 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (F.T.); (M.F.); (E.C.); (T.F.); (S.C.); (F.G.); (B.F.)
- ASUGI Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, UCO Medicina Clinica, 34100 Trieste, Italy
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11
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Gilardi F, Winkler C, Quignodon L, Diserens JG, Toffoli B, Schiffrin M, Sardella C, Preitner F, Desvergne B. Systemic PPARγ deletion in mice provokes lipoatrophy, organomegaly, severe type 2 diabetes and metabolic inflexibility. Metabolism 2019; 95:8-20. [PMID: 30878493 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in many aspects of metabolism, immune response and development. Numerous studies relying on tissue-specific invalidation of the Pparg gene have shown distinct facets of its activity, whereas the effects of its systemic inactivation remain unexplored due to embryonic lethality. By maintaining PPARγ expression in the placenta, we recently generated a mouse model carrying Pparg full body deletion (PpargΔ/Δ), which in contrast to a previously published model is totally deprived of any form of adipose tissue. Herein, we propose an in-depth study of the metabolic alterations observed in this new model. METHODS Young adult mice, both males and females analyzed separately, were first phenotyped for their gross anatomical alterations. Systemic metabolic parameters were analyzed in the blood, in static and in dynamic conditions. A full exploration of energy metabolism was performed in calorimetric cages as well as in metabolic cages. Our study was completed by expression analyses of a set of specific genes. MAIN FINDINGS PpargΔ/Δ mice show a striking complete absence of any form of adipose tissue, which triggers a complex metabolic phenotype including increased lean mass with organomegaly, hypermetabolism, urinary energy loss, hyperphagia, and increased amino acid metabolism. PpargΔ/Δ mice develop severe type 2 diabetes, characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, polyuria and polydispsia. They show a remarkable metabolic inflexibility, as indicated by the inability to shift substrate oxidation between glucose and lipids, in both ad libitum fed state and fed/fasted/refed transitions. Moreover, upon fasting PpargΔ/Δ mice enter a severe hypometabolic state. CONCLUSIONS Our data comprehensively describe the impact of lipoatrophy on metabolic homeostasis. As such, the presented data on PpargΔ/Δ mice gives new clues on what and how to explore severe lipodystrophy and its subsequent metabolic complications in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Quignodon
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Gael Diserens
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mariano Schiffrin
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Sardella
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Preitner
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Toffoli B, Bernardi S, Winkler C, Carrascosa C, Gilardi F, Desvergne B. Renal mineralocorticoid receptor expression is reduced in lipoatrophy. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:328-334. [PMID: 30761257 PMCID: PMC6356154 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12579] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a condition characterized by adipose tissue hypertrophy; it is estimated that the obesity epidemic accounted for 4 million deaths in 2015 and that 70% of these were due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of the mechanisms linking obesity to CVD is the ability of adipose tissue to secrete circulating factors. We hypothesized that adipose tissue and its secretory products may influence mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression. Here, we showed that expression of MR and its downstream targets (Cnksr3, Scnn1b, and Sgk1) were significantly reduced in the kidneys of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ null (PpargΔ/Δ) and A‐ZIP/F‐1 (AZIPtg/+) lipoatrophic mice with respect to their controls. Intriguingly, MR expression was also found to be significantly reduced in the kidneys of genetically obese ob/ob mice. Our data suggest that adipose tissue contributes to the regulation of MR expression. Given that leptin deficiency seems to be the major feature shared by PpargΔ/Δ, AZIPtg/+, and ob/ob mice, we speculate that adipose tissue modulates MR expression through the leptin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | | | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Coralie Carrascosa
- Center for Integrative Genomics Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics Faculty of Biology and Medicine University of Lausanne Switzerland
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13
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Toffoli B, Zennaro C, Winkler C, Giordano Attianese GMP, Bernardi S, Carraro M, Gilardi F, Desvergne B. Hemicentin 1 influences podocyte dynamic changes in glomerular diseases. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 314:F1154-F1165. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00198.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Different complex mechanisms control the morphology of podocyte foot processes and their interactions with the underlying basement membrane. Injuries to this system often cause glomerular dysfunction and albuminuria. The present study aimed at identifying early markers of glomerular damage in diabetic nephropathy. For this purpose, we performed a microarray analysis on kidneys of 3-wk-old peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)-null and AZIP/F1 mice, which are two models of diabetic nephropathy due to lipodystrophy. This was followed by functional annotation of the enriched clusters of genes. One of the significant changes in the early stages of glomerular damage was the increase of hemicentin 1 (HMCN1). Its expression and distribution were then studied by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence in various models of glomerular damage and on podocyte cell cultures. HMCN1 progressively increased in the glomeruli of diabetic mice, according to disease severity, as well as in puromycin aminonucleoside (PA)-treated rats. Studies on murine and human podocytes showed an increased HMCN1 deposition upon different pathological stimuli, such as hyperglycemia, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and PA. In vitro silencing studies showed that HMCN1 mediated the rearrangements of podocyte cytoskeleton induced by TGF-β. Finally, we demonstrated an increased expression of HMCN1 in the kidneys of patients with proteinuric nephropathies. In summary, our studies identified HMCN1 as a new molecule involved in the dynamic changes of podocyte foot processes. Its increased expression associated with podocyte dysfunction points to HMCN1 as a possible marker for the early glomerular damage occurring in different proteinuric nephropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Zennaro
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Carraro
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Sardella C, Winkler C, Quignodon L, Hardman JA, Toffoli B, Giordano Attianese GMP, Hundt JE, Michalik L, Vinson CR, Paus R, Desvergne B, Gilardi F. Delayed Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Hair Follicle Dystrophy in a Lipoatrophy Mouse Model of Pparg Total Deletion. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:500-510. [PMID: 28964716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PPARγ regulates multiple aspects of skin physiology, including sebocyte differentiation, keratinocyte proliferation, epithelial stem cell survival, adipocyte biology, and inflammatory skin responses. However, the effects of its global deletion, namely of nonredundant key functions of PPARγ signaling in mammalian skin, are yet unknown because of embryonic lethality. Here, we describe the skin and hair phenotype of a whole-body PPARγ-null mouse (PpargΔ/Δ), obtained by preserving PPARγ expression in the placenta. PpargΔ/Δ mice exhibited total lipoatrophy and complete absence of sebaceous glands. Right after birth, hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis was transiently delayed, along with reduced expression of HF differentiation markers and of transcriptional regulators necessary for HF development. Later, adult PpargΔ/Δ mice developed scarring alopecia and severe perifollicular inflammation. Skin analyses in other models of lipodystrophy, AZIPtg/+ and Adipoq-Cretg/+Ppargfl/fl mice, coupled with skin graft experiments, showed that the early defects observed in hair morphogenesis were caused by the absence of adipose tissue. In contrast, the late alteration of HF cycle and appearance of inflammation were observed only in PpargΔ/Δ mice and likely were due to the lack sebaceous glands. Our findings underscore the increasing appreciation for the importance of adipose tissue-mediated signals in HF development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sardella
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Quignodon
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan A Hardman
- Centre for Dermatology Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennifer E Hundt
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Liliane Michalik
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles R Vinson
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Laboratory of Metabolism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ralf Paus
- Centre for Dermatology Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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15
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Bernardi S, Toffoli B, Bossi F, Candido R, Stenner E, Carretta R, Barbone F, Fabris B. Circulating osteoprotegerin is associated with chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients. BMC Nephrol 2017; 18:219. [PMID: 28683789 PMCID: PMC5500921 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-017-0625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a glycoprotein that plays an important regulatory role in the skeletal, vascular, and immune system. It has been shown that OPG predicts chronic kidney disease (CKD) in diabetic patients. We hypothesized that OPG could be a risk marker of CKD development also in non-diabetic hypertensive patients. Methods A case-control study was carried out to measure circulating OPG levels in 42 hypertensive patients with CKD and in 141 hypertensive patients without CKD. A potential relationship between OPG and the presence of CKD was investigated and a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was designed thereafter to identify a cut-off value of OPG that best explained the presence of CKD. Secondly, to evaluate whether OPG increase could affect the kidney, 18 C57BL/6J mice were randomized to be treated with saline or recombinant OPG every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. Results Circulating OPG levels were significantly higher in hypertensive patients with CKD, and there was a significant inverse association between OPG and renal function, that was independent from other variables. ROC analysis showed that OPG levels had a high statistically predictive value on CKD in hypertensive patients, which was greater than that of hypertension. The OPG best cut-off value associated with CKD was 1109.19 ng/L. In the experimental study, OPG delivery significantly increased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators, as well as the glomerular nitrosylation of proteins. Conclusions This study shows that OPG is associated with CKD in hypertensive patients, where it might have a higher predictive value than that of hypertension for CKD development. Secondly, we found that OPG delivery significantly increased the expression of molecular pathways involved in kidney damage. Further longitudinal studies are needed not only to evaluate whether OPG predicts CKD development but also to clarify whether OPG should be considered a risk factor for CKD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12882-017-0625-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy. .,Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy.
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Fleur Bossi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Riccardo Candido
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Stenner
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Renzo Carretta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy.,Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy.,IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria, Trieste, 34100, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy.,Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Strada di Fiume, Trieste, 34100, Italy
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Bernardi S, Bossi F, Toffoli B, Giudici F, Bramante A, Furlanis G, Stenner E, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Carretta R, Fabris B. Association between thyroid hormones and TRAIL. Clin Biochem 2017; 50:972-976. [PMID: 28551332 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies suggest that a circulating protein called TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) might have a role in the regulation of body weight and metabolism. Interestingly, thyroid hormones seem to increase TRAIL tissue expression. This study aimed at evaluating whether overt thyroid disorders affected circulating TRAIL levels. METHODS TRAIL circulating levels were measured in euthyroid, hyperthyroid, and hypothyroid patients before and after thyroid function normalization. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between thyroid hormones and TRAIL. Then, the stimulatory effect of both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) on TRAIL was evaluated in vitro on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS Circulating levels of TRAIL significantly increased in hyperthyroid and decreased in hypothyroid patients as compared to controls. Once thyroid function was restored, TRAIL levels normalized. There was an independent association between TRAIL and both fT3 and fT4. Consistent with these findings, T3 and T4 stimulated TRAIL release in vitro. CONCLUSION Here we show that thyroid hormones are associated with TRAIL expression in vivo and stimulate TRAIL expression in vitro. Given the overlap between the metabolic effects of thyroid hormones and TRAIL, this work sheds light on the possibility that TRAIL might be one of the molecules mediating thyroid hormones peripheral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Fleur Bossi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabiola Giudici
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bramante
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Furlanis
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Stenner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASUITS, Maggiore Hospital, Via Stuparich, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Renzo Carretta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
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Toffoli B, Gilardi F, Winkler C, Soderberg M, Kowalczuk L, Arsenijevic Y, Bamberg K, Bonny O, Desvergne B. Nephropathy in Pparg-null mice highlights PPARγ systemic activities in metabolism and in the immune system. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171474. [PMID: 28182703 PMCID: PMC5300244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in many aspects of metabolism, immune response, and development. Total-body deletion of the two Pparg alleles provoked generalized lipoatrophy along with severe type 2 diabetes. Herein, we explore the appearance and development of structural and functional alterations of the kidney, comparing Pparg null-mice to their littermate controls (carrying Pparg floxed alleles). We show that renal hypertrophy and functional alterations with increased glucosuria and albuminuria are already present in 3 weeks-old Pparg null-mice. Renal insufficiency with decreased creatinine clearance progress at 7 weeks of age, with the advance of the type 2 diabetes. At 52 weeks of age, these alterations are accompanied by signs of fibrosis and mesangial expansion. More intriguingly, aged Pparg null-mice concomitantly present an anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), characterized by the late appearance of microthrombi and a mesangioproliferative pattern of glomerular injury, associated with significant plasmatic levels of anti-β2- glycoprotein1 antibodies and renal deposition of IgG, IgM, and C3. Thus, in line with the role of PPARγ in metabolic homeostasis, Pparg null-mice first represent a potent model for studying the initiation and the development of diabetic nephropathy. Second, and in relation with the important PPARγ activity in inflammation and in immune system, these mice also highlight a new role for PPARγ signaling in the promotion of APS, a syndrome whose pathogenesis is poorly known and whose current treatment is limited to prevention of thrombosis events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carine Winkler
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Laura Kowalczuk
- Unit of Gene Therapy & Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Department of Ophthalmology, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Unit of Gene Therapy & Stem Cell Biology, University of Lausanne, Department of Ophthalmology, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Olivier Bonny
- Service of Nephrology, Lausanne University Hospital and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Béatrice Desvergne
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Bernardi S, Bossi F, Toffoli B, Fabris B. Roles and Clinical Applications of OPG and TRAIL as Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease. Biomed Res Int 2016; 2016:1752854. [PMID: 27200369 PMCID: PMC4856888 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1752854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the major cause of death and premature disability in Western societies. Assessing the risk of CVD is an important aspect in clinical decision-making. Among the growing number of molecules that are studied for their potential utility as CVD biomarkers, a lot of attention has been focused on osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligands, which are receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. Based on the existing literature and on our experience in this field, here we review what the possible roles of OPG and TRAIL in CVD are and their potential utility as CVD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fleur Bossi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Bernardi S, Toffoli B, Zennaro C, Bossi F, Losurdo P, Michelli A, Carretta R, Mulatero P, Fallo F, Veglio F, Fabris B. Aldosterone effects on glomerular structure and function. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2015; 16:730-8. [PMID: 26283678 DOI: 10.1177/1470320315595568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental evidence suggests that aldosterone directly contributes to organ damage by promoting cell growth, fibrosis, and inflammation. Based on these premises, this work aimed to assess the glomerular effects of aldosterone, alone and in combination with salt. METHODS After undergoing uninephrectomy, 75 rats were allocated to five groups: control, salt diet, aldosterone, aldosterone + salt diet, aldosterone + salt diet and eplerenone, and they were all studied for four weeks. We focused on glomerular structural, functional, and molecular changes, including slit diaphragm components, local renin-angiotensin system activation, as well as pro-oxidative and profibrotic changes. RESULTS Aldosterone significantly increased systolic blood pressure, led to glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, and it significantly increased the glomerular permeability to albumin and the albumin excretion rate, indicating the presence of glomerular damage. These effects were worsened by adding salt to aldosterone, while they were reduced by eplerenone. Aldosterone-induced glomerular damage was associated with glomerular angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 downregulation, with ACE/ACE2 ratio increase, ANP decrease, as well as with glomerular pro-oxidative and profibrotic changes. CONCLUSIONS Aldosterone damages not only the structure but also the function of the glomerulus. ACE/ACE2 upregulation, ACE2 and ANP downregulation, and pro-oxidative and profibrotic changes are possible mechanisms accounting for aldosterone-induced glomerular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy Centre for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Zennaro
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Fleur Bossi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Pasquale Losurdo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Andrea Michelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Renzo Carretta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Fallo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Franco Veglio
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Italy
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Bernardi S, Fabris B, Thomas M, Toffoli B, Tikellis C, Candido R, Catena C, Mulatero P, Barbone F, Radillo O, Zauli G, Secchiero P. Osteoprotegerin increases in metabolic syndrome and promotes adipose tissue proinflammatory changes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 394:13-20. [PMID: 24998520 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is believed to link obesity to insulin resistance, as in the setting of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble protein that seems to exert proatherogenic and prodiabetogenic effects. This study aims at determining OPG levels in MetS and whether OPG might contribute to MetS development and progression. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Circulating OPG was measured in 46 patients with MetS and 63 controls, and was found significantly elevated in those with MetS. In addition, circulating and tissue OPG was significantly increased in high-fat diet (HFD) fed C57BL6 mice, which is one of the animal models for the study of MetS. To evaluate the consequences of OPG elevation, we delivered this protein to C57BL6 mice, finding that it promoted systemic and adipose tissue proinflammatory changes in association with metabolic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These data suggest that OPG may trigger adipose tissue proinflammatory changes in MetS/HFD-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 66, 44100 Ferrara, Italy; Baker IDI, Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Merlin Thomas
- Baker IDI, Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Christos Tikellis
- Baker IDI, Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | | | - Cristiana Catena
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, University of Torino, Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Department of Medical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Udine, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Oriano Radillo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 66, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Secchiero P, Toffoli B, Melloni E, Agnoletto C, Monasta L, Zauli G. The MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 attenuates streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and increases serum level of IL-12p40. Acta Diabetol 2013; 50:899-906. [PMID: 23615706 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-013-0476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Besides its well-established oncosuppressor activity, a key function of p53 in regulating metabolic pathways has been recently identified. Nevertheless, the role of p53 with respect to diabetes mellitus (DM) appears highly controversial. To address this issue, we have used the cis-imidazoline compound Nutlin-3, an inhibitor of MDM2/p53 interaction, which represents a potent and selective non-genotoxic activator of the p53 pathway both in in vivo and in vitro experimental settings. Experimental DM was induced by intraperitoneal injections of low concentrations of streptozotocin (STZ) in C57BL/6N mice (n = 20). A group of control vehicle-injected mice (n = 10) and of STZ-treated mice (n = 10) was co-injected with Nutlin-3. Mice co-injected with STZ + Nutlin-3 exhibited attenuated features of DM with respect to animals treated with STZ alone. Indeed, STZ + Nutlin-3-treated mice were characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of hyperglycemia, reduced weight loss, and increased spleen weight. In addition, STZ alone promoted a marked decrease in the levels of several circulating cytokines, including interleukin-12 (IL-12)p40. On the other hand, co-injection of STZ + Nutlin-3 significantly (p < 0.01) counteracted IL-12p40 down-modulation. In vitro experiments performed on the RAW264.7 macrophagic cell line model, used as cellular source of IL-12p40, demonstrated that Nutlin-3 treatment increased IL-12p40 release, strongly suggesting a direct effect of Nutlin-3 on the immune system. Overall, these data demonstrate that systemic administration of Nutlin-3 ameliorates the severity of STZ-induced DM and increases the levels of circulating IL-12p40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Tisato V, Toffoli B, Monasta L, Bernardi S, Candido R, Zauli G, Secchiero P. Patients affected by metabolic syndrome show decreased levels of circulating platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. Clin Nutr 2013; 32:259-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bernardi S, Norcio A, Toffoli B, Zauli G, Secchiero P. Potential Role of TRAIL in the Management of Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Pharm Des 2012; 18:5759-65. [DOI: 10.2174/138161212803530925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bernardi S, Zennaro C, Palmisano S, Velkoska E, Sabato N, Toffoli B, Giacomel G, Buri L, Zanconati F, Bellini G, Burrell LM, De Manzini N, Fabris B. Characterization and significance of ACE2 and Mas receptor in human colon adenocarcinoma. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2011; 13:202-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1470320311426023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A new arm of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been recently characterized; this includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2 and angiotensin (Ang)1-7, a heptapeptide acting through the Mas receptor (MasR). Recent studies show that Ang1-7 has an antiproliferative action on lung adenocarcinoma cells. The aim of this study was to characterize RAS expression in human colon adenocarcinoma and to investigate whether Ang1-7 exerts an antiproliferative effect on human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Materials and methods: Gene, protein expression and enzymatic activity of the main components of the RAS were determined on non-neoplastic colon mucosa as well as on the tumor mass and the mucosa taken 5 cm distant from it, both collected from patients with colon adenocarcinoma. Two different human colon cancer cell lines were treated with AngII and Ang1-7. Results: The novel finding of this study was that MasR was significantly upregulated in colon adenocarcinoma compared with non-neoplastic colon mucosa, which showed little or no expression of it. ACE gene expression and enzymatic activity were also increased in the tumors. However, AngII and Ang1-7 did not have any pro-/antiproliferative effects in the cell lines studied. Conclusions: The data suggest that upregulation of the MasR could be used as a diagnostic marker of colon adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Morphology and Embryology, University of Ferrara, Italy
- Baker IDI, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Silvia Palmisano
- Department of Surgery, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Elena Velkoska
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicoletta Sabato
- Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofalo, Italy
| | - Greta Giacomel
- Department of Surgery, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Luigi Buri
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Pathology, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellini
- Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò De Manzini
- Department of Surgery, University of Trieste, Cattinara Hospital, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Technological and Translational Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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Bernardi S, Toffoli B, Zennaro C, Tikellis C, Monticone S, Losurdo P, Bellini G, Thomas MC, Fallo F, Veglio F, Johnston CI, Fabris B. High-salt diet increases glomerular ACE/ACE2 ratio leading to oxidative stress and kidney damage. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 27:1793-800. [PMID: 22036945 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to salt-driven kidney damage. In this study, we aimed at investigating whether and how the renal damage associated with a high-salt diet could result from changes in the ratio between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). METHODS Forty-eight rats randomly allocated to three different dietary contents of salt were studied for 4 weeks after undergoing a left uninephrectomy. We focussed on kidney functional, structural and molecular changes. At the same time, we studied kidney molecular changes in 20 weeks old Ace2-knockout mice (Ace2KO), with and without ACE inhibition. RESULTS A high salt content diet significantly increased the glomerular ACE/ACE2 ratio. This was associated with increased oxidative stress. To assess whether these events were related, we measured renal oxidative stress in Ace2KO, and found that the absence of ACE2 promoted oxidative stress, which could be prevented by ACE inhibition. CONCLUSION One of the mechanisms by which a high-salt diet leads to renal damage seems to be the modulation of the ACE/ACE2 ratio which in turn is critical for the cause of oxidative stress, through AngII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Morphology and Embriology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Toffoli B, Pickering RJ, Tsorotes D, Wang B, Bernardi S, Kantharidis P, Fabris B, Zauli G, Secchiero P, Thomas MC. Osteoprotegerin promotes vascular fibrosis via a TGF-β1 autocrine loop. Atherosclerosis 2011; 218:61-8. [PMID: 21679949 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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] [Received: 12/30/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the potential role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in arterial fibrosis. METHODS Aortic samples were analyzed after in vivo treatment of ApoE(-/-) mice with recombinant human OPG. Mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were exposed in vitro to recombinant OPG and analyzed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, such as fibronectin, collagen I, III, IV and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Conversely, the potential modulation of endogenous OPG expression and release by VSMC was analyzed in response to different pro-atherosclerotic cytokines, TGF-β1, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and angiogensin II (Ang II). RESULTS In vivo treatment with human OPG induced signs of fibrosis and up-regulated the arterial expression of TGF-β1. Consistently, in vitro treatment of VSMC with human OPG induced the expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, III, IV, metalloprotein-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, as well as of TGF-β1. On the other hand, exposure to recombinant TGF-β1 promoted the expression/release of endogenous OPG and mediated the increase of OPG release induced by PDGF and Ang II in VSMC. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data support a pathogenic role for OPG in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions and suggest the existence of a vicious circle between TGF-β1 and OPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
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Fischetti F, Candido R, Toffoli B, Durigutto P, Bernardi S, Carretta R, Tedesco F, Fabris B. Innate immunity, through late complement components activation, contributes to the development of early vascular inflammation and morphologic alterations in experimental diabetes. Atherosclerosis 2011; 216:83-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Toffoli B, Bernardi S, Candido R, Zacchigna S, Fabris B, Secchiero P. TRAIL shows potential cardioprotective activity. Invest New Drugs 2011; 30:1257-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-010-9627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2010] [Accepted: 12/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Toffoli B, Bernardi S, Candido R, Sabato N, Carretta R, Corallini F, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Fabris B. Osteoprotegerin induces morphological and functional alterations in mouse pancreatic islets. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 331:136-42. [PMID: 20832449 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Although serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) is significantly increased in diabetic subjects, its potential role in beta cell dysfunction has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the effect of full-length OPG administered in vivo in mice on pancreatic islet structure and function and its interaction with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). OPG-treated mice showed increased islet monocyte/macrophage infiltration, fibrosis and apoptosis with reduction of islet function. The remodeling of islet architecture was associated with increased pancreatic expression of components of the RAS, growth factor genes (transforming growth factor β and connective tissue growth factor) and inflammatory molecules (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and vascular adhesion molecule type 1). Prevention of these changes with improvement of insulin secretion was observed in ramipril treated animals. Our data suggest that OPG might play an important role in promoting beta cell dysfunction and that the upregulation of the local RAS represents one possible mechanism responsible for the OPG-induced beta cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Toffoli
- Department of Morphology and Embryology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 64/b, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Bernardi S, Candido R, Toffoli B, Carretta R, Fabris B. Prevention of accelerated atherosclerosis by AT1 receptor blockade in experimental renal failure. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 26:832-8. [PMID: 20810455 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/pathology
- Apolipoproteins E/physiology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
- Benzimidazoles/therapeutic use
- Biphenyl Compounds
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Nephrectomy
- Phenotype
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/chemistry
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/chemistry
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency/drug therapy
- Renal Insufficiency/etiology
- Renal Insufficiency/metabolism
- Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects
- Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Tetrazoles/therapeutic use
- Uremia/metabolism
- Uremia/prevention & control
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Thomas MC, Pickering RJ, Tsorotes D, Koitka A, Sheehy K, Bernardi S, Toffoli B, Nguyen-Huu TP, Head GA, Fu Y, Chin-Dusting J, Cooper ME, Tikellis C. Genetic Ace2 deficiency accentuates vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis in the ApoE knockout mouse. Circ Res 2010; 107:888-97. [PMID: 20671240 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.110.219279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [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: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 opposes the actions of angiotensin (Ang) II by degrading it to Ang 1-7. OBJECTIVE Given the important role of Ang II/Ang 1-7 in atherogenesis, we investigated the impact of ACE2 deficiency on the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS C57Bl6, Ace2 knockout (KO), apolipoprotein E (ApoE) KO and ApoE/Ace2 double KO mice were followed until 30 weeks of age. Plaque accumulation was increased in ApoE/Ace2 double KO mice when compared to ApoE KO mice. This was associated with increased expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and an early increase in white cell adhesion across the whole aortae on dynamic flow assay. In the absence of a proatherosclerotic (ApoE KO) genotype, ACE2 deficiency was also associated with increased expression of these markers, suggesting that these differences were not an epiphenomenon. ACE inhibition prevented increases of these markers and atherogenesis in ApoE/ACE2 double KO mice. Bone marrow macrophages isolated from Ace2 KO mice showed increased proinflammatory responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide and Ang II when compared to macrophages isolated from C57Bl6 mice. Endothelial cells isolated from Ace2 KO mice also showed increased basal activation and elevated inflammatory responsiveness to TNF-α. Similarly, selective inhibition of ACE2 with MLN-4760 also resulted in a proinflammatory phenotype with a physiological response similar to that observed with exogenous Ang II (10(-7) mol/L). CONCLUSIONS Genetic Ace2 deficiency is associated with upregulation of putative mediators of atherogenesis and enhances responsiveness to proinflammatory stimuli. In atherosclerosis-prone ApoE KO mice, these changes potentially contribute to increased plaque accumulation. These findings emphasize the potential utility of ACE2 repletion as a strategy to reduce atherosclerosis.
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Zauli G, Toffoli B, di Iasio MG, Celeghini C, Fabris B, Secchiero P. Treatment with recombinant tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand alleviates the severity of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Diabetes 2010; 59:1261-5. [PMID: 20185810 PMCID: PMC2857907 DOI: 10.2337/db09-1771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treatment in a model of type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Recombinant TRAIL was added in vitro to primary human and mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated human islets to evaluate the expression of the immunoregulatory gene SOCS1. Diabetes was induced by five consecutive daily injections of low-concentration (50 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ) in C57 black mice (n = 24). A group of these mice (n = 12) was co-injected with recombinant TRAIL (20 microg/day) for 5 days, and the diabetic status (glycemia and body weight) was followed over time. After 6 weeks, circulating levels of insulin, TNF-alpha, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were measured, and animals were killed to perform the histological analysis of the pancreas. RESULTS The in vitro exposure of both PBMCs and human islets to recombinant TRAIL significantly upregulated the expression of SOCS1. With respect to STZ-treated animals, mice co-injected with STZ+TRAIL were characterized by 1) lower levels of hyperglycemia, 2) higher levels of body weight and insulinemia, 3) a partial preservation of pancreatic islets with normal morphology, and 4) a lower expression of both systemic (TNF-alpha and OPG) and pancreatic (vascular cell adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1) inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data demonstrate that the administration of recombinant TRAIL ameliorates the severity of STZ-induced type 1 diabetes, and this effect was accompanied by the upregulation of SOCS1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology and Embryology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Losurdo P, Panizon E, Jevnikar M, Macaluso L, Fabris B, Toffoli B, Bardelli M, Fischetti F, Biolo G, Zanetti M, Mazzucco S, Capellari GG, Carretta R. P7.01 EFFECTS OF OMEGA 3 SUPPLEMENTATION ON ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN RAT EXPERIMENTAL MENOPAUSE. Artery Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.artres.2010.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Candido R, Toffoli B, Corallini F, Bernardi S, Zella D, Voltan R, Grill V, Celeghini C, Fabris B. Human full-length osteoprotegerin induces the proliferation of rodent vascular smooth muscle cells both in vitro and in vivo. J Vasc Res 2009; 47:252-61. [PMID: 19907187 DOI: 10.1159/000257339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Since elevated plasma levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) represent a risk factor for death and heart failure in patients affected by diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, this study aimed to elucidate potential roles of OPG in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Recombinant human full-length OPG, used at concentrations comparable to the elevated levels found in the serum of diabetic patients, significantly increased the proliferation rate of rodent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). To mimic the moderate chronic elevation of OPG observed in diabetic patients, low doses (1 microg/mouse) of full-length human OPG were injected intraperitoneally every 3 weeks in diabetic apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice. The group of animals treated for 12 weeks with recombinant OPG showed a small increase in the total aortic plaque area at necropsy in comparison to vehicle-treated animals. Importantly, while no differences in the amount of interstitial collagen or the degree of macrophage infiltration were observed between OPG-treated and vehicle-treated apoE-null diabetic animals, a significant increase in the number of alpha-actin-positive smooth muscle cells was observed in the plaques of OPG-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that OPG promotes VSMC proliferation and might be directly involved in pathogenetic aspects of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Candido
- Diabetic Center, ASS 1 Triestina, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Cocchietto M, Zorzin L, Toffoli B, Candido R, Fabris B, Stebel M, Sava G. Orally administered microencapsulated lysozyme downregulates serum AGE and reduces the severity of early-stage diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes & Metabolism 2008; 34:587-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2008.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Revised: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Fabris B, Candido R, Bortoletto M, Zentilin L, Sandri M, Fior F, Toffoli B, Stebel M, Bardelli M, Belgrado D, Giacca M, Carretta R. Dose and time-dependent apoptotic effects by angiotensin II infusion on left ventricular cardiomyocytes. J Hypertens 2007; 25:1481-90. [PMID: 17563572 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328121aae7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gain insight into the regulation of cardiac apoptosis we studied the dose-response and time-course effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion on ventricular cardiomyocyte apoptosis and on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes and proteins. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS In the dose-response study, Ang II was infused subcutaneously at doses of 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1200 ng/kg per min for 14 days. In the time-course study, rats infused with Ang II at doses of 200 and 400 ng/kg per min were followed for 7 and 14 days. The cardiomyocyte apoptotic density was assessed by DNA end labelling (terminal deoxynucleotide nick-end labelling; TUNEL). Gene and protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and by Western blots. RESULTS Systolic blood pressure and left ventricular mass were increased in a dose-dependent manner in Ang II-infused rats. A statistically significant increase in the rate of cardiac apoptosis and pro-apoptotic changes of Bcl-2 and Bax gene and protein expression was observed when high doses of Ang II (800-1200 ng/kg per min) were infused. A positive correlation of apoptotic density with Bax and a negative correlation with Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were found. Cardiac apoptosis was greatly influenced by the timing of Ang II infusion. Losartan-treated Ang II-infused rats exhibited normalized systolic blood pressure, left ventricular weight, apoptosis, and Bax and Bcl-2 levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with the pathophysiological role of Ang II in induction of cardiac apoptosis, and explain the cardioprotective effect of Ang II receptor antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fabris
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Neurologia, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
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Secchiero P, Candido R, Corallini F, Zacchigna S, Toffoli B, Rimondi E, Fabris B, Giacca M, Zauli G. Systemic tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand delivery shows antiatherosclerotic activity in apolipoprotein E-null diabetic mice. Circulation 2006; 114:1522-30. [PMID: 17000905 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.106.643841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although in vitro studies have suggested that tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) might be involved in vascular biology, its potential role in the pathogenesis and/or treatment of atherosclerosis has not been investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Both recombinant human TRAIL and an adeno-associated virus vector expressing human TRAIL were used to deliver TRAIL in apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice in which diabetes mellitus was induced by destruction of islet cells with streptozotocin. Diabetes in apoE-null mice was associated with a significant increase in atherosclerotic plaque area and complexity in the aorta as assessed by a marked increase in interstitial collagen, cellular proliferation, and macrophage infiltration and a focal loss of endothelial coverage. Repeated intraperitoneal injections of recombinant human TRAIL and a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus-human TRAIL significantly attenuated the development of atherosclerotic plaques in apoE-null animals. TRAIL also markedly affected the cellular composition of plaque lesions by inducing apoptosis of infiltrating macrophages and increasing the vascular smooth muscle cell content. Moreover, TRAIL promoted the in vitro migration of cultured human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells but not of monocytes or macrophages. Conversely, TRAIL selectively induced apoptosis of human cultured macrophages but not of vascular smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS Overall, data from the present study indicate that atherosclerosis in diabetic apoE-null mice is ameliorated by systemic TRAIL administration and that adeno-associated virus-mediated TRAIL gene delivery might represent an innovative method for the therapy of diabetic vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology and Embryology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Candido R, Fischetti F, Tedesco F, Toffoli B, Durigutto P, Manca E, Fonda M, Cattin L, Carretta R, Fabris B. Tu-P10:427 Complement C6 deficiency protects against diabetes-induced vascular damage in rats. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(06)81128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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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