Biochemical Characterization of the Seed Quality of a Collection of White Lupin Landraces from Southern Italy

Lupin species provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Within pulses, they have one of the highest contents of proteins and fibers and are among the poorest in carbohydrates. The Mediterranean region is an important cradle area of the origin and domestication of cultivated white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). In this work, we present the characterization of 19 white lupin landraces collected from several sites in southern Italy, characterized by different pedoclimatic conditions. The protein contents and electrophoretic patterns, total polyphenols, phytic acid, lipids and phosphorous content, and reducing and anti-tryptic activities have been determined for each landrace. The relationships of the compositional characteristics, the area of origin of landraces and between compositional characteristics and thermo-pluviometric trends that occurred in the genotype comparison field during the two-year period between 2019 and 2020 are compared and discussed. From a nutritional point of view, some of the analyzed landraces differ from the commercial reference. The panel of molecular analyses performed can help in building an identity card for the grain to rapidly identify those varieties with the desired characteristics.

Using the photon isoeffective dose formalism to compare and combine BNCT and CIRT in a head and neck tumour

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy technique based on the enrichment of tumour cells with suitable 10-boron concentration and on subsequent neutron irradiation. Low-energy neutron irradiation produces a localized deposition of radiation dose caused by boron neutron capture reactions. Boron is vehiculated into tumour cells via proper borated formulations, able to accumulate in the malignancy more than in normal tissues. The neutron capture releases two high-LET charged particles (i.e., an alpha particle and a lithium ion), losing their energy in a distance comparable to the average dimension of one cell. Thus BNCT is selective at the cell level and characterized by high biological effectiveness. As the radiation field is due to the interaction of neutrons with the components of biological tissues and with boron, the dosimetry requires a formalism to express the absorbed dose into photon-equivalent units. This work analyzes a clinical case of an adenoid cystic carcinoma treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT), located close to optic nerve and deep-seated as a practical example of how to apply the formalism of BNCT photon isoeffective dose and how to evaluate the BNCT dose distribution against CIRT. The example allows presenting different dosimetrical and radiobiological quantities and drawing conclusions on the potential of BNCT stemming on the clinical result of the CIRT. The patient received CIRT with a dose constraint on the optic nerve, affecting the peripheral part of the Planning Target Volume (PTV). After the treatment, the tumour recurred in this low-dose region. BNCT was simulated for the primary tumour, with the goal to calculate the dose distribution in isoeffective units and a Tumour Control Probability (TCP) to be compared with the one of the original treatment. BNCT was then evaluated for the recurrence in the underdosed region which was not optimally covered by charged particles due to the proximity of the optic nerve. Finally, a combined treatment consisting in BNCT and carbon ion therapy was considered to show the consistency and the potential of the model. For the primary tumour, the photon isoeffective dose distribution due to BNCT was evaluated and the resulted TCP was higher than that obtained for the CIRT. The formalism produced values that are consistent with those of carbon-ion. For the recurrence, BNCT dosimetry produces a similar TCP than that of primary tumour. A combined treatment was finally simulated, showing a TCP comparable to the BNCT-alone with overall dosimetric advantage in the most peripheral parts of the treatment volume. Isoeffective dose formalism is a robust tool to analyze BNCT dosimetry and to compare it with the photon-equivalent dose calculated for carbon-ion treatment. This study introduces for the first time the possibility to combine the dosimetry obtained by two different treatment modalities, showing the potential of exploiting the cellular targeting of BNCT combined with the precision of charged particles in delivering an homogeneous dose distribution in deep-seated tumours.

A not-glycosylated isoform of γ-conglutin, a hexameric glycoprotein of Lupinus albus seed, participates in the oligomerization equilibrium

γ-conglutin (γ-C) is a hexameric glycoprotein accumulated in lupin seeds and has long been considered as a storage protein. Recently, it has been investigated for its possible postprandial glycaemic regulating action in human nutrition and for its physiological role in plant defence. The quaternary structure of γ-C results from the assembly of six monomers in reversible pH-dependent association/dissociation equilibrium. Our working hypothesis was that the γ-C hexamer is made up of glycosylated subunits in association with not-glycosylated isoforms, that seem to have 'escaped' the correct glycosylation process in the Golgi. Here we describe the isolation of not-glycosylated γ-C monomers in native condition by two in tandem lectin-based affinity chromatography and the characterization of their oligomerization capacity. We report, for the first time, the observation that a plant multimeric protein may be formed by identical polypeptide chains that have undergone different post-translational modifications. All obtained considered, the results strongly suggest that the not-glycosylated isoform can also take part in the oligomerization equilibrium of the protein.

Bioactivities of Pseudocereal Fractionated Seed Proteins and Derived Peptides Relevant for Maintaining Human Well-Being

Food proteins and peptides are able to exert a variety of well-known bioactivities, some of which are related to well-being and disease prevention in humans and animals. Currently, an active trend in research focuses on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, delineating their major pathogenetic role in age-related diseases and in some forms of cancer. The present study aims to investigate the potential effects of pseudocereal proteins and their derived peptides on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. After purification and attribution to protein classes according to classic Osborne's classification, the immune-modulating, antioxidant, and trypsin inhibitor activities of proteins from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) seeds have been assessed in vitro. The peptides generated by simulated gastro-intestinal digestion of each fraction have been also investigated for the selected bioactivities. None of the proteins or peptides elicited inflammation in Caco-2 cells; furthermore, all protein fractions showed different degrees of protection of cells from IL-1β-induced inflammation. Immune-modulating and antioxidant activities were, in general, higher for the albumin fraction. Overall, seed proteins can express these bioactivities mainly after hydrolysis. On the contrary, higher trypsin inhibitor activity was expressed by globulins in their intact form. These findings lay the foundations for the exploitation of these pseudocereal seeds as source of anti-inflammatory molecules.

Chromatography-Independent Fractionation and Newly Identified Molecular Features of the Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis Willd.) β-vignin Protein

Adzuki seed β-vignin, a vicilin-like globulin, has proven to exert various health-promoting biological activities, notably in cardiovascular health. A simple scalable enrichment procedure of this protein for further nutritional and functional studies is crucial. In this study, a simplified chromatography-independent protein fractionation procedure has been optimized and described. The electrophoretic analysis showed a high degree of homogeneity of β-vignin isolate. Furthermore, the molecular features of the purified protein were investigated. The adzuki bean β-vignin was found to have a native size of 146 kDa, and the molecular weight determined was consistent with a trimeric structure. These were identified in two main polypeptide chains (masses of 56-54 kDa) that are glycosylated polypeptides with metal binding capacity, and one minor polypeptide chain with a mass 37 kDa, wherein these features are absent. The in vitro analysis showed a high degree of digestibility of the protein (92%) and potential anti-inflammatory capacity. The results lay the basis not only for further investigation of the health-promoting properties of the adzuki bean β-vignin protein, but also for a possible application as nutraceutical molecule.

Design of a BNCT irradiation room based on proton accelerator and beryllium target

Preliminary studies for the design of an accelerator-based BNCT clinical facility are presented. The Beam Shaping Assembly neutron activation was evaluated experimentally and with Monte Carlo simulations. The activations of patient, air and walls in the room, the absorbed doses by the patient and the in-air dose distributions were evaluated. Based on these calculations, different walls compositions were tested to optimize the environmental conditions. Borated concrete, advantageously reducing the thermal flux in the room, was proven the best choice.

Standard treatment and emerging drugs for managing synovial sarcoma: adult's and pediatric oncologist perspective

INTRODUCTION

in this review we discuss the standard of care for both pediatric and adult synovial sarcoma (SS), the prognostic differences between them, and the treatments available for localized and advanced diseases. We also overview the biology and the recent drugs under consideration in clinical trials on SS. Areas covered: we focus on new targeted therapies being investigated for advanced SS, especially anti-angiogenic drugs, and immunotherapy. We review all the published data and ongoing trials dedicated to SS or to soft tissue sarcoma in general, paying particular attention to the results obtained in SS patients. Expert opinion: we expect new treatment strategies to become available for SS in the near future. The ongoing and published trials on targeted therapies and immunotherapy mainly concern adult patients, but the somatic biology of pediatric SS has some similarities as in adult disease. A stronger cooperation between adult and pediatric oncologists in recent years has led to a more shared effort to find new treatment strategies for advanced SS patients, regardless of their age.

Defining and listing very rare cancers of paediatric age: consensus of the Joint Action on Rare Cancers in cooperation with the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors

Although all tumours are rare in childhood, there are some particularly rare paediatric cancers which have not benefited from advances made by the international paediatric oncology network. To establish a shared definition and produce a list of these entities, the European Union Joint Action on Rare Cancers (JARC) promoted a consensus effort. The definition was based on the incidence rates estimated using the information network on rare cancers (RARECAREnet) database, pooling data from 94 population-based cancer registries and 27 countries. The RARECAREnet list of cancers was used to estimate the incidence rates. This list groups cancers by combining the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition, morphology and topography codes. According to the consensus, very rare paediatric cancers were identified as those with an annual incidence <2/1000000 and corresponded to 11% of all cancers in patients aged 0-14 years. Two subgroups were identified: tumour types typical of childhood (i.e. hepatoblastoma, pleuropulmonary blastoma, pancreatoblastoma) and those typical of adult age (i.e. carcinomas, melanoma). The threshold of 2/1000000 could also be adopted in populations aged 0-19 years: in this case, three tumour types had an incidence rate which was >2/1000000 (i.e. thyroid and testicular cancers and skin melanoma), but the consensus experts considered them as 'very rare' according to their clinical needs (e.g. shortage of knowledge and clinical expertise as the other rare paediatric cancers). The JARC consensus produced a definition and a list of very rare paediatric cancers which may represent a starting point for prioritising research on these tumours, based on data and patients' clinical needs.

Structural and functional insights into the basic globulin 7S of soybean seeds by using trypsin as a molecular probe

The basic 7S globulin (Bg7S) is one of the major globulins of soybean seeds. Despite its dual subunit composition and oligomeric assembly, Bg7S has a compact 3D structure (PDB: 3AUP) which is stabilized by a network of inter- and intra-chain disulphide bridges. Bg7S shares several structural elements with a number of homologous proteins from other seeds, whose function is still uncertain. In this work, Bg7S native conformation was probed by using the proteolytic enzyme trypsin. In spite of the presence of many arginine and lysine residues, the protein resulted extremely recalcitrant to in vitro enzymatic cleavage. Indeed, only two scissile bonds located near the C- and N-termini of the large and small subunits, respectively, were cleaved. The partially cleaved products were stable even at prolonged incubation times. Although the generated small peptide fragments were not covalently bound to the remnant of the main chains, they were held in place, as assessed by denaturing and non-denaturing chromatographic approaches. Moreover, both the already observed pH-dependent association/dissociation behaviour of the protein and its insulin binding capacity were preserved both at neutral and acidic pH values. These results are in line with the growing view that the degradation of seed proteins, either storage and non-storage, may be a controlled process related to specific functionalities.

New molecular features of cowpea bean (Vigna unguiculata, l. Walp) β-vignin

Cowpea seed β-vignin, a vicilin-like globulin, proved to exert various health favourable effects, including blood cholesterol reduction in animal models. The need of a simple scalable enrichment procedure for further studies for tailored applications of this seed protein is crucial. A chromatography-independent fractionation method allowing to obtain a protein preparation with a high degree of homogeneity was used. Further purification was pursued to deep the molecular characterisation of β-vignin. The results showed: (i) differing glycosylation patterns of the two constituent polypeptides, in agreement with amino acid sequence features; (ii) the seed accumulation of a gene product never identified before; (iii) metal binding capacity of native protein, a property observed only in few other legume seed vicilins.

Enhanced vitamin B12 production in an innovative lupin tempeh is due to synergic effects of Rhizopus and Propionibacterium in cofermentation

Fermentation represents a valuable and cost-effective approach for food stabilisation and nutritional improvement. Tempeh is an example of soybean solid-state fermentation. In this work, we investigated the possibility of producing a tempeh analogue containing high amounts of vitamin B12 using seeds of three different species of the legume lupin, namely Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius and L. mutabilis, with Rhizopus oligosporus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii cofermentation. Synergic effects of Rhizopus and Propionibacterium in increasing vitamin B12 up to 1230 ng/g dw was observed. These findings indicate that this cofermentation can improve lupin nutritional quality and safety to provide a tempeh analogue with added value for vegan and vegetarian communities and low-income populations. The level of potentially toxic lupin alkaloids was also monitored during the tempeh preparation.

Pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas arising at visceral sites

BACKGROUND

Pediatric nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) may rarely occur in visceral tissues, and little is known about their clinical history. The present study retrospectively analyzed a group of patients prospectively registered in Italian pediatric protocols conducted between 1979 and 2004.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: a pathological diagnosis of "adult-type NRSTS," arising at visceral sites (lung-pleurae, liver, kidney, and mesentery-bowel); age under 18 years; no previous treatment except for primary surgery; available clinical data; and written consent.

RESULTS

Thirty cases with visceral NRSTS were collected and analyzed. Sites of origin were as follows: mesentery-bowel in 12 cases, lung-pleurae in 11, liver in 5, and kidney in 2. According to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) surgical grouping system, patients were classified as follows: nine IRS group I, three group II, 12 group III, and six group IV. Patients were treated with a multimodal approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy, according to their characteristics. For the series as a whole, the 5-year event-free and overall survival rates were 33.3% and 40.0%, respectively. The IRS group (reflecting the feasibility of initial complete resection) emerged as the main prognostic factor. Survival rates also correlated with tumor size and local invasiveness, histological subtype, and tumor sites (the worst outcome was seen for tumors arising in the lung and pleurae).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that visceral NRSTS are aggressive tumors carrying a worse prognosis than pediatric NRSTS arising in soft tissues of the extremities. Local treatment remains the main challenge for these tumors.

Measuring the efficacy of a project for adolescents and young adults with cancer: A study from the Milan Youth Project

BACKGROUND

Various projects dedicated specifically to adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer have been developed in recent years. A critical aspect of such programs is the ability to demonstrate its value, and therefore how to measure desired outcomes.

METHODS

A list of metrics to consider for demonstrating the advantages of an AYA program was identified and used to assess the activity of the Youth Project operating at the Pediatric Oncology Unit of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan.

RESULTS

The number of newly diagnosed AYA patients seen at the Unit has increased since the formal launch of the Youth Project, from 65 to 81.2 cases/year. Concerning the 78 AYA patients presenting with malignant neoplasms in 2015, 82% were included in clinical trials (the other 18% in prospective observational studies). Fertility preservation measures were implemented for 59% of AYA patients considered at risk, and specific psychological support was provided in 70.6% of cases; 72.5% of patients actively participated in support activities. Other parameters considered were a preliminary satisfaction questionnaire administered to patients and the program's scientific recognition and acknowledgment by the community.

CONCLUSIONS

The study proposed a number of potentially reproducible, practical parameters to consider in assessing the value of a program dedicated to AYA. These metrics were examined in terms of the activities of our Youth Project, and confirmed its efficacy. To be sustainable over time, AYA projects have to be accepted as a standard of care at the community and government levels.

Prevalence of comorbidities according to predominant phenotype and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

In addition to lung involvement, several other diseases and syndromes coexist in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our purpose was to investigate the prevalence of idiopathic arterial hypertension (IAH), ischemic heart disease, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), diabetes, osteoporosis, and anxious depressive syndrome in a clinical setting of COPD outpatients whose phenotypes (predominant airway disease and predominant emphysema) and severity (mild and severe diseases) were determined by clinical and functional parameters.

Methods

A total of 412 outpatients with COPD were assigned either a predominant airway disease or a predominant emphysema phenotype of mild or severe degree according to predictive models based on pulmonary functions (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/vital capacity; total lung capacity %; functional residual capacity %; and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide %) and sputum characteristics. Comorbidities were assessed by objective medical records.

Results

Eighty-four percent of patients suffered from at least one comorbidity and 75% from at least one cardiovascular comorbidity, with IAH and PVD being the most prevalent ones (62% and 28%, respectively). IAH prevailed significantly in predominant airway disease, osteoporosis prevailed significantly in predominant emphysema, and ischemic heart disease and PVD prevailed in mild COPD. All cardiovascular comorbidities prevailed significantly in predominant airway phenotype of COPD and mild COPD severity.

Conclusion

Specific comorbidities prevail in different phenotypes of COPD; this fact may be relevant to identify patients at risk for specific, phenotype-related comorbidities. The highest prevalence of comorbidities in patients with mild disease indicates that these patients should be investigated for coexisting diseases or syndromes even in the less severe, pauci-symptomatic stages of COPD. The simple method employed to phenotype and score COPD allows these results to be translated easily into daily clinical practice.

Adolescents' Health Awareness and Understanding of Cancer and Tumor Prevention: When and Why an Adolescent Decides to Consult a Physician

BACKGROUND

A feature often seen in adolescent patients with cancer is a lengthy symptom interval, especially in comparison with children. It has been suggested that inadequate awareness of cancer risk among adolescents may play an important role in this study.

METHODS

The Società Italiana Adolescenti con Malattie Onco-ematologiche and the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi conducted a survey to investigate health awareness among healthy adolescents and their understanding of cancer and its signs and symptoms by commissioning a specialized agency (AstraRicerche). A questionnaire was administered to 500 Italian adolescents from the age group of 15 to 19 years using the computer-aided web interviewing method.

RESULTS

Approximately 80% of the adolescents interviewed claimed to be well informed about their own health, 85% said they were aware that some lifestyle habits could influence their health, and 80% reported that they know that cancer can develop in adolescence too. It was also noted that, while some adolescents were worried about a given symptom, 22% of them reportedly preferred a wait-and-see approach (either to avoid alarming their parents, or they hoped that the symptom would be temporary).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that a majority of adolescents are concerned about their own health, but sometimes prefer not to report their symptoms to anyone. Hence, it is important to develop information campaigns tailored to raise awareness among this age group and help them interpret their symptoms.

The Sooner the Better? How Symptom Interval Correlates With Outcome in Children and Adolescents With Solid Tumors: Regression Tree Analysis of the Findings of a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

The potential impact of diagnostic delays on patients' outcomes is a debated issue in pediatric oncology and discordant results have been published so far. We attempted to tackle this issue by analyzing a prospective series of 351 consecutive children and adolescents with solid malignancies using innovative statistical tools.

METHODS

To address the nonlinear complexity of the association between symptom interval and overall survival (OS), a regression tree algorithm was constructed with sequential binary splitting rules and used to identify homogeneous patient groups vis-à-vis functional relationship between diagnostic delay and OS.

RESULTS

Three different groups were identified: group A, with localized disease and good prognosis (5-year OS 85.4%); group B, with locally or regionally advanced, or metastatic disease and intermediate prognosis (5-year OS 72.9%), including neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma, and germ cell tumor; and group C, with locally or regionally advanced, or metastatic disease and poor prognosis (5-year OS 45%), including brain tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma, and bone sarcoma. The functional relationship between symptom interval and mortality risk differed between the three subgroups, there being no association in group A (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96), a positive linear association in group B (HR: 1.48), and a negative linear association in group C (HR: 0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis suggests that at least a subset of patients can benefit from an earlier diagnosis in terms of survival. For others, intrinsic aggressiveness may mask the potential effect of diagnostic delays. Based on these findings, early diagnosis should remain a goal for pediatric cancer patients.

Sublingual allergen immunotherapy in HIV-positive patients

HIV infection is a relative contraindication for allergic immunotherapy (AIT). In the last decade, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the immune function and life expectancy in HIV-infected patients whose respiratory allergic incidence is similar to the general population. We evaluated the safety and clinical effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapy in a group of grass pollen-allergic HAART-treated HIV-positive patients. Thirteen patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet (Oralair, Stallergenes©) and symptomatic therapy and were compared with nine patients receiving symptomatic therapy alone. Clinical benefits were evaluated by the analysis of total combined score (TCS), sum of symptom-medication score, and a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. HIV viral load and peripheral TCD4 lymphocytes were analyzed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Clinical efficacy data showed a significant improvement in SLIT-treated patients compared to controls (TCS: P = 0.0001; QoL: P = 0.03). We did not observe any significant alteration of TCD4 cell counts and viral load (VL) in both groups. Our preliminary data showed that SLIT therapy in viro-immunological controlled HAART treated HIV positive patients was efficacious, safe and well tolerated.

Model of Care for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: The Youth Project in Milan

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer form a particular group of patients with unique characteristics, who inhabit a so-called "no man's land" between pediatric and adult services. In the last 10 years, the scientific oncology community has started to pay attention to these patients, implementing dedicated programs. A standardized model of care directed toward patients in this age range has yet to be developed and neither the pediatric nor the adult oncologic systems perfectly fit these patients' needs. The Youth Project of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan, dedicated to AYA with pediatric-type solid tumors, can be seen as a model of care for AYA patients, with its heterogeneous multidisciplinary staff and close cooperation with adult medical oncologists and surgeons. Further progress in the care of AYA cancer patients is still needed to improve their outcomes.

Undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment-week 8 results in high-sustained virological response in HCV G1 treatment-experienced patients with advanced liver disease: the International Italian/Spanish Boceprevir/Peginterferon/Ribavirin Name Patients Program

In many countries, first-generation protease inhibitors (PIs)/peginterferon/ribavirin (P/R) still represent the only treatment option for HCV-infected patients. Subjects with advanced disease and previous failure to P/R urgently need therapy, but they are under-represented in clinical trials. All treatment-experienced F3/4 Metavir patients who received boceprevir (BOC)+P/R in the Italian-Spanish Name Patient Program have been included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLR) was used to identify baseline and on-treatment predictors of SVR and adverse events (AEs). Four hundred and sixteen patients, mean age 57.7 (range 25-78 years), 70% males, 69.5% (289/416) F4, 14% (41/289) Child-Pugh class A6, 24% (70/289) with varices and 42% (173/416) prior null responders to P/R, were analysed. Overall, SVR rate (all 381 patients who received one dose of BOC) was 49%, (58% in F3, 45% in F4, 61% in relapsers, 51% in partial, 38% in null responders, and 72% in subjects with undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment-week (TW)8. Among patients with TW8 HCV-RNA ≥ 1000 IU/L, SVR was 8% (negative predictive value = 92%). Death occurred in 3 (0.8%) patients, while decompensation and infections were observed in 2.9% and 11%, respectively. At MLR, SVR predictors were TW4 HCV-RNA ≥ 1log10 -decline from baseline, undetectable TW8 HCV-RNA, prior relapse, albumin levels ≥3.5 g/dL and platelet counts ≥100 000/μL. Metavir F4, Child-Pugh A6, albumin, platelets, age and female gender were associated with serious and haematological AEs. Among treatment-experienced patients with advanced liver disease eligible for IFN-based therapy, TW8 HCV-RNA characterised the subset with either high or poor likelihood of achieving SVR. Using TW8 HCV-RNA as a futility rule, BOC/P/R appears to have a favourable benefit-risk profile.

Proteolytic cleavage at twin arginine residues affects structural and functional transitions of lupin seed 11S storage globulin

The 11S storage globulin of white lupin seeds binds to a metal affinity chromatography matrix. Two unusual stretches of contiguous histidine residues, reminiscent of the multiple histidines forming metal binding motifs, at the C-terminal end of 11S globulin acidic chains were hypothesized as candidate elements responsible for the binding capacity. To prove this, the protein was incubated with a lupin seed endopeptidase previously shown to cleave at twin arginine motifs, recurrent in the sequence region of interest. Upon incubation with this enzyme, the loss of metal binding capacity paralleled that of the anti-his-tag reactive polypeptides. The recovered small proteolytic fragment was analyzed by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing and found to correspond to the 24-mer region cleaved off at twin arginine residues and containing the natural his-tag-like region. Similarly, when lupin seeds were germinated for a few days, the his-tag containing 11S globulin chain was converted to a form devoid of such region, suggesting that this mechanism is a part of the natural degradatory process of the protein. The hypothesis that the ordered and controlled dismantling of storage proteins may generate peptide fragments with potential functional roles in plant ontogenesis is presented and discussed.

Pasta supplemented with isolated lupin protein fractions reduces body weight gain and food intake of rats and decreases plasma glucose concentration upon glucose overload trial

The supplementation of foods with biologically active seed proteins can be a powerful approach for controlling body weight gain and glycaemia, thus improving well being.

Different respiratory behaviors disclosed by induced bronchoconstriction in mild asthma patients

Respiratory responses to bronchoconstriction in asthma have been partially assessed and their significance is unclear. In 44 mild asthma patients we investigated respiratory responses during increasing levels of methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. Inspiratory muscle activity, tidal volume, inspiratory and expiratory times were continuously monitored; breathing discomfort was rated. Mean inspiratory flow, respiratory frequency and ventilation were calculated. Lung function was assessed prior to and at maximum bronchoconstriction. Bronchoconstriction "dose-dependently" increased inspiratory muscle activity and breathing discomfort (P<0.01). In 37 patients (84.1%), the increase in inspiratory muscle activity was associated with increases in mean inspiratory flow and ventilation (P<0.01) because of selective rises in breathing depth (volume responders), or rate (frequency responders) or both (dual responders). In seven patients (15.9%) ventilation was unchanged. Individual respiratory responses were reproducible. With bronchoconstriction, frequency responders displayed greater hyperinflation and stronger breathing discomfort than volume responders (P<0.01). Analysis of the responses to induced bronchoconstriction disclosed distinctive and reproducible respiratory adjustments that may identify functionally different asthma subpopulations.

Characterization of the sensitization profile to lupin in peanut-allergic children and assessment of cross-reactivity risk

BACKGROUND

Case reports of allergy to lupin, due to primary sensitization or cross-reactions with other legumes, are increasing as a consequence of the augmented use of lupin flour in bakery, pasta formulations and other food items. The main allergens that have been associated with the sensitization to lupin are α- and β-conglutins and, to a lesser extent, γ- and δ-conglutin, but no conclusive data are available so far. The aim of this study was to characterize the sensitization pattern to lupin in a group of 12 Italian children allergic to peanut and identify the specific lupin proteins involved in the cross-reactivity with peanut.

METHODS

The immunochemical cross-reactivity among peanut and lupin was evaluated by both in vitro immunoblotting and in vivo fresh food skin prick test (FFSPT).

RESULTS

The results showed that β-conglutin was recognized by cutaneous IgEs from 7/12 peanut-allergic children in FFSPT and serum IgEs from 5/12 in immunoblotting, while 4/12 and 8/12 patients tested positive to γ-conglutin in FFSPT and immunoblotting, respectively. No significant immunoreactive responses were observed to α- and δ-conglutins under non-reducing conditions, but they were bound in FFSPT by the sera of 5/12 and 3/12 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this group of allergic children, β-conglutin has been identified as the major lupin allergen involved both in vitro and in vivo cross-reactivity with peanut proteins. The role of γ-conglutin in the cross-reactivity between lupin and peanut proteins was also relevant and clear, despite the observed unspecificity of the immunoblotting responses.

QUES, a new Phaseolus vulgaris genotype resistant to common bean weevils, contains the Arcelin-8 allele coding for new lectin-related variants

In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the most abundant seed proteins are the storage protein phaseolin and the family of closely related APA proteins (arcelin, phytohemagglutinin and α-amylase inhibitor). High variation in APA protein composition has been described and the presence of arcelin (Arc) has been associated with bean resistance against two bruchid beetles, the bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say) and the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus Bohemian). So far, seven Arc variants have been identified, all in wild accessions, however, only those containing Arc-4 were reported to be resistant to both species. Although many efforts have been made, a successful breeding of this genetic trait into cultivated genotypes has not yet been achieved. Here, we describe a newly collected wild accession (named QUES) and demonstrate its resistance to both A. obtectus and Z. subfasciatus. Immunological and proteomic analyses of QUES seed protein composition indicated the presence of new Arc and arcelin-like (ARL) polypeptides of about 30 and 27 kDa, respectively. Sequencing of cDNAs coding for QUES APA proteins confirmed that this accession contains new APA variants, here referred to as Arc-8 and ARL-8. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis showed the two proteins are closely related to APA components present in the G12949 wild bean accession, which contains the Arc-4 variant. The presence of these new APA components, combined with the observations that they are poorly digested and remain very abundant in A. obtectus feces, so-called frass, suggest that the QUES APA locus is involved in the bruchid resistance. Moreover, molecular analysis indicated a lower complexity of the locus compared to that of G12949, suggesting that QUES should be considered a valuable source of resistance for further breeding purposes.

Identification in lupin seed of a serine-endopeptidase activity cleaving between twin arginine pairs and causing limited proteolysis of seed storage proteins

The occurrence of twin-arginine motifs (-R-R-) in the amino acid sequences of animal pro-proteins frequently defines the cleavage site(s) for their structural/functional maturation. No information is available on the presence and possible biological meaning of these motifs in the seed storage proteins. In this work, a novel endopeptidase activity with cleavage specificity to twin-arginine pairs has been detected in mature dry Lupinus albus seeds. The endopeptidase was tested with a number of endogenous and exogenous protein substrates, which were selected according to the presence of one or more twin-arginine residue motifs in their amino acid sequences. The observed hydrolysis patterns were limited and highly specific. Partial proteolysis led to stable polypeptide fragments that were characterized by 1- and 2-D electrophoresis. Selected polypeptides were submitted to N-terminal amino acid sequencing and mass spectrometry analyses. These approaches, supported by bioinformatic analysis of the available sequences, allowed the conclusion that the polypeptide cleavage events had occurred at the peptide bonds comprised between twin-arginine residue pairs with all tested protein substrates. The endopeptidase activity was inhibited by 4-(2-AminoEthyl)Benzene-Sulphonyl Fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF), leupeptin, and serine proteinase protein inhibitors, while it was not affected by pepstatin, trans-Epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido(4-guanidino)butane (E64), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), thus qualifying the Arg-Arg cleaving enzyme as a serine endopeptidase. The structural features of storage proteins from lupin and other legume seeds strongly support the hypothesis that the occurrence of an endopeptidase activity cleaving -R-R- bonds may be functional to facilitate their degradation at germination and possibly generate polypeptide fragments with specific biological activity.

BODE-index, modified BODE-index and ADO-score in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: relationship with COPD phenotypes and CT lung density changes

COPD is a heterogeneous disorder whose assessment is going to be increasingly multidimensional. Grading systems such as BODE (Body-Mass Index, Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise), mBODE (BODE modified in grading of walked distance), ADO (Age, Dyspnea, Obstruction) are proposed to assess COPD severity and outcome. Computed tomography (CT) is deemed to reflect COPD lung pathologic changes. We studied the relationship of multidimensional grading systems (MGS) with clinically determined COPD phenotypes and CT lung density. Seventy-two patients underwent clinical and chest x-ray evaluation, pulmonary function tests (PFT), 6-minute walking test (6MWT) to derive: predominant COPD clinical phenotype, BODE, mBODE, ADO. Inspiratory and expiratory CT was performed to calculate mean lung attenuation (MLA), relative area with density below-950 HU at inspiration (RAI(-950)), and below -910 HU at expiration (RAE(-910)). MGS, PFT, and CT data were compared between bronchial versus emphysematous COPD phenotype. MGS were correlated with CT data. The prediction of CT density by means of MGS was investigated by direct and stepwise multivariate regression. MGS did not differ in clinically determined COPD phenotypes. BODE was more closely related and better predicted CT findings than mBODE and ADO; the better predictive model was obtained for CT expiratory data; stepwise regression models of CT data did not include 6MWT distance; the dyspnea score MRC was included only to predict RA-950 and RA-910 which quantify emphysema extent. BODE reflect COPD severity better than other MGS, but not its clinical heterogeneity. 6MWT does not significantly increase BODE predictivity of CT lung density changes.

The Fontana paradoxical reflex?

This commentary describes the "deflation cough" caused by deep lung deflations. Deflation cough is a paradoxical reflex similar to that described by Henry Head in 1889 for lung inflations that probably is mediated by the same sensors and afferent fibers in the lungs and activated by gastroesophageal reflux. We discuss how this reflex must be self-limiting, the general role of paradoxical reflexes in the body, and the possible clinical significance of deflation cough.

Heterologous expression and purification of the soybean 7S globulin α' subunit extension region: in vitro evidence of its involvement in cell cholesterol homeostasis

In a previous paper, the biological activity of a 216-amino acid recombinant truncated form of the soybean 7S globulin α' subunit, known to control cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis, was described. In this work, a shorter version of the polypeptide chain, spanning 142 amino acid residues from the N-terminus and thus exclusively including the so-called extension region, was cloned and overexpressed in Pichia pastoris. The yield of the recombinant polypeptide, which was termed α'E, was 8-fold greater than the previous truncated version. The α'E polypeptide was purified by simple conventional biochemical techniques to make it available for biological assays. Human hepatoma cell lines (Hep G2) were used to monitor the uptake and degradation of labeled low-density lipoproteins (LDL), according to an established procedure. The LDL uptake (+86%) and degradation (+94%) by cells tested at the highest α'E dose (2 μM) were similar to those found in cells incubated with 1 μM simvastatin, a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Additionally, the cell response to α'E was found to be dose-dependent. The present findings strongly suggest that this recombinant polypeptide, or a fragment thereof, is the molecular determinant for cholesterol homeostasis and open new prospects for understanding the mechanism involved in this biological response, as a gateway to its utilization in lipid-lowering therapies.

Molecular insight into IgE-mediated reactions to sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed proteins

BACKGROUND

Food allergy is becoming a major public health concern in recent times. Several sesame seed allergenic proteins have been identified. However, sensitization toward these proteins does not follow a common and unique pattern of clinical reactivity, as shown by the differential geographic recognition of single proteins.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sensitization profiles of 18 Italian individuals who experienced clinical symptoms after sesame seed consumption, including 4 anaphylactic reactions.

METHODS

Using an in vitro approach, we adopted a 2-dimensional electrophoretic technique combined with immunoblotting analyses by using sera from 18 Italian sesame-allergic patients.

RESULTS

We showed the prevalent and almost exclusive reactivity of the sesame 11S globulin. We shed light on the active role of the basic subunit of this globulin family. The limited accessibility of this polypeptide chain, unless the interchain disulphide bonds are cleaved, may be one of the reasons for its structural/functional stability and, thus, great potential for induction of IgE reactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirmed previous findings on the reactivity of the basic subunit of 11S globulin in various legume species. Moreover, this experimental approach proved to be useful for the noninvasive screening of specific reactivities in sensitized patients.

Insulin-mimetic action of conglutin-γ, a lupin seed protein, in mouse myoblasts

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lupin seed is referred to as an antidiabetic product in traditional medicine. Conglutin-γ, a lupin seed glycoprotein, was found to cause a significant plasma glucose reduction when orally administered to rats in glucose overload trials. Conglutin-γ was identified as being responsible for the claimed biological activity, and the aim of this work was to envisage its hypothetical insulin-mimetic cellular mechanism of action. Insulin is responsible for proteosynthesis control through IRS/AKT/P70S6k/PHAS1 pathways modulation, glucose homeostasis through PKC/Flotillin-2/caveolin-3/Cbl activation and muscle differentiation/hypertrophy via muscle-specific MHC gene transcription control.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess whether conglutin-γ modulates the same insulin-activated kinases, myoblastic C2C12 cells were incubated after 72 h of differentiation with 100 nM insulin or 0.5 mg/mL (∼10 μM) conglutin-γ. Metformin-stimulated cells were used as a positive control. The effect on the above mentioned pathways was evaluated after 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. In the control cells medium insulin, conglutin-γ and metformin were not added. We demonstrated that insulin or conglutin-γ cell stimulation resulted in the persistent activation of protein synthetic pathway kinases and increased glucose transport, glut4 translocation and muscle-specific gene transcription regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that conglutin-γ may regulate muscle energy metabolism, protein synthesis and MHC gene transcription through the modulation of the same insulin signalling pathway, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of this natural legume protein in the treatment of diabetes and other insulin-resistant conditions, as well as the potential conglutin-γ influence on muscle cells differentiation and regulation of muscle growth.

Motor features of voluntary cough following partial laryngectomy for glottal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aspiration and respiratory tract infections are commonly observed in patients following conservative laryngeal surgery such as supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy (CHP). Since laryngeal closure is important for cough effectiveness, we hypothesised that CHP reduced cough intensity by affecting the cough motor pattern.

METHODS

In ten male patients with laryngeal cancer eligible for CHP, we assessed the intensity of maximum voluntary cough (MVC) prior to and 2 months after surgery. Cough intensity was indexed in terms of both the peak amplitude of the integrated electromyographic activity of abdominal muscles (IEMGp) and the ratio of IEMGp to the duration of the expiratory ramp during cough (TEC), i.e. the rate of rise of IEMG activity (IEMGp/ TEC). For each cough effort, the duration of the compressive phase (CP), the cough peak flow (CPF), the time elapsed from the onset of cough to CPF (TTP) and their ratio, i.e. the volume acceleration (VA), were also evaluated.

RESULTS

CHP did not affect IEMG-related variables; in contrast, it reduced (p < 0.01) CPF, CP and lengthened (p < 0.05) TTP values. In consequence, cough VA values after CHP were consistently lower than in control condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Supracricoid laryngectomy with CHP alters the intensity of voluntary cough as indexed by flow-related variables. This may reduce cough efficiency and facilitate the onset and/or persistence of chest infections (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 22).

IgE-mediated cross-reactivity among leguminous seed proteins in peanut allergic children

The immunological cross-reactivity among major protein- and oil-crops, including lupin, lentil, pea, peanut, kidney bean and soybean, has been studied by a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches: SDS-PAGE separations of legume protein extracts and immuno-blot revelations with 12 peanut-sensitive subjects' sera, Immuno-CAP and Skin Prick tests on the same subjects. The immuno-blotting data showed a wide range of IgE-binding responses both displayed by one subject towards different plant extracts and among subjects. Differences were both quantitative and qualitative. The prevalent responses of most subjects' sera were seen with peanut polypeptides, as expected, as well as with various polypeptides of the other legumes, the most recurrent of which were the basic subunits of the 11S globulins. The distribution of in vivo responses generally paralleled those obtained by in vitro approaches with strong responses elicited by peanut, lentil and pea protein extracts, especially by most sensitive subjects, thus providing a consistent overall set of results. In this work, the comparison of various approaches has allowed us to get an overall broad picture of the immunological cross-reactivities among proteins of widely used different seed species and to hypothesize the role of most conserved specific polypeptides.

Spectroscopic studies on the pH-dependent structural dynamics of γ-conglutin, the blood glucose-lowering protein of lupin seeds

γ-Conglutin is a blood glucose-lowering protein purified from lupin (Lupinus albus, L.) seed. Despite various features of this protein have already been studied, no function in the seed nor any mechanism of action as a hypoglycemic nutraceutical compound have been identified so far. The lupin protein was shown to exist both in monomeric and multimeric forms as a function of pH. However, a detailed description of the pH-dependent structural dynamics of this protein, as the basis to investigate the reason/s of its functional behaviour, is not available yet. In this study, multiple and independent spectroscopic approaches, including light scattering associated to size exclusion chromatography of both untreated and covalently cross-linked protein, near and far UV circular dichroism, intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence measurements, have been used to monitor oligomeric and conformational modifications caused by pH changes. Altogether, the results revealed a tetramer-dimer-monomer transition between neutral to slightly acidic pH and a dramatic and abrupt conformational change below pH 3.5. According to these findings, a model depicting γ-conglutin structural dynamics was drawn. This model highlights the primary role of amino acid side group electrostatic interactions in the oligomer association/dissociation equilibria and in the pH-driven collapse of the native conformation.

Desensitization of the cough reflex by exercise and voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea

Little is known about the effects of exercise on the sensory and cognitive aspects of coughing evoked by inhalation of tussigenic agents. The threshold for the cough reflex induced by inhalation of increasing nebulizer outputs of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (fog), an index of cough reflex sensitivity, was assessed in twelve healthy humans in control conditions, during exercise and during voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea (VIH) at the same ventilatory level as the exercise. The intensity of the urge to cough (UTC), a cognitive component of coughing, was recorded throughout the trials on a linear scale. The relationships between inhaled fog nebulizer outputs and the correspondingly evoked UTC values, an index of the perceptual magnitude of the UTC sensitivity, were also calculated. Cough appearance was always assessed audiovisually. At an exercise level of 80% of anaerobic threshold, the median cough threshold was increased from a control value of 0.73 to 2.22 ml/min ( P < 0.01), i.e., cough sensitivity was downregulated. With VIH, the threshold increased from 0.73 to 2.22 ml/min ( P < 0.01), a similar downregulation. With exercise and VIH compared with control, mean UTC values at cough threshold were unchanged, i.e., control, 3.83 cm; exercise, 3.12 cm; VIH, 4.08 cm. The relationship of the fog nebulizer output/UTC value was linear in control conditions and logarithmic during both exercise and VIH. The perception of the magnitude of the UTC seems to be influenced by signals or sensations arising from exercising limb and thoracic muscles and/or by higher nervous (cortical) mechanisms. The results indicate that the adjustments brought into action by exercise-induced or voluntary hyperpnea exert inhibitory influences on the sensory and cognitive components of fog-induced cough.

Cough variant asthma and atopic cough

Chronic cough has been reported to be the fifth most common complaint seen by primary care physicians in the world, the third in Italy. Chronic cough in non-smoking, non-treated with ACE-inhibitor adults with normal chest radiogram could be a symptom of asthma and can be sub-classified into: cough-variant asthma, atopic cough, and eosinophilic bronchitis. This review discusses the differential diagnosis of these three disorders.

Cough variant asthma and atopic cough

Chronic cough has been reported to be the fifth most com- mon complaint seen by primary care physicians in the world, the third in Italy. Chronic cough in non-smoking, non-treated with ACE-inhibitor adults with normal chest radiogram could be a symptom of asthma and can be sub-classified into: cough-variant asthma, atopic cough, and eosinophilic bron- chitis. This review discusses the differential diagnosis of these three disorders.