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Rey F, Berardo C, Maghraby E, Mauri A, Messa L, Esposito L, Casili G, Ottolenghi S, Bonaventura E, Cuzzocrea S, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Esposito E, Paterniti I, Cereda C, Carelli S. Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040965. [PMID: 37107340 PMCID: PMC10135575 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
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Berardo C, Calcaterra V, Mauri A, Carelli S, Messa L, Destro F, Rey F, Cordaro E, Pelizzo G, Zuccotti G, Cereda C. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Highlights Specific Expression Profiles in Severe Pediatric Obesity: A Pilot Study. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081105. [PMID: 37190014 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of pediatric obesity is rising rapidly worldwide, and "omic" approaches are helpful in investigating the molecular pathophysiology of obesity. This work aims to identify transcriptional differences in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) of children with overweight (OW), obesity (OB), or severe obesity (SV) compared with those of normal weight (NW). Periumbilical scAT biopsies were collected from 20 male children aged 1-12 years. The children were stratified into the following four groups according to their BMI z-scores: SV, OB, OW, and NW. scAT RNA-Seq analyses were performed, and a differential expression analysis was conducted using the DESeq2 R package. A pathways analysis was performed to gain biological insights into gene expression. Our data highlight the significant deregulation in both coding and non-coding transcripts in the SV group when compared with the NW, OW, and OB groups. A KEGG pathway analysis showed that coding transcripts were mainly involved in lipid metabolism. A GSEA analysis revealed the upregulation of lipid degradation and metabolism in SV vs. OB and SV vs. OW. Bioenergetic processes and the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids were upregulated in SV compared with OB, OW, and NW. In conclusion, we report for the first time that a significant transcriptional deregulation occurs in the periumbilical scAT of children with severe obesity compared with those of normal weight or those with overweight or mild obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Destro
- Surgery Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Cordaro
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Surgery Department, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
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Ferrigno A, Cagna M, Bosco O, Trucchi M, Berardo C, Nicoletti F, Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG. MPEP Attenuates Intrahepatic Fat Accumulation in Obese Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076076. [PMID: 37047048 PMCID: PMC10094379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076076] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) was previously found to reduce fat accumulation in HEPG2 cells. Here, we evaluated the effects of mGluR5 blockade in a mouse model of steatosis. Male ob/ob mice fed a high-fat diet were treated with MPEP or vehicle. After 7 weeks, liver biopsies were collected, and nuclei were isolated from fresh tissue. Lipid droplet area and collagen deposition were evaluated on tissue slices; total lipids, lipid peroxidation, and ROS were evaluated on tissue homogenates; PPARα, SREBP-1, mTOR, and NF-κB were assayed on isolated nuclei by Western Blot. Target genes of the above-mentioned factors were assayed by RT-PCR. Reduced steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning were observed in the MPEP group with respect to the vehicle group. Concomitantly, increased nuclear PPARα and reduced nuclear SREBP-1 levels were observed in the MPEP group. Similar trends were obtained in target genes of PPARα and SREBP-1, Acox1 and Acc1, respectively. MPEP administration also reduced oxidative stress and NF-κB activation, probably via NF-κB inhibition. Levels of common markers of inflammation (Il-6, Il1β and Tnf-α) and oxidative stress (Nrf2) were significantly reduced. mTOR, as well as collagen deposition, were unchanged. Concluding, MPEP, a selective mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator, reduces both fat accumulation and oxidative stress in a 7-week murine model of steatosis. Although underlying mechanisms need to be further investigated, this is the first in vivo study showing the beneficial effects of MPEP in a murine model of steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Cagna
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Oriana Bosco
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Trucchi
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura G Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Barzaghini B, Carelli S, Messa L, Rey F, Avanzini MA, Jacchetti E, Maghraby E, Berardo C, Zuccotti G, Raimondi MT, Cereda C, Calcaterra V, Pelizzo G. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expanded Inside the Nichoid Micro-Scaffold: a Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Response. Regen Eng Transl Med 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37363698 PMCID: PMC10027280 DOI: 10.1007/s40883-023-00296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising source for stem cell therapies in numerous diseases, including pediatric respiratory system diseases. Characterized by low immunogenicity, high anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory features, MSCs demonstrated an excellent therapeutic profile in numerous in vitro and preclinical models. MSCs reside in a specialized physiologic microenvironment, characterized by a unique combination of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular properties. The exploitation of the 3D micro-scaffold Nichoid, which simulates the native niche, enhanced the anti-inflammatory potential of stem cells through mechanical stimulation only, overcoming the limitation of biochemical and xenogenic growth factors application. Materials and Methods In this work, we expanded pediatric bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) inside the Nichoid and performed a complete cellular characterization with different approaches including viability assays, immunofluorescence analyses, RNA sequencing, and gene expression analysis. Results We demonstrated that BM-MSCs inside the scaffold remain in a stem cell quiescent state mimicking the condition of the in vivo environment. Moreover, the gene expression profile of these cells shows a significant up-regulation of genes involved in immune response when compared with the flat control. Conclusion The significant changes in the expression profile of anti-inflammatory genes could potentiate the therapeutic effect of BM-MSCs, encouraging the possible clinical translation for the treatment of pediatric congenital and acquired pulmonary disorders, including post-COVID lung manifestations. Lay Summary Regenerative medicine is the research field integrating medicine, biology, and biomedical engineering. In this context, stem cells, which are a fundamental cell source able to regenerate tissues and restore damage in the body, are the key component for a regenerative therapeutic approach. When expanded outside the body, stem cells tend to differentiate spontaneously and lose regenerative potential due to external stimuli. For this reason, we exploit the scaffold named Nichoid, which mimics the in vivo cell niche architecture. In this scaffold, mesenchymal stem cells "feel at home" due to the three-dimensional mechanical stimuli, and our findings could be considered as an innovative culture system for the in vitro expansion of stem cells for clinical translation. Future Perspective The increasing demand of safe and effective cell therapies projects our findings toward the possibility of improving cell therapies based on the use of BM-MSCs, particularly for their clinical translation in lung diseases. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Barzaghini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Research Center “Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronic, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Rey
- Pediatric Research Center “Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Avanzini
- Immunology and Transplantation Laboratory, Cell Factory, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Jacchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Research Center “Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Research Center “Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Research Center “Romeo Ed Enrica Invernizzi,” Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta,” Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Calcaterra V, Verduci E, Vandoni M, Rossi V, Fiore G, Massini G, Berardo C, Gatti A, Baldassarre P, Bianchi A, Cordaro E, Cavallo C, Cereda C, Bosetti A, Zuccotti G. The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Strategies on the Management of Insulin Resistance in Children and Adolescents with Obesity: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:4692. [PMID: 36364954 PMCID: PMC9657567 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood obesity is characterized by an increased risk of several metabolic derangements including insulin resistance (IR). The strongest recommendations to prevent obesity and related complications are a balanced and adequate diet and practicing physical activity from early childhood. In this review, we propose to present the effects of healthy lifestyle strategies, including physical exercise and dietary approaches, on the management of IR and related metabolic derangements. All types of exercise (aerobic, resistance and combined training) effectively reduce IR in pediatric patients with obesity; it seems that aerobic and combined training stimulate greater improvements in IR compared to resistance training. Balanced normocaloric or hypocaloric dietary approaches are also valid strategies to address IR; it is not possible to assess the long-term impact of varying macronutrients on cardiometabolic risk. The glycemic index/load evaluation is a useful dietary approach to glucose metabolism control. Similarly, they should adopt the principle of the Mediterranean diet. Randomized studies with longer monitoring are needed to define the benefits of nutritional supplementation on IR. Considering that healthy style acquisition could track to later ages, programs of healthy lifestyle starting with children offer a better preventive strategy to preserve metabolic control and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Vandoni
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Virginia Rossi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiore
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Massini
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gatti
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Baldassarre
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Bianchi
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Cordaro
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Cavallo
- Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, 50, Avenue du Parc des Sports, 4671 Differdange, Luxembourg
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Neonatal Screening and Metabolic Disorders Unit, V. Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bosetti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, “Vittore Buzzi” Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Palladini G, Cagna M, Di Pasqua LG, Adorini L, Croce AC, Perlini S, Ferrigno A, Berardo C, Vairetti M. Obeticholic Acid Reduces Kidney Matrix Metalloproteinase Activation following Partial Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050524. [PMID: 35631351 PMCID: PMC9145209 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) protects the liver via downregulation of hepatic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), which can lead to multiorgan dysfunction. The present study investigated the capacity of OCA to modulate MMPs in distant organs such as the kidney. Male Wistar rats were dosed orally with 10 mg/kg/day of OCA (5 days) and were subjected to 60-min partial hepatic ischemia. After 120-min reperfusion, kidney biopsies (cortex and medulla) and blood samples were collected. Serum creatinine, kidney MMP-2, and MMP-9-dimer, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), RECK, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were monitored. MMP-9-dimer activity in the kidney cortex and medulla increased after hepatic I/R and a reduction was detected in OCA-treated I/R rats. Although not significantly, MMP-2 activity decreased in the cortex of OCA-treated I/R rats. TIMPs and RECK levels showed no significant differences among all groups considered. Serum creatinine increased after I/R and a reduction was detected in OCA-treated I/R rats. The same trend occurred for tissue TNF-alpha and IL-6. Although the underlying mechanisms need further investigation, this is the first study showing, in the kidney, beneficial effects of OCA by reducing TNF-alpha-mediated expression of MMPs after liver I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Palladini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
- Internal Medicine Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Cagna
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | | | - Anna Cleta Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefano Perlini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
- Emergency Department Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (M.V.); Tel.: +39-0382-986877 (C.B.); +39-0382-986398 (M.V.)
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (L.G.D.P.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (M.V.); Tel.: +39-0382-986877 (C.B.); +39-0382-986398 (M.V.)
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7
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Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Raffo L, Ferrigno A, Guffanti E, Vairetti M. Analysis of Massaciuccoli Peat after Maturation in Sodium Chloride Water of Undulna Thermae. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:2169. [PMID: 35206356 PMCID: PMC8872336 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042169] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In Italy, peat extracted from the peat bogs of Lake Massaciuccoli is the only peat used for therapeutic purposes. Massaciuccoli peat (M-peat) soaked in the salty bromine-iodine water of Undulna Thermae has given positive results in various pathological situations, mainly in dermatological, rheumatological, and traumatological conditions. Morphological and biochemical analysis were performed using base M-peat samples matured in the salty bromine-iodine water of the Undulna Thermae for different times, to evaluate whether maturation time modifies peat chemico-physical properties. The maturation process induced particle aggregation, with an increase in the fractions with larger particle size. The presence of a high number of proteins derived from organic degradation was observed; after 6 months of maturation, a significant increase in proteins was found, suggesting that salty bromine-iodine water plays a role in the clinical action of the peat. The presence of lipids in M-peat was also confirmed, allowing us to draw important considerations on its therapeutic properties possibly deriving from the relevant interactions between lipids and humic acids. Finally, from our observations, it could be reasonably argued that longer periods of maturation do not result in additional advantages regarding clinical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | | | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Enrico Guffanti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (C.B.); (A.F.)
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (C.B.); (A.F.)
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Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Berardo C, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Detailed Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Drug-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: An Update. Biomedicines 2022; 10:194. [PMID: 35052872 PMCID: PMC8774221 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010194] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are some of the biggest public health challenges due to their spread and increasing incidence around the world. NAFLD is characterized by intrahepatic lipid deposition, accompanied by dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, leading to more serious complications. Among the various causes, drug administration for the treatment of numerous kinds of diseases, such as antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive drugs, promotes the onset and progression of steatosis, causing drug-induced hepatic steatosis (DIHS). Here, we reviewed in detail the major classes of drugs that cause DIHS and the specific molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Eight classes of drugs, among the most used for the treatment of common pathologies, were considered. The most diffused mechanism whereby drugs can induce NAFLD/NASH is interfering with mitochondrial activity, inhibiting fatty acid oxidation, but other pathways involved in lipid homeostasis are also affected. PubMed research was performed to obtain significant papers published up to November 2021. The key words included the class of drugs, or the specific compound, combined with steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, fatty liver and hepatic lipid deposition. Additional information was found in the citations listed in other papers, when they were not displayed in the original search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Cagna
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Cagna M, Mannucci B, Milanesi G, Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Vairetti M. Long-term cold storage preservation does not affect fatty livers from rats fed with a methionine and choline deficient diet. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:78. [PMID: 34320998 PMCID: PMC8317281 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01503-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Waiting lists that continue to grow and the lack of organs available for transplantation necessitate the use of marginal livers, such as fatty livers. Since steatotic livers are more susceptible to damage from ischemia and reperfusion, it was investigated whether fatty livers with different lipidomic profiles show a different outcome when subjected to long-term cold storage preservation. METHODS Eight-week-old male Wistar rats fed for 2 weeks by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet or control diet were employed in this study. Livers were preserved in a University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at 4 °C for 6, 12 or 24 h and, after washout, reperfused for 2 h with a Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37 °C. Hepatic enzyme release, bile production, O2-uptake, and portal venous pressure (PVP) were evaluated. The liver fatty acid profile was evaluated by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). RESULTS MCD rats showed higher LDH and AST levels with respect to the control group. When comparing MCD livers preserved for 6, 12 or 24 h, no differences in enzyme release were found during both the washout or the reperfusion period. The same trend occurred for O2-uptake, PVP, and bile flow. A general decrease in SFA and MUFA, except for oleic acid, and a decrease in PUFA, except for arachidonic, eicosadienoic, and docosahexanaeoic acids, were found in MCD rats when compared with control rats. Moreover, the ratio between SFA and the various types of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) was significantly lower in MCD rats. CONCLUSIONS Although prolonged cold ischemia negatively affects the graft outcome, our data suggest that the quality of lipid constituents could influence liver injury during cold storage: the lack of an increased hepatic injury in MCD may be justified by low SFA, which likely reduces the deleterious tendency toward lipid crystallization occurring under cold ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marta Cagna
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Milanesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Cleta Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Richelmi P, Ferrigno A, Berardo C. Changes in Glutathione Content in Liver Diseases: An Update. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:364. [PMID: 33670839 PMCID: PMC7997318 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH), a tripeptide particularly concentrated in the liver, is the most important thiol reducing agent involved in the modulation of redox processes. It has also been demonstrated that GSH cannot be considered only as a mere free radical scavenger but that it takes part in the network governing the choice between survival, necrosis and apoptosis as well as in altering the function of signal transduction and transcription factor molecules. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview on the molecular biology of the GSH system; therefore, GSH synthesis, metabolism and regulation will be reviewed. The multiple GSH functions will be described, as well as the importance of GSH compartmentalization into distinct subcellular pools and inter-organ transfer. Furthermore, we will highlight the close relationship existing between GSH content and the pathogenesis of liver disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), chronic cholestatic injury, ischemia/reperfusion damage, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, the potential therapeutic benefits of GSH and GSH-related medications, will be described for each liver disorder taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (M.C.); (P.R.); (C.B.)
| | | | | | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.V.); (M.C.); (P.R.); (C.B.)
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11
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Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Cagna M, Verta R, Collotta D, Nicoletti F, Ferrigno A, Collino M, Vairetti M. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Blockade Reduces Preservation Damage in Livers from Donors after Cardiac Death. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052234. [PMID: 33668105 PMCID: PMC7956702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the blockade of mGluR5 by 2-methyl-6(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) reduces both cold and warm ischemia/reperfusion injury. Here we evaluated whether MPEP reduces the hepatic preservation injury in rat livers from cardiac-death-donors (DCDs). Livers from DCD rats were isolated after an in situ warm ischemia (30 min) and preserved for 22 h at 4 °C with UW solution. Next, 10 mg/Kg MPEP or vehicle were administered 30 min before the portal clamping and added to the UW solution (3 µM). LDH released during washout was quantified. Liver samples were collected for iNOS, eNOS, NO, TNF-α, ICAM-1, caspase-3 and caspase-9 protein expression and nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) gene analysis. Lower LDH levels were detected in control grafts versus DCD groups. An increase in eNOS and NO content occurred after MPEP treatment; iNOS and TNF-α content was unchanged. ICAM-1 expression was reduced in the MPEP-treated livers as well as the levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Nrf2, oxidative stress-sensitive gene, was recovered to control value by MPEP. These results suggest that MPEP can be used to reclaim DCD livers subjected to an additional period of cold ischemia during hypothermic storage. MPEP protects against apoptosis and increased eNOS, whose overexpression has been previously demonstrated to be protective in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (M.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (M.C.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0382-986-874 (C.B.); +39-0382-986-451 (A.F.)
| | - Marta Cagna
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (M.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Roberta Verta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (R.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Debora Collotta
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (R.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (M.C.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0382-986-874 (C.B.); +39-0382-986-451 (A.F.)
| | - Massimo Collino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (R.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.G.D.P.); (M.C.); (M.V.)
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12
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Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Richelmi P, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Current Issues and Future Perspectives in Preclinical and Clinical Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249646. [PMID: 33348908 PMCID: PMC7766139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a continuum of liver abnormalities often starting as simple steatosis and to potentially progress into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of its increasing prevalence, NAFLD is becoming a major public health concern, in parallel with a worldwide increase in the recurrence rate of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It has been estimated that NASH cirrhosis may surpass viral hepatitis C and become the leading indication for liver transplantation in the next decades. The broadening of the knowledge about NASH pathogenesis and progression is of pivotal importance for the discovery of new targeted and more effective therapies; aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive and updated overview on NAFLD and NASH pathogenesis, the most recommended treatments, drugs under development and new drug targets. The most relevant in vitro and in vivo models of NAFLD and NASH will be also reviewed, as well as the main molecular pathways involved in NAFLD and NASH development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Correspondence: (L.G.D.P.); (A.F.); Tel.: +39-0382-986-451 (L.G.D.P.)
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Palladini G, Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Rizzo V, Perlini S, Vairetti M. Associations between serum trace elements and inflammation in two animal models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243179. [PMID: 33306695 PMCID: PMC7732075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The comparison of hepatic steatosis animal models has allowed the understanding of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the changes in serum levels of trace elements and inflammation markers in fatty livers using two rat models of NAFLD, the methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet model and Obese-Zucker rats. Material and methods NAFLD was induced in male Wistar rats by 3-week MCD diet administration, after which, blood samples were collected. 12-week old Obese (fa/fa) and Lean (fa/-) male Zucker rats were also used. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes, Urea, Uric acid, Ca2+, Cl, Fe, K, Na, Mg and Zn were quantified, as well as the inflammation markers TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. Results In MCD rats, a serum increase in Cl, Mg and Na and a decrease in Ca2+, Zn were detected in comparison with control rats. An increase in only serum Ca2+ was found in Obese-Zucker rats. In MCD rat serum, Zn was inversely correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, Urea and Uric Acid; Ca2+ was inversely correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6 and Urea; Cl and Mg were directly correlated with Uric Acid and Urea, respectively. In Obese-Zucker rats, Cl and IL-1beta were inversely correlated, whereas Ca2+ and Urea where directly correlated, as well Fe and TNF-alpha. Conclusions The serum concentrations of trace elements change significantly only in MCD rats, which spontaneously progress to NASH. The causes of these changes may be a result of defense strategies of the organism, which is regulated by immunoregulatory cytokines. These results might suggest that the impairment of trace element status should be taken into account when the effectiveness of a pharmacological treatment is under evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Palladini
- Dept of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Dept of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Clarissa Berardo
- Dept of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Dept of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Perlini
- Dept of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Dept of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Ferrigno A, Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Cagna M, Siciliano V, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. The selective blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 attenuates fat accumulation in an <em>in vitro</em> model of benign steatosis. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 33207858 PMCID: PMC7662107 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been previously found that the blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and acetaminophen toxicity. The role of mGluR5 in NAFLD has not yet been elucidated. Here, we evaluated the effects of mGluR5 blockade in an in vitro model of steatosis. HepG2 cells were pre-incubated for 12 h with an mGluR5 agonist, a negative allosteric modulator (DHPG and MPEP, respectively) or vehicle, then treated with 1.5 mM oleate/palmitate (O/P) for another 12 h. Cell viability was evaluated with the MTT assay; fat accumulation was measured using the fluorescent dye nile red; SREBP-1, PPAR-α, iNOS and Caspase-3 protein expression were evaluated by Western blot; NFkB activity was evaluated as pNFkB/NFkB ratio. mGluR5 modulation did not alter cell viability in O/P-incubated cells; MPEP prevented intracellular lipid accumulation in O/P treated cells; MPEP administration was also associated with a reversion of O/P-induced changes in SREBP-1 and PPAR-α expression, involved in free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism and uptake. No changes were observed in iNOS and Caspase-3 expression, or in NFkB activity. In conclusion, mGluR5 pharmacological blockade reduced fat accumulation in HepG2 cells incubated with O/P, probably by modulating the expression of SREBP-1 and PPAR-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Marta Cagna
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Veronica Siciliano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia.
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15
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Ferrigno A, Palladini G, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Richelmi P, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Perlini S, Adorini L, Vairetti M. Obeticholic acid reduces biliary and hepatic matrix metalloproteinases activity in rat hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238543. [PMID: 32911524 PMCID: PMC7482919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that obeticholic acid (OCA) upregulates the biliary excretion of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of iNOS regulating the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, the effects of OCA on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in liver, bile and serum were evaluated after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Material and methods Male Wistar rats (n = 20) were orally administered 10 mg/kg/day of OCA (5 days) and subjected to a 60-min ischemia and 60-min reperfusion. Bile, serum and tissue were collected for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity quantification. The MMP regulator tissue reversion-inducing cysteine rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), iNOS and biliary levels of LDH, γGT, glucose and ADMA were quantified. Results In the I/R group, OCA administration reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 in liver, bile and serum. A downregulation of tissue RECK and TIMPs, observed under I/R, were recovered by OCA. Immunohistochemical staining of hepatic tissue demonstrated that RECK expression is mainly localized in both cholangiocytes and hepatocytes. Hepatic iNOS positively correlated with tissue MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Biliary levels of LDH, γGT and glucose were lower in I/R rats treated with OCA; in bile, MMP levels positively correlated with LDH and γGT. Conclusion Thus, OCA administration confers protection to cholangiocytes via downregulation of biliary MMPs in livers submitted to I/R. This event is associated with hepatic RECK- and TIMP-mediated MMP decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail: (MV); (AF)
| | - Giuseppina Palladini
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Clarissa Berardo
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Luca Fabris
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine (DMM), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Stefano Perlini
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luciano Adorini
- Intecept Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Dept. of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail: (MV); (AF)
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Berardo C, Ferrigno A, Siciliano V, Richelmi P, Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG. Isolation of rat hepatocytes for pharmacological studies on metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) subtype 5: a comparison between collagenase I versus collagenase IV. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 32214285 PMCID: PMC7118438 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolated hepatocytes can be obtained from the liver by collagenase infusion, a procedure that could affect cell isolation as well as the integrity of membrane receptors. In this respect we compared metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptor (mGluR5) protein expression and activity in rat hepatocytes isolated by two collagenases, type I and type IV. Hepatocytes were isolated from male Wistar rats (200-250 g) using collagenase I or collagenase IV and after isolation, viability and morphology of rat hepatocytes were assessed measuring mGluR5 protein expression by Western blot analyses. mGluR5 activation was evaluated by inositol-1-phosphate (IP-1) accumulation after treatment with the mGluR5 orthosteric agonist ACPD or the selective antagonist MPEP. No difference in cellular viability and morphology was observed using collagenase I when compared with collagenase IV. An increase in mGluR5 protein expression was observed in hepatocytes isolated using collagenase IV with respect to collagenase I. Moreover, hepatocytes treated with ACPD and with MPEP presented higher levels of IP-1 when isolated using collagenase IV compared to collagenase I. These results indicate that collagenase IV better preserves the activity of surface proteins such as mGluR5 in isolated rat hepatocytes, an in vitro model useful to reduce the use of experimental animals, in line with the 3R ethical framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia.
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Berardo C, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG. Spectrofluorometric Analysis of Autofluorescing Components of Crude Serum from a Rat Liver Model of Ischemia and Reperfusion. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061327. [PMID: 32183261 PMCID: PMC7144569 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autofluorescence (AF) of crude serum was investigated with reference to the potential of its intrinsic AF biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis of liver injury. Spectral parameters of pure compounds representing retinol (vitamin A) and fluorescing free fatty acids were characterized by spectrofluorometry, to assess spectral parameters for the subsequent AF analysis of serum, collected from rats undergoing liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Differences in AF spectral profiles detected between control and I/R were due to the increase in the AF components representing fatty acids in I/R serum samples. No significant changes occurred for retinol levels, consistently with the literature reporting that constant retinol levels are commonly observed in the blood, except for malnutrition or chronic severe liver disease. Conversely, fatty acids, in particular arachidonic and linoleic acid and their derivatives, act as modulating agents in inflammation, representing both a protective and damaging response to stress stimuli. The biometabolic and pathophysiological meaning of serum components and the possibility of their direct detection by AF spectrofluorometry open up interesting perspectives for the development of AF serum analysis, as a direct, cost effective, supportive tool to assess liver injury and related systemic metabolic alterations, for applications in experimental biomedicine and foreseen translation to the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, I-27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0382-986-428
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.V.); (L.G.D.P.)
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.V.); (L.G.D.P.)
| | - Giovanni Bottiroli
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, I-27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.V.); (L.G.D.P.)
| | - Laura G. Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.F.); (C.B.); (M.V.); (L.G.D.P.)
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Berardo C, Siciliano V, Di Pasqua LG, Richelmi P, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Comparison between Lipofectamine RNAiMAX and GenMute transfection agents in two cellular models of human hepatoma. Eur J Histochem 2019; 63. [PMID: 31455073 PMCID: PMC6712361 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2019.3048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference is a powerful approach to understand gene function both for therapeutic and experimental purposes. Since the lack of knowledge in the gene silencing of various hepatic cell lines, this work was aimed to compare two transfection agents, the liposome-based Lipofectamine™ RNAiMAX and the HepG2-specific, polymer-based GenMute™, in two cellular models of human hepatoma, HepG2 and Huh7.5. In the first part, we assessed transfection efficiency of a fluorescent Cy3-labeled negative control siRNA by cell imaging analysis; we found that cells treated with GenMute present a higher uptake of the fluorescent negative control siRNA when compared to Lipofectamine RNAiMAX-trasfected cells, both in HepG2 and in Huh7.5 cells. In the second part, we evaluated GAPDH silencing with the two transfection reagents by RT-PCR finding similar GAPDH mRNA expression after each transfection treatment. Finally, we measured cell viability by the MTT assay, observing that cells transfected with GenMute have a higher viability with respect to Lipofectamine RNAiMAXadministered cells. These results suggest that GenMute reagent might be considered the most suitable transfection agent for hepatic gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia.
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Ferrigno A, Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Siciliano V, Richelmi P, Nicoletti F, Vairetti M. Selective Blockade of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor mGluR5 Protects Mouse Livers in In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models of Ischemia Reperfusion Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E314. [PMID: 29360756 PMCID: PMC5855547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), a negative allosteric modulator of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) 5, protects hepatocytes from ischemic injury. In astrocytes and microglia, MPEP depletes ATP. These findings seem to be self-contradictory, since ATP depletion is a fundamental stressor in ischemia. This study attempted to reconstruct the mechanism of MPEP-mediated ATP depletion and the consequences of ATP depletion on protection against ischemic injury. We compared the effects of MPEP and other mGluR5 negative modulators on ATP concentration when measured in rat hepatocytes and acellular solutions. We also evaluated the effects of mGluR5 blockade on viability in rat hepatocytes exposed to hypoxia. Furthermore, we studied the effects of MPEP treatment on mouse livers subjected to cold ischemia and warm ischemia reperfusion. We found that MPEP and 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP) deplete ATP in hepatocytes and acellular solutions, unlike fenobam. This finding suggests that mGluR5s may not be involved, contrary to previous reports. MPEP, as well as MTEP and fenobam, improved hypoxic hepatocyte viability, suggesting that protection against ischemic injury is independent of ATP depletion. Significantly, MPEP protected mouse livers in two different ex vivo models of ischemia reperfusion injury, suggesting its possible protective deployment in the treatment of hepatic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Veronica Siciliano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, 00185 Roma, Italy.
- I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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20
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Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Siciliano V, Rizzo V, Adorini L, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. The farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid upregulates biliary excretion of asymmetric dimethylarginine via MATE-1 during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191430. [PMID: 29346429 PMCID: PMC5773219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191430] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously showed that increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) biliary excretion occurs during hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), prompting us to study the effects of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) on bile, serum and tissue levels of ADMA after I/R. Material and methods Male Wistar rats were orally administered 10mg/kg/day of OCA or vehicle for 5 days and were subjected to 60 min partial hepatic ischemia or sham-operated. After a 60 min reperfusion, serum, tissue and bile ADMA levels, liver mRNA and protein expression of ADMA transporters (CAT-1, CAT-2A, CAT-2B, OCT-1, MATE-1), and enzymes involved in ADMA synthesis (protein-arginine-N-methyltransferase-1, PRMT-1) and metabolism (dimethylarginine-dimethylaminohydrolase-1, DDAH-1) were measured. Results OCA administration induced a further increase in biliary ADMA levels both in sham and I/R groups, with no significant changes in hepatic ADMA content. A reduction in CAT-1, CAT-2A or CAT-2B transcripts was found in OCA-treated sham-operated rats compared with vehicle. Conversely, OCA administration did not change CAT-1, CAT-2A or CAT-2B expression, already reduced by I/R. However, a marked decrease in OCT-1 and increase in MATE-1 expression was observed. A similar trend occurred with protein expression. Conclusion The reduced mRNA expression of hepatic CAT transporters suggests that the increase in serum ADMA levels is probably due to decreased liver uptake of ADMA from the systemic circulation. Conversely, the mechanism involved in further increasing biliary ADMA levels in sham and I/R groups treated with OCA appears to be MATE-1-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Veronica Siciliano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, IRCCS San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luciano Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- * E-mail:
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21
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Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Siciliano V, Rizzo V, Richelmi P, Ferrigno A, Vairetti M. Machine Perfusion at 20°C Prevents Ischemic Injury and Reduces Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression During Rat Liver Preservation. Ann Transplant 2017; 22:581-589. [PMID: 28959005 DOI: 10.12659/aot.904631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic cholangitis is the main cause of liver failure after transplantation and subnormothermic machine perfusion may represent a better strategy than conventional cold storage, minimizing preservation injury. We compared livers preserved by machine perfusion at 20°C (MP20) or by cold storage at 4°C (CS4) with regard to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mRNA expression and protein stabilization in hypoxic conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Livers from male Wistar rats were stored on ice at 4°C in UW solution (CS4) or perfused with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 20°C (MP20) for six hours. After preservation, the livers were reperfused for two hours with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37°C to simulate reimplantation. We collected bile, perfusate, and tissue samples. Transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, and lactic acid were assayed in the perfusate and bile. ATP/ADP, glycogen, HIF-1α mRNA, and protein expression were measured in the tissue homogenates. RESULTS At the end of preservation, as well as after reperfusion, HIF-1α mRNA expression was significantly higher in the ischemic CS4 livers. Although the hypoxic conditions found in CS4 preservation stabilized HIF-1α protein was significantly higher in the CS4 livers at the end of preservation, no difference was observed after reperfusion, likely because of the oxygen in the reperfusion medium. After reperfusion, the MP20 livers released less transaminases and LDH. The MP20 livers had higher ATP/ADP, glycogen, and biliary bilirubin after both preservation and reperfusion when compared with the CS4 livers. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrated that MP20 was associated with a lower HIF-1α expression and organ injury with respect to CS4, suggesting that oxygen provided by this preservation setting might approximate the organ request, thus avoiding the ischemic injury usually observed during organ preservation by cold storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Veronica Siciliano
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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22
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M. NAD(P)H and Flavin Autofluorescence Correlation with ATP in Rat Livers with Different Metabolic Steady-State Conditions. Photochem Photobiol 2017; 93:1519-1524. [PMID: 28696576 DOI: 10.1111/php.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The monitoring of NAD(P)H and flavin autofluorescence (AF) is at the basis of numerous investigations on energy metabolism. Nevertheless, the ability of these AF biomarkers to accurately represent the energy currency, ATP, is poorly explored. Here, we focused on the AF/ATP correlation in lean and fatty livers with different steady-state metabolic conditions, achieved after organ isolation, preservation and recovery, in a likely dependence on both liver intrinsic metabolic features and externally induced perturbations. Within these eventual, various conditions, a significant correlation was detected between liver NAD(P)H and flavin AF, measured via fiber-optic probe, and biochemical ATP data, strengthening AF as biomarker of energy metabolism in steady-state conditions for wide-ranging experimental and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pavia, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura G Di Pasqua
- Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottiroli
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pavia, Italy.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Internal Medicine and Therapy (IMT), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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23
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Ferrigno A, Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Siciliano V, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. Localization and role of metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 5 in the gastrointestinal tract. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:4500-4507. [PMID: 28740338 PMCID: PMC5504365 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i25.4500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is a Group I mGlu subfamily of receptors coupled to the inositol trisphosphate/diacylglycerol pathway. Like other mGluR subtypes, mGluR5s contain a phylogenetically conserved, extracellular orthosteric binding site and a more variable allosteric binding site, located on the heptahelical transmembrane domain. The mGluR5 receptor has proved to be a key pharmacological target in conditions affecting the central nervous system (CNS) but its presence outside the CNS underscores its potential role in pathologies affecting peripheral organs such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and accessory digestive organs such as the tongue, liver and pancreas. Following identification of mGluR5s in the mouth, various studies have subsequently demonstrated its involvement in mechanical allodynia, inflammation, pain and oral cancer. mGluR5 expression has also been identified in gastroesophageal vagal pathways. Indeed, experimental and human studies have demonstrated that mGluR5 blockade reduces transient lower sphincter relaxation and reflux episodes. In the intestine, mGluR5s have been shown to be involved in the control of intestinal inflammation, visceral pain and the epithelial barrier function. In the liver, mGluR5s have a permissive role in the onset of ischemic injury in rat and mice hepatocytes. Conversely, livers from mice treated with selective negative allosteric modulators and mGluR5 knockout mice are protected against ischemic injury. Similar results have been observed in experimental models of free-radical injury and in vivo mouse models of acetaminophen intoxication. Finally, mGluR5s in the pancreas are associated with insulin secretion control. The picture is, however, far from complete as the review attempts to establish in particular as regards identifying specific targets and innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of GI disorders.
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Mannucci B, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M. Fluorescing fatty acids in rat fatty liver models. J Biophotonics 2017; 10:905-910. [PMID: 27981808 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201600195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The autofluorescence (AF) of NAD(P)H and flavins has been at the basis of many in-situ studies of liver energy metabolism and functionality. Conversely, few data have been so far reported on fluorescing lipids. In this work we investigated the AF of liver lipid extracts from two fatty liver models, Wistar rats fed with MCD diet for 12 days (Wi-MCD), and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. Among the most abundant fatty acids in the lipid extracts, indicated by mass spectrometry, arachidonic acid (AA) exhibited higher quantum yield than the other fluorescing fatty acids (FLFA), and red shifted AF spectrum. This allowed to estimate the AA contribution to the overall emission of lipid extracts by curve fitting analysis. AA prevailed in obese Zucker livers, accounting for the different AF spectral profiles between the two models. AF and mass spectrometry indicated also a different balance between the fluorescing fraction and the overall amount of AA in the two models. The ability of AF to detect directly AA and FLFA was demonstrated, suggesting its supportive role as tool in wide-ranging applications, from the control of animal origin food, to experimental investigations on liver fat accumulation, lipotoxicity and disease progression, with potential translation to the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Croce
- Italian National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Molecular Genetics, Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - CNR, University of Pavia, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Therapy, Via Ferrata 9, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura G Di Pasqua
- University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Therapy, Via Ferrata 9, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Therapy, Via Ferrata 9, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Mannucci
- Centro Grandi Strumenti, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottiroli
- Italian National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Molecular Genetics, Via Abbiategrasso 207, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - CNR, University of Pavia, Department of Biology & Biotechnology, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- University of Pavia, Internal Medicine and Therapy, Via Ferrata 9, Pavia, Italy
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25
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Bertone V, Piccolini VM, Berardo C, Di Pasqua LG, Rizzo V, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M. Fatty liver oxidative events monitored by autofluorescence optical diagnosis: Comparison between subnormothermic machine perfusion and conventional cold storage preservation. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:668-682. [PMID: 27448628 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Livers with moderate steatosis are currently recruited as marginal organs to face donor shortage in transplantation, even though lipid excess and oxidative stress increase preservation injury risk. Sensitive, real-time detection of liver metabolism engagement could help donor selection and preservation procedures, ameliorating the graft outcome. Hence, we investigated endogenous biomolecules with autofluorescence (AF) properties as biomarkers supporting the detection of liver oxidative events and the assessment of metabolic responses to external stimuli. METHODS Livers from male Wistar rats fed a 12-day methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet were subjected to AF spectrofluorometric analysis (fiber-optic probe, 366-nm excitation) before and after organ isolation, and following preservation (cold storage or 20°C machine perfusion) and reperfusion. RESULTS Innovative dynamic AF results on lipid oxidation to lipofuscin-like lipopigments, correlating with biochemical oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and antioxidant defense (glutathione) parameters, suggested lipid engagement in MCD livers counteracting reactive oxidizing species. The maintained MCD liver functionality was supported by limited changes in bilirubin AF spectral profile, reflecting bile composition balance, despite their intrinsic mitochondrial weakness, confirmed by adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels, and regardless of different preservation effects on energy metabolism revealed by conventional reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and flavin AF data. CONCLUSION Autofluorescence showed that, after a relatively short time on an MCD diet, livers are still able to face oxidizing events and maintain a functional balance. These results strengthen AF as a supportive diagnostic tool in experimental hepatology, to characterize marginal livers in real time, monitor their response to ischemia/reperfusion, and investigate protective therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cleta Croce
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Bertone
- Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Piccolini
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Molecular Medicine Department, University of Pavia and Istituto Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bottiroli
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Biology and Biotechnology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Internal Medicine and Therapy Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Siciliano V, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. Oxygen tension-independent protection against hypoxic cell killing in rat liver by low sodium. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2798. [PMID: 28735525 PMCID: PMC5452633 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Na+ in hypoxic injury was evaluated by a time-course analysis of damage in isolated livers perfused with N2-saturated buffer containing standard (143 mM) or low (25 mM) Na+ levels. Trypan blue uptake was used to detect non-viable cells. Under hypoxia with standard-Na+, trypan blue uptake began at the border between pericentral areas and periportal regions and increased in the latter zone; using a low-Na+ buffer, no trypan blue zonation occurred but a homogenous distribution of dye was found associated with sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) staining. A decrease in hyaluronic acid (HA) uptake, index of SEC damage, was observed using a low-Na+ buffer. A time dependent injury was confirmed by an increase in LDH and TBARS levels with standard-Na+ buffer. Using low-Na+ buffer, SEC susceptibility appears elevated under hypoxia and hepatocytes was protected, in an oxygen independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- University of Pavia, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics.
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27
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Piccolini VM, Bertone V, Bottiroli G, Vairetti M. Autofluorescence discrimination of metabolic fingerprint in nutritional and genetic fatty liver models. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology 2016; 164:13-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Rizzo V, Richelmi P, Croce AC, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. MCD diet-induced steatohepatitis is associated with alterations in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and its transporters. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 419:147-55. [PMID: 27357826 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Using an experimental model of NASH induced by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, we investigated whether changes occur in serum and tissue levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Male Wistar rats underwent NASH induced by 8-week feeding with an MCD diet. Serum and hepatic biopsies at 2, 4 and 8 weeks were taken, and serum enzymes, ADMA and nitrate/nitrite (NOx), were evaluated. Hepatic biopsies were used for mRNA and protein expression analysis of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH-1) and protein methyltransferases (PRMT-1), enzymes involved in ADMA metabolism and synthesis, respectively, and ADMA transporters (CAT-1, CAT-2A and CAT-2B). Lipid peroxides (TBARS), glutathione, ATP/ADP and DDAH activity were quantified. An increase in serum AST and ALT was detected in MCD animals. A time-dependent decrease in serum and tissue ADMA and increase in mRNA expression of DDAH-1 and PRMT-1 as well as higher rates of mRNA expression of CAT-1 and lower rates of CAT-2A and CAT-2B were found after 8-week MCD diet. An increase in serum NOx and no changes in protein expression in DDAH-1 and CAT-1 and higher content in CAT-2 and PRMT-1 were found at 8 weeks. Hepatic DDAH activity decreased with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress, as demonstrated by high TBARS levels and low glutathione content. In conclusion, a decrease in serum and tissue ADMA levels in the MCD rats was found associated with a reduction in DDAH activity due to the marked oxidative stress observed. Changes in ADMA levels and its transporters are innovative factors in the onset and progression of hepatic alterations correlated with MCD diet-induced NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Cleta Croce
- Histochemistry and Cytometry Unit, IGM-CNR, c/o Biotechnology and Biology Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9A, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Rizzo V, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. Changes in Biliary Levels of Arginine and its Methylated Derivatives after Hepatic Ischaemia/Reperfusion. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119:101-9. [PMID: 26663642 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Arginine (Arg) can be methylated to form symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), the latter an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). SDMA is excreted in the urine, while ADMA is mainly subjected to degradation in the liver. Arg competes with ADMA and SDMA for cellular transport across cationic amino-acid transporters (CATs). We evaluated the changes in serum, tissue and biliary levels of Arg, citrulline (Cit), ADMA and SDMA and the modifications in CATs after ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R). Male Wistar rats were subjected to 30-min. partial-hepatic ischaemia or sham-operated. After 60-min. reperfusion, the concentrations of ADMA, SDMA, Arg and Cit in serum, tissue and bile were measured. Serum levels of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were determined. mRNA of cationic transporter 2A (CAT-2A) and 2B (CAT-2B) were also quantified. An increase in ADMA and a decrease in SDMA were observed in bile at the end of reperfusion. On the contrary, lower tissue ADMA levels and higher SDMA levels were quantified. No serum changes in ADMA and SDMA were found. A decrease in Arg and an increase of Cit were detected in serum, bile and tissue after I/R. A marked increase in AST, ALT and AP levels in serum confirmed I/R injury. A decrease in mRNA transporter CAT-2A but not in CAT-2B was detected. This study supported a biliary CAT-2B-dependent transport of ADMA and demonstrated, for the first time, that the liver is also responsible for the biliary excretion of SDMA into the bile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Clarissa Berardo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Plinio Richelmi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Ferrigno A, Di Pasqua LG, Berardo C, Richelmi P, Vairetti M. Liver plays a central role in asymmetric dimethylarginine-mediated organ injury. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:5131-5137. [PMID: 25954086 PMCID: PMC4419053 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i17.5131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric-dimethylarginine (ADMA) competes with L-arginine for each of the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase: endothelial; neuronal; inducible. ADMA is synthesized by protein methyltransferases followed by proteolytic degradation. ADMA is metabolized to citrulline and dimethylamine, by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and enters cells through cationic amino-acid transporters extensively expressed in the liver. The liver plays a crucial role in ADMA metabolism by DDAH-1 and, as has been recently demonstrated, it is also responsible for ADMA biliary excretion. A correlation has been demonstrated between plasma ADMA levels and the degree of hepatic dysfunction in patients suffering from liver diseases with varying aetiologies: plasma ADMA levels are increased in patients with liver cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis and acute liver failure. The mechanism by which liver dysfunction results in raised ADMA concentrations is probably due to impaired activity of DDAH due to severe inflammation, oxidative stress, and direct damage to DDAH. High plasma ADMA levels are also relevant as they are associated with the onset of multi-organ failure (MOF). Increased plasma concentration of ADMA was identified as an independent risk factor for MOF in critically-ill patients causing enhanced Intensive Care Unit mortality: a significant reduction in nitric oxide synthesis, leading to malperfusion in various organs, eventually culminating in multi organs dysfunction.
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Berardo C, Palladini G, Di Pasqua L, Rizzo V, Perlini S, Richelmi P, Vairetti M, Ferrigno A. Oxidative stress, mitochondria damage and matrix metalloprotease activation in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Dig Liver Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.01.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
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Delle Monache M, Miceli M, Santolamazza M, Mannella E, Mercurio G, Di Lorenzo A, Bacosi M, Gerardi R, Berardo C, Bruno G, Russo F, Miglioresi L, Ricci GL. Elevated alanine aminotransferase in blood donors: role of different factors and multiple viral infections. J Int Med Res 1999; 27:134-42. [PMID: 10505303 DOI: 10.1177/030006059902700304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many different aetiological agents stimulate alanine aminotransferase (ALT) production. Viral markers and other aetiologies were investigated in 2166 individuals, randomly selected from 10,000 consecutive blood donors. Elevation of ALT was found in 10.8% of subjects. Grouping donors according to ALT level and correlating with, respectively, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), cytomegalovirus antibody alone, or associated with HBcAb, showed similar findings (high ALT 11.1%, normal 11.6%; high 85.4%, normal 81.4%; high 10.2%, normal 11.0%, respectively). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody was found to be significantly associated with elevated ALT levels (high 1.7%, normal 0.26%). Other causes of ALT elevation were alcohol abuse (17%), obesity (25%) and dyslipidaemia (38%), but in 11% there was no obvious aetiology. Although HCV is a rare cause of elevated ALT in blood donors, it seems to be the only virus, among those tested, to account for liver damage. This may be due to the non-protective role of HCV antibody, the low specificity of ALT, or the pathogenic role of uninvestigated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Delle Monache
- Department of Gastroenterology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Lavorino C, Mannella E, Salvatori L, Delle Monache M, Santolamazza M, Gerardi R, Berardo C, Bacosi M, Ricci GL. Antibodies anti-parvovirus B19 in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Am J Gastroenterol 1995; 90:676-7. [PMID: 7717346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Berardo C, Gerardi R, Delle Monache M, Del Vecchio S, Ricci GL. Antibody pattern's lack of predictivity in determining the response of viral hepatitis C to interferon therapy. Ital J Gastroenterol 1994; 26:398-400. [PMID: 7535599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate whether the immunoblot pattern for HCV is a predictor of the response to interferon treatment. In a group of 60 patients with persistent rise of aminotransferase, all were treated with 3-6MU of Alfa-IFN from normal leucocytes every other day for 6 months, followed by one weekly dose of 1-3 MU for 3 months. HCV serum markers were detected before treatment and every three months thereafter. In 22 out of 60 (36.6%) patients aminotransferase normalized and remained so for 3 months after therapy; 12 patients (54.5%) relapsed during a follow-up of 9-12 months. The most frequent pattern in responders and non responders was the positivity to four antibodies (55%). The pattern did not change during or after IFN therapy, nor was it related to the variation of aminotransferases. Three patients lost antibodies linked to viral replication (c100-3, 5-1-1) and 3 others became positive to the same antigens. No changes were observed during the follow-up of patients who had an initial normalization of ALT/AST levels and who then relapsed (either during the maintenance dose or during the whole follow-up:n = 19 pts). Therefore neither the antibody clearance of viral replication (c100-3 and 5-1-1) nor the antibody pattern is a valid predictor as to the efficacy of interferon therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Berardo
- Divisione di Gastroenterologia, Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy
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Marinelli RM, Delle Monache M, Gerardi R, Berardo C, Santolamazza M, Bruno G, Ricci GL. Liver pathology in cytomegalovirus infection associated with hepatitis B virus. J Int Med Res 1993; 21:154-7. [PMID: 8299858 DOI: 10.1177/030006059302100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A retrospective study was carried out in 56 patients to establish the association of cytomegalovirus (CMV) with active or inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a possible risk factor in the development of severe liver disease. Patients with positive CMV serology and active or inactive HBV infection had elevated alanine aminotransferase activity and had a relatively high incidence of more severe lesions (chronic hepatitis and active cirrhosis). In the absence of CMV, only one case of cirrhosis was identified compared with seven cases of hepatic fibrosis. By analogy with hepatitis C virus, CMV may bring about activation of the host inflammatory response against hepatocytes following HBV infection, resulting in the development of severe hepatitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Marinelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
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