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Giannotti A, Lo Vecchio S, Musco S, Pollina L, Vallone F, Strauss I, Paggi V, Bernini F, Gabisonia K, Carlucci L, Lenzi C, Pirone A, Giannessi E, Miragliotta V, Lacour S, Del Popolo G, Moccia S, Micera S. Decoding bladder state from pudendal intraneural signals in pigs. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046101. [PMID: 37811476 PMCID: PMC10558243 DOI: 10.1063/5.0156484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprosthetic devices used for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction, such as incontinence or urinary retention, apply a pre-set continuous, open-loop stimulation paradigm, which can cause voiding dysfunctions due to neural adaptation. In the literature, conditional, closed-loop stimulation paradigms have been shown to increase bladder capacity and voiding efficacy compared to continuous stimulation. Current limitations to the implementation of the closed-loop stimulation paradigm include the lack of robust and real-time decoding strategies for the bladder fullness state. We recorded intraneural pudendal nerve signals in five anesthetized pigs. Three bladder-filling states, corresponding to empty, full, and micturition, were decoded using the Random Forest classifier. The decoding algorithm showed a mean balanced accuracy above 86.67% among the three classes for all five animals. Our approach could represent an important step toward the implementation of an adaptive real-time closed-loop stimulation protocol for pudendal nerve modulation, paving the way for the design of an assisted-as-needed neuroprosthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Giannotti
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Lo Vecchio
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Musco
- Neuro-Urology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - L. Pollina
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F. Vallone
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - I. Strauss
- Laboratory for Biomedical Microtechnology, Department of Microsystems Engineering–IMTEK, IMBIT//NeuroProbes BrainLinks-BrainTools Cluster of Excellence, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - V. Paggi
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Microengineering and Bioengineering, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F. Bernini
- BioMedLab, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - K. Gabisonia
- BioMedLab, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Carlucci
- BioMedLab, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Lenzi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Giannessi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V. Miragliotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Lacour
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Microengineering and Bioengineering, Neuro-X Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - G. Del Popolo
- Neuro-Urology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - S. Moccia
- The BioRobotics Institute and Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Micera
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Macchioni F, Vallone F, Lenzi C, Monni G, Matiacic A, Cecchi F, Romeo G. Helminth fauna in roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) in the province of Grosseto (central Italy). Helminthologia 2023; 60:134-140. [PMID: 37745223 PMCID: PMC10516473 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminth infection was analysed at necropsy and coprology in a total of 54 roe deer from the province of Grosseto (central Italy) between 2018 - 2020. Age and sex data were recorded for each deer for a total of 31 adults (23 females, 8 males) and 23 juveniles (11 females, 12 males). The results on the small intestine (51 samples) highlighted that nematodes belonging to the species Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the most prevalent parasite (41.2 %), followed by the cestode Moniezia expansa (7.8 %). The large intestine results (52 samples) showed Trichuris spp. (53.8 %), Oesophagostomum venulosum (50 %) and Chabertia ovina (26.9 %). In the abomasum, only Ostertagia ostertagi (17.9 %) was found. Of the 34 samples analysed by bronchopulmonary, only the lung of an adult female was positive for Dictyocaulus spp. In two livers out of 33 samples analysed, nematodes of the species Setaria tundra were found on the surface. Copropositivity was observed in 45 of the 52 faecal samples analysed. The results of the present study indicate that the roe deer is host to several species of parasites, which are also common in other cervids and domestic ruminants. Statistical testing highlighted a significant difference between mean intensities in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Macchioni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Vallone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Lenzi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Monni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - F. Cecchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Romeo
- Office for Hunting and Fishing Activities of Grosseto Regional Administration), via Trieste, 5, 58100Grosseto, Italy
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Ding B, Pirone A, Lenzi C, Baglini A, Romboli I. Effect of hen diet supplemented with 25-OH-D 3
on the development of small intestinal morphology of chick. J Anim Feed Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/66197/2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Pirone A, Ding BA, Lenzi C, Baglini A, Giannessi E, Romboli I. The small intestine of the adult New Hampshire chicken: an immunohistochemical study. Anat Histol Embryol 2010; 40:163-8. [PMID: 21133986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01055.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The presence and distribution of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), gastric-releasing peptide (GRP) and glucagon immunoreactivity were studied in the small intestine of the New Hampshire chicken using immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of the presence of GIP-immunoreactive (ir) cells in avian small intestine. GIP, GRP and glucagon immunoreactivity was localized in the epithelium of the villi and crypts of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In particular, both in the duodenum and in the jejunum immunoreactive endocrine cells to GIP, GRP and glucagon were observed. In the ileum, we noticed GIP-ir and glucagon-ir cells. GRP-ir was found in nerve fibres of all three segments of the small intestine. The distribution of these bioactive agents in the intestinal tract of the chicken suggests that GIP and glucagon may play a role in the enteropancreatic axis in which intestinal peptides modulate pancreas secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pirone
- Department of Animal Productions, Section of Anatomy, University of Pisa, Italy
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Collodel G, Moretti E, Campagna MS, Capitani S, Lenzi C, Figura N. Infection by CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains may contribute to alter the sperm quality of men with fertility disorders and increase the systemic levels of TNF-alpha. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:94-100. [PMID: 19160044 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-008-0704-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to address the possibility that Helicobacter pylori infection may play a detrimental role in semen quality of men with idiopathic infertility. Infection by H. pylori and by strains expressing CagA was determined in 80 male infertile patients by Western blotting and ELISA. Semen analysis was performed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy quantitatively elaborated (fertility index, immaturity, necrosis, and apoptosis percentages). Systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were evaluated. Infertile patients infected with H. pylori showed a low sperm quality respective to uninfected patients. Particularly, in CagA-positive patients we observed a significant reduction in sperm motility and in the fertility index, while apoptosis and necrosis were increased. In these patients, the means of systemic TNF-alpha levels were higher than those of uninfected patients. The negative influence of CagA-positive H. pylori infection on sperm quality may help to understand the role of chronic infections in reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Collodel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Applied Biology Section, Policlinico Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 14, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Pirone A, Lenzi C, Marroni P, Betti L, Mascia G, Giannaccini G, Lucacchini A, Fabiani O. Neuropeptide Y in the Brain and Retina of the Adult Teleost Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Anat Histol Embryol 2008; 37:231-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lenzi C, Palazzuoli A, Giordano N, Alegente G, Gonnelli C, Campagna MS, Santucci A, Sozzi M, Papakostas P, Rollo F, Nuti R, Figura N. H pylori infection and systemic antibodies to CagA and heat shock protein 60 in patients with coronary heart disease. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:7815-20. [PMID: 17203526 PMCID: PMC4087548 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i48.7815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine the overall prevalence of H pylori and CagA positive H pylori infection and the prevalence of other bacterial and viral causes of chronic infection in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and the potential role of anti-heat-shock protein 60 (Hsp60) antibody response to these proteins in increasing the risk of CHD development.
METHODS: Eighty patients with CHD and 160 controls were employed. We also compared the levels of anti-heat-shock protein 60 (Hsp60) antibodies in the two groups. The H pylori infection and the CagA status were determined serologically, using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and a Western blotting method developed in our laboratory. Systemic antibodies to Hsp60 were determined by a sandwich ELISA, using a polyclonal antibody to Hsp60 to sensitise polystyrene plates and a commercially available human Hsp60 as an antigen.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of H pylori infection was 78.7% (n = 63) in patients and 76.2% (n = 122) in controls (P = 0.07). Patients infected by CagA-positive (CagA+) H pylori strains were 71.4% (n = 45) vs 52.4% of infected controls (P = 0.030, OR = 2.27). Systemic levels of IgG to Hsp60 were increased in H pylori-negative patients compared with uninfected controls (P < 0.001) and CagA-positive infected patients compared with CagA-positive infected controls (P = 0.007).
CONCLUSION: CagA positive H pylori infection may concur to the development of CHD; high levels of anti-Hsp60 antibodies may constitute a marker and/or a concomitant pathogenic factor of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lenzi
- Department of Internal Medicine Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Palazzuoli A, Lenzi C, Iovine F, Carrera A, Nuti R. A case of acute heart failure associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neurol Sci 2006; 26:447-50. [PMID: 16601940 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-006-0531-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2005] [Accepted: 12/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system, which is caused by aberrant immune responses directed against some components of peripheral nerves. GBS is rarely accompanied by cardiovascular involvement. We describe a case of acute neuropathy complicated by sudden heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction which had a presumably neurogenic origin. Pathogenesis of acute heart failure is probably due to transitorial stunned myocardium and neurogenic cardiac injury. We show a rare case of transitorial and acute cardiac dysfunction by echocardiography and laboratory markers of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Palazzuoli
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Section of Cardiology, Ospedale Le Scotte, University of Siena, Italy.
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Mini R, Figura N, D'Ambrosio C, Braconi D, Bernardini G, Di Simplicio F, Lenzi C, Nuti R, Trabalzini L, Martelli P, Bovalini L, Scaloni A, Santucci A. Helicobacter pylori immunoproteomes in case reports of rosacea and chronic urticaria. Proteomics 2005; 5:777-87. [PMID: 15668992 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200401094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rosacea and chronic urticaria are two common skin disorders existing in idiopathic forms. A role of Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection in the aetiopathogenesis of rosacea or chronic urticaria has been suggested although still controversial. The aim of the present study was to establish a relationship between H. pylori infection and rosacea chronic urticaria by means of an immunoproteomic investigation. We analyzed immunoglobulin A (IgA)-, IgG-, and IgE-mediated immune-responses against H. pylori antigens and we identified some bacterial immunoresponsive proteins. A general IgA- and IgE-mediated immune response against antioxidative bacterial proteins was observed. A correlation between the bacterial occurrence and skin diseases pathogenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Mini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
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Figura N, Gennari L, Merlotti D, Lenzi C, Campagna S, Franci B, Lucani B, Trabalzini L, Bianciardi L, Gonnelli C, Santucci A, Nut A. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in male patients with osteoporosis and controls. Dig Dis Sci 2005; 50:847-52. [PMID: 15906756 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-005-2651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines that regulate bone turnover (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, etc.) may influence the pathogenesis of skeleton disorders, such as osteoporosis. Since Helicobacter pylori infection increases the systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines, we investigated the possibility that this infection increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and affects the bone metabolism in a group of male patients with osteoporosis. We examined 80 osteoporotic male patients and 160 controls for serum antibodies to H. pylori and the CagA protein and determined, in patients alone, the most important biochemical and instrumental parameters of the disease. Fifty-one patients (63.7%) and 107 controls (66.8%) were seropositive for H. pylori infection (nonsignificant); 30 infected patients (58.8%) and 43 infected controls (40.1%) were positive for anti-CagA antibodies (P = 0.028; OR = 2.13). Levels of estradiol in infected CagA-positive patients were significantly lower than in infected CagA-negative patients (28.5 [SD = 10.18] vs. 39.5 [SD = 14.50] pg/ml; P = 0.002) and uninfected patients (35.2 [SD = 12.7] pg/ml; P = 0.028). Levels of urinary cross-laps(a marker of bone resorption) were increased in patients infected by CagA-positive strains compared to patients infected by CagA-negative strains (282.9 [SD = 103.8] vs. 210.5 [SD = 150.1]microg/mmol; P = 0.048) and uninfected patients (204.3 [SD = 130.1] microg/mmol; P = 0.016). Differences among uninfected and infected patients, independent of CagA status, were observed for other markers of bone turnover, but they did not reach statistical significance. Infection by CagA-positive H. pylori strains is more prevalent in men with osteoporosis, who show reduced systemic levels of estrogens and increased bone turnover. H. pylori infection by strains expressing CagA may therefore be considered a risk factor for osteoporisis in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine-Metabolic Sciences and Biochemistry, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Lusini P, Figura N, Valassina M, Roviello F, Vindigni C, Trabalzini L, Nuti R, Lenzi C, Gonnelli C, Nardi M, Martelli P, Santucci A. Increased phospholipase activity in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2005; 37:232-9. [PMID: 15788206 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2004.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2004] [Accepted: 11/11/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Phospholipase activity, one of Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity factors, has not been investigated enough, so far, although it may induce a remarkable damage to the gastric mucosa. In the present work, we have compared the whole phospholipase activity of H. pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric carcinoma with that of strains isolated from dyspeptic patients without gastric carcinoma. METHODS We measured the phospholipase activity of one distinct H. pylori colony isolated from each of 10 patients with gastric carcinoma and 10 controls, dyspeptic patients without endoscopic and histological signs of gastric carcinoma. We also determined the phospholipase activity of 20 additional strains isolated from different areas of neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissue of two patients with gastric carcinoma, the cagA and vacA positive G27 and 328 wild strains and their respective vacA and cagA negative isogenic mutants. The whole phospholipase activity of strains was determined by measuring the release of (14)C-labeled palmitic acid from the radioactive l-3-phosphatidylcholine, 1,2-di[1-(14)C]palmiloyl substrate; results were expressed in pmol of palmitic acid per mg of protein. RESULTS H. pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric carcinoma had levels of phospholipase activity significantly higher than those of strains isolated from controls (99.37 [S.D. 40.45] versus 34.46 [S.D. 16.46], P<0.001). In patients with gastric carcinoma, the mean phospholipase activity of strains isolated from neoplastic tissue was similar to that of strains isolated from non-neoplastic tissues (123.02 [S.D. 44.36] and 115.77 [S.D. 81.48], respectively. Interruption of cagA gene caused a ca. 20% reduction of phospholipase activity (36.38 versus 45.22 of the wild strain); that of vacA caused no reduction of phospholipase activity (26.53 and 25.37 of the wild strain). CONCLUSIONS The infection by H. pylori strains that produce high levels of phospholipase may increase the risk of developing gastric carcinoma. We hypothesise that indirect products of phospholipase activity, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and lysophospholipids, may mediate carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lusini
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Annunziata P, Figura N, Galli R, Mugnaini F, Lenzi C. Association of anti-GM1 antibodies but not of anti-cytomegalovirus, Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori IgG, with a poor outcome in Guillain-Barré syndrome. J Neurol Sci 2003; 213:55-60. [PMID: 12873755 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(03)00149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Few reports exist on the influence of humoral immune responses, against microorganisms involved in infections preceding Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and GM1, on clinical outcome. Nor is there any data on the relation between anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies and prognosis in patients with GBS. To address these questions, we assayed and correlated serum anti-GM1 IgG and IgM and anti-H. pylori, anti-Campylobacter jejuni and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG with duration of hospitalization of GBS patients and prognosis at discharge. Patients with anti-GM1 alone or associated with anti-H. pylori antibodies had significant longer hospitalization to reach a low clinical score at discharge than those without (P=0.004). A significant difference was also found for the association of anti-GM1 with anti-CMV antibodies (P=0.019). A weak but significant association of anti-GM1 and anti-C. jejuni antibodies with long hospitalization and worse prognosis at discharge was also found (P=0.02). The statistical significance increased when patients with anti-GM1 and anti-microorganism antibodies were compared with those displaying anti-H. pylori or anti-CMV only. These findings provide further evidence that the level of circulating anti-GM1 IgG plays a role in determining recovery from disability in GBS patients irrespective of other IgG against microorganisms causing infections preceding GBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Annunziata
- Department of Neurological Sciences and Behaviour, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Figura N, Piomboni P, Ponzetto A, Gambera L, Lenzi C, Vaira D, Peris C, Lotano MR, Gennari L, Bianciardi L, Renieri T, Valensin PE, Capitani S, Moretti E, Colapinto R, Baccetti B, Gennari C. Helicobacter pylori infection and infertility. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2002; 14:663-9. [PMID: 12072601 DOI: 10.1097/00042737-200206000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine (1) the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in male and female patients with reproductive disorders and controls; (2) the presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in samples of follicular fluid, vaginal secretions and sperm; and (3) the existence of a structural homology between a major spermatozoa protein, tubulin, and H. pylori proteins. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum samples from 167 patients with infertility and 837 age- and gender-matched controls (blood donors) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting to determine the seropositivity for H. pylori infection. The presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in samples of follicular fluid, vaginal secretions and sperm was determined using the same techniques. The possible cross-reactivity with spermatozoa of anti-H. pylori hyperimmune sera and human antibodies was studied by immunofluorescence. The N-acid homology of human tubulin with the principal H. pylori proteins was assayed by the WU-blastp program available on the Internet. RESULTS The prevalence of infection was significantly higher in patients than controls (49.1% v. 33.5%, P < 0.001). Follicular fluids from infected patients contained specific antibodies in all cases, sperm samples in about 50% of cases, and vaginal secretions in a minority of cases. Sera to H. pylori whole antigens and VacA reacted with the tails and the pericentriolar area of human spermatozoa (which are rich in tubulin); sera to urease and heat-shock protein (Hsp) did not. Follicular fluids with anti-H. pylori antibodies immune reacted with spermatozoa. A linear homology was found between beta-tubulin and three H. pylori proteins, flagellin, VacA and CagA. CONCLUSIONS H. pylori infection may increase the risk of developing reproductive disorders or worsen the clinical expression of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Sienna, Sienna, Italy.
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Figura N, Palazzuoli A, Faglia S, Lenzi C, Borrello F, Palazzuoli V, Nami R, Dal Canto N, De Regis F, Vaira D, Gennari L, Giordano N, Gennari C. Infection by CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains in patients with ischemic heart disease: prevalence and association with exercise-induced electrocardiographic abnormalities. Dig Dis Sci 2002; 47:831-6. [PMID: 11991618 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014708520885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of H. pylori infection in increasing the risk of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) is still debated. We determined serologically the prevalence of overall H. pylori and CagA-positive H. pylori infection in 63 consecutive patients with IHD and 189 gender- and age-matched controls. We also determined in patients the influence of the infection and the CagA serological status on the results of an exercise ECG test and other parameters considered possible variables that may enhance the risk of IHD. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients and controls was 79.3% and 73.0%, respectively (P = 0.403) and that of CagA-positive H. pylori infection was 69.8% and 42.3%, respectively (P = 0.0002). The scores of the ECG S-T segment and T-wave abnormalities in the course of an exercise ECG in uninfected patients and in patients infected by CagA-negative and CagA-positive H. pylori strains were (mean +/- SD): 1.59 +/- 0.67, 1.92 +/- 0.64, and 2.19 +/- 0.70, respectively; (P = 0.011, 95% confidence limits of difference 0.15-1.07, CagA-positive infected vs uninfected patients). There was no intergroup difference in the levels of peripheral white blood cells, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and systolic and diastolic pressure. In conclusion, genetic heterogeneity of H. pylori could possibly explain some conflicting results concerning the association of H. pylori infection with IHD. Coronary vessels of IHD patients infected by CagA-positive H. pylori strains may be damaged more severely than those of uninfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Italy
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Giannuzzi F, Giannuzzi U, Bianciardi L, Giannace R, Campagna S, Franci MB, Lucani B, Orlandini G, Torricelli V, Lenzi C, Colapinto R, Guglielmetti P, Figura N. Risk factors for acquiring Helicobacter pylori infection in a group of Tuscan teenagers. New Microbiol 2001; 24:165-70. [PMID: 11346300] [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: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Risk factors for acquiring Helicobacter pylori infection include hygienic, social, and environmental conditions. Some of these conditions usually change over time. We therefore investigated the existence of risk factors in a group of teenagers living in a place with the same environmental characteristics, in which hygienic and crowding conditions have not changed significantly in the last 20 years. A group of 164 students, mostly borne in 1977, attending four different schools, were examined serologically for H. pylori infection and CagA status. The importance of the risk factors for the transmission of the infection were evaluated by the chi2 test. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Twenty-two students (13.4%) were H. pylori seropositive. Students attending teachers' college and high school of arts were infected significantly more often than those attending high school (P = 0.011 and P = 0.012, respectively). Students who smoked and students whose parents had a manual job had an increased risk of acquiring the infection (P = 0.002, and P = 0.036, respectively). Crowding conditions and the presence of domestic animals were close to being statistically significant. Other factors, such as gender, number of bathrooms and bedrooms, sharing the bed with adults as a child, presence of a sexual partner, and a family history of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, did not increase the risk of infection. The prevalence of seropositivity for CagA was similar in the various risk groups. Manual job of parents and smoking were the most important factors for acquiring H. pylori infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Giannuzzi
- Institute of Dermatology, Università di Siena, Italy
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Figura N, Valassina M, Roviello F, Pinto F, Lenzi C, Giannace R, Marrelli D, Valentini M, Valensin PE. Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA types and gastric carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2000; 32 Suppl 3:S182-3. [PMID: 11245289 DOI: 10.1016/s1590-8658(00)80272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Siena, Italy.
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Palazzuoli A, Ricci D, Lenzi C, Lenzi J, Palazzuoli V. Transesophageal echocardiography for identifying potential cardiac sources of embolism in patients with stroke. Neurol Sci 2000; 21:195-202. [PMID: 11214657 DOI: 10.1007/s100720070076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pathologies of cerebral circulation are one of the most frequent causes of mortality and morbidity among the populations of Western countries. The incidence of ischemic events presumed to have a cardioembolic origin varies from 13% to 34% in the largest international multi-center studies. However, some authors have reported an incidence of general cardiogenic stroke ranging from 23% to 36% in younger patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a useful investigation for identifying cardiac sources of embolism in patients without vascular alterations involving the carotid and vertebral districts. This study comprised 73 patients with unexplained stroke who were investigated by both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE. Vascular echocolor sonography had been performed in all of them with negative results. TEE demonstrated: atrial or ventricular thrombosis in 6 patients (8%), intracavitary neoplasm in 2 (2%), spontaneous echocontrast in 11 (13%), valve strands in 6 (7%), complex aortic plaque in 10 (11%), patency of the foramen ovale in 17 (19%), atrial septal aneurysm in 9 (11%), dystrophy and mitral calcifications in 9 (11%). In the other 18 patients, TEE did not reveal any anomalies. Definite sources of stroke (clots and tumors) were identified in 14% of all the lesions; however, the majority (86%) were potential sources. A comparison of the two echocardiographic techniques demonstrated a greater sensitivity and specificity of TEE. Although TEE was superior to TTE for identifying and evaluating potential embolic sources, we found both methods to be useful and would advise performing TTE before TEE. While TTE is not capable of identifying the majority of anomalies, it does provide useful information to guide subsequent transesophageal investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Palazzuoli
- Istitute of Internal Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Italy
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Figura N, Di Cairano G, Lorè F, Guarino E, Gragnoli A, Cataldo D, Giannace R, Vaira D, Bianciardi L, Kristodhullu S, Lenzi C, Torricelli V, Orlandini G, Gennari C. The infection by Helicobacter pylori strains expressing CagA is highly prevalent in women with autoimmune thyroid disorders. J Physiol Pharmacol 1999; 50:817-26. [PMID: 10695561] [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: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED H. pylori infection is putatively associated with extra-digestive disorders and may also play a role in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD). It was recently found that monoclonal antibodies to an H. pylori strain with cagA-positivity reacted with follicular cells of the thyroid gland, and that an H. pylori organism possessing the cag pathogenicity island carried a gene encoding for an endogenous peroxidase. The aims of this study was (1); To ascertain whether the infection by strains endowed with an increased inflammatory potential (those expressing CagA) could further enhance the risk of developing ATD (2); To verify the possible existence of an immune cross-reactivity between autoantibodies to peroxidase and thyroglobulin and H. pylori antigens (3). To establish whether thyroid colloid antigens could cross-react with an anti-H. pylori serum. The study was partly designed retrospectively. We examined 41 consecutive women with ATD, and, as a control, 33 consecutive age- and socio-economic class-matched women without autoimmune thyroid disorders, living in the same area as patients, occurred at the same institution in the same period (six months). Both patients and controls were examined serologically for H. pylori infection and CagA status by Western blotting. Some serum samples were absorbed with H. pylori to determine whether the antibody levels decreased. Colloid proteins were resolved electrophoretically and matched with a hyperimmune serum raised in rabbits against a CagA-positive H. pylori. Thirty-two patients (78.0%) tested seropositive for H. pylori infection, vs. 16 controls (48.4%) (P = 0.008, OR = 3.78, RR = 1.61). The prevalence of anti-CagA antibodies was 71.8% in infected patients, and 50% in infected controls (P = 0.161, n.s.). The overall prevalence of infection by CagA-positive H. pylori was significantly higher in patients with ATD (23/41, or 56.0%) than that in controls (8/33, or 24.2%) (P = 0.006, OR = 3.99, RR = 2.31). The other tests gave negative or inexplicable results. IN CONCLUSION CagA-positive H. pylori infection increases the risk of ATD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Siena, Policlinico le Scotte, Italy.
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Figura N, Perrone A, Gennari C, Orlandini G, Giannace R, Lenzi C, Vagliasindi M, Bianciardi L, Rottoli P. CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of food allergy development. J Physiol Pharmacol 1999; 50:827-31. [PMID: 10695562] [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: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to test whether patients with symptomatic food allergy and significant levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) to alimentary antigens were more likely infected by H. pylori, especially by strains expressing the CagA protein, with respect to controls. A group of 38 patients with symptomatic food allergy and 53 age-matched controls were examined serologically for H. pylori infectious status, and for CagA seropositivity. IgE to alimentary allergens were measured by a commercial kit. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with food allergy and controls was similar (42.1%, and 48.3%, respectively). However, anti-CagA antibodies in H. pylori-infected persons were detected in 62.5% of patients with food allergy, and 28% of controls (P = 0.030, odds ratio = 4.29). The mean level of IgE to the most common alimentary antigens in serum samples from infected patients with anti-CagA antibodies was significantly higher than in CagA-negative infected patients: 3.28 kU/L (SD 3.93), vs. 1.99 kU/L (SD 1.53), P = 0.002, 95% confidence interval = 0.61 to 2.53). Infection by CagA-positive H. pylori increases the risk of developing food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Figura
- Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Siena, Italy.
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