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Cantone AF, Burgaletto C, Di Benedetto G, Pannaccione A, Secondo A, Bellanca CM, Augello E, Munafò A, Tarro P, Bernardini R, Cantarella G. Taming Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring Potential Implications of Choline Alphoscerate via α7 nAChR Modulation. Cells 2024; 13:309. [PMID: 38391922 PMCID: PMC10886565 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040309] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), marked by cognitive impairment, predominantly affects the brain regions regulated by cholinergic innervation, such as the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Cholinergic dysfunction, a key contributor to age-related cognitive decline, has spurred investigations into potential therapeutic interventions. We have previously shown that choline alphoscerate (α-GPC), a cholinergic neurotransmission-enhancing agent, protects from Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Herein, we investigated the effects of α-GPC on the microglial phenotype in response to Aβ via modulation of the nicotinic alpha-7 acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). BV2 microglial cells were pre-treated for 1 h with α-GPC and were treated for 24, 48, and 72 h with Aβ1-42 and/or α-BTX, a selective α7nAchR antagonist. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that α-GPC was able to antagonize Aβ-induced inflammatory effects. Of note, α-GPC exerted its anti-inflammatory effect by directly activating the α7nAChR receptor, as suggested by the induction of an increase in [Ca2+]i and Ach-like currents. Considering that cholinergic transmission appears crucial in regulating the inflammatory profiles of glial cells, its modulation emerges as a potential pharmaco-therapeutic target to improve outcomes in inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Flavia Cantone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Pannaccione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Agnese Secondo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Antonio Munafò
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Paola Tarro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.F.C.); (C.B.); (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.M.); (P.T.); (R.B.); (G.C.)
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Bellanca CM, Augello E, Mariottini A, Bonaventura G, La Cognata V, Di Benedetto G, Cantone AF, Attaguile G, Di Mauro R, Cantarella G, Massacesi L, Bernardini R. Disease Modifying Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: New Rays of Hope to Combat Disability? Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:CN-EPUB-137773. [PMID: 38275058 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240124114126] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent chronic autoimmune inflammatory- demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It usually begins in young adulthood, mainly between the second and fourth decades of life. Usually, the clinical course is characterized by the involvement of multiple CNS functional systems and by different, often overlapping phenotypes. In the last decades, remarkable results have been achieved in the treatment of MS, particularly in the relapsing- remitting (RRMS) form, thus improving the long-term outcome for many patients. As deeper knowledge of MS pathogenesis and respective molecular targets keeps growing, nowadays, several lines of disease-modifying treatments (DMT) are available, an impressive change compared to the relative poverty of options available in the past. Current MS management by DMTs is aimed at reducing relapse frequency, ameliorating symptoms, and preventing clinical disability and progression. Notwithstanding the relevant increase in pharmacological options for the management of RRMS, research is now increasingly pointing to identify new molecules with high efficacy, particularly in progressive forms. Hence, future efforts should be concentrated on achieving a more extensive, if not exhaustive, understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying this phase of the disease in order to characterize novel molecules for therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this review is to provide a compact overview of the numerous currently approved treatments and future innovative approaches, including neuroprotective treatments as anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody and cell therapies, for effective and safe management of MS, potentially leading to a cure for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Mariottini
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bonaventura
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Attaguile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosaria Di Mauro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Bellanca CM, Augello E, Cantone AF, Di Mauro R, Attaguile GA, Di Giovanni V, Condorelli GA, Di Benedetto G, Cantarella G, Bernardini R. Insight into Risk Factors, Pharmacogenetics/Genomics, and Management of Adverse Drug Reactions in Elderly: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1542. [PMID: 38004408 PMCID: PMC10674329 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Medicine Agency (EMA) has defined Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) as "a noxious and unintended response to a medicine", not including poisoning, accidental, or intentional overdoses. The ADR occurrence differs based on the approach adopted for defining and detecting them, the characteristics of the population under study, and the research setting. ADRs have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults, and represent a financial burden for health services. Between 30% and 60% of ADRs might be predictable and preventable, emerging as a result of inappropriate prescription, drug chemistry inherent toxicity, cell-specific drug toxicity, age- and sex-related anomalies in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME), and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in combination therapies or when a patient is treated with different drugs for concomitant disorders. This is particularly important in chronic diseases which require long-term treatments. Rapid developments in pharmacogenetics/genomics have improved the understanding of ADRs accompanied by more accurate prescriptions and reduction in unnecessary costs. To alleviate the burden of ADRs, especially in the elderly, interventions focused on pharmaceutical principles, such as medication review and reconciliation, should be integrated into a broader assessment of patients' characteristics, needs, and health priorities. Digital health interventions could offer valuable solutions to assist healthcare professionals in identifying inappropriate prescriptions and promoting patient adherence to pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Flavia Cantone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosaria Di Mauro
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, ASP Trapani, 91100 Trapani, Italy; (R.D.M.); (V.D.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Antonino Attaguile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | | | - Guido Attilio Condorelli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.M.B.); (E.A.); (A.F.C.); (G.A.A.); (G.A.C.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, University Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Marino A, Munafò A, Augello E, Bellanca CM, Bonomo C, Ceccarelli M, Musso N, Cantarella G, Cacopardo B, Bernardini R. Sarilumab Administration in COVID-19 Patients: Literature Review and Considerations. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:360-371. [PMID: 35645219 PMCID: PMC9149900 DOI: 10.3390/idr14030040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two years have passed since WHO declared a pandemic state for SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 pathogenesis consists of a first viral phase responsible for early symptoms followed by an inflammatory phase, cytokine-mediated, responsible for late-onset manifestations up to ARDS. The dysregulated immune response has an outstanding role in the progression of pulmonary damage in COVID-19. IL-6, through the induction of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, plays a key role in the development and maintenance of inflammation, acting as a pioneer of the hyperinflammatory condition and cytokine storm in severe COVID-19. Therefore, drugs targeting both IL-6 and IL-6 receptors have been evaluated in order to blunt the abnormal SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine release. Sarilumab, a high-affinity anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, may represent a promising weapon to treat the fearsome hyperinflammatory phase by improving the outcome of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Further prospective and well-designed clinical studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are needed to assess the efficacy and the safety of this therapeutic approach to achieve improved outcomes in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (C.B.); (N.M.)
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Antonio Munafò
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.A.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Egle Augello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.A.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Carlo Maria Bellanca
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.A.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Carmelo Bonomo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Manuela Ceccarelli
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.A.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Bruno Cacopardo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.A.); (C.M.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Unit of Clinical Toxicology, Policlinico G. Rodolico, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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