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Centini G, Schettini G, Pieri E, Giorgi M, Lazzeri L, Martire FG, Mancini V, Raimondo D, Seracchioli R, Habib N, Fedele F, Zupi E. Endometriosis-Related Ovarian Cancer: Where Are We Now? A Narrative Review towards a Pragmatic Approach. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1933. [PMID: 38610698 PMCID: PMC11012952 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071933] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis affects more than 10% of reproductive-aged women, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the benign nature of endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas carry a higher risk of developing endometrioid carcinomas (EnOCs) and clear cell ovarian carcinomas (CCCs). Atypical endometriosis, defined as cytological atypia resembling intraepithelial cancer, is considered the precursor of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). This narrative review aims to provide an overview of EAOC, proposing a practical approach to clinical and therapeutic decision making. METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted from inception up to January 2023, using the MEDLINE database via PubMed to evaluate the existing literature on EAOC, including its pathogenesis, the diagnostic process, and the therapeutic possibilities, with articles not relevant to the topic or lacking scientific merit being excluded. RESULTS Eighty-one articles were included in the review to present the current state of the art regarding EAOC. A pragmatic clinical flowchart is proposed to guide therapeutic decisions and improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis patients may have an increased risk of developing EAOC (either EnOC or CCC). Despite not being fully accepted, the concept of AE may reshape the endometriosis-ovarian cancer relationship. Further research is needed to understand the unaddressed issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Giorgia Schettini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Emilio Pieri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Matteo Giorgi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecological Unit, Valdarno Hospital, 52025 Montevarchi, Italy
| | - Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
| | - Francesco Giuseppe Martire
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Gynecological Unit, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Mancini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Section of Pathology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Diego Raimondo
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (D.R.); (R.S.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nassir Habib
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Francois Quesnay Hospital, 78201 Mantes-la-Jolie, France;
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione “Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena” University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (G.S.); (E.P.); (L.L.); (F.G.M.)
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Gori F, Martínez-Herrero R, Korotkova O, Piquero G, de Sande JCG, Schettini G, Frezza F, Santarsiero M. Affine diffractive beam dividers. J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis 2024; 41:510-515. [PMID: 38437442 DOI: 10.1364/josaa.514290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Diffractive optical elements that divide an input beam into a set of replicas are used in many optical applications ranging from image processing to communications. Their design requires time-consuming optimization processes, which, for a given number of generated beams, are to be separately treated for one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases because the corresponding optimal efficiencies may be different. After generalizing their Fourier treatment, we prove that, once a particular divider has been designed, its transmission function can be used to generate numberless other dividers through affine transforms that preserve the efficiency of the original element without requiring any further optimization.
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D'Ippolito S, Longo G, Orteschi D, Busnelli A, Di Simone N, Pulcinelli E, Schettini G, Scambia G, Zollino M. Investigating the "Fetal Side" in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Reliability of Cell-Free DNA Testing in Detecting Chromosomal Abnormalities of Miscarriage Tissue. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3898. [PMID: 37373593 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123898] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of our study is to evaluate whether cell-free DNA testing can overlap the genetic testing of miscarriage tissue in women with early pregnancy loss (EPL) and length of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL); (2) Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at the Pregnancy Loss Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli (IRCCS), Rome, Italy between May 2021 and March 2022. We included women with EPL and length of RPL. Gestational age was >9 weeks + 2 days and <12 weeks + 0 days of gestation corresponding to a crown rump length measurement of >25 and <54 mm. Women underwent both dilation and curettage for the collection of miscarriage tissue and for blood sample collection. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) on miscarriage tissues was performed by oligo-nucleotide- and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH+SNP). Maternal blood samples were analyzed by Illumina VeriSeq non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to evaluate the cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) and the corresponding fetal fraction and the presence of genetic abnormalities; (3) Results: CMA on miscarriage tissues revealed chromosome aneuploidies in 6/10 cases (60%), consisting of trisomy 21 (5 cases) and monosomy X (one case). cfDNA analysis was able to identify all cases of trisomy 21. It failed to detect monosomy X. A large 7p14.1p12.2 deletion concomitant to trisomy 21 was, in one case, detected by cfDNA analysis but it was not confirmed by CMA on miscarriage tissue. (4) Conclusions: cfDNA largely reproduces the chromosomal abnormalities underlying spontaneous miscarriages. However, diagnostic sensitivity of cfDNA analysis is lower with respect to the CMA of miscarriage tissues. In considering the limitations when obtaining biological samples from aborted fetuses suitable for CMA or standard chromosome analysis, cfDNA analysis is a useful, although not exhaustive, tool for the chromosome diagnosis of both early and recurrent pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D'Ippolito
- Dipartimento della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Longo
- BioRep Srl, Centro di Risorse Biologiche, Sapio Group, 20900 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Orteschi
- Dipartimento Universitario Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Giovanni Scambia
- Dipartimento della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Zollino
- Dipartimento Universitario Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy
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Ravera G, Ceccuzzi S, Dattoli G, Di Palma E, Doria A, Gallerano G, Giovenale E, Mirizzi F, Schettini G, Spassovsky I, Tuccillo A. Optimization of TE11/TE04 mode converters for the cold test of a 250 GHz CARM source. Fusion Engineering and Design 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2019.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Cesario R, Amicucci L, Galli A, Napoli F, Panaccione L, Riccardi C, Santini F, Schettini G, Tuccillo AA. Radio-frequency current drive for thermonuclear fusion reactors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10318. [PMID: 29985450 PMCID: PMC6037805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27996-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Principal research on energy from thermonuclear fusion uses Deuterium-Tritium plasmas magnetically trapped in toroidal devices. As major scientific problem for an economic (i.e., really feasible) reactor, we must understand how to lead strongly heated plasmas to sustain a high fusion gain while large fraction of current is self-produced via the presence of strong pressure gradient. To suppress turbulent eddies that impair thermal insulation and pressure tight of the plasma, current drive (CD) is necessary. However, tools envisaged so far in ITER (International Thermonuclear Experiment Rector) are unable accomplishing this task that requires efficiently and flexibly matching the natural current profiles of plasma. Consequently, viability of a thermonuclear reactor should be problematic. Multi-megawatt radio-frequency (RF) power coupled to plasma would produce the necessary CD, but modelling results based on previous understanding found difficult the extrapolation of this CD concept to reactor conditions of high temperature plasma, and greater flexibility of method would also be required. Here we present new model results based on standard quasilinear (QL) theory that allow establish conditions to drive efficiently and flexibly the RF-driven current at large radii of the plasma column, as necessary for the goal of a reactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cardinali
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
| | - C Castaldo
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
| | - R Cesario
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy.
| | - L Amicucci
- Università Roma La Sapienza, Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Rome, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Università Roma La Sapienza, Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Rome, Italy
| | - F Napoli
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
| | - L Panaccione
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
| | - C Riccardi
- Università Milano-Bicocca, Dipartimento di Fisica, Milan, Italy
| | - F Santini
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
| | - G Schettini
- Università Roma Tre, Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Rome, Italy
| | - A A Tuccillo
- ENEA, Fusion and Nuclear Safety Department, C. R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati (Rome), Italy
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Schettini G, Mancin A, Cardella A, Angelini A. 88. Technical aspects and patient’s safety in an OR with a 1.5T MR. Clin Neurophysiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.06.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ceccuzzi S, Barbato E, Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Cesario R, Marinucci M, Mirizzi F, Panaccione L, Ravera GL, Santini F, Schettini G, Tuccillo AA. Lower Hybrid Current Drive for DEMO: Physics Assessment and Technology Maturity. Fusion Science and Technology 2013. [DOI: 10.13182/fst13-a24095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Ceccuzzi
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
- Roma Tre University, Department of Engineering, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - E. Barbato
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - A. Cardinali
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - C. Castaldo
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - R. Cesario
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - M. Marinucci
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - F. Mirizzi
- Consorzio CREATE, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - L. Panaccione
- Consorzio CREATE, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - G. L. Ravera
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
| | - F. Santini
- Roma Tre University, Department of Engineering, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - G. Schettini
- Roma Tre University, Department of Engineering, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146, Roma, Italy
| | - A. A. Tuccillo
- Associazione Euratom-ENEA sulla Fusione, C.R. Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi, 45 00044, Frascati, Roma, Italy
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Cesario R, Amicucci L, Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Marinucci M, Panaccione L, Santini F, Tudisco O, Apicella M, Calabrò G, Cianfarani C, Frigione D, Galli A, Mazzitelli G, Mazzotta C, Pericoli V, Schettini G, Tuccillo A. Erratum: Corrigendum: Current drive at plasma densities required for thermonuclear reactors. Nat Commun 2013. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Mirizzi F, Ceccuzzi S, Meschino S, Artaud J, Belo J, Berger-By G, Bernard J, Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Cesario R, Decker J, Delpech L, Ekedahl A, Garcia J, Garibaldi P, Goniche M, Guilhem D, Hoang G, Jia H, Huang Q, Hillairet J, Imbeaux F, Kazarian F, Kim S, Litaudon X, Maggiora R, Magne R, Marfisi L, Milanesio D, Namkung W, Pajewski L, Panaccione L, Peysson Y, Sharma P, Schettini G, Schneider M, Tuccillo A, Tudisco O, Vecchi G, Villari R, Vulliez K, Bae Y. Contribution to the design of the main transmission line for the ITER relevant LHCD system. Fusion Engineering and Design 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Hillairet J, Ceccuzzi S, Belo J, Marfisi L, Artaud J, Bae Y, Berger-By G, Bernard J, Cara P, Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Cesario R, Decker J, Delpech L, Ekedahl A, Garcia J, Garibaldi P, Goniche M, Guilhem D, Hoang G, Jia H, Huang Q, Imbeaux F, Kazarian F, Kim S, Lausenaz Y, Maggiora R, Magne R, Meschino S, Milanesio D, Mirizzi F, Namkung W, Pajewski L, Panaccione L, Peysson Y, Saille A, Schettini G, Schneider M, Sharma P, Tuccillo A, Tudisco O, Vecchi G, Villari R, Vulliez K, Wu Y, Zeng Q. RF modeling of the ITER-relevant lower hybrid antenna. Fusion Engineering and Design 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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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Sharma P, Kazarian F, Garibaldi P, Gassman T, Artaud J, Bae Y, Belo J, Berger-By G, Bernard J, Cara P, Cardinali A, Castaldo C, Ceccuzzi S, Cesario R, Decker J, Delpech L, Ekedahl A, Garcia J, Goniche M, Guilhem D, Hamlyn-Harris C, Hillairet J, Hoang G, Jia H, Huang Q, Imbeaux F, Kim S, Lausenaz Y, Maggiora R, Magne R, Marfisi L, Meschino S, Milanesio D, Mirizzi F, Namkung W, Pajewski L, Panaccione L, Peysson Y, Saille A, Schettini G, Schneider M, Tudisco O, Vecchi G, Villari S, Vulliez K, Wu Y, Zeng Q. Proposed high voltage power supply for the ITER relevant lower hybrid current drive system. Fusion Engineering and Design 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2010.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mura E, Lanni C, Preda S, Pistoia F, Sarà M, Racchi M, Schettini G, Marchi M, Govoni S. Beta-amyloid: a disease target or a synaptic regulator affecting age-related neurotransmitter changes? Curr Pharm Des 2010; 16:672-83. [PMID: 20388077 DOI: 10.2174/138161210790883723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis sustains that beta-amyloid (Abeta) is the main pathogenetic factor of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Although the direct and indirect neurotoxic role of Abeta are unchallenged, recent findings suggest that the peptide may have so far unforeseen physiological roles. In this regard, the observations showing the ability of Abeta to exert synaptic activities in absence of neurotoxicity are very intriguing. In particular, the peptide is able to affect synaptic transmission of different neurotransmitter systems in key brain areas that regulate executive and cognitive functions, an observation that points Abeta as a new neuromodulator. However, in a pathological context, Abeta may drive functional alterations of several neurotransmitter systems in the early phases of the disease, in turn producing subtle cognitive and behavioural disturbances in addition and before the well known neurodegenerative events. On the other hand, advancing age is the most significant risk factor for the development of AD. In fact, during aging increased Abeta levels have been reported. Moreover, several neurotransmitter systems undergo age-related changes in parallel to a decline of cognitive functions. However, the putative neuromodulatory role of Abeta in the context of aging is nowadays unknown. For these reasons, future studies about the spectrum of action of Abeta (brain areas and neurotransmitter systems affected) are particularly interesting since may suggest new therapeutic targets in order to sustain those functions which may be altered during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mura
- Department of Experimental and Applied Pharmacology, Centre of Excellence in Applied Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Agrillo U, Panagiotopoulos K, Corbino L, Schettini G, Puzzilli F. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion via a unilateral true percutaneous approach associated with minimally invasive pedicle screw fixation for degenerative disc disease and lumbar instability. A technical note. J Neurosurg Sci 2010; 54:65-69. [PMID: 21313957] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, minimally invasive surgical techniques for lumbar fusion and fixation procedures gained worldwide popularity. Herein we describe a personal technique for percutaneous lumbar interbody fusion associated with minimally invasive posterior fixation for patients affected by degenerative disc disease and lumbar instability. The procedure is described in a step-by-step way and early results are presented. Although the present data reflect only an early experience, we believe that this is a straightforward procedure which may be more advantageous in terms of surgical invasiveness, potentially saving operative and recovery time and reducing risks compared to posterior or anterior approaches for lumbar interbody fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Agrillo
- Neurosurgical Department, Sandro Pertini Hospital Rome, Italy.
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Corsaro A, Paludi D, Villa V, D'Arrigo C, Chiovitti K, Thellung S, Russo C, Di Cola D, Ballerini P, Patrone E, Schettini G, Aceto A, Florio T. Conformation dependent pro-apoptotic activity of the recombinant human prion protein fragment 90-231. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2006; 19:339-56. [PMID: 16831301 DOI: 10.1177/039463200601900211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition of prion protein from a mainly alpha-structured isoform (PrPC) to a beta sheet-containing protein (PrPSc) represents a major pathogenetic mechanism in prion diseases. To study the role of PrP structural conformation in prion-dependent neurodegeneration, we analysed the neurotoxicity of PrP in alpha and beta conformations, using a recombinant protein encompassing amino acids 90-231 of the human PrP (hPrP90-231). Using controlled thermal denaturation (53 degrees C, 1h) we converted hPrP90-231 in a structural isoform displaying PrPSc-related characteristics: high beta sheet content, increased aggregability and a slight increase in the resistance to protease K. In virtue of these structural changes, hPrP90-231 powerfully affected the survival of SH-SY5Y cells, inducing a caspase-3 and p38- dependent apoptosis. Conversely, in the native alpha-helix-rich conformation, hPrP90-231 did not show significant cell toxicity. The relationship between the structural state of hPrP90-231 and its neurotoxicity was demonstrated, inducing the thermal denaturation of the peptide in the presence of Congo red that prevented both the transition of hPrP90-231 into a beta-rich isoform and the acquisition of toxic properties. In conclusion, we report that the toxicity of hPrP90-231 is dependent on its three-dimensional structure, as is supposed to occur for the pathogen PrP during TSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Dept. Oncology Biology and Genetics, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 2, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Mencoboni M, Olivieri R, Vannozzi MO, Schettini G, Viazzi F, Ghio R. Docetaxel Pharmacokinetics with Pre- and Post-Dialysis Administration in a Hemodyalized Patient. Chemotherapy 2006; 52:147-50. [PMID: 16636537 DOI: 10.1159/000092903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 12/30/2004] [Accepted: 07/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Docetaxel has a proven significant activity against breast, non-small cell lung, ovarian, head and neck, and hormone refractory prostate cancer. Preclinical pharmacokinetic studies have shown that hepatobiliary extraction is the major route of elimination. We conducted this study to elucidate the feasibility and safety of the use of docetaxel in hemodialysis patients. PATIENT AND METHODS In a 72-year-old hormone refractory prostate cancer patient on hemodialysis for diabetic nephropathy for 3 years, a first dose (35 mg/m(2) iv) of docetaxel was completed 30 min before starting dialysis, while a second dose was administered 30 min after completion of a different hemodialysis session. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed following both infusions. RESULTS No apparent differences could be seen in the plasma concentration-time curves of docetaxel administered before or after dialysis. The patient experienced no significant toxicity after either administration of docetaxel. CONCLUSIONS Docetaxel is safe in dialysis patients and does not require dose reduction. Dialysis does not remove this drug from blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mencoboni
- Villa Scassi Hospital, Oncology Unit, Genoa, Italy
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Gallo M, Paludi D, Cicero DO, Chiovitti K, Millo E, Salis A, Damonte G, Corsaro A, Thellung S, Schettini G, Melino S, Florio T, Paci M, Aceto A. Identification of a conserved N-capping box important for the structural autonomy of the prion alpha 3-helix: the disease associated D202N mutation destabilizes the helical conformation. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2005; 18:95-112. [PMID: 15698515 DOI: 10.1177/039463200501800111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides corresponding to three alpha helices present in the C-terminal region of the human prion protein have been synthesized and their structural autonomy analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) and NMR spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate that the protein fragment corresponding to the alpha 3-helix, in contrast to alpha 1 and alpha 2 peptides, shows a complete structural autonomy. The chemical shifts values found for NH and CHalpha resonance of the isolated alpha 3 peptide, formed by 30 aminoacid residues, were markedly and surprisingly similar to the corresponding values of the alpha 3-helix in the protein. The structural autonomy of the alpha 3-helix is profoundly determined by the presence of the conserved capping box and, in part, by the ionic bond formed between Glu200 and Lys204. On the basis of these observations a novel PrP consensus pattern, centered on the alpha 3-helix region, has been defined. The data indicate that this autonomous and highly conserved region of the PrPc likely plays a critical role in folding and stability. This gives an explanation of why many of pathogenic mutations occur in this part of the molecule, sharing relevant effects on the overall protein conformation. In particular the D202N capping mutation almost completely destabilizes the isolated alpha 3 peptide. While it is well known that the D202N substitution is associated with a GSS disease, the possible structural basis of this fatal pathology has never been investigated. We propose that a lower alpha 3-helical propensity leading to a major destabilization of the PrPc molecule initiates the pathogenic process associated with D202N capping mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gallo
- Department of Chemical Science and Technology , University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Corsaro A, Thellung S, Villa V, Principe DR, Paludi D, Arena S, Millo E, Schettini D, Damonte G, Aceto A, Schettini G, Florio T. Prion protein fragment 106-126 induces a p38 MAP kinase-dependent apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells independently from the amyloid fibril formation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1010:610-22. [PMID: 15033801 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1299.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system of humans and animals, characterized by spongiform degeneration of the central nervous system, astrogliosis, and deposition of amyloid into the brain. The conversion of a cellular glycoprotein (prion protein, PrP(C)) into an altered isoform (PrP(Sc)) has been proposed to represent the causative event responsible for these diseases. The peptide corresponding to the residues 106-126 of PrP sequence (PrP106-126) is largely used to explore the neurotoxic mechanisms underlying the prion diseases. We investigated the intracellular signaling responsible for PrP106-126-dependent cell death in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. In these cells, PrP106-126 treatment induced apoptotic cell death and the activation of caspase-3. The p38 MAP-kinase blockers (SB203580 and PD169316) prevented the apoptotic cell death evoked by PrP106-126 and Western blot analysis revealed that the exposure of the cells to the peptide induced p38 activation. However, whether the neuronal toxicity of PrP106-126 is caused by a soluble or fibrillar form of this peptide is still unknown. In this study, we correlated the structural state of this peptide with its neurotoxicity. We show that the two conserved glycines in position 114 and 119 prevent the peptide to assume a structured conformation, favoring its aggregation in amyloid fibrils. The substitution of both glycines with alanine residues (PrP106-126AA) generates a soluble nonamyloidogenic peptide, that retained its toxic properties when incubated with neuroblastoma cells. These data show that the amyloid aggregation is not necessary for the induction of the toxic effects of PrP106-126.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Corsaro
- Section Pharmacology, Department Oncology, Biology and Genetics University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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18
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Bisaglia M, Venezia V, Biglieri M, Russo C, Mancini F, Milanese C, Schettini G. α-Glycerylphosphorylethanolamine rescues astrocytes from mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress induced by amyloid β-peptides. Neurochem Int 2004; 44:161-70. [PMID: 14568559 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(03)00131-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The present work shows that alpha-glycerylphosphorylethanolamine (alpha-GPE) is effective in recovering astrocytes from mitochondrial membrane integrity and potential derangement and cellular oxidative stress that occur under amyloid beta-peptides-induced reactive gliosis.alpha-Glycerylphosphorylethanolamine (alpha-GPE), a new compound with nootropic properties, known to improve in vivo the learning and memory processes, has been tested for its protective properties on an in vitro model of degeneration. Rat primary astrocytic cultures treated with two amyloid-derived peptides, Abeta((1-40)) and Abeta(3(pE)-42), showed a marked reduction of the mitochondrial redox activity and membrane potential, together with an increase of oxidative species production. Plasma membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as generation of peroxides is greatly increased under Abeta-peptides toxicity. These features, typical of the reactive gliosis that accompanies neuronal degeneration, were readily recovered by pretreatment with alpha-GPE. alpha-GPE, likely improving the fluidity of cell membrane, has the potential to recover astrocytes from the general redox derangement induced by different amyloid fragments and possibly to protect from inflammation, gliosis and neurodegeneration. This is the first evidence of an antioxidant effect of the ethanolamine derivative on a rat model of chronic gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bisaglia
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience (IST), National Cancer Research Institute (IST), c/o Advanced Biotechnology Center (CBA), L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
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19
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Boccardo F, Lunardi G, Guglielmini P, Parodi M, Murialdo R, Schettini G, Rubagotti A. Serum enterolactone levels and the risk of breast cancer in women with palpable cysts. Eur J Cancer 2004; 40:84-9. [PMID: 14687793 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(03)00576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of lignans, namely enterolactone, have been reported to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in the general female population. We assessed, retrospectively, the relationship between serum enterolactone concentrations and the occurrence of breast cancer in women with palpable cysts. The levels of enterolactone in cryopreserved serum aliquots, obtained from 383 women with palpable cysts at the time of their first cyst aspiration, were measured using a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA). After a median follow-up time of 6.5 years (range 0.5-12.75 years), 18 women were found to have developed an invasive breast cancer. Median values of serum enterolactone were significantly lower in women who subsequently developed breast cancer: 8.5 nM/l versus 16.0 nM/l: P=0.04. Odd Ratios (OR) for breast cancer were: 0.36 (P=0.03), 0.57 (P=0.3) and 0.38 (P=0.25) for 25th (8 nM/l), 50th (16 nM/l) and 75th (24 nM/l) percentile values, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a satisfactory accuracy for enterolactone as a breast cancer risk indicator (area under the curve (AUC)=0.64: P=0.04). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that the enterolactone concentration had a strong protective effect on the breast cancer risk. These findings may have important clinical implications with regard to interventional diet-focused chemo-preventive trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Boccardo
- Academic Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Institute, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
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20
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D'Alessio A, Califano D, Incoronato M, Santelli G, Florio T, Schettini G, Carlomagno MS, Cerchia L, de Franciscis V. The tyrosine phosphatase Shp-2 mediates intracellular signaling initiated by Ret mutants. Endocrinology 2003; 144:4298-305. [PMID: 12959980 DOI: 10.1210/en.2003-0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Src homology 2-containing tyrosine phosphatase, Shp-2, is a crucial enzyme that mediates intracellular signaling and is implicated in cell proliferation and differentiation. Here we investigated the involvement of the Shp-2 tyrosine phosphatase in determining the downstream signaling pathways initiated by the Ret oncogene, carrying either the cysteine 634 to tyrosine or the methionine 918 to threonine substitutions. These mutations convert the receptor tyrosine kinase, Ret, into a dominant transforming protein and induce constitutive activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity leading to congenital and sporadic cancers in neuroendocrine organs. Using the PC12, rat pheochromocytoma cell line, as model system, we show that Shp-2 mediates immediate-early gene expression if induced by either of the mutant alleles. Furthermore, we show that Shp-2 activity is required for RetM918T-induced Akt activation. The results indicate that Shp-2 is a downstream mediator of the mutated receptors RetC634Y and RetM918T, thus suggesting that it may act as a limiting factor in Ret-associated endocrine tumors, in the neoplastic syndromes multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2A and 2B.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Alessio
- Oncologia Sperimentale E, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Abstract
The authors review the available literature on the preclinical and clinical studies involving GABAergic neurotransmission in mood disorders. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter present almost exclusively in the central nervous system (CNS), distributed across almost all brain regions, and expressed in interneurons modulating local circuits. The role of GABAergic dysfunction in mood disorders was first proposed 20 years ago. Preclinical studies have suggested that GABA levels may be decreased in animal models of depression, and clinical studies reported low plasma and CSF GABA levels in mood disorder patients. Also, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, electroconvulsive therapy, and GABA agonists have been shown to reverse the depression-like behavior in animal models and to be effective in unipolar and bipolar patients by increasing brain GABAergic activity. The hypothesis of reduced GABAergic activity in mood disorders may complement the monoaminergic and serotonergic theories, proposing that the balance between multiple neurotransmitter systems may be altered in these disorders. However, low GABAergic cortical function may probably be a feature of a subset of mood disorder patients, representing a genetic susceptibility. In this paper, we discuss the status of GABAergic hypothesis of mood disorders and suggest possible directions for future preclinical and clinical research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brambilla
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS S Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
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22
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Barbiero L, Benussi L, Ghidoni R, Alberici A, Russo C, Schettini G, Pagano SF, Parati EA, Mazzoli F, Nicosia F, Signorini S, Feudatari E, Binetti G. BACE-2 is overexpressed in Down's syndrome. Exp Neurol 2003; 182:335-45. [PMID: 12895444 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-4886(03)00049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Brain deposition of the amyloid-beta protein (Abeta) is a frequent complication of Down's syndrome (DS) patients. Abeta peptide is generated by endoproteolytic processing of Abeta precursor protein by gamma and beta secretases. Recently a transmembrane aspartyl protease, BACE, has been identified as the beta-secretase, and its homologous BACE-2 has also been described. BACE-2 gene resides on chromosome 21 in the obligate DS region. It cleaves Abeta precursor protein at its beta site and more efficiently at a different site within Abeta. In the present study we characterized the BACE-2 gene and protein expression in the DS patients and healthy control. We analyzed, by using a nonradioactive ribonuclease protection assay, the levels of BACE-2 mRNA expression in primary skin fibroblasts. The analysis revealed a 2.6-fold increase in BACE-2 mRNA levels in the DS group compared to the levels observed in the control group. Western blot analysis revealed no difference between DS and control in BACE-2 protein levels in the intracellular compartment. In the medium conditioned by fibroblast, we revealed an evident secretion of BACE-2 protein, represented by two different molecular weights, remarkably increased in DS fibroblasts. BACE-2 overexpression was also confirmed in the DS fetal brains and human neural embryonic DS stem cells in which conditioned media BACE-2 was secreted. These data highlight the importance of the extracellular compartment where BACE-2 overexpression could play a role in plaque formation in DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Barbiero
- Neurobiology Laboratory, Memory Clinic, IRCCS Centro S. Giovanni di Dio-FbF, Brescia, Italy
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Lunardi G, Vannozzi MO, Bighin C, Del Mastro L, Stevani I, Schettini G, Venturini M. Influence of trastuzumab on epirubicin pharmacokinetics in metastatic breast cancer patients. Ann Oncol 2003; 14:1222-6. [PMID: 12881383 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthracycline cardiotoxicity is increased by the contemporaneous administration of trastuzumab. The mechanism by which it occurs is as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether trastuzumab modifies the pharmacokinetics of epirubicin and its metabolites. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer were treated with epirubicin 75 mg/m(2) i.v. bolus followed by docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) in a 1-h infusion, every 3 weeks for six cycles, and trastuzumab (once at 4 mg/m(2), then 2 mg/m(2) weekly thereafter) in a 30-min infusion. Epirubicin pharmacokinetic data of seven patients were evaluated at the first cycle of therapy (baseline, with trastuzumab administered 24 h after epirubicin), and at the sixth cycle (i.e. 15 weeks after baseline, with trastuzumab administered immediately before epirubicin). RESULTS No pharmacokinetic change in the parent compound epirubicin was detected. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0-24 h)) was 1230 +/- 318 [mean +/- standard deviation (SD)] at the first cycle and 1287 +/- 385 h. micro g/l at the sixth. The mean (+/-SD) maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and the terminal elimination half-life at the first cycle (1303 +/- 490 micro g/l and 12.5 +/- 3.1 h, respectively) were similar to those obtained at the sixth cycle (1229 +/- 580 micro g/l and 11.5 +/- 2.9 h, respectively). Pharmacokinetic data of epirubicin metabolites evaluated at the first and sixth cycle of chemotherapy were superimposable without any statistical difference. CONCLUSION Enhanced anthracycline cardiotoxicity related to trastuzumab administration was not linked to pharmacokinetic interferences with epirubicin and its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lunardi
- Department of Pharmacology-Pharmacotoxicology Laboratory, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genova, Italy
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24
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Florio T, Morini M, Villa V, Arena S, Corsaro A, Thellung S, Culler MD, Pfeffer U, Noonan DM, Schettini G, Albini A. Somatostatin inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth via somatostatin receptor-3-mediated regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activities. Endocrinology 2003; 144:1574-84. [PMID: 12639942 DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-220949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Somatostatin was reported to inhibit Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) cell (KS-Imm) xenografts through an antiangiogenic activity. Here, we show that somatostatin blocks growth of established KS-Imm tumors with the same efficacy as adriamycin, a clinically effective cytotoxic drug. Whereas KS-Imm cells do not express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs), endothelial cells express several SSTRs, in particular SSTR3. We investigated the molecular mechanisms and receptor specificity of somatostatin inhibition of angiogenesis. Somatostatin significantly inhibited angiogenesis in vivo in the matrigel sponge assay; this inhibition was mimicked by the SSTR3 agonist L-796778 and reversed by the SSTR3 antagonist BN81658, demonstrating involvement of SSTR3. In vitro experiments showed that somatostatin directly affected different endothelial cell line proliferation through a block of growth-factor-stimulated MAPK and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activities. BN81658 reversed somatostatin inhibition of cell proliferation, NO production, and MAPK activity, indicating that SSTR3 activation is required for the effects of somatostatin in vitro. Finally in vivo angiogenesis assays demonstrated that eNOS inhibition was a prerequisite for the antiangiogenic effects of somatostatin, because high concentrations of sodium nitroprusside, an NO donor, abolished the somatostatin effects. In conclusion, we demonstrate that somatostatin is a powerful antitumor agent in vivo that inhibits tumor angiogenesis through SSTR3-mediated inhibition of both eNOS and MAPK activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Florio
- Farmacologia e Neuroscienze, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
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25
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Bisaglia M, Venezia V, Piccioli P, Stanzione S, Porcile C, Russo C, Mancini F, Milanese C, Schettini G. Acetaminophen protects hippocampal neurons and PC12 cultures from amyloid beta-peptides induced oxidative stress and reduces NF-kappaB activation. Neurochem Int 2002; 41:43-54. [PMID: 11918971 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(01)00136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present findings show that an atypical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as acetaminophen, retains the ability to recover amyloid beta-peptides driven neuronal apoptosis through the impairment of oxidative stress. Moreover, this compound reduces the increased NF-kappaB binding activity, which occurs in these degenerative conditions. Therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the inflammatory response in Alzheimer's disease (AD) recently suggested the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although the anti-inflammatory properties of acetaminophen are controversial, it emerged that in an amyloid-driven astrocytoma cell degeneration model acetaminophen proved to be effective. On these bases, we analyzed the role of acetaminophen against the toxicity exerted by different Abeta-peptides on rat primary hippocampal neurons and on a rat pheochromocytoma cell line. We found a consistent protection from amyloid beta-fragments 1-40 and 1-42-induced impairment of mitochondrial redox activity on both cell cultures, associated with a marked reduction of apoptotic nuclear fragmentation. An antioxidant component of the protective activity emerged from the analysis of the reduction of phospholipid peroxidation, and also from a significant reduction of cytoplasmic accumulation of peroxides in the pheochromocytoma cell line. Moreover, activation of NF-kappaB by amyloid-derived peptides was greatly impaired by acetaminophen pre-treatment in hippocampal cells. This evidence points out antioxidant and anti-transcriptional properties of acetaminophen besides the known capability to interfere with inflammation within the central nervous system, and suggests that it can be exploited as a possible therapeutic approach against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bisaglia
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Cancer Research Institute c/o Advanced Biotechnology Centre, L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
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26
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Corsaro A, Thellung S, Russo C, Villa V, Arena S, D'Adamo MC, Paludi D, Rossi Principe D, Damonte G, Benatti U, Aceto A, Tagliavini F, Schettini G, Florio T. Expression in E. coli and purification of recombinant fragments of wild type and mutant human prion protein. Neurochem Int 2002; 41:55-63. [PMID: 11918972 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(01)00137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders of the CNS of men and animals, characterized by spongiform degeneration of the CNS, astrogliosis and deposition of amyloid into the brain. The conversion of a cellular glycoprotein (the prion protein, PrP(C)) into an altered isoform (the prion scrapie, PrP(Sc)), which accumulates within the brain tissue by virtue of its resistance to the intracellular catabolism, is currently believed to represent the etiologic agent responsible for these diseases. Synthetic or recombinant polypeptides are commonly used to elucidate the mechanism of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe a procedure, which allows the synthesis and purification in its native folding, of the human prion protein fragment 90-231, corresponding to the protease resistant core of PrP(Sc). We synthesized the polypeptides 90-231 of both the wild type and the E200K mutant isoforms of PrP. Using a gluthatione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein approach, milligram amounts of polypeptides were obtained after expression in E. coli. The recovery of the purified fusion protein was monitored following the evaluation of the GST activity. The PrP fragment was released from the fusion protein immobilized on a glutathione-coupled agarose resin by direct cleavage with thrombin. The recombinant protein was identified by comassie stained acrylamide gel and by immunoblotting employing a monoclonal anti-PrP antibody. The peptide purified by gel filtration chromatography showed mainly an alpha-helix structure, as analysed by circular dichroism (CD) and an intact disulfide bridge. The same procedure was also successfully employed to synthesize and purify the E200K mutant PrP fragment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Corsaro
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Institute for Cancer Research (IST), c/o Advanced Biotechnology Center (CBA), Genoa, Italy
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27
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Lunardi G, Venturini M, Vannozzi MO, Tolino G, Del ML, Bighin C, Schettini G, Esposito M. Influence of alternate sequences of epirubicin and docetaxel on the pharmacokinetic behaviour of both drugs in advanced breast cancer. Ann Oncol 2002; 13:280-5. [PMID: 11886006 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdf016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously we observed a pharmacokinetic interference of epirubicin elimination when paclitaxel is given in combination in a sequence-dependent manner (i.e. when paclitaxel is administered as first drug). The aim of this study was to determine whether these sequence-dependent pharmacological effects were also evident when epirubicin was combined with docetaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who received epirubicin 75 mg/m2 or 90 mg/m2 as an intravenous bolus followed immediately by docetaxel 70 mg/m2 or 80 mg/m2 over a 1-h infusion, or the opposite sequence, every 3 weeks were eligible for this study. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel, epirubicin and its metabolites were studied at the first and second cycle of treatment. Pharmacokinetic data were normalised to the lower dose of each drug. Toxicity was recorded at nadir and graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. RESULTS Twelve consecutive patients, each acting as their own control, entered the study. The sequence of drug administration of docetaxel and epirubicin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of the parent anthracycline. Statistically significant lower glucuronidation metabolism of epirubicin was observed in patients who received docetaxel before epirubicin. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel were not influenced by the sequence of drug administration. No difference in haematological and non-haematological toxicity was observed in the two sequences of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacokinetics of the parent anthracycline and of docetaxel were similar between the two schemes of treatment. The metabolic variations observed, i.e. differences in the plasma levels of epirubicin glucuronides, seem not to have clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lunardi
- Servizio di Farmacologia e Neuroscienze, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
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28
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Piccioli P, Porcile C, Stanzione S, Bisaglia M, Bajetto A, Bonavia R, Florio T, Schettini G. Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation induces apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells. J Neurosci Res 2001; 66:1064-73. [PMID: 11746438 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB family of transcription factors plays important roles in the regulation of many activities of neuronal cells, such as synaptic transmission, inflammation, neuroprotection, and neurotoxicity. In resting cells, NF-kappaB activity is present both in the cytoplasm, as an inducible-inactive complex, and in the nucleus, as a constitutive form. Regulation of its inducible activity relies on processing of IkappaB(s), which occurs through the proteasome. Here we show that in cerebellar granule cells (CGC) the induction of apoptosis, by potassium withdrawal (5 mM KCl), decreases the amount of nuclear NF-kappaB. To understand whether NF-kappaB was required for CGC survival, these cells, maintained under depolarizing conditions (25 mM KCl and serum), were treated with proteasome inhibitors. The results show that these treatments reduce the nuclear amount of NF-kappaB and increase p65 cytoplasmic levels, a process partially regulated via IkappaBalpha degradation. These events are also associated with an impairment in CGC survival, with changes in nuclear morphology, induction of DNA laddering, and oligonucleosome formation, consistent with apoptosis. According to the K+ deprivation model, PSI-induced apoptosis is reversed by inhibitors of transcription and translation as well as by specific caspase inhibitors. Together our results show an important role for NF-kappaB in maintaining CGC survival. Indeed, under conditions of mild depolarization (K25) necessary for CGC survival, NF-kappaB is distributed between cytosol and nucleus, whereas, under apoptotic conditions (K5), it is depleted from the nucleus, such as after proteasome inhibitor treatment. Therefore, NF-kappaB nuclear deprivation is involved in the induction of CGC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Piccioli
- Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Institute for Cancer Research (IST), c/o Advanced Biotechnology Center (CBA), Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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29
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Florio T, Arena S, Thellung S, Iuliano R, Corsaro A, Massa A, Villa V, Pattarozzi A, Diana F, Fusco A, Schettini G. [The activation of the phosphotyrosine phosphatase eta is responsible for the somatostatin inhibition of PCCl3 thyroid cell proliferation]. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2001; 26:277-83. [PMID: 11782716] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was aimed to identify possible intracellular effectors of the somatostatin (SST) antiproliferative activity, in PCCl3 thyroid cells. METHODS To prove the involvement of r-PTPeta in SST's effect, we studied th proliferative activity of subclones of PCCl3 cells that do or do not express this PTP. RESULTS SST inhibited PCCl3 TSH+insulin-dependent cell proliferation through the induction of a phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity, detected using the synthetic substrate pNPP (+150%, p<0.01). Conversely, PCCl3 cells stably expressing the v-mos oncogene (PCmos) were completely insensitive to SST antiproliferative effects due to the incapability of SST to increase PTP activity, that correlated with the abolishment of the expression of the receptor-like PTP, r-PTPeta. In the cells in which r-PTPeta was transfected (PCmos/ PTPeta) SST inhibited cell proliferation showing a dose-dependence similar to that observed in PCCl3 cells. Conversely, the transfection of a catalytically inactive mutant of r-PTPeta did not restore the responsivity to SST. Also in PCmos/PTPeta cells SST, treatment increased membrane PTP activity. CONCLUSIONS SST inhibition of PCC13 cell proliferation requires the activation of r-PTPeta.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Florio
- Servizio di Farmacologia e Neuroscienze, IST/CBA, Università degli Studi, Genova, Italy.
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30
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Corsaro A, Thellung S, Villa V, Arena S, Noonan D, Albini A, Schettini G, Florio T. [Somatostatinergic control of Kaposi's sarcoma growth through the inhibition of angiogenesis]. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2001; 26:273-6. [PMID: 11782715] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Somatostatin and its analogs are active in the inhibition of the proliteration of sst receptor positive endocrine neoplasms, however their activity and mechanism in non-endocrine tumors is not clear. Somatostatin effectively inhibited the growth of a Kaposi's sarcoma xenograft in nude mice, yet in vitro the tumor cells did not express any known somatostatin receptors and were not growth inhibited by somatostatin. Histological examination revealed limited vascularization in the somatostatin treated tumors as compared to the controls. Somatostatin was a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in an in vivo assay. In vitro, somatostatin inhibited endothelial cell growth and invasion. Migration of monocytes, important mediators of the angiogenic cascade, was also inhibited by somatostatin. Both cells types expressed somatostatin receptor mRNAs. These data demonstrate that somatostatin is a potent anti-tumor angiogenesis compound directly affecting both endothelial and monocytic cells. The debated function of somatostatin in tumor treatment and the design of therapeutic protocols should be reexamined considering these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Corsaro
- Servizio di Farmacologia e Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi, Genova, Italy
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31
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Pajewski L, Borghi R, Schettini G, Frezza F, Santarsiero M. Design of a Binary Grating with Subwavelength Features that Acts as a Polarizing Beam Splitter. Appl Opt 2001; 40:5898-5905. [PMID: 18364883 DOI: 10.1364/ao.40.005898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A binary diffractive optical element, acting as a polarizing beam splitter, is proposed and analyzed. It behaves like a transmissive blazed grating, working on the first or the second diffraction order, depending on the polarization state of the incident radiation. The grating-phase profile required for both polarization states is obtained by means of suitably sized subwavelength groups etched in an isotropic dielectric medium. A rigorous electromagnetic analysis of the grating is presented, and numerical results concerning its performances in terms of diffraction efficiency as well as frequency and angular bandwidths are provided.
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Bonavia R, Bajetto A, Barbero S, Albini A, Noonan DM, Schettini G. HIV-1 Tat causes apoptotic death and calcium homeostasis alterations in rat neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 288:301-8. [PMID: 11606043 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of the HIV-1 protein Tat in AIDS-associated dementia, by studying its toxicity on rat cortical and hippocampal neurons in vitro. We evaluated the involvement of astroglial cells and of caspase transduction pathway in determining Tat toxicity. Here we report that synthetic Tat(1-86) induced apoptotic death on cultured rat neurons in a time-dependent manner that was not influenced by glial coculture, and that was abolished by blocking caspase transduction pathway. A microfluorimetric analysis on the Tat excitatory properties on neurons, and its effect on intracellular calcium concentrations, revealed that Tat(1-86) induced increase in cytoplasmic free calcium concentrations in rat hippocampal and cortical neurons. This effect required extracellular calcium and was differently reduced by voltage dependent calcium channel blockers and both NMDA and non-NMDA glutamate receptors antagonists. Furthermore, we observed that Tat(1-86)-treated neurons showed increased sensitivity to the glutamate excitotoxicity. Thus, the Tat-induced neuronal injury seems to occur through a direct interaction of the protein with neurons, requires activation of caspases, and is likely to derive from Tat(1-86)-induced calcium loads and disruption of glutamatergic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bonavia
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Cancer Research Institute, c/o Advanced Biotechnology Center, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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33
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Florio T, Arena S, Thellung S, Iuliano R, Corsaro A, Massa A, Pattarozzi A, Bajetto A, Trapasso F, Fusco A, Schettini G. The activation of the phosphotyrosine phosphatase eta (r-PTP eta) is responsible for the somatostatin inhibition of PC Cl3 thyroid cell proliferation. Mol Endocrinol 2001; 15:1838-52. [PMID: 11579215 DOI: 10.1210/mend.15.10.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the characterization of the intracellular effectors of the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin in PC Cl3 thyroid cells. Somatostatin inhibited PC Cl3 cell proliferation through the activation of a membrane phosphotyrosine phosphatase. Conversely, PC Cl3 cells stably expressing the v-mos oncogene (PC mos) were completely insensitive to the somatostatin antiproliferative effects since somatostatin was unable to stimulate a phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity. In PC mos cells basal phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity was also reduced, suggesting that the expression of a specific phosphotyrosine phosphatase was impaired in these transformed cells. We suggested that this phosphotyrosine phosphatase could be r-PTP eta whose expression was abolished in the PC mos cells. To directly prove the involvement of r-PTP eta in somatostatin's effect, we stably transfected this phosphatase in PC mos cells. This new cell line (PC mos/PTP eta) recovered somatostatin's ability to inhibit cell proliferation, showing dose-dependence and time course similar to those observed in PC Cl3 cells. Conversely, the transfection of a catalytically inactive mutant of r-PTP eta did not restore the antiproliferative effects of somatostatin. PC mos/PTP eta cells showed a high basal phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity which, similarly to PC Cl3 cells, was further increased after somatostatin treatment. The specificity of the role of r-PTP eta in somatostatin receptor signal transduction was demonstrated by measuring its specific activity after somatostatin treatment in an immunocomplex assay. Somatostatin highly increased r-PTP eta activity in PCCl3 and PC mos/PTP eta (+300%, P < 0.01) but not in PCmos cells. Conversely, no differences in somatostatin-stimulated SHP-2 activity, (approximately +50%, P < 0.05), were observed among all the cell lines. The activation of r-PTP eta by somatostatin caused, acting downstream of MAPK kinase, an inhibition of insulin-induced ERK1/2 activation with the subsequent blockade of the phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and proteasome degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1). Ultimately, high levels of p27(kip1) lead to cell proliferation arrest. In conclusion, somatostatin inhibition of PC Cl3 cell proliferation requires the activation of r-PTP eta which, through the inhibition of MAPK activity, causes the stabilization of the cell cycle inhibitor p27(kip1).
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Affiliation(s)
- T Florio
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Institute for Cancer Research (IST) and Advanced Biotechnology Center (CBA) Genova 16132, Italy
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34
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Florio T, Schettini G. [Somatostatin and its receptors. Role in the control of cell proliferation]. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2001; 26:91-102. [PMID: 11753230] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies have been carried out over the past year to characterise the physiological functions and possible therapeutic applications of somatostatin (sst). Somatostatin is one of the most widespread peptides in the body and it fulfils a very wide spectrum of actions in the various organs and tissues. The aim of this review is to make a critical analysis of knowledge of the structure and physiology of sst and its receptors, together with the possible role played by this peptide in cell proliferation in animal models and the treatment of human tumours. In particular, the authors discuss the most recent findings on cell and intracell mechanisms regulated by somatostatin receptors and how this knowledge may encourage the development of more effective and selective new molecules in terms of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Florio
- Farmacologia e Neuroscienze, IST c/o CBA, Genova, Università G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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Abstract
Chemokines are a family of proteins associated with the trafficking of leukocytes in physiological immune surveillance and inflammatory cell recruitment in host defence. They are classified into four classes based on the positions of key cystiene residues: C, CC, CXC, and CX3C. Chemokines act through both specific and shared receptors that all belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors. Besides their well-established role in the immune system, several recent reports have demonstrated that these proteins also play a role in the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, chemokines are constitutively expressed by microglial cells, astrocytes, and neurons, and their expression can be increased after induction with inflammatory mediators. Constitutive expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors has been observed in both developing and adult brains, and the role played by these proteins in the normal brain is the object of intense study by many research groups. Chemokines are involved in brain development and in the maintenance of normal brain homeostasis; these proteins play a role in the migration, differentiation, and proliferation of glial and neuronal cells. The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 and its receptor, CXCR4, are essential for life during development, and this ligand-receptor pair has been shown to have a fundamental role in neuron migration during cerebellar formation. Chemokine and chemokine receptor expression can be increased by inflammatory mediators, and this has in turn been associated with several acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. In the CNS, chemokines play an essential role in neuroinflammation as mediators of leukocyte infiltration. Their overexpression has been implicated in different neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, trauma, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, tumor progression, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated dementia. An emerging area of interest for chemokine action is represented by the communication between the neuroendocrine and the immune system. Chemokines have hormone-like actions, specifically regulating the key host physiopathological responses of fever and appetite. It is now evident that chemokines and their receptors represent a plurifunctional family of proteins whose actions on the CNS are not restricted to neuroinflammation. These molecules constitute crucial regulators of cellular communication in physiological and developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bajetto
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience National Institute for Cancer Research, Genoa, Italy
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36
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Zambrano N, Bruni P, Minopoli G, Mosca R, Molino D, Russo C, Schettini G, Sudol M, Russo T. The beta-amyloid precursor protein APP is tyrosine-phosphorylated in cells expressing a constitutively active form of the Abl protoncogene. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:19787-92. [PMID: 11279131 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m100792200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytosolic domain of the beta-amyloid precursor protein APP interacts with three PTB (phosphotyrosine binding domain)-containing adaptor proteins, Fe65, X11, and mDab1. Through these adaptors, other molecules can be recruited at the cytodomain of APP; one of them is Mena, that binds to the WW domain (a protein module with two conserved tryptophans) of Fe65. The enabled and disabled genes of Drosophila, homologues of the mammalian Mena and mDab1 genes, respectively, are genetic modulators of the phenotype observed in flies null for the Abl tyrosine kinase gene. The involvement of Mena and mDab1 in the APP-centered protein-protein interaction network suggests the possibility that Abl plays a role in APP biology. We show that Fe65, through its WW domain, binds in vitro and in vivo the active form of Abl. Furthermore, in cells expressing the active form of Abl, APP is tyrosine-phosphorylated. Phosphopeptide analysis and site-directed mutagenesis support the hypothesis that Tyr(682) of APP(695) is the target of this phosphorylation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that active Abl and tyrosine-phosphorylated APP also form a stable complex, which could result from the interaction of the pYENP motif of the APP cytodomain with the SH2 domain of Abl. These results suggest that Abl, Mena, and mDab1 are involved in a common molecular machinery and that APP can play a role in tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Zambrano
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
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37
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Bajetto A, Barbero S, Bonavia R, Piccioli P, Pirani P, Florio T, Schettini G. Stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha induces astrocyte proliferation through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 pathway. J Neurochem 2001; 77:1226-36. [PMID: 11389173 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2001.00350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the ligand of the CXCR4 receptor, is a chemokine involved in chemotaxis and brain development that also acts as co-receptor for HIV-1 infection. We previously demonstrated that CXCR4 and SDF-1alpha are expressed in cultured type-I cortical rat astrocytes, cortical neurones and cerebellar granule cells. Here, we investigated the possible functions of CXCR4 expressed in rat type-I cortical astrocytes and demonstrated that SDF-1alpha stimulated the proliferation of these cells in vitro. The proliferative activity induced by SDF-1alpha in astrocytes was reduced by PD98059, indicating the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) in the astrocyte proliferation induced by CXCR4 stimulation. This observation was further confirmed showing that SDF-1alpha treatment selectively activated ERK1/2, but not p38 or stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). Moreover, both astrocyte proliferation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, induced by SDF-1alpha, were inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX) and wortmannin treatment indicating the involvement of a PTX sensitive G-protein and of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase in the signalling of SDF-1alpha. In addition, Pyk2 activation represent an upstream components for the CXCR4 signalling to ERK1/2 in astrocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a proliferative effect for SDF-1alpha in primary cultures of rat type-I astrocytes, and showing that the activation of ERK1/2 is responsible for this effect. These data suggest that CXCR4/SDF-1 should play an important role in physiological and pathological glial proliferation, such as brain development, reactive gliosis and brain tumour formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bajetto
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit National Institute for Cancer Research (IST), Genova, Italy
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38
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Russo C, Schettini G, Saido T, Gambetti P, Tabaton M, Teller J. N-terminally truncated amyloid β peptides and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurobiol Aging 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0197-4580(01)00208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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39
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Russo C, Salis S, Dolcini V, Venezia V, Song XH, Teller JK, Schettini G. Amino-terminal modification and tyrosine phosphorylation of [corrected] carboxy-terminal fragments of the amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome brain. Neurobiol Dis 2001; 8:173-80. [PMID: 11162251 DOI: 10.1006/nbdi.2000.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The carboxy-terminal fragments (CTFs) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) are considered beta-amyloid (Abeta) precursors as well as molecular species possibly amyloidogenic and neurotoxic by [corrected] in vitro or in animal models. The CTF's role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is however relatively unexplored in human brain. In this study, we analyzed brain extracted CTFs in subjects with AD, non-AD control, and Down's syndrome (DS) cases. Our data indicate that: (i) In fetal DS subjects CTFs levels are increased in comparison to age-matched control, suggesting that the enhanced CTFs formation is important for the early occurrence of plaques deposition in DS. No significant difference in CTFs level [corrected] between AD and age-matched control cases. (ii) CTFs modified at their N-terminus are the direct precursors of similarly N-terminally modified Abeta peptides, which constitute the most abundant species in AD and DS plaques. This observation suggests that N-truncated Abeta peptides are formed directly at beta-secretase level and not through a progressive proteolysis of full-length Abeta1-40/42. (iii) Among the differently cleaved CTFs, only the 22- and 12.5-kDa CTF polypeptides are tyrosine phosphorylated in both AD and control brain while the full-length APP and the CTFs migrating below the 12.5-kDa marker are not phosphorylated, suggesting that APP and CTFs may be involved in different pathways depending on their length and sequences. This study provides evidence that CTFs constitute in human brain a molecular species directly involved in AD pathogenesis and in the development of the AD-like pathology in DS subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Russo
- Section of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Cancer Institute, Genova, Italy
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40
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Monti D, Moretti L, Salvioli S, Straface E, Malorni W, Pellicciari R, Schettini G, Bisaglia M, Pincelli C, Fumelli C, Bonafè M, Franceschi C. C60 carboxyfullerene exerts a protective activity against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 277:711-7. [PMID: 11062018 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
C60 carboxyfullerene is a novel buckminsterfullerene-derived compound that behaves as a free-radical scavenger. In the present report, we investigated whether this drug exerts a protective activity against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were challenged by 2-deoxy-d-ribose (dRib) or TNF-alpha plus cycloheximide as agents that trigger apoptosis by interfering with the redox status of cell and mitochondrial membrane potential. We found that carboxyfullerene was able to protect quiescent PBMCs from apoptosis caused either by 2-deoxy-d-ribose or TNF-alpha plus cycloheximide by a mechanism partially involving the mitochondrial membrane potential integrity, known to be associated with early stages of apoptosis. These results represent the first indication for a target activity of buckminsterfullerenes on cells of the immune system and their mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Monti
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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41
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Fumelli C, Marconi A, Salvioli S, Straface E, Malorni W, Offidani AM, Pellicciari R, Schettini G, Giannetti A, Monti D, Franceschi C, Pincelli C. Carboxyfullerenes protect human keratinocytes from ultraviolet-B-induced apoptosis. J Invest Dermatol 2000; 115:835-41. [PMID: 11069621 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00140.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Carboxyfullerene, a water-soluble carboxylic acid derivative of a fullerene, which acts as a free-radical scavenger, was investigated as a protective agent against ultraviolet-light-induced damage in human keratinocytes. First, we demonstrate that carboxyfullerene is not cytotoxic for these cells. In addition, this compound significantly reduces the ultraviolet-B-induced inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and protects keratinocytes from apoptosis caused by ultraviolet B irradiation in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the percentage of cells with depolarized mitochondria is significantly lower in ultraviolet-B-irradiated keratinocytes pretreated with carboxyfullerene than in cells provided with diluent alone. Carboxyfullerene also protects human keratinocytes from apoptosis induced by exposure to deoxy-D-ribose, a sugar that causes cell death through a pathway involving oxidative stress. On the other hand, ultraviolet B downregulates bcl-2 levels in human keratinocytes, and carboxyfullerene fails to prevent this effect. These results suggest that carboxy- fullerene protects human keratinocytes from ultraviolet B damage possibly via a mechanism interfering with the generation of reactive oxygen species from depolarized mitochondria without the involvement of bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fumelli
- Department of Neuropsychosensorial Pathology, Section of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
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42
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Passer B, Pellegrini L, Russo C, Siegel RM, Lenardo MJ, Schettini G, Bachmann M, Tabaton M, D'Adamio L. Generation of an apoptotic intracellular peptide by gamma-secretase cleavage of Alzheimer's amyloid beta protein precursor. J Alzheimers Dis 2000; 2:289-301. [PMID: 12214090 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2000-23-408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) is sequentially processed by beta- and gamma-secretases to generate the Abeta peptide. The biochemical path leading to Abeta formation has been extensively studied since extracellular aggregates of amyloidogenic forms of Abeta peptide (Abeta42) are considered the culprit of Alzheimer's disease. Aside from its pathological relevance, the biological role of AbetaPP proteolysis is unknown. Although never previously described, cleavage of AbetaPP by gamma-secretase should release, together with Abeta, a COOH-terminal AbetaPP Intracellular Domain, herein termed AID. We have now identified AID-like peptides in brain tissue of normal control and patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease and demonstrate that AID acts as a positive regulator of apoptosis. Thus, overproduction of AID may add to the toxic effect of Abeta42 aggregates and further accelerate neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Passer
- T-cell apoptosis Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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43
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Thellung S, Florio T, Villa V, Corsaro A, Arena S, Amico C, Robello M, Salmona M, Forloni G, Bugiani O, Tagliavini F, Schettini G. Apoptotic cell death and impairment of L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel activity in rat cerebellar granule cells treated with the prion protein fragment 106-126. Neurobiol Dis 2000; 7:299-309. [PMID: 10964602 DOI: 10.1006/nbdi.2000.0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative pathologies characterized by the accumulation, in the brain, of altered forms of the prion protein (PrP), named PrP(Sc). A synthetic peptide homologous to residues 106-126 of PrP (PrP106-126) was reported to maintain the neurodegenerative characteristics of PrP(Sc). We investigated the intracellular mechanisms involved in PrP106-126-dependent degeneration of primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons. Prolonged exposure of such neurons to PrP106-126 induced apoptotic cell death. The L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel blocker nicardipine reproduced this effect, suggesting that blockade of Ca(2+) entry through this class of calcium channels may be responsible for the granule cell degeneration. Microfluorometric analysis showed that PrP106-126 caused a reduction in cytosolic calcium levels, elicited by depolarizing K(+) concentrations in these neurons. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that PrP106-126 and nicardipine selectively reduce the L-type calcium channel current. These data demonstrate that PrP106-126 alters the activity of L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels in rat cerebellar granule cells and suggest that this phenomenon is related to the cell death induced by the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Thellung
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università di Genova, Servizio di Farmacologia e Neuroscienze Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IST), Unità di Neuroscienze, Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate (CBA), Genoa, I-16132, Italy
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44
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Giusti M, Bocca L, Florio T, Foppiani L, Corsaro A, Auriati L, Spaziante R, Schettini G, Giordano G. Cabergoline modulation of alpha-subunits and FSH secretion in a gonadotroph adenoma. J Endocrinol Invest 2000; 23:463-6. [PMID: 11005271 DOI: 10.1007/bf03343756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most non-functioning pituitary adenomas respond poorly to medical therapy. We describe the case of a 62-year-old man who presented with clinical features of an invasive macroadenoma. Baseline hormonal evaluation revealed increased FSH and alpha-subunit (alpha-SU) levels. Transsphenoidal exeresis followed by radiotherapy (RT) was performed. Almost all neoplastic cells were intensely immunoreactive for alpha-SU. On PCR analysis, specific amplification products were observed for somatostatin 2, 3 and 5 receptors as well as for both short and long isoforms of the dopamine D2 receptor. In vitro, alpha-SU and FSH were released into the medium by adenoma cells and increased after TRH stimulation. After surgery, alpha-SU and FSH levels were still elevated. Short-term slow-release lanreotide treatment did not modify either alpha-SU or FSH levels. Cabergoline was started and a fast and long-lasting decrease in alpha-SU and, to a lesser extent, in FSH was observed. The tumor remnant was unmodified on magnetic resonance imaging 3 years after surgery and RT. This case report shows that the in vitro expression of somatostatin receptors may not be directly associated to the in vivo response of alpha-SU and FSH to lanreotide, probably because of a functional uncoupling of the receptors. Cabergoline should be considered as an effective therapy for hormonal, and perhaps proliferative, control of gonadotroph adenoma remnants before the effects of RT are fully effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giusti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Endocrinologiche e Metaboliche, Centro di Studio dei Tumori Ipofisari, University of Genova, Italy.
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45
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Thellung S, Florio T, Corsaro A, Arena S, Merlino M, Salmona M, Tagliavini F, Bugiani O, Forloni G, Schettini G. Intracellular mechanisms mediating the neuronal death and astrogliosis induced by the prion protein fragment 106-126. Int J Dev Neurosci 2000; 18:481-92. [PMID: 10817932 DOI: 10.1016/s0736-5748(00)00005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion encephalopathies include fatal diseases of the central nervous system of men and animals characterized by nerve cell loss, glial proliferation and deposition of amyloid fibrils into the brain. During these diseases a cellular glycoprotein (the prion protein, PrP(C)) is converted, through a not yet completely clear mechanism, in an altered isoform (the prion scrapie, PrP(Sc)) that accumulates within the brain tissue by virtue of its resistance to the intracellular catabolism. PrP(Sc) is believed to be responsible for the neuronal loss that is observed in the prion disease. The PrP 106-126, a synthetic peptide that has been obtained from the amyloidogenic portion of the prion protein, represents a suitable model for studying the pathogenic role of the PrP(Sc), retaining, in vitro, some characteristics of the entire protein, such as the capability to aggregate in fibrils, and the neurotoxicity. In this work we present the results we have recently obtained regarding the action of the PrP 106-126 in different cellular models. We report that the PrP 106-126 induces proliferation of cortical astrocytes, as well as degeneration of primary cultures of cortical neurons or of neuroectodermal stable cell lines (GH(3) cells). In particular, these two opposite effects are mediated by the same attitude of the peptide to interact with the L-type calcium channels: in the astrocytes, the activity of these channels seems to be activated by PrP 106-126, while, in the cortical neurons and in the GH(3) cells, the same treatment causes a blockade of these channels causing a toxic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Thellung
- Unit of Pharmacology and Neuroscience National Cancer Institute, Advanced Biotechnology Centre, Department of Oncology, Section of Pharmacology University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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46
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Bajetto A, Barbero S, Bonavia R, Chimini G, Schettini G. Immunofluorescence and biochemical techniques to detect nuclear localization of ciliary neurotrophic factor in glial cells. Brain Res Brain Res Protoc 2000; 5:273-81. [PMID: 10906493 DOI: 10.1016/s1385-299x(00)00023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes the survival of several populations of neurons, including sensory and motor neurons. It is mainly produced by Schwann cells and astrocytes and exerts its biological function via a specific membrane receptor. We recently determined the nuclear localization of CNTF in producing cells, after transfection and in the heterologous system of Xenopus oocytes. In the present paper, we describe in detail the techniques for the detection of CNTF in the nucleus of rat astrocytes, transfected cells, isolated nuclei and injected Xenopus oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bajetto
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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47
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Russo C, Schettini G, Saido TC, Hulette C, Lippa C, Lannfelt L, Ghetti B, Gambetti P, Tabaton M, Teller JK. Presenilin-1 mutations in Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2000; 405:531-2. [PMID: 10850703 DOI: 10.1038/35014735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Russo
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA
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48
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Florio T, Thellung S, Arena S, Corsaro A, Bajetto A, Schettini G, Stork PJ. Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1)-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation correlates with the activation of the MAP kinase cascade: role of the phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. J Physiol Paris 2000; 94:239-50. [PMID: 11088001 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-4257(00)00214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade represents one of the major regulator of cell growth by hormones and growth factors. However, although the activation of this intracellular pathway has been often regarded as mediator of cell proliferation, in many cell types the increase in MAP kinase (also called extra-cellular signal regulated kinase: ERK) activity may result in cell growth arrest, depending on the length or the intensity of the stimulation. In this review we examine recent data concerning the effects of somatostatin on the MAP kinase cascade through one of its major receptor subtype, the somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1), stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Somatostatin inhibits the proliferative effects of basic FGF (bFGF) in CHO-SSTR1 cell line. However, in these cells, somatostatin robustly activates the MAP kinase and augments bFGF-induced stimulation of ERK. We show that the activation of ERK via SSTR1 is mediated by the betagamma subunit of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein and requires both the small G protein Ras and the serine/threonine kinase Raf-1. Moreover the phosphatidyl inositol-3kinase and the cytosolic tyrosine kinase c-src participate in the signal transduction regulated by SSTRI to activate ERK, as well as it is involved the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) SHP-2. Previous studies have suggested that somatostatin-stimulated PTP activity mediates the growth inhibitory actions of somatostatin, in CHO-SSTR1 cells. Thus, the activation of SHP-2 by SSTR1 may mediate the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin. SHP-2 may. in turn, regulate the activity of kinases upstream of ERK that require tyrosine dephosphorylation to be activated, such as c-src. Finally, the synergism between somatostatin and bFGF in the activation of ERK results in an increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21cip/WAF1 as molecular effector of the antiproliferative activity of somatostatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Florio
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, National Institute for Cancer Research (IST) and Advanced Biotechnology Center (CBA), Genova, Italy.
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49
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Mastronardi L, Lunardi P, Puzzilli F, Schettini G, Lo Bianco F, Ruggeri A. The role of MRI in the surgical selection of cerebral metastases. Zentralbl Neurochir 2000; 60:141-5. [PMID: 10726337] [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
BACKGROUND About one third of patients operated on for a "single" cerebral metastasis diagnosed by CT scan have probably more than one lesion. In fact, Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI has proved to be more sensitive than CT in detecting the number of cerebral metastases, reducing the number of patients candidate to surgery. METHODS Thirty-five patients with a CT scan picture of a single cerebral neoplasm of presumable metastatic nature performed a Gd-DTPA enhanced cerebral MRI. In 25 cases MR images confirmed a single lesion, while in other 10 (28.6%) showed a number of metastases ranging from 2 to 6. In order to assess the utility of MRI in surgical selection of patients and then to reconsider the concept of operability limited to single brain metastases only, we compared the survival of the 25 cases who preoperatively performed MRI (MRI group) with that of other 25 consecutive patients operated on in pre-MR era (during a 24-month period), with a CT picture of single cerebral metastasis (non-MRI group). RESULTS The median survival was 36 +/- 5 weeks for MRI group and 40 +/- 15 for non-MRI group. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit survival analysis and the log-rank test do not reveal any statistically significative difference of survival between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Even if the number of patients is limited for definitive considerations, our preliminary results seem to suggest that the further selection of surgical cases obtained with MRI could not impact significatively the survival. Therefore, in selected patients with multiple cerebral metastases a surgical treatment could be reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mastronardi
- Sandro Pertini Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, Rome, Italy.
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50
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Abstract
In view of the widely recognized correlation between extent of surgical resection and length of survival of children with intracranial ependymoma and the statement that total resection is more likely to be achieved in supratentorial than infratentorial primaries, we decided to review our experience with supratentorial ependymomas and the pertinent literature to verify the importance of surgery in treating this subgroup of pediatric ependymal neoplasms. Of 23 patients operated on, 12 are still alive without evidence of disease 72-357 months after surgery (mean 227, median 237 months). One girl treated by surgery alone was lost to follow-up after 234 months when she, and 7 other patients in the series, had already passed the end of the period of risk for recurrence according to Collins' law. Six surviving patients (2 with subependymoma and 4 with ependymoma) were treated by surgery alone and only 1, the oldest in the series, had to undergo a second operation for recurrence after 10 years. The idea of treating intracranial ependymoma by surgery alone was favored by eminent neurosurgeons in the past and has recently received renewed attention. This was in part the consequence of recognizing that unlike diffuse astrocytoma, in which neoplastic cells can be found up to several centimeters away from the apparent tumor borders, ependymoma has more or less well-defined margins and grows mainly by expansion. Early experience with the policy of electively deferring adjuvant therapy after radiologically controlled total resection of ependymoma seems encouraging, although postoperative MRI does not yet indicate absolute certainty. Close surveillance is recommended. The majority of ependymomas so far treated by surgery alone, with relatively good success, have been supratentorial. In conclusion, on the basis of our experience and a review of the literature we favor a change in attitude to the management of intracranial ependymomas, especially of the cerebrum, with radiologically controlled radical surgery alone followed by close surveillance with periodic MR imaging until the child passes the period of risk for recurrence according to Collins' law as the initial option. In children less than 3 years old the period of surveillance should be doubled. In case of recurrence, reoperation should be considered first, particularly for supratentorial primaries. Radiotherapy continues to be a major option in malignant ependymoma and unresectable primary or recurrent benign ependymoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Palma
- Clinica Neurochirurgica, Università di Siena, Italy
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