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Vitali R, Mancuso AB, Palone F, Pioli C, Cesi V, Negroni A, Cucchiara S, Oliva S, Carissimi C, Laudadio I, Stronati L. PARP1 Activation Induces HMGB1 Secretion Promoting Intestinal Inflammation in Mice and Human Intestinal Organoids. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087096. [PMID: 37108260 PMCID: PMC10138503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) has been recently reported to promote HMGB1 acetylation and its secretion outside cells. In this study, the relationship between HMGB1 and PARP1 in controlling intestinal inflammation was explored. C57BL6/J wild type (WT) and PARP1-/- mice were treated with DSS to induce acute colitis, or with the DSS and PARP1 inhibitor, PJ34. Human intestinal organoids, which are originated from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, were exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines (INFγ + TNFα) to induce intestinal inflammation, or coexposed to cytokines and PJ34. Results show that PARP1-/- mice develop less severe colitis than WT mice, evidenced by a significant decrease in fecal and serum HMGB1, and, similarly, treating WT mice with PJ34 reduces the secreted HMGB1. The exposure of intestinal organoids to pro-inflammatory cytokines results in PARP1 activation and HMGB1 secretion; nevertheless, the co-exposure to PJ34, significantly reduces the release of HMGB1, improving inflammation and oxidative stress. Finally, HMGB1 release during inflammation is associated with its PARP1-induced PARylation in RAW264.7 cells. These findings offer novel evidence that PARP1 favors HMGB1 secretion in intestinal inflammation and suggest that impairing PARP1 might be a novel approach to manage IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Barbara Mancuso
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pioli
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliva
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Vitali R, Palone F, Armuzzi A, Fulci V, Negroni A, Carissimi C, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Proteomic Analysis Identifies Three Reliable Biomarkers of Intestinal Inflammation in the Stools of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:92-102. [PMID: 36040453 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faecal biomarkers have emerged as important tools in managing of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], which includes Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC]. AIM To identify new biomarkers of gut inflammation in the stools of IBD patients using a proteomic approach. METHODS Proteomic analysis of stools was performed in patients with both active CD and CD in remission and in controls by 2-DIGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. An ELISA was used to confirm results in a second cohort of IBD patients and controls. RESULTS 2-DIGE analysis detected 70 spots in the stools of patients with active CD or patients in remission CD and in controls. MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis identified 21 proteins with Chymotrypsin C, Gelsolin and Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 [RhoGDI2] best correlating with the levels of intestinal inflammation. Results were confirmed in a second cohort of IBD patients and controls [57 CD, 60 UC, 31 controls]. The identified faecal markers significantly correlated with the severity of intestinal inflammation in IBD patients [SES-CD in CD, Mayo endoscopic subscore in UC] [CD; Chymotrypsin-C: r = 0.64, p < 0.001; Gelsolin: r = 0.82, p < 0.001; RhoGDI2: r = 0.64, p < 0.001; UC; Chymotrypsin-C: r = 0.76, p < 0.001; Gelsolin: r = 0.75, p < 0.001; RhoGDI2: r = 0.63, p < 0.001]. Moreover, ROC analysis showed that Gelsolin [p < 0.0002] and RhoGDI2 [p < 0.0001] in CD, and RhoGDI2 [p = 0.0004] in UC, have higher sensitivity and specificity than faecal calprotectin in discriminating between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time that 2-DIGE is a reliable method to detect proteins in human stools. Three novel faecal biomarkers of gut inflammation have been identified that display good specificity and sensitivity for identifying IBD and significantly correlate with IBD severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- IBD Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Fiaschini N, Mancuso M, Tanori M, Colantoni E, Vitali R, Diretto G, Lorenzo Rebenaque L, Stronati L, Negroni A. Liver Steatosis and Steatohepatitis Alter Bile Acid Receptors in Brain and Induce Neuroinflammation: A Contribution of Circulating Bile Acids and Blood-Brain Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214254. [PMID: 36430732 PMCID: PMC9697805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A tight relationship between gut-liver diseases and brain functions has recently emerged. Bile acid (BA) receptors, bacterial-derived molecules and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play key roles in this association. This study was aimed to evaluate how non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) impact the BA receptors Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G-protein coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) expression in the brain and to correlate these effects with circulating BAs composition, BBB integrity and neuroinflammation. A mouse model of NAFLD was set up by a high-fat and sugar diet, and NASH was induced with the supplementation of dextran-sulfate-sodium (DSS) in drinking water. FXR, TGR5 and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) expression in the brain was detected by immunohistochemistry, while Zonula occludens (ZO)-1, Occludin and Plasmalemmal Vesicle Associated Protein-1 (PV-1) were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Biochemical analyses investigated serum BA composition, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and S100β protein (S100β) levels. Results showed a down-regulation of FXR in NASH and an up-regulation of TGR5 and Iba-1 in the cortex and hippocampus in both treated groups as compared to the control group. The BA composition was altered in the serum of both treated groups, and LBP and S100β were significantly augmented in NASH. ZO-1 and Occludin were attenuated in the brain capillary endothelial cells of both treated groups versus the control group. We demonstrated that NAFLD and NASH provoke different grades of brain dysfunction, which are characterized by the altered expression of BA receptors, FXR and TGR5, and activation of microglia. These effects are somewhat promoted by a modification of circulating BAs composition and by an increase in LBP that concur to damage BBB, thus favoring neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Fiaschini
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Mirella Tanori
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colantoni
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Division of Biotechnologies and Agroindustry, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Lorenzo Rebenaque
- Departamento Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Laudadio I, Bastianelli A, Fulci V, Carissimi C, Colantoni E, Palone F, Vitali R, Lorefice E, Cucchiara S, Negroni A, Stronati L. ZNF281 Promotes Colon Fibroblast Activation in TGFβ1-Induced Gut Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810261. [PMID: 36142169 PMCID: PMC9499662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810261] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic inflammation is the main factor leading to intestinal fibrosis, resulting in recurrent stenosis, especially in CD patients. Currently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of fibrosis are still unclear. ZNF281 is a zinc-finger transcriptional regulator that has been characterized as an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factor, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of pluripotency, stemness, and cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate in vivo and in vitro the role of ZNF281 in intestinal fibrogenesis. Intestinal fibrosis was studied in vivo in C57BL/6J mice with chronic colitis induced by two or three cycles of administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The contribution of ZNF281 to gut fibrosis was studied in vitro in the human colon fibroblast cell line CCD-18Co, activated by the pro-fibrotic cytokine TGFβ1. ZNF281 was downregulated by siRNA transfection, and RNA-sequencing was performed to identify genes regulated by TGFβ1 in activated colon fibroblasts via ZNF281. Results showed a marked increase of ZNF281 in in vivo murine fibrotic colon as well as in in vitro human colon fibroblasts activated by TGFβ1. Moreover, abrogation of ZNF281 in TGFβ1-treated fibroblasts affected the expression of genes belonging to specific pathways linked to fibroblast activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts. We demonstrated that ZNF281 is a key regulator of colon fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation upon fibrotic stimuli by transcriptionally controlling extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, remodeling, and cell contraction, highlighting a new role in the onset and progression of gut fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alex Bastianelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Palone
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Lorefice
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Fiaschini N, Negroni A, Palone F, Vitali R, Colantoni E, Laudadio I, Mancuso M, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Colonic inflammation accelerates the progression of liver disease: A protective role of dipotassium glycyrrhizate. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:1084-1093. [PMID: 34903499 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe and progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasing worldwide. Gut inflammation seems to concur to the pathogenesis of NASH. No drugs are currently approved for NASH treatment. AIMS To investigate if inflamed gut directly contributes to the progression of NASH through gut epithelial and vascular barrier impairment and to evaluate the efficacy of dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG) to improve the liver disease. METHODS A NASH model was set up by feeding mice, for 8 and 13 weeks, with high fat diet with high fructose and glucose (HFD-FG) supplemented periodically with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. A group was also treated with DPG by gavage. Histological, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis were performed. RESULTS DSS-induced colitis increased steatosis, inflammatory (IL-6, TNFα, NLRP3, MCP-1) as well as fibrotic (TGF-β, α-SMA) mediator expression in HFD-FG mice. Beneficial effect of DPG was associated with restoration of intestinal epithelial and vascular barriers, evaluated respectively by ZO-1 and PV-1 expression, that are known to limit bacterial translocation. CONCLUSION Colonic inflammation strongly contributes to the progression of NASH, likely by favouring bacterial translocation. DPG treatment could represent a novel strategy to reduce liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Fiaschini
- Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences Department, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Colantoni E, Palone F, Cesi V, Leter B, Sugoni G, Laudadio I, Negroni A, Vitali R, Stronati L. Innovative method to grow the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in the omega3-rich microalga Isochrysis galbana. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3127. [PMID: 35210548 PMCID: PMC8873227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07227-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are natural sources of valuable bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial activities. The marine microalga Isochrysis galbana (I. galbana) is extremely rich in ω3 PUFAs, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Probiotics are currently suggested as adjuvant therapy in the management of diseases associated with gut dysbiosis. The Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), one of the most widely used probiotics, has been shown to produce multiple beneficial effects on host health. The present study aimed to present an innovative method for growing the probiotic L. reuteri in the raw seaweed extracts from I. galbana as an alternative to the conventional medium, under conditions of oxygen deprivation (anaerobiosis). As a result, the microalga I. galbana was shown for the first time to be an excellent culture medium for growing L. reuteri. Furthermore, the gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry analysis showed that the microalga-derived ω3 PUFAs were still available after the fermentation by L. reuteri. Accordingly, the fermented compound (FC), obtained from the growth of L. reuteri in I. galbana in anaerobiosis, was able to significantly reduce the adhesiveness and invasiveness of the harmful adherent-invasive Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelial cells, due to a cooperative effect between L. reuteri and microalgae-released ω3 PUFAs. These findings open new perspectives in the use of unicellular microalgae as growth medium for probiotics and in the production of biofunctional compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Colantoni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Leter
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Sugoni
- Division of Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Capital, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Putignani L, Oliva S, Isoldi S, Del Chierico F, Carissimi C, Laudadio I, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Fecal and mucosal microbiota profiling in pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:1376-1386. [PMID: 33470709 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An altered gut microbiota profile has been widely documented in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The intestinal microbial community has been more frequently investigated in the stools than at the level of the mucosa, while most of the studies have been performed in adults. We aimed to define the gut microbiota profile either by assessing fecal and colonic mucosa samples (inflamed or not) from pediatric IBD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fecal and colonic samples from pediatric IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) and controls were analyzed. The relative abundance of bacteria at phylum and genus/species levels and bacterial diversity were determined through 16S rRNA sequence-based of fecal and mucosal microbiota analysis. RESULTS A total of 59 children with IBD (26 Crohn's disease, 33 ulcerative colitis) and 39 controls were analyzed. A clear separation between IBD and controls in the overall composition of fecal and mucosal microbiota was found, as well as a reduced bacterial richness in the fecal microbiota of IBD. At the phylum level, abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria occurred in fecal microbiota of IBD, while species with anti-inflammatory properties (i.e., Ruminococcus) were reduced. Fusobacterium prevailed in inflamed IBD areas in comparison to noninflamed and controls samples. CONCLUSION Significant alterations in gut microbiota profile were shown in our IBD pediatric patients, in whom an abundance of species with a proinflammatory mucosal activity was clearly detected. An analysis of gut microbiota could be incorporated in designing personalized IBD treatment scenarios in future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Oliva
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Sapienza University of Rome
| | | | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Vitali R, Terrin G, Palone F, Laudadio I, Cucchiara S, Boscarino G, Di Chiara M, Stronati L. Fecal High-Mobility Group Box 1 as a Marker of Early Stage of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:672131. [PMID: 34178888 PMCID: PMC8222523 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.672131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: An early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a major gastrointestinal emergency in preterm newborns, is crucial to improve diagnostic approach and prognosis. We evaluated whether fecal high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) may early identify preterms at risk of developing NEC. Materials and Methods: A case-control study including neonates admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Sapienza University Hospital "Umberto I" in Rome, from July 2015 to December 2016. Stool samples obtained from cases (preterm newborns with NEC) and controls (newborns without NEC) were collected at the enrolment (T0) and within 7-14 days after the first sample collection (T1). HMGB1, extracted and measured with western blot, was reported as densitometry units (DUS). Results: HMGB1 levels in 30 cases (n = 28-Bell stage 1, n = 2 Bell stage 2) were higher [T0: 21,462 DUS (95% CI, 16,370-26,553 DUS)-T1: 17,533 DUS (95% CI, 13,052-22,014 DUS)] than in 30 preterm controls [T0: 9,446 DUS (95% CI, 6,147-12,746 DUS)-T1: 9,261 DUS (95% CI, 5,126-13,396 DUS), p < 0.001). Preterm newborns showed significant higher levels of HMGB1 (15,690 DUS (95% CI, 11,929-19,451 DUS)] in comparison with 30 full-term neonates with birth weight >2,500 g [6,599 DUS (95% CI, 3,141-10,058 DUS), p = 0.003]. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk of NEC was significantly (p = 0.012) related to the HMGB1 fecal levels at T0. Conclusions: We suggest fecal HMGB1 as a reliable marker of early NEC in preterm neonates. This study supports further investigation on the role of fecal HMGB1 assessment in managing preterm newborns at risk of NEC. Further studies are advocated to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of this marker in more severe forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Terrin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Boscarino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Di Chiara
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traditional management of patients with Crohn's disease includes symptoms and quality of life improvement. With the advent of biological agents, mucosal healing has become an achievable goal, documented through endoscopy. However, due to the transmural nature of inflammation, the prevention of bowel damage should be included in the aims of a targeted therapeutic strategy. AREAS COVERED Updated literature has been searched in PubMed from 2008 to 2020. This review focuses on the state of the art in the innovative therapeutic goals in Crohn's disease, also considering still controversial aspects and future research topics in the management of Crohn's disease. EXPERT OPINION Although a widely agreed view supports the notion that mucosal healing and bowel damage control may promote beneficial outcomes (i.e. reduction in hospitalization and surgical rates, avoidance of steroids), long-term robust data are still missing. On the other hand, the development of -omics techniques has expanded our knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanism underlying inflammatory bowel disease and opened up new horizons in precision or personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Cucchiara
- Women's and Children's Health Department, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia D'Arcangelo
- Women's and Children's Health Department, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Women's and Children's Health Department, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Aloi
- Women's and Children's Health Department, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Introduction: Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are constantly evolving. Recently, the improved understanding of EoE pathogenesis has led to identification of a variety of other potential targets that have never been considered before.Areas covered: In September 2019, we performed structured literature searches in Medline and PubMed, Cochrane meta-analyses, and abstracts of international congresses to review new potential therapeutic approaches for EoE.Expert opinion: The advent of omics disciplines has been helping in finding new molecular targets in EoE pathogenesis and may provide future guidance for deep phenotyping of the disease and therefore facilitate the possibility of personalized medicine. Interestingly, these new treatments should be focused on the restoration of epithelial barrier dysfunction, downregulation of specific molecular pathways of eosinophilic inflammation, and finally, prevention of esophageal remodeling. In this review, we highlight the most recent insights in EoE pathogenesis, which open new pathways for developing new therapeutic targets for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Oliva
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza - University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nurit P Azouz
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marc E Rothenberg
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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11
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Oliva S, Laudadio I, Fulci V, Rossetti D, Isoldi S, Stronati L, Carissimi C. SERPINB12 as a possible marker of steroid dependency in children with eosinophilic esophagitis: A pilot study. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:158-163. [PMID: 31653522 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topical steroids are effective in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), but patients often show different tendencies to relapse. We assessed whether gene expression is associated with a sort of steroid dependency in EoE children. METHODS Biopsy samples were prospectively collected on EoE children responding to topical steroids. Patients treated with viscous budesonide for 24 weeks were subsequently classified as early (6 months) or late (>6 months) relapsing. RNA was isolated from esophageal biopsies at the time of the relapse and analyzed by NGS for transcriptome profiling. RESULTS Of 40 patients, 22 patients were considered for mRNA expression profile. Thirteen were included in the early-relapse group, and 9 were in the late-relapse. No significant difference was observed in the two groups for clinical, endoscopic or histological features. Using the mRNA expression profile we performed supervised clustering using the 10 top differentially expressed genes between early and late relapsing patients. The heatmap and PCA show a proper segregation among patients. SERPINB12 is the only gene attaining a significant differential expression between the two groups (FDR < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Different tendencies to relapse in EoE children responding to topical steroids might be related to altered mRNA expressions. SERPINB12 presented a significantly higher expression in the late relapse group and it deserves further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Oliva
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza-University of Rome, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Rossetti
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza-University of Rome, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza-University of Rome, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, Italy
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12
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Carissimi C, Laudadio I, Palone F, Fulci V, Cesi V, Cardona F, Alfonsi C, Cucchiara S, Isoldi S, Stronati L. Functional analysis of gut microbiota and immunoinflammation in children with autism spectrum disorders. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:1366-1374. [PMID: 31320306 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent evidence implicates gut microbiota (GM) and immune alterations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We assess GM profile and peripheral levels of immunological, neuronal and bacterial molecules in ASD children and controls. Alarmin HMGB1 was explored as a non-invasive biomarker to monitor gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. METHODS Thirty ASD children and 14 controls entered into the study. GM metagenomic analysis was performed for 16 ASD patients and 7 controls. GM functional profile was assessed by GO term analysis. Blood levels of IL-1β, TNFα, TGFβ, IL-10, INFγ, IL-8, lipopolysaccharide, Neurotensin, Sortilin1 and GSSG/GSH ratio were analyzed in all subjects by ELISA. Fecal HMGB1 was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS We observed a significant decrease in bacterial diversity. Furthermore, 82 GO terms underrepresented in ASD. Four of them pointed at 3,3 phenylpropionate catabolism and were imputable to Escherichia coli (E. coli) group. Serum levels of TNFα, TGFβ, NT, and SORT-1 increased in ASD patients. Fecal levels of HMGB1 correlated with GI sign severity in ASD children. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that a decrease of E. coli might affect the propionate catabolism in ASD. We report occurrence of peripheral inflammation in ASD children. We propose fecal HMGB1 as a non-invasive biomarker to detect GI symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cardona
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Alfonsi
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Palone F, Pasquali E, Giardullo P, Stronati L, Vitali R, Mancuso M. Low Dose of Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Counteracts Atherosclerosis Progression in Apoe-/- Female Mice. J Vasc Res 2019; 56:267-270. [PMID: 31550706 DOI: 10.1159/000502692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Palone
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pasquali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Giardullo
- Department of Radiation Physics, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Mancuso
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA, Rome, Italy,
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Abstract
Metagenomics is not only one of the newest omics system science technologies but also one that has arguably the broadest set of applications and impacts globally. Metagenomics has found vast utility not only in environmental sciences, ecology, and public health but also in clinical medicine and looking into the future, in planetary health. In line with the One Health concept, metagenomics solicits collaboration between molecular biologists, geneticists, microbiologists, clinicians, computational biologists, plant biologists, veterinarians, and other health care professionals. Almost every ecological niche of our planet hosts an extremely diverse community of organisms that are still poorly characterized. Detailed characterization of the features of such communities is instrumental to our comprehension of ecological, biological, and clinical complexity. This expert review article evaluates how metagenomics is improving our knowledge of microbiota composition from environmental to human samples. Furthermore, we offer an analysis of the common technical and methodological challenges and potential pitfalls arising from metagenomics approaches, such as metagenomics study design, data processing, and interpretation. All in all, at this critical juncture of further growth of the metagenomics field, it is time to critically reflect on the lessons learned and the future prospects of next-generation metagenomics science, technology, and conceivable applications, particularly from the standpoint of a metagenomics methodology perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Stronati L, Palone F, Negroni A, Colantoni E, Mancuso AB, Cucchiara S, Cesi V, Isoldi S, Vitali R. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Improves Intestinal Mucosal Healing by Modulating Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Genes and Restoring Epithelial Barrier Functions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:939. [PMID: 31105713 PMCID: PMC6498413 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut mucosal healing (MH) is considered a key therapeutic target and prognostic parameter in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG), a salt of the glycoconjugated triterpene glycyrrhizin, has been shown to inhibit the High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein, an allarmin strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of most inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. Here we discuss new insights on how DPG acts on MH comparing the acute phase and the recovery phase from experimental colitis in mice. We found that DPG strongly accelerates MH by differently regulating pro-inflammatory (CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL12, CCL7) and wound healing (COL3A1, MMP9, VTN, PLAUR, SERPINE, CSF3, FGF2, FGF7, PLAT, TIMP1) genes as observed only during the recovery phase of colitis. Relevant issue is the identification of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling genes, VTN, and PLAUR, as crucial genes to achieve MH during DPG treatment. Furthermore, a noticeable recovery of intestinal epithelial barrier structural organization, wound repair ability, and functionality is observed in two human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines exposed to DPG during inflammation. Thus, our study identifies DPG as a potent tool for controlling intestinal inflammation and improving MH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colantoni
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Barbara Mancuso
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
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16
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Laudadio I, Fulci V, Palone F, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Carissimi C. Quantitative Assessment of Shotgun Metagenomics and 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing in the Study of Human Gut Microbiome. OMICS 2019; 22:248-254. [PMID: 29652573 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of microbiota composition in humans, animals, and built environments is important because of emerging roles and applications in a broad range of disease and ecological phenotypes. Next Generation Sequencing is the current method of choice to characterize microbial community composition. The taxonomic profile of a microbial community can be obtained either by shotgun analysis of random DNA fragments or through 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) amplicon sequencing. It has been previously shown that the 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing approach yields quantitatively and qualitatively different results compared to shotgun metagenomics when the two techniques are used to assess microbial community composition on the same samples. However, most of such comparisons were either based on the recovery of 16S rDNA sequences in the shotgun metagenomics data or limited to a single microbiome or synthetic samples. Direct comparison of shotgun metagenomics and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing on the same samples was performed only once in the recent literature, suggesting that the two methods yield comparable results. Here, we set out to compare the outcome of these two alternative approaches to the microbiome characterization in human gut microbiomes from stool samples. To this end, we processed six different samples with both techniques. We report here that shotgun next generation sequencing metagenomics allows much deeper characterization of the microbiome complexity, allowing identification of a larger number of species for each sample, compared to 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Further comparative studies in independent samples are called for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- 1 Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University , Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- 1 Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University , Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- 2 ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies , Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- 1 Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Carissimi
- 1 Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University , Rome, Italy
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17
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Pierdomenico M, Palone F, Cesi V, Vitali R, Mancuso AB, Cucchiara S, Oliva S, Aloi M, Stronati L. Transcription Factor ZNF281: A Novel Player in Intestinal Inflammation and Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2907. [PMID: 30619271 PMCID: PMC6297801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Recent evidences reveal the occurrence of a close relationship among epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), chronic inflammation and fibrosis. ZNF281 is an EMT-inducing transcription factor (EMT-TF) involved in the regulation of pluripotency, stemness, and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo a possible role of ZNF281 in the onset and progression of intestinal inflammation. A conceivable contribution of the protein to the development of intestinal fibrosis was also explored. Methods: Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HT29, and C57BL/6 mice were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. Mucosal biopsy specimens were taken during endoscopy from 29 pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 24 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 controls. ZNF281 was knocked down by transfecting HT29 cells with 20 nM small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting ZNF281 (siZNF281). Results: We show for the first time that ZNF281 is induced upon treatment with inflammatory agents in HT29 cells, in cultured uninflamed colonic samples from CD patients and in DSS-treated mice. ZNF281 expression correlates with the disease severity degree of CD and UC patients. Silencing of ZNF281 strongly reduces both inflammatory (IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-17, IL-23) and EMT/fibrotic (SNAIL, Slug, TIMP-1, vimentin, fibronectin, and α-SMA) gene expression; besides, it abolishes the increase of extracellular-collagen level as well as the morphological modifications induced by inflammation. Conclusions: The identification of transcription factor ZNF281 as a novel player of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis allows a deeper comprehension of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and provide a new target for their cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pierdomenico
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franscesca Palone
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Barbara Mancuso
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliva
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Aloi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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18
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Palone F, Vitali R, Trovato CM, Montuori M, Negroni A, Mallardo S, Stronati L. Faecal high mobility group box 1 in children with celiac disease: A pilot study. Dig Liver Dis 2018; 50:916-919. [PMID: 29709462 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.04.003] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Celiac disease (CD) is a gluten-related immunological disorder resulting in inflammatory enteropathy. AIMS We assessed a stool marker of intestinal inflammation, the HMGB1 protein, in children with CD on a gluten free diet (GFD) at baseline and at follow up (FU). METHODS Thirty-nine children were investigated at diagnosis and at FU. Traditional serum markers of CD (anti-transglutaminase and anti-endomysial antibodies) and faecal HMGB1 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting) were tested. RESULTS There was a marked increase at baseline in both serum anti-transglutaminase IgA (anti-tTGAs) and faecal HMGB1; the latter being undetectable in controls. A strong correlation occurred between the two markers. At 12-month FU in 24 patients on GFD, HMGB1 decreased in all subjects, yet still being detectable in six children: high anti-tTGAs where evident in three, while the three with normal anti-tTGAs were complaining of intestinal symptoms and reported a low GFD adherence. CONCLUSIONS Faecal HMGB1 is a valuable marker of intestinal inflammation and may have a role in complementing serology in the management of CD children. Future studies including larger patient cohorts and small bowel mucosa histology will be designed to assess the relationship between faecal HMGB1 levels and duodeno-jejunal histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Department of Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Montuori
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Department of Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Haematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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19
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Costanzo M, Cesi V, Palone F, Pierdomenico M, Colantoni E, Leter B, Vitali R, Negroni A, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Krill oil, vitamin D and Lactobacillus reuteri cooperate to reduce gut inflammation. Benef Microbes 2018; 9:389-399. [PMID: 29633636 DOI: 10.3920/bm2017.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Current research into original therapies to treat intestinal inflammation is focusing on no-drug therapies. KLD is a mixture of krill oil (KO), probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (LR), and vitamin D (VitD3). The aim of this study was to assess in vitro and in vivo the potential cooperative effects of KLD in reducing gut inflammation. Colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines, CACO2 and HT29, and C57BL/6 mice were used for in vitro and in vivo analyses, respectively. Cells were exposed to cytomix (interferon gamma + tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)) to induce inflammation or co-exposed to cytomix and KO, LR and VitD3 alone or to cytomix and KLD. Animals were treated for 7 days with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce colitis or with DSS and KLD. In vitro assays: F-actin expression was analysed by immunofluorescence; scratch test and trans-epithelial electric resistance test were performed to measure wound healing; adhesion/invasion assays of adhesive and invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) bacteria were made; mRNA expression of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-8 and vitamin D receptor (VDR) was detected by quantitative PCR. In vivo assays: body weight, clinical score, histological score and large intestine weight and length were estimated; mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 by quantitative PCR; VDR expression was detected by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. In vitro: KLD restores epithelial cell-cell adhesion and mucosal healing during inflammation, while decreases the adhesiveness and invasiveness of AIEC bacteria and TNF-α and IL-8 mRNA expression and increases VDR expression. In vivo: KLD significantly improves body weight, clinical score, histological score and large intestine length of mice with DSS-induced colitis and reduces TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels, while increases IL-10 mRNA and VDR levels. KLD has significant effects on the intestinal mucosa, strongly decreasing inflammation, increasing epithelial restitution and reducing pathogenicity of harmful commensal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Costanzo
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Cesi
- 2 Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Via Angullarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - F Palone
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - M Pierdomenico
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - E Colantoni
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - B Leter
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - R Vitali
- 2 Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Via Angullarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - A Negroni
- 2 Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Via Angullarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - S Cucchiara
- 1 Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L Stronati
- 3 Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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20
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Abstract
The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) protein, NOD2, belonging to the intracellular NOD-like receptor family, detects conserved motifs in bacterial peptidoglycan and promotes their clearance through activation of a proinflammatory transcriptional program and other innate immune pathways, including autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress. An inactive form due to mutations or a constitutive high expression of NOD2 is associated with several inflammatory diseases, suggesting that balanced NOD2 signaling is critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. In this review, we discuss recent developments about the pathway and mechanisms of regulation of NOD2 and illustrate the principal functions of the gene, with particular emphasis on its central role in maintaining the equilibrium between intestinal microbiota and host immune responses to control inflammation. Furthermore, we survey recent studies illustrating the role of NOD2 in several inflammatory diseases, in particular, inflammatory bowel disease, of which it is the main susceptibility gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pierdomenico
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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21
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Nobili V, Putignani L, Mosca A, Del Chierico F, Vernocchi P, Alisi A, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Toscano M, Drago L. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the gut microbiome of children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: which strains act as health players? Arch Med Sci 2018; 14:81-87. [PMID: 29379536 PMCID: PMC5778421 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2016.62150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), considered the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children, can often progress from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is clear that obesity is one of the main risk factors involved in NAFLD pathogenesis, even if specific mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. We investigated the distribution of intestinal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the stools of four groups of children: obese, obese with NAFL, obese with NASH, and healthy, age-matched controls (CTRLs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-one obese, NAFL and NASH children and 54 CTRLs were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were measured for all subjects. All children with suspected NASH underwent liver biopsy. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were analysed in children's faecal samples, during a broader, 16S rRNA-based pyrosequencing analysis of the gut microbiome. RESULTS Three Bifidobacterium spp. (Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis) and five Lactobacillus spp. (L. zeae, L. vaginalis, L. brevis, L. ruminis, and L. mucosae) frequently recurred in metagenomic analyses. Lactobacillus spp. increased in NAFL, NASH, or obese children compared to CTRLs. Particularly, L. mucosae was significantly higher in obese (p = 0.02426), NAFLD (p = 0.01313) and NASH (p = 0.01079) than in CTRLs. In contrast, Bifidobacterium spp. were more abundant in CTRLs, suggesting a protective and beneficial role of these microorganisms against the aforementioned diseases. CONCLUSIONS Bifidobacteria seem to have a protective role against the development of NAFLD and obesity, highlighting their possible use in developing novel, targeted and effective probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Liver Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Parasitology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pamela Vernocchi
- Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Toscano
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Drago
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to systematically review the diagnostic utility of serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS We conducted an electronic and manual search of the available evidence. We included studies reporting data on the diagnostic accuracy of "serum" biomarkers for the diagnosis of NEC, available until January 2016. RESULTS We selected 22 studies from the 1296 articles retrieved. Only S100 A8/A9 protein and apolipoprotein-CII showed high sensitivity (100% and 96.4%, respectively) and specificity (90% and 95%, respectively) in the studies using Bell stage II NEC as target condition. High sensitivity and specificity were reported for interleukin-10 (100% and 90%), interleukin1-receptor antagonist (100% and 91.7%), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (100% and 91%) and ischemia-modified albumin (94.7% and 92%), when tested to predict the evolution from definite to advanced NEC. Given the amount of uncertainty, the limited availability of data and heterogeneity among the populations in the different studies, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Major concerns about the applicability stemmed from the spectrum of patients enrolled and the inclusion of diseases different from Bell stage ≥2 NEC as target conditions. CONCLUSIONS We identified only few markers with good diagnostic accuracy and found an overall low quality of the studies on serum NEC biomarkers. In conclusion, data supporting their use are insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Negroni A, Colantoni E, Pierdomenico M, Palone F, Costanzo M, Oliva S, Tiberti A, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. RIP3 AND pMLKL promote necroptosis-induced inflammation and alter membrane permeability in intestinal epithelial cells. Dig Liver Dis 2017; 49:1201-1210. [PMID: 28844856 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death requiring receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL). AIMS The aim of this study is to examine in depth in vitro and ex vivo the contribution of necroptosis to intestinal inflammation. METHODS In vitro: we used an intestinal cell line, HCT116RIP3, produced in our laboratory and overexpressing RIP3. Ex vivo: intestinal mucosal biopsies were taken from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (20 with Crohn's disease; 20 with ulcerative colitis) and from 20 controls. RESULTS RIP3-induced necroptosis triggers MLKL activation, increases cytokine/alarmin expression (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-33, HMGB1), NF-kBp65 translocation and NALP3 inflammasome assembly. It also affects membrane permeability by altering cell-cell junctional proteins (E-cadherin, Occludin, Zonulin-1). Targeting necroptosis through Necrostatin-1 significantly reduces intestinal inflammation in vitro and in cultured intestinal explants from IBD. CONCLUSION We show for the first time in vitro and ex vivo that RIP3-driven necroptosis seriously affects intestinal inflammation by increasing pMLKL, activating different cytokines and alarmins, and altering epithelial permeability. The inhibition of necroptosis causes a significant decrease of all these effects. These data strongly support the view that targeting necroptosis may represent a promising new option for the treatment of inflammatory enteropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, Territorial and Production Systems Sustainability Department, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Colantoni
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pierdomenico
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Palone
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Costanzo
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliva
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Tiberti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Capriati T, Nobili V, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Laureti F, Liguori A, Tyndall E, Diamanti A. Enteral nutrition in pediatric intestinal failure: does initial feeding impact on intestinal adaptation? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 11:741-748. [PMID: 28562106 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2017.1335196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary IF can be due to impaired gut length or impaired gut function; short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of IF. In IF patients complete enteral starvation should be avoided whenever possible and enteral/oral nutrition (EN/ON) should be employed at the maximum tolerated amount in each phase of the clinical evolution of IF. Intraluminal nutrients have stimulatory effects on epithelial cells and on trophism that enhance intestinal adaptation. Areas covered: Evidence for nutritional interventions in pediatric IF is limited and of poor quality. Clinical practice in SBS feeding are more 'experience-based' rather than 'evidence-based' and this dearth of clinical evidence is partly due to the rarity of this condition. This review updates knowledge concerning the impact of the initial diet with EN/ON in neonatal onset SBS in the process of bowel adaption. Expert commentary: Human milk resulted the preferred starting diet and it is generally combined with amino-acids (AAs) in Northern America and with hydrolyzed proteins (HFs) in Europe; polymeric diet is rarely employed. HFs were not more effective than AAs in promoting intestinal adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Capriati
- a Department of Pediatrics , Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù" , Rome , Italy
| | - Valerio Nobili
- b Liver Res Unit , IRCCS, Bambino Gesu Children Hosp , Rome , Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- c Department of Pediatrics , Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza Facolta di Medicina e Psicologia , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Francesca Laureti
- a Department of Pediatrics , Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù" , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandra Liguori
- a Department of Pediatrics , Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù" , Rome , Italy
| | - Elaine Tyndall
- a Department of Pediatrics , Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù" , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonella Diamanti
- a Department of Pediatrics , Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesù" , Rome , Italy
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Toscano M, De Grandi R, Stronati L, De Vecchi E, Drago L. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 on the healthy gut microbiota composition at phyla and species level: A preliminary study. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:2696-2704. [PMID: 28487606 PMCID: PMC5403748 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i15.2696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 to colonize the intestinal environment of healthy subjects and modify the gut microbiota composition.
METHODS Twenty healthy Italian volunteers, eight males and twelve females, participated in the study. Ten subjects took a sachet containing 4 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and 109 CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, 30 min before breakfast (pre-prandial administration), while ten subjects took a sachet of probiotic product 30 min after breakfast (post-prandial administration). The ability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 to colonize human gut microbiota was assessed by means of quantitative real-time PCR, while changes in gut microbiota composition were detected by using Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine.
RESULTS Immediately after 1-mo of probiotic administration, B. longum BB536 and L. rhamnosus HN001 load was increased in the majority of subjects in both pre-prandial and post-prandial groups. This increase was found also 1 mo after the end of probiotic oral intake in both groups, if compared to samples collected before probiotic consumption. At phyla level a significant decrease in Firmicutes abundance was detected immediately after 1-mo of B. longum BB536 and L. rhamnosus HN001 oral intake. This reduction persisted up to 1 mo after the end of probiotic oral intake together with a significant decrease of Proteobacteria abundance if compared to samples collected before probiotic administration. Whereas, at species level, a higher abundance of Blautia producta, Blautia wexlerae and Haemophilus ducrey was observed, together with a reduction of Holdemania filiformis, Escherichia vulneris, Gemmiger formicilis and Streptococcus sinensis abundance. In addition, during follow-up period we observed a further reduction in Escherichia vulneris and Gemmiger formicilis, together with a decrease in Roseburia faecis and Ruminococcus gnavus abundance. Conversely, the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was increased if compared to samples collected at the beginning of the experimental time course
CONCLUSION B. longum BB536 and L. rhamnosus HN001 showed the ability to modulate the gut microbiota composition, leading to a significant reduction of potentially harmful bacteria and an increase of beneficial ones. Further studies are needed to better understand the specific mechanisms involved in gut microbiota modulation.
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Della Corte C, Carpino G, De Vito R, De Stefanis C, Alisi A, Cianfarani S, Overi D, Mosca A, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Raponi M, Gaudio E, Byrne CD, Nobili V. Docosahexanoic Acid Plus Vitamin D Treatment Improves Features of NAFLD in Children with Serum Vitamin D Deficiency: Results from a Single Centre Trial. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168216. [PMID: 27977757 PMCID: PMC5158039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no licensed treatments for non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults or children. In NAFLD, several studies have shown a benefit of omega-3 fatty acid treatment on lipid profile, insulin-sensitivity and hepatic steatosis and it has also been suggested that Vitamin D treatment has potential antifibrotic properties in liver disease. TRIAL DESIGN To date, however, there are no studies that have tested the combination of Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and vitamin D treatment which may benefit the whole spectrum of disease in NAFLD. Our aim therefore, was to test the effect of daily DHA (500 mg) plus vitamin D (800 IU) treatment, in obese children with biopsy-proven NAFLD and vitamin D deficiency, in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. METHODS The 41/43 patients completed the study (18-treatment, 23-placebo). At 12 months: i) the main outcome was liver histology improvement, defined by NAS; ii) the secondary outcome was amelioration of metabolic parameters. RESULTS DHA plus vitamin D treatment reduced the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS), in the treatment group (5.4 v1.92; p<0.001 for baseline versus end of study). There was no change in fibrosis score, but a reduction of the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and fibrillar collagen content was noted (3.51±1.66 v. 1.59±1.37; p = 0.003) in treatment group. Moreover, the triglycerides (174.5 vs. 102.15 mg/dl), ALT (40.25 vs. 24.5 UI/l) and HOMA-IR (4.59 vs. 3.42) were all decreased with treatment. CONCLUSION DHA plus vitamin D treatment improved insulin-resistance, lipid profile, ALT and NAS. There was also decreased HSC activation and collagen content with treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Della Corte
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS–Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico"- Rome, Italy
| | - Rita De Vito
- Histopathology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS- Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS–Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cianfarani
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, IRCCS—Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome—Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS–Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University Hospital Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome—Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher D. Byrne
- Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton-, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS–Rome, Italy
- Liver Research Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children’s Hospital, IRCCS–Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Panera N, Della Corte C, Crudele A, Stronati L, Nobili V, Alisi A. Recent advances in understanding the role of adipocytokines during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis and their link with hepatokines. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:393-403. [PMID: 26654761 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1110485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Mechanisms leading to the development and progression of this disease are topics of great interest for researchers and clinicians. The current multi-hit hypothesis has thrown the crosstalk between liver and adipose tissue into sharp focus. It is well known that adipose tissue produces circulating factors, known as adipocytokines, which exert several effects on liver cells, promoting the onset of NAFLD and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in obese subjects. In a similar way, hepatocytes may also respond to obesogenic stimuli by producing and releasing hepatokines into the circulation. Here, the authors provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the role of the most relevant adipocytokines and hepatokines in NAFLD pathogenesis, highlighting their possible molecular and functional interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Panera
- a Liver Research Unit , 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Claudia Della Corte
- b Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit , 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- a Liver Research Unit , 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- c Department of Radiobiology and Human Health , ENEA , Rome , Italy
| | - Valerio Nobili
- b Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit , 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- a Liver Research Unit , 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS , Rome , Italy
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Ceccarelli S, Panera N, Mina M, Gnani D, De Stefanis C, Crudele A, Rychlicki C, Petrini S, Bruscalupi G, Agostinelli L, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Musso G, Furlanello C, Svegliati-Baroni G, Nobili V, Alisi A. LPS-induced TNF-α factor mediates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic pattern in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41434-52. [PMID: 26573228 PMCID: PMC4747165 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is currently considered one of the major players in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis and progression. Here, we aim to investigate the possible role of LPS-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF) in inducing a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic phenotype of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).We found that children with NAFLD displayed, in different liver-resident cells, an increased expression of LITAF which correlated with histological traits of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Total and nuclear LITAF expression increased in mouse and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Moreover, LPS induced LITAF-dependent transcription of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the clonal myofibroblastic HSC LX-2 cell line, and this effect was hampered by LITAF silencing. We showed, for the first time in HSCs, that LITAF recruitment to these cytokine promoters is LPS dependent. However, preventing LITAF nuclear translocation by p38MAPK inhibitor, the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly reduced with the aid of p65NF-ĸB, while IL-1β transcription exclusively required LITAF expression/activity. Finally, IL-1β levels in plasma mirrored those in the liver and correlated with LPS levels and LITAF-positive HSCs in children with NASH.In conclusion, a more severe histological profile in paediatric NAFLD is associated with LITAF over-expression in HSCs, which in turn correlates with hepatic and circulating IL-1β levels outlining a panel of potential biomarkers of NASH-related liver damage. The in vitro study highlights the role of LITAF as a key regulator of the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory pattern in HSCs and suggests p38MAPK inhibitors as a possible therapeutic approach against hepatic inflammation in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ceccarelli
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Panera
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Mina
- Predictive Models for Biomedicine and Environment Unit, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniela Gnani
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano De Stefanis
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rychlicki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovannella Bruscalupi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Agostinelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Furlanello
- Predictive Models for Biomedicine and Environment Unit, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Trento, Italy
| | - Gianluca Svegliati-Baroni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Center for Obesity, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Bodea C, Neale B, Ripke S, Daly M, Devlin B, Roeder K, Barclay M, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Chamaillard M, Colombel JF, Cottone M, Croft A, D’Incà R, Halfvarson J, Hanigan K, Henderson P, Hugot JP, Karban A, Kennedy N, Khan M, Lémann M, Levine A, Massey D, Milla M, Montgomery G, Ng S, Oikonomou I, Peeters H, Proctor D, Rahier JF, Roberts R, Rutgeerts P, Seibold F, Stronati L, Taylor K, Törkvist L, Ublick K, Van Limbergen J, Van Gossum A, Vatn M, Zhang H, Zhang W, Andrews J, Bampton P, Barclay M, Florin T, Gearry R, Krishnaprasad K, Lawrance I, Mahy G, Montgomery G, Radford-Smith G, Roberts R, Simms L, Amininijad L, Cleynen I, Dewit O, Franchimont D, Georges M, Laukens D, Peeters H, Rahier JF, Rutgeerts P, Theatre E, Van Gossum A, Vermeire S, Aumais G, Baidoo L, Barrie A, Beck K, Bernard EJ, Binion D, Bitton A, Brant S, Cho J, Cohen A, Croitoru K, Daly M, Datta L, Deslandres C, Duerr R, Dutridge D, Ferguson J, Fultz J, Goyette P, Greenberg G, Haritunians T, Jobin G, Katz S, Lahaie R, McGovern D, Nelson L, Ng S, Ning K, Oikonomou I, Paré P, Proctor D, Regueiro M, Rioux J, Ruggiero E, Schumm L, Schwartz M, Scott R, Sharma Y, Silverberg M, Spears D, Steinhart A, Stempak J, Swoger J, Tsagarelis C, Zhang W, Zhang C, Zhao H, Aerts J, Ahmad T, Arbury H, Attwood A, Auton A, Ball S, Balmforth A, Barnes C, Barrett J, Barroso I, Barton A, Bennett A, Bhaskar S, Blaszczyk K, Bowes J, Brand O, Braund P, Bredin F, Breen G, Brown M, Bruce I, Bull J, Burren O, Burton J, Byrnes J, Caesar S, Cardin N, Clee C, Coffey A, Connell J, Conrad D, Cooper J, Dominiczak A, Downes K, Drummond H, Dudakia D, Dunham A, Ebbs B, Eccles D, Edkins S, Edwards C, Elliot A, Emery P, Evans D, Evans G, Eyre S, Farmer A, Ferrier N, Flynn E, Forbes A, Forty L, Franklyn J, Frayling T, Freathy R, Giannoulatou E, Gibbs P, Gilbert P, Gordon-Smith K, Gray E, Green E, Groves C, Grozeva D, Gwilliam R, Hall A, Hammond N, Hardy M, Harrison P, Hassanali N, Hebaishi H, Hines S, Hinks A, Hitman G, Hocking L, Holmes C, Howard E, Howard P, Howson J, Hughes D, Hunt S, Isaacs J, Jain M, Jewell D, Johnson T, Jolley J, Jones I, Jones L, Kirov G, Langford C, Lango-Allen H, Lathrop G, Lee J, Lee K, Lees C, Lewis K, Lindgren C, Maisuria-Armer M, Maller J, Mansfield J, Marchini J, Martin P, Massey D, McArdle W, McGuffin P, McLay K, McVean G, Mentzer A, Mimmack M, Morgan A, Morris A, Mowat C, Munroe P, Myers S, Newman W, Nimmo E, O’Donovan M, Onipinla A, Ovington N, Owen M, Palin K, Palotie A, Parnell K, Pearson R, Pernet D, Perry J, Phillips A, Plagnol V, Prescott N, Prokopenko I, Quail M, Rafelt S, Rayner N, Reid D, Renwick A, Ring S, Robertson N, Robson S, Russell E, St Clair D, Sambrook J, Sanderson J, Sawcer S, Schuilenburg H, Scott C, Scott R, Seal S, Shaw-Hawkins S, Shields B, Simmonds M, Smyth D, Somaskantharajah E, Spanova K, Steer S, Stephens J, Stevens H, Stirrups K, Stone M, Strachan D, Su Z, Symmons D, Thompson J, Thomson W, Tobin M, Travers M, Turnbull C, Vukcevic D, Wain L, Walker M, Walker N, Wallace C, Warren-Perry M, Watkins N, Webster J, Weedon M, Wilson A, Woodburn M, Wordsworth B, Yau C, Young A, Zeggini E, Brown M, Burton P, Caulfield M, Compston A, Farrall M, Gough S, Hall A, Hattersley A, Hill A, Mathew C, Pembrey M, Satsangi J, Stratton M, Worthington J, Hurles M, Duncanson A, Ouwehand W, Parkes M, Rahman N, Todd J, Samani N, Kwiatkowski D, McCarthy M, Craddock N, Deloukas P, Donnelly P, Blackwell J, Bramon E, Casas J, Corvin A, Jankowski J, Markus H, Palmer C, Plomin R, Rautanen A, Trembath R, Viswanathan A, Wood N, Spencer C, Band G, Bellenguez C, Freeman C, Hellenthal G, Giannoulatou E, Pirinen M, Pearson R, Strange A, Blackburn H, Bumpstead S, Dronov S, Gillman M, Jayakumar A, McCann O, Liddle J, Potter S, Ravindrarajah R, Ricketts M, Waller M, Weston P, Widaa S, Whittaker P. A Method to Exploit the Structure of Genetic Ancestry Space to Enhance Case-Control Studies. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:857-868. [PMID: 27087321 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One goal of human genetics is to understand the genetic basis of disease, a challenge for diseases of complex inheritance because risk alleles are few relative to the vast set of benign variants. Risk variants are often sought by association studies in which allele frequencies in case subjects are contrasted with those from population-based samples used as control subjects. In an ideal world we would know population-level allele frequencies, releasing researchers to focus on case subjects. We argue this ideal is possible, at least theoretically, and we outline a path to achieving it in reality. If such a resource were to exist, it would yield ample savings and would facilitate the effective use of data repositories by removing administrative and technical barriers. We call this concept the Universal Control Repository Network (UNICORN), a means to perform association analyses without necessitating direct access to individual-level control data. Our approach to UNICORN uses existing genetic resources and various statistical tools to analyze these data, including hierarchical clustering with spectral analysis of ancestry; and empirical Bayesian analysis along with Gaussian spatial processes to estimate ancestry-specific allele frequencies. We demonstrate our approach using tens of thousands of control subjects from studies of Crohn disease, showing how it controls false positives, provides power similar to that achieved when all control data are directly accessible, and enhances power when control data are limiting or even imperfectly matched ancestrally. These results highlight how UNICORN can enable reliable, powerful, and convenient genetic association analyses without access to the individual-level data.
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Haile PA, Votta BJ, Marquis RW, Bury MJ, Mehlmann JF, Singhaus R, Charnley AK, Lakdawala AS, Convery MA, Lipshutz DB, Desai BM, Swift B, Capriotti CA, Berger SB, Mahajan MK, Reilly MA, Rivera EJ, Sun HH, Nagilla R, Beal AM, Finger JN, Cook MN, King BW, Ouellette MT, Totoritis RD, Pierdomenico M, Negroni A, Stronati L, Cucchiara S, Ziółkowski B, Vossenkämper A, MacDonald TT, Gough PJ, Bertin J, Casillas LN. The Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of 6-(tert-Butylsulfonyl)-N-(5-fluoro-1H-indazol-3-yl)quinolin-4-amine (GSK583), a Highly Potent and Selective Inhibitor of RIP2 Kinase. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4867-80. [PMID: 27109867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RIP2 kinase is a central component of the innate immune system and enables downstream signaling following activation of the pattern recognition receptors NOD1 and NOD2, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines. Recently, several inhibitors of RIP2 kinase have been disclosed that have contributed to the fundamental understanding of the role of RIP2 in this pathway. However, because they lack either broad kinase selectivity or strong affinity for RIP2, these tools have only limited utility to assess the role of RIP2 in complex environments. We present, herein, the discovery and pharmacological characterization of GSK583, a next-generation RIP2 inhibitor possessing exquisite selectivity and potency. Having demonstrated the pharmacological precision of this tool compound, we report its use in elucidating the role of RIP2 kinase in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments, further clarifying our understanding of the role of RIP2 in NOD1 and NOD2 mediated disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Máire A Convery
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre , Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Pierdomenico
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) , 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) , 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, Sapienza University Hospital Umberto I , 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Umberto I , 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Vossenkämper
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London , E1 2AD London, U.K
| | - Thomas T MacDonald
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London , E1 2AD London, U.K
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Pierdomenico M, Cesi V, Cucchiara S, Vitali R, Prete E, Costanzo M, Aloi M, Oliva S, Stronati L. NOD2 Is Regulated By Mir-320 in Physiological Conditions but this Control Is Altered in Inflamed Tissues of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2016; 22:315-26. [PMID: 26752466 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large evidence supports the role of microRNAs as new important inflammatory mediators by regulating both the adaptive and innate immunity. In the present study, we speculated that miR-320 controls NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain) expression, because it contains multiple binding sites in the 3'-untranslated region of the gene. NOD2, the first gene associated to increased susceptibility to Crohn's disease, is a cytosolic receptor that senses wall peptides of bacteria and promotes their clearance through initiation of a proinflammatory transcriptional program. This study aims at demonstrating that NOD2 is a target of miR-320 as well as investigating the role of inflammation in modulating the miR-320 control on NOD2 expression and analyzing miR-320 expression in intestinal biopsies of children with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS The colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT29 was used to assess the miR-320-mediated regulation of NOD2 expression. MiR-320 and NOD2 expression were analyzed in mucosal samples of 40 children with inflammatory bowel disease. RESULTS During inflammation, NOD2 expression is inversely correlated with miR-320 expression in vitro and ex vivo. Exogenous miR-320 transfection in HT29 cells leads to a significant decrease of NOD2 expression, whereas the miR-320 inhibitor transfection leads to increase of NOD2 expression, nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB, and activation of downstream cytokines. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time that NOD2 expression is under the control of miR-320. We also show in vitro and ex vivo that inflammation induces a decrease of miR-320 and the latter correlates negatively with NOD2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pierdomenico
- *Department of Radiation Biology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy; and †Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Costanzo M, Cesi V, Prete E, Negroni A, Palone F, Cucchiara S, Oliva S, Leter B, Stronati L. Krill oil reduces intestinal inflammation by improving epithelial integrity and impairing adherent-invasive Escherichia coli pathogenicity. Dig Liver Dis 2016; 48:34-42. [PMID: 26493628 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Krill oil is a marine derived oil rich in phospholipids, astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have found benefits of krill oil against oxidative and inflammatory damage. AIMS We aimed at assessing the ability of krill oil to reduce intestinal inflammation by improving epithelial barrier integrity, increasing cell survival and reducing pathogenicity of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli. METHODS CACO2 and HT29 cells were exposed to cytomix (TNFα and IFNγ) to induce inflammation and co-exposed to cytomix and krill oil. E-cadherin, ZO-1 and F-actin levels were analyzed by immunofluorescence to assess barrier integrity. Scratch test was performed to measure wound healing. Cell survival was analyzed by flow cytometry. Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli LF82 was used for adhesion/invasion assay. RESULTS In inflamed cells E-cadherin and ZO-1 decreased, with loss of cell-cell adhesion, and F-actin polymerization increased stress fibres; krill oil restored initial conditions and improved wound healing, reduced bacterial adhesion/invasion in epithelial cells and survival within macrophages; krill oil reduced LF82-induced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Krill oil improves intestinal barrier integrity and epithelial restitution during inflammation and controls bacterial adhesion and invasion to epithelial cells. Thus, krill oil may represent an innovative tool to reduce intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Prete
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Oliva
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Leter
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
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Della Corte C, Mosca A, Majo F, Lucidi V, Panera N, Giglioni E, Monti L, Stronati L, Alisi A, Nobili V. Nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: more than ectopic fat. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015. [PMID: 26201937 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of fatty pancreas (nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease - NAFPD) in a group of obese paediatric patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS We included 121 consecutive children with echographic evidence of hepatic steatosis. All patients underwent to abdominal ultrasound to evaluate pancreatic echogenic pattern. We divided the patients into two groups on the basis of the presence of fatty pancreas. In all patients liver function tests, lipid and gluco-insulinemic profile were evaluated. A selected subset of patients (67) underwent to liver biopsy. RESULTS Of these 121 patients, 58 showed NAFPD and 63 patients exhibited a normal pancreatic echogenic pattern. No differences were found in age, transaminases serum levels, lipid profile and pancreatic enzymes between the two groups. The patients with NAFPD had a significantly higher z-BMI, fasting insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lower ISI respect to the group without fatty pancreas. The patients with fatty pancreas showed a more advanced form of liver disease, with higher values of fibrosis, ballooning and NAS score with respect to the group without NAFPD. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that NAFPD is a frequent condition in obese paediatric patients affected by NAFLD. Our data suggest that pancreatic fat should not be considered an inert accumulation of fat, but as an additional factor able to affect glucose metabolism and severity of liver disease, increasing the risk of develop metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Della Corte
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Mosca
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F Majo
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Pediatric Department, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - V Lucidi
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Pediatric Department, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - N Panera
- Liver Research Unit, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Giglioni
- Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Monti
- Liver and Digestive Radiology Unit, Department of Imaging, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Stronati
- Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - A Alisi
- Liver Research Unit, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - V Nobili
- Hepato-Metabolic Department, 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Moretti M, Grollino MG, Pavanello S, Bonfiglioli R, Villarini M, Appolloni M, Carrieri M, Sabatini L, Dominici L, Stronati L, Mastrangelo G, Barbieri A, Fatigoni C, Bartolucci GB, Ceretti E, Mussi F, Monarca S. Micronuclei and chromosome aberrations in subjects occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs: a multicentric approach. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2014; 88:683-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-014-0993-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Negroni A, Prete E, Vitali R, Cesi V, Aloi M, Civitelli F, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response are involved in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:788-94. [PMID: 24953208 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response have been recently associated with the development of inflammatory bowel diseases in adults. We aimed at assessing the involvement of these pathways also in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease by analysing the expression of the main genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress and correlating them with the degree of intestinal inflammation. METHODS Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis of the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker HSPA5 and of selected genes representing the three pathways of unfolded protein response (IRE-XBP1, PERK-ATF4, ATF6p90-p50) in inflamed and uninflamed biopsies from 28 inflammatory bowel disease paediatric patients and 10 controls. RESULTS HSPA5, PDIA4, as well as unspliced and spliced XBP1 mRNAs were significantly increased in patients' inflamed colonic mucosa compared to uninflamed mucosa and controls. HSPA5, PDIA4, ATF6, and phospho-IRE proteins were also upregulated, indicating the activation of the IRE-XBP1 and ATF6p90-p50 branches of unfolded protein response. A positive significant correlation between interleukin-8 levels, as a marker of inflammation, and upregulated genes was found in the inflamed colonic mucosa. CONCLUSION A deregulation of the genes involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response pathways may be a key component of the inflammatory response in paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Negroni
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrica Prete
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cesi
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Aloi
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fortunata Civitelli
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Paediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
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Alisi A, Nobili V, Ceccarelli S, Panera N, De Stefanis C, De Vito R, Vitali R, Bedogni G, Balsano C, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Plasma high mobility group box 1 protein reflects fibrosis in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2014; 14:763-71. [DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2014.928205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Bertuccini L, Costanzo M, Iosi F, Tinari A, Terruzzi F, Stronati L, Aloi M, Cucchiara S, Superti F. Lactoferrin prevents invasion and inflammatory response following E. coli strain LF82 infection in experimental model of Crohn's disease. Dig Liver Dis 2014; 46:496-504. [PMID: 24631031 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease is a multifactorial disease in which an aberrant immune response to commensal intestinal microbiota leads to chronic inflammation. The small intestine of patients with Crohn's disease is colonized by a group of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli strongly able to adhere and invade intestinal epithelial cells lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. AIMS We explore the ability of bovine lactoferrin to modulate the interactions between the adherent-invasive E. coli strain LF82 and intestinal epithelial cells as well as the inflammatory response. METHODS Bacterial adhesion and invasion assays were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of lactoferrin. Electron microscopy was used to characterize bacteria-cell interactions. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was measured both in cultured cells and in biopsies taken from intestine of patients affected by Crohn's disease. RESULTS Lactoferrin inhibited bacterial invasion through minimally affecting adhesion. This divergence was due to a mannose-dependent lactoferrin binding to the bacterial type 1 pili and consequent bacterial aggregation on the intestinal epithelial cell surface. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-8, and IL-6, was markedly inhibited by lactoferrin both in cultured and Crohn-derived intestinal cells. CONCLUSIONS Bovine lactoferrin might function via an antibacterial and/or anti-inflammatory mechanism in the treatment of Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Bertuccini
- Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Costanzo
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Iosi
- Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Tinari
- Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Terruzzi
- Giellepi S.p.A., Via G. Verdi, 41/Q, 20831 Seregno (MB), Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Aloi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Superti
- Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Di Nardo G, Barbara G, Cucchiara S, Cremon C, Shulman RJ, Isoldi S, Zecchi L, Drago L, Oliva S, Saulle R, Barbaro MR, Stronati L. Neuroimmune interactions at different intestinal sites are related to abdominal pain symptoms in children with IBS. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2014; 26:196-204. [PMID: 24304324 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroimmune interactions and inflammation have been proposed as factors involved in sensory-motor dysfunction and symptom generation in adult irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. In children with IBS and healthy controls, we measured ileocolonic mast cell infiltration and fecal calprotectin and evaluated the relationships between these parameters and abdominal pain symptoms and stooling pattern. METHODS Irritable bowel syndrome patients diagnosed according to Pediatric Rome III criteria and healthy controls kept a 2-week pain/stooling diary. Ileocolonic mucosal mast cells (MC) and MC in close proximity to nerve fibers (MC-NF) were identified immunohistochemically and quantified. Fecal calprotectin concentration was measured. KEY RESULTS 21 IBS patients and 10 controls were enrolled. The MC-NF count was significantly higher in the ileum (p = 0.01), right colon (p = 0.04), and left colon (p < 0.001) of IBS patients compared with controls. No differences in fecal calprotectin concentration were noted. Abdominal pain intensity score correlated with ileal MC count (r(s) = 0.47, p = 0.030) and right colon MC-NF count (r(s) = 0.52, p = 0.015). In addition, children with IBS with >3 abdominal pain episodes/week had greater ileal (p = 0.002) and right colonic (p = 0.01) MC counts and greater ileal (p = 0.05) and right colonic (p = 0.016) MC-NF counts than children with less frequent pain. No relationship was found between MC and MC-NF and fecal calprotectin or stooling pattern. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Mast cells-nerve fibers counts are increased in the ileocolonic mucosa of children with IBS. Mast cells and MC-NF counts are related to the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Di Nardo
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Vitali R, Palone F, Cucchiara S, Negroni A, Cavone L, Costanzo M, Aloi M, Dilillo A, Stronati L. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Inhibits HMGB1-Dependent Inflammation and Ameliorates Colitis in Mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66527. [PMID: 23840500 PMCID: PMC3686690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding protein that is released from injured cells during inflammation. Advances in targeting HMGB1 represent a major challenge to improve the treatment of acute/chronic inflammation. Aim This study is aimed at verifying whether the inhibition of HMGB1 through dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG) is a good strategy to reduce intestinal inflammation. Methods Human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, HT29, human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma, Caco2, and murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, were cultured to investigate the effect of DPG on the secretion of HMGB1. Acute colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice through administration of 3% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS); a combined treatment with DSS and 3 or 8 mg/kg/day DPG was used to investigate the effects of DPG on intestinal inflammation. Animals were euthanized at seventh day and colonic samples underwent molecular and histological analyses. Results DPG significantly reduces in vitro the release of HMGB1 in the extracellular matrix as well as expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, by inhibiting HMGB1. Moreover, DPG significantly decreases the severity of DSS-induced colitis in mice. Murine colonic samples show decreased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6, as well as HMGB1 receptors, RAGE and TLR4. Finally, HMGB1, abundantly present in the feces of mice with DSS-induced colitis, is strongly reduced by DPG. Conclusions HMGB1 is an early pro-inflammatory cytokine and an active protagonist of mucosal gut inflammation. DPG exerts inhibitory effects against HMGB1 activity, significantly reducing intestinal inflammation. Thus, we reason that DPG could represent an innovative tool for the management of human intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
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40
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Latiano A, Palmieri O, Pastorelli L, Vecchi M, Pizarro TT, Bossa F, Merla G, Augello B, Latiano T, Corritore G, Settesoldi A, Valvano MR, D'Incà R, Stronati L, Annese V, Andriulli A. Associations between genetic polymorphisms in IL-33, IL1R1 and risk for inflammatory bowel disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62144. [PMID: 23634226 PMCID: PMC3636262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that the IL-33/IL1RL1 axis plays a critical role in several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; however, its mechanistic role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been clearly defined. We investigated the contribution of IL-33 and IL1RL1 polymorphisms to IBD risk, and possible correlations with phenotype in an Italian cohort of adult and pediatric patients. METHODS We evaluated the association of six SNPs in IL-33 and IL1RL1 genes, in 805 Crohn's disease (CD), 816 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 752 controls, using Taqman. IL-33 and IL1RL1 mRNA expression was also analyzed. RESULTS Significant allele and genotype associations with IL-33 rs3939286 were found in CD (P = 0.004; P = 0.035) and UC patients (P = 0.002; P = 0.038). After stratifying the cohort for age at diagnosis, the differences remained significant only in the IBD adult-onset. Significant associations were also obtained in CD patients with two IL1RL1 polymorphisms (rs13015714 and rs2058660, P<0.015). By combining homo- and heterozygous carriers of the rs13015714 risk allele, differences were still significant for both CD adult- and pediatric-onset. Upon genotype-phenotype evaluation, an increased frequency of extensive colitis in adult UC (P = 0.019) and in steroid-responsive pediatric patients (P = 0.024) carrying the IL-33 rs3939286 risk genotype, was observed. mRNA expression of IL-33 and IL1RL1 in inflamed IBD biopsy samples was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Common IL-33 and IL1RL1 polymorphisms contribute to the risk of IBD in an Italian cohort of adult and pediatric patients, with some influence on sub-phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Latiano
- Division of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
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Mazzoccoli G, Palmieri O, Corritore G, Latiano T, Bossa F, Scimeca D, Biscaglia G, Valvano MR, D'Incà R, Cucchiara S, Stronati L, Annese V, Andriulli A, Latiano A. Association study of a polymorphism in clock gene PERIOD3 and risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Chronobiol Int 2012; 29:994-1003. [PMID: 22881285 DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2012.705935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Altered body rhythmicity and deregulated clock gene expression may cause circadian disruption, which can lead to immune dysregulation and chronic inflammatory diseases. PERIOD3 (PER3) polymorphisms have been associated with circadian disruption and changed secretion of cytokines involved in chronic inflammation. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are multifactorial diseases resulting from complex interaction among environmental/microbial factors and the intestinal immune system, triggering an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. We evaluated the influence of a polymorphism of the clock gene PER3 on susceptibility and behavior of these inflammatory bowel diseases. The rs2797685 variant of the PER3 gene was assessed in 1082 CD and 972 UC patients, 754 of whom had been diagnosed <18 yrs of age, and 1311 unrelated healthy controls. Allele and genotype frequencies of rs2797685 were significantly increased in both CD (p = 1.6 × 10(-4), odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.63) and UC (p = .012, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05-1.48) patients. Difference between frequency distributions remained statistically significant after stratifying the cohort according to age at diagnosis for CD, but not for UC. Statistically significant association was found between PER3 polymorphism and use of immunosuppressive drugs in pediatric CD patients (p < .001) and with stricturing and fistulizing disease behavior in adult CD patients (p = .031). In conclusion, results of this association study suggest a possible role of PER3 polymorphism in determining susceptibility to CD and UC and phenotypic characteristics of CD. In particular, the rs2797685 variant of the PER3 gene is associated with a more aggressive form of CD, highlighted by higher use of immunosuppressants and more frequent stricturing and fistulizing disease behaviors, as well as early onset of CD. This is a descriptive study, and functional data are needed to prove a causal relationship; nonetheless, involvement of the clock gene machinery in the susceptibility and the behavior of inflammatory bowel diseases may suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Unit, IRCCS Scientific Institute and Regional General Hospital Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
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Negroni A, Costanzo M, Vitali R, Superti F, Bertuccini L, Tinari A, Minelli F, Di Nardo G, Nuti F, Pierdomenico M, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Characterization of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli isolated from pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012; 18:913-24. [PMID: 21994005 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.21899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are characterized by an abnormal immunological response to commensal bacteria colonizing intestinal lumen and mucosa. Among the latter, strains of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), capable of adhering to and invading epithelium, and to replicate in macrophages, have been described in CD adults. We aimed at identifying and characterizing AIEC strains in pediatric IBD. METHODS In all, 24 CD children, 10 UC, and 23 controls were investigated. Mucosal biopsies, taken during colonoscopy, were analyzed for the presence of AIEC strains by an adhesive-invasive test. Protein expression of the specific AIEC receptor, the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6), was evaluated by western blot and immunohistochemistry, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-8 mRNA expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), after bacterial infection. Transmission electron microscopy and trans-epithelial electric resistance assays were performed on biopsies to assess bacteria-induced morphological and functional epithelial alterations. RESULTS Two bacterial strains, EC15 and EC10, were found to adhere and invade the Caco2 cell line, similar to the well-known AIEC strain LF82 (positive control): they upregulated CEACAM6, TNF-α, and IL-8 gene/protein expression, in vitro and in cultured intestinal mucosa; they could also survive inside macrophages and damage the epithelial barrier integrity. Lesions in the inflamed tissues were associated with bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing the presence of adhesive-invasive bacteria strains in the inflamed tissues of children with IBD. Collective features of these strains indicate that they belong to the AIEC spectrum, suggesting their possible role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Negroni
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for new Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rome, Italy
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Oliva S, Di Nardo G, Ferrari F, Mallardo S, Rossi P, Patrizi G, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Randomised clinical trial: the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 rectal enema in children with active distal ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35:327-34. [PMID: 22150569 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal microbiota manipulation, one of the pathogenetic components of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has become an attractive therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). AIM To assess in children with active distal UC the effectiveness of Lactobacillus (L) reuteri ATCC 55730 enema on inflammation and cytokine expression of rectal mucosa. METHODS A total of 40 patients (median age: 7.2 years range 6-18) with mild to moderate UC were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study. They received an enema solution containing 10(10) CFU of L. reuteri ATCC 55730 or placebo for 8 weeks, in addition to oral mesalazine. Clinical endoscopic and histological scores as well as rectal mucosal expression levels of IL-10, IL-1β, TNFα and IL-8 were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the trial. RESULTS Thirty-one patients accomplished the trial (17 males, median age 13 year, range 7-18). Mayo score (including clinical and endoscopic features) decreased significantly in the L. reuteri group (3.2 ± 1.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.8, P < 0.01) compared with placebo (7.1 ± 1.1 vs. 8.7 ± 0.7, NS); furthermore, histological score significantly decrease only in the L. reuteri group (0.6 ± 0.5 vs. 4.5 ± 0.6, P < 0.01) (placebo: 2.9 ± 0.8 vs. 4.6 ± 0.6, NS). At the post-trial evaluation of cytokine mucosal expression levels, IL-10 significantly increased (P < 0.01) whereas IL-1β, TNFα and IL-8 significantly decreased (P < 0.01) only in the L. reuteri group. CONCLUSIONS In children with active distal ulcerative colitis, rectal infusion of L. reuteri is effective in improving mucosal inflammation and changing mucosal expression levels of some cytokines involved in the mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oliva
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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44
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Di Nardo G, Oliva S, Aloi M, Rossi P, Casciani E, Masselli G, Ferrari F, Mallardo S, Stronati L, Cucchiara S. Usefulness of single-balloon enteroscopy in pediatric Crohn's disease. Gastrointest Endosc 2012; 75:80-6. [PMID: 21855873 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) has not been reported in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). OBJECTIVE To determine technical performance, yield, safety, and clinical impact of SBE in pediatric patients with suspected and established CD. DESIGN Prospective, cohort study. SETTING Academic tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS This study involved 16 patients (group A) with suspected CD and unspecific upper and lower GI endoscopy results and 14 patients (group B) with longstanding CD with previous surgery and showing signs unaccountable by conventional endoscopy. All underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and 14 patients in group A also underwent wireless capsule endoscopy. INTERVENTION SBE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS SBE diagnostic and therapeutic yield, technical performance, clinical impact, and safety. RESULTS In group A, SBE aided diagnosis of CD in 12 patients and eosinophilic enteropathy in 2 patients, whereas no lesions were found in 2 patients. WCE was diagnostic of CD in 3 patients, suggestive of CD in 7 patients, and unspecific in the remaining patients. In group B, SBE revealed moderate-to-severe disease activity in most patients, leading to the introduction of or change in biological therapy, with a marked decrease in the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores. SBE allowed successful dilation of small-bowel strictures in 2 patients in group A and 3 in group B. No complications occurred. LIMITATIONS Small sample size, no direct comparison with imaging or other endoscopic techniques. CONCLUSION SBE is a useful and safe endoscopic procedure for evaluating the small bowel in pediatric patients with suspected or established CD. Not only does it allow a definite diagnosis of CD when the latter is uncertain, but it is also very effective in the management of small-bowel strictures, thus avoiding surgery. It may be helpful in redirecting therapy in selected CD patients.
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Vitali R, Stronati L, Negroni A, Di Nardo G, Pierdomenico M, del Giudice E, Rossi P, Cucchiara S. Fecal HMGB1 is a novel marker of intestinal mucosal inflammation in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2011; 106:2029-40. [PMID: 21788990 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2011.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein with functions in the regulation of transcription. In inflammatory conditions, HMGB1 is actively secreted from immune cells in the extracellular matrix, where it behaves as a proinflammatory cytokine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HMGB1 in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS We analyzed the stools of 19 children with Crohn's disease (CD), 21 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 13 controls. The gene/protein expression levels of HMGB1 were assessed in bioptic specimens of all children using real-time PCR and western blot assay. Finally, intracellular localization of the protein was analyzed by western blot, after separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts, and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS HMGB1 protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.001) in the stools of patients, but were undetectable in the controls; fecal HMGB1 correlated well with fecal calprotectin levels (r: 0.77 in CD, r: 0.70 in UC; P<0.01); and mRNA and protein expression were unchanged in inflamed bioptic tissues compared with controls. However, by separately analyzing the nuclear and cytoplasmic fraction, we detected the cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression to be significantly enhanced (P<0.01) in the inflamed tissues of the patients. In addition, HMGB1 was significantly detected in 16 patients with inactive disease, whose endoscopic scores showed persisting inflammation, suggesting that it may be a sensitive marker of mucosal inflammation, although the disease is clinically inactive. CONCLUSIONS It was shown for the first time in our study that HMGB1 is secreted by human inflamed intestinal tissues and abundantly found in the stools of IBD patients. Hence, it can be considered as a novel marker for intestinal inflammation. We can also suggest that the presence of HMGB1 in large amounts in the fecal stream of IBD patients is mainly due to active secretion of the protein stored in the nucleus rather than a "de novo" synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Department of Radiobiology and Human Health, ENEA, Rome, Italy
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46
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Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Incidence in pediatric IBD is rising: help from health administrative data. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011; 17:1048-9. [PMID: 21391288 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.21497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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47
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Moretti M, Bonfiglioli R, Feretti D, Pavanello S, Mussi F, Grollino MG, Villarini M, Barbieri A, Ceretti E, Carrieri M, Buschini A, Appolloni M, Dominici L, Sabatini L, Gelatti U, Bartolucci GB, Poli P, Stronati L, Mastrangelo G, Monarca S. A study protocol for the evaluation of occupational mutagenic/carcinogenic risks in subjects exposed to antineoplastic drugs: a multicentric project. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:195. [PMID: 21450074 PMCID: PMC3074546 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some industrial hygiene studies have assessed occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs; other epidemiological investigations have detected various toxicological effects in exposure groups labeled with the job title. In no research has the same population been studied both environmentally and epidemiologically. The protocol of the epidemiological study presented here uses an integrated environmental and biological monitoring approach. The aim is to assess in hospital nurses preparing and/or administering therapy to cancer patients the current level of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, DNA and chromosome damage as cancer predictive effects, and the association between the two. Methods/Design About 80 healthy non-smoking female nurses, who job it is to prepare or handle antineoplastic drugs, and a reference group of about 80 healthy non-smoking female nurses not occupationally exposed to chemicals will be examined simultaneously in a cross-sectional study. All the workers will be recruited from five hospitals in northern and central Italy after their informed consent has been obtained. Evaluation of surface contamination and dermal exposure to antineoplastic drugs will be assessed by determining cyclophosphamide on selected surfaces (wipes) and on the exposed nurses' clothes (pads). The concentration of unmetabolized cyclophosphamide as a biomarker of internal dose will be measured in end-shift urine samples from exposed nurses. Biomarkers of effect and susceptibility will be assessed in exposed and unexposed nurses: urinary concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine; DNA damage detected using the single-cell microgel electrophoresis (comet) assay in peripheral white blood cells; micronuclei and chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Genetic polymorphisms for enzymes involved in metabolic detoxification (i.e. glutathione S-transferases) will also be analysed. Using standardized questionnaires, occupational exposure will be determined in exposed nurses only, whereas potential confounders (medicine consumption, lifestyle habits, diet and other non-occupational exposures) will be assessed in both groups of hospital workers. Statistical analysis will be performed to ascertain the association between occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs and biomarkers of DNA and chromosome damage, after taking into account the effects of individual genetic susceptibility, and the presence of confounding exposures. Discussion The findings of the study will be useful in updating prevention procedures for handling antineoplastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Moretti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties and Public Health, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06122 Perugia, Italy
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48
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Di Nardo G, Oliva S, Ferrari F, Riccioni ME, Staiano A, Lombardi G, Costamagna G, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Usefulness of wireless capsule endoscopy in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Liver Dis 2011; 43:220-4. [PMID: 21093392 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small bowel endoscopy is critical in revealing an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) previously undetected and in classifying the IBD patients, i.e. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. METHODS A prospective paediatric study on the usefulness of wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) was performed in 117 children (age range: 4-17 years) with established or suspected IBD and compared with non endoscopic imaging tools. All patients underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS In Crohn's disease patients (CD, n=44), small bowel lesions were revealed by imaging tools in 8 and by WCE in 18 patients, respectively (p<0.01). No small bowel involvement was observed in 29 ulcerative colitis patients by both imaging tools and WCE. Of 26 unclassified IBD, small bowel lesions typical of Crohn's disease were detected by imaging in 7 and by WCE in 16 (p<0.05). Of 18 patients with suspected IBD, small bowel lesions typical of Crohn's disease were observed in 9 with WCE, vs. only in 4 with imaging (p<0.01). No cases of capsule retention occurred. CONCLUSIONS WCE is valuable in revealing small bowel lesions in children with a previous diagnosis of CD and unexplained clinical and laboratory data. It is also helpful in unclassified IBD patients. This tool can influence the management and the course of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Nardo
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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49
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Stronati L, Negroni A, Pierdomenico M, D'Ottavio C, Tirindelli D, Di Nardo G, Oliva S, Viola F, Cucchiara S. Altered expression of innate immunity genes in different intestinal sites of children with ulcerative colitis. Dig Liver Dis 2010; 42:848-53. [PMID: 20452301 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Innate immunity has been very rarely investigated in ulcerative colitis and never in paediatrics. The present study was aimed at describing expression of innate immunity genes (NOD2, RIP2, α-defensins HD5 and HD6) in inflamed colon and in ileum of children with ulcerative colitis. Expression of TNFα and IL-1β was also analyzed. METHODS 15 children with ulcerative colitis (9 pancolitis, 6 left-sided colitis) and 10 control children were enrolled. mRNA and protein expressions were detected by real time PCR and western blot assays. RESULTS NOD2, RIP2, IL-1β, TNFα expression levels were significantly increased in colonic mucosa of patients compared to controls (p<0.01). These genes were also upregulated (p<0.01) in the ileum of both pancolitis and left-sided colitis children. HD5 and HD6 were significantly upregulated (p<0.01) in the inflamed colon of patients as well as in the ileum of those with pancolitis. CONCLUSIONS An increased mucosal expression of innate immunity genes was found in the inflamed colon of children with ulcerative colitis, outlining the role of the innate immune response in disease pathogenesis. Involvement of the ileum in ulcerative colitis suggests that an immune activation can also be established in intestinal sites classically uninvolved by the inflammation, carrying implications for the treatment and course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stronati
- Section of Toxicology and Biomedical Sciences, Enea, Rome, Italy
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50
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Aloi M, Di Nardo G, Conte F, Mazzeo L, Cavallari N, Nuti F, Cucchiara S, Stronati L. Methotrexate in paediatric ulcerative colitis: a retrospective survey at a single tertiary referral centre. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32:1017-22. [PMID: 20937047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04433.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with ulcerative colitis often receive thiopurines as immunomodulators (IMs) to maintain remission and avoid corticosteroids. If unresponsive or intolerant to these agents, patients are treated with methotrexate, an antimetabolite never assessed in paediatric ulcerative colitis. AIM To describe the experience with methotrexate in children with ulcerative colitis. METHODS Thirty-two patients (median age 13.9 years) received methotrexate. Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) and use of corticosteroids were the main outcomes evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS Indications to methotrexate were azathioprine unresponsiveness in 18 patients, azathioprine intolerance/toxicity in 10 and spondyloarthropathy in four. Response or remission was achieved in 72%, 63% and 50% of patients at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Mean PUCAI were 49.5 ± 23.3 at baseline and 32.9 ± 21.9, 29.5 ± 21.8 and 29.4 ± 19.9 at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively (P: 0.03). At the beginning of methotrexate, 16 patients (50%) received corticosteroids that were discontinued in 13 of them (81%) by 6 months. At the end of the study, 11 patients (33%) needed short courses of corticosteroids for disease relapse. CONCLUSIONS Methotrexate may be useful in treating children with ulcerative colitis, although large, controlled trials are warranted to define better its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aloi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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