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Milano C, Montali M, Barachini S, Burzi IS, Pratesi F, Petrozzi L, Chico L, Morganti R, Gambino G, Rossi L, Ceravolo R, Siciliano G, Migliorini P, Petrini I, Pizzanelli C. Increased production of inflammatory cytokines by circulating monocytes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: A possible role in drug resistance. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 386:578272. [PMID: 38160122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum inflammatory biomarkers in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (drug-resistant - DR, vs. drug-sensitive - DS). Patients with epilepsy showed higher levels of serum CCL2, CCL3, IL-8 and AOPP, and lower levels of FRAP and thiols compared to healthy controls (HC). Although none of the serum biomarkers distinguished DR from DS patients, when analysing intracellular cytokines after in vitro stimulation, DR patients presented higher percentages of IL-1β and IL-6 positive monocytes compared to DS patients and HC. Circulating innate immune cells might be implicated in DR epilepsy and constitute potential new targets for treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Milano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - M Montali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Barachini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I S Burzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Pratesi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Petrozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Morganti
- Section of Statistics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Gambino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Ceravolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Migliorini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergy Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Petrini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Pizzanelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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2
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Romano A, Balestrini L, Della Scala G, Chico L, Bertini A, Cangioli M, Ciapparelli F, Ciardella E, Congestrí C, Dinelli V, Donati F, Ficini M, Giovanetti C, Nannicini F, Pasquali A, Pieraccini A. Effects of a Nutraceutical Multicompound, with Probiotics, Hericium, PEA, and Undaria in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. J Diet Suppl 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38186311 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2023.2296106] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal condition. Probiotics and other nutraceutical compounds can have specific indications in the context of IBS. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 IBS patients in order to evaluate the effects of an oral probiotic-based dietary supplement (Colicron, one cps/day for 4 wk) on stool consistency and pain intensity. Different time points were defined as follows: baseline (T0), 2 wk of treatment (T2), and 4 wk of treatment (T4). Stool consistency was assessed by using the Bristol Stool Scale. Pain intensity was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients who were initially categorized as normal retained regular bowel movements throughout the study. Both patients with constipation and diarrhea showed an improvement in the Bristol Stool Scale. The score increased from 1.5 ± 0.5 to 3.3 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001) and decreased from 6.5 ± 0.7 to 4.3 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001) at T4, respectively, compared to T0. The VAS score for pain in the pooled IBS patients improved from 6.7 ± 2.2 to 2.8 ± 1.9 at T0 vs T4 (p < 0.001), with a similar trend also observed when patients were categorized based on stool consistency: normal (from 5.2 ± 1.9 to 2.9 ± 1.7), constipation (from 7.5 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 2.2), and diarrhea (6.7 ± 2.3 to 2.5 ± 1.9) (p < 0.001).Colicron could be useful in symptom relief, reducing abdominal pain and improving stool consistency of IBS patients. However, further controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Romano
- Gastroenterology Private Practitioner, GF. Medical Center, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Lucia Chico
- Laboratori Aliveda srl, Crespina Lorenzana, Pisa, Italy
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Viola DV, Govoni A, Schirinzi E, Merico E, Siciliano G, Calabrese R, Chico L, Bacci A. Immunoglobulin therapy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Intravenous versus subcutaneous administration. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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4
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Merico E, Govoni A, Viola DV, Chico L, Calabrese R, Schirinzi E, Siciliano G. Outcome measures characterization in an Italian cohort for CMT patients stratification. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Torri F, Ali G, Chico L, Siciliano G, Ricci G. Anti-HMGCR antibodies and asymptomatic hyperCKemia. A case report. Acta Myol 2021; 40:105-108. [PMID: 34355128 DOI: 10.36185/2532-1900-050] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) related myositis is a form of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Anti-HMGCR autoantibodies target HMGCR, a glycoprotein linked to the endoplasmic reticulum implied in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, and exert a pathogenic effect on skeletal muscle cells. More than 60% of patients affected by HMGCR-related myositis shares statin-exposure in their medical history. Patients commonly experience CK levels elevation, myalgia, muscle weakness and soreness at variable extent, which manifest acutely or sub acutely with a progressively worsening course, in some cases mimicking limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) phenotype and treatment is based on an immunosuppressive strategy. Here we present the peculiar case of a previously statins-exposed 72 y.o. asymptomatic man with persistent moderate hyperCKemia and high levels of anti-HMGCR, in which pharmacotherapy has not been initiated yet, while a wait-and-see approach has been adopted instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Greta Ali
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Piccarducci R, Daniele S, Polini B, Carpi S, Chico L, Fusi J, Baldacci F, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Nieri P, Martini C, Franzoni F. Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Oxidative Stress in Human Peripheral Blood Cells: Can Physical Activity Reactivate the Proteasome System through Epigenetic Mechanisms? Oxid Med Cell Longev 2021; 2021:8869849. [PMID: 33488947 PMCID: PMC7796851 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8869849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by proteasome activity impairment, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes, resulting in β-amyloid (Aβ) production/degradation imbalance. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is implicated in Aβ clearance, and particularly, the ApoE ε4 isoform predisposes to AD development. Regular physical activity is known to reduce AD progression. However, the impact of ApoE polymorphism and physical exercise on Aβ production and proteasome system activity has never been investigated in human peripheral blood cells, particularly in erythrocytes, an emerging peripheral model used to study biochemical alteration. Therefore, the influence of ApoE polymorphism on the antioxidant defences, amyloid accumulation, and proteasome activity was here evaluated in human peripheral blood cells depending on physical activity, to assess putative peripheral biomarkers for AD and candidate targets that could be modulated by lifestyle. Healthy subjects were enrolled and classified based on the ApoE polymorphism (by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique) and physical activity level (Borg scale) and grouped into ApoE ε4/non-ε4 carriers and active/non-active subjects. The plasma antioxidant capability (AOC), the erythrocyte Aβ production/accumulation, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediated proteasome functionality were evaluated in all groups by the chromatographic and immunoenzymatic assay, respectively. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms were investigated considering the expression of histone deacetylase 6, employing a competitive ELISA, and the modulation of two key miRNAs (miR-153-3p and miR-195-5p), through the miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Mini Kit. ApoE ε4 subjects showed a reduction in plasma AOC and an increase in the Nrf2 blocker, miR-153-3p, contributing to an enhancement of the erythrocyte concentration of Aβ. Physical exercise increased plasma AOC and reduced the amount of Aβ and its precursor, involving a reduced miR-153-3p expression and a miR-195-5p enhancement. Our data highlight the impact of the ApoE genotype on the amyloidogenic pathway and the proteasome system, suggesting the positive impact of physical exercise, also through epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Piccarducci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Polini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Carpi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Istituto di Nanoscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jonathan Fusi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Franzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Simoncini C, Torri S, Montano V, Chico L, Gruosso F, Tuttolomondo A, Pinto A, Simonetta I, Cianci V, Salviati A, Vicenzi V, Marchi G, Girelli D, Concolino D, Sestito S, Zedde M, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Oxidative stress biomarkers in Fabry disease: is there a room for them? J Neurol 2020; 267:3741-3752. [PMID: 32719972 PMCID: PMC7674365 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10044-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, caused by deficient activity of the alpha-galactosidase A enzyme leading to progressive and multisystemic accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Recent data point toward oxidative stress signalling which could play an important role in both pathophysiology and disease progression. METHODS We have examined oxidative stress biomarkers [Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), thiolic groups] in blood samples from 60 patients and 77 healthy controls. RESULTS AOPP levels were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.00001) and patients presented decreased levels of antioxidant defences (FRAP and thiols) with respect to controls (p < 0.00001). In a small group of eight treatment-naïve subjects with FD-related mutations, we found altered levels of oxidative stress parameters and incipient signs of organ damage despite normal lyso-Gb3 levels. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress occurs in FD in both treated and naïve patients, highlighting the need of further research in oxidative stress-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we found that oxidative stress biomarkers may represent early markers of disease in treatment-naïve patients with a potential role in helping interpretation of FD-related mutations and time to treatment decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Montano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Gruosso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Tuttolomondo
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Pinto
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - I Simonetta
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - V Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - A Salviati
- Lab Functional Genomics, Department of Biotechnology, Univ Verona, Genartis srl, Verona, Italy
| | - V Vicenzi
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASL 9, Verona, Italy
| | - G Marchi
- Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D Girelli
- Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D Concolino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Sestito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Zedde
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Siciliano G, Chico L, Lo Gerfo A, Simoncini C, Schirinzi E, Ricci G. Exercise-Related Oxidative Stress as Mechanism to Fight Physical Dysfunction in Neuromuscular Disorders. Front Physiol 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32508674 PMCID: PMC7251329 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a group of often severely disabling disorders characterized by dysfunction in one of the main constituents of the motor unit, the cardinal anatomic-functional structure behind force and movement production. Irrespective of the different pathogenic mechanisms specifically underlying these disease conditions genetically determined or acquired, and the related molecular pathways involved in doing that, oxidative stress has often been shown to play a relevant role within the chain of events that induce or at least modulate the clinical manifestations of these disorders. Due to such a putative relevance of the imbalance of redox status occurring in contractile machinery and/or its neural drive in NMDs, physical exercise appears as one of the most important conditions able to positively interfere along an ideal axis, going from a deranged metabolic cell homeostasis in motor unit components to the reduced motor performance profile exhibited by the patient in everyday life. If so, it comes out that it would be important to identify a proper training program, suitable for load and type of exercise that is able to improve motor performance in adaptation and response to such a homeostatic imbalance. This review therefore analyzes the role of different exercise trainings on oxidative stress mechanisms, both in healthy and in NMDs, also including preclinical studies, to elucidate at which extent these can be useful to counteract muscle impairment associated to the disease, with the final aim of improving physical functions and quality of life of NMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Schirinzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Piccarducci R, Daniele S, Fusi J, Chico L, Baldacci F, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Franzoni F, Martini C. Impact of ApoE Polymorphism and Physical Activity on Plasma Antioxidant Capability and Erythrocyte Membranes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:E538. [PMID: 31717561 PMCID: PMC6912376 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The allele epsilon 4 (ε4) of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). ApoE protein plays a pivotal role in the synthesis and metabolism of amyloid beta (Aβ), the major component of the extracellular plaques that constitute AD pathological hallmarks. Regular exercise is an important preventive/therapeutic tool in aging and AD. Nevertheless, the impact of physical exercise on the well-being of erythrocytes, a good model of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative processes, remains to be investigated, particularly depending on ApoE polymorphism. Herein, we evaluate the oxidative status, Aβ levels, and the membrane's composition of erythrocytes in a cohort of human subjects. In our hands, the plasma antioxidant capability (AOC), erythrocytes membrane fluidity, and the amount of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were demonstrated to be significantly decreased in the ApoE ε4 genotype and non-active subjects. In contrast, erythrocyte Aβ content and lipid peroxidation increased in ε4 carriers. Regular physical exercise was associated with an increased plasma AOC and membrane fluidity, as well as to a reduced amount of erythrocytes Aβ. Altogether, these data highlight the influence of the ApoE genotype on erythrocytes' well-being and confirm the positive impact of regular physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Piccarducci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.P.); (S.D.)
| | - Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.P.); (S.D.)
| | - Jonathan Fusi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Ferdinando Franzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (J.F.); (L.C.); (F.B.); (G.S.); (U.B.)
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.P.); (S.D.)
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Chico L, Ienco EC, Bisordi C, Lo Gerfo A, Petrozzi L, Petrucci A, Mancuso M, Siciliano G. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Oxidative Stress: A Double-Blind Therapeutic Trial After Curcumin Supplementation. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2019; 17:767-779. [PMID: 30033879 DOI: 10.2174/1871527317666180720162029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of curcumin oral supplementation (600 mg/day, Brainoil), a natural antioxidant compound, in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received placebo for 3 months, then Brainoil for the following 3 months, Group B took Brainoil for 6 months. The evaluations were conducted at basal (T0), after 3 months of double blinded Brainoil or placebo treatment (T1), and after the 3 month open-label phase (T2). Clinical evaluations and oxidative stress biomarkers, including oxidative protein products (AOPPs), ferric reducing ability (FRAP), total thiols (T-SH) and lactate, were evaluated, compared to a control group, during an incremental forearm exercise test. RESULTS Over the entire study Group B showed a stable score of the ALS-FRS-r which decreased in Group A (p<0.01), in parallel with a reduction of AOPPs (p<0.01) which was not detected into Group A. Also FRAP exercise values remained stable in Group B, while in Group A they were reduced without treatment at T1 (0.05<p<0.01), for then increase at T2 with introduction of therapy (p<0.05). In Group B T1>T0 exercise lactate was lower compared to Group A (p<0.01). Compared to controls, the whole ALS population showed a greater oxidative stress (p<0.001), those treated with curcumin (Group B) exhibiting decreased exercise AOPPs at T2 with values approaching those of controls. CONCLUSION Although further studies are needed to confirm these data, treatment with curcumin shows encouraging results indicating a slight slowdown in disease progression, improving aerobic metabolism and oxidative damage, this also contributing to deepen knowledge into the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Caldarazzo Ienco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Bisordi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Petrozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Petrucci
- Center of Neuromuscular and Neurological Rare Diseases, S. Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ulivi L, Maccarrone M, Giannini N, Ferrari E, Caselli MC, Montano V, Chico L, Casani A, Navari E, Cerchiai N, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Mancuso M. Oxidative Stress in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Dizziness Patients, Basally and After Polyphenol Compound Supplementation. Curr Mol Med 2019; 18:160-165. [PMID: 30033867 PMCID: PMC6225324 DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666180720165055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Leukoaraiosis (LA) is a common radiological finding in elderly, frequently associated with several clinical disorders, including unexplained dizziness. The pathogenesis of LA is multifactorial, with a dysfunction of cerebral microcirculation resulting in chronic hypoperfusion and tissue loss, with oxidative stress involved in this cascade. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse some oxidative stress biomarkers in a cohort of LA patients. Method: Fifty-five consecutive patients (33 males, median age 75 years) with LA were recruited. In a subgroup of 33 patients with LA and unexplained dizziness, we have then performed an open study to evaluate if 60-day supplementation with a polyphenol compound may modify these biomarkers and influence quality of life, analysed with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scale. Results: At baseline, blood oxidative stress parameters values were outside normal ranges and compared to matched healthy controls. After the two months supplementation, we observed a significant decrement of advanced oxidation protein products values and a significant improvement of DHI. Conclusion: Oxidative stress biomarkers may be useful to detect redox imbalance in LA and to provide non-invasive tools to monitor disease status and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ulivi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Maccarrone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - N Giannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ferrari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - M C Caselli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Montano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Casani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Navari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - N Cerchiai
- Department of Medical and Surgical Pathology, Otorhinolaryngology Section, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - U Bonuccelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mancuso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Bruno RM, Stea F, Sicari R, Ghiadoni L, Taddei S, Ungar A, Bonuccelli U, Tognoni G, Cintoli S, Del Turco S, Sbrana S, Gargani L, D’Angelo G, Pratali L, Berardi N, Maffei L, Picano E, Andreassi M, Angelucci A, Baldacci F, Baroncelli L, Begenisic T, Bellinvia P, Biagi L, Bonaccorsi J, Bonanni E, Borghini A, Braschi C, Broccardi M, Caleo M, Carlesi C, Carnicelli L, Cartoni G, Cecchetti L, Cenni M, Ceravolo R, Chico L, Cioni G, Costa M, D’Ascanio P, De Nes M, Di Coscio E, Di Galante M, di Lascio N, Faita F, Falorni I, Faraguna U, Fenu A, Fortunato L, Franco R, Gargiulo R, Giorgi F, Iannarella R, Iofrida C, Kusmic C, Limongi F, Maestri M, Maffei M, Maggi S, Mainardi M, Mammana L, Marabotti A, Mariotti V, Melissari E, Mercuri A, Molinaro S, Narducci R, Navarra T, Noale M, Pagni C, Palumbo S, Pasquariello R, Pellegrini S, Pietrini P, Pizzorusso T, Poli A, Retico A, Ricciardi E, Rota G, Sale A, Scabia G, Scali M, Scelfo D, Siciliano G, Tonacci A, Tosetti M, Turchi S, Volpi L. Vascular Function Is Improved After an Environmental Enrichment Program. Hypertension 2018; 71:1218-1225. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment may slow cognitive decay possibly acting through an improvement in vascular function. Aim of the study was to assess the effects of a 7-month cognitive, social, and physical training program on cognitive and vascular function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. In a single-center, randomized, parallel-group study, 113 patients (age, 65–89 years) were randomized to multidomain training (n=55) or usual care (n=58). All participants underwent neuropsychological tests and vascular evaluation, including brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid distensibility, and assessment of circulating hematopoietic CD34+ and endothelial progenitor cells. At study entry, an age-matched control group (n=45) was also studied. Compared with controls, patients had at study entry a reduced flow-mediated dilation (2.97±2.14% versus 3.73±2.06%;
P
=0.03) and hyperemic stimulus (shear rate area under the curve, 19.1±15.7 versus 25.7±15.1×10
−3
;
P
=0.009); only the latter remained significant after adjustment for confounders (
P
=0.03). Training improved Alzheimer disease assessment scale cognitive (training, 14.0±4.8 to 13.1±5.5; nontraining, 12.1±3.9 to 13.2±4.8;
P
for interaction visit×training=0.02), flow-mediated dilation (2.82±2.19% to 3.40±1.81%, 3.05±2.08% to 2.24±1.59%;
P
=0.006;
P
=0.023 after adjustment for diameter and shear rate area under the curve), and circulating hematopoietic CD34
+
cells and prevented the decline in carotid distensibility (18.4±5.3 to 20.0±6.6, 23.9±11.0 to 19.5±7.1 Pa
−1
;
P
=0.005). The only clinical predictor of improvement of cognitive function after training was established hypertension. There was no correlation between changes in measures of cognitive and vascular function. In conclusion, a multidomain training program slows cognitive decline, especially in hypertensive individuals. This effect is accompanied by improved systemic endothelial function, mobilization of progenitor CD34
+
cells, and preserved carotid distensibility.
Clinical Trial Registration—
URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01725178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Bruno
- From the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., L.G., S.T., U.B.)
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Francesco Stea
- From the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., L.G., S.T., U.B.)
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Rosa Sicari
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Ghiadoni
- From the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., L.G., S.T., U.B.)
| | - Stefano Taddei
- From the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., L.G., S.T., U.B.)
| | | | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- From the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., L.G., S.T., U.B.)
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Italy (A.U.); Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Italy (G.T., S.C.)
| | - Simona Cintoli
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Italy (A.U.); Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Italy (G.T., S.C.)
| | - Serena Del Turco
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Silverio Sbrana
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Luna Gargani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Gennaro D’Angelo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | - Lorenza Pratali
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
| | | | | | - Eugenio Picano
- Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy (R.M.B., F.S., R.S., S.D.T., S.S., L.G., G.D., L.P., E.P.)
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13
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Palencia-Campos A, Ullah A, Nevado J, Yildirim R, Unal E, Ciorraga M, Barruz P, Chico L, Piceci-Sparascio F, Guida V, De Luca A, Kayserili H, Ullah I, Burmeister M, Lapunzina P, Ahmad W, Morales AV, Ruiz-Perez VL. GLI1 inactivation is associated with developmental phenotypes overlapping with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:4556-4571. [PMID: 28973407 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
GLI1, GLI2 and GLI3 form a family of transcription factors which regulate development by mediating the action of Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens. Accordingly, inactivating variants in GLI2 and GLI3 are found in several developmental disorders. In contrast, loss-of-function mutations in GLI1 have remained elusive, maintaining enigmatic the role of this gene in the human embryo. We describe eight patients from three independent families having biallelic truncating variants in GLI1 and developmental defects overlapping with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC), a disease caused by diminished Hh signaling. Two families had mutations in the last exon of the gene and a third family was identified with an N-terminal stop gain variant predicted to be degraded by the NMD-pathway. Analysis of fibroblasts from one of the patients with homozygous C-terminal truncation of GLI1 demonstrated that the corresponding mutant GLI1 protein is fabricated by patient cells and becomes upregulated in response to Hh signaling. However, the transcriptional activity of the truncated GLI1 factor was found to be severely impaired by cell culture and in vivo assays, indicating that the balance between GLI repressors and activators is altered in affected subjects. Consistent with this, reduced expression of the GLI target PTCH1 was observed in patient fibroblasts after chemical induction of the Hh pathway. We conclude that GLI1 inactivation is associated with a phenotypic spectrum extending from isolated postaxial polydactyly to an EvC-like condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Palencia-Campos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Julian Nevado
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPaz-UAM, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruken Yildirim
- Diyarbakir Children State Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Edip Unal
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Maria Ciorraga
- Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Barruz
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPaz-UAM, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Chico
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca Piceci-Sparascio
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Valentina Guida
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Hülya Kayserili
- Medical Genetics Department, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSoM) Istanbul, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Department of Psychiatry.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain.,Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPaz-UAM, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aixa V Morales
- Department of Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor L Ruiz-Perez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain.,Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPaz-UAM, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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14
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Vergallo A, Giampietri L, Baldacci F, Volpi L, Chico L, Pagni C, Giorgi FS, Ceravolo R, Tognoni G, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U. Oxidative Stress Assessment in Alzheimer's Disease: A Clinic Setting Study. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 33:35-41. [PMID: 28931301 PMCID: PMC10852477 DOI: 10.1177/1533317517728352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is a physiological age-related brain process, dramatically overexpressed in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the pathophysiological role of OS in AD pathology has not been clarified yet. OS as a biomarker for AD is a controversial issue. A comparison of previous data is difficult due to a remarkable methodological variability. Most of the previous studies have shown higher levels of OS markers and lower antioxidant power in patients with dementia when compared to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and healthy controls. METHODS We followed a strict protocol in order to limit intrasite variability of OS assessment. In addition, we have taken into account possible confounding factors. RESULTS In agreement with previous reports, we found both lower plasmatic OS and higher plasmatic antioxidant defenses when comparing patients with AD having dementia that is stably treated to patients with MCI-AD. DISCUSSION A speculative hypothesis based on correlative data is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vergallo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Giampietri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leda Volpi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Pagni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Tognoni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Daniele S, Pietrobono D, Fusi J, Lo Gerfo A, Cerri E, Chico L, Iofrida C, Petrozzi L, Baldacci F, Giacomelli C, Galetta F, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Trincavelli ML, Franzoni F, Martini C. α-Synuclein Aggregated with Tau and β-Amyloid in Human Platelets from Healthy Subjects: Correlation with Physical Exercise. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:17. [PMID: 29441013 PMCID: PMC5797553 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of protein homeostasis that has been associated with aging leads to altered levels and conformational instability of proteins, which tend to form toxic aggregates. In particular, brain aging presents characteristic patterns of misfolded oligomers, primarily constituted of β-amyloid (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein (α-syn), which can accumulate in neuronal membranes or extracellular compartments. Such aging-related proteins can also reach peripheral compartments, thus suggesting the possibility to monitor their accumulation in more accessible fluids. In this respect, we have demonstrated that α-syn forms detectable hetero-aggregates with Aβ or tau in red blood cells (RBCs) of healthy subjects. In particular, α-syn levels and its heteromeric interactions are modulated by plasma antioxidant capability (AOC), which increases in turn with physical activity. In order to understand if a specific distribution of misfolded proteins can occur in other blood cells, a cohort of human subjects was enrolled to establish a correlation among AOC, the level of physical exercise and the concentrations of aging-related proteins in platelets. The healthy subjects were divided depending on their level of physical exercise (i.e., athletes and sedentary subjects) and their age (young and older subjects). Herein, aging-related proteins (i.e., α-syn, tau and Aβ) were confirmed to be present in human platelets. Among such proteins, platelet tau concentration was demonstrated to decrease in athletes, while α-syn and Aβ did not correlate with physical exercise. For the first time, α-syn was shown to directly interact with Aβ and tau in platelets, forming detectable hetero-complexes. Interestingly, α-syn interaction with tau was inversely related to plasma AOC and to the level of physical activity. These results suggested that α-syn heterocomplexes, particularly with tau, could represent novel indicators to monitor aging-related proteins in platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan Fusi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Cerri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Petrozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Galetta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Franzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Baldanzi S, Ricci G, Bottari M, Chico L, Simoncini C, Siciliano G. The proposal of a clinical protocol to assess central and peripheral fatigue in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Arch Ital Biol 2017; 155:43-53. [PMID: 28715597 DOI: 10.12871/000398292017125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
DM1 is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by muscle weakness, myotonia, and multisystemic involvement. According to current literature fatigue and daytime sleepiness are among the main symptoms of DM1. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be one of the pathogenic factors of fatigue consequent to DM1. In this study, we investigated the dimensions of experienced fatigue and physiological fatigue in a sample of 26 DM1 patients (17 males, 9 females, mean age 41.6 years, SD±12.7); experienced fatigue has been studied through Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and physiological fatigue was measured through an intermittent incremental exercise of the forearm muscles using a myometer; oxidative stress balance markers trend during aerobic exercise test have been collected. The occurrence of central fatigue in the sample means that central activation worsens during the motor contraction; interestingly FSS score was significantly correlated to MVC (before and after the effort, r-before=-0.583, p<0.01, r-after= -0.534, p<0.05), and to motor disability measured by MRC (r=-0.496, p<0.05); moreover we found a strong tendency towards significance in the association to lactate baseline (r=0.378, p=0.057).Results are discussed to define whether or not, based on clinical and laboratory grounds, such exercise training protocol may be suitable for proper management of DM1 patients; proper assessment of fatigue should be included in algorithms for data collection in DM1 patient registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Baldanzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy - Tel: +39 050 993046 -
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17
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Chico L, Ricci G, Cosci O Di Coscio M, Simoncini C, Siciliano G. Physical exercise and oxidative stress in muscular dystrophies: is there a good balance? Arch Ital Biol 2017; 155:11-24. [PMID: 28715594 DOI: 10.12871/000398292017122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The effect of oxidative stress on muscle damage inducted by physical exercise is widely debated. It is generally agreed that endurance and intense exercise can increase oxidative stress and generate changes in antioxidant power inducing muscle damage; however, regular and moderate exercise can be beneficial for the health improving the antioxidant defense mechanisms in the majority of cases. Growing evidences suggest that an increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of several muscular dystrophies (MDs). Notably, physical training has been considered useful for patients with these disorders. This review will focus on the involvement of oxidative stress in MDs and on the possible effects of physical activities to decrease oxidative damage and improve motor functions in MDs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy - Tel: +39 050 993191 -
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18
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Ricci G, Montano V, Simoncini C, Chico L, Servadio A, Dell'Osso G, Santorelli F, Savarese M, Papa V, Cenacchi G, Siciliano G. Myofibrillar myopathies with autophagic vacuoles: Report of a case series. Neuromuscul Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Simoncini C, Chico L, Concolino D, Sestito S, Fancellu L, Boadu W, Sechi GP, Feliciani C, Gnarra M, Zampetti A, Salviati A, Scarpelli M, Orsucci D, Bonuccelli U, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups may influence Fabry disease phenotype. Neurosci Lett 2016; 629:58-61. [PMID: 27365132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While the genetic origin of Fabry disease (FD) is well known, it is still unclear why the disease presents a wide heterogeneity of clinical presentation and progression, even within the same family. Emerging observations reveal that mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathogenesis of FD. To investigate if specific genetic polymorphisms within the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) could act as susceptibility factors and contribute to the clinical expression of FD, we have genotyped European mtDNA haplogroups in 77 Italian FD patients and 151 healthy controls. Haplogroups H and I, and haplogroup cluster HV were significantly more frequent in patients than controls. However, no correlation with gender, age of onset, organ involvement was observed. Our study seems to provide some evidence of a contribution of mitochondrial variation in FD pathogenesis, at least in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simoncini
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - D Concolino
- Department of Pediatrics University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Sestito
- Department of Pediatrics University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - L Fancellu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - W Boadu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - G P Sechi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - C Feliciani
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Parma Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - M Gnarra
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Parma Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - A Zampetti
- Rare diseases and Periodic fevers Research Center, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - A Salviati
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - M Scarpelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - D Orsucci
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - U Bonuccelli
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mancuso
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy.
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20
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Chico L, Orsucci D, Lo Gerfo A, Marconi L, Mancuso M, Siciliano G. Biomarkers and progress of antioxidant therapy for rare mitochondrial disorders. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1178570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniele Orsucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Marconi
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Pasquinelli A, Chico L, Pasquali L, Bisordi C, Lo Gerfo A, Fabbrini M, Petrozzi L, Marconi L, Caldarazzo Ienco E, Mancuso M, Siciliano G. Gly482Ser PGC-1α Gene Polymorphism and Exercise-Related Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:102. [PMID: 27147974 PMCID: PMC4840260 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of exercise in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis is controversial and unclear. Exercise induces a pleiotropic adaptive response in skeletal muscle, largely through the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a transcriptional coactivator that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms. It has been suggested that a Gly482Ser substitution in PGC-1α has functional relevance in human disorders and in athletic performance. To test this hypothesis, we examined the genotype distribution of PGC-1α Gly482Ser (1444 G > A) in ALS patients to evaluate whether or not the minor serine-encoding allele 482Ser is involved in oxidative stress responses during physical exercise. We genotyped 197 sporadic ALS patients and 197 healthy controls in order to detect differences in allelic frequencies and genotype distribution between the two groups. A total of 74 ALS patients and 65 controls were then comparatively assessed for plasmatic levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers, advanced oxidation protein products, ferric reducing ability and thiol groups. In addition a subgroup of 35 ALS patients were also assessed for total SOD and catalase plasmatic activity. Finally in 28 ALS patients we evaluated the plasmatic curve of the oxidative stress biomarkers and lactate during an incremental exercise test. No significant differences were observed in the genotype distribution and allelic frequency in ALS patients compared to the controls. We found significant increased advanced oxidation protein products (p < 0.001) and significant decreased ferric reducing ability (p < 0.001) and thiol groups (p < 0.001) in ALS patients compared to controls. When comparing different genotypes of PGC-1α, no relation between Gly482Ser polymorphism and oxidative stress biomarker levels was detected in resting conditions. On the other hand, when considering exercise performance, lactate levels were significantly higher (between p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and greater protein oxidative products were found in AA (Ser482Ser) compared to GG (Gly482Gly) and GA (Gly482Ser) ALS patients. Our findings highlight the importance and confirm the involvement of oxidative stress in ALS pathogenesis. Although not associated with 1444 G > A SNP, ALS patients with Gly482Ser allelic variant show increased exercise-related oxidative stress. This thus highlights the possible role of this antioxidant defense transcriptional coactivator in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Pasquinelli
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Livia Pasquali
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Bisordi
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Fabbrini
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Petrozzi
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Marconi
- Departments of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Area, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Caldarazzo Ienco
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Departments of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa Pisa, Italy
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Coppedè F, Tannorella P, Stoccoro A, Chico L, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Migliore L. Methylation analysis of DNA repair genes in Alzheimer's disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2016; 161:105-111. [PMID: 27080585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence of impaired DNA repair activities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurons and peripheral tissues, inducing some investigators to speculate that this could partially result from promoter hypermethylation of DNA repair genes, resulting in gene silencing in those tissues. In the present study a screening cohort composed by late-onset AD (LOAD) patients and healthy matched controls was evaluated with a commercially available DNA methylation array for the assessment of the methylation levels of a panel of 22 genes involved in major DNA repair pathways in blood DNA. We then applied a cost-effective PCR based methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) technique, in order to evaluate the promoter methylation levels of the following DNA repair genes: OGG1, PARP1, MRE11A, BRCA1, MLH1, and MGMT. The analysis was performed in blood DNA from 56 LOAD patients and 55 matched controls, including the samples previously assessed with the DNA methylation array as validating samples. Both approaches revealed that all the investigated genes were largely hypomethylated in LOAD and control blood DNA, and no difference between groups was observed. Collectively, present data do not support an increased promoter methylation of some of the major DNA repair genes in blood DNA of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Pierpaola Tannorella
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Doctoral School in Genetics Oncology and Clinical Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Neurological Clinic, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Pisa University Hospital, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Neurological Clinic, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Lucchesi C, Baldacci F, Cafalli M, Chico L, Lo Gerfo A, Bonuccelli U, Siciliano G, Gori S. Evidences of Reduced Antioxidant Activity in Patients With Chronic Migraine and Medication-Overuse Headache. Headache 2015; 55:984-91. [PMID: 26129705 DOI: 10.1111/head.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migraine is a complex multifactorial, neurobiological disorder, whose pathogenesis is not fully understood, nor are the mechanisms associated with migraine transformation from episodic to chronic pattern. A possible role of impaired oxidative mitochondrial metabolism in migraine pathogenesis has been hypothesized, and increased levels of peripheral markers of oxidative stress have been reported in migraine patients, although the literature data are limited and heterogeneous. OBJECTIVES The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine plasmatic levels of advanced oxidation protein products, ferric-reducing antioxidant power and total plasmatic thiol groups, all plasmatic markers related to oxidative stress, in a sample of chronic migraine patients and medication-overuse headache, compared to a control group of healthy subjects. METHODS Thirty-three patients with a diagnosis of both chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders,3rd edition, beta version) and 33 healthy, headache-free subjects were enrolled. Patients with comorbid/coexisting conditions were excluded, as well as patients in treatment with migraine preventive drugs. Plasmatic levels of advanced oxidation protein products, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total thiol groups were determined in migraine patients and controls; moreover, oxidative stress biomarkers were compared in migraine patients with triptan compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug overuse. RESULTS The statistical analysis showed significantly lower levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power and total plasmatic thiol groups, both expression of antioxidant power, in patients with chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache compared to controls (respectively, ferric antioxidant power median [interquartile range] 0.53 [0.22] vs 0.82 [0.11] mmol/L, P < .001; total thiol groups 0.25 [0.08] vs 0.51 [0.11] μmol/L, P < .001). Moreover, no statistically significant differences in oxidative stress biomarkers were detected between patients with triptan and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overuse. CONCLUSIONS The data from the present study suggest that antioxidant capacity is lower in chronic migraine patients and medication-overuse headache compared to healthy headache-free subjects, with no differences between patients with triptan or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug overuse. Further investigation is certainly necessary in order to define the causal or consequential role of an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidant defenses in migraine pathogenesis and "chronification" and the possible therapeutic implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Lucchesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Cafalli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lo Gerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Gori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Orsucci D, Petrucci L, Ienco EC, Chico L, Simi P, Fogli A, Baldinotti F, Simoncini C, LoGerfo A, Carlesi C, Arnoldi A, Bassi MT, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U, Mancuso M. Hereditary spastic paraparesis in adults. A clinical and genetic perspective from Tuscany. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2014; 120:14-9. [PMID: 24731568 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hereditary spastic paraparesis or paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of neurogenetic conditions with prominent involvement of the pyramidal tracts. Aim of this study is the clinical and molecular characterization of a cohort of patients with HSP. Moreover, we aim to study the minimum prevalence of HSP in our area and to propose a schematic diagnostic approach to HSP patients based on the available data from the literature. METHODS Retrospective/perspective study on the subjects with clinical signs and symptoms indicative of pure or complicated HSP, in whom other possible diagnosis were excluded by appropriate neuroradiological, neurophysiologic and laboratory studies, who have been evaluated by the Neurogenetic Service of our Clinic in last two years (2011-2012). RESULTS 45 patients were identified. The minimum prevalence of HSP in our area was of about 2.17-3.43/100,000. The SF-36 (quality of life) and SPRS (disease progression) scores were inversely related; the time-saving, four-stage scale of motor disability could predict the SPRS scores with a high statistical significance, and we encourage its use in HSP. Our study confirms SPG4 as the major cause of HSP. All SPG4 patients had a pure HSP phenotype, and the dominant inheritance was evident in the great majority of these subjects. SPG7 was the second genetic cause. Other genotypes were rarer (SPG10, SPG11, SPG17). CONCLUSION Exact molecular diagnosis will allow a more accurate patient counseling and, hopefully, will lead to specific, targeted, therapeutic options for these chronic, still incurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Orsucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Loredana Petrucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Elena Caldarazzo Ienco
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Lucia Chico
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Paolo Simi
- U.O. Laboratorio Genetica Medica, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Fogli
- U.O. Laboratorio Genetica Medica, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvia Baldinotti
- U.O. Laboratorio Genetica Medica, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Simoncini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Annalisa LoGerfo
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Cecilia Carlesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Alessia Arnoldi
- IRCCS E. Medea, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bosisio Parini Lecco, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Bassi
- IRCCS E. Medea, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bosisio Parini Lecco, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Ubaldo Bonuccelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa.
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Chico L, Simoncini C, Lo Gerfo A, Rocchi A, Petrozzi L, Carlesi C, Volpi L, Tognoni G, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U. Oxidative stress and APO E polymorphisms in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment. Free Radic Res 2013; 47:569-76. [PMID: 23668794 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2013.804622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A number of evidences indicates oxidative stress as a relevant pathogenic factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considering its recognized major genetic risk factors in AD, apolipoprotein (APO E) has been investigated in several experimental settings regarding its role in the process of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The aim of this work has been to evaluate possible relationships between APO E genotype and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress markers in both AD and MCI patients. APO E genotypes were determined using restriction enzyme analysis. Plasma levels of oxidative markers, advanced oxidation protein products, iron-reducing ability of plasma and, in MCI, activity of superoxide dismutases were evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. We found, compared to controls, increased levels of oxidized proteins and decreased values of plasma-reducing capacity in both AD patients (p < 0.0001) and MCI patients (p < 0.001); the difference between AD and MCI patients was significant only for plasma-reducing capacity (p < 0.0001), the former showing the lowest values. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced, although not at statistical level, in MCI compared with that in controls. E4 allele was statistically associated (p < 0.05) with AD patients. When comparing different APO E genotype subgroups, no difference was present, as far as advanced oxidation protein products and iron-reducing ability of plasma levels were concerned, between E4 and non-E4 carriers, in both AD and MCI; on the contrary, E4 carriers MCI patients showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase activity with respect to non-E4 carriers. This study, in confirming the occurrence of oxidative stress in AD and MCI patients, shows how it can be related, at least for superoxide dismutase activity in MCI, to APO E4 allele risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
We report on the transport properties of novel carbon nanostructures made of partially unzipped carbon nanotubes, which can be regarded as a seamless junction of a tube and a nanoribbon. We find that graphene nanoribbons act at certain energy ranges as perfect valley filters for carbon nanotubes, with the maximum possible conductance. Our results show that a partially unzipped carbon nanotube is a magnetoresistive device, with a very large value of magnetoresistance. We explore the properties of several structures combining nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons, demonstrating that they behave as optimal contacts for each other, and opening a new route for the design of mixed graphene-nanotube devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Santos
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (CSIC), Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Chico L, López-Sancho MP, Muñoz MC. Spin splitting induced by spin-orbit interaction in chiral nanotubes. Phys Rev Lett 2004; 93:176402. [PMID: 15525094 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.93.176402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We show that chiral tubes present spin splitting at the Fermi level in the absence of a magnetic field, whereas achiral tubes preserve spin degeneracy, as evidenced by tight-binding electronic structure calculations with the inclusion of spin-orbit interaction. These remarkably different behaviors of chiral and nonchiral nanotubes have a symmetry origin, which may provide a global explanation to recently reported spin-dependent transport experiments which were in apparent contradiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chico
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias del Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
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Chico L, Benedict LX, Louie SG, Cohen ML. Quantum conductance of carbon nanotubes with defects. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1996; 54:2600-2606. [PMID: 9986109 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.54.2600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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Chico L, Crespi VH, Benedict LX, Louie SG, Cohen ML. Pure carbon nanoscale devices: Nanotube heterojunctions. Phys Rev Lett 1996; 76:971-974. [PMID: 10061598 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.76.971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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Chico L, García-Moliner F, Velasco VR. Electronic structure of periodically delta -doped GaAs:Si. Phys Rev B Condens Matter 1993; 48:11427-11430. [PMID: 10007464 DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.48.11427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
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