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Makoudjou MA, Fico E, Rosso P, Triaca V, De Simone L, Rossetti D, Cattani F, Allegretti M, Tirassa P. ProNGF processing in adult rat tissues and bioactivity of NGF prodomain peptides. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:643-654. [PMID: 38429912 PMCID: PMC10988682 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF are both bioactive and exert similar or opposite actions depending on the cell target and its milieu. The balance between NGF and proNGF is crucial for cell and tissue homeostasis and it is considered an indicator of pathological conditions. Proteolytical cleavage of proNGF to the mature form results in different fragments, whose function and/or bioactivity is still unclear. The present study was conducted to investigate the distribution of proNGF fragments derived from endogenous cleavage in brain and peripheral tissues of adult rats in the healthy condition and following inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Different anti-proNGF antibodies were tested and the presence of short peptides corresponding to the prodomain sequence (pdNGFpep) was identified. Processing of proNGF was found to be tissue-specific and accumulation of pdNGFpeps was found in inflamed tissues, mainly in testis, intestine and heart, suggesting a possible correlation between organ functions and a response to insults and/or injury. The bioactivity of pdNGFpep was also demonstrated in vitro by using primary hippocampal neurons. Our study supports a biological function for the NGF precursor prodomain and indicates that short peptides from residues 1-60, differing from the 70-110 sequence, induce apoptosis, thereby opening the way for identification of new molecular targets to study pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Anne Makoudjou
- Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)Campus A. Buzzati‐Traverso, MonterotondoRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)National Research Council (CNR)RomeItaly
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Boccella S, De Filippis L, Giorgio C, Brandolini L, Jones M, Novelli R, Amorizzo E, Leoni MLG, Terranova G, Maione S, Luongo L, Leone M, Allegretti M, Minnella EM, Aramini A. Combination Drug Therapy for the Management of Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1802. [PMID: 38136672 PMCID: PMC10741625 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121802] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain (NP) is an increasingly prevalent disease and leading cause of disability which is challenging to treat. Several distinct classes of drugs are currently used for the treatment of chronic NP, but each drug targets only narrow components of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, bears limited efficacy, and comes with dose-limiting side effects. Multimodal therapies have been increasingly proposed as potential therapeutic approaches to target the multiple mechanisms underlying nociceptive transmission and modulation. However, while preclinical studies with combination therapies showed promise to improve efficacy over monotherapy, clinical trial data on their efficacy in specific populations are lacking and increased risk for adverse effects should be carefully considered. Drug-drug co-crystallization has emerged as an innovative pharmacological approach which can combine two or more different active pharmaceutical ingredients in a single crystal, optimizing pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics of the native molecules, thus potentially capitalizing on the synergistic efficacy between classes of drugs while simplifying adherence and minimizing the risk of side effects by reducing the doses. In this work, we review the current pharmacological options for the treatment of chronic NP, focusing on combination therapies and their ongoing developing programs and highlighting the potential of co-crystals as novel approaches to chronic NP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Boccella
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Lidia De Filippis
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via S. Lucia, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.D.F.); (R.N.); (M.L.); (E.M.M.)
| | - Cristina Giorgio
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.B.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Brandolini
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Meghan Jones
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé US, 181 2nd Avenue, STE 600, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA;
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via S. Lucia, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.D.F.); (R.N.); (M.L.); (E.M.M.)
| | - Ezio Amorizzo
- Pain Unit, San Paolo Hospital, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy;
- Pain Clinic Roma, 00191 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Luigi Giuseppe Leoni
- Azienda USL di Piacenza, 29121 Piacenza, Italy;
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (L.L.)
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (L.L.)
| | - Manuela Leone
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via S. Lucia, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.D.F.); (R.N.); (M.L.); (E.M.M.)
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Enrico Maria Minnella
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via S. Lucia, 20122 Milan, Italy; (L.D.F.); (R.N.); (M.L.); (E.M.M.)
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Research & Early Development (R&D), Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (M.A.)
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Cristiano C, Giorgio C, Cocchiaro P, Boccella S, Cesta MC, Castelli V, Liguori FM, Cuozzo MR, Brandolini L, Russo R, Allegretti M. Inhibition of C5aR1 as a promising approach to treat taxane-induced neuropathy. Cytokine 2023; 171:156370. [PMID: 37722320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of several antitumor agents resulting in progressive and often irreversible damage of peripheral nerves. In addition to their known anticancer effects, taxanes, including paclitaxel, can also induce peripheral neuropathy by activating microglia and astrocytes, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2). All these events contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic or inflammatory response. Complement component 5a (C5a)/C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) signaling was very recently shown to play a crucial role in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our recent findings highlighted that taxanes have the previously unreported property of binding and activating C5aR1, and that C5aR1 inhibition by DF3966A is effective in preventing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in animal models. Here, we investigated if C5aR1 inhibition maintains efficacy in reducing PIPN in a therapeutic setting. Furthermore, we characterized the role of C5aR1 activation by paclitaxel and the CIPN-associated activation of nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Our results clearly show that administration of the C5aR1 inhibitor strongly reduced cold and mechanical allodynia in mice when given both during the onset of PIPN and when neuropathy is well established. C5aR1 activation by paclitaxel was found to be a key event in the induction of inflammatory factors in spinal cord, such as TNF-α, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In addition, C5aR1 inhibition significantly mitigated paclitaxel-induced inflammation and inflammasome activation by reducing IL-1β and NLRP3 expression at both sciatic and dorsal root ganglia level, confirming the involvement of inflammasome in PIPN. Moreover, paclitaxel-induced upregulation of C5aR1 was significantly reduced by DF3966A treatment in central nervous system. Lastly, the antinociceptive effect of C5aR1 inhibition was confirmed in an in vitro model of sensory neurons in which we focused on receptor channels usually activated upon neuropathy. In conclusion, C5aR1 inhibition is proposed as a therapeutic option with the potential to exert long-term protective effect on PIPN-associated neuropathic pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - C Giorgio
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - P Cocchiaro
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - S Boccella
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M C Cesta
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F M Liguori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M R Cuozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - L Brandolini
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M Allegretti
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
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Piemonti L, Landoni G, Voza A, Puoti M, Gentile I, Coppola N, Nava S, Mattei A, Marinangeli F, Marchetti G, Bonfanti P, Mastroianni CM, Bassetti M, Crisafulli E, Grossi PA, Zangrillo A, Desai A, Merli M, Foggia M, Carpano M, Schiavoni L, D'Arminio Monforte A, Bisi L, Russo G, Busti F, Rovelli C, Perrotta E, Goisis G, Gavioli EM, Toya S, De Pizzol M, Mantelli F, Allegretti M, Minnella EM. Efficacy and Safety of Reparixin in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:2437-2456. [PMID: 37798468 PMCID: PMC10600076 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00871-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polymorphonuclear cell influx into the interstitial and bronchoalveolar spaces is a cardinal feature of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), principally mediated by interleukin-8 (IL-8). We sought to determine whether reparixin, a novel IL-8 pathway inhibitor, could reduce disease progression in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS In this Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were randomized 2:1 to receive oral reparixin 1200 mg three times daily or placebo for up to 21 days or until hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28, with key secondary endpoints being the proportion of patients free of respiratory failure at Day 60, incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) admission by Day 28 and time to recovery by Day 28. RESULTS Of 279 patients randomized, 182 received at least one dose of reparixin and 88 received placebo. The proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28 was similar in the two groups {83.5% versus 80.7%; odds ratio 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75, 3.51]; p = 0.216}. There were no statistically significant differences in the key secondary endpoints, but a numerically higher proportion of patients in the reparixin group were alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 60 (88.7% versus 84.6%; p = 0.195), fewer required ICU admissions by Day 28 (15.8% versus 21.7%; p = 0.168), and a higher proportion recovered by Day 28 compared with placebo (81.6% versus 74.9%; p = 0.167). Fewer patients experienced adverse events with reparixin than placebo (45.6% versus 54.5%), most mild or moderate intensity and not related to study treatment. CONCLUSIONS This trial did not meet the primary efficacy endpoints, yet reparixin showed a trend toward limiting disease progression as an add-on therapy in COVID-19 severe pneumonia and was well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04878055, EudraCT: 2020-005919-51.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60. 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Voza
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Nava
- Respiratory and Critical Care Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Mattei
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Marinangeli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Treatment and Palliative Care, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonfanti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Infectious Diseases Clinic, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ernesto Crisafulli
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Grossi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria-ASST-Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Desai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Merli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Foggia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Carpano
- Respiratory and Critical Care Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Schiavoni
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Arminio Monforte
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Bisi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Russo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Busti
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Rovelli
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria-ASST-Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Goisis
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sophie Toya
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria De Pizzol
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Mantelli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Grasselli C, Bombelli S, D'Esposito V, Di Tolla MF, L'Imperio V, Rocchio F, Miscione MS, Formisano P, Pagni F, Novelli R, Ruffini PA, Aramini A, Allegretti M, Perego R, De Filippis L. The therapeutic potential of an allosteric non-competitive CXCR1/2 antagonist for diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2023; 39:e3694. [PMID: 37470287 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3694] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic nephropathy is a major consequence of inflammation developing in type 1 diabetes, with interleukin-8 (IL-8)-CXCR1/2 axis playing a key role in kidney disease progression. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a CXCR1/2 non-competitive allosteric antagonist (Ladarixin) in preventing high glucose-mediated injury in human podocytes and epithelial cells differentiated from renal stem/progenitor cells (RSC) cultured as nephrospheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used human RSCs cultured as nephrospheres through a sphere-forming functional assay to investigate hyperglycemia-mediated effects on IL-8 signalling in human podocytes and tubular epithelial cells. RESULTS High glucose impairs RSC self-renewal, induces an increase in IL-8 transcript expression and protein secretion and induces DNA damage in RSC-differentiated podocytes, while exerting no effect on RSC-differentiated epithelial cells. Accordingly, the supernatant from epithelial cells or podocytes cultured in high glucose was able to differentially activate leucocyte-mediated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that the crosstalk between immune and non-immune cells may be involved in disease progression in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with Ladarixin during RSC differentiation prevented high glucose-mediated effects on podocytes and modulated either podocyte or epithelial cell-dependent leucocyte secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting CXCR1/2 antagonists as possible pharmacological approaches for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Grasselli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Bombelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Vittoria D'Esposito
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Pathology Department, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Pathology Department, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Research and Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Perego
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Castelli V, d'Angelo M, Zazzeroni F, Vecchiotti D, Alesse E, Capece D, Brandolini L, Cattani F, Aramini A, Allegretti M, Cimini A. Intranasal delivery of NGF rescues hearing impairment in aged SAMP8 mice. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:605. [PMID: 37704645 PMCID: PMC10499813 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Hearing loss impacts the quality of life and affects communication resulting in social isolation and reduced well-being. Despite its impact on society and economy, no therapies for age-related hearing loss are available so far. Loss of mechanosensory hair cells of the cochlea is a common event of hearing loss in humans. Studies performed in birds demonstrating that they can be replaced following the proliferation and transdifferentiation of supporting cells, strongly pointed out on HCs regeneration as the main focus of research aimed at hearing regeneration. Neurotrophins are growth factors involved in neuronal survival, development, differentiation, and plasticity. NGF has been involved in the interplay between auditory receptors and efferent innervation in the cochlea during development. During embryo development, both NGF and its receptors are highly expressed in the inner ears. It has been reported that NGF is implicated in the differentiation of auditory gangliar and hair cells. Thus, it has been proposed that NGF administration can decrease neuronal damage and prevent hearing loss. The main obstacle to the development of hearing impairment therapy is that efficient means of delivery for selected drugs to the cochlea are missing. Herein, in this study NGF was administered by the intranasal route. The first part of the study was focused on a biodistribution study, which showed the effective delivery in the cochlea; while the second part was focused on analyzing the potential therapeutic effect of NGF in senescence-accelerated prone strain 8 mice. Interestingly, intranasal administration of NGF resulted protective in counteracting hearing impairment in SAMP8 mice, ameliorating hearing performances (analyzed by auditory brainstem responses and distortion product otoacoustic emission) and hair cells morphology (analyzed by microscopy analysis). The results obtained were encouraging indicating that the neurotrophin NGF was efficiently delivered to the inner ear and that it was effective in counteracting hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Daria Capece
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Franca Cattani
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, Via Campo di Pile 1, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, Via Campo di Pile 1, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Sfogliarini C, Pepe G, Cesta CM, Allegretti M, Locati M, Vegeto E. The immune activity of selective estrogen receptor modulators is gene and macrophage subtype-specific yet converges on Il1b downregulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115008. [PMID: 37442065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115008] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Raloxifene belongs to the family of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), which are drugs widely prescribed for Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα)-related pathologies. Recently, SERMs are being tested in repurposing strategies for ERα-independent clinical indications, including a wide range of microbial infections. Macrophages are central in the fight against pathogen invasion. Despite estrogens have been shown to regulate macrophage phenotype, SERMs activity in these cells is still poorly defined. We investigated the activity of Raloxifene in comparison with another widely used SERM, Tamoxifen, on immune gene expression in macrophages obtained from mouse and human tissues, including mouse peritoneal macrophages, bone marrow-derived macrophages, microglia or human blood-derived macrophages, assaying for the involvement of the ERα, PI3K and NRF2 pathways also under inflammatory conditions. Our data demonstrate that Raloxifene acts by a dual mechanism, which entails ERα antagonism and off-target mediators. Moreover, micromolar concentrations of Raloxifene increase the expression of immune metabolic genes, such as Vegfa and Hmox1, through PI3K and NRF2 activation selectively in peritoneal macrophages. Conversely, Il1b mRNA down-regulation by SERMs is consistently observed in all macrophage subtypes and unrelated to the PI3K/NRF2 system. Importantly, the production of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα induced by the bacterial endotoxin, LPS, is potentiated by SERMs and paralleled by the cell subtype-specific increase in IL1β secretion. This work extends our knowledge on the biological and molecular mechanisms of SERMs immune activity and indicate macrophages as a pharmacological target for the exploitation of the antimicrobial potential of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sfogliarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | - Massimo Locati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Vistoli G, Manelfi C, Talarico C, Fava A, Warshel A, Tetko IV, Apostolov R, Ye Y, Latini C, Ficarelli F, Palermo G, Gadioli D, Vitali E, Varriale G, Pisapia V, Scaturro M, Coletti S, Gregori D, Gruffat D, Leija E, Hessenauer S, Delbianco A, Allegretti M, Beccari AR. MEDIATE - Molecular DockIng at homE: Turning collaborative simulations into therapeutic solutions. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37424369 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2221025] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Collaborative computing has attracted great interest in the possibility of joining the efforts of researchers worldwide. Its relevance has further increased during the pandemic crisis since it allows for the strengthening of scientific collaborations while avoiding physical interactions. Thus, the E4C consortium presents the MEDIATE initiative which invited researchers to contribute via their virtual screening simulations that will be combined with AI-based consensus approaches to provide robust and method-independent predictions. The best compounds will be tested, and the biological results will be shared with the scientific community. AREAS COVERED In this paper, the MEDIATE initiative is described. This shares compounds' libraries and protein structures prepared to perform standardized virtual screenings. Preliminary analyses are also reported which provide encouraging results emphasizing the MEDIATE initiative's capacity to identify active compounds. EXPERT OPINION Structure-based virtual screening is well-suited for collaborative projects provided that the participating researchers work on the same input file. Until now, such a strategy was rarely pursued and most initiatives in the field were organized as challenges. The MEDIATE platform is focused on SARS-CoV-2 targets but can be seen as a prototype which can be utilized to perform collaborative virtual screening campaigns in any therapeutic field by sharing the appropriate input files.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Vistoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Fava
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Napoli, Italy
| | - Arieh Warshel
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Igor V Tetko
- BIGCHEM GmbH, Valerystr, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Munich-Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Rossen Apostolov
- PDC Center For High Performance Computing, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yang Ye
- Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chiara Latini
- High Performance Computing Dept, CINECA, Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ficarelli
- High Performance Computing Dept, CINECA, Casalecchio di Reno, Bologna, Italy
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9
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Barbieri SS, Cattani F, Sandrini L, Grillo MM, Amendola A, Valente C, Talarico C, Iaconis D, Turacchio G, Lucariello M, Lione L, Salvatori E, Amadio P, Garoffolo G, Maffei M, Galli F, Beccari AR, Sberna G, Marra E, Zoppi M, Michaelides M, Roscilli G, Aurisicchio L, Bertini R, Allegretti M, Pesce M. Relevance of Spike/Estrogen Receptor-α interaction for endothelial-based coagulopathy induced by SARS-CoV-2. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:203. [PMID: 37208343 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01488-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alessandra Amendola
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani, Roma, Italy
| | - Carmen Valente
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriele Turacchio
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Miriam Lucariello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Sberna
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Marica Zoppi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Michael Michaelides
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Iaconis D, Caccuri F, Manelfi C, Talarico C, Bugatti A, Filippini F, Zani A, Novelli R, Kuzikov M, Ellinger B, Gribbon P, Riecken K, Esposito F, Corona A, Tramontano E, Beccari AR, Caruso A, Allegretti M. DHFR Inhibitors Display a Pleiotropic Anti-Viral Activity against SARS-CoV-2: Insights into the Mechanisms of Action. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051128. [PMID: 37243214 DOI: 10.3390/v15051128] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug repurposing represented an effective strategy to obtain quick answers to medical emergencies. Based on previous data on methotrexate (MTX), we evaluated the anti-viral activity of several DHFR inhibitors in two cell lines. We observed that this class of compounds showed a significant influence on the virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) partly attributed to the intrinsic anti-metabolic activity of these drugs, but also to a specific anti-viral function. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we took advantage of our EXSCALATE platform for in-silico molecular modelling and further validated the influence of these inhibitors on nsp13 and viral entry. Interestingly, pralatrexate and trimetrexate showed superior effects in counteracting the viral infection compared to other DHFR inhibitors. Our results indicate that their higher activity is due to their polypharmacological and pleiotropic profile. These compounds can thus potentially give a clinical advantage in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients already treated with this class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Iaconis
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmine Talarico
- EXSCALATE, Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Dompè Famaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile snc, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Kuzikov
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bernhard Ellinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Esposito
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SS554, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | | | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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11
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Aramini A, Bianchini G, Lillini S, Tomassetti M, Pacchiarotti N, Canestrari D, Cocchiaro P, Novelli R, Dragani MC, Palmerio F, Mattioli S, Bordignon S, d'Angelo M, Castelli V, d'Egidio F, Maione S, Luongo L, Boccella S, Cimini A, Brandolini L, Chierotti MR, Allegretti M. Ketoprofen, lysine and gabapentin co-crystal magnifies synergistic efficacy and tolerability of the constituent drugs: Pre-clinical evidences towards an innovative therapeutic approach for neuroinflammatory pain. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114845. [PMID: 37167730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is an enormous public health concern, and its treatment is still an unmet medical need. Starting from data highlighting the promising effects of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with gabapentin in pain treatment, we sought to combine ketoprofen lysine salt (KLS) and gabapentin to obtain an effective multimodal therapeutic approach for chronic pain. Using relevant in vitro models, we first demonstrated that KLS and gabapentin have supra-additive effects in modulating key pathways in neuropathic pain and gastric mucosal damage. To leverage these supra-additive effects, we then chemically combined the two drugs via co-crystallization to yield a new compound, a ternary drug-drug co-crystal of ketoprofen, lysine and gabapentin (KLS-GABA co-crystal). Physicochemical, biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies showed that within the co-crystal, ketoprofen reaches an increased gastrointestinal solubility and permeability, as well as a higher systemic exposure in vivo compared to KLS alone or in combination with gabapentin, while both the constituent drugs have increased central nervous system permeation. These unique characteristics led to striking, synergistic anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of KLS-GABA co-crystal, as well as significantly reduced spinal neuroinflammation, in translational inflammatory and neuropathic pain rat models, suggesting that the synergistic therapeutic effects of the constituent drugs are further boosted by the co-crystallization. Notably, while strengthening the therapeutic effects of ketoprofen, KLS-GABA co-crystal showed remarkable gastrointestinal tolerability in both inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain rat models. In conclusion, these results allow us to propose KLS-GABA co-crystal as a new drug candidate with high potential clinical benefit-to-risk ratio for chronic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aramini
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pilel, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Bianchini
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pilel, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Samuele Lillini
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mara Tomassetti
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Canestrari
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pilel, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Rubina Novelli
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via S. Lucia, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Simone Mattioli
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Bordignon
- Department of Chemistry and NIS Centre, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco d'Egidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Laura Brandolini
- R&D, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A, Via Campo di Pilel, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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12
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Silva BM, Gomes GF, Veras FP, Cambier S, Silva GV, Quadros AU, Caetité DB, Nascimento DC, Silva CM, Costa Silva JC, Damasceno S, Schneider AH, Beretta F, Batah SS, Castro IM, Paiva IM, Rodrigues T, Salina A, Martins R, Cebinelli GCM, Bibo NL, Jorge DMDM, Nakaya HI, Zamboni DS, Leiria LO, Fabro AT, Alves-Filho JC, Arruda E, Louzada-Junior P, Oliveira RD, Cunha LD, Van Mol P, Vanderbeke L, Feys S, Wauters E, Brandolini L, Aramini A, Cunha FQ, Köhl J, Allegretti M, Lambrechts D, Wauters J, Proost P, Cunha TM. C5aR1 signaling triggers lung immunopathology in COVID-19 through neutrophil extracellular traps. J Clin Invest 2023:163105. [PMID: 37104043 DOI: 10.1172/jci163105] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that may progress to cytokine storm syndrome, organ dysfunction, and death. Considering that complement component 5a (C5a), through its cellular receptor C5aR1, has potent proinflammatory actions, and plays immunopathological roles in inflammatory diseases, we investigated whether C5a/C5aR1 pathway could be involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology. C5a/C5aR1 signaling increased locally in the lung, especially in neutrophils of critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to patients with influenza infection, as well as in the lung tissue of K18-hACE2 Tg mice (Tg mice) infected with SARS-CoV-2. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of C5aR1 signaling ameliorated lung immunopathology in Tg-infected mice. Mechanistically, we found that C5aR1 signaling drives neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)s-dependent immunopathology. These data confirm the immunopathological role of C5a/C5aR1 signaling in COVID-19 and indicate that antagonists of C5aR1 could be useful for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ms Silva
- Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Giovanni F Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Flavio P Veras
- Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Seppe Cambier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriel Vl Silva
- Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andreza U Quadros
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Diego B Caetité
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniele C Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Ms Silva
- Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliana C Costa Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Samara Damasceno
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ayda H Schneider
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fabio Beretta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabrina S Batah
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Icaro Ms Castro
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (CIDACS), Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Isadora M Paiva
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tamara Rodrigues
- Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ana Salina
- Immunology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Martins
- Virology Research Center and Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Naira L Bibo
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Daniel Macedo de Melo Jorge
- Virology Research Center and Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Helder I Nakaya
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dario S Zamboni
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz O Leiria
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Fabro
- Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José C Alves-Filho
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Eurico Arruda
- Virology Research Center and Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paulo Louzada-Junior
- Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renê Dr Oliveira
- Internal Medicine, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Larissa D Cunha
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pierre Van Mol
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lore Vanderbeke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simon Feys
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Wauters
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Brandolini
- Research and Early Development, Dompe Farmaceutici SpA, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Research and Early Development, Dompe Farmaceutici SpA, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fernando Q Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jörg Köhl
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Joost Wauters
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Canepa P, Canale C, Cavalleri O, Marletta G, Messina GML, Messori M, Novelli R, Mattioli SL, Apparente L, Detta N, Romeo T, Allegretti M. Adsorption of the rhNGF Protein on Polypropylene with Different Grades of Copolymerization. Materials (Basel) 2023; 16:2076. [PMID: 36903190 PMCID: PMC10004483 DOI: 10.3390/ma16052076] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The surface properties of drug containers should reduce the adsorption of the drug and avoid packaging surface/drug interactions, especially in the case of biologically-derived products. Here, we developed a multi-technique approach that combined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Contact Angle (CA), Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the interactions of rhNGF on different pharma grade polymeric materials. Polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene (PE) copolymers and PP homopolymers, both as spin-coated films and injected molded samples, were evaluated for their degree of crystallinity and adsorption of protein. Our analyses showed that copolymers are characterized by a lower degree of crystallinity and lower roughness compared to PP homopolymers. In line with this, PP/PE copolymers also show higher contact angle values, indicating a lower surface wettability for the rhNGF solution on copolymers than PP homopolymers. Thus, we demonstrated that the chemical composition of the polymeric material and, in turn, its surface roughness determine the interaction with the protein and identified that copolymers may offer an advantage in terms of protein interaction/adsorption. The combined QCM-D and XPS data indicated that protein adsorption is a self-limiting process that passivates the surface after the deposition of roughly one molecular layer, preventing any further protein adsorption in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Canepa
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Canale
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Ornella Cavalleri
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marletta
- Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia M. L. Messina
- Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Messori
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia 6, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Luca Mattioli
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Apparente
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Detta
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Romeo
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Loc. Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Research & Early Development, Dompè Farmaceutici S.p.A., Loc. Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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14
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Blaes A, Gavioli EM, Wakade R, Miracle S, DiTuri G, DePizzol M, Ruffini PA, Sergio F, Leone M, Mantelli F, Allegretti M, Fabi A. Abstract P5-07-09: Fatigue in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer undergoing single-agent taxane-based chemotherapy: de novo versus relapsed. Cancer Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-p5-07-09] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Fatigue is a debilitating and persistent condition of exhaustion that interferes with usual functioning. It is the most reported symptom across all cancer patients, and when related to the malignancy itself or to the neoplastic treatment, is referred to as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Fatigue occurs in nearly all patients with metastatic breast cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcomes and worse quality-of-life. It is subjective and can be assessed from patient self-reports, such as the FACIT-Fatigue scale or Brief Fatigue Inventory, with no current gold-standard, which may lead to under reporting and lack of treatment intervention. Only since 2016, fatigue has been considered as a syndrome and included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) according to specific criteria. The aim of this real-world data analysis was to describe the prevalence of fatigue, as reported by physicians using ICD-10-CM codes, in patients with locally advanced (Adv) or metastatic (Mtx) breast cancer (BC) undergoing single-agent taxane-based chemotherapy (CT), and to assess whether relapsed subjects had a higher prevalence versus those diagnosed de novo at an advanced stage.
Methods: Electronic health records (EHR) were analyzed from TriNetX, a global research network containing real-world data from approximately 150 million patients in 115 Health Care Organizations (72 in the United States and 42 in the European Union). Using ICD-10-CM codes and structured data only (no medical notes), subjects were identified with a diagnosis of Adv-Mtx BC who underwent CT with single-agent taxane in 2020, 2021 and 2022 (first quarter). After splitting the cohort based on “relapsed” (second- or further line treatment) vs “de novo” (first-line treatment), we assessed the prevalence of fatigue (any type, R53.x) and CRF (R53.0) within the first 3 months after initiation of taxanes.
Results: Among 379,880 BC patients under follow-up in 2021 across the 115 sites, 50,490 (13%) had Adv-Mtx BC, of whom 16,170 (32%) were diagnosed de novo and 34,330 (68%) experienced relapse. The proportion of patients undergoing single-agent taxane-based CT was 7.5% (1,220) and 13.4% (4,590), respectively. Almost one third (28%) of relapsed patients had previously received taxanes. The prevalence of fatigue (any type) and CRF was similar between the “de novo” and “relapsed” groups (24.6% vs 25.7% and 6.6% vs 5.4%, respectively). Overall, 27% and 21% of all fatigue was coded as CRF in the “de novo” and “relapsed” groups, respectively. No relevant differences were observed between 2020, 2021 and 2022 results.
Conclusions: This real-world analysis reveals that at least one in four patients with Adv-Mtx BC undergoing taxane based CT suffer from fatigue, independent of disease history and other factors. Fatigue is an unmet medical need in patients with BC, particularly in patients receiving taxanes.
Table. Fatigue prevalence (as per ICD-10-CM codes) within the first 3 months of single-agent taxane-based CT in patients with locally advanced or metastatic BC diagnosed “de novo” or relapsed in 2021
Citation Format: Anne Blaes, Elizabeth M. Gavioli, Renuka Wakade, Santiago Miracle, Giovanna DiTuri, Maria DePizzol, Pier Adelchi Ruffini, Francesco Sergio, Manuela Leone, Flavio Mantelli, Marcello Allegretti, Alessandra Fabi. Fatigue in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer undergoing single-agent taxane-based chemotherapy: de novo versus relapsed [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-09.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Blaes
- 1University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandra Fabi
- 12Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Fabi A, Hager S, Lourdes L, Pedersini R, Malaguti P, Gavioli EM, Wakade R, Ruffini PA, Sergio F, Leone M, Mantelli F, Allegretti M, Blaes A. Abstract OT1-16-01: Trial In Progress: An Evaluation of FACIT-Fatigue in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer receiving Treatment with Taxane-based Chemotherapy. Cancer Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs22-ot1-16-01] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), who receive taxane-based chemotherapy, and is associated with poor outcomes. Current guidelines recommend regular screening for fatigue from the time of cancer diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment is completed to identify CRF early, lessen its negative impact on quality of life, and prevent potential treatment interruptions. Fatigue is a subjective symptom and is assessed through patient questionnaires such as the FACIT-Fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue) survey. However, there is currently no gold standard or recommended survey to assess CRF. Methods: A prospective, non-interventional, multicenter trial is ongoing to validate the FACIT-Fatigue scale in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who are eligible to receive taxane-based chemotherapy. Adult patients who have documented locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (not amenable to surgical resection), and mild-to-moderate CRF indicated by a score of 1 to 6 on a scale from 0 to 10 (10 being most severe), who are candidates to receive cycle one of taxane chemotherapy will be included. Patients who are unable to take oral medications, have other cancer-related causes of fatigue, are using oral morphine ≥60 mg/day, or are participating in another clinical trial will be excluded. The primary objective is to evaluate the change in FACIT-Fatigue scores at baseline and at the end of the study (16 weeks). Secondary endpoints include evaluation of quality-of-life outcomes. A subgroup of patients will participate in a phone-based cognitive interview at the end of study visit or within 2 weeks of this visit to explore fatigue factors deemed important to patients. Results: The total planned sample size is estimated to be 60 patients to allow for a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) with a minimum precision of 1.9 points, and standard deviation of 3 points. The qualitative assessment will be conducted as part of a substudy inclusive of data from 30 patients. Conclusions: This study is currently ongoing to determine the MCID in FACIT-Fatigue scores in patients with locally advanced or MBC receiving treatment with taxane-based chemotherapy. Contact usmedinfo@dompe.com for information related to clinical trial sites and this study.
Citation Format: Alessandra Fabi, Steven Hager, Laura Lourdes, Rebecca Pedersini, Paola Malaguti, Elizabeth M. Gavioli, Renuka Wakade, Pier Adelchi Ruffini, Francesco Sergio, Manuela Leone, Flavio Mantelli, Marcello Allegretti, Anne Blaes. Trial In Progress: An Evaluation of FACIT-Fatigue in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer receiving Treatment with Taxane-based Chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-16-01.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fabi
- 1Precision Medicine in Breast Cancer, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Steven Hager
- 2California Cancer Associates for Research and Excellence (cCARE), California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Blaes
- 13University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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d’Angelo M, Brandolini L, Catanesi M, Castelli V, Giorgio C, Alfonsetti M, Tomassetti M, Zippoli M, Benedetti E, Cesta MC, Colagioia S, Cocchiaro P, Cimini A, Allegretti M. Differential Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in an In Vitro Model of Human Leaky Gut. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050728. [PMID: 36899865 PMCID: PMC10001324 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050728] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is the main contributor to gut homeostasis. Perturbations of the intestinal epithelium or supporting factors can lead to the development of intestinal hyperpermeability, termed "leaky gut". A leaky gut is characterized by loss of epithelial integrity and reduced function of the gut barrier, and is associated with prolonged use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories. The harmful effect of NSAIDs on intestinal and gastric epithelial integrity is considered an adverse effect that is common to all drugs belonging to this class, and it is strictly dependent on NSAID properties to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase enzymes. However, different factors may affect the specific tolerability profile of different members of the same class. The present study aims to compare the effects of distinct classes of NSAIDs, such as ketoprofen (K), Ibuprofen (IBU), and their corresponding lysine (Lys) and, only for ibuprofen, arginine (Arg) salts, using an in vitro model of leaky gut. The results obtained showed inflammatory-induced oxidative stress responses, and related overloads of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) accompanied by protein oxidation and morphological changes to the intestinal barrier, many of these effects being counteracted by ketoprofen and ketoprofen lysin salt. In addition, this study reports for the first time a specific effect of R-Ketoprofen on the NFkB pathway that sheds new light on previously reported COX-independent effects, and that may account for the observed unexpected protective effect of K on stress-induced damage on the IEB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele d’Angelo
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Laura Brandolini
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Campo di Pile snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariano Catanesi
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Giorgio
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Margherita Alfonsetti
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Mara Tomassetti
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mara Zippoli
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via De Amicis 95, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Colagioia
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Campo di Pile snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Dept. of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Dept. of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Campo di Pile snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (M.A.)
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Cesta MC, Zippoli M, Marsiglia C, Gavioli EM, Cremonesi G, Khan A, Mantelli F, Allegretti M, Balk R. Neutrophil activation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in COVID-19 ARDS and immunothrombosis. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250010. [PMID: 36239164 PMCID: PMC9874644 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute inflammatory condition with a dramatic increase in incidence since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Neutrophils play a vital role in the immunopathology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by triggering the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), producing cytokines including interleukin-8 (CXCL8), and mediating the recruitment of other immune cells to regulate processes such as acute and chronic inflammation, which can lead to ARDS. CXCL8 is involved in the recruitment, activation, and degranulation of neutrophils, and therefore contributes to inflammation amplification and severity of disease. Furthermore, activation of neutrophils also supports a prothrombotic phenotype, which may explain the development of immunothrombosis observed in COVID-19 ARDS. This review aims to describe hyperinflammatory ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we address the critical role of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, inflammatory cytokines, and the potential targeting of CXCL8 in treating the hyperinflammatory ARDS population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Akram Khan
- Division of Pulmonary, and Critical Care MedicineOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | | | | | - Robert Balk
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of MedicineRush Medical College and Rush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
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Piro G, Carbone C, Agostini A, Esposito A, De Pizzol M, Novelli R, Allegretti M, Aramini A, Caggiano A, Granitto A, De Sanctis F, Ugel S, Corbo V, Martini M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A, Tortora G. CXCR1/2 dual-inhibitor ladarixin reduces tumour burden and promotes immunotherapy response in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:331-341. [PMID: 36385556 PMCID: PMC9902528 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02028-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with few therapeutic options available. Despite immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment, the results obtained in PDAC are still disappointing. Emerging evidence suggests that chemokines/CXCRs-axis plays a pivotal role in immune tumour microenvironment modulation, which may influence immunotherapy responsiveness. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of CXCR1/2 inhibitor ladarixin, alone or in combination with anti-PD-1, against immunosuppression in PDAC. METHODS A set of preclinical models was obtained by engrafting mouse PDAC-derived cells into syngeneic immune-competent mice, as well as by orthotopically transplanting patient-derived PDAC tumour into human immune-system-reconstituted (HIR) mice (HuCD34-NSG-mice). Tumour-bearing mice were randomly assigned to receive vehicles, ladarixin, anti-PD-1 or drugs combination. RESULTS CXCR1/2 inhibition by ladarixin reverted in vitro tumour-mediated M2 macrophages polarisation and migration. Ladarixin as single agent reduced tumour burden in cancer-derived graft (CDG) models with high-immunogenic potential and increased the efficacy of ICI in non-immunogenic CDG-resistant models. In a HIR mouse model bearing the immunogenic subtype of human PDAC, ladarixin showed high efficacy increasing the antitumor effect of anti-PD-1. CONCLUSION Ladarixin in combination with anti-PD-1 might represent an extremely effective approach for the treatment of immunotherapy refractory PDAC, allowing pro-tumoral to immune-permissive microenvironment conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annachiara Esposito
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rubina Novelli
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia 6, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Aramini
- Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Santa Lucia 6, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Caggiano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Granitto
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Teresa Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Zippoli M, Ruocco A, Novelli R, Rocchio F, Miscione MS, Allegretti M, Cesta MC, Amendola PG. The role of extracellular vesicles and interleukin-8 in regulating and mediating neutrophil-dependent cancer drug resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:947183. [PMID: 36591453 PMCID: PMC9800989 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.947183] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor drug resistance is a multifactorial and heterogenous condition that poses a serious burden in clinical oncology. Given the increasing incidence of resistant tumors, further understanding of the mechanisms that make tumor cells able to escape anticancer drug effects is pivotal for developing new effective treatments. Neutrophils constitute a considerable proportion of tumor infiltrated immune cells, and studies have linked elevated neutrophil counts with poor prognosis. Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can acquire in fact immunoregulatory capabilities, thus regulating tumor progression and resistance, or response to therapy. In this review, we will describe TANs' actions in the tumor microenvironment, with emphasis on the analysis of the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial modulators and mediators of TANs biology and function in tumors. We will then discuss the main mechanisms through which TANs can induce drug resistance, finally reporting emerging therapeutic approaches that target these mechanisms and can thus be potentially used to reduce or overcome neutrophil-mediated tumor drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Zippoli
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Ruocco
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Rocchio
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Sara Miscione
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy,Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Science, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Pier Giorgio Amendola
- Research and Development (R&D), Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy,*Correspondence: Pier Giorgio Amendola,
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Solis O, Beccari AR, Iaconis D, Talarico C, Ruiz-Bedoya CA, Nwachukwu JC, Cimini A, Castelli V, Bertini R, Montopoli M, Cocetta V, Borocci S, Prandi IG, Flavahan K, Bahr M, Napiorkowski A, Chillemi G, Ooka M, Yang X, Zhang S, Xia M, Zheng W, Bonaventura J, Pomper MG, Hooper JE, Morales M, Rosenberg AZ, Nettles KW, Jain SK, Allegretti M, Michaelides M. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds and modulates estrogen receptors. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eadd4150. [PMID: 36449624 PMCID: PMC9710872 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add4150] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as its primary infection mechanism. Interactions between S and endogenous proteins occur after infection but are not well understood. We profiled binding of S against >9000 human proteins and found an interaction between S and human estrogen receptor α (ERα). Using bioinformatics, supercomputing, and experimental assays, we identified a highly conserved and functional nuclear receptor coregulator (NRC) LXD-like motif on the S2 subunit. In cultured cells, S DNA transfection increased ERα cytoplasmic accumulation, and S treatment induced ER-dependent biological effects. Non-invasive imaging in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters localized lung pathology with increased ERα lung levels. Postmortem lung experiments from infected hamsters and humans confirmed an increase in cytoplasmic ERα and its colocalization with S in alveolar macrophages. These findings describe the discovery of a S-ERα interaction, imply a role for S as an NRC, and advance knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 biology and coronavirus disease 2019 pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Solis
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | | | | | - Camilo A. Ruiz-Bedoya
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jerome C. Nwachukwu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- VIMM- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Borocci
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Ingrid G. Prandi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Kelly Flavahan
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Melissa Bahr
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Anna Napiorkowski
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Giovanni Chillemi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Masato Ooka
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martin G. Pomper
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jody E. Hooper
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Avi Z. Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kendall W. Nettles
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Sanjay K. Jain
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A, L’Aquila, Italy
- Corresponding author. (M.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Corresponding author. (M.M.); (M.A.)
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Spera MC, Cesta MC, Zippoli M, Varrassi G, Allegretti M. Emerging Approaches for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): Therapeutic Potential of the C5a/C5aR Axis. Pain Ther 2022; 11:1113-1136. [PMID: 36098939 PMCID: PMC9469051 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common neurologic complication of chemotherapy, resulting in symptoms like pain, sensory loss, and numbness in the hands and feet that cause lots of uneasiness in patients with cancer. They often suffer from pain so severe that it interrupts the treatment, thus invalidating the entire chemotherapy-based healing process, and significantly reducing their quality of life. In this paper, we underline the role of the complement system in CIPN, highlighting the relevance of the C5a fragment and its receptor C5aR1, whose activation is thought to be involved in triggering a cascade of events that can lead to CIPN onset. Recent experimental data showed the ability of docetaxel and paclitaxel to specifically bind and activate C5aR1, thus shining light on one of the molecular mechanisms by which taxanes may activate a cascade of events leading to neuropathy. According to these new evidence, it was possible to suggest new mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of CIPN. Hence, the C5a/C5aR1 axis may represent a new target for CIPN treatment, and the use of C5aR1 inhibitors can be proposed as a potential new therapeutic option to manage this high unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Spera
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, snc, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria C Cesta
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, snc, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mara Zippoli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, Naples, Italy
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22
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Piemonti L, Keymeulen B, Gillard P, Linn T, Bosi E, Rose L, Pozzilli P, Giorgino F, Cossu E, Daffonchio L, Goisis G, Ruffini PA, Maurizi AR, Mantelli F, Allegretti M. Ladarixin, an inhibitor of the interleukin-8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, in new-onset type 1 diabetes: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1840-1849. [PMID: 35589610 PMCID: PMC9540558 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14770] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the ability of ladarixin (LDX, 400 mg twice-daily for three cycles of 14 days on/14 days off), an inhibitor of the CXCR1/2 chemokine receptors, to maintain C-peptide production in adult patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled study was conducted in 45 males and 31 females (aged 18-46 years) within 100 days of the first insulin administration. The primary endpoint was the area under the curve (AUC) for C-peptide in response to a 2-hour mixed meal tolerance test (AUC[0-120 min] ) at week 13 ± 1. Secondary endpoints included C-peptide AUC(15-120 min) , HbA1c, daily insulin requirement, severe hypoglycaemic events (SHE), the proportion of subjects achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% without SHE and maintaining a residual beta cell function. Follow-up assessments were scheduled at weeks 13 ± 1, 26 ± 2 and 52 ± 2. RESULTS In total, 26/26 (100%, placebo) and 49/50 (98%, LDX) patients completed week 13. The mean change from baseline to week 13 in C-peptide AUC(0-120 min) was -0.144 ± 0.449 nmol/L with placebo and 0.003 ± .322 nmol/L with LDX. The difference was not significant (0.149 nmol/L, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.33; P = .122). At week 26, the proportion of patients with HbA1c less than 7.0% without SHE was transiently higher in the LDX group (81% vs. 54%, P = .024). Otherwise, no significant secondary endpoint differences were noted. Transient metabolic benefit was seen at week 26 in favour of the LDX group in the prespecified subpopulation with fasting C-peptide less than the median value at screening. CONCLUSIONS In newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, short-term LDX treatment had no appreciable effect on preserving residual beta cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Piemonti
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and Università Vita‐SaluteDiabetes Research InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Bart Keymeulen
- The Belgian Diabetes Registry, Academic Hospital and Diabetes Research CentreVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Pieter Gillard
- Department of EndocrinologyUniversity Hospitals Leuven‐KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Thomas Linn
- Clinical Research Unit, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic IIICenter of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Emanuele Bosi
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and Università Vita‐SaluteDiabetes Research InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Ludger Rose
- Zentrum für Diabetes und Gefäßerkrankungen MünsterMunsterGermany
| | - Paolo Pozzilli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic DiseasesUniversity Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | - Francesco Giorgino
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic DiseasesUniversity of Bari Aldo MoroBariItaly
| | - Efisio Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | | | - Giovanni Goisis
- Research and Development, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.AMilanItaly
| | | | | | - Flavio Mantelli
- Research and Development, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.AMilanItaly
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23
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Mastropasqua L, Nubile M, Acerra G, Detta N, Pelusi L, Lanzini M, Mattioli S, Santalucia M, Pietrangelo L, Allegretti M, Dua HS, Mehta JS, Pandolfi A, Mandatori D. Bioengineered Human Stromal Lenticule for Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor Release: A Potential Biocompatible Ocular Drug Delivery System. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:887414. [PMID: 35813999 PMCID: PMC9260024 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.887414] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), is a surgical procedure for the myopia correction, during which a corneal stromal lenticule is extracted. Given that we have previously demonstrated how this discarded tissue could be repurposed as a bio-scaffold for stromal engineering, this study aimed to explore its use as an ocular drug delivery system of active molecules, using neurotrophic factor Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). We employed human stromal lenticules directly collected from healthy donors undergoing SMILE. Following a sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) treatment, decellularized lenticules were incubated with a suspension of polylactic-co-glycolic-acid (PLGA) microparticles (MPs) loaded with recombinant human NGF (rhNGF-MPs). Fluorescent MPs (Fluo-MPs) were used as control. Data demonstrated the feasibility to engineer decellularized lenticules with PLGA-MPs which remain incorporated both on the lenticules surface and in its stromal. Following their production, the in vitro release kinetic showed a sustained release for up to 1 month of rhNGF from MPs loaded to the lenticule. Interestingly, rhNGF was rapidly released in the first 24 h, but it was sustained up to the end of the experiment (1 month), with preservation of rhNGF activity (around 80%). Our results indicated that decellularized human stromal lenticules could represent a biocompatible, non-immunogenic natural scaffold potential useful for ocular drug delivery. Therefore, combining the advantages of tissue engineering and pharmaceutical approaches, this in vitro proof-of-concept study suggests the feasibility to use this scaffold to allow target release of rhNGF in vivo or other pharmaceutically active molecules that have potential to treat ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mastropasqua
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mario Nubile
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Detta
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis, Naples, Italy
| | - Letizia Pelusi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Lanzini
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Simone Mattioli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso de Amicis, Naples, Italy
| | - Manuela Santalucia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Harminder S. Dua
- Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jodhbir S. Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Corneal and External Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Assunta Pandolfi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Domitilla Mandatori
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), StemTeCh Group, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Domitilla Mandatori,
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24
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Pace E, Cerveri I, Lacedonia D, Paone G, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Sorbo R, Allegretti M, Lanata L, Scaglione F. Clinical Efficacy of Carbocysteine in COPD: Beyond the Mucolytic Action. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061261. [PMID: 35745833 PMCID: PMC9227620 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061261] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with a versatile and complicated profile, being the fourth most common single cause of death worldwide. Several research groups have been trying to identify possible therapeutic approaches to treat COPD, such as the use of mucoactive drugs, which include carbocysteine. However, their role in the treatment of patients suffering from COPD remains controversial due to COPD's multifaceted profile. In the present review, 72 articles, published in peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors, are analyzed in order to provide significant insight and increase the knowledge about COPD considering the important contribution of carbocysteine in reducing exacerbations via multiple mechanisms. Carbocysteine is in fact able to modulate mucins and ciliary functions, and to counteract viral and bacterial infections as well as oxidative stress, offering cytoprotective effects. Furthermore, carbocysteine improves steroid responsiveness and exerts anti-inflammatory activity. This analysis demonstrates that the use of carbocysteine in COPD patients represents a well-tolerated treatment with a favorable safety profile, and might contribute to a better quality of life for patients suffering from this serious illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pace
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council, Via Ugo la Malfa, 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Isa Cerveri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Donato Lacedonia
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gregorino Paone
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli
- UOC Pneumotisiologia, Scuola di Specializzazione in Malattie Respiratorie, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II A.O.R.N. Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80138 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Rossella Sorbo
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.)
| | | | - Luigi Lanata
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.S.); (M.A.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Department of Oncology and Onco-Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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25
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Tortora G, Piro G, Carbone C, Agostini A, Esposito A, DePizzol M, Novelli R, Gavioli EM, Allegretti M, Aramini A, Caggiano A, Granitto A, De Sanctis F, Ugel S, Corbo V, Martini M, Lawlor RT, Scarpa A. The role of CXCR1/2 dual inhibitor ladarixin on tumor burden and immunotherapy response in pancreatic cancer. J Clin Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.e16304] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e16304 Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies for which few effective pharmacological treatments are currently available. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several solid tumors, yet the results obtained in PDAC have been disappointing. Although PDAC is generally considered an immune “cold” cancer, different PDAC subtypes have diverse immune tissue microenvironment (TME) components, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), that might differentially influence immunotherapy responsiveness and patient survival. TAM population is plastic, switching rapidly from a pro- to an anti-tumoral behaviour, based on specific cytokines in TME. A role for the chemokines/CXCR axis in inducing M1 polarization has been proposed in several tumors, and, consequently, the potential advantage of combining CXCR inhibitors with immune check-point inhibitors. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of the CXCR1/2 inhibitor ladarixin, alone or in combination with anti-PD-1, on immune tolerance against PDAC and on tumor growth. Methods: A set of preclinical models were obtained by engrafting mouse PDAC-derived cell lines into the pancreas of recipient syngeneic immune-competent mice, as well as by orthotopically transplanting patient derived PDAC tumor into human immune system reconstituted (HIR) mice (Hu-NSG-CD34+). Tumor bearing mice were randomly assigned to receive vehicles, ladarixin, and anti-PD-1 alone or in combination with ladarixin, to evaluate the effect of treatment on tumor growth and mice survival. This work is supported by AIRC and Italian Ministry of Health grants. Results: CXCR1/2 inhibition by ladarixin reverted in vitro tumor-mediated M2 polarization and migration of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages. Ladarixin as a single agent significantly reduced tumor burden in cancer derived graft (CDG) models with high-immunogenic potential and significantly increased the efficacy of ICI in non-immunogenic CDG models that did not respond to anti-PD-1 treatment. In a HIR mouse model bearing the immunogenic subtype of human PDAC, ladarixin showed high efficacy as a single agent and the ability to increase the antitumor effects of anti-PD-1 with a statistically significant reduction of tumor volume compared to control and to single treatments (ctr vs lad, p = 0.0077; ctr vs comb, p = 0.0098; lad vs comb: 0.002; anti-PD-1 vs comb, p = 0.036). Moreover, ladarixin both as monotherapy and in combination setting increased survival (median survival: ctr 49.5 vs lad 74.5 days, p = 0.044; ctr 49.5 vs comb 150 days, p = 0.0108; anti-PD-1 57 vs comb 150 days, p = 0.046; lad 74.5 vs comb 150 days, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Ladarixin in combination with anti-PD-1 might represent an effective approach for the treatment of PDAC, converting a protumoral into an immunopermissive microenvironment in PDAC subtypes usually refractory to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampaolo Tortora
- Oncologia Medica, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli–IRCCS, Rome, Italy Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessia Caggiano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Granitto
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Anatomical Pathology and ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Rita Teresa Lawlor
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy, Verona, Italy
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26
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Nicastri E, Marinangeli F, Pivetta E, Torri E, Reggiani F, Fiorentino G, Scorzolini L, Vettori S, Marsiglia C, Gavioli EM, Beccari AR, Terpolilli G, De Pizzol M, Goisis G, Mantelli F, Vaia F, Allegretti M. A phase 2 randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of raloxifene for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 48:101450. [PMID: 35582123 PMCID: PMC9098200 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current available therapeutic options for Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) are primarily focused on treating hospitalized patients, and there is a lack of oral therapeutic options to treat mild to moderate outpatient COVID-19 and prevent clinical progression. Raloxifene was found as a promising molecule to treat COVID-19 due to its activity to modulate the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and act as an immunomodulator to decrease proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS This was a phase 2 multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of raloxifene in adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 between October 2020 to June 2021 in five centers located in Italy. This was a planned 2/3 adaptive study, but due to operational difficulties, the study was discontinued during the phase 2 study segment. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive oral placebo, raloxifene 60 mg, or raloxifene 120 mg by self-administration for a maximum of two weeks. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients with undetectable SARS-CoV-2 via nasopharyngeal swabs at day 7 and the proportion of patients who did not require supplemental oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation on day 14. Safety was assessed. The trial is registered (EudraCT 2021-002,476-39, and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05172050). FINDINGS A total of 68 participants were enrolled and randomized to placebo (n = 21), raloxifene 60 mg (n = 24), and raloxifene 120 mg (n = 23). The proportion of participants with undetectable SARS-CoV-2 after seven days of treatment with raloxifene 60 mg [36.8%, 7/19 vs. 0.0%, 0/14] and 120 mg [22.2%, 4/18 vs. 0.0%, 0/14] was better compared to placebo, [risk difference (RD) = 0·37 (95% C.I.:0·09-0·59)] and [RD = 0·22 (95% C.I.: -0·03-0·45)], respectively. There was no evidence of effect for requirement of supplemental oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation with effects for raloxifene 60 mg and raloxifene 120 mg over placebo, [RD = 0·09 (95% C.I.: -0·22-0·37)], and [RD = 0·03 (95% C.I.: -0·28-0·33)], respectively. Raloxifene was well tolerated at both doses, and there was no evidence of any difference in the occurrence of serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION Raloxifene showed evidence of effect in the primary virologic endpoint in the treatment of early mild to moderate COVID-19 patients shortening the time of viral shedding. The safety profile was consistent with that reported for other indications. Raloxifene may represent a promising pharmacological option to prevent or mitigate COVID-19 disease progression. FUNDING The study was funded by Dompé Farmaceutici SpA and supported by the funds from the European Commission - Health and Consumers Directorate General, for the Action under the Emergency Support Instrument- Grant to support clinical testing of repurposed medicines to treat SARS-COV-2 patients (PPPA-ESI-CTRM-2020-SI2.837140), and by the COVID-2020-12,371,675 Ricerca finalizzata and line 1 Ricerca Corrente COVID both funded by Italian Ministry of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Franco Marinangeli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care, and Pain Therapy, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Emanuele Pivetta
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Department of General and Specialized Medicine, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Torri
- Emergency Department- Emergency Center, Humanitas Gavazzeni, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- U.O. di Medicina Generale e Nefrologia–IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, Milan 20089, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiorentino
- Respiratory Physiopathology and Rehabilitation Unit, AO Ospedali dei Colli, PO Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Scorzolini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Serena Vettori
- Respiratory Physiopathology and Rehabilitation Unit, AO Ospedali dei Colli, PO Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea R. Beccari
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, EXSCALATE Labs, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 95, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | | | - Maria De Pizzol
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia, 6, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Giovanni Goisis
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Santa Lucia, 6, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Flavio Mantelli
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, SNC, L'Aquila, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Francesco Vaia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, Rome 00149, Italy
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Baglio SR, De Schrijver C, Massaro C, Lagerweij T, Gomez Martin C, Giorgio C, Brandolini L, Gavioli EM, Allegretti M, Pegtel DM. Combined IL-6 and IL-8 inhibition to overcome mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-induced resistance to antimetastatic drugs in osteosarcoma. J Clin Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.10037] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
10037 Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a key role in the progression of osteosarcoma (OS). In response to tumor-associated signals, including tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), MSCs increase the expression of inflammatory cytokines promoting tumor cell aggressiveness. Previous data has demonstrated that IL-6 and IL-8 signaling mediate metastasis in OS. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor EV-induced alterations of MSCs and identify combination therapies that can counteract MSC-induced resistance to antimetastatic drugs. Methods: Tumor EV-induced alterations of the MSC transcriptome were analyzed by RNA-seq. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to discriminate TGFβ-dependent and independent pathways. EV RNA-induced expression changes were identified by transfecting purified EV-RNA in MSCs and by using a selective dsRNA antagonist. We selected candidate targets to block MSC-induced drug resistance and evaluated their effect in an orthotopic xenograft model of OS. Ladarixin (an allosteric inhibitor of the CXCL8/IL-8 receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2; 30 mg/kg 6x per week i.p.) and tocilizumab (anti-IL6 receptor antibody; 100 µg/mouse every other day i.p.) were administered starting from day one until the experimental endpoint. Metastasis were quantified by histological examination. This study was funded by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), POR FESR Campania 2014‐2020 and Dompé Farmaceutici SpA. Results: EVs from aggressive cancer cell lines induced an inflammatory MSC (iMSC) phenotype, characterized by increased expression of chemokines, including IL-8 as the most upregulated. Apart from IL-6, these alterations were mostly independent from TGFβ signaling and related to pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation. We demonstrated that tumor EV-associated non-coding RNAs trigger TLR3 signaling in MSCs activating an innate immune response leading to high induction of IL-8 and other chemokines. Ladarixin and tocilizumab combination significantly reduced metastasis formation in a spontaneous metastasis model and overcame iMSC-induced resistance observed with single antimetastatic treatments. No effect was observed on primary tumor growth. Conclusions: EV-associated TGFβ together with EV-RNA induce iMSCs development in OS. Ladarixin in combination with tocilizumab reduced metastasis formation in a xenograft mouse model of OS, and, importantly, may prevent the occurrence of iMSC-induced tumor resistance to antimetastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - D. Michiel Pegtel
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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28
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Iaconis D, Bordi L, Matusali G, Talarico C, Manelfi C, Cesta MC, Zippoli M, Caccuri F, Bugatti A, Zani A, Filippini F, Scorzolini L, Gobbi M, Beeg M, Piotti A, Montopoli M, Cocetta V, Bressan S, Bucci EM, Caruso A, Nicastri E, Allegretti M, Beccari AR. Characterization of raloxifene as a potential pharmacological agent against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:498. [PMID: 35614039 PMCID: PMC9130985 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04961-z] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which so far has caused over 6 million deaths in 2 years, despite new vaccines and antiviral medications. Drug repurposing, an approach for the potential application of existing pharmaceutical products to new therapeutic indications, could be an effective strategy to obtain quick answers to medical emergencies. Following a virtual screening campaign on the most relevant viral proteins, we identified the drug raloxifene, a known Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), as a new potential agent to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. In this paper we report a comprehensive pharmacological characterization of raloxifene in relevant in vitro models of COVID-19, specifically in Vero E6 and Calu-3 cell lines infected with SARS-CoV-2. A large panel of the most common SARS-CoV-2 variants isolated in Europe, United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa and India was tested to demonstrate the drug's ability in contrasting the viral cytopathic effect (CPE). Literature data support a beneficial effect by raloxifene against the viral infection due to its ability to interact with viral proteins and activate protective estrogen receptor-mediated mechanisms in the host cells. Mechanistic studies here reported confirm the significant affinity of raloxifene for the Spike protein, as predicted by in silico studies, and show that the drug treatment does not directly affect Spike/ACE2 interaction or viral internalization in infected cell lines. Interestingly, raloxifene can counteract Spike-mediated ADAM17 activation in human pulmonary cells, thus providing new insights on its mechanism of action. A clinical study in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients (NCT05172050) has been recently completed. Our contribution to evaluate raloxifene results on SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the interpretation of the mechanisms of action will be key elements to better understand the trial results, and to design new clinical studies aiming to evaluate the potential development of raloxifene in this indication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Licia Bordi
- grid.419423.90000 0004 1760 4142National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- grid.419423.90000 0004 1760 4142National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesca Caccuri
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Scorzolini
- grid.419423.90000 0004 1760 4142National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marten Beeg
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Piotti
- grid.4527.40000000106678902Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Montopoli
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, VIMM Veneto Institute Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, VIMM Veneto Institute Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Bressan
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, VIMM Veneto Institute Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico M. Bucci
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Sbarro Health Research Organization, Biology Department CFT, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- grid.7637.50000000417571846Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- grid.419423.90000 0004 1760 4142National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Brandolini L, d'Angelo M, Novelli R, Castelli V, Giorgio C, Sirico A, Cocchiaro P, D'Egidio F, Benedetti E, Cristiano C, Bugatti A, Ruocco A, Amendola PG, Talarico C, Manelfi C, Iaconis D, Beccari A, Quadros AU, Cunha TM, Caruso A, Russo R, Cimini A, Aramini A, Allegretti M. Paclitaxel binds and activates C5aR1: A new potential therapeutic target for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and hypersensitivity reactions. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:500. [PMID: 35614037 PMCID: PMC9130998 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04964-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) are among the most frequent and impairing side effects of the antineoplastic agent paclitaxel. Here, we demonstrated that paclitaxel can bind and activate complement component 5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) and that this binding is crucial in the etiology of paclitaxel-induced CIPN and anaphylaxis. Starting from our previous data demonstrating the role of interleukin (IL)-8 in paclitaxel-induced neuronal toxicity, we searched for proteins that activate IL-8 expression and, by using the Exscalate platform for molecular docking simulations, we predicted the high affinity of C5aR1 with paclitaxel. By in vitro studies, we confirmed the specific and competitive nature of the C5aR1-paclitaxel binding and found that it triggers intracellularly the NFkB/P38 pathway and c-Fos. In F11 neuronal cells and rat dorsal root ganglia, C5aR1 inhibition protected from paclitaxel-induced neuropathological effects, while in paclitaxel-treated mice, the absence (knock-out mice) or the inhibition of C5aR1 significantly ameliorated CIPN symptoms-in terms of cold and mechanical allodynia-and reduced the chronic pathological state in the paw. Finally, we found that C5aR1 inhibition can counteract paclitaxel-induced anaphylactic cytokine release in macrophages in vitro, as well as the onset of HSRs in mice. Altogether these data identified C5aR1 as a key mediator and a new potential pharmacological target for the prevention and treatment of CIPN and HSRs induced by paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brandolini
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via S. Lucia, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Giorgio
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Sirico
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesco D'Egidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Traslational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Ruocco
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Talarico
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Candida Manelfi
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Iaconis
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Beccari
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Andreza U Quadros
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago M Cunha
- Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Department of Molecular and Traslational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Solis O, Beccari AR, Iaconis D, Talarico C, Ruiz-Bedoya CA, Nwachukwu JC, Cimini A, Castelli V, Bertini R, Montopoli M, Cocetta V, Borocci S, Prandi IG, Flavahan K, Bahr M, Napiorkowski A, Chillemi G, Ooka M, Yang X, Zhang S, Xia M, Zheng W, Bonaventura J, Pomper MG, Hooper JE, Morales M, Rosenberg AZ, Nettles KW, Jain SK, Allegretti M, Michaelides M. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds and modulates estrogen receptors. bioRxiv 2022:2022.05.21.492920. [PMID: 35665018 PMCID: PMC9164441 DOI: 10.1101/2022.05.21.492920] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) at the cell surface, which constitutes the primary mechanism driving SARS-CoV-2 infection. Molecular interactions between the transduced S and endogenous proteins likely occur post-infection, but such interactions are not well understood. We used an unbiased primary screen to profile the binding of full-length S against >9,000 human proteins and found significant S-host protein interactions, including one between S and human estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). After confirming this interaction in a secondary assay, we used bioinformatics, supercomputing, and experimental assays to identify a highly conserved and functional nuclear receptor coregulator (NRC) LXD-like motif on the S2 subunit and an S-ERα binding mode. In cultured cells, S DNA transfection increased ERα cytoplasmic accumulation, and S treatment induced ER-dependent biological effects and ACE2 expression. Noninvasive multimodal PET/CT imaging in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters using [ 18 F]fluoroestradiol (FES) localized lung pathology with increased ERα lung levels. Postmortem experiments in lung tissues from SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters and humans confirmed an increase in cytoplasmic ERα expression and its colocalization with S protein in alveolar macrophages. These findings describe the discovery and characterization of a novel S-ERα interaction, imply a role for S as an NRC, and are poised to advance knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 biology, COVID-19 pathology, and mechanisms of sex differences in the pathology of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Solis
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Camilo A. Ruiz-Bedoya
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jerome C. Nwachukwu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Monica Montopoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- VIMM- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata, Padova, Italy
| | - Veronica Cocetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Borocci
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Ingrid G. Prandi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Kelly Flavahan
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Bahr
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Napiorkowski
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Giovanni Chillemi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, DIBAF, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Masato Ooka
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia
| | - Martin G. Pomper
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jody E. Hooper
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Avi Z. Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kendall W. Nettles
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Sanjay K. Jain
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB-II Room 109, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Brandolini L, Aramini A, Bianchini G, Ruocco A, Bertini R, Novelli R, Angelico P, Valsecchi AE, Russo R, Castelli V, Cimini A, Allegretti M. Inflammation-Independent Antinociceptive Effects of DF2755A, a CXCR1/2 Selective Inhibitor: A New Potential Therapeutic Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy Associated to Non-Ulcerative Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:854238. [PMID: 35571079 PMCID: PMC9096165 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.854238] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic bladder disease of unknown etiology characterized by urinary frequency and episodic and chronic pain. Analgesic treatments for IC/BPS are limited, especially for patients with non-Hunner (non-ulcerative) type IC who usually have poor overall outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that oral treatment with DF2755A, a potent and selective inhibitor of chemokine receptors CXCR1/2, can prevent and reverse peripheral neuropathy associated to non-Hunner IC/BPS by directly inhibiting chemokine-induced excitation of sensory neurons. We tested DF2755A antinociceptive effects in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced non-ulcerative IC rat model characterized by severe peripheral neuropathy in the absence of bladder inflammatory infiltrate, urothelial hyperplasia, and hemorrhage. Treatment with DF2755A prevented the onset of peripheral neuropathy and reversed its development in CYP-induced IC rats, showing a strong and long-lasting anti-hyperalgesic effect. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that DF2755A treatment strongly inhibited the expression of CXCR2 agonists, CXCL1/KC, and CXCL5 and of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) compared to vehicle, suggesting that its effects can be due to the inhibition of the nociceptive signaling passing through the CXCL1/CXCR1-2 axis and TRPV1. In conclusion, our results highlight the key pathophysiological role played by the CXCL1/CXCR1-2 axis and TRPV1 in the onset and development of peripheral neuropathy in non-Hunner IC and propose DF2755A as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of not only inflammatory painful conditions but also neuropathic ones and in particular non-Hunner IC/BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brandolini
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bianchini
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Ruocco
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Naples, Italy
| | | | - Rubina Novelli
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Research and Early Development, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A., L’Aquila, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marcello Allegretti,
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Sfogliarini C, Pepe G, Dolce A, Della Torre S, Cesta MC, Allegretti M, Locati M, Vegeto E. Tamoxifen Twists Again: On and Off-Targets in Macrophages and Infections. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:879020. [PMID: 35431927 PMCID: PMC9006819 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.879020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond the wide use of tamoxifen in breast cancer chemotherapy due to its estrogen receptor antagonist activity, this drug is being assayed in repurposing strategies against a number of microbial infections. We conducted a literature search on the evidence related with tamoxifen activity in macrophages, since these immune cells participate as a first line-defense against pathogen invasion. Consistent data indicate the existence of estrogen receptor-independent targets of tamoxifen in macrophages that include lipid mediators and signaling pathways, such as NRF2 and caspase-1, which allow these cells to undergo phenotypic adaptation and potentiate the inflammatory response, without the induction of cell death. Thus, these lines of evidence suggest that the widespread antimicrobial activity of this drug can be ascribed, at least in part, to the potentiation of the host innate immunity. This widens our understanding of the pharmacological activity of tamoxifen with relevant therapeutic implications for infections and other clinical indications that may benefit from the immunomodulatory effects of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sfogliarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pepe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Dolce
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Locati
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vegeto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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33
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Compagnoni C, Zelli V, Bianchi A, Di Marco A, Capelli R, Vecchiotti D, Brandolini L, Cimini AM, Zazzeroni F, Allegretti M, Alesse E, Tessitore A. MicroRNAs Expression in Response to rhNGF in Epithelial Corneal Cells: Focus on Neurotrophin Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073597. [PMID: 35408969 PMCID: PMC8998691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073597] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Nerve growth factor efficacy was demonstrated for corneal lesions treatment, and recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) was approved for neurotrophic keratitis therapy. However, NGF-induced molecular responses in cornea are still largely unknown. We analyzed microRNAs expression in human epithelial corneal cells after time-dependent rhNGF treatment. METHODS Nearly 700 microRNAs were analyzed by qRT-PCR. MicroRNAs showing significant expression differences were examined by DIANA-miRpath v.3.0 to identify target genes and pathways. Immunoblots were performed to preliminarily assess the strength of the in silico results. RESULTS Twenty-one microRNAs (miR-26a-1-3p, miR-30d-3p, miR-27b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-362-5p, mir-550a-5p, mir-34a-3p, mir-1227-3p, mir-27a-5p, mir-222-5p, mir-151a-5p, miR-449a, let7c-5p, miR-337-5p, mir-29b-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-141-3p, miR-671-3p, miR-324-5p, mir-411-3p, and mir-425-3p) were significantly regulated in response to rhNGF. In silico analysis evidenced interesting target genes and pathways, including that of neurotrophin, when analyzed in depth. Almost 80 unique target genes (e.g., PI3K, AKT, MAPK, KRAS, BRAF, RhoA, Cdc42, Rac1, Bax, Bcl2, FasL) were identified as being among those most involved in neurotrophin signaling and in controlling cell proliferation, growth, and apoptosis. AKT and RhoA immunoblots demonstrated congruence with microRNA expression, providing preliminary validation of in silico data. CONCLUSIONS MicroRNA levels in response to rhNGF were for the first time analyzed in corneal cells. Novel insights about microRNAs, target genes, pathways modulation, and possible biological responses were provided. Importantly, given the putative role of microRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, our results make available data which might be potentially exploitable for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Compagnoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, Via Petrini, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Bianchi
- Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Antinisca Di Marco
- Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (A.B.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Roberta Capelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Davide Vecchiotti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, Via Petrini, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Laura Brandolini
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, via Campo di Pile, 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Anna Maria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, P.zza S. Tommasi, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Dompé Farmaceutici Spa, via Campo di Pile, 1, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (M.A.)
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
| | - Alessandra Tessitore
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (C.C.); (V.Z.); (R.C.); (D.V.); (F.Z.); (E.A.)
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L’Aquila, Via Petrini, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-086-243-3518; Fax: +39-0862433131
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Verachi P, Gobbo F, Martelli F, Martinelli A, Sarli G, Dunbar A, Levine RL, Hoffman R, Massucci MT, Brandolini L, Giorgio C, Allegretti M, Migliaccio AR. The CXCR1/CXCR2 Inhibitor Reparixin Alters the Development of Myelofibrosis in the Gata1 low Mice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:853484. [PMID: 35392239 PMCID: PMC8982152 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.853484] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A major role for human (h)CXCL8 (interleukin-8) in the pathobiology of myelofibrosis (MF) has been suggested by observations indicating that MF megakaryocytes express increased levels of hCXCL8 and that plasma levels of this cytokine in MF patients are predictive of poor patient outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that, in addition to high levels of TGF-β, the megakaryocytes from the bone marrow of the Gata1 low mouse model of myelofibrosis express high levels of murine (m)CXCL1, the murine equivalent of hCXCL8, and its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. Treatment with the CXCR1/R2 inhibitor, Reparixin in aged-matched Gata1 low mice demonstrated reductions in bone marrow and splenic fibrosis. Of note, the levels of fibrosis detected using two independent methods (Gomori and reticulin staining) were inversely correlated with plasma levels of Reparixin. Immunostaining of marrow sections indicated that the bone marrow from the Reparixin-treated group expressed lower levels of TGF-β1 than those expressed by the bone marrow from vehicle-treated mice while the levels of mCXCL1, and expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2, were similar to that of vehicle-treated mice. Moreover, immunofluorescence analyses performed on bone marrow sections from Gata1 low mice indicated that treatment with Reparixin induced expression of GATA1 while reducing expression of collagen III in megakaryocytes. These data suggest that in Gata1low mice, Reparixin reduces fibrosis by reducing TGF-β1 and collagen III expression while increasing GATA1 in megakaryocytes. Our results provide a preclinical rationale for further evaluation of this drug alone and in combination with current JAK inhibitor therapy for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Verachi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gobbo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Martelli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Center for Animal Experimentation and Well-Being, Istituto Superiore di Santà, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrew Dunbar
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ronald Hoffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Rita Migliaccio
- Center for Integrated Biomedical Research, Campus Bio-medico, Rome, Italy
- Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States
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Cocchiaro P, Di Donato V, Rubbini D, Mastropasqua R, Allegretti M, Mantelli F, Aramini A, Brandolini L. Intravitreal Administration of rhNGF Enhances Regenerative Processes in a Zebrafish Model of Retinal Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:822359. [PMID: 35330834 PMCID: PMC8940169 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.822359] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is the best characterized neurotrophin, and it is known to play an important role in ocular homeostasis. Here, we demonstrated the expression of NGF receptors in adult zebrafish retina and optimized a light-induced retina degeneration (LID) zebrafish model that mimics human cone-rod disorders, demonstrating that intravitreal (IV) administration of rhNGF can boost zebrafish retinal regeneration in this model. Adult zebrafish retinae exposed to 60 h of light irradiation (60 h LID) displayed evident reduction of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and cell number with presence of apoptotic cells. Retinal histologic evaluation at different time points showed that IV therapeutic injection of rhNGF resulted in an increase of ONL thickness and cell number at late time points after damage (14 and 21 days post injury), ultimately accelerating retinal tissue recovery by driving retinal cell proliferation. At a molecular level, rhNGF activated the ERK1/2 pathway and enhanced the regenerative potential of Müller glia gfap- and vim-expressing cells by stimulating at early time points the expression of the photoreceptor regeneration factor Drgal1-L2. Our results demonstrate the highly conserved nature of NGF canonical pathway in zebrafish and thus support the use of zebrafish models for testing new compounds with potential retinal regenerative properties. Moreover, the pro-regenerative effects of IV-injected NGF that we observed pave the way to further studies aimed at evaluating its effects also in mammals, in order to expedite the development of novel rhNGF-based therapeutic approaches for ophthalmological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Di Donato
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Vincenzo Di Donato, ; Laura Brandolini,
| | - Davide Rubbini
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodolfo Mastropasqua
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Brandolini
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Napoli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vincenzo Di Donato, ; Laura Brandolini,
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Cesta MC, Zippoli M, Marsiglia C, Gavioli EM, Mantelli F, Allegretti M, Balk RA. The Role of Interleukin-8 in Lung Inflammation and Injury: Implications for the Management of COVID-19 and Hyperinflammatory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:808797. [PMID: 35095519 PMCID: PMC8790527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.808797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [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: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus—2 (SARS CoV-2) has resulted in the global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and an increase in complications including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Due to the lack of therapeutic options for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, recent attention has focused on differentiating hyper- and hypo-inflammatory phenotypes of ARDS to help define effective therapeutic strategies. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has a role in neutrophil activation and has been identified within the pathogenesis and progression of this disease. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of IL-8 as a biomarker and prognostic factor in modulating the hyperinflammatory response in ARDS. The crucial role of IL-8 in lung inflammation and disease pathogenesis might suggest IL-8 as a possible new therapeutic target to efficiently modulate the hyperinflammatory response in ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Zippoli
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Tommaso De Amicis, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert A Balk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rush Medical College and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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Castelli V, Brandolini L, d’Angelo M, Giorgio C, Alfonsetti M, Cocchiaro P, Lombardi F, Cimini A, Allegretti M. CXCR1/2 Inhibitor Ladarixin Ameliorates the Insulin Resistance of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by Inhibiting Inflammation and Improving Insulin Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092324. [PMID: 34571976 PMCID: PMC8471705 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a severe public health issue worldwide. It displays a harmful effect on different organs as the eyes, kidneys and neural cells due to insulin resistance and high blood glucose concentrations. To date, the available treatments for this disorder remain limited. Several reports have correlated obesity with type 2 diabetes. Mainly, dysfunctional adipocytes and the regulation of high secretion of inflammatory cytokines are the crucial links between obesity and insulin resistance. Several clinical and epidemiological studies have also correlated the onset of type 2 diabetes with inflammation, which is now indicated as a new target for type 2 diabetes treatment. Thus, it appears essential to discover new drugs able to inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory adipocytokines in type 2 diabetes. Adipocytes produce inflammatory cytokines in response to inflammation or high glucose levels. Once activated by a specific ligand, CXCR1 and CXCR2 mediate some cytokines’ effects by activating an intracellular signal cascade once activated by a specific ligand. Therefore, it is conceivable to hypothesize that a specific antagonist of these receptors may ameliorate type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism. Herein, differentiated 3T3-L1-adipocytes were subjected to high glucose or inflammatory conditions or the combination of both and then treated with ladarixin, a CXCR1/2 inhibitor. The results obtained point towards the positive regulation by ladarixin on insulin sensitivity, glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4, cytokine proteome profile and lipid metabolism, thus suggesting ladarixin as a potentially helpful treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (M.d.); (M.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Laura Brandolini
- Dompè Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (C.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (M.d.); (M.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Cristina Giorgio
- Dompè Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (C.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Margherita Alfonsetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (M.d.); (M.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Pasquale Cocchiaro
- Dompè Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (C.G.); (P.C.)
| | - Francesca Lombardi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (M.d.); (M.A.); (F.L.)
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (V.C.); (M.d.); (M.A.); (F.L.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Dompè Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.B.); (C.G.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (M.A.)
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Mantuano P, Boccanegra B, Bianchini G, Conte E, De Bellis M, Sanarica F, Camerino GM, Pierno S, Cappellari O, Allegretti M, Aramini A, De Luca A. BCAAs and Di-Alanine supplementation in the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy: preclinical evaluation in a murine model of hind limb unloading. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105798. [PMID: 34352400 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs in response to various pathophysiological stimuli, including disuse, aging, and neuromuscular disorders, mainly due to an imbalance of anabolic/catabolic signaling. Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine) supplements can be beneficial for counteracting muscle atrophy, in virtue of their reported anabolic properties. Here, we carried out a proof-of-concept study to assess the in vivo/ex vivo effects of a 4-week treatment with BCAAs on disuse-induced atrophy, in a murine model of hind limb unloading (HU). BCAAs were formulated in drinking water, alone, or plus two equivalents of L-Alanine (2 ALA) or the dipeptide L-Alanyl-L-Alanine (Di-ALA), to boost BCAAs bioavailability. HU mice were characterized by reduction of body mass, decrease of soleus - SOL - muscle mass and total protein, alteration of postural muscles architecture and fiber size, dysregulation of atrophy-related genes (Atrogin-1, MuRF-1, mTOR, Mstn). In parallel, we provided new robust readouts in the HU murine model, such as impaired in vivo isometric torque and ex vivo SOL muscle contractility and elasticity, as well as altered immune response. An acute pharmacokinetic study confirmed that L-ALA, also as dipeptide, enhanced plasma exposure of BCAAs. Globally, the most sensitive parameters to BCAAs action were muscle atrophy and myofiber cross-sectional area, muscle force and compliance to stress, protein synthesis via mTOR and innate immunity, with the new BCAAs + Di-ALA formulation being the most effective treatment. Our results support the working hypothesis and highlight the importance of developing innovative formulations to optimize BCAAs biodistribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Mantuano
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Brigida Boccanegra
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bianchini
- Research & Early Development, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Campo di Pile, s.n.c., 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elena Conte
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanarica
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Camerino
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabata Pierno
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Ornella Cappellari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcello Allegretti
- Research & Early Development, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Campo di Pile, s.n.c., 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Research & Early Development, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., Via Campo di Pile, s.n.c., 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Orabona 4 - Campus, 70125 Bari, Italy.
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Di Sapia R, Zimmer TS, Kebede V, Balosso S, Ravizza T, Sorrentino D, Castillo MAM, Porcu L, Cattani F, Ruocco A, Aronica E, Allegretti M, Brandolini L, Vezzani A. CXCL1-CXCR1/2 signaling is induced in human temporal lobe epilepsy and contributes to seizures in a murine model of acquired epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 158:105468. [PMID: 34358616 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCL1, a functional murine orthologue of the human chemokine CXCL8 (IL-8), and its CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors were investigated in a murine model of acquired epilepsy developing following status epilepticus (SE) induced by intra-amygdala kainate. CXCL8 and its receptors were also studied in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The functional involvement of the chemokine in seizure generation and neuronal cell loss was assessed in mice using reparixin (formerly referred to as repertaxin), a non-competitive allosteric inhibitor of CXCR1/2 receptors. We found a significant increase in hippocampal CXCL1 level within 24 h of SE onset that lasted for at least 1 week. No changes were measured in blood. In analogy with human TLE, immunohistochemistry in epileptic mice showed that CXCL1 and its two receptors were increased in hippocampal neuronal cells. Additional expression of these molecules was found in glia in human TLE. Mice were treated with reparixin or vehicle during SE and for additional 6 days thereafter, using subcutaneous osmotic minipumps. Drug-treated mice showed a faster SE decay, a reduced incidence of acute symptomatic seizures during 48 h post-SE, and a delayed time to spontaneous seizures onset compared to vehicle controls. Upon reparixin discontinuation, mice developed spontaneous seizures similar to vehicle mice, as shown by EEG monitoring at 14 days and 2.5 months post-SE. In the same epileptic mice, reparixin reduced neuronal cell loss in the hippocampus vs vehicle-injected mice, as assessed by Nissl staining at completion of EEG monitoring. Reparixin administration for 2 weeks in mice with established chronic seizures, reduced by 2-fold on average seizure number vs pre-treatment baseline, and this effect was reversible upon drug discontinuation. No significant changes in seizure number were measured in vehicle-injected epileptic mice that were EEG monitored in parallel. Data show that CXCL1-IL-8 signaling is activated in experimental and human epilepsy and contributes to acute and chronic seizures in mice, therefore representing a potential new target to attain anti-ictogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Till S Zimmer
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Valentina Kebede
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Silvia Balosso
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Teresa Ravizza
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Diletta Sorrentino
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | | | - Luca Porcu
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Franca Cattani
- R&D Department, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Ruocco
- R&D Department, Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy.
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Loretelli C, Rocchio F, D'Addio F, Ben Nasr M, Castillo-Leon E, Dellepiane S, Vergani A, Abdelsalam A, Assi E, Maestroni A, Usuelli V, Bassi R, Pastore I, Yang J, El Essawy B, Elased KM, Fadini GP, Ippolito E, Seelam AJ, Pezzolesi M, Corradi D, Zuccotti GV, Gallieni M, Allegretti M, Niewczas MA, Fiorina P. The IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis contributes to diabetic kidney disease. Metabolism 2021; 121:154804. [PMID: 34097917 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2021.154804] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Inflammation has a major role in diabetic kidney disease. We thus investigated the role of the IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis in favoring kidney damage in diabetes. METHODS Urinary IL-8 levels were measured in 1247 patients of the Joslin Kidney Study in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The expression of IL-8 and of its membrane receptors CXCR1/CXCR2 was quantified in kidney tissues in patients with T2D and in controls. The effect of CXCR1/2 blockade on diabetic kidney disease was evaluated in db/db mice. RESULTS IL-8 urinary levels were increased in patients with T2D and diabetic kidney disease, with the highest urinary IL-8 levels found in the patients with the largest decline in glomerular filtration rate, with an increased albumin/creatine ratio and the worst renal outcome. Moreover, glomerular IL-8 renal expression was increased in patients with T2D, as compared to controls. High glucose elicits abundant IL-8 secretion in cultured human immortalized podocytes in vitro. Finally, in diabetic db/db mice and in podocytes in vitro, CXCR1/2 blockade mitigated albuminuria, reduced mesangial expansion, decreased podocyte apoptosis and reduced DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The IL-8- CXCR1/2 axis may have a role in diabetic kidney disease by inducing podocyte damage. Indeed, targeting the IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis may reduce the burden of diabetic kidney disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Case-Control Studies
- Cells, Cultured
- Cohort Studies
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics
- Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology
- Humans
- Interleukin-8/genetics
- Interleukin-8/metabolism
- Interleukin-8/physiology
- Italy
- Kidney/metabolism
- Kidney/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Podocytes/metabolism
- Podocytes/pathology
- Receptors, CXCR/physiology
- Receptors, Interleukin-8A/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-8A/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-8B/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-8B/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Loretelli
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Rocchio
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Addio
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Moufida Ben Nasr
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy; Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo Castillo-Leon
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sergio Dellepiane
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Vergani
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelsalam
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emma Assi
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maestroni
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vera Usuelli
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy; Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roberto Bassi
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ida Pastore
- Endocrinology Division, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Jun Yang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital and Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Basset El Essawy
- Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Transplantation Research Center, Nephrology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khalid M Elased
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | | | - Elio Ippolito
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andy Joe Seelam
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcus Pezzolesi
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension and Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Domenico Corradi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano and Dipartimento di Pediatria, Ospedale dei Bambini Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gallieni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy; Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Fiorina
- International Center for T1D, Centro di Ricerca Pediatrica Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy; Nephrology Division, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Endocrinology Division, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy.
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Metzemaekers M, Mortier A, Vacchini A, Boff D, Yu K, Janssens R, Farina FM, Milanesi S, Berghmans N, Pörtner N, Van Damme J, Allegretti M, Teixeira MM, Locati M, Borroni EM, Amaral FA, Proost P. Endogenous modification of the chemoattractant CXCL5 alters receptor usage and enhances its activity toward neutrophils and monocytes. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/673/eaax3053. [PMID: 33688078 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aax3053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The inflammatory human chemokine CXCL5 interacts with the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR2 to induce chemotaxis and activation of neutrophils. CXCL5 also has weak agonist activity toward CXCR1. The N-terminus of CXCL5 can be modified by proteolytic cleavage or deimination of Arg9 to citrulline (Cit), and these modifications can occur separately or together. Here, we chemically synthesized native CXCL5(1-78), truncated CXCL5 [CXCL5(9-78)], and the citrullinated (Cit9) versions and characterized their functions in vitro and in vivo. Compared with full-length CXCL5, N-terminal truncation resulted in enhanced potency to induce G protein signaling and β-arrestin recruitment through CXCR2, increased CXCL5-initiated internalization of CXCR2, and greater Ca2+ signaling downstream of not only CXCR2 but also CXCR1. Citrullination did not affect the capacity of CXCL5 to activate classical or alternative signaling pathways. Administering the various CXCL5 forms to mice revealed that in addition to neutrophils, CXCL5 exerted chemotactic activity toward monocytes and that this activity was increased by N-terminal truncation. These findings were confirmed by in vitro chemotaxis and Ca2+ signaling assays with primary human CD14+ monocytes and human THP-1 monocytes. In vitro and in vivo analyses suggested that CXCL5 targeted monocytes through CXCR1 and CXCR2. Thus, truncation of the N-terminus makes CXCL5 a more potent chemoattractant for both neutrophils and monocytes that acts through CXCR1 and CXCR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Metzemaekers
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anneleen Mortier
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Alessandro Vacchini
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, I-20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Daiane Boff
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.,Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brasil
| | - Karen Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Rik Janssens
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.,Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brasil
| | - Floriana M Farina
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Samantha Milanesi
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, I-20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Nele Berghmans
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Noëmie Pörtner
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Damme
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | | | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brasil
| | - Massimo Locati
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, I-20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Elena M Borroni
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, I-20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Flavio A Amaral
- Imunofarmacologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brasil
| | - Paul Proost
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 box 1042, Leuven B-3000, Belgium.
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Castelli V, Paladini A, d'Angelo M, Allegretti M, Mantelli F, Brandolini L, Cocchiaro P, Cimini A, Varrassi G. Taurine and oxidative stress in retinal health and disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:403-412. [PMID: 33621439 PMCID: PMC7941169 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [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: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal disorders are leading causes of blindness and are due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant scavenger (in favor of pro‐oxidant species) or a disruption of redox signaling and control. Indeed, it is well known that oxidative stress is one of the leading causes of retinal degenerative diseases. Different approaches using nutraceuticals resulted in protective effects in these disorders. This review will discuss the impact of oxidative stress in retinal neurodegenerative diseases and the potential strategies for avoiding or counteracting oxidative damage in retinal tissues, with a specific focus on taurine. Increasing data indicate that taurine may be effective in slowing down the progression of degenerative retinal diseases, thus suggesting that taurine can be a promising candidate for the prevention or as adjuvant treatment of these diseases. The mechanism by which taurine supplementation acts is mainly related to the reduction of oxidative stress. In particular, it has been demonstrated to improve retinal reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Antiapoptotic effects are also involved; however, the protective mechanisms exerted by taurine against retinal damage remain to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Paladini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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43
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Grannonico M, Brandolini L, Varrassi G, Sebastiani P, Colanardi A, Paladini A, Piroli A, Allegretti M, Di Loreto S. DF3016A induces increased BDNF transcription in ischemic neuroinflammation injury. Brain Res 2020; 1748:147057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Brandolini L, Antonosante A, Giorgio C, Bagnasco M, d'Angelo M, Castelli V, Benedetti E, Cimini A, Allegretti M. NSAIDs-dependent adaption of the mitochondria-proteasome system in immortalized human cardiomyocytes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18337. [PMID: 33110169 PMCID: PMC7591859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The progressive consumption growth of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has progressively raised the attention toward the gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular toxicity. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases was strictly associated with the usage of COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Other studies allowed to clarify that the cardiovascular risk is not limited to COX-2 selective but also extended to non-selective NSAIDs, such as Diclofenac and Ketoprofen. To date, although a less favorable cardiovascular risk profile for Diclofenac as compared to Ketoprofen is reported, the mechanisms through which NSAIDs cause adverse cardiovascular events are not entirely understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ketoprofen in comparison with Diclofenac in immortalized human cardiomyocytes. The results obtained highlight the dose-dependent cardiotoxicity of Diclofenac compared to Ketoprofen. Despite both drugs induce the increase in ROS production, decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, and proteasome activity modulation, only Diclofenac exposure shows a marked alteration of these intracellular parameters, leading to cell death. Noteworthy, Diclofenac decreases the proteasome 26S DC and this scenario may be dependent on the intracellular overload of oxidized proteins. The data support the hypothesis that immortalized human cardiomyocytes exposed to Ketoprofen are subjected to tolerable stress events, conversely Diclofenac exposition triggers cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. .,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Centre for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA.
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45
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Mattos MS, Ferrero MR, Kraemer L, Lopes GAO, Reis DC, Cassali GD, Oliveira FMS, Brandolini L, Allegretti M, Garcia CC, Martins MA, Teixeira MM, Russo RC. CXCR1 and CXCR2 Inhibition by Ladarixin Improves Neutrophil-Dependent Airway Inflammation in Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:566953. [PMID: 33123138 PMCID: PMC7566412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.566953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Increased IL-8 levels and neutrophil accumulation in the airways are common features found in patients affected by pulmonary diseases such as Asthma, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Influenza-A infection and COPD. Chronic neutrophilic inflammation is usually corticosteroid insensitive and may be relevant in the progression of those diseases. Objective To explore the role of Ladarixin, a dual CXCR1/2 antagonist, in several mouse models of airway inflammation with a significant neutrophilic component. Findings Ladarixin was able to reduce the acute and chronic neutrophilic influx, also attenuating the Th2 eosinophil-dominated airway inflammation, tissue remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness. Correspondingly, Ladarixin decreased bleomycin-induced neutrophilic inflammation and collagen deposition, as well as attenuated the corticosteroid resistant Th17 neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, restoring corticosteroid sensitivity. Finally, Ladarixin reduced neutrophilic airway inflammation during cigarette smoke-induced corticosteroid resistant exacerbation of Influenza-A infection, improving lung function and mice survival. Conclusion CXCR1/2 antagonist Ladarixin offers a new strategy for therapeutic treatment of acute and chronic neutrophilic airway inflammation, even in the context of corticosteroid-insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Silverio Mattos
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Kraemer
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Augusto Oliveira Lopes
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Diego Carlos Reis
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Geovanni Dantas Cassali
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Marcus Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cristiana Couto Garcia
- Laboratory of Respiratory Virus and Measles, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo Castro Russo
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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46
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Teijeira Á, Garasa S, Gato M, Alfaro C, Migueliz I, Cirella A, de Andrea C, Ochoa MC, Otano I, Etxeberria I, Andueza MP, Nieto CP, Resano L, Azpilikueta A, Allegretti M, de Pizzol M, Ponz-Sarvisé M, Rouzaut A, Sanmamed MF, Schalper K, Carleton M, Mellado M, Rodriguez-Ruiz ME, Berraondo P, Perez-Gracia JL, Melero I. CXCR1 and CXCR2 Chemokine Receptor Agonists Produced by Tumors Induce Neutrophil Extracellular Traps that Interfere with Immune Cytotoxicity. Immunity 2020; 52:856-871.e8. [PMID: 32289253 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils are expanded and abundant in cancer-bearing hosts. Under the influence of CXCR1 and CXCR2 chemokine receptor agonists and other chemotactic factors produced by tumors, neutrophils, and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) from cancer patients extrude their neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In our hands, CXCR1 and CXCR2 agonists proved to be the major mediators of cancer-promoted NETosis. NETs wrap and coat tumor cells and shield them from cytotoxicity, as mediated by CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, by obstructing contact between immune cells and the surrounding target cells. Tumor cells protected from cytotoxicity by NETs underlie successful cancer metastases in mice and the immunotherapeutic synergy of protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitors, which curtail NETosis with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Intravital microscopy provides evidence of neutrophil NETs interfering cytolytic cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and NK cell contacts with tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Teijeira
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Saray Garasa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Gato
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Alfaro
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar Migueliz
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos de Andrea
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Carmen Ochoa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Itziar Otano
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Pilar Andueza
- Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Celia P Nieto
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leyre Resano
- Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvisé
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Rouzaut
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Kurt Schalper
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Mario Mellado
- Chemokine Signaling Group, Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - María E Rodriguez-Ruiz
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose L Perez-Gracia
- Department of Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy Department, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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Dionigi L, Ragonese F, Monarca L, Covino S, de Luca A, Iannitti RG, Bastioli F, Moulas AN, Allegretti M, Fioretti B. Focus on the Use of Resveratrol as an Adjuvant in Glioblastoma Therapy. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2102-2108. [PMID: 32233996 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200401085634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) represents the most common and malignant form of glioma cancer. The Gold Standard in Glioblastoma is neurosurgical tumor removal and radiotherapy treatment in concomitant with temozolomide (TMZ). Unfortunately, because of tumor chemo and radio-resistance during this therapy, the patient's outcome remains very poor, with a median overall survival of about 14.6 months. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with a stilbene structure with chemopreventive and anticancer properties. In the present review, we evaluated data from preclinical studies conducted with resveratrol as a possible adjuvant during the standard protocol of GB. Resveratrol can reach the brain parenchyma at sub-micromolar concentrations when administrated through conventional routes. In this way, resveratrol reduces cell invasion and increases the efficacy of radiotherapy (radiosensitizer effects) and temozolomide. The molecular mechanism of the adjuvant action of resveratrol may depend upon the reduction of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis and downstream targets O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). It has been reported that redox signaling plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy. Resveratrol administration by External Carotid Artery (ECA) injection or by Lumbar Puncture (LP) can reach micromolar concentrations in tumor mass where it would inhibit tumor growth by STAT-3 dependent mechanisms. Preclinical evidences indicate a positive effect on the use of resveratrol as an adjuvant in anti-GB therapy. Ameliorated formulations of resveratrol with a favorable plasmatic profile for a better brain distribution and timing sequences during radio and chemotherapy could represent a critical aspect for resveratrol use as an adjuvant for a clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Ragonese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy.,Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Monarca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Perugia Medical School, University of Perugia, Piazza Lucio Severi 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy.,Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Covino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella de Luca
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Rossana G Iannitti
- S&R Farmaceutici S.p.A Bastia Umbra, Via dei Pioppi n2, 08063 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Bastioli
- S&R Farmaceutici S.p.A Bastia Umbra, Via dei Pioppi n2, 08063 Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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48
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Antonosante A, Brandolini L, d’Angelo M, Benedetti E, Castelli V, Maestro MD, Luzzi S, Giordano A, Cimini A, Allegretti M. Autocrine CXCL8-dependent invasiveness triggers modulation of actin cytoskeletal network and cell dynamics. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:1928-1951. [PMID: 31986121 PMCID: PMC7053615 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most representative form of primary malignant brain tumour. Several studies indicated a pleiotropic role of CXCL8 in cancer due to its ability to modulate the tumour microenvironment, growth and aggressiveness of tumour cell. Previous studies indicated that CXCL8 by its receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) induced activation of the PI3K/p-Akt pathway, a crucial event in the regulation of cytoskeleton rearrangement and cell mobilization. Human GB primary cell culture and U-87MG cell line were used to study the effects of CXCR1 and CXCR2 blockage, by a dual allosteric antagonist, on cell migration and cytoskeletal dynamics. The data obtained point towards a specific effect of autocrine CXCL8 signalling on GB cell invasiveness by the activation of pathways involved in cell migration and cytoskeletal dynamics, such as PI3K/p-Akt/p-FAK, p-cortactin, RhoA, Cdc42, Acetylated α-tubulin and MMP2. All the data obtained support the concept that autocrine CXCL8 signalling plays a key role in the activation of an aggressive phenotype in primary glioblastoma cells and U-87MG cell line. These results provide new insights about the potential of a pharmacological approach targeting CXCR1/CXCR2 pathways to decrease migration and invasion of GB cells in the brain parenchyma, one of the principal mechanisms of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Michele d’Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Sabino Luzzi
- San Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Pflugfelder SC, Massaro-Giordano M, Perez VL, Hamrah P, Deng SX, Espandar L, Foster CS, Affeldt J, Seedor JA, Afshari NA, Chao W, Allegretti M, Mantelli F, Dana R. Topical Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor (Cenegermin) for Neurotrophic Keratopathy: A Multicenter Randomized Vehicle-Controlled Pivotal Trial. Ophthalmology 2019; 127:14-26. [PMID: 31585826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor) in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy. DESIGN Multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS Patients with neurotrophic persistent epithelial defect with or without stromal thinning. METHODS The NGF0214 trial, conducted among 11 sites in the United States, randomized 48 patients 1:1 to cenegermin 20 μg/ml or vehicle eye drops, 6 drops daily for 8 weeks of masked treatment. Follow-up was 24 weeks. Safety was assessed in all patients who received study drug. Efficacy was assessed by intention to treat. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was healing of the neurotrophic lesion (persistent epithelial defect or corneal ulcer) after 8 weeks of masked treatment. Masked central readers measured neurotrophic lesions in randomized clinical pictures, then assessed healing status conventionally (<0.5 mm of fluorescein staining in the greatest dimension of the lesion area) and conservatively (0-mm lesion staining and no other residual staining). Secondary variables included corneal healing at 4 weeks of masked treatment (key secondary end point), overall changes in lesion size, rates of disease progression, and changes in visual acuity and corneal sensitivity from baseline to week 8. RESULTS Conventional assessment of corneal healing showed statistically significant differences at week 8: compared to 7 of 24 vehicle-treated patients (29.2%), 16 of 23 cenegermin-treated patients (69.6%) achieved less than 0.5 mm of lesion staining (+40.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2%-66.6%; P = 0.006). Conservative assessment of corneal healing also reached statistical significance at week 8: compared to 4 of 24 vehicle-treated patients (16.7%), 15 of 23 cenegermin-treated patients (65.2%) achieved 0 mm of lesion staining and no other residual staining (+48.6%; 95% CI, 24.0%-73.1%; P < 0.001). Moreover, the conservative measure of corneal healing showed statistical significance at week 4 (key secondary end point). Compared to vehicle, cenegermin-treated patients showed statistically significant reductions in lesion size and disease progression rates during masked treatment. Cenegermin was well tolerated; adverse effects were mostly local, mild, and transient. CONCLUSIONS Cenegermin treatment showed higher rates of corneal healing than vehicle in neurotrophic keratopathy associated with nonhealing corneal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor L Perez
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Plantation, Florida
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sophie X Deng
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ladan Espandar
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Sightline Ophthalmic Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - C Stephen Foster
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John Affeldt
- Loma Linda University Eye Institute, Loma Linda, California
| | - John A Seedor
- New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Natalie A Afshari
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | - Reza Dana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.
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50
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Brandolini L, Castelli V, Aramini A, Giorgio C, Bianchini G, Russo R, De Caro C, d'Angelo M, Catanesi M, Benedetti E, Giordano A, Cimini A, Allegretti M. DF2726A, a new IL-8 signalling inhibitor, is able to counteract chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11729. [PMID: 31409858 PMCID: PMC6692352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48231-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect of several anti-neoplastics and a main cause of sensory disturbances in cancer survivors, negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Peripheral nerve degeneration or small fibre neuropathy is generally accepted as the underlying mechanism in the development of CIPN. Recent evidence has contributed to clarify the determinant role of cytokines and chemokines in the process leading to neuronal hyperexcitability. Exposure to oxaliplatin triggers alterations in peripheral neuropathic pathways previously linked to IL-8 pathway. We investigated a novel selective inhibitor of IL-8 receptors, DF2726A, and showed its effects in counteracting CINP pathways, extending the relevance of the activation of IL-8 pathway to the class of platinum chemotherapeutics. Based on our results, we suggest that DF2726A might be a promising candidate for clinical treatment of CIPN conditions due to its efficacy and optimized pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Aramini
- Dompé Farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariano Catanesi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. .,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA.
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