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Battistella E, Pomba L, Mirabella M, Toniato R, Opocher G, Toniato A. Management of Abdominal Paraganglioma: A Single Center's Experience. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:604. [PMID: 38674250 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040604] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine extra-adrenal tumors that could be secreting mass. The symptoms are the typical triad of paroxysmal headache, hypertension and sweating, but could also be accompanied by symptoms involving multiple organs. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for both PGLs and pheochromocytomas (PHEOs). Material and Methods: We used a computerized endocrine surgery registry to record the demographic and clinical data of 153 patients who underwent surgery for PPGL between 2010 and 2023 at our hospital. Results: Thirteen patients (8.43%) with paragangliomas underwent surgery at our institute. Five patients presented symptomatic syndrome. Preoperative investigations included enhanced abdominal CT (nine patients) and enhanced MRI (seven patients). In cases of suspicious mass, we performed 131I-MIBG scans (two patients) or 68GA-DOTATOC PET-CT scans (11 patients). Laparoscopic approach was used in four cases (30.7%) and abdominal laparotomy in the other nine (69.3%). Biochemical tests were performed on all patients. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, we discuss the multidisciplinary management in our institute of this rare disease, from its challenging diagnosis to the surgical strategy for PGLs. Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard, but a tailored approach should be adopted for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Battistella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Pomba
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marica Mirabella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Toniato
- School of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Opocher
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Toniato
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Battistella E, Mirabella M, Pomba L, Toniato R, Giacomini F, Magni G, Toniato A. Uni- and Multivariate Analyses of Cancer Risk in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Single-Center Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:875. [PMID: 38473241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050875] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Every year in Italy, about 60,000 new cases of nodular thyroid pathology are diagnosed, of which almost 30% are cytologically indeterminate (TIR3A/3B). The risk of malignancy reported in the literature on thyroid nodules ranges from 5% to 15% for TIR3A and from 15% to 30% for TIR3B. It is suspected that these percentages are higher in practice. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical risk factors. The medical records of 291 patients who underwent surgery for cytologically indeterminate nodular thyroid disease were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical parameters and preoperative serum markers were then compared between the benign nodular thyroid disease and thyroid cancer groups. For each patient, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, neck ultrasonographic features, and histological reports were statistically analyzed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. A total of 134 malignant neoplasms were found (46%), divided into 55 cases (35%) in the TIR3A group and 79 cases (59%) in the TIR3B group. Statistical analysis was not significant in both populations for both sex and age (TIR3A p-value = 0.5097 and p-value = 0.1430, TIR3B p-value = 0.5191 p-value = 0.3384), while it was statistically significant in patients with TIR3A nodules associated with thyroiditis (p-value = 0.0009). In addition, the patients with TIR3A and 3B nodules were stratified by ultrasound risk for the prediction of malignancy and it was significant (p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001). In light of these results, it emerges that surgical treatment of nodular thyroid pathology with indeterminate cytology TIR3A should always be considered, and surgery for TIR3B is mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Battistella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marica Mirabella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Pomba
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Riccardo Toniato
- School of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Giacomini
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanna Magni
- Clinical Research Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Toniato
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Toniato A, Brusoni M, Mirabella M, Pomba L, Mourmouras V, Scapinello A, Battistella E. Papillary thyroid carcinoma with fibromatosis-like stroma: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:80. [PMID: 37060011 PMCID: PMC10103504 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common neoplasia with multiple variants. One of these extremely rare and poorly described variants is PTC with fibromatosis-like stroma (PTC-FMS), a peculiar entity distinguished by its predominant mesenchymal component. This paper reviews the literature, discusses the diagnostic challenges, and the clinical and surgical implications of this type of tumor which has fewer than 30 cases reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION We reported a case of PTC-FMS found in a 41-year-old Italian woman, who came to our Institute with a recent growth in the form of a mass on the neck. Further immunohistochemical examination showed β-catenin aberrant staining both in the nuclei and cytoplasm of the mesenchymal cells. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and received radioactive iodine (RAI) 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSION Given the possibility of recurrence of PTC-FMS and the ineffectiveness of RAI therapy, complete surgical resection represents the main treatment for this type of tumor. Despite the fact that the specific nature of these lesions has yet to be determined, guidelines for classical PTC should be followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Toniato
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marco Brusoni
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marica Mirabella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Pomba
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Vasileios Mourmouras
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Scapinello
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Battistella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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Gavi F, Bientinesi R, Gandi C, Coluzzi S, Marino F, Moretto S, Nociti V, Mirabella M, Sacco E. Impact of OAB on sexual life and marital relationship of patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00617-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Battistella E, Pomba L, Mirabella M, Gregianin M, Scapinello A, Volante M, Toniato A. Metastatic Adrenal PEComa: Case Report and Short Review of the Literature. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:medicina59010149. [PMID: 36676773 PMCID: PMC9866888 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010149] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PEComa has become a widely accepted entity, and increased recognition has led to descriptions of this tumor in a wide variety of anatomic sites, including the adrenal gland. PEComa (perivascular epithelioid cell tumor) is a mesenchymal tumor composed of perivascular cells, and the most frequent sites of PEComas are the uterus and retroperitoneum. The incidence is <1 per 1,000,000 people. We report a case of adrenal metastatic PEComa in a 63-year-old man discovered by a spontaneous hematoma of the rectus abdominis. In our case, PEComa of the adrenal gland was a significant diagnostic dilemma as the morphologic and immunophenotypic features of this neoplasm may easily be confused with those of other more commonly encountered lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Battistella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Pomba
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marica Mirabella
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Michele Gregianin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Scapinello
- Pathology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 8, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Toniato
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Ferraro D, Iaffaldano P, Guerra T, Inglese M, Capobianco M, Brescia Morra V, Zaffaroni M, Mirabella M, Lus G, Patti F, Cavalla P, Cellerino M, Malucchi S, Pisano E, Vitetta F, Paolicelli D, Sola P, Trojano M. Risk of multiple sclerosis relapses when switching from fingolimod to cell-depleting agents: the role of washout duration. J Neurol 2021; 269:1463-1469. [PMID: 34292396 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fingolimod (FTY) induces sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs and the average lymphocyte recovery following discontinuation takes 1-2 months. It has been hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of subsequent cell-depleting agents may be compromised if initiated before lymphocyte recovery has occurred. OBJECTIVE To assess the risk of relapses following FTY discontinuation and the initiation of a B/T cell-depleting agent in relation to washout duration using data from the Italian MS Register. METHODS The risk of relapses was assessed in relation to different washout durations (< 6, 6-11, 12-17 and > / = 18 weeks) in patients starting alemtuzumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab or cladribine following FTY discontinuation. RESULTS We included 329 patients in the analysis (226F, 103 M; mean age 41 ± 10 years). During the cell-depleting treatment, the incidence rate ratio for a relapse was significantly greater in patients with a washout period of 12-17 and > / = 18 weeks compared to the reference period (< 6 weeks). The risk of a relapse was significantly influenced by the occurrence of relapses during FTY treatment and by washout length, with hazard ratios markedly increasing with the washout duration. CONCLUSION The risk of relapses increases with the washout duration when switching from FTY to lymphocyte-depleting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ferraro
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
| | - P Iaffaldano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - T Guerra
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - M Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Capobianco
- Regional Referral MS Center, Neurological Unit, University Hospital San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
| | | | - M Zaffaroni
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Gallarate Hospital, ASST Della Valle Olona, Gallarate, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - G Lus
- MS Center, II Division of Neurology, Univ. Della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - F Patti
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, AOU Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Catania, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical and Advanced Technologies, GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P Cavalla
- MS Centre, I Division of Neurology, City of Health and Science Turin Univ. Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - M Cellerino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - S Malucchi
- Regional Referral MS Center, Neurological Unit, University Hospital San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
| | - E Pisano
- MS Center-AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - F Vitetta
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - D Paolicelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - P Sola
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - M Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Policlinico, Bari, Italy
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Santoro M, Nociti V, Lucchini M, Loiodice M, Centofanti F, Botta A, Losavio FA, De Fino C, Mirabella M. A pilot study of lncRNAs expression profile in serum of progressive multiple sclerosis patients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 24:3267-3273. [PMID: 32271444 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202003_20694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that affect both white and gray matter. The relapsing and the eventually progressive course of MS is heterogeneous; thus, a confident long-term prediction of individual prognosis is not possible yet. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) as potential biomarkers that could provide information to predict disease activity and progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS By qRT-PCR, we analysed the lncRNAs expression in the serum of 16 secondary progressive MS (SP-MS), 12 primary progressive (PP-MS) patients and 8 healthy controls. RESULTS We found that TUG1 was upregulated in SP-MS, while the comparison of PP-MS vs. controls showed a downregulation of non-protein coding RNA 188 (LRRC75A-AS1) and a significant upregulation of two lncRNAs: long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 293 (LINC00293) and RP11-29G8.3. Moreover, we performed an in-silico analysis using DIANA-LncBase v2 and HMDD v3.0 software, in order to predict the possible interaction of these four lncRNAs with miRNAs. We identified 21 miRNAs prediction targets possibly involved in MS. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate a regulatory function of these lncRNAs in autoimmune and inflammatory processes related to MS suggesting their potential role in progressive MS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Santoro
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.
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Tatarelli P, Magnasco L, Borghesi ML, Russo C, Marra A, Mirabella M, Sarteschi G, Ungaro R, Arcuri C, Murialdo G, Viscoli C, Del Bono V, Nicolini LA. Prevalence and clinical impact of VIral Respiratory tract infections in patients hospitalized for Community-Acquired Pneumonia: the VIRCAP study. Intern Emerg Med 2020; 15:645-654. [PMID: 31786751 PMCID: PMC7088538 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02243-9] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence and clinical impact of viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs) on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has not been well defined so far. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and the clinical impact of VRTIs in patients with CAP. Prospective study involving adult patients consecutively admitted at medical wards for CAP and tested for VRTIs by real-time PCR on pharyngeal swab. Patients' features were evaluated with regard to the presence of VRTI and aetiology of CAP. Clinical failure was a composite endpoint defined by worsening of signs and symptoms requiring escalation of antibiotic treatment or ICU admission or death within 30 days. 91 patients were enrolled, mean age 65.7 ± 10.6 years, 50.5% female. 62 patients (68.2%) had no viral co-infection while in 29 patients (31.8%) a VRTI was detected; influenza virus was the most frequently identified (41.9%). The two groups were similar in terms of baseline features. In presence of a VRTI, pneumonia severity index (PSI) was more frequently higher than 91 and patients had received less frequently pre-admission antibiotic therapy (adjusted OR 2.689, 95% CI 1.017-7.111, p = 0.046; adjusted OR 0.143, 95% CI 0.030-0.670, p = 0.014). Clinical failure and antibiotic therapy duration were similar with regards to the presence of VRTI and the aetiology of CAP. VRTIs can be detected in almost a third of adults with CAP; influenza virus is the most relevant one. VRTI was associated with higher PSI at admission, but it does not affect patients' outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tatarelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ospedale Santa Maria Delle Croci, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - L Magnasco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - M L Borghesi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Russo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Marra
- Second Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Sarteschi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - R Ungaro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Arcuri
- Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Murialdo
- Second Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Viscoli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - V Del Bono
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Croce E Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - L A Nicolini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Sciences (DiSSal), San Martino Polyclinic Hospital and IRCCS, University of Genoa, Via Pastore, 1, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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De Fino C, Lucchini M, Lucchetti D, Nociti V, Losavio F, Bianco A, Colella F, Ricciardi-Tenore C, Sgambato A, Mirabella M. The predictive value of CSF multiple assay in multiple sclerosis: A single center experience. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 35:176-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Garibaldi M, Fionda L, Vanoli F, Leonardi L, Bucci E, Morino S, Merlonghi G, Lucchini M, Mirabella M, Andreetta F, Pennisi E, Petrucci A, Antonini G. P.20Expanding the myasthenia-myositis association spectrum: clinical, morphological and immunological data form a large case series. Neuromuscul Disord 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Giovanardi G, Morales P, Mirabella M, Fortunato A, Chianura L, Speranza AM, Lingiardi V. Transition memories: experiences of trans adult women with hormone therapy and their beliefs on the usage of hormone blockers to suppress puberty. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:1231-1240. [PMID: 30953318 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, an increasing number of specialized gender clinics have been prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) to suppress puberty. This paper presents qualitative research on the hormone therapy (HT) experiences of older trans-people and their views on puberty suppression. The main aim of this research was to explore the psychological aspects of hormonal treatments for gender non-conforming adults, including the controversial use of puberty suppression treatments. METHODS Using a semi-structured interview format, ten adult trans-women were interviewed (mean age: 37.4) to explore their personal histories regarding GD onset and development, their HT experiences, and their views on the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-children and adolescents. RESULTS the interview transcripts were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method from which several themes emerged: the onset of GD, childhood experiences, experiences with puberty and HT, views on the puberty suspension procedure, and the effects of this suspension on gender identity and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS The interviews showed that overall, the participants valued the new treatment protocol due to the opportunity to prevent the severe body dysphoria and social phobia trans-people experience with puberty. It seems that the risk of social isolation and psychological suffering is increased by the general lack of acceptance and stigma toward trans-identities in the Italian society. However, during gender transitions, they highlight the need to focus more on internal and psychological aspects, rather than over-emphasize physical appearance. This study gives a voice to an under-represented group regarding the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-individuals, and collected firsthand insights on this controversial treatment and its recommendations in professional international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
| | - P Morales
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | | | - A M Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - V Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
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12
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Lochmüller H, Behin A, Caraco Y, Lau H, Mirabella M, Tournev I, Tarnopolsky M, Pogoryelova O, Shah J, Koutsoubos T, Skrinar A, Mansbach H, Kakkis E, Mozaffar T. A phase 3 randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sialic acid extended-release tablets in patients with GNE myopathy (GNEM). Neuromuscul Disord 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2017.06.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Johari M, Arumilli M, Palmio J, Savarese M, Tasca G, Mirabella M, Sandholm N, Lohi H, Hackman P, Udd B. Association study reveals novel risk loci for sporadic inclusion body myositis. Eur J Neurol 2017; 24:572-577. [PMID: 28233382 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to identify potential genetic risk factors associated with sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). METHODS An association based case-control approach was utilized on whole exome sequencing data of 30 Finnish sIBM patients and a control cohort (n = 193). A separate Italian cohort of sIBM patients (n = 12) was used for evaluation of the results. RESULTS Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in five genes that have a considerably higher observed frequency in Finnish sIBM patients compared to the control population, and the previous association of the genetic human leukocyte antigen region was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS All seven identified variants could individually or in combination increase the susceptibility for sIBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Johari
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Arumilli
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Palmio
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Savarese
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G Tasca
- Institute of Neurology, Policlinico 'A. Gemelli' Foundation University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - N Sandholm
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Abdominal Center Nephrology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Program Unit, Diabetes and Obesity, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Lohi
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Hackman
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - B Udd
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuromuscular Research Center, Tampere University and University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Neurology, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
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14
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Camerota F, Celletti C, Di Sipio E, De Fino C, Simbolotti C, Germanotta M, Mirabella M, Padua L, Nociti V. Focal muscle vibration, an effective rehabilitative approach in severe gait impairment due to multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2017; 372:33-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Patti F, Messina S, Solaro C, Amato MP, Bergamaschi R, Bonavita S, Bruno Bossio R, Brescia Morra V, Costantino GF, Cavalla P, Centonze D, Comi G, Cottone S, Danni M, Francia A, Gajofatto A, Gasperini C, Ghezzi A, Iudice A, Lus G, Maniscalco GT, Marrosu MG, Matta M, Mirabella M, Montanari E, Pozzilli C, Rovaris M, Sessa E, Spitaleri D, Trojano M, Valentino P, Zappia M. Efficacy and safety of cannabinoid oromucosal spray for multiple sclerosis spasticity. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:944-51. [PMID: 27160523 PMCID: PMC5013116 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The approval of 9-δ-tetrahydocannabinol and cannabidiol (THC:CBD) oromucosal spray (Sativex) for the management of treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity opened a new opportunity for many patients. The aim of our study was to describe Sativex effectiveness and adverse events profile in a large population of Italian patients with MS in the daily practice setting. METHODS We collected data of all patients starting Sativex between January 2014 and February 2015 from the mandatory Italian medicines agency (AIFA) e-registry. Spasticity assessment by the 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) scale is available at baseline, after 1 month of treatment (trial period), and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS A total of 1615 patients were recruited from 30 MS centres across Italy. After one treatment month (trial period), we found 70.5% of patients reaching a ≥20% improvement (initial response, IR) and 28.2% who had already reached a ≥30% improvement (clinically relevant response, CRR), with a mean NRS score reduction of 22.6% (from 7.5 to 5.8). After a multivariate analysis, we found an increased probability to reach IR at the first month among patients with primary and secondary progressive MS, (n=1169, OR 1.4 95% CI 1.04 to 1.9, p=0.025) and among patients with >8 NRS score at baseline (OR 1.8 95% CI 1.3-2.4 p<0.001). During the 6 months observation period, 631(39.5%) patients discontinued treatment. The main reasons for discontinuation were lack of effectiveness (n=375, 26.2%) and/or adverse events (n=268, 18.7%). CONCLUSIONS Sativex can be a useful and safe option for patients with MS with moderate to severe spasticity resistant to common antispastic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Patti
- Department of Medical, Surgical Science and Advanced Technology "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Messina
- Department of Medical, Surgical Science and Advanced Technology "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - C Solaro
- Neurology Unit, Department Head and Neck, ASL3 Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - M P Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R Bergamaschi
- Department of Neurology, Neurology Institute C Mondino, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Bonavita
- I Clinic Neurology, II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - R Bruno Bossio
- Neurology Operating Unit, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Provincial Health Authority of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - V Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G F Costantino
- Demyelinating Diseases Centre, Foggia Hospital, Foggia, Italy
| | - P Cavalla
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, S. Giovanni Battista, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - D Centonze
- Department of Systems Medicine, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy Unit of Neurology and of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - G Comi
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - S Cottone
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Danni
- Neurology Clinic, Ancona Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - A Francia
- Department Neurol Psich, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Gajofatto
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Gasperini
- Neurology Division, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ghezzi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Sant'Antonio Abate Hospital, Gallarate, Italy
| | - A Iudice
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Lus
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - G T Maniscalco
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Cardarelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - M G Marrosu
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Matta
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre (CRESM), San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Cattolica University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Montanari
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Vaio Hospital, Fidenza, Italy
| | - C Pozzilli
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, S. Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Rovaris
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS Don Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - E Sessa
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS-Bonino Pulejo Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - D Spitaleri
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, San G. Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy
| | - M Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - P Valentino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Neurology, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Zappia
- Department of Medical, Surgical Science and Advanced Technology "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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16
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Gambazza S, Carta F, Mirabella M, Brivio A, Delfino R, Colombo C. WS09.6 Godfrey cycle protocol and lung clearance index (LCI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). J Cyst Fibros 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(16)30113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Santoro M, Nociti V, De Fino C, Caprara A, Giordano R, Palomba N, Losavio F, Marra C, Patanella AK, Mirabella M, Gainotti G, Quaranta D. Depression in multiple sclerosis: effect of brain derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and disease perception. Eur J Neurol 2016; 23:630-40. [PMID: 26756166 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Depression is common amongst subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS), and several investigations have explored different determinants of this condition, including physical disability, psychological and psychosocial factors. The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism has been associated with depression. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of disease-related factors, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and perception of disease on the severity of depression in MS. METHOD In total, 136 MS patients (88 women) were recruited and genotyped for BDNF rs6265 polymorphism at nucleotide 196 (G/A) using 'high resolution melting'. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis Depression Rating Scale. Perception of health status was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS A multivariable linear regression model showed that the best predictors of depression were the SF-36 General health (β = -0.209; P = 0.013), Mental health (β = -0.410; P < 0.001) and Social activity (β = -0.195; P = 0.035) scores; physical disability (assessed by the Extended Disability Status Scale score) was directly correlated to depression severity on univariate analysis, but it was not a relevant predictor of depression on multivariate analysis; other variables directly related to the disease (treatment, annual relapsing rate) and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism were not significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSION Perception of the health status is the principal predictor of depressive symptoms in our sample. This result supports the hypothesis that the subjective interpretation of the disease's consequences is one of the main factors in determining depression in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Santoro
- Fondazione Don Gnocchi - ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - V Nociti
- Fondazione Don Gnocchi - ONLUS, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - C De Fino
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Caprara
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - R Giordano
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - N Palomba
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - F Losavio
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marra
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.,Research Center for Neuropsychology, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - A K Patanella
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mirabella
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Gainotti
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.,Research Center for Neuropsychology, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - D Quaranta
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.,Research Center for Neuropsychology, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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18
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Vitale M, Luongo D, Naviglio D, Bozzetto L, Mirabella M, Rivieccio AM, Giacco A, Rivellese AA. Trans fatty acids consumption in type 1 diabetic patients: evaluation by dietary records and measurement in serum phospholipids. Acta Diabetol 2013; 50:651-4. [PMID: 22207451 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-011-0365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of foods containing trans fatty acids (TFA), especially those produced by food industries, induces pleiotropic negative effects on health. Therefore, it is important to assess the amount of TFA consumed, especially in age groups more exposed to the consumption of TFA-containing foods. The present pilot study evaluates TFA intake in 54 young people with and without type 1 diabetes (29 young subjects with type 1 diabetes and 25 healthy subjects) through both dietary records (7-day food record) and the measurement of TFA levels in serum phospholipids, a possibly more objective marker of TFA intake. The comparison between the two groups was made by the student t test for independent samples. The intake of synthetic TFA was low in both groups (type 1 diabetic patients: 0.25 ± 0.25 g/day; healthy subjects 0.48 ± 0.37 g/day), but significantly lower in diabetic patients vs controls (P < 0.05); TFA levels in serum phospholipids also confirmed a low intake of these fatty acids. These data indicate that the intake of trans fatty acids is relatively low in our population, i.e.,<1% of total calories in the diet, in line with what recommended by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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19
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Rocca B, Santilli F, Pitocco D, Mucci L, Petrucci G, Vitacolonna E, Lattanzio S, Mattoscio D, Zaccardi F, Liani R, Vazzana N, Del Ponte A, Ferrante E, Martini F, Cardillo C, Morosetti R, Mirabella M, Ghirlanda G, Davì G, Patrono C. The recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase activity explains interindividual variability in responsiveness to low-dose aspirin in patients with and without diabetes. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:1220-30. [PMID: 22471290 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04723.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interindividual variability in response to aspirin has been popularized as 'resistance'. We hypothesized that faster recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 activity may explain incomplete thromboxane (TX) inhibition during the 24-h dosing interval. OBJECTIVE To characterize the kinetics and determinants of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 recovery in aspirin-treated diabetic and non-diabetic patients. PATIENTS/METHODS One hundred type 2 diabetic and 73 non-diabetic patients on chronic aspirin 100 mg daily were studied. Serum TXB(2) was measured every 3 h, between 12 and 24 h after a witnessed aspirin intake, to characterize the kinetics of platelet cyclooxygenase-1 recovery. Patients with the fastest TXB(2) recovery were randomized to aspirin 100 mg once daily, 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily, for 28 days and TXB(2) recovery was reassessed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Platelet TXB(2) production was profoundly suppressed at 12 h in both groups. Serum TXB(2) recovered linearly, with a large interindividual variability in slope. Diabetic patients in the third tertile of recovery slopes (≥ 0.10 ng mL(-1) h(-1) ) showed significantly higher mean platelet volume and body mass index, and younger age. Higher body weight was the only independent predictor of a faster recovery in non-diabetics. Aspirin 100 mg twice daily completely reversed the abnormal TXB(2) recovery in both groups. Interindividual variability in the recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase activity during the dosing interval may limit the duration of the antiplatelet effect of low-dose aspirin in patients with and without diabetes. Inadequate thromboxane inhibition can be easily measured and corrected by a twice daily regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Rocca
- Department of Pharmacology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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20
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Tasca G, Monforte M, Iannaccone E, Laschena F, Ottaviani P, Silvestri G, Masciullo M, Mirabella M, Servidei S, Ricci E. Muscle MRI in female carriers of dystrophinopathy. Eur J Neurol 2012; 19:1256-60. [PMID: 22583668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2012.03753.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy carriers represent a rare condition that needs to be recognized because of the possible implications for prenatal diagnosis. Muscle biopsy is currently the diagnostic instrument of choice in sporadic patients. We wanted to verify whether muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could identify a pattern of involvement suggestive of this condition and whether it was similar to that reported in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. METHODS Evaluation of pelvic and lower limb MRI scans of 12 dystrophinopathy carriers was performed. RESULTS We found a frequent involvement of the quadratus femoris, gluteus maximus and medius, biceps femoris long head, adductor magnus, vasti and paraspinal muscles, whilst the popliteus, iliopsoas, recti abdominis, sartorius, and gracilis were relatively spared. Asymmetry was a major feature on MRI; it could be detected significantly more often than with sole clinical examination and even in patients without weakness. CONCLUSIONS The pattern we describe here is similar to that reported in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, although asymmetry represents a major distinctive feature. Muscle MRI was more sensitive than clinical examination for detecting single muscle involvement and asymmetry. Further studies are needed to verify the consistency of this pattern in larger cohorts and to assess whether muscle MRI can improve diagnostic accuracy in carriers with normal dystrophin staining on muscle biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tasca
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Tasca G, Broccolini A, Rodolico C, Gidaro T, Morosetti R, Monforte M, Barca E, Ricci E, Mirabella M. P2.64 Muscle imaging in hereditary inclusion-body myopathy. Neuromuscul Disord 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2011.06.886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Morosetti R, Sancricca C, Mirabella M. Hereditary inclusion-body myopathy with sparing of the quadriceps: the many tiles of an incomplete puzzle. Acta Myol 2011; 30:91-5. [PMID: 22106710 DOI: pmid/22106710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The hereditary inclusion-body myopathies encompass several syndromes with autosomal recessive or dominant inheritance. Despite a different clinical presentation they all have a progressive course leading to severe disability and share similar pathologic findings at the muscle biopsy. Quadriceps-sparing autosomal recessive hereditary inclusion-body myopathy (h-IBM) is the commonest form and is tied to mutations of the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) that codes for a rate-limiting enzyme in the sialic acid biosynthetic pathway. Despite the identification of the causative gene defect, it has not been clarified how mutations of the GNE gene impair muscle homeostasis. Although several lines of evidence argue in favor of an abnormal sialylation of muscle glycoproteins playing a key role in h-IBM pathogenesis, others studies have demonstrated new functions of the GNE gene, outside the sialic acid biosynthetic pathway, that may also be relevant. This review illustrates the clinical and pathologic characteristics of h-IBM and the main clues available to date concerning the possible pathogenic mechanisms of this disorder. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying h-IBM pathology is a fundamental requisite to plan a future attempt to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Broccolini
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Tasca G, Morosetti R, Rodolico C, Ricci E, Mirabella M. Analysis of NCAM helps identify unusual phenotypes of hereditary inclusion-body myopathy. Neurology 2010; 75:265-72. [PMID: 20644153 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181e8e8f1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary inclusion-body myopathy or distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (h-IBM/DMRV) is due to mutations of the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) gene, which codes for an enzyme of the sialic acid biosynthetic pathway. By Western blot (WB) analysis, we have previously shown that in h-IBM/DMRV muscle, the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has increased electrophoretic mobility that reflects reduced sialylation of the protein. OBJECTIVE To identify patients with h-IBM/DMRV with atypical clinical or pathologic phenotype using NCAM analysis and the possible cellular mechanism associated with the overall abnormal sialylation of NCAM observed in this disorder. METHODS WB analysis of NCAM was performed on muscle biopsies of 84 patients with an uncharacterized muscle disorder who were divided in the following 2 groups: 1) 46 patients with a proximal muscle weakness in whom the main limb-girdle muscular dystrophy syndromes had been ruled out; and 2) 38 patients with a distal distribution of weakness in whom a neurogenic affection had been excluded. Patients in whom a reduced sialylation of NCAM was suspected were studied for the presence of GNE mutations. RESULTS In 3 patients, we found that NCAM had increased electrophoretic mobility, thus suggesting an abnormal sialylation of the protein. The genetic study demonstrated that they all carried pathogenic GNE mutations. Further studies demonstrated that hyposialylated NCAM, showing increased electrophoretic mobility on WB, is expressed by nonregenerating fibers in h-IBM/DMRV muscle. CONCLUSIONS WB analysis of NCAM may be instrumental in the identification of h-IBM/DMRV with atypical clinical or pathologic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Broccolini
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Iorio R, Frisullo G, Nociti V, Patanella KA, Bianco A, Marti A, Mirabella M, Tonali PA, Batocchi AP. T-bet, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during pregnancy correlates with post-partum activation of multiple sclerosis. Clin Immunol 2008; 131:70-83. [PMID: 19097824 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2008.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In pregnant women affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) we observed increased percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T regulatory cells at the 1st and the 2nd trimester of gestation that was associated with a decreased T-bet expression in CD4(+) T cells. In women showing clinical relapse and/or new lesions at MRI after delivery we found, a higher expression of T-bet, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 in CD4(+), CD8(+) T cells and CD14(+) cells, associated with an increase of IFNgamma and IL17 production by PBMC at the 3rd trimester of gestation and after delivery. Our data suggest that the expansion of circulating CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and the lower expression of T-bet in CD4(+) T cells may account for the decreased MS activity during pregnancy. The expression of T-bet, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 in peripheral blood CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and monocytes could be useful to identify MS patients who will develop a relapse after delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Iorio
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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25
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Morosetti R, Gliubizzi C, Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Tonali P, Liu M, Ricci E, Mirabella M. G.P.5.05 Transient overexpression of the Rho family exchange factor GEFT stimulates myogenic differentiation of inclusion-body myositis (IBM) mesoangioblasts. Neuromuscul Disord 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.06.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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26
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Pescatori M, Tasca G, Frusciante R, Mirabella M, Rossi M, Iannaccone E, Broccolini A, Ricci E. D.P.1.06 Gene expression analysis in MRI positive FSHD muscles. Neuromuscul Disord 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2008.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Luigetti M, Tasca G, Mirabella M, Tonali PA, Sabatelli M. ANCA-related vasculitic neuropathy mimicking motor neuron disease. Acta Neurol Belg 2008; 108:109-111. [PMID: 19115676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Several conditions have been reported to mimic motor neuron disease (MND) and misdiagnosis remains a common clinical problem. Peripheral neuropathy is a classic feature of many vasculitic syndromes and in some patients it may be the only manifestation of vasculitis. We report a case of ANCA-related vasculitic neuropathy where the clinical presentation was suggestive of MND. A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our centre to confirm a diagnosis of MND made elsewhere. Clinical examination revealed postural tremor at the right hand, mild tongue atrophy with diffuse fasciculations and brisk tendon reflexes without other muscular weakness or atrophies. Electromyography demonstrated denervation in tongue and in the first dorsal interosseous of right hand ; motor evoked potentials disclosed normal central motor conduction time. Laboratory studies revealed only a mild increase of p-ANCA. A muscle biopsy showed a small inflammatory infiltrate around a vessel. The patient started high dosage of oral steroids. After one year of follow-up the patient suspended oral steroids, postural tremor of the right hand disappeared and tongue fasciculations were reduced. Vasculitis may mimic a MND, particularly in the absence of sensory involvement. Caution should be exercised in the clinical diagnosis of MND. Muscle biopsy is indicated in patient with atypical MND especially in those with an exclusive involvement of lower motor neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Luigetti
- Department of Neurology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Gliubizzi C, Morosetti R, Sancricca C, Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Tasca G, Tonali P, Ricci E, Mirabella M. G.P.13.13 Age-related abnormalities and reduced expression of the Notch ligand Delta in IBM primary muscle cultures. A clue for diminished regenerative potential of satellite cells in IBM muscle? Neuromuscul Disord 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.06.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Morosetti R, Gliubizzi C, Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Sancricca C, Tonali P, Ricci E, Cossu G, Mirabella M. G.P.13.14 Ex vivo treatment with TSA and IGF-1 induces myogenic differentiation of inclusion-body myositis mesoangioblasts. Neuromuscul Disord 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2007.06.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Modoni A, Mirabella M, Madia F, Sanna T, Lanza G, Tonali PA, Silvestri G. Chronic autoimmune autonomic neuropathy responsive to immunosuppressive therapy. Neurology 2007; 68:161-2. [PMID: 17210903 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000251194.82212.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Modoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Mirabella M, Cianfoni A, Bucci M, Nociti V, Sancricca C, Patanella AK, Gasbarrini A, Ricci E, Lauriola L, Frisullo G, Tonali P, Batocchi AP. Coeliac disease presenting with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Eur J Neurol 2006; 13:202-3. [PMID: 16490056 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ricci E, Broccolini A, Gidaro T, Morosetti R, Gliubizzi C, Frusciante R, Di Lella GM, Tonali PA, Mirabella M. NCAM is hyposialylated in hereditary inclusion body myopathy due to GNE mutations. Neurology 2006; 66:755-8. [PMID: 16534119 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000200956.76449.3f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors found that the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is hyposialylated in hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) muscle, as suggested by its decreased molecular weight by Western blot. This abnormality represented the only pathologic feature differentiating HIBM due to GNE mutations from other myopathies with similar clinical and pathologic characteristics. If further confirmed in larger series of patients, this may be a useful diagnostic marker of GNE-related HIBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Mercuri E, Messina S, Battini R, Berardinelli A, Boffi P, Bono R, Bruno C, Carboni N, Cini C, Colitto F, D'Amico A, Minetti C, Mirabella M, Mongini T, Morandi L, Dlamini N, Orcesi S, Pelliccioni M, Pane M, Pini A, Swan AV, Villanova M, Vita G, Main M, Muntoni F, Bertini E. Reliability of the Hammersmith functional motor scale for spinal muscular atrophy in a multicentric study. Neuromuscul Disord 2006; 16:93-8. [PMID: 16427782 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2005.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Revised: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 11/25/2005] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to validate the Hammersmith functional motor scale for children with spinal muscular atrophy in a large cohort of 90 non-ambulant children with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 or 3. All had a baseline assessment (T0) and were reassessed either at 3 months (T1) (n = 66) or at 6 months (T2) (n = 24). Inter-observer reliability, tested on 13 children among 3 examiners, was > 95%. Of the 66 children examined after 3 months 4 had adverse effects in between assessments and were excluded from the analysis. Forty-two (68%) of the remaining 62 reassessed had no variation in scores between T0 and T1 and 13 (21%) were within +/- 1 point. 9 (37.5%) of the 24 children reassessed after 6 months had no variation in scores between T0 and T2 and another 9 (37.5%) had variations within +/- 1 point. Our study confirms previous observations of the reliability of the scale and helps to establish a baseline for assessing changes of functional ability over 3 and 6 month intervals. This information can be valuable in view of therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mercuri
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Catholic University, Largo Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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Nociti V, Cianfoni A, Mirabella M, Caggiula M, Frisullo G, Patanella AK, Sancricca C, Angelucci F, Tonali PA, Batocchi AP. Clinical characteristics, course and prognosis of spinal multiple sclerosis. Spinal Cord 2006; 43:731-4. [PMID: 16010274 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective examination. OBJECTIVE To define the clinical characteristics and response to therapy of spinal multiple sclerosis (MS). SETTING Italy. METHODS Retrospective review was performed on 563 patients with clinical definite MS. Selection criteria were two or more spinal cord lesions in the presence of normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. RESULTS Spinal MS was diagnosed in 13 patients (2.3%) out of 563 with clinical definite MS. There were seven female and six male patients; nine had a relapsing-remitting (RR) and four, a primary progressive (PP) course. All patients were treated with immunosoppressive or immunomodulatory therapy. Mean disease duration in patients with RR-MS was 13.1+/-10.1 years with a mean age at onset of 29.5+/-14.3 years; the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at the time of the study was 3.5+/-2.5 with a progression index of 0.28. Mean disease duration in patients with PP course was 7+/-6.2 years with a mean age at onset of 56.7+/-10.4 years; the mean EDSS at the time of the study was 6.2+/-2.0 with a progression index of 1.48. CONCLUSIONS Patients with spinal RR-MS are characterised by an early disease onset with minimal or moderate disability progression; patients with spinal PP-MS show a late disease onset and more rapid disability progression. In our series of spinal MS patients, disability progression seems to be mainly due to the disease course and age at onset rather than to the site of lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nociti
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Largo Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Caggiula M, Batocchi AP, Frisullo G, Angelucci F, Patanella AK, Sancricca C, Nociti V, Tonali PA, Mirabella M. Neurotrophic Factors and Clinical Recovery in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Scand J Immunol 2005; 62:176-82. [PMID: 16101825 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2005.01649.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic autoimmune cells are demonstrated to be able to produce neurotrophic factors during acute phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we determined the production of various neurotrophins [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and neurotrophin 4 (NT4)] and some pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)] by unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in 21 relapsing-remitting MS patients during different phases of disease (stable, relapse and post-relapse). During acute phase of disease, we detected a considerable increase of BDNF, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production, while significantly higher levels of GDNF, NGF, NT3 and NT4 were found in post-relapse phase. When neurotrophin production was correlated with clinical outcome (complete or partial recovery from new symptoms), we found a significantly higher BDNF production in relapse phase followed by increased GDNF, NGF, NT3 and NT4 levels during post-relapse phase in subjects with complete remission only. During relapse phase, we detected a significant increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, that was more evident in patients with partial recovery. The neuroprotective potential of immune cells seems to be inversely correlated with disease duration and with the age of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caggiula
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Neck flexion may play a role in the pathogenesis of Hirayama disease. Upper limb somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded in five patients with Hirayama disease, six patients with ALS, and 14 healthy subjects. Neck flexion caused a significant amplitude decrease of the N13 cervical response only in patients with Hirayama disease. Direct cord compression or microvascular changes can in theory account for this position-related dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Restuccia
- Department of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Broccolini A, Pescatori M, D'Amico A, Sabino A, Silvestri G, Ricci E, Servidei S, Tonali PA, Mirabella M. An Italian family with autosomal recessive inclusion-body myopathy and mutations in the GNE gene. Neurology 2002; 59:1808-9. [PMID: 12473780 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000031808.04545.e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Broccolini
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
A woman affected by multiple cranial nerve palsy developed several episodes of total insomnia and respiratory crises resulting from central breathing depression associated with dysautonomic symptoms. Oligoclonal IgG bands were present in her cerebrospinal fluid, and immunohistochemistry showed increased binding of serum and cerebrospinal fluid on gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic, synapse-rich neuronal cells. Immunosuppressive treatment and plasma exchange were followed by clinical improvement, with restoration of sleep architecture and disappearance of respiratory crises, suggesting autoimmune pathogenesis of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Batocchi
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Di Giovanni S, Mirabella M, Spinazzola A, Crociani P, Silvestri G, Broccolini A, Tonali P, Di Mauro S, Servidei S. Coenzyme Q10 reverses pathological phenotype and reduces apoptosis in familial CoQ10 deficiency. Neurology 2001; 57:515-8. [PMID: 11502923 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.3.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two brothers with myopathic coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency responded dramatically to CoQ10 supplementation. Muscle biopsies before therapy showed ragged-red fibers, lipid storage, and complex I + III and II + III deficiency. Approximately 30% of myofibers had multiple features of apoptosis. After 8 months of treatment, excessive lipid storage resolved, CoQ10 level normalized, mitochondrial enzymes increased, and proportion of fibers with TUNEL-positive nuclei decreased to 10%. The authors conclude that muscle CoQ10 deficiency can be corrected by supplementation of CoQ10, which appears to stimulate mitochondrial proliferation and to prevent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Di Giovanni
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Di Giovanni S, Mirabella M, Papacci M, Odoardi F, Silvestri G, Servidei S. Apoptosis and ROS detoxification enzymes correlate with cytochrome c oxidase deficiency in mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Mol Cell Neurosci 2001; 17:696-705. [PMID: 11312605 DOI: 10.1006/mcne.2001.0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate in muscle the role of apoptosis and of oxidative stress in mitochondrial disorders with dysfunction of respiratory chain. In patients with cytochrome c oxidase deficiency (COX) we found a variable number of myofibers with apoptotic nuclei that matched with the level of enzymatic reduction and roughly correlated with muscle weakness. In parallel, a positive immunostaining for apoptosis-related proteins and Mn and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) were mostly localized in COX-negative fibers. Moreover, glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in muscles with high number of SOD-positive myofibers and prominent apoptotic features. No signs of apoptosis were observed in patients with deficiencies of complexes I and II and without muscle weakness. These data suggest that apoptosis along with increased ROS production, revealed by anti-oxidant enzymes overexpression, may play an important role in the pathophysiology of mitochondrial diseases associated with COX deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Di Giovanni
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, 00168, Italy
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Malferrari G, Mirabella M, D'Alessandra Y, Servidei S, Biunno I. Deletion polymorphism of DNASE1L1, an X-linked DNase I-like gene, in acid maltase deficiency disorders. Exp Mol Pathol 2001; 70:173-4. [PMID: 11263960 DOI: 10.1006/exmp.2001.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Sossi V, Giuli A, Vitali T, Tiziano F, Mirabella M, Antonelli A, Neri G, Brahe C. Premature termination mutations in exon 3 of the SMN1 gene are associated with exon skipping and a relatively mild SMA phenotype. Eur J Hum Genet 2001; 9:113-20. [PMID: 11313744 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5200599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2000] [Revised: 09/29/2000] [Accepted: 10/10/2000] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common motor neuron disease caused by absence or mutation in the survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene. SNM1 and a nearly identical copy, SMN2, encode identical proteins, but SMN2 only produces a little full length protein due to alternative splicing. The level of functional SMN protein and the number of SMN2 genes correlate with the clinical phenotype ranging from severe to very mild. Here, we report on premature termination mutations in SMN1 exon 3 (425del5 and W102X) which induce skipping of the mutated exon. The novel nonsense mutation W102X was detected in two patients with a relatively mild phenotype who had only two copies of the SMN2 gene, a number that has previously been found associated with the severe form of SMA. We show that the shortened transcripts are translated into predicted in frame protein isoforms. Aminoglycoside treatment suppressed the nonsense mutation in cultured cells and abolished exon skipping. Fibroblasts from both patients show a high number of nuclear structures containing SMN protein (gems). These findings suggest that the protein isoform lacking the exon 3 encoded region contributes to the formation of the nuclear protein complex which may account for the milder clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sossi
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of apoptosis in acute quadriplegic myopathy. BACKGROUND Acute quadriplegic myopathy is a muscular disease characterized by diffuse flaccid weakness occurring in patients with severe systemic illness and exposure to corticosteroids or neuroblocking agents. Myofiber atrophy and thick filament loss are the distinguishing pathologic features on muscle biopsy. Increased calpains expression and lysosomal and nonlysosomal proteolytic pathways have been claimed as possible pathogenic factors. Nevertheless, the mechanisms leading to myofiber atrophy and thick filament loss need further investigation. PATIENTS AND METHODS The expression of ubiquitin and proapoptotic proteases as well as DNA fragmentation in muscle biopsies from three patients with acute quadriplegic myopathy were studied. RESULTS All patients exhibited an important overexpression of caspases, calpain, cathepsin B, and ubiquitin, and the presence of numerous apoptotic nuclei in over 70% of myofibers. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that apoptosis mediated by proteolytic proteases may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute quadriplegic myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Di Giovanni
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Piluso G, Mirabella M, Ricci E, Belsito A, Abbondanza C, Servidei S, Puca AA, Tonali P, Puca GA, Nigro V. Gamma1- and gamma2-syntrophins, two novel dystrophin-binding proteins localized in neuronal cells. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:15851-60. [PMID: 10747910 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m000439200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin is the scaffold of a protein complex, disrupted in inherited muscular dystrophies. At the last 3' terminus of the gene, a protein domain is encoded, where syntrophins are tightly bound. These are a family of cytoplasmic peripheral membrane proteins. Three genes have been described encoding one acidic (alpha1) and two basic (beta1 and beta2) proteins of approximately 57-60 kDa. Here, we describe the characterization of two novel putative members of the syntrophin family, named gamma1- and gamma2-syntrophins. The human gamma1-syntrophin gene is composed of 19 exons and encodes a brain-specific protein of 517 amino acids. The human gamma2-syntrophin gene is composed of at least 17 exons, and its transcript is expressed in brain and, to a lesser degree, in other tissues. We mapped the gamma1-syntrophin gene to human chromosome 8q11 and the gamma2-syntrophin gene to chromosome 2p25. Yeast two-hybrid experiments and pull-down studies showed that both proteins can bind the C-terminal region of dystrophin and related proteins. We raised antibodies against these proteins and recognized expression in both rat and human central neurons, coincident with RNA in situ hybridization of adjacent sections. Our present findings suggest a differentiated role of a modified dystrophin-associated complex in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Piluso
- Istituto di Patologia Generale ed Oncologia, Facoltà di Medicina, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Mirabella M, Christodoulou K, Di Giovanni S, Ricci E, Tonali P, Servidei S. An Italian family with autosomal recessive quadriceps-sparing inclusion-body myopathy (ARQS-IBM) linked to chromosome 9p1. Neurol Sci 2000; 21:99-102. [PMID: 10938188 DOI: 10.1007/s100720070103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We report an Italian family with autosomal recessive quadriceps-sparing inclusion-body myopathy (ARQS-IBM). The patients (two second cousins) developed a slowly progressive distal and proximal myopathy with complete sparing of the quadriceps. Muscle biopsy showed rimmed vacuoles in numerous muscle fibers, and electron microscopy documented accumulation of 15-21 nm filaments. DNA analysis established linkage to 9p1 and haplotype analysis revealed that the patients shared a recombined common haplotype. The gene locus of ARQS-IBM was initially mapped to chromosome 9p1-q1 in families of Iranian-Jewish origin and later confirmed in a few other ethnic groups. This is the first report of Italian patients with ARQS-IBM showing positive linkage to chromosome 9p1. Our data suggest that patients having distal and proximal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles and possible recessive inheritance, often classified as distal myopathies, should be thoroughly investigated according to the diagnostic criteria of h-IBM and, when positive, studied for linkage to chromosome 9p1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mirabella
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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Mirabella M, Silvestri G, de Rosa G, Di Giovanni S, Di Muzio A, Uncini A, Tonali P, Servidei S. GCG genetic expansions in Italian patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. Neurology 2000; 54:608-14. [PMID: 10680791 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.54.3.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To screen Italian patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) for GCG repeat expansions in the Poly(A) binding-protein 2 (PABP2) gene. BACKGROUND Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is an adult-onset autosomal dominant muscle disease linked to 14q11 pathologically characterized by unique 8.5 nm intranuclear filaments in skeletal muscle fibers. Short expansions of a (GCG)6 repeat located in exon 1 of the newly isolated PABP2 gene have been demonstrated in a large number of OPMD families. METHODS We studied 18 patients diagnosed with OPMD. A muscle biopsy was performed in 16 patients. Screening for the pathologic expansion was performed on a PCR amplified DNA fragment encompassing the GCG repeat. RESULTS Heterozygous (GCG)-repeat expansions were detected in 13 patients in association with (GCG)6 normal allele or (GCG)7 polymorphic allele. All the patients whose muscle biopsy showed typical 8.5 nm intranuclear filaments had a mutated PABP2 allele. Five patients with no intranuclear filaments were homozygous for the normal (GCG)6 allele. The pathologic expansion appeared to be stable with no variation among family members and between different tissues as blood and skeletal muscle in the same individual. CONCLUSIONS These data 1) further confirm PABP2 gene analysis as a valuable tool in OPMD diagnosis; 2) indicate that PABP2 gene mutations are always present among Italian patients with morphologically proven OPMD, suggesting genetic homogeneity of the disease; and 3) strengthen the putative role of mutated PABP2 protein in filamentous inclusions accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mirabella
- Department of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Mirabella M, Di Giovanni S, Silvestri G, Tonali P, Servidei S. Apoptosis in mitochondrial encephalomyopathies with mitochondrial DNA mutations: a potential pathogenic mechanism. Brain 2000; 123 ( Pt 1):93-104. [PMID: 10611124 DOI: 10.1093/brain/123.1.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of disorders. The site, percentage and distribution of mutations do not explain the overall clinical heterogeneity that is found. Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is essential for tissue development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of apoptosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent in vitro evidence has indicated the central role of mitochondria in the apoptotic process. We investigated the occurrence of apoptosis in muscle biopsies of 36 patients carrying different mtDNA mutations and four patients with inclusion body myositis and mitochondrial abnormalities. Apoptotic features, mainly localized in cytochrome c oxidase-negative fibres, were observed in muscle fibres of patients carrying a high percentage of single mtDNA deletions (>40%) and of tRNA point mutations (>70%). By contrast, no apoptotic changes were observed in inclusion body myositis and in patients carrying mutations of mtDNA structural genes. Our study suggests that apoptosis is not simply a means whereby cells with dysfunctional mitochondria are eliminated, but that it seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial disorders associated with mtDNA defects affecting mitochondrial protein synthesis. The imbalance and relative abundances of nuclear-encoded and mtDNA-encoded subunits may favour cytochrome c inactivation and release. Cytochrome c, together with respiratory chain dysfunction, could activate apoptotic pathways that, in turn, inhibit the rate of mitochondrial translation and the importation of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein precursors. This vicious circle may amplify the biochemical defects and tissue damage and contribute to the modulation of clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mirabella
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Servidei S, Capon F, Spinazzola A, Mirabella M, Semprini S, de Rosa G, Gennarelli M, Sangiuolo F, Ricci E, Mohrenweiser HW, Dallapiccola B, Tonali P, Novelli G. A distinctive autosomal dominant vacuolar neuromyopathy linked to 19p13. Neurology 1999; 53:830-7. [PMID: 10489050 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.53.4.830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize a kindred with a distinctive autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder. BACKGROUND The authors studied a large Italian family affected by a progressive neuromyopathy. Ten individuals over three generations were affected. The disease was characterized by onset from the late teens to early 50s with distal leg weakness and atrophy, development of generalized muscle weakness with distal-to-proximal progression sparing facial and ocular muscles, dysphonia and dysphagia, pes cavus and areflexia, variable clinical expression ranging from subclinical myopathy to severely disabling weakness, and mixed neurogenic and myopathic abnormalities on electromyography. METHODS Morphologic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural studies were performed in muscle biopsies from three affected patients. A genomewide linkage analysis through the genotyping of 292 microsatellite markers spanning the 22 autosomes was undertaken to map the disorder segregating in this family. RESULTS All muscle biopsies showed variation of fiber size, panesterase-positive angular fibers, mild to severe fibrosis, and numerous "rimmed vacuoles." Electron microscopy failed to demonstrate the nuclear or cytoplasmic filamentous inclusions specific of inclusion-body myopathies and, accordingly, immunohistochemistry did not show any positivity with SMI-31 antibodies detecting hyperphosphorylated tau. Preliminary analysis of 292 microsatellite markers provided evidence for linkage to chromosome 19p13. CONCLUSIONS This distinctive autosomal dominant disorder is characterized by a vacuolar neuromyopathy. Localization to chromosome 19p13 will allow the genetic relationship between this disease and inherited myopathies with rimmed vacuoles, in particular autosomal dominant inclusion-body myopathies, to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Servidei
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University and U.I.L.D.M., Rome, Italy
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Malferrari G, Mazza U, Tresoldi C, Rovida E, Nissim M, Mirabella M, Servidei S, Biunno I. Molecular characterization of a novel endonuclease (Xib) and possible involvement in lysosomal glycogen storage disorders. Exp Mol Pathol 1999; 66:123-30. [PMID: 10409440 DOI: 10.1006/exmp.1999.2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We cloned and partially characterized a human endonuclease (Xib) which shows sequence homologies to pancreatic DNase I but an enzymatic activity closer to DNase II. We report on the structural differences found between Xib and other recently cloned human DNases. Fluores cence microscopy analysis of transiently transfected cells with Xib::pEGFP constructs indicate that the protein is located in the cytoplasm and possibly anchored to a membrane, as deduced from a hydrophobic amino acid stretch present at the C-terminal end. Xib is overexpressed in muscle and cardiac tissues and is alternately spliced in several normal and neoplastic cells. In situ hybridization studies using human cardiac and muscle biopsies indicate accumulation of Xib transcript in the vacuoles of muscle cells from patients affected by vacuolar myopathy as acid maltase deficiency; however, no point mutations were detected in their DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Malferrari
- Istituto Tecnologie Biomediche Avanzate-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Segrate Milano, 20090, Italy
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Ricci E, Galluzzi G, Deidda G, Cacurri S, Colantoni L, Merico B, Piazzo N, Servidei S, Vigneti E, Pasceri V, Silvestri G, Mirabella M, Mangiola F, Tonali P, Felicetti L. Progress in the molecular diagnosis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and correlation between the number of KpnI repeats at the 4q35 locus and clinical phenotype. Ann Neurol 1999; 45:751-7. [PMID: 10360767 DOI: 10.1002/1531-8249(199906)45:6<751::aid-ana9>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Genotype analysis by using the p13E-11 probe and other 4q35 polymorphic markers was performed in 122 Italian facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy families and 230 normal controls. EcoRI-BlnI double digestion was routinely used to avoid the interference of small EcoRI fragments of 10qter origin that were found in 15% of the controls. An EcoRI fragment ranging between 10 and 28 kb that was resistant to BlnI digestion was detected in 114 of 122 families (93%) comprising 76 familial and 38 isolated cases. Among the unaffected individuals, 3 were somatic mosaics and 7, carrying an EcoRI fragment larger than 20 kb, could be rated as nonpenetrant gene carriers. In a cohort of 165 patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy we found an inverse correlation between fragment size and clinical severity. A severe lower limb involvement was observed in 100% of patients with an EcoRI fragment size of 10 to 13 kb (1-2 KpnI repeats left), in 53% of patients with a fragment size of 16 to 20 kb (3-4 KpnI repeats left), and in 19% of patients with a fragment size larger than 21 kb (>4 KpnI repeats left). Our results confirm that the size of the fragment is a major factor in determining the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy phenotype and that it has an impact on clinical prognosis and genetic counseling of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ricci
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Rome, Italy
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