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Pascarella F, Scaramuzzo RT, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Ciantelli M, Filippi L. Propranolol: a new pharmacologic approach to counter retinopathy of prematurity progression. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1322783. [PMID: 38292211 PMCID: PMC10824858 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1322783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the evident progress in neonatal medicine, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a serious threat to the vision of premature infants, due to a still partial understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of this disease and the lack of drugs capable of arresting its progression. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, retinal vascularization is strictly dependent on oxygen concentration. The exposition of the retina of a preterm newborn, still incompletely vascularized, to an atmosphere relatively hyperoxic, as the extrauterine environment, induces the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and therefore the interruption of vascularization (first ischemic phase of ROP). However, over the following weeks, the growing metabolic requirement of this ischemic retina produces a progressive hypoxia that specularly promotes the surge of proangiogenic factors, finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (second proliferative phase of ROP). The demonstration that the noradrenergic system is actively involved in the coupling between hypoxia and the induction of vasculogenesis paved the way for a pharmacologic intervention aimed at counteracting the interaction of noradrenaline with specific receptors and consequently the progression of ROP. A similar trend has been observed in infantile hemangiomas, the most common vascular lesion of childhood induced by pre-existing hypoxia, which shares similar characteristics with ROP. The fact that propranolol, an unselective antagonist of β1/2 adrenoceptors, counteracts the growth of infantile hemangiomas, suggested the idea of testing the efficacy of propranolol in infants with ROP. From preclinical studies, ongoing clinical trials demonstrated that topical administration of propranolol likely represents the optimal approach to reconcile its efficacy and maximum safety. Given the strict relationship between vessels and neurons, recovering retinal vascularization with propranolol may add further efficacy to prevent retinal dysfunction. In conclusion, the strategy of contrasting precociously the progression of the disease appears to be more advantageous than the current wait-and-see therapeutic approach, which instead is mainly focused on avoiding retinal detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Canovai A, Melecchi A, Maci S, Quintela F, Fonseca BA, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M. Efficacy of a Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) Extract as Nutritional Support in a Rat Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:6. [PMID: 37917085 PMCID: PMC10627303 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma is an eye-brain axis disorder characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Although the role of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma has been established, the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation has emerged as a promising target for neuronal tissue-supporting glaucoma management. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract (SPE) on RGC density, activity, and neuronal health markers in a rat model of hypertensive glaucoma. Methods Animals were divided in four groups: untreated healthy control and three glaucomatous groups receiving orally administered vehicle, SPE-low dose, or SPE-high dose for 28 days. Ocular hypertension was induced through intracameral injection of methylcellulose at day 15. At day 29, rats underwent electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, and retinas were analyzed for RGC density and markers of neural trophism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results SPE exerted dose-dependent response benefits on all markers except for IOP elevation. SPE significantly improved RGC-related ERG responses, cell density, neurotrophins, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. Also, in SPE-high rats, most of the parameters were not statistically different from those of healthy controls. Conclusions SPE, a plant-based, polyphenolic extract, could be an effective nutritional support for neuronal tissues. Translational Relevance These results suggest that SPE not only may be a complementary approach in support to hypotensive treatments for the management of glaucoma but may also serve as nutritional support in other ocular conditions where antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanism are often disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Samanta Maci
- Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, a Division of Kemin Foods L.C., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Quintela
- Kemin Human Nutrition and Health, a Division of Kemin Foods L.C., Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health,” University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health,” University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Melecchi A, Pucci L, Canovai A, Marracci S, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Caddeo C, Casini G. Liposome-Mediated Delivery Improves the Efficacy of Lisosan G against Retinopathy in Diabetic Mice. Cells 2023; 12:2448. [PMID: 37887292 PMCID: PMC10605070 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutraceuticals are natural substances whose anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be used to treat retinal pathologies. Their efficacy is limited by poor bioavailability, which could be improved using nanocarriers. Lisosan G (LG), a fermented powder from whole grains, protects the retina from diabetic retinopathy (DR)-induced damage. For this study, we tested whether the encapsulation of LG in liposomes (LipoLG) may increase its protective effects. Diabetes was induced in mice via streptozotocin administration, and the mice were allowed to freely drink water or a water dispersion of two different doses of LG or of LipoLG. Electroretinographic recordings after 6 weeks showed that only the highest dose of LG could partially protect the retina from diabetes-induced functional deficits, while both doses of LipoLG were effective. An evaluation of molecular markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor, and the blood-retinal barrier confirmed that the highest dose of LG only partially protected the retina from DR-induced changes, while virtually complete prevention was obtained with either dose of LipoLG. These data indicate that the efficacy of LG in contrasting DR is greatly enhanced by its encapsulation in liposomes and may lay the ground for new dietary supplements with improved therapeutic effects against DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Alberto Melecchi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Laura Pucci
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, National Research Council (CNR), 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessio Canovai
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Silvia Marracci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla Caddeo
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.); (A.C.); (S.M.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Melecchi A, Amato R, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Restored retinal physiology after administration of niacin with citicoline in a mouse model of hypertensive glaucoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1230941. [PMID: 37731716 PMCID: PMC10508956 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1230941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Much interest has been addressed to antioxidant dietary supplements that are known to lower the risk of developing glaucoma or delay its progression. Among them, niacin and citicoline protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from degeneration by targeting mitochondria, though at different levels. A well-established mouse model of RGC degeneration induced by experimental intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was used to investigate whether a novel combination of niacin/citicoline has better efficacy over each single component in preserving RGC health in response to IOP increase. Methods Ocular hypertension was induced by an intracameral injection of methylcellulose that clogs the trabecular meshwork. Electroretinography and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate RGC function and density. Oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results The present results support an optimal efficacy of niacin with citicoline at their best dosage in preventing RGC loss. In fact, about 50% of RGCs were spared from death leading to improved electroretinographic responses to flash and pattern stimulation. Upregulated levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were also consistently reduced by almost 50% after niacin with citicoline thus providing a significant strength to the validity of their combination. Conclusion Niacin combined with citicoline is highly effective in restoring RGC physiology but its therapeutic potential needs to be further explored. In fact, the translation of the present compound to humans is limited by several factors including the mouse modeling, the higher doses of the supplements that are necessary to demonstrate their efficacy over a short follow up period and the scarce knowledge of their transport to the bloodstream and to the eventual target tissues in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Research Center, Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Scaramuzzo RT, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pini A, Ballini S, Bendinelli A, Desideri I, Ciantelli M, Filippi L. Treating infants with 0.2% propranolol eye micro-drops drastically reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:1905-1906. [PMID: 37199226 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandy Ballini
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Bendinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ielizza Desideri
- Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Filippi L, Pascarella F, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Morganti R, Innocenti F, Castagnini N, Melosi A, Scaramuzzo RT. Fetal Oxygenation from the 23rd to the 36th Week of Gestation Evaluated through the Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12487. [PMID: 37569862 PMCID: PMC10419490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo and fetus grow in a hypoxic environment. Intrauterine oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, allowing the oxygen to modulate apparently contradictory functions, such as the expansion of stemness but also differentiation. We have recently demonstrated that in the last weeks of pregnancy, oxygenation progressively increases, but the trend of oxygen levels during the previous weeks remains to be clarified. In the present retrospective study, umbilical venous and arterial oxygen levels, fetal oxygen extraction, oxygen content, CO2, and lactate were evaluated in a cohort of healthy newborns with gestational age < 37 weeks. A progressive decrease in pO2 levels associated with a concomitant increase in pCO2 and reduction in pH has been observed starting from the 23rd week until approximately the 33-34th week of gestation. Over this period, despite the increased hypoxemia, oxygen content remains stable thanks to increasing hemoglobin concentration, which allows the fetus to become more hypoxemic but not more hypoxic. Starting from the 33-34th week, fetal oxygenation increases and ideally continues following the trend recently described in term fetuses. The present study confirms that oxygenation during intrauterine life continues to vary even after placenta development, showing a clear biphasic trend. Fetuses, in fact, from mid-gestation to near-term, become progressively more hypoxemic. However, starting from the 33-34th week, oxygenation progressively increases until birth. In this regard, our data suggest that the placenta is the hub that ensures this variable oxygen availability to the fetus, and we speculate that this biphasic trend is functional for the promotion, in specific tissues and at specific times, of stemness and intrauterine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Francesca Pascarella
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Riccardo Morganti
- Section of Statistics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Innocenti
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Nicola Castagnini
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alice Melosi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Rosa Teresa Scaramuzzo
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
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Amato R, Cammalleri M, Melecchi A, Bagnoli P, Porciatti V. Natural History of Glaucoma Progression in the DBA/2J Model: Early Contribution of Müller Cell Gliosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091272. [PMID: 37174673 PMCID: PMC10177096 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and the resulting mechanical stress are classically considered the main causes of RGC death. However, RGC degeneration and ensuing vision loss often occur independent of IOP, indicating a multifactorial nature of glaucoma, with the likely contribution of glial and vascular function. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the time course of neuro-glial-vascular changes associated with glaucoma progression. We used DBA/2J mice in the age range of 2-15 months as a spontaneous model of glaucoma with progressive IOP elevation and RGC loss typical of human open-angle glaucoma. We found that the onset of RGC degeneration at 10 months of age coincided with that of IOP elevation and vascular changes such as decreased density, increased lacunarity and decreased tight-junction protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1, while hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were already significantly upregulated at 6 months of age together with the onset of Müller cell gliosis. Astrocytes, however, underwent significant gliosis at 10 months. These results indicate that Müller cell activation occurs well before IOP elevation, with probable inflammatory consequences, and represents an early event in the glaucomatous process. Early upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF is likely to contribute to blood retinal barrier failure, facilitating RGC loss. The different time courses of neuro-glial-vascular changes during glaucoma progression provide further insight into the nature of the disease and suggest potential targets for the development of efficient therapeutic intervention aside from IOP lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Cammalleri M, Amato R, Dal Monte M, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. The β3 adrenoceptor in proliferative retinopathies: "Cinderella" steps out of its family shadow. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106713. [PMID: 36863427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
In the retina, hypoxic condition leads to overgrowing leaky vessels resulting in altered metabolic supply that may cause impaired visual function. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a central regulator of the retinal response to hypoxia by activating the transcription of numerous target genes, including vascular endothelium growth factor, which acts as a major player in retinal angiogenesis. In the present review, oxygen urge by the retina and its oxygen sensing systems including HIF-1 are discussed in respect to the role of the beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and their pharmacologic manipulation in the vascular response to hypoxia. In the β-AR family, β1- and β2-AR have long been attracting attention because their pharmacology is intensely used for human health, while β3-AR, the third and last cloned receptor is no longer increasingly emerging as an attractive target for drug discovery. Here, β3-AR, a main character in several organs including the heart, the adipose tissue and the urinary bladder, but so far a supporting actor in the retina, has been thoroughly examined in respect to its function in retinal response to hypoxia. In particular, its oxygen dependence has been taken as a key indicator of β3-AR involvement in HIF-1-mediated responses to oxygen. Hence, the possibility of β3-AR transcription by HIF-1 has been discussed from early circumstantial evidence to the recent demonstration that β3-AR acts as a novel HIF-1 target gene by playing like a putative intermediary between oxygen levels and retinal vessel proliferation. Thus, targeting β3-AR may implement the therapeutic armamentarium against neovascular pathologies of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Filippi L, Scaramuzzo RT, Pascarella F, Pini A, Morganti R, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Ciantelli M. Fetal oxygenation in the last weeks of pregnancy evaluated through the umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1140021. [PMID: 37152310 PMCID: PMC10160648 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1140021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Embryo and fetus grow and mature over the first trimester of pregnancy in a dynamic hypoxic environment, where placenta development assures an increased oxygen availability. However, it is unclear whether and how oxygenation changes in the later trimesters and, more specifically, in the last weeks of pregnancy. Methods Observational study that evaluated the gas analysis of the umbilical cord blood collected from a cohort of healthy newborns with gestational age ≥37 weeks. Umbilical venous and arterial oxygen levels as well as fetal oxygen extraction were calculated to establish whether oxygenation level changes over the last weeks of pregnancy. In addition, fetal lactate, and carbon dioxide production were analyzed to establish whether oxygen oscillations may induce metabolic effects in utero. Results This study demonstrates a progressive increase in fetal oxygenation levels from the 37th to the 41st weeks of gestation (mean venous PaO2 approximately from 20 to 25 mmHg; p < 0.001). This increase is largely attributable to growing umbilical venous PaO2, regardless of delivery modalities. In neonates born by vaginal delivery, the increased oxygen availability is associated with a modest increase in oxygen extraction, while in neonates born by cesarean section, it is associated with reduced lactate production. Independently from the type of delivery, carbon dioxide production moderately increased. These findings suggest a progressive shift from a prevalent anaerobic metabolism (Warburg effect) towards a growing aerobic metabolism. Conclusion This study confirms that fetuses grow in a hypoxic environment that becomes progressively less hypoxic in the last weeks of gestation. The increased oxygen availability seems to favor aerobic metabolic shift during the last weeks of intrauterine life; we hypothesize that this environmental change may have implications for fetal maturation during intrauterine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: Luca Filippi
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Morganti
- Section of Statistics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Catalani E, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Cervia D, Casini G. Morpho-functional analysis of the early changes induced in retinal ganglion cells by the onset of diabetic retinopathy: The effects of a neuroprotective strategy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106516] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Melecchi A, Amato R, Lapi D, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Increased efficacy of dietary supplement containing wax ester-rich marine oil and xanthophylls in a mouse model of dry macular degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1038730. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1038730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nowadays considered among the retinal diseases whose clinical management lacks established treatment approaches, mainly for its atrophic (dry) form. In this respect, the use of dietary patterns enriched in omega-3 and antioxidant xanthophylls has emerged as a promising approach to counteract dry AMD progression although the prophylactic potential of omega-3 of fish origin has been discussed. Whether enriched availability of omega-3 and xanthophylls may increase the effectiveness of diet supplementation in preventing dry AMD remains to be fully established. The present study aims at comparing the efficacy of an existing orally administered formulation based on lutein and fish oil, as a source of omega-3, with a novel formulation providing the combination of lutein and astaxanthin with Calanus oil (COil), which contains omega-3 together with their precursors policosanols. Using a mouse model of dry AMD based on subretinal injection of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, we assessed the comparative efficacy of both formulations on PEG-induced major hallmarks including oxidative stress, inflammation, glial reactivity and outer retinal thickness. Dietary supplementation with both mixtures has been found to exert a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as reflected by the overall amelioration of the PEG-induced pathological hallmarks. Noteworthy, the formulation based on COil appeared to be more protective than the one based on fish oil, presumably because of the higher bioavailability of omega-3 in COil. These results support the use of dietary supplements combining omega-3 and xanthophylls in the prevention and treatment of AMD and suggest that the source of omega-3 might contribute to treatment efficacy.
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Lucchesi M, Marracci S, Amato R, Filippi L, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M. Neurosensory Alterations in Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Window to Neurological Impairments Associated to Preterm Birth. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071603. [PMID: 35884908 PMCID: PMC9313429 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the main blinding diseases affecting preterm newborns and is classically considered a vascular disorder. The premature exposure to the extrauterine environment, which is hyperoxic in respect to the intrauterine environment, triggers a cascade of events leading to retinal ischemia which, in turn, makes the retina hypoxic thus setting off angiogenic processes. However, many children with a history of ROP show persistent vision impairment, and there is evidence of an association between ROP and neurosensory disabilities. This is not surprising given the strict relationship between neuronal function and an adequate blood supply. In the present work, we revised literature data evidencing to what extent ROP can be considered a neurodegenerative disease, also taking advantage from data obtained in preclinical models of ROP. The involvement of different retinal cell populations in triggering the neuronal damage in ROP was described along with the neurological outcomes associated to ROP. The situation of ROP in Italy was assessed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lucchesi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Silvia Marracci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Neonatology and NICU, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2211426
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13
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Canovai A, Amato R, Melecchi A, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Preventive Efficacy of an Antioxidant Compound on Blood Retinal Barrier Breakdown and Visual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:811818. [PMID: 35046830 PMCID: PMC8762314 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.811818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy (DR), high blood glucose drives chronic oxidative stress and inflammation that trigger alterations of the neurovascular balance finally resulting in vascular abnormalities and retinal cell death, which converge towards altered electroretinogram (ERG). In the last years, a growing body of preclinical evidence has suggested that nutrients with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties can be able to hamper DR progression since its very early stages. In the present study, we used a streptozotocin-induced rat model of DR, which mimics most aspects of the early stages of human DR, to test the preventive efficacy of a novel compound containing cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), verbascoside and zinc as nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Western blot, immunofluorescence and electroretinographic analyses demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related mechanisms, with a significant counterpart in preventing molecular mechanisms leading to DR-associated vasculopathy and its related retinal damage. Preventive efficacy of the compound on dysfunctional a- and b-waves was also demonstrated by electroretinography. The present demonstration that natural compounds, possibly as a consequence of vascular rescue following ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, may prevent the apoptotic cascade leading to ERG dysfunction, adds further relevance to the potential application of antioxidants as a preventive therapy to counteract DR progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Filippi L, Cammalleri M, Amato R, Ciantelli M, Pini A, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M. Decoupling Oxygen Tension From Retinal Vascularization as a New Perspective for Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity. New Opportunities From β-adrenoceptors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835771. [PMID: 35126166 PMCID: PMC8814365 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an evolutive and potentially blinding eye disease that affects preterm newborns. Unfortunately, until now no conservative therapy of active ROP with proven efficacy is available. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, premature exposition to oxygen concentrations higher than those intrauterine, represents the initial pathogenetic trigger. The increase of oxygenation in a retina still incompletely vascularized promotes the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and finally the interruption of vascularization (ischemic phase). However, the increasing metabolic requirement of the ischemic retina induces, over the following weeks, a progressive hypoxia that specularly increases the levels of proangiogenic factors finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (proliferative phase). Considering non-modifiable the coupling between oxygen levels and vascularization, so far, neonatologists and ophthalmologists have “played defense”, meticulously searching the minimum necessary concentration of oxygen for individual newborns, refining their diagnostic ability, adopting a careful monitoring policy, ready to decisively intervene only in a very advanced stage of disease progression. However, recent advances have demonstrated the possibility to pharmacologically modulate the relationship between oxygen and vascularization, opening thus the perspective for new therapeutic or preventive opportunities. The perspective of a shift from a defensive towards an attack strategy is now at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Filippi,
| | | | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Filippi L, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M. β3-Adrenoceptor, a novel player in the round-trip from neonatal diseases to cancer: Suggestive clues from embryo. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:1179-1201. [PMID: 34967048 PMCID: PMC9303287 DOI: 10.1002/med.21874] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The role of the β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) in hypoxia-driven diseases has gained visibility after the demonstration that propranolol promotes the regression of infantile hemangiomas and ameliorates the signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Besides the role of β2-ARs, preclinical studies in ROP have also revealed that β3-ARs are upregulated by hypoxia and that they are possibly involved in retinal angiogenesis. In a sort of figurative round trip, peculiarities typical of ROP, where hypoxia drives retinal neovascularization, have been then translated to cancer, a disease equally characterized by hypoxia-driven angiogenesis. In this step, investigating the role of β3-ARs has taken advantage of the assumption that cancer growth uses a set of strategies in common with embryo development. The possibility that hypoxic induction of β3-ARs may represent one of the mechanisms through which primarily embryo (and then cancer, as an astute imitator) adapts to grow in an otherwise hostile environment, has grown evidence. In both cancer and embryo, β3-ARs exert similar functions by exploiting a metabolic shift known as the Warburg effect, by acquiring resistance against xenobiotics, and by inducing a local immune tolerance. An additional potential role of β3-AR as a marker of stemness has been suggested by the finding that its antagonism induces cancer cell differentiation evoking that β3-ARs may help cancer to grow in a nonhospital environment, a strategy also exploited by embryos. From cancer, the round trip goes back to neonatal diseases for which new possible interpretative keys and potential pharmacological perspectives have been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care UnitUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
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16
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Lapi D, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Di Maro M, Santillo M, Belfiore A, Nasti G, Damiano S, Trio R, Chiurazzi M, De Conno B, Serao N, Mondola P, Colantuoni A, Guida B. The Effects of Angiotensin II or Angiotensin 1-7 on Rat Pial Microcirculation during Hypoperfusion and Reperfusion Injury: Role of Redox Stress. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121861. [PMID: 34944506 PMCID: PMC8699607 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renin-angiotensin systems produce angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which are able to induce opposite effects on circulation. This study in vivo assessed the effects induced by Ang II or Ang 1-7 on rat pial microcirculation during hypoperfusion-reperfusion, clarifying the mechanisms causing the imbalance between Ang II and Ang 1-7. The fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify the microvascular parameters. Hypoperfusion and reperfusion caused vasoconstriction, disruption of blood-brain barrier, reduction of capillary perfusion and an increase in reactive oxygen species production. Rats treated with Ang II showed exacerbated microvascular damage with stronger vasoconstriction compared to hypoperfused rats, a further increase in leakage, higher decrease in capillary perfusion and marker oxidative stress. Candesartan cilexetil (specific Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist) administration prior to Ang II prevented the effects induced by Ang II, blunting the hypoperfusion-reperfusion injury. Ang 1-7 or ACE2 activator administration, preserved the pial microcirculation from hypoperfusion-reperfusion damage. These effects of Ang 1-7 were blunted by a Mas (Mas oncogene-encoded protein) receptor antagonist, while Ang II type 2 receptor antagonists did not affect Ang 1-7-induced changes. In conclusion, Ang II and Ang 1-7 triggered different mechanisms through AT1R or MAS receptors able to affect cerebral microvascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominga Lapi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2211433
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Martina Di Maro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Mariarosaria Santillo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Anna Belfiore
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Gilda Nasti
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Simona Damiano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Rossella Trio
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Martina Chiurazzi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Barbara De Conno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Nicola Serao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Paolo Mondola
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Antonio Colantuoni
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
| | - Bruna Guida
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.B.); (G.N.); (S.D.); (R.T.); (M.C.); (B.D.C.); (N.S.); (P.M.); (A.C.); (B.G.)
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Pesce NA, Canovai A, Plastino F, Lardner E, Kvanta A, Cammalleri M, André H, Dal Monte M. An imbalance in autophagy contributes to retinal damage in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10480-10493. [PMID: 34623024 PMCID: PMC8581343 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), the abnormal retinal neovascularization is often accompanied by retinal neuronal dysfunction. Here, a rat model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), which mimics the ROP disease, was used to investigate changes in the expression of key mediators of autophagy and markers of cell death in the rat retina. In addition, rats were treated from birth to postnatal day 14 and 18 with 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), an inhibitor of autophagy. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that autophagic mechanisms are dysregulated in the retina of OIR rats and indicated a possible correlation between autophagy and necroptosis, but not apoptosis. We found that 3‐MA acts predominantly by reducing autophagic and necroptotic markers in the OIR retinas, having no effects on apoptotic markers. However, 3‐MA does not ameliorate retinal function, which results compromised in this model. Taken together, these results revealed the crucial role of autophagy in retinal cells of OIR rats. Thus, inhibiting autophagy may be viewed as a putative strategy to counteract ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Anna Pesce
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Flavia Plastino
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Emma Lardner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Rossino MG, Amato R, Amadio M, Rosini M, Basagni F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G. A Nature-Inspired Nrf2 Activator Protects Retinal Explants from Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1296. [PMID: 34439544 PMCID: PMC8389314 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in retinal dysfunctions and acts as a major trigger of inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in several retinal diseases. To prevent OS-induced retinal damage, approaches based on the use of natural compounds are actively investigated. Recently, structural features from curcumin and diallyl sulfide have been combined in a nature-inspired hybrid (NIH1), which has been described to activate transcription nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), the master regulator of the antioxidant response, in different cell lines. We tested the antioxidant properties of NIH1 in mouse retinal explants. NIH1 increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation, Nrf2 expression, and both antioxidant enzyme expression and protein levels after 24 h or six days of incubation. Possible toxic effects of NIH1 were excluded since it did not alter the expression of apoptotic or gliotic markers. In OS-treated retinal explants, NIH1 strengthened the antioxidant response inducing a massive and persistent expression of antioxidant enzymes up to six days of incubation. These effects resulted in prevention of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, of apoptotic cell death, and of gliotic reactivity. Together, these data indicate that a strategy based on NIH1 to counteract OS could be effective for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Rossino
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (F.B.)
| | - Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.R.); (F.B.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Rossino MG, Cammalleri M, Timperio AM, Fanelli G, Dal Monte M, Pucci L, Casini G. The Potential of Lisosan G as a Possible Treatment for Glaucoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:719951. [PMID: 34393798 PMCID: PMC8355587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.719951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lisosan G (LG), a fermented powder obtained from whole grains, is a nutritional supplement containing a variety of metabolites with documented antioxidant properties. We have recently demonstrated that orally administered LG protects diabetic rodent retinas from oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, blood-retinal barrier disruption, and functional damage. Here, we investigated whether LG may exert protective effects in a model of glaucoma and measured the amounts of selected LG components that reach the retina after oral LG administration. Six-month-old DBA/2J mice were given an aqueous LG solution in place of drinking water for 2 mo. During the 2 mo of treatment with LG, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored and the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functional activity was recorded with pattern-electroretinography (PERG). At the end of the 2-mo period, the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers was measured with qPCR, and RGC survival or macroglial activation were assessed with immunofluorescence. Alternatively, LG was administered by gavage and the concentrations of four of the main LG components (nicotinamide, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and quercetin) were measured in the retinas in the following 24 h using mass spectrometry. LG treatment in DBA/2J mice did not influence IOP, but it affected RGC function since PERG amplitude was increased and PERG latency was decreased with respect to untreated DBA/2J mice. This improvement of RGC function was concomitant with a significant decrease of both oxidative stress and inflammation marker expression, of RGC loss, and of macroglial activation. All four LG metabolites were found in the retina, although with different proportions with respect to the amount in the dose of administered LG, and with different temporal profiles in the 24 h following administration. These findings are consistent with neuroenhancing and neuroprotective effects of LG in glaucoma that are likely to derive from its powerful antioxidant properties. The co-occurrence of different metabolites in LG may provide an added value to their beneficial effects and indicate LG as a basis for the potential treatment of a variety of retinal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Fanelli
- Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Pucci
- National Research Council, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Amato R, Lazzara F, Chou TH, Romano GL, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G, Porciatti V. Diabetes Exacerbates the Intraocular Pressure-Independent Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration in the DBA/2J Model of Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 34232257 PMCID: PMC8267218 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease, causing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve degeneration. The role of diabetes as a risk factor for glaucoma has been postulated but still not unequivocally demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of diabetes in the early progression of glaucomatous RGC dysfunction preceding intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, using the DBA/2J mouse (D2) model of glaucoma. Methods D2 mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) obtaining a combined model of diabetes and glaucoma (D2 + STZ). D2 and D2 + STZ mice were monitored for weight, glycemia, and IOP from 3.5 to 6 months of age. In addition, the activity of RGC and outer retina were assessed using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and flash electroretinogram (FERG), respectively. At the end point, RGC density and astrogliosis were evaluated in flat mounted retinas. In addition, Müller cell reactivity was evaluated in retinal cross-sections. Finally, the expression of inflammation and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results IOP was not influenced by time or diabetes. In contrast, RGC activity resulted progressively decreased in the D2 group independently from IOP elevation and outer retinal dysfunction. Diabetes exacerbated RGC dysfunction, which resulted independent from variation in IOP and outer retinal activity. Diabetic retinas displayed decreased RGC density and increased glial reactivity given by an increment in oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions Diabetes can act as an IOP-independent risk factor for the early progression of glaucoma promoting oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated RGC dysfunction, glial reactivity, and cellular death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.,Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.,Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
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21
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Cammalleri M, Amato R, Olivieri M, Pezzino S, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D. Effects of Topical Gabapentin on Ocular Pain and Tear Secretion. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671238. [PMID: 34163358 PMCID: PMC8216672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671238] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic ocular pain is a frequent occurrence in medium to severe dry eye disease (DED). Only palliative treatments, such as lubricants and anti-inflammatory drugs, are available to alleviate patients’ discomfort. Anesthetic drugs are not indicated, because they may interfere with the neural feedback between the cornea and the lacrimal gland, impairing tear production and lacrimation. Gabapentin (GBT) is a structural analog of gamma-amino butyric acid that has been used by systemic administration to provide pain relief in glaucomatous patients. We have already shown in a rabbit model system that its topic administration as eye drops has anti-inflammatory properties. We now present data on rabbits’ eyes showing that indeed GBT given topically as eye drops has analgesic but not anesthetic effects. Therefore, opposite to an anesthetic drug such as oxybuprocaine, GBT does not decrease lacrimation, but–unexpectedly–even stimulates it, apparently through the upregulation of acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and by induction of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in the lacrimal gland. Moreover, data obtained in vitro on a primary human corneal epithelial cell line also show direct induction of AQP5 by GBT. This suggests that corneal cells might also contribute to the lacrimal stimulation promoted by GBT and participate with lacrimal glands in the restoration of the tear film, thus reducing friction on the ocular surface, which is a known trigger of ocular pain. In conclusion, GBT is endowed with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and secretagogue properties, all useful to treat neuropathic pain of the ocular surface, especially in case of DED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Pesce NA, Canovai A, Lardner E, Cammalleri M, Kvanta A, André H, Dal Monte M. Autophagy Involvement in the Postnatal Development of the Rat Retina. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010177. [PMID: 33477313 PMCID: PMC7830352 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During retinal development, a physiologic hypoxia stimulates endothelial cell proliferation. The hypoxic milieu warrants retina vascularization and promotes the activation of several mechanisms aimed to ensure homeostasis and energy balance of both endothelial and retinal cells. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved catabolic system that contributes to cellular adaptation to a variety of environmental changes and stresses. In association with the physiologic hypoxia, autophagy plays a crucial role during development. Autophagy expression profile was evaluated in the developing retina from birth to post-natal day 18 of rat pups, using qPCR, western blotting and immunostaining methodologies. The rat post-partum developing retina displayed increased active autophagy during the first postnatal days, correlating to the hypoxic phase. In latter stages of development, rat retinal autophagy decreases, reaching a normalization between post-natal days 14-18, when the retina is fully vascularized and mature. Collectively, the present study elaborates on the link between hypoxia and autophagy, and contributes to further elucidate the role of autophagy during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Anna Pesce
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (N.A.P.); (E.L.); (A.K.)
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Alessio Canovai
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Emma Lardner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (N.A.P.); (E.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (N.A.P.); (E.L.); (A.K.)
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Eugeniavägen 12, 17164 Solna, Sweden; (N.A.P.); (E.L.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-700-923-479
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (M.C.); (M.D.M.)
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23
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Locri F, Pesce NA, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P, Kvanta A, Dal Monte M, André H. Gaining insight on mitigation of rubeosis iridis by UPARANT in a mouse model associated with proliferative retinopathy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1629-1638. [PMID: 32940719 PMCID: PMC7591405 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01979-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative retinopathies (PR) lead to an increase in neovascularization and inflammation factors, at times culminating in pathologic rubeosis iridis (RI). In mice, uveal puncture combined with injection of hypoxia-conditioned media mimics RI associated with proliferative retinopathies. Here, we investigated the effects of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) antagonist-UPARANT-on the angiogenic and inflammatory processes that are dysregulated in this model. In addition, the effects of UPARANT were compared with those of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Administration of UPARANT promptly decreased iris vasculature, while anti-VEGF effects were slower and less pronounced. Immunoblot and qPCR analysis suggested that UPARANT acts predominantly by reducing the upregulated inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation responses. UPARANT appears to be more effective in comparison to anti-VEGF in the treatment of RI associated with PR in the murine model, by modulating multiple uPAR-associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, UPARANT effectiveness was maintained when systemically administered, which could open to novel improved therapies for proliferative ocular diseases, particularly those associated with PR. KEY MESSAGES: • Further evidence of UPARANT effectiveness in normalizing pathological iris neovascularization. • Both systemic and local administration of UPARANT reduce iris neovascularization in a model associated with proliferative retinopathies. • In the mouse models of rubeosis iridis associated with proliferative retinopathy, UPARANT displays stronger effects when compared with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noemi A Pesce
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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24
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Rossino MG, Lulli M, Amato R, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G. Oxidative Stress Induces a VEGF Autocrine Loop in the Retina: Relevance for Diabetic Retinopathy. Cells 2020; 9:E1452. [PMID: 32545222 PMCID: PMC7349409 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) plays a central role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), triggering expression and release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the increase of which leads to deleterious vascular changes. We tested the hypothesis that OS-stimulated VEGF induces its own expression with an autocrine mechanism. METHODS MIO-M1 cells and ex vivo mouse retinal explants were treated with OS, with exogenous VEGF or with conditioned media (CM) from OS-stressed cultures. RESULTS Both in MIO-M1 cells and in retinal explants, OS or exogenous VEGF induced a significant increase of VEGF mRNA, which was abolished by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) inhibition. OS also caused VEGF release. In MIO-M1 cells, CM induced VEGF expression, which was abolished by a VEGFR-2 inhibitor. Moreover, the OS-induced increase of VEGF mRNA was abolished by a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) blocker, while the effect of exo-VEGF resulted Nrf2-independent. Finally, both the exo-VEGF- and the OS-induced increase of VEGF expression were blocked by a hypoxia-inducible factor-1 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with the existence of a retinal VEGF autocrine loop triggered by OS. This mechanism may significantly contribute to the maintenance of elevated VEGF levels and therefore it may be of central importance for the onset and development of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Rossino
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.R.); (R.A.); (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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25
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Amato R, Giannaccini M, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pini A, Raffa V, Lulli M, Casini G. Association of the Somatostatin Analog Octreotide With Magnetic Nanoparticles for Intraocular Delivery: A Possible Approach for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:144. [PMID: 32158755 PMCID: PMC7051943 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The somatostatin analog octreotide (OCT) displays important neuroprotective and anti-angiogenic properties that could make it an interesting candidate to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR). Unfortunately, systemic drug administration is hindered by severe side effects, therefore topical administration routes are preferable. However, drug delivery through eye drops may be difficult due to ocular barriers and, in the long term, could induce ocular damage. On the other hand, intraocular injections must be repeated to maintain drug concentration, and this may cause severe damage to the eye. To decrease injection frequency, long-term release and reduced biodegradation could be obtained by binding the drug to biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. In the present study, we made a preparation of OCT bound to magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-OCT) and tested its possible use as an OCT delivery system to treat retinal pathologies such as DR. In particular, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental models of the mammalian retina were used to investigate the possible toxicity of MNPs, possible effects of the binding to MNPs on OCT bioactivity, and the localization of MNP-OCT in the retina after intraocular injection. The results showed that, both in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and in mouse retinal explants, MNPs were not toxic and the binding with MNPs did not influence OCT antiangiogenic or antiapoptotic activity. Rather, effects of MNP-OCT were observed at concentrations up to 100-fold (in HRECs) or 10-fold (in mouse retinal explants) lower compared to OCT, indicating that OCT bioactivity was enhanced in MNP-OCT. MNP-OCT in mouse retinas in vivo after intraocular delivery were initially localized mainly to the outer retina, at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium, while after 5 days they were observed throughout the retinal thickness. These observations demonstrate that MNP-OCT may be used as an OCT intraocular delivery system that may ensure OCT localization to the retina and enhanced OCT bioactivity. Further studies will be necessary to determine the OCT release rate in the retina and the persistence of drug effects in the long period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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26
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Locri F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Protective Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement Based on Forskolin, Homotaurine, Spearmint Extract, and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Optic Nerve Injury. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122931. [PMID: 31816880 PMCID: PMC6950150 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial blinding disease with a major inflammatory component ultimately leading to apoptotic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pharmacological treatments lowering intraocular pressure can help slow or prevent vision loss although the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Recently, nutritional approaches have been evaluated for their efficacy in preventing degenerative events in the retina although mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a diet supplement consisting of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract, and vitamins of the B group in counteracting retinal dysfunction in a mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) used as an in vivo model of glaucoma. After demonstrating that ONC did not affect retinal vasculature by fluorescein angiography, we determined the effect of the diet supplement on the photopic negative response (PhNR) whose amplitude is strictly related to RGC integrity and is therefore drastically reduced in concomitance with RGC death. We found that the diet supplementation prevents the reduction of PhNR amplitude (p < 0.001) and concomitantly counteracts RGC death, as in supplemented mice, RGC number assessed immunohistochemically is significantly higher than that in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.01). Major determinants of the protective efficacy of the compound are due to a reduction of ONC-associated cytokine secretion leading to decreased levels of apoptotic markers that in supplemented mice are significantly lower than in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.001), ultimately causing RGC survival and ameliorated visual dysfunction. Overall, our data suggest that the above association of compounds plays a neuroprotective role in this mouse model of glaucoma thus offering a new perspective in inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases of the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Italia SpA, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy;
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
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27
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Pecci V, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator system as drug target in retinitis pigmentosa: New pre-clinical evidence in the rd10 mouse model. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5176-5192. [PMID: 31251468 PMCID: PMC6653070 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive loss of vision due to photoreceptor degeneration leading to secondary inflammation. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to retinal inflammation, but its role in RP is unknown. In the rd10 mouse model of RP, we addressed this question with the use of the peptide UPARANT designed to interact with the uPA system. UPARANT was systemically administered from post-natal day (PD) 10 to PD30 when its efficacy in RP rescue was investigated using electroretinographic recordings, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Temporal profile of protein expression in the uPA system was also investigated. UPARANT reduced both Müller cell gliosis and up-regulated levels of inflammatory markers and exerted major anti-apoptotic effects without influencing the autophagy cascade. Rescue from retinal cell degeneration was accompanied by improved retinal function. No scotopic phototransduction was rescued in the UPARANT-treated animals as determined by the kinetic analysis of rod-mediated a-waves and confirmed by rod photoreceptor markers. In contrast, the cone photopic b-wave was recovered and its rescue was confirmed in the whole mounts using cone arrestin antibody. Investigation of the uPA system regulation over RP progression revealed extremely low levels of uPA and its receptor uPAR both of which were recovered by HIF-1α stabilization indicating that HIF-1 regulates the expression of the uPA/uPAR gene in the retina. Ameliorative effects of UPARANT were likely to occur through an inhibitory action on up-regulated activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac1 pathway that was suggested as a novel target for the development of therapeutic approaches against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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28
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Locri F, Dal Monte M, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Kvanta A, Bagnoli P, André H. UPARANT is an effective antiangiogenic agent in a mouse model of rubeosis iridis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1273-1283. [PMID: 31243519 PMCID: PMC6713680 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Puncture-induced iris neovascularization (rubeosis iridis; RI) in mice is associated with upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammatory factors. The anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of UPARANT in reducing RI was determined by noninvasive, in vivo iris vascular densitometry, and confirmed in vitro by quantitative vascular-specific immunostaining. Intravitreal administration of UPARANT successfully and rapidly reduced RI to non-induced control levels. Molecular analysis revealed that UPARANT inhibits formyl peptide receptors through a predominantly anti-inflammatory response, accompanied with a significant reduction in ECM degradation and inflammation markers. Similar results were observed with UPARANT administered systemically by subcutaneous injection. These data suggest that the tetrapeptide UPARANT is an effective anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of RI, both by local and systemic administrations. The effectiveness of UPARANT in reducing RI in a model independent of the canonical vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proposes an alternative for patients that do not respond to anti-VEGF treatments, which could improve treatment in proliferative ocular diseases. Key messages UPARANT is effective in the treatment of rubeosis iridis, both by local and systemic administrations. UPARANT can reduce VEGF-independent neovascularization.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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29
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Dal Monte M, Calvani M, Cammalleri M, Favre C, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. β-Adrenoceptors as drug targets in melanoma: novel preclinical evidence for a role of β 3 -adrenoceptors. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:2496-2508. [PMID: 30471093 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress plays a role in tumourigenesis through catecholamines acting at β-adrenoceptors including β1 -, β2 - and β3 -adrenoceptors, and the use of β-adrenoceptor antagonists seems to counteract tumour growth and progression. Preclinical evidence and meta-analysis data demonstrate that melanoma shows a positive response to β-adrenoceptor blockers and in particular to propranolol acting mainly at β1 - and β2 -adrenoceptors. Although evidence suggesting that β3 -adrenoceptors may play a role as a therapeutic target in infantile haemangiomas has been recently reviewed, a comprehensive analysis of the data available from preclinical studies supporting a possible role of β3 -adrenoceptors in melanoma was not available. Here, we review data from the literature demonstrating that propranolol may be effective at counteracting melanoma growth, and we provide preclinical evidence that β3 -adrenoceptors may also play a role in the pathophysiology of melanoma, thus opening the door for further clinical assays trying to explore β3 -adrenoceptor blockers as novel alternatives for its treatment. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Calvani
- Onco-hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Favre
- Onco-hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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30
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Amato R, Rossino MG, Cammalleri M, Locri F, Pucci L, Dal Monte M, Casini G. Lisosan G Protects the Retina from Neurovascular Damage in Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121932. [PMID: 30563182 PMCID: PMC6316708 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lisosan G (LG), a fermented powder obtained from whole grains, is a recognized antioxidant compound that improves the bioactivity and survival of different cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether LG ameliorates both the neural and the vascular damage characterizing early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The effects of LG were studied in cultured explants of mouse retinas challenged with oxidative stress (OS) or in retinas of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Apoptosis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, OS markers, blood-retinal barrier (BRB) integrity, and inflammation were assessed, while retinal function was evaluated with electroretinogram (ERG). LG extensively inhibited apoptosis, VEGF expression, and OS both in retinal explants and in STZ rats. In addition, STZ rats treated with LG displayed an almost total BRB integrity, reduced levels of inflammatory markers and a partially restored visual function as evaluated with ERG. In summary, we demonstrated that LG exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that exert powerful protective actions against neural and vascular defects characteristic of DR. Therefore, LG-containing foods or supplements may be considered to implement DR treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Pucci
- National Research Council, Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), Pisa Unit, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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31
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Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pecci V, Carmosino M, Procino G, Pini A, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Svelto M, Bagnoli P. Inhibiting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor system recovers STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1034-1049. [PMID: 30426662 PMCID: PMC6349167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) receptor (uPAR) participates to the mechanisms causing renal damage in response to hyperglycaemia. The main function of uPAR in podocytes (as well as soluble uPAR -(s)uPAR- from circulation) is to regulate podocyte function through αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1. We addressed the question of whether blocking the uPAR pathway with the small peptide UPARANT, which inhibits uPAR binding to the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) can improve kidney lesions in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The concentration of systemically administered UPARANT was measured in the plasma, in kidney and liver extracts and UPARANT effects on dysregulated uPAR pathway, αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 activity, renal fibrosis and kidney morphology were determined. UPARANT was found to revert STZ-induced up-regulation of uPA levels and activity, while uPAR on podocytes and (s)uPAR were unaffected. In glomeruli, UPARANT inhibited FPR2 expression suggesting that the drug may act downstream uPAR, and recovered the increased activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 pathway indicating a major role of uPAR in regulating podocyte function. At the functional level, UPARANT was shown to ameliorate: (a) the standard renal parameters, (b) the vascular permeability, (c) the renal inflammation, (d) the renal fibrosis including dysregulated plasminogen-plasmin system, extracellular matrix accumulation and glomerular fibrotic areas and (e) morphological alterations of the glomerulus including diseased filtration barrier. These results provide the first demonstration that blocking the uPAR pathway can improve diabetic kidney lesion in the STZ model, thus suggesting the uPA/uPAR system as a promising target for the development of novel uPAR-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Locri F, Cammalleri M, Pini A, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Further Evidence on Efficacy of Diet Supplementation with Fatty Acids in Ocular Pathologies: Insights from the EAE Model of Optic Neuritis. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101447. [PMID: 30301197 PMCID: PMC6213612 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of optic neuritis, we recently demonstrated that diet supplementation with a balanced mixture of fatty acids (FAs), including omega 3 and omega 6, efficiently limited inflammatory events in the retina and prevented retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, although mechanisms underlying the efficacy of FAs were to be elucidated. Whether FAs effectiveness was accompanied by efficient rescue of demyelinating events in the optic nerve was also unresolved. Finally, the possibility that RGC rescue might result in ameliorated visual performance remained to be investigated. Here, the EAE model of optic neuritis was used to investigate mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of FAs, including their potential efficacy on macrophage polarization. In addition, we determined how FAs-induced rescue of RGC degeneration was related to optic nerve histopathology by performing ultrastructural morphometric analysis with transmission electron microscopy. Finally, RGC rescue was correlated with visual performance by recording photopic electroretinogram, an efficient methodology to unravel the role of RGCs in the generation of electroretinographic waves. We conclude that the ameliorative effects of FAs were dependent on a predominant anti-inflammatory action including a role on promoting the shift of macrophages from the inflammatory M1 phenotype towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This would finally result in restored optic nerve histopathology and ameliorated visual performance. These findings can now offer new perspectives for implementing our knowledge on the effectiveness of diet supplementation in counteracting optic neuritis and suggest the importance of FAs as possible adjuvants in therapies against inflammatory diseases of the eye.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Death
- Dietary Supplements
- Electroretinography
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3/therapeutic use
- Fatty Acids, Omega-6/pharmacology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-6/therapeutic use
- Female
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/etiology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/methods
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Optic Nerve/drug effects
- Optic Nerve/pathology
- Optic Neuritis/drug therapy
- Optic Neuritis/etiology
- Optic Neuritis/pathology
- Retinal Ganglion Cells/drug effects
- Retinal Ganglion Cells/pathology
- Visual Acuity
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood ''Nutraceuticals and Food for Health'', University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood ''Nutraceuticals and Food for Health'', University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Italia SpA, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy.
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Cammalleri M, Locri F, Catalani E, Filippi L, Cervia D, Dal Monte M, Bagnoli P. The Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blocker Propranolol Counteracts Retinal Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Oxygen Induced Retinopathy: Restoring the Balance between Apoptosis and Autophagy. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:395. [PMID: 29375312 PMCID: PMC5770647 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR), beta adrenergic receptor (BAR) blockade has been shown to recover hypoxia-associated retinal damages. Although the adrenergic signaling is an important regulator of apoptotic and autophagic processes, the role of BARs in retinal cell death remains to be elucidated. The present study was aimed at investigating whether ameliorative effects of BAR blockers may occur through their coordinated action on apoptosis and autophagy. To this aim, retinas from control and OIR mice untreated or treated with propranolol, a non-selective BAR1/2 blocker, were characterized in terms of expression and localization of apoptosis and autophagy markers. The effects of propranolol on autophagy signaling were also evaluated and specific autophagy modulators were used to get functional information on the autophagic effects of BAR antagonism. Finally, propranolol effects on neurodegenerative processes were associated to an electrophysiological investigation of retinal function by recording electroretinogram (ERG). We found that retinas of OIR mice are characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased autophagy, while propranolol reduces apoptosis and stimulates autophagy. In particular, propranolol triggers autophagosome formation in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells that are committed to die by apoptosis in response to hypoxia. Also our data argue that propranolol, through the inhibition of the Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, activates autophagy which decreases retinal cell death. At the functional level, propranolol recovers dysfunctional ERG by recovering the amplitude of a- and b-waves, and oscillatory potentials, thus indicating an efficient restoring of retinal transduction. Overall, our results demonstrate that BAR1/2 are key regulators of retinal apoptosis/autophagy, and that BAR1/2 blockade leads to autophagy-mediated neuroprotection. Reinstating the balance between apoptotic and autophagic machines may therefore be viewed as a future goal in the treatment of retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Lardner E, Kvanta A, Rusciano D, André H, Bagnoli P. Efficacy of a Fatty Acids Dietary Supplement in a Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101079. [PMID: 28961167 PMCID: PMC5691696 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge of the benefits of nutrition supplements for eye pathologies is based largely on the use of appropriate animal models, together with defined dietary supplementation. Here, C57BL6 mice were subretinally injected with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, an established model of retinal degeneration with a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like phenotype, an eye pathology that lacks treatment. In response to PEG-400, markers of the complement system, angiogenesis, inflammation, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were upregulated in both retinas and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroids, whereas dietary supplementation with a mixture based on fatty acids counteracted their upregulation. Major effects include a reduction of inflammation, in both retinas and RPE/choroids, and an inhibition of macrophage infiltration in the choroid, yet not in the retina, suggesting a targeted action through the choroidal vasculature. Histological analysis revealed a thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), together with dysregulation of the epithelium layer in response to PEG-400. In addition, immunohistofluorescence demonstrated Müller cell gliosis and macrophage infiltration into subretinal tissues supporting the molecular findings. Reduced ONL thickness, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were counteracted by the diet supplement. The present data suggest that fatty acids may represent a useful form of diet supplementation to prevent or limit the progression of dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Emma Lardner
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Fidia Pharma, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy.
| | - Helder André
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Amato R, Catalani E, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Di Renzo I, Perrotta C, Cervia D, Casini G. Autophagy-mediated neuroprotection induced by octreotide in an ex vivo model of early diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacol Res 2017; 128:167-178. [PMID: 28970178 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [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: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal injury plays a major role in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Our hypothesis was that the balance between neuronal death and survival may depend on a similar equilibrium between apoptosis and autophagy and that a neuroprotectant may act by influencing this equilibrium. Ex vivo mouse retinal explants were treated with high glucose (HG) for 10days and the somatostatin analog octreotide (OCT) was used as a neuroprotectant. Chloroquine (CQ) was used as an autophagy inhibitor. Apoptotic and autophagic markers were evaluated using western blot and immunohistochemistry. HG-treated explants displayed a significant increase of apoptosis paralleled by a significant decrease of the autophagic flux, which was likely to be due to increased activity of the autophagy regulator mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). Treatment with OCT rescued HG-treated retinal explants from apoptosis and determined an increase of autophagic activity with concomitant mTOR inhibition. Blocking the autophagic flux with CQ completely abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of OCT. Immunohistochemical observations showed that OCT-induced autophagy is localized to populations of bipolar and amacrine cells and to ganglion cells. These observations revealed the antithetic role of apoptosis and autophagy, highlighting their equilibrium from which neuronal survival is likely to depend. These data suggest the crucial role covered by autophagy, which could be considered as a molecular target for DR neuroprotective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Di Renzo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Perrotta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco" (DIBIC), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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36
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Pisani F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Mola MG, Nicchia GP, Frigeri A, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. Potential role of the methylation of VEGF gene promoter in response to hypoxia in oxygen-induced retinopathy: beneficial effect of the absence of AQP4. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:613-627. [PMID: 28940930 PMCID: PMC5742711 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia‐dependent accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in retinal diseases characterized by neovessel formation. In this study, we investigated whether the glial water channel Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is involved in the hypoxia‐dependent VEGF upregulation in the retina of a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR). The expression levels of VEGF, the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the production of nitric oxide (NO), the methylation status of the HIF‐1 binding site (HBS) in the VEGF gene promoter, the binding of HIF‐1α to the HBS, the retinal vascularization and function have been determined in the retina of wild‐type (WT) and AQP4 knock out (KO) mice under hypoxic (OIR) or normoxic conditions. In response to 5 days of hypoxia, WT mice were characterized by (i) AQP4 upregulation, (ii) increased levels of VEGF, HIF‐1α, iNOS and NO, (iii) pathological angiogenesis as determined by engorged retinal tufts and (iv) dysfunctional electroretinogram (ERG). AQP4 deletion prevents VEGF, iNOS and NO upregulation in response to hypoxia thus leading to reduced retinal damage although in the presence of high levels of HIF‐1α. In AQP4 KO mice, HBS demethylation in response to the beginning of hypoxia is lower than in WT mice reducing the binding of HIF‐1α to the VEGF gene promoter. We conclude that in the absence of AQP4, an impaired HBS demethylation prevents HIF‐1 binding to the VEGF gene promoter and the relative VEGF transactivation, reducing the VEGF‐induced retinal damage in response to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pisani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Mola
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
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Barontini J, Antinucci M, Tofanelli S, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Gemignani F, Vodicka P, Marangoni R, Vodickova L, Kupcinskas J, Vymetalkova V, Forsti A, Canzian F, Stein A, Moreno V, Mastrodonato N, Tavano F, Panza A, Barale R, Landi S, Campa D. Association between polymorphisms of TAS2R16 and susceptibility to colorectal cancer. BMC Gastroenterol 2017; 17:104. [PMID: 28915899 PMCID: PMC5603047 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-017-0659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetics plays an important role in the susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). In the last 10 years genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 40 independent low penetrance polymorphic variants. However, these loci only explain around 1‑4% of CRC heritability, highlighting the dire need of identifying novel risk loci. In this study, we focused our attention on the genetic variability of the TAS2R16 gene, encoding for one of the bitter taste receptors that selectively binds to salicin, a natural antipyretic that resembles aspirin. Given the importance of inflammation in CRC, we tested whether polymorphic variants in this gene could affect the risk of developing this neoplasia hypothesizing a role of TAS2R16 in modulating chronic inflammation within the gut. METHODS We performed an association study using 6 tagging SNPs, (rs860170, rs978739, rs1357949, rs1525489, rs6466849, rs10268496) that cover all TAS2R16 genetic variability. The study was carried out on 1902 CRC cases and 1532 control individuals from four European countries. RESULTS We did not find any statistically significant association between risk of developing CRC and selected SNPs. However, after stratification by histology (colon vs. rectum) we found that rs1525489 was associated with increased risk of rectal cancer with a (Ptrend of = 0.0071). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that polymorphisms within TAS2R16 gene do not have a strong influence on colon cancer susceptibility, but a possible role in rectal cancer should be further evaluated in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Barontini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Antinucci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sergio Tofanelli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Gemignani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pavel Vodicka
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Science of Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Centre, Medical School Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Roberto Marangoni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludmila Vodickova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Science of Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Centre, Medical School Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Juozas Kupcinskas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Veronika Vymetalkova
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Science of Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Asta Forsti
- Genomic Epidemiology Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federico Canzian
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika Stein
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victor Moreno
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, CIBERESP and Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicola Mastrodonato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, IRCCS Scientific Institute and Regional General Hospital "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesca Tavano
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, IRCCS Scientific Institute and Regional General Hospital "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Anna Panza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Research Laboratory, IRCCS Scientific Institute and Regional General Hospital "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Roberto Barale
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Landi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Campa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56100, Pisa, Italy
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38
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Amato R, Dal Monte M, Cervia D, Catalani E, Cammalleri M, Casini G. Neural degeneration mechanisms in diabetic retinopathy: The role of apoptosis and autophagy. Acta Ophthalmol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.0f064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Amato
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Viterbo Italy
| | - M. Dal Monte
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Viterbo Italy
| | - D. Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological-Agro-Food and Forest Systems; Università degli Studi della Tuscia; Viterbo Italy
| | - E. Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological-Agro-Food and Forest Systems; Università degli Studi della Tuscia; Viterbo Italy
| | - M. Cammalleri
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Viterbo Italy
| | - G. Casini
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Viterbo Italy
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Dal Monte M, Amato R, Locri F, Cammalleri M. Nebivolol acts as a beta3-adrenergic receptor agonist in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Acta Ophthalmol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.0f084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Dal Monte
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - R. Amato
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - F. Locri
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Cammalleri
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
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Amato R, Dal Monte M, Lulli M, Cammalleri M, Raffa V, Casini G. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as a novel strategy for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Acta Ophthalmol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.0f065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Amato
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Dal Monte
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences- General Pathology Unit; University of Florence; Florence Italy
| | - M. Cammalleri
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - V. Raffa
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - G. Casini
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
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Lulli M, Cammalleri M, Granucci I, Witort E, Bono S, Di Gesualdo F, Lupia A, Loffredo R, Casini G, Dal Monte M, Capaccioli S. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of proangiogenic retinal phenotype by an antisense oligonucleotide downregulating uPAR expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 490:977-983. [PMID: 28666875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neoangiogenesis is the main pathogenic event involved in a variety of retinal diseases. It has been recently demonstrated that inhibiting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) results in reduced angiogenesis in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), establishing uPAR as a therapeutic target in proliferative retinopathies. Here, we evaluated in cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and in OIR mice the potential of a specific antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ASO) in blocking the synthesis of uPAR and in providing antiangiogenic effects. uPAR expression in HRECs was inhibited by lipofection with the phosphorotioated 5'-CGGCGGGTGACCCATGTG-3' ASO-uPAR, complementary to the initial translation site of uPAR mRNA. Inhibition of uPAR expression via ASO-uPAR was evaluated in HRECs by analyzing VEGF-induced tube formation and migration. In addition, the well-established and reproducible murine OIR model was used to induce retinal neovascularization in vivo. OIR mice were injected intraperitoneally with ASO-uPAR and retinopathy was evaluated considering the extent of the avascular area in the central retina and neovascular tuft formation. The ASO-uPAR specifically decreased uPAR mRNA and protein levels in HRECs and mitigated VEGF-induced tube formation and cell migration. Noteworthy, in OIR mice ASO-uPAR administration reduced both the avascular area and the formation of neovascular tufts. In conclusion, although the extrapolation of these experimental findings to the clinic is not straightforward, ASO-uPAR may be considered a potential therapeutic tool for treatment of proliferative retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Granucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Ewa Witort
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bono
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Federico Di Gesualdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Lupia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Loffredo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sergio Capaccioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy.
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Cammalleri M, Locri F, Marsili S, Dal Monte M, Pisano C, Mancinelli A, Lista L, Rusciano D, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P. The Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT Recovers Dysfunctional Electroretinogram and Blood–Retinal Barrier Leakage in a Rat Model of Diabetes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Pisano
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Angelo Mancinelli
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Marsili S, Lista L, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Diabetic Retinopathy in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Preventive Efficacy of Inhibiting the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor System. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:2904150. [PMID: 29464181 PMCID: PMC5804371 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2904150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is of increasing preclinical interest because of its similarities to human type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR). The system formed by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) is a player in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in DR. Here, we investigated whether in SDT rats, preventive administration of UPARANT, an inhibitor of the uPAR pathway, counteracts the retinal impairment in response to chronic hyperglycemia. Electroretinogram (ERG) monitoring was followed over time. Fluorescein-dextran microscopy, CD31 immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, ELISA, Evans blue perfusion, and Western blot were also used. UPARANT prevented ERG dysfunction, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2, BRB leakage, gliosis, and retinal cell death. The mechanisms underlying UPARANT benefits were studied comparing them with the acute streptozotocin (STZ) model in which UPARANT is known to inhibit DR signs. In SDT rats, but not in the STZ model, UPARANT downregulated the expression of uPAR and its membrane partners. In both models, UPARANT reduced the levels of transcription factors coupled to inflammation or inflammatory factors themselves. These findings may help to establish the uPAR system as putative target for the development of novel drugs that may prevent type 2 DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Marsili
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Fidia Pharma, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Biagioni M, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G. VEGF as a Survival Factor in Ex Vivo Models of Early Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:3066-3076. [PMID: 27286364 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Growing evidence indicates neuroprotection as a therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy (DR). We tested the hypothesis that VEGF is released and acts as a survival factor in the retina in early DR. METHODS Ex vivo mouse retinal explants were exposed to stressors similar to those characterizing DR, that is, high glucose (HG), oxidative stress (OS), or advanced glycation end-products (AGE). Neuroprotection was provided using octreotide (OCT), a somatostatin analog, and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), two well-documented neuroprotectants. Data were obtained with real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Apoptosis was induced in the retinal explants by HG, OS, or AGE treatments. At the same time, explants also showed increased VEGF expression and release. The data revealed that VEGF is released shortly after exposure of the explants to stressors and before the level of cell death reaches its maximum. Retinal cell apoptosis was inhibited by OCT and PACAP. At the same time, OCT and PACAP also reduced VEGF expression and release. Vascular endothelial growth factor turned out to be a protective factor for the stressed retinal explants, because inhibiting VEGF with a VEGF trap further increased cell death. CONCLUSIONS These data show that protecting retinal neurons from diabetic stress also reduces VEGF expression and release, while inhibiting VEGF leads to exacerbation of apoptosis. These observations suggest that the retina in early DR releases VEGF as a prosurvival factor. Neuroprotective agents may decrease the need of VEGF production by the retina, therefore limiting the risk, in the long term, of pathologic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy 2Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy 2Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy 2Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Lista L, Aronsson M, Kvanta A, Rusciano D, De Rosa M, Pavone V, André H, Bagnoli P. The Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT Mitigates Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 57:2600–2611. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Dal Monte
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - R. Amato
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Biagioni
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - M. Cammalleri
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
| | - G. Casini
- Department of Biology; University of Pisa; Pisa Italy
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Dal Monte M, Rezzola S, Cammalleri M, Belleri M, Locri F, Morbidelli L, Corsini M, Paganini G, Semeraro F, Cancarini A, Rusciano D, Presta M, Bagnoli P. Antiangiogenic Effectiveness of the Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT in a Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:2392-407. [PMID: 25766585 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pharmacologic control of neovascularization is a promising approach for the treatment of retinal angiogenesis. UPARANT, an inhibitor of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), inhibits VEGF-driven angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. This study investigates for the first time the effectiveness of UPARANT in counteracting pathologic neovascularization in the retina. METHODS Murine retinal fragments and a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) were used. In mice with OIR, UPARANT-treated retinas were analyzed for avascular area and neovascular tuft formation. Levels of transcription and proangiogenic factors were determined. UPARANT effects on the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), visual function, retinal cytoarchitecture, and inflammatory markers were also assessed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in which angiogenesis was induced by the vitreous fluid from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were also used. RESULTS UPARANT reduced VEGF-induced angiogenesis in retinal fragments. In mice with OIR, UPARANT decreased neovascular response, VEGF, and VEGF receptor-2 activity. Transcription factors regulating VEGF expression were also reduced. UPARANT restored BRB integrity, recovered visual loss, and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. Restored electroretinogram does not involve any rescue in the retinal cytoarchitecture. Finally, UPARANT blocked PDR vitreous fluid-induced angiogenesis in HUVEC and CAM assays. CONCLUSIONS The finding that UPARANT is effective against neovascularization may help to establish uPAR as a target in the treatment of proliferative retinopathies. The potential application of UPARANT in retinal diseases is further supported by UPARANT capacity to counteract the angiogenic activity of PDR vitreous fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paganini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cancarini
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Rezzola S, Dal Monte M, Belleri M, Bugatti A, Chiodelli P, Corsini M, Cammalleri M, Cancarini A, Morbidelli L, Oreste P, Bagnoli P, Semeraro F, Presta M. Therapeutic Potential of Anti-Angiogenic Multitarget N,O-Sulfated E. Coli K5 Polysaccharide in Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes 2015; 64:2581-92. [PMID: 25695948 DOI: 10.2337/db14-1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockers have been developed for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the leading cause of visual impairments in the working-age population in the Western world. However, limitations to anti-VEGF therapies may exist because of the local production of other proangiogenic factors that may cause resistance to anti-VEGF interventions. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches targeting additional pathways are required. Here, we identified a sulfated derivative of the Escherichia coli polysaccharide K5 [K5-N,OS(H)] as a multitarget molecule highly effective in inhibiting VEGF-driven angiogenic responses in different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays, including a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Furthermore, K5-N,OS(H) binds a variety of heparin-binding angiogenic factors upregulated in PDR vitreous humor besides VEGF, thus inhibiting their biological activity. Finally, K5-N,OS(H) hampers the angiogenic activity exerted in vitro and in vivo by human vitreous fluid samples collected from patients with PDR. Together, the data provide compelling experimental evidence that K5-N,OS(H) represents an antiangiogenic multitarget molecule with potential implications for the therapy of pathologic neovessel formation in the retina of patients with PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cancarini
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Mattei E, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. Protective effects of β1/2 adrenergic receptor deletion in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 56:59-73. [PMID: 25503457 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) regulate angiogenesis in proliferative retinopathies. We studied the effects of β1/2-AR deletion in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) to confirm the role of β1- and/or β2-ARs in regulating angiogenesis and to get insights into the role of β3-ARs. METHODS Mice with β1/2-AR deletion (KO) were used. Levels of norepinephrine (NE), β3-ARs, transcription, and proangiogenic factors were evaluated. Retinas were analyzed for avascular area and neovascular tufts in the superficial plexus. Deep plexus and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) were also analyzed. Neovascularization, proangiogenic factors, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and nitrite production were assessed after BRL 37344, a β3-AR agonist. RESULTS Oxygen-induced retinopathy was characterized by NE upregulation with higher levels in wild type (WT) than in KO. Wild type and KO displayed comparable levels of β3-ARs, transcription, and proangiogenic factors, but differed in VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression with VEGFR-1 in WT lower than in KO and VEGFR-2 in WT higher than in KO. Blood-retinal barrier dysfunction did not differ between WT and KO. Vascular abnormalities in the superficial plexus were abolished by β1/2-AR deletion, which also helped the development of the deep plexus. In both WT and KO, β3-AR agonism, acting through the nitric oxide pathway, caused enhanced neovascular responses with increased levels of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that β1- and β2-ARs play a pivotal role in retinal angiogenesis. In their presence, β3-ARs potentiate angiogenic responses, whereas, in their absence, β3-ARs sustain the angiogenic drive. These results suggest β-ARs as promising targets for therapies aimed to counteract proliferative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabetta Mattei
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Mei S, Cammalleri M, Azara D, Casini G, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M. Mechanisms underlying somatostatin receptor 2 down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in response to hypoxia in mouse retinal explants. J Pathol 2012; 226:519-533. [DOI: 10.1002/path.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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