1
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Villa A, De Mitri Z, Vincenti S, Crippa E, Castiglioni L, Gelosa P, Rebecchi M, Tosi D, Brunialti E, Oevermann A, Falleni M, Sironi L, Bello L, Mazzaferro V, Ciana P. Canine glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles as precise carriers for glioblastoma imaging: Targeting across the blood-brain barrier. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116201. [PMID: 38306846 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116201] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) faces significant challenges due to the difficulty of delivering drugs through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as potential carriers for targeted drug delivery to brain tumors. However, their use and distribution in the presence of an intact BBB and their ability to target GBM tissue are still under investigation. This study explored the use of EVs for GBM targeting across the BBB. Canine plasma EVs from healthy dogs and dogs with glioma were isolated, characterized, and loaded with diagnostic agents. Biodistribution studies were conducted in healthy murine models and a novel intranasal model that preserved BBB integrity while initiating early-stage GBM growth. This model assessed EVs' potential for delivering the contrast agent gadoteric acid to intracranial tumors. Imaging techniques, such as bioluminescence and MRI, confirmed EVs' targeting and delivery capabilities thus revealing a selective accumulation of canine glioma-derived EVs in brain tissue under physiological conditions. In the model of brain tumor, MRI experiments demonstrated the ability of EVs to accumulate gadoteric acid within GBM to enhance contrast of the tumoral mass, even when BBB integrity is maintained. This study underscores the potential of EVs derived from glioma for the targeted delivery of drugs to glioblastoma. EVs from dogs with glioma showed capacity to traverse the BBB and selectively accumulate within the brain tumor. Overall, this research represents a foundation for the application of autologous EVs to precision glioblastoma treatment, addressing the challenge of BBB penetration and targeting specificity in brain cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Zemira De Mitri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Vincenti
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 124, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisabetta Crippa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Castiglioni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Gelosa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Monica Rebecchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Electra Brunialti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 124, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Luigi Sironi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy; HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori (INT), Via Giacomo Venezian, 1, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciana
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy.
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Platonova N, Lazzari E, Colombo M, Falleni M, Tosi D, Giannandrea D, Citro V, Casati L, Ronchetti D, Bolli N, Neri A, Torricelli F, Crews LA, Jamieson CHM, Chiaramonte R. The Potential of JAG Ligands as Therapeutic Targets and Predictive Biomarkers in Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14558. [PMID: 37834003 PMCID: PMC10572399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The NOTCH ligands JAG1 and JAG2 have been correlated in vitro with multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation, drug resistance, self-renewal and a pathological crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment resulting in angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that a therapeutic approach targeting JAG ligands might be helpful for the care of MM patients and lead us to explore the role of JAG1 and JAG2 in a MM in vivo model and primary patient samples. JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression represents a common feature in MM cell lines; therefore, we assessed their function through JAG1/2 conditional silencing in a MM xenograft model. We observed that JAG1 and JAG2 showed potential as therapeutic targets in MM, as their silencing resulted in a reduction in the tumor burden. Moreover, JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression in MM patients was positively correlated with the presence of MM cells in patients' bone marrow biopsies. Finally, taking advantage of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass global dataset, we showed that JAG2 gene expression level was a predictive biomarker associated with patients' overall survival and progression-free survival, independently from other main molecular or clinical features. Overall, these results strengthened the rationale for the development of a JAG1/2-tailored approach and the use of JAG2 as a predictive biomarker in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Platonova
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Elisa Lazzari
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.A.C.); (C.H.M.J.)
- UC San Diego Sanford, Stem Cell Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michela Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
- Unit of Pathology A.O. San Paolo, Via A. Di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
- Unit of Pathology A.O. San Paolo, Via A. Di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Domenica Giannandrea
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Valentina Citro
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Domenica Ronchetti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (D.R.); (N.B.)
| | - Niccolò Bolli
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; (D.R.); (N.B.)
- Hematology, Fondazione Cà Granda IRCCS Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Leslie A. Crews
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.A.C.); (C.H.M.J.)
| | - Catriona H. M. Jamieson
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; (L.A.C.); (C.H.M.J.)
- UC San Diego Sanford, Stem Cell Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Raffaella Chiaramonte
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (N.P.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (D.G.); (V.C.); (L.C.)
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3
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Oliviero B, Dei Cas M, Zulueta A, Maiello R, Villa A, Martinelli C, Del Favero E, Falleni M, Montavoci L, Varchetta S, Mele D, Donadon M, Soldani C, Franceschini B, Maestri M, Piccolo G, Barabino M, Bianchi PP, Banales JM, Mantovani S, Mondelli MU, Caretti A. Ceramide present in cholangiocarcinoma-derived extracellular vesicle induces a pro-inflammatory state in monocytes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7766. [PMID: 37173330 PMCID: PMC10182100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34676-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer characterized by a global increasing incidence. Extracellular vesicles (EV) contribute to many of the hallmarks of cancer through transfer of their cargo molecules. The sphingolipid (SPL) profile of intrahepatic CCA (iCCA)-derived EVs was characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The effect of iCCA-derived EVs as mediators of inflammation was assessed on monocytes by flow cytometry. iCCA-derived EVs showed downregulation of all SPL species. Of note, poorly-differentiated iCCA-derived EVs showed a higher ceramide and dihydroceramide content compared with moderately-differentiated iCCA-derived EVs. Of note, higher dihydroceramide content was associated with vascular invasion. Cancer-derived EVs induced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. Inhibition of synthesis of ceramide with Myriocin, a specific inhibitor of the serine palmitoyl transferase, reduced the pro-inflammatory activity of iCCA-derived EVs, demonstrating a role for ceramide as mediator of inflammation in iCCA. In conclusion, iCCA-derived EVs may promote iCCA progression by exporting the excess of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory ceramides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Dei Cas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Aida Zulueta
- Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Maiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Villa
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Martinelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Pathology Division, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Montavoci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Division of General Surgery 1, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccolo
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Barabino
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Pietro Bianchi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
- SC Immunologia clinica - Malattie infettive, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
- SC Immunologia clinica - Malattie infettive, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Anna Caretti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Oliviero B, Varchetta S, Mele D, Pessino G, Maiello R, Falleni M, Tosi D, Donadon M, Soldani C, Franceschini B, Torzilli G, Piccolo G, Barabino M, Opocher E, Maestri M, Bernuzzi S, Wucherpfennig KW, Mondelli MU, Mantovani S. MICA/B-targeted antibody promotes NK cell-driven tumor immunity in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2035919. [PMID: 35223192 PMCID: PMC8865231 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2035919] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex-class I chain related proteins A and B (MICA/B) is upregulated because of cellular stress and MICA/B shedding by cancer cells causes escape from NKG2D recognition favoring the emergence of cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare, though increasingly prevalent, primary liver cancer characterized by a late clinical presentation and a dismal prognosis. We explored the NKG2D-MICA/B axis in NK cells from 41 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). The MICA/B-specific 7C6 mAb was used for ex vivo antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) experiments using circulating, non tumor liver- and tumor-infiltrating NK cells against the HuCCT-1 cell line and patient-derived primary iCCA cells as targets. MICA/B were more expressed in iCCA than in non-tumoral tissue, MICA transcription being higher in moderately-differentiated compared with poorly-differentiated cancer. Serum MICA was elevated in iCCA patients in line with higher expression of ADAM10 and ADAM17 that are responsible for proteolytic release of MICA/B from tumor. Addition of 7C6 significantly boosted peripheral, liver- and tumor-infiltrating-NK cell degranulation and IFNγ production toward MICA/B-expressing established cell lines and autologous iCCA patient target cells. Our data show that anti-MICA/B drives NK cell anti-tumor activity, and provide preclinical evidence in support of 7C6 as a potential immunotherapeutic tool for iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greta Pessino
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Maiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccolo
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Barabino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Opocher
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Division of General Surgery 1, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Irccs Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bernuzzi
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Service, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kai W. Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,CONTACT Mario U. Mondelli UOC Immunologia Clinica – Malattie Infettive, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia27100, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Bocci T, Bulfamante G, Campiglio L, Coppola S, Falleni M, Chiumello D, Priori A. Brainstem involvement in COVID-19: A neuropathological and neurophysiological study. J Neurol Sci 2021. [PMCID: PMC8498374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bulfamante G, Bocci T, Falleni M, Campiglio L, Coppola S, Tosi D, Chiumello D, Priori A. Brainstem neuropathology in two cases of COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 trafficking between brain and lung. J Neurol 2021; 268:4486-4491. [PMID: 34003372 PMCID: PMC8129960 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10604-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [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: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 might spread through the nervous system, reaching respiratory centers in the brainstem. Because we recently reported neurophysiological brainstem reflex abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, we here neuropathologically assessed structural brainstem damage in two COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods We assessed neuropathological features in two patients who died of COVID-19 and in two COVID-19 negative patients as controls. Neuronal damage and corpora amylacea (CA) numbers /mm2 were histopathologically assessed. Other features studied were the immunohistochemical expression of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (NP) and the Iba-1 antigen for glial activation. Results Autopsies showed normal gross brainstem anatomy. Histopathological examination demonstrated increased neuronal and CA damage in Covid-19 patients’ medulla oblongata. Immunohistochemistry disclosed SARS-CoV-2 NP in brainstem neurons and glial cells, and in cranial nerves. Glial elements also exhibited a widespread increase in Iba-1 expression. Sars-Co-V2 was immunohistochemically detected in the vagus nerve fibers. Discussion Neuropathologic evidence showing SARS-CoV-2 in the brainstem and medullary damage in the area of respiratory centers strongly suggests that the pathophysiology of COVID-19-related respiratory failure includes a neurogenic component. Sars-Co-V2 detection in the vagus nerve, argues for viral trafficking between brainstem and lung. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10604-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Bulfamante
- Pathology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Neurology Unit I, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,``Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Pathology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campiglio
- Neurology Unit I, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,``Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Coppola
- Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Pathology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Chiumello
- Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Neurology Unit I, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy. .,ASST Santi Paolo & Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,``Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Falleni M, Tosi D, Savi F, Chiumello D, Bulfamante G. Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in COVID-19 lung lesions. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 221:153419. [PMID: 33857718 PMCID: PMC7997691 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sars-Cov-2 infection is still a healthcare emergency and acute respiratory distress failure with Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD) features is the main causes of patients’ death. Pathogenic mechanisms of the disease are not clear yet, but new insights are necessary to improve therapeutic management, to prevent fatal irreversible multi-organ damage and to adequately follow up those patients who survive. Here we investigated, by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, a wide number of mapped lung specimens taken from whole body autopsies of 7 patients dead of COVID-19 disease. Our data confirm morphological data of other authors, and enlarge recent reports of the literature suggesting that Endothelial–Mesenchymal Transition might be central to COVID-19 lung fibrosing lesions. Furthermore, based upon recent acquisition of new roles in immunity and vascular pathology of the CD31 molecule, we hypothesize that this molecule might be important in the development and treatment of COVID-19 pulmonary lesions. These preliminary findings need further investigations to shed light on the complexity of Sars-Cov-2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Falleni
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy; Struttura Complessa Dipartimentale di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica Medica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Savi
- Struttura Complessa Dipartimentale di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica Medica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Chiumello
- Anestesia e Rianimazione, Ospedale, Centro ricerca coordinata di insufficienza respiratoria, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy; Struttura Complessa Dipartimentale di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica Medica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
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Bocci T, Bulfamante G, Campiglio L, Coppola S, Falleni M, Chiumello D, Priori A. Brainstem clinical and neurophysiological involvement in COVID-19. J Neurol 2021; 268:3598-3600. [PMID: 33735401 PMCID: PMC7969346 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Bocci
- Clinical Neurology Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Pathology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campiglio
- Clinical Neurology Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Coppola
- Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Pathology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Chiumello
- Intensive Care, Anesthesia and Resuscitation Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Clinical Neurology Unit, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- ASST Santi Paolo and Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- "Aldo Ravelli" Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Divisione di Neurologia I, Ospedale Universitario San Paolo, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
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9
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Bulfamante GP, Perrucci GL, Falleni M, Sommariva E, Tosi D, Martinelli C, Songia P, Poggio P, Carugo S, Pompilio G. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Transcriptional Activity in Cardiomyocytes of COVID-19 Patients without Clinical Signs of Cardiac Involvement. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120626. [PMID: 33352880 PMCID: PMC7767122 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: A considerable proportion of patients affected by coronavirus respiratory disease (COVID-19) develop cardiac injury. The viral impact in cardiomyocytes deserves, however, further investigations, especially in asymptomatic patients. Methods: We investigated for SARS-CoV-2 presence and activity in heart tissues of six consecutive COVID-19 patients deceased from respiratory failure showing no signs of cardiac involvement and with no history of heart disease. Cardiac autopsy samples were collected within 2 h after death, and then analysed by digital PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RNAScope, and transmission electron microscopy assays. Results: The presence of SARS-CoV-2 into cardiomyocytes was invariably detected in all assays. A variable pattern of cardiomyocyte injury was observed, spanning from absence of cell death and subcellular alterations hallmarks, to intracellular oedema and sarcomere ruptures. In addition, we found active viral transcription in cardiomyocytes, by detecting both sense and antisense SARS-CoV-2 spike RNA. Conclusions: In this autopsy analysis of patients with no clinical signs of cardiac involvement, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in cardiomyocytes has been detected, determining variable patterns of intracellular damage. These findings suggest the need for cardiologic surveillance in surviving COVID-19 patients not displaying a cardiac phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Pietro Bulfamante
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (G.P.B.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (C.M.)
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica Medica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lorenzo Perrucci
- Unità di Biologia Vascolare e Medicina Rigenerativa, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0258002754; Fax: +39-0258002342
| | - Monica Falleni
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (G.P.B.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (C.M.)
- Struttura Complessa di Anatomia Patologica e Genetica Medica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Unità di Biologia Vascolare e Medicina Rigenerativa, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (G.P.B.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Carla Martinelli
- Unità di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (G.P.B.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Paola Songia
- Unità per lo Studio delle Patologie Aortiche, Valvolari e Coronariche, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (P.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Paolo Poggio
- Unità per lo Studio delle Patologie Aortiche, Valvolari e Coronariche, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milano, Italy; (P.S.); (P.P.)
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Unità di Cardiologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unità di Biologia Vascolare e Medicina Rigenerativa, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (G.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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10
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Palano MT, Giannandrea D, Platonova N, Gaudenzi G, Falleni M, Tosi D, Lesma E, Citro V, Colombo M, Saltarella I, Ria R, Amodio N, Taiana E, Neri A, Vitale G, Chiaramonte R. Jagged Ligands Enhance the Pro-Angiogenic Activity of Multiple Myeloma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092600. [PMID: 32932949 PMCID: PMC7565520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Jagged family of ligands are aberrantly expressed during multiple myeloma progression and contributes to activate Notch signaling both in myeloma cells and in the nearby bone marrow cell populations activating several pro-tumor effects. This work elucidates, in vitro, in vivo as well as in patients’ bone marrow biopsies, different mechanisms by which tumor cell-derived Jagged1 and 2 contribute to myeloma-associated angiogenesis. These include the ability to induce myeloma and bone marrow stromal cell secretion of VEGF along with a direct activation of the pro-angiogenic Notch signaling pathway in endothelial cells. This research provides a rational for a Jagged-directed therapy in multiple myeloma. Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy arising primarily within the bone marrow (BM). During MM progression, different modifications occur in the tumor cells and BM microenvironment, including the angiogenic shift characterized by the increased capability of endothelial cells to organize a network, migrate and express angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we studied the functional outcome of the dysregulation of Notch ligands, Jagged1 and Jagged2, occurring during disease progression, on the angiogenic potential of MM cells and BM stromal cells (BMSCs). Jagged1–2 expression was modulated by RNA interference or soluble peptide administration, and the effects on the MM cell lines’ ability to induce human pulmonary artery cells (HPAECs) angiogenesis or to indirectly increase the BMSC angiogenic potential was analyzed in vitro; in vivo validation was performed on a zebrafish model and MM patients’ BM biopsies. Overall, our results indicate that the MM-derived Jagged ligands (1) increase the tumor cell angiogenic potential by directly triggering Notch activation in the HPAECs or stimulating the release of angiogenic factors, i.e., VEGF; and (2) stimulate the BMSCs to promote angiogenesis through VEGF secretion. The observed pro-angiogenic effect of Notch activation in the BM during MM progression provides further evidence of the potential of a therapy targeting the Jagged ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Palano
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Domenica Giannandrea
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Natalia Platonova
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (G.V.)
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Elena Lesma
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Valentina Citro
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Michela Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Ilaria Saltarella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Roberto Ria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Unit of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (I.S.); (R.R.)
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Elisa Taiana
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano. Hematology, Fondazione Ca’ Granda IRCCS Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (E.T.); (A.N.)
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milano. Hematology, Fondazione Ca’ Granda IRCCS Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (E.T.); (A.N.)
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, 20095 Cusano Milanino, Italy; (G.G.); (G.V.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Chiaramonte
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (M.T.P.); (D.G.); (N.P.); (M.F.); (D.T.); (E.L.); (V.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50323249
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11
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Raveglia F, De Pasquale L, Cioffi U, Ghilardi G, De Simone M, Falleni M, Baisi A. Unexpected thymoma in a challenging case of hyperparathyroidism. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:1425-1428. [PMID: 32884767 PMCID: PMC7455415 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a woman with primary hyperparathyroidism suspected of mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenoma revealed to be a thymoma. Our aim was to focus on some possible criticisms in distinguishing between ectopic parathyroid and thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Raveglia
- Thoracic SurgeryASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | | | - Ugo Cioffi
- Thoracic SurgeryASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Giorgio Ghilardi
- Thoracic SurgeryASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Matilde De Simone
- Thoracic SurgeryASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Monica Falleni
- PathologyASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Alessandro Baisi
- Thoracic SurgeryASST Santi Paolo e CarloUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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12
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Marcos-Zambrano LJ, Bordallo-Cardona MÁ, Borghi E, Falleni M, Tosi D, Muñoz P, Escribano P, Guinea J. Candida isolates causing candidemia show different degrees of virulence in Galleria mellonella. Med Mycol 2020; 58:83-92. [PMID: 30874807 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to assess intra- and interspecies differences in the virulence of Candida spp. strains causing candidemia using the invertebrate Galleria mellonella model. We studied 739 Candida spp. isolates (C. albicans [n = 373], C. parapsilosis [n = 203], C. glabrata [n = 92], C. tropicalis [n = 53], and C. krusei [n = 18]) collected from patients with candidemia admitted to Gregorio Marañon Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Species-specific infecting inocula (yeast cells/larva) were adjusted (5 × 105 [C. albicans, and C. tropicalis], 2 × 106-5 × 106 [C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei]) and used to infect 10 larvae per isolate; percentage of survival and median survival per isolate were calculated. According to the interquartile range of the median survival, isolates with a median survival under P25 were classified as of high-virulence and isolates with a median survival over P75 as of low virulence. The median survival of larvae infected with different species was variable: C. albicans (n = 2 days, IQR <1-3 days), C. tropicalis (n = 2 days, IQR 1.5-4 days), C. parapsilosis (n = 2 days, IQR 2-3.5 days), C. glabrata (n = 3 days, IQR 2-3 days), and C. krusei (n = 7 days, 6.5->8 days) (P < .001). Differences in virulence among species were validated by histological examination (day +1 post-infection) in the larvae infected by the isolates of each virulence category and species. Virulence-related gene expression in C. albicans isolates did not reach statistical significance. We report species-specific virulence patterns of Candida spp. and show that isolates within a given species have different degrees of virulence in the animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Judith Marcos-Zambrano
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Bordallo-Cardona
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences. Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CD06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain.,Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Escribano
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Guinea
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CD06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Zulueta A, Peli V, Dei Cas M, Colombo M, Paroni R, Falleni M, Baisi A, Bollati V, Chiaramonte R, Del Favero E, Ghidoni R, Caretti A. Inflammatory role of extracellular sphingolipids in Cystic Fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 116:105622. [PMID: 31563560 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide is emerging as one of the players of inflammation in lung diseases. However, data on its inflammatory role in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as part of the extracellular machinery driven by lung mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are missing. We obtained an in vitro model of CF-MSC by treating control human lung MSCs with a specific CFTR inhibitor. We characterized EVs populations derived from MSCs (ctr EVs) and CF-MSCs (CF-EVs) and analyzed their sphingolipid profile by LC-MS/MS. To evaluate their immunomodulatory function, we treated an in vitro human model of CF, with both EVs populations. Our data show that the two EVs populations differ for the average size, amount, and rate of uptake. CF-EVs display higher ceramide and dihydroceramide accumulation as compared to control EVs, suggesting the involvement of the de novo biosynthesis pathway in the parental CF-MSCs. Higher sphingomyelinase activity in CF-MSCs, driven by inflammation-induced ceramide accumulation, sustains the exocytosis of vesicles that export new formed pro-inflammatory ceramide. Our results suggest that CFTR dysfunction associates with an enhanced sphingolipid metabolism leading to the release of EVs that export the excess of pro-inflammatory Cer to the recipient cells, thus contributing to maintain the unresolved inflammatory status of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Zulueta
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valeria Peli
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michele Dei Cas
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Colombo
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pathophysiology, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy; Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Medical Research Council(MRC) Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM), University of Oxford, Oxford OX39DS, UK.
| | - Rita Paroni
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Falleni
- Pathology Division, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Baisi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Chiaramonte
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pathophysiology, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Ghidoni
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Caretti
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab., Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì, 8, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Ciceri P, Falleni M, Tosi D, Martinelli C, Bulfamante G, Messa P, Cozzolino M. FP445Iron citrate reduces high-phosphate induced vascular calcification by inhibiting osteo-chondrogenic shift of extracellular matrix in VSMCs. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfz106.fp445] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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15
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Soldini S, Posteraro B, Vella A, De Carolis E, Borghi E, Falleni M, Losito AR, Maiuro G, Trecarichi EM, Sanguinetti M, Tumbarello M. Microbiologic and clinical characteristics of biofilm-forming Candida parapsilosis isolates associated with fungaemia and their impact on mortality. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 24:771-777. [PMID: 29133157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biofilm formation (BF) by fungal isolates may dramatically complicate infection. We determined the ability of Candida parapsilosis isolates from single fungaemia episodes to form biofilms and we analysed biofilm subgroups for antifungal susceptibility and pathogenic potential. We then correlated BF with clinical characteristics and outcomes of the episodes. METHODS BF was measured using the crystal violet biomass assay. Antifungal susceptibility of preformed biofilms was assessed, and virulence was studied using the Galleria mellonella model. A retrospective analysis of patients' clinical records was performed. RESULTS Of 190 patient-unique isolates, 84, 38 and 68 were identified as having high BF (HBF), moderate BF (MBF) or low BF (LBF), respectively. Among 30 randomly selected isolates, nine (eight HBF and one MBF), six (all HBF) and one (HBF) isolates had elevated sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations to fluconazole, anidulafungin or amphotericin B; all HBF and MBF isolates had elevated voriconazole sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations. G. mellonella killing rates of HBF isolates were significantly greater than MBF (or LBF) isolates (50% vs. 20%, 2 days from infection). By comparing HBF/MBF (106 patients) and LBF (84 patients) groups, we found that HBF/MBF patients had more central venous catheter-related fungaemias (62/106 (58.5%) vs. 29/84 (34.5%), p 0.001) and were more likely to die at 30 days from fungaemia onset (61/106 (57.5%) vs. 28/84 (33.3%), p 0.01). In the HBF/MBF group, azole antifungal therapy and central venous catheter removal were significantly associated with a higher and lower 30-day mortality rate, respectively. CONCLUSIONS C. parapsilosis BF influences the clinical outcome in patients with fungaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Soldini
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - B Posteraro
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - A Vella
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - E De Carolis
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - E Borghi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Falleni
- Division of Human Pathology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A R Losito
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - G Maiuro
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - E M Trecarichi
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - M Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Tumbarello
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
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16
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Papp-Wallace KM, Becka SA, Zeiser ET, Ohuchi N, Mojica MF, Gatta JA, Falleni M, Tosi D, Borghi E, Winkler ML, Wilson BM, LiPuma JJ, Nukaga M, Bonomo RA. Overcoming an Extremely Drug Resistant (XDR) Pathogen: Avibactam Restores Susceptibility to Ceftazidime for Burkholderia cepacia Complex Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. ACS Infect Dis 2017; 3:502-511. [PMID: 28264560 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Burkholderia multivorans is a significant health threat to persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). Infections are difficult to treat as this pathogen is inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics. Susceptibility testing of isolates obtained from CF respiratory cultures revealed that single agents selected from different antibiotic classes were unable to inhibit growth. However, all isolates were found to be susceptible to ceftazidime when combined with the novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor, avibactam (all minimum inhibitor concentrations (MICs) were ≤8 mg/L of ceftazidime and 4 mg/L of avibactam). Furthermore, a major β-lactam resistance determinant expressed in B. multivorans, the class A carbapenemase, PenA was readily inhibited by avibactam with a high k2/K of (2 ± 1) × 106 μM-1 s-1 and a slow koff of (2 ± 1) × 10-3 s-1. Mass spectrometry revealed that avibactam formed a stable complex with PenA for up to 24 h and that avibactam recyclized off of PenA, re-forming the active compound. Crystallographic analysis of PenA-avibactam revealed several interactions that stabilized the acyl-enzyme complex. The deacylation water molecule possessed decreased nucleophilicity, preventing decarbamylation. In addition, the hydrogen-bonding interactions with Lys-73 were suggestive of a protonated state. Thus, Lys-73 was unlikely to abstract a proton from Ser-130 to initiate recyclization. Using Galleria mellonella larvae as a model for infection, ceftazidime-avibactam was shown to significantly (p < 0.001) improve survival of larvae infected with B. multivorans. To further support the translational impact, the ceftazidime-avibactam combination was evaluated using susceptibility testing against other strains of Burkholderia spp. that commonly infect individuals with CF, and 90% of the isolates were susceptible to the combination. In summary, ceftazidime-avibactam may serve as a preferred therapy for people that have CF and develop Burkholderia spp. infections and should be considered for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina M. Papp-Wallace
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Scott A. Becka
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Elise T. Zeiser
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Nozomi Ohuchi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai International University, 1 Gumyo, Togane City, Chiba, 283-8555 Japan
| | - Maria F. Mojica
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Julian A. Gatta
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department
of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department
of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department
of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Marisa L. Winkler
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Brigid M. Wilson
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - John J. LiPuma
- Department
of Pediatrics and Communicable Disease, University of Michigan Medical School, 4810 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, United States
| | - Michiyoshi Nukaga
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai International University, 1 Gumyo, Togane City, Chiba, 283-8555 Japan
| | - Robert A. Bonomo
- Research
Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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Abstract
Skin malignant melanoma (MM) is an aggressive cancer with an increasing incidence with limited therapies in advanced stages. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major immune constituent of the MM microenvironment and contribute toward its prognosis. TAMs' characterization and localization in human cancer is important to understand cancer progression and to identify molecular personalized therapies. M2 TAMs in stage I-II MMs are associated with worse prognostic parameters. A comprehensive M1-macrophage and M2-macrophage intratumoral localization and quantification in all stages of skin MMs is documented here with its clinical significance. To highlight immune pathways and possible early indicators of MM progression, we evaluated the number of M1 and M2 TAMs and intratumoral distribution in a large series of skin MMs. CD68 double immunostaining with MRP8-14 or inducible nitric oxide synthase (M1 macrophages) and with CD163 or CD204 (M2 macrophages) was performed in 94 stage I-IV skin MMs with a long duration of follow-up. The accumulation and distribution of M1 and M2 TAMs in intratumoral nests, stroma, and at the invasive front was correlated with clinicopathological variables. Since the early stage of MMs, M1 intratumoral macrophages were fewer than the M2 population; their recruitment was rapidly and progressively overwhelmed by an increase in M2 TAMs during MM progression. Independent of their intratumoral distribution, the accumulation of both M1 and M2 TAMs is associated with poor prognostic indicators and patients' survival. M1-recruited macrophages shift to the M2 phenotype early in MM development, possibly induced by high inducible nitric oxide synthase intratumoral increase peculiarly occurring since the initial MM stages. M2-recruited TAMs overwhelm M1 accumulation in all stages of MM progression, thus favoring neoplastic growth and dissemination. Independent of their intratumoral distribution, the prevalent accumulation of M2 TAMs in MM is statistically confirmed to be a poor indicator of patients' outcome and a potential target of immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Falleni
- aDepartment of Health Sciences, Unit of Pathology bDepartment of Health Sciences, Division of Dermatology, University of Milan cUnit of Pathology, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
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Ciceri P, Elli F, Falleni M, Tosi D, Bulfamante G, Cozzolino M. SP362EFFECT OF IRON CITRATE ON MATRIX AND SIMIL-OSTEOBLASTIC DIFFERENTIATION IN HIGH PHOSPHATE TREATED VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx147.sp362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Caretti A, Vasso M, Bonezzi FT, Gallina A, Trinchera M, Rossi A, Adami R, Casas J, Falleni M, Tosi D, Bragonzi A, Ghidoni R, Gelfi C, Signorelli P. Myriocin treatment of CF lung infection and inflammation: complex analyses for enigmatic lipids. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2017; 390:775-790. [PMID: 28439630 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to use quantitative and qualitative analyses to gain further insight into the role of ceramide in cystic fibrosis (CF). Sphingolipid ceramide is a known inflammatory mediator, and its accumulation in inflamed lung has been reported in different types of emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and CF. CF is caused by a mutation of the chloride channel and associated with hyperinflammation of the respiratory airways and high susceptibility to ongoing infections. We have previously demonstrated that de novo ceramide synthesis is enhanced in lung inflammation and sustains Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection in a CF murine model. We used liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging coupled with mass spectrometry, confocal laser scan microscopy and histology analyses to reveal otherwise undecipherable information. We demonstrated that (i) upregulated ceramide synthesis in the alveoli is strictly related to alveolar infection and inflammation, (ii) alveolar ceramide (C16) can be specifically targeted by nanocarrier delivery of the ceramide synthesis inhibitor myriocin (Myr) and (iii) Myr is able to downmodulate pro-inflammatory lyso-PC, favouring an increase in anti-inflammatory PCs. We concluded that Myr modulates alveolar lipids milieu, reducing hyperinflammation and favouring anti-microbial effective response in CF mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Caretti
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Vasso
- Lita Institute, Segrate, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiola Tecla Bonezzi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallina
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Trinchera
- Department of Medicine Clinical and Experimental, University of Insubria Medical School, Varese, Italy
| | - Alice Rossi
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Adami
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on Bioactive Molecules, Department of Biomedicinal Chemistry, Catalan Institute of Advanced Chemistry (IQAC/CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Falleni
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bragonzi
- Infections and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Ghidoni
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Lita Institute, Segrate, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Signorelli
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via A.di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
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Flor N, Maconi G, Sardanelli F, Lombardi MA, Colombo B, Di Leo G, Falleni M, Cornalba G, Pickhardt PJ. Prognostic Value of the Diverticular Disease Severity Score Based on CT Colonography: Follow-up in Patients Recovering from Acute Diverticulitis. Acad Radiol 2015; 22:1503-9. [PMID: 26482263 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To assess the prognostic value of a diverticular disease severity score (DDSS) based on computed tomography colonography (CTC) after acute diverticulitis (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 252 patients who had an AD episode, we finally selected 46 patients who underwent both conventional CT at the acute event and CTC after 9 ± 7 weeks. Of these 46 patients, 17 underwent elective surgery after CTC. Disease severity was assessed with a 0-4 modified Hinchey CT-based score and a 1-4 CTC-based DDSS. A phone survey was performed 27 months later (range 4-52) for the 29 patients not surgically treated. RESULTS Significant correlation was found between CTC-based DDSS and clinical follow-up (P = 0.022) or elective surgery (P = 0.007), but not between clinical follow-up and CT-based score, extraluminal gas, C-reactive protein serum level, age, gender, or first versus recurrent AD episode. CTC demonstrated relevant additional findings in five of 46 (11%) patients: two AD complications (enterocolic and enterotubal fistulae), two colon cancers, and one extracolonic (lung) cancer. CONCLUSIONS The CTC-based DDSS showed a prognostic value and correlated with the risk of undergoing surgery, and clinically relevant additional findings were found in more than 10% of patients. CTC could be the preferred test in patients recovering after AD.
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Aloia A, Petrova E, Tomiuk S, Bissels U, Déas O, Saini M, Zickgraf FM, Wagner S, Spaich S, Sütterlin M, Schneeweiss A, Reitberger M, Rüberg S, Gerstmayer B, Agorku D, Knöbel S, Terranegra A, Falleni M, Soldati L, Sprick MR, Trumpp A, Judde JG, Bosio A, Cairo S, Hardt O. The sialyl-glycolipid stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 marks a subpopulation of chemotherapy-resistant breast cancer cells with mesenchymal features. Breast Cancer Res 2015; 17:146. [PMID: 26607327 PMCID: PMC4660783 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-015-0652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chemotherapy resistance resulting in incomplete pathologic response is associated with high risk of metastasis and early relapse in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate biomarkers of treatment-resistant tumor cells. Methods We performed a cell surface marker screen in triple-negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft models treated with standard care genotoxic chemotherapy. Global expression profiling was used to further characterize the identified treatment-resistant subpopulations. Results High expression of sialyl-glycolipid stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4) was found in residual tumor cells surviving chemotherapy and in samples from metastatic patients who relapsed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling linked SSEA4 positivity with a mesenchymal phenotype and a deregulation of drug resistance pathways. Functional assays demonstrated a direct link between epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and SSEA4 expression. Interestingly, SSEA4 expression, EMT, and drug resistance seemed to be regulated posttranscriptionally. Finally, high expression of CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-β-galactosamide-α-2,3-sialyltransferase 2 (ST3GAL2), the rate-limiting enzyme of SSEA4 synthesis, was found to be associated with poor clinical outcome in breast and ovarian cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Conclusions In this study, we identified SSEA4 as highly expressed in a subpopulation of tumor cells resistant to multiple commonly used chemotherapy drugs, as well as ST3GAL2, the rate-limiting enzyme of SSEA4 synthesis, as a predictive marker of poor outcome for breast and ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Both biomarkers and additionally identified regulatory miRNAs may be used to further understand chemoresistance, to stratify patient groups in order to avoid ineffective and painful therapies, and to develop alternative treatment regimens for breast cancer patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0652-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aloia
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Evgeniya Petrova
- XenTech SAS, 4 rue Pierre Fontaine, 91000, Evry, France. .,Present address: Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute, 25-28 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
| | - Stefan Tomiuk
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Ute Bissels
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Olivier Déas
- XenTech SAS, 4 rue Pierre Fontaine, 91000, Evry, France.
| | - Massimo Saini
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Maria Zickgraf
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Steve Wagner
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Saskia Spaich
- Frauenklinik, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Marc Sütterlin
- Frauenklinik, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Manuel Reitberger
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Silvia Rüberg
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Gerstmayer
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - David Agorku
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Knöbel
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | | | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Soldati
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martin Ronald Sprick
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Trumpp
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM) gGmbH, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Andreas Bosio
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| | - Stefano Cairo
- XenTech SAS, 4 rue Pierre Fontaine, 91000, Evry, France. .,University of Ferrara, LTTA Centre,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Olaf Hardt
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
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Perdoni F, Falleni M, Tosi D, Cirasola D, Romagnoli S, Braidotti P, Clementi E, Bulfamante G, Borghi E. A histological procedure to study fungal infection in the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2428. [PMID: 25308852 PMCID: PMC4194400 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate model Galleria mellonella is a widely used factitious host to study the microbial pathogenesis in vivo. However, a specific procedure for the recovery and the processing of the infected tissues, important for a better understanding of the host-pathogen interactions, has not been reported to our knowledge. In the present study we describe a new procedure of fixation and processing of larval tissue that allows studying the larval topographic anatomy and assessing the morphological changes due to the fungal infection. Lepidopteran larvae were infected with Candida albicans strains displaying various biofilm-forming abilities. The whole larvae were then examined for tissue changes by histological techniques. We show that comparing cutting planes, serial transversal sections of paraffin-embedded larva result in better accuracy and information recovering. Using this technique, it was possible to preserve the integrity of G. mellonella internal structures allowing the detailed analysis of morphological differences in different experimental groups (i.e., healthy vs infected larvae). We were also able to study strain-related differences in the pathogenesis of C. albicans by observing the immune response elicited and the invasiveness of two isolates within the larval tissues. In general, by processing the whole larva and optimizing routinely histochemical stainings, it is possible to visualize and analyse infected tissues. Various degrees of pathogenicity (strain- or inoculum-related), and the infection time course can be described in details. Moreover, the host immune response events can be followed throughout the infectious process leading to a comprehensive picture of the studied phenomenon.
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Sherry L, Rajendran R, Lappin DF, Borghi E, Perdoni F, Falleni M, Tosi D, Smith K, Williams C, Jones B, Nile CJ, Ramage G. Biofilms formed by Candida albicans bloodstream isolates display phenotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity that are associated with resistance and pathogenicity. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:182. [PMID: 24996549 PMCID: PMC4105547 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans infections have become increasingly recognised as being biofilm related. Recent studies have shown that there is a relationship between biofilm formation and poor clinical outcomes in patients infected with biofilm proficient strains. Here we have investigated a panel of clinical isolates in an attempt to evaluate their phenotypic and transcriptional properties in an attempt to differentiate and define levels of biofilm formation. RESULTS Biofilm formation was shown to be heterogeneous; with isolates being defined as either high or low biofilm formers (LBF and HBF) based on different biomass quantification. These categories could also be differentiated using a cell surface hydrophobicity assay with 24 h biofilms. HBF isolates were more resistance to amphotericin B (AMB) treatment than LBF, but not voriconazole (VRZ). In a Galleria mellonella model of infection HBF mortality was significantly increased in comparison to LBF. Histological analysis of the HBF showed hyphal elements intertwined indicative of the biofilm phenotype. Transcriptional analysis of 23 genes implicated in biofilm formation showed no significant differential expression profiles between LBF and HBF, except for Cdr1 at 4 and 24 h. Cluster analysis showed similar patterns of expression for different functional classes of genes, though correlation analysis of the 4 h biofilms with overall biomass at 24 h showed that 7 genes were correlated with high levels of biofilm, including Als3, Eap1, Cph1, Sap5, Plb1, Cdr1 and Zap1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that biofilm formation is variable amongst C. albicans isolates, and categorising isolates depending on this can be used to predict how pathogenic the isolate will behave clinically. We have shown that looking at individual genes in less informative than looking at multiple genes when trying to categorise isolates at LBF or HBF. These findings are important when developing biofilm-specific diagnostics as these could be used to predict how best to treat patients infected with C. albicans. Further studies are required to evaluate this clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gordon Ramage
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JZ, UK.
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Falleni M, Bauer D, Opocher E, Moneghini L, Bulfamante GP. A rare case of transmural endometriosis in primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Pathologica 2014; 106:14-15. [PMID: 24897775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal endometriosis of the rectum and sigmoid colon, occurring in up to 34% of pelvic endometriosis, mimics a wide number of conditions that are difficult to differentiate from inflammatory or malignant diseases. Herein we report the first case of transmural endometriosis concomitant with advanced primary rectal adenocarcinoma, presenting with obstructive symptoms. Correct diagnosis based on morphological identification and immunohistochemical characterization of the two entities is crucial for treatment.
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Bulgheroni M, Airaghi L, Falleni M, Ferrario A, Fargion S. Pulmonary involvement complicating plasma cell proliferative disorders: a case report and review of the literature. Intern Emerg Med 2012; 7 Suppl 1:S3-5. [PMID: 21249475 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-011-0516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rocco EG, Iannuzzi F, Dell'Era A, Falleni M, Moneghini L, Di Nuovo F, Braidotti P, Bulfamante G, Romagnoli S. Schwann cell hamartoma: case report. BMC Gastroenterol 2011; 11:68. [PMID: 21663626 PMCID: PMC3123296 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-11-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal polyps of mesenchymal origin represent a small percentage of gastrointestinal (GI) lesions. Nevertheless, they are encountered with increasing frequency since the widespread adoption of colonoscopy screening. Case presentation We report a case of a small colonic polyp that presented as intramucosal diffuse spindle cell proliferation with a benign cytological appearance, strong and diffuse immunoreactivity for S-100 protein, and pure Schwann cell phenotype. Careful morphological, immunohistochemical and clinical evaluation emphasize the differences from other stromal colonic lesions and distinguish it from schwannoma, a circumscribed benign nerve sheath tumor that rarely arises in the GI tract. Conclusion As recently proposed, this lesion was finally described as mucosal Schwann cell hamartoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Guerini Rocco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Division of Pathology, A,O, San Paolo and Fondazione IRCCS Cà-Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy
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Avagliano L, Falleni M, Marconi AM, Bulfoni C, Prada A, Barbera AF, Doi P, Bulfamante GP. An imbalance of COX level is not related to placental abruption. J Clin Pathol 2011; 64:605-9. [PMID: 21561892 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2010.088765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Muscularised basal plate arteries (MA) or chorioamnionitis (CA) are often present in placental abruption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the placental expression of COX 1 and COX 2 in cases of placental abruption with MA or CA hypothesising that an imbalance in COX placental expression might be implicated in its pathogenesis. METHODS COX 1 and COX 2 placental immunostaining was analysed in 16 placentas with abruption (nine with MA, seven with CA), in 26 normal placentas and in 10 gestational age-matched MA or CA cases without abruption. RESULTS COX 1 and COX 2 protein expression was observed in all cases, both in placental abruption and in normal placentas. No differences in distribution of immunoreactivity were observed either between cases and controls or between MA and CA. The mean COX 1 ratio between COX-positive cells and all stromal cells was significantly lower in placental abruption with MA (0.14±0.05) when compared with cases with CA (0.35±0.06) and normal placenta (0.23±0.02; p<0.001). The mean COX 2 ratio was lower in placental abruption with MA than in normal placenta (0.09±0.06 vs 0.18±0.05: p<0.001). In contrast, no difference in COX 1 and COX 2 ratio was observed between MA cases with or without abruption and between CA cases with or without abruption. CONCLUSIONS It is hypothesised that an imbalance of normal COX level may be present in cases with MA and CA but it is not related to placental abruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Avagliano
- Unit of Human Pathology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, San Paolo Hospital Medical School, University of Milano, Italy
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Moneghini L, Falleni M, Romagnoli S, Bombonato C, Gualandri L. Central nuclear palisading in nodular basal cell carcinoma: Morphological and immunohisto-chemical concerns. Acta Derm Venereol 2011; 91:76-7. [PMID: 21088810 DOI: 10.2340/00015555-0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moneghini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Milan, AO San Paolo e Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
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Romagnoli S, Fasoli E, Vaira V, Falleni M, Pellegrini C, Catania A, Roncalli M, Marchetti A, Santambrogio L, Coggi G, Bosari S. Identification of potential therapeutic targets in malignant mesothelioma using cell-cycle gene expression analysis. Am J Pathol 2009; 174:762-70. [PMID: 19218339 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.080721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cycle defects are responsible for cancer onset and growth. We studied the expression profile of 60 genes involved in cell cycle in a series of malignant mesotheliomas (MMs), normal pleural tissues, and MM cell cultures using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based, low-density array. Nine genes were significantly deregulated in MMs compared with normal controls. Seven genes were overexpressed in MMs, including the following: CDKN2C, cdc6, cyclin H, cyclin B1, CDC2, FoxM1, and Chk1, whereas Ube1L and cyclin D2 were underexpressed. Chk1 is a principal mediator of cell-cycle checkpoints in response to genotoxic stress. We confirmed the overexpression of Chk1 in an independent set of 87 MMs by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays. To determine whether Chk1 down-regulation would affect cell-cycle control and cell survival, we transfected either control or Chk1 siRNA into two mesothelioma cell lines and a nontumorigenic (Met5a) cell line. Results showed that Chk1 knockdown increased the apoptotic fraction of MM cells and induced an S phase block in Met5a cells. Furthermore, Chk1 silencing sensitized p53-null MM cells to both an S phase block and apoptosis in the presence of doxorubicin. Our results indicate that cell-cycle gene expression analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction can identify potential targets for novel therapies. Chk1 knockdown could provide a novel therapeutic approach to arrest cell-cycle progression in MM cells, thus increasing the rate of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Romagnoli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Milan Medical School, A.O.S. Paolo, Via A. Di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milano, Italy
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Montorsi M, Maggioni M, Falleni M, Pellegrini C, Donadon M, Torzilli G, Santambrogio R, Spinelli A, Coggi G, Bosari S. Survivin gene expression in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatogastroenterology 2007; 54:2040-2044. [PMID: 18251156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Survivin is an oncofetal protein involved both in cell death and cell cycle regulation. Survivin is undetectable or found at very low levels in normal differentiated tissues whereas increased expression has been observed in several human malignancies, including lung, colon and liver cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and clinical significance of Survivin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-neoplastic liver tissues in a series of surgical patients. METHODOLOGY Survivin mRNA levels were quantitated by real time RT-PCR in 25 patients. RESULTS Survivin mRNA was documented in all liver tissues with significantly higher levels in neoplastic specimens (p=0.01). In non-neoplastic liver tissue, Survivin levels were correlated with activity score of chronic liver disease. Increased Survivin levels were correlated with high tumor grade (p=0.05) and vascular invasion (p= 0.005). Tumor recurrences were more frequent in patients with high Survivin levels, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of Survivin mRNA are present in normal and in non-neoplastic liver tissue. In hepatocellular carcinomas, high levels of Survivin are associated with aggressive tumor features. The prognostic significance of quantitative Survivin evaluation requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Montorsi
- 3rd Division of General Surgery, University of Milan School of Medicine, Istituto Clinico Humanitas IRCCS Rozzano, Milan
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Faioni E, Ferrero S, Esmon C, Falleni M, Tagliavacca L, Lussana F, Bosari S, Cattaneo M. ENDOTHELIAL PROTEIN C RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN BREAST CANCER. J Thromb Haemost 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.tb00664.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Aliberti S, Falleni M, Tarsia P, Vago G, Zerbi P, Barberis M, Valenti V, Blasi F. A 13-year-old female with shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. Eur Respir J 2007; 28:876-82. [PMID: 17012634 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.06.00021006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Aliberti
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Milan, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena Milano, Milan, Italy
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Carelli S, Zadra G, Vaira V, Falleni M, Bottiglieri L, Nosotti M, Di Giulio AM, Gorio A, Bosari S. Up-regulation of focal adhesion kinase in non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2006; 53:263-71. [PMID: 16842883 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2006.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2006] [Revised: 04/19/2006] [Accepted: 06/01/2006] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase linked to the integrin and growth factor receptor-signalling pathways that regulates a number of the biological processes involved in neoplastic transformation, invasion and metastases, such as cell adhesion, migration and apoptosis. Its up-regulation might play a role in the tumourigenesis of invasive tumours, but its involvement in human lung cancer tissues has not yet been determined. We immunohistochemically compared FAK expression and localisation in 60 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues with that in the surrounding non-neoplastic tissue and in a further five microscopically normal lungs. FAK mRNA levels were quantitatively determined by real-time RT-PCR in frozen tissue specimens of all of the tumours and 21 matched non-neoplastic lung parenchymas, and protein expression in 16 homogenates of the matched neoplastic/non-neoplastic specimens was evaluated by Western blotting. The three different techniques showed that FAK is weakly expressed in non-neoplastic lung parenchyma and up-regulated in NSCLCs. Moreover, Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR indicated a statistically significant correlation between FAK up-regulation and higher disease stages (I+II versus III+IV, p=0.019 and 0.028, respectively). Our results provide evidence that FAK is up-regulated in NSCLCs, and suggest its potential involvement in lung cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephana Carelli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Milan, Polo H. San Paolo, Milan, Italy
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34
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Ferrero S, Falleni M, Cattaneo M, Malferrari G, Canton C, Biagiotti L, Maggioni M, Nosotti M, Coggi G, Bosari S, Biunno I. SEL1L expression in non-small cell lung cancer. Hum Pathol 2006; 37:505-12. [PMID: 16647946 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2005] [Revised: 12/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
SEL1L gene product plays a role in cell transformation and tumor progression in human breast, pancreas, esophageal, and prostate cancer. SEL1L expression was evaluated in a series of 76 surgically resected non-small cell lung carcinomas to investigate its clinical significance. SEL1L is scarcely detectable in normal lung, whereas in the initial stages of cell transformation, it becomes consistently expressed with evident staining in bronchial squamous metaplasia and in associated dysplastic changes. SEL1L immunoreactivity can be detected both in the cytoplasm and less commonly in the nuclei; the subcellular location correlates with tumor histotype, with cytoplasmic immunoreactivity being most prevalent in squamous cell carcinomas (P = .0005) and nuclear immunoreactivity being associated with adenocarcinomas (P = .02). Nuclear import and export signals are present in the SEL1L coding sequence, justifying the different subcellular location of the protein. SEL1L immunoreactivity was inversely correlated with tumor grade (P = .05); when considering only the adenocarcinomas, a stronger association was found (P = .006). SEL1L messenger RNA and protein evaluation in lung cancer cell lines confirmed the expression of the gene and the dual subcellular location of the protein in lung tumors. The data here reported suggest that, in non-small cell lung carcinoma, SEL1L may be an indicator of cell transformation, thus having important biologic and clinical implications.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Lung/anatomy & histology
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Proteins/genetics
- Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Neoplasm/analysis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ferrero
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, A.O. S. Paolo and Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli, Regina Elena, 20142 Milan, Italy
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35
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Destro A, Ceresoli GL, Falleni M, Zucali PA, Morenghi E, Bianchi P, Pellegrini C, Cordani N, Vaira V, Alloisio M, Rizzi A, Bosari S, Roncalli M. EGFR overexpression in malignant pleural mesothelioma. An immunohistochemical and molecular study with clinico-pathological correlations. Lung Cancer 2005; 51:207-15. [PMID: 16384623 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Revised: 09/22/2005] [Accepted: 10/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many epithelial malignancies, against which some antitumoral drugs have been developed. There is a lack of information as to EGFR expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive and fatal cancer poorly responsive to current oncological treatments. Our aim was to: (a) compare EGFR immunohistochemical expression with mRNA levels measured by real time PCR; (b) assess the relationships between EGFR expression and clinico-pathological data including survival; (c) analyze the EGFR mutations. We developed an immunohistochemical method of EGFR evaluation based on the number of immunoreactive cells and staining intensity in 61 MPMs. EGFR immunoreactivity was documented in 34/61 (55.7%) cases. A significant correlation between EGFR protein and mRNA levels (p = 0.0077) was found, demonstrating the reliability of our quantification method of EGFR membrane expression. Radically resected patients (p = 0.005) and those with epithelial histotype (p = 0.048) showed an increased survival. No statistical correlation between EGFR immunoreactivity and patients survival was observed. No EGFR mutation was documented. This study documents EGFR overexpression in MPM at the protein and the transcriptional levels; it proposes a reliable method for EGFR expression evaluation in MPM. EGFR levels are not associated with clinico-pathological features of patients, including survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Destro
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Milano, Italy
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36
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Leonetti P, Costanzo S, Falleni M, Bartolino T, Bagnoli M, Casarosa S, Pisaturo F, Evangelista I, Malacarne P. LA COLLABORAZIONE TRA LABORATORIO DI MICROBIOLOGIA E TERAPIA INTENSIVA NELLO STUDIO ED ERADICAZIONE DI UN CLUSTER DI ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII. Microbiol Med 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2005.3685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Nosotti M, Falleni M, Palleschi A, Pellegrini C, Alessi F, Bosari S, Santambrogio L. Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Lymph Node Lung Cancer Micrometastasis Using Carcinoembryonic Antigen Marker. Chest 2005; 128:1539-44. [PMID: 16162755 DOI: 10.1378/chest.128.3.1539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The survival of patients with surgically resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not optimal, probably because of unsuspected systemic occult tumor dissemination. The current applied technologies and methods for scanning the body and examining lymph nodes for tumor cells have broadly recognized limitations. Several studies have reported that it is possible to detect occult lymph node metastases (micrometastases) using more sensitive methods such as immunohistochemistry or molecular technology. The aim of our study was to evaluate the utility of quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) messenger RNA (mRNA) for detection of lymph node micrometastases and its impact on disease-free interval. METHODS Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for CEA mRNA was performed on primary lung tumors and regional lymph nodes from 44 surgically resected NSCLC patients classified as clinical stage I. Fourteen lymph nodes from five patients without malignancy were used as controls. The end point of clinical analysis was cancer recurrence. Average follow-up was 22.5 months. RESULTS CEA mRNA was detected in all but four lymph nodes used as controls. All primary tumors were positive for CEA mRNA. Of 261 lymph nodes analyzed, 35 lymph nodes (13.4%) showed CEA mRNA levels higher than those detected in control lymph nodes and were considered positive for micrometastasis. Survival analysis by micrometastases showed less cancer recurrences in patients with lymph nodes negative for CEA mRNA (log rank, 5.3; p = 0.021). Among tumor type, tumor grading, age, sex, and molecularly detected lymph node micrometastases, the most powerful predictor of cancer recurrences was the presence of micrometastases (Cox proportional hazard, 3.3; p = 0.027). CONCLUSION Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for CEA mRNA can be applied for detection of micrometastases in lymph nodes. This technique may be an appropriate tool in predicting cancer recurrences, and further studies are warranted to determine the most useful clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Nosotti
- Division of Thoracic Surgery IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Bosari S, Falleni M, Pellegrini C, Romagnoli S, Santambrogio L, Nosotti M, Coggi G. Pleura: basi molecolari. Pleura: molecular bases. Pathologica 2005; 97:171. [PMID: 16440636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Bosari
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, Division of Pathology, University of Milan, A.O.S. Paolo and Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milano, Italy
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Falleni M, Pellegrini C, Marchetti A, Roncalli M, Nosotti M, Palleschi A, Santambrogio L, Coggi G, Bosari S. Quantitative evaluation of the apoptosis regulating genes Survivin, Bcl-2 and Bax in inflammatory and malignant pleural lesions. Lung Cancer 2004; 48:211-6. [PMID: 15829320 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2004.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2004] [Revised: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 10/14/2004] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to identify defects in the programmed cell death pathway that can be related to pleural malignant mesothelioma (MM) unresponsiveness to chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We quantified mRNA levels of the apoptosis regulating genes Survivin, member of the IAP family, Bcl-2 and Bax, members of the Bcl-2 family. We studied 22 non-neoplastic pleural samples, comprising normal and inflammatory tissue specimens, and 42 pleural MMs using real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Very low mRNA levels of each apoptotic gene were detected in all normal pleural samples. All three genes displayed increased mRNA levels in inflammatory and tumor specimens. Survivin levels in pleuritis and MMs were significantly increased (333% and 908%, respectively) compared to normal counterparts (p=0.0147 and 0.00349, respectively). Bcl-2 and Bax levels were increased in inflammatory pleural samples (394%, p=0.001 and 188%, p=ns, respectively) and in MMs (94%, p=ns and 88%, p=0.0163, respectively). The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was higher in pleuritis than in MMs, compared to normal pleurae (441%, p=ns and 22%, p=ns, respectively); the difference between Bcl-2/Bax ratio in inflammatory and neoplastic pleural samples was significant (p=0.00375). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that apoptotic defects in pleural MMs are linked to increased levels of Survivin, whereas variations in Bcl-2 and Bax expression appear less significant, although further studies are needed to highlight Bcl-2 family members interactions in apoptosis control. Survivin progressive accumulation from normal pleura to MM suggests this gene may be important in mesothelial cancerogenesis. Survivin overexpression may also be involved in pleural MM resistance to oncological therapies. Therefore, Survivin may represent a promising novel target for selective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Falleni
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, Division of Pathology, University of Milan, AO San Paolo e IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Via A. Di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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40
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Pellegrini C, Falleni M, Marchetti A, Cassani B, Miozzo M, Buttitta F, Roncalli M, Coggi G, Bosari S. HER-2/Neu alterations in non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive evaluation by real time reverse transcription-PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Clin Cancer Res 2003; 9:3645-52. [PMID: 14506153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Amplification and/or overexpression of HER2/neu have been documented in many types of epithelial tumor, and HER2/neu evaluation is now gaining importance, because this mechanisms of disease can be inhibited in vivo using humanized monoclonal antibodies. The main purpose of our investigation includes the evaluation of the prevalence of HER2/neu alterations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at different molecular levels. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a comprehensive investigation of HER2/neu alterations in a series of 115 NSCLC, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS HER2/neu immunoreactivity was detected in 26 of 115 of specimens (23%), with 5 carcinomas (4%) showing intense staining. Real time RT-PCR demonstrated HER2/neu mRNA in all samples analyzed, with levels above normal in 54 of 115 of carcinomas (47%). FISH documented HER2/neu gene amplification in 9 of 41 carcinomas (22%). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that HER2/neu alterations occur in NSCLC, albeit with significantly different prevalence depending on the technical assay used for the assessment. It is therefore likely that inhibitory monoclonal antibodies will be appropriate in the treatment of a subgroup of NSCLC patients. The results suggest that other mechanisms unrelated to gene amplification could be responsible for HER2/neu mRNA or protein overexpression. FISH, real time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry are complementary techniques for the evaluation of HER2/neu activation, useful for the identification of the subgroup of patients to be treated. The real time RT-PCR assay is very sensitive and requires minimal amounts of tissue for testing, and additional studies should evaluate its clinical application for patient evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Pellegrini
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, A.O. S. Paolo and IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, 20142 Milan, Italy
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Falleni M, Pellegrini C, Marchetti A, Oprandi B, Buttitta F, Barassi F, Santambrogio L, Coggi G, Bosari S. Survivin gene expression in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. J Pathol 2003; 200:620-6. [PMID: 12898598 DOI: 10.1002/path.1388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, overexpressed in most human malignancies and implicated in mitosis regulation and preservation of cell viability. In order to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of survivin in early-stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), survivin mRNA levels and protein expression were evaluated, using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in a series of 83 patients with stage I (IA and IB) surgically resected NSCLC. Detectable survivin mRNA levels could be demonstrated in all non-neoplastic lung tissue samples and in the tumours analysed. Survivin mRNA levels were elevated in 80 carcinomas (96%) compared to normal lung (p = 0.008). Among all tumours, survivin transcripts were present at a higher level in squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.0022). Cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreactivity was found in 70% and 80% of tumours, respectively and both were present in 54%. Cytoplasmic immunoreactivity correlated with tumour stage (p = 0.019). Survivin expression levels did not correlate with patient survival. In one specimen, cytoplasmic and focal nuclear immunostaining was observed in dysplastic bronchial squamous metaplasia. These results document that survivin overexpression is almost always present in early-stage NSCLC, suggesting that this protein may play a role in lung tumourigenesis. This ubiquitous expression makes survivin an appealing new target for novel therapies in lung cancer. In addition, this study also documents that survivin overexpression could be exploited for diagnostic purposes and that quantitative real-time RT-PCR can be a useful tool for evaluating survivin activation in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Falleni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dental Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Milan, AO S Paolo, Via A Di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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Marchetti A, Pellegrini C, Buttitta F, Falleni M, Romagnoli S, Felicioni L, Barassi F, Salvatore S, Chella A, Angeletti CA, Roncalli M, Coggi G, Bosari S. Prediction of survival in stage I lung carcinoma patients by telomerase function evaluation. J Transl Med 2002; 82:729-36. [PMID: 12065683 DOI: 10.1097/01.lab.0000017165.26718.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activity and telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression are elevated in human malignancies. We have investigated telomerase activity measured by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay and hTERT levels by real-time RT-PCR in stage I non-small-cell lung carcinomas. The purposes of our study included the comparison of these two techniques in the assessment of telomerase function and the evaluation of their prognostic significance. Telomerase activity and hTERT levels were determined in 90 stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients, using TRAP assay and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Variables were analyzed by the chi(2) and Fisher exact tests. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed with the Cox's proportional hazards model. Telomerase activity was elevated in 60 (67%) carcinomas. hTERT was elevated in 43 (48%) carcinomas. Only 21 (23%) tumors had low telomerase function by both TRAP and hTERT expression levels. Telomerase activity and hTERT were significantly correlated (p = 0.017), although 35 cases displayed discordant results. Both telomerase activity and hTERT levels were significantly associated with poor patient overall and disease-free survival (p = 0.019 and p = 0.018 for TRAP, and p = 0.011 and p = 0.012 for hTERT, respectively). Among the 21 patients with tumors displaying low telomerase function, defined by both TRAP and hTERT expression levels, only one succumbed to the disease (p = 0.0053). Our results suggest that the two techniques used in this study evaluate separate aspects of telomerase function and their combination provides powerful prognostic information in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marchetti
- Department of Oncology and Neurosciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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Abstract
Clear cell mesothelioma is an extremely rare neoplasm of the pleura, which can easily be mistaken for a metastasis of clear cell carcinoma to the pleura. We report here the histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural aspects of a new case of clear cell pleural mesothelioma in a 52-year-old man with no known asbestos exposure. He was admitted to the hospital for recurrent pleural effusion, which was negative for neoplastic cells at the cytologic examination. A partial decortication of the right pleura was performed. The morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features reported for this case are consistent with the diagnosis of clear cell mesothelioma. The differential diagnosis and immunohistochemical features in comparison with other clear cell neoplasms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dessy
- Department of Toxicology, Section of Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Milan, Italy.
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44
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Falleni M, Roz E, Dessy E, Del Curto B, Braidotti P, Gianelli U, Pietra GG. Primary intrathoracic meningioma: histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of two cases. Virchows Arch 2001; 439:196-200. [PMID: 11561761 DOI: 10.1007/s004280000387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Meningiomas are common, usually benign slow-growing neoplasms of the central nervous system thought to arise from meningocytes capping arachnoid villi. Primary ectopic meningiomas are exceedingly rare extracranial and extraspinal tumors of controversial origin; they are usually limited to the head and neck region or to the paravertebral soft tissues. Only one mediastinal ectopic meningioma and few pulmonary ectopic meningiomas have been described in the literature until now. Because of their rarity and their intriguing pathogenesis, we report here a second case of primary mediastinal meningioma and an additional case of primary pulmonary meningioma. Their possible origin and differential diagnosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Falleni
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, San Paolo Hospital, Italy.
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45
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Dessy E, Falleni M, Del Curto B, Braidotti P, Pietra GG. [Surfactant protein and thyroid transcription factor 1 in pleuro-pulmonary neoplasia. Immunohistochemical study]. Pathologica 2000; 92:496-502. [PMID: 11234300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim of this work was to investigate the ability of the antibodies against Surfactant proteins (SP) and Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) to distinguish primary neoplasms of the lung from metastatic carcinomas to the lung and pleural mesotheliomas. We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of the antibodies anti SP-A, SP-B, pro SP-C, SP-D, and TTF-1 in a series of 56 primary lung carcinomas, 9 metastatic carcinomas to the lung, 5 pleural mesotheliomas and 8 non-pulmonary carcinomas. Among primary lung neoplasms, only adenocarcinomas immunostained for all SP (specificity = 1; total sensitivity = 0.52). TTF-1 had an excellent specificity (= 1), but a weak sensitivity (= 0.34) in recognizing primary lung carcinomas. TTF-1 was present in lung adenocarcinomas which were negative for SPs; however it failed to distinguish the subtypes. Pleural mesotheliomas, pulmonary metastases and non-pulmonary carcinomas were not immunoreactive for SP-A, SP-B, SP-D, and TTF-1. Pro SP-C was positive also in the adenocarcinomas of the large bowel and in their pulmonary and nodal metastases. These results demonstrate that the combined use of antibodies anti SP-A, SP-B and TTF-1 is the best association in distinguishing primary lung carcinomas from metastatic carcinomas to the lung and pleural mesotheliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dessy
- Dipartimento di Tossicologia, Sezione di Oncologia e Patologia molecolare, Università di Cagliari e Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerche Oncologische, Università di Milano
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46
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Dessy E, Braidotti P, Del Curto B, Falleni M, Coggi G, Santa Cruz G, Carai A, Versace R, Pietra GG. Peripheral papillary tumor of type-II pneumocytes: a rare neoplasm of undetermined malignant potential. Virchows Arch 2000; 436:289-95. [PMID: 10782889 DOI: 10.1007/s004280050043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral papillary adenomas of the lung are uncommon neoplasms (only ten cases have been described so far in the English literature) composed predominantly of type-II pneumocytes and generally considered benign. We describe here two additional cases of this lung tumor. In both cases histological examination revealed an encapsulated papillary neoplasm with invasion of the capsule and, in one case, invasion of the adjacent alveoli and visceral pleura too. The proliferative index (Ki67) was less than 2% and the epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratins, surfactant apoproteins (SP), and nuclear thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF- 1). Ultrastructurally, the epithelial cells showed the characteristic surface microvilli and cytoplasmic lamellar inclusions of type-II cells. Review of the literature has revealed two other cases of peripheral papillary adenoma of type-II pneumocytes with infiltrative features. Thus, we propose replacing the term peripheral papillary adenoma with peripheral papillary tumor of undetermined malignant potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dessy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the value of Pathfinder (CompuCyte, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A.) in improving adequacy and accuracy of screening and supporting quality control programs. STUDY DESIGN The investigations were carried out on cervical cytologic smears only. Screening adequacy was assessed through the evaluation of percentage of slide coverage, percentage of overlapping and amount of elapsed time on smears screened with or without the Pathfinder by junior (426 cases) and senior (1,552 cases) screeners. Screening accuracy was investigated by comparing the performances of the same observer when reexamining, with the Pathfinder, a series of 1,051 cases already evaluated without the Pathfinder at least three months earlier. The review process was analyzed by both monitoring the elapsed time for relocation of manually or electronically marked cells (824 fields in 80 smears) and by comparing diagnostic discrepancies after the review of two series (74 + 74 cases) of randomly selected negative cases screened with or without Pathfinder. RESULTS Pathfinder-assisted screening increased the number of cases with optimal slide coverage (> or = 90% of screenable area) and optimal overlapping (between 15% and 20%) by both junior (P < .00001 and P < .00001) and senior (P < .00001 and P < .0003) screeners. It also improved screening accuracy by decreasing the number of cases "unsatisfactory for evaluation" (P < .00001) (as a consequence of better coverage and overlapping) and the number of diagnostic discrepancies detected after review (P = .05). During the latter process, the time elapsed for relocation of electronically marked fields, as compared to manually marked ones, was greatly reduced (1 hour, 25 minutes saved for revision of 40 smears). CONCLUSION In these preliminary studies, the Pathfinder was a useful tool for both education and diagnosis (screening and review) in a cytology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Coggi
- Department of Pathology, University of Milan Medical School, S. Paulo Biomedical Science Institute, Italy
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Bianca A, Carboni N, Di Carlo V, Falleni M, Ferrero S, Liverani C, Staudacher C, Turra G, Vergani D, Zerbi A. Pancreatic malignant melanoma with occult primary lesion. A case report. Pathologica 1992; 84:531-7. [PMID: 1491895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A case of unusual location of a M.M. in the head of pancreas is described. Evidence of a primary lesion was not achieved, still we incline to retain this case as a metastatic malignant melanoma with occult primary location.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bianca
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, State University of Milan, Italy
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49
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Barbareschi M, Frigo B, Aldovini D, Leonardi E, Cristina S, Falleni M. Duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. Report of a case and review of the literature. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol 1989; 416:81-9. [PMID: 2479167 DOI: 10.1007/bf01606473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A case of gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) of the ampulla of Vater is reported and the literature reviewed, with special attention to immunohistochemical studies. The present case, which occurred in a 56-year-old woman, shows the typical histological admixture of epithelioid, ganglion and spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry reveals strong reactivity for synaptophysin, Leu-7, somatostatin, S-100 protein and vimentin. A few ganglion cells are reactive for neurofilaments. Chromogranin A, myelin basic protein, desmin and cytokeratin are absent. Immunohistochemical data from literature regarding the cytoskeletal composition of GPs are not unequivocal: cytokeratin and neurofilament positivity is reported by some authors and denied by others. More uniformity is reported concerning the peptides produced by GPs: somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide are the most frequently found antigens, followed by serotonin. General neuroendocrine markers like neuron specific enolase and protein gene product 9.5 are always positive, whereas chromogranins are rarely found. S-100 protein is always positive in the spindle cell component. Our data are in keeping with those previously reported and add the diffuse positivity for the Leu-7 antigen and the positivity of ganglion cells for synaptophysin. The nature of the tumour is still a matter of debate and it is difficult to agree with either of the proposed hypotheses--hamartoma/choristoma versus true neoplasm. However the recent reports of the occasional malignant evolution of GPs may support their true neoplastic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barbareschi
- 3rd Chair of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Italy
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