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Casarrubea M, Radic M, Morais TP, Mifsud E, Cuboni E, Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Crunelli V, Di Giovanni G. A quantitative and T-pattern analysis of anxiety-like behavior in male GAERS, NEC, and Wistar rats bred under the same conditions, against a commercially available Wistar control group in the hole board and elevated plus maze tests. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14443. [PMID: 37658671 PMCID: PMC10916429 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14443] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) are an inbred polygenic model of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), which, as their non-epileptic control (NEC) rats, are derived from Wistar rats. While the validity of GAERS in reproducing absence seizures is well established, its use as a model for CAE psychiatric comorbidities has been subject to conflicting findings. Differences in colonies, experimental procedures, and the use of diverse controls from different breeders may account for these disparities. Therefore, in this study, we compared GAERS, NEC, and Wistar bred in the same animal facility with commercially available Wistar (Cm Wistar) as a third control. METHODS We performed hole board (HB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests that were analyzed with standard quantitative and T-pattern analysis in male, age-matched Cm Wistar and GAERS, NEC, and Wistar, bred under the same conditions, to rule out the influence of different housing factors and provide extra information on the structure of anxiety-like behavior of GAERS rats. RESULTS Quantitative analysis showed that GAERS and NEC had similar low anxiety-like behavior when compared to Cm Wistar but not to Wistar rats, although a higher hole-focused exploration was revealed in NEC. T-pattern analysis showed that GAERS, NEC, and Wistar had a similar anxiety status, whereas GAERS and NEC exhibited major differences with Cm Wistar but not Wistar rats. EPM results indicated that GAERS and NEC also have similar low anxiety compared to Cm Wistar and/or Wistar rats. Nevertheless, the analysis of the T-pattern containing open-arm entry showed GAERS and Wistar to be less anxious than NEC and Cm Wistar rats. CONCLUSION To summarize, comorbid anxiety may not be present in male GAERS rats. This study also highlighted the importance of including a control Wistar group bred under the same conditions when evaluating their behavior, as using Wistar rats from commercial breeders can lead to misleading results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Manuela Radic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- Present address:
Department of PaediatricsChildren's Hospital ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Tatiana P Morais
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
| | - Erika Mifsud
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
| | - Eleonora Cuboni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- Present address:
Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburgGermany
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience DivisionCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience DivisionCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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Casarrubea M, Di Giovanni G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. The hole-board apparatus in the study of anxiety. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114346. [PMID: 37690695 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114346] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders pose a significant challenge in contemporary society, and their impact in terms of social and economic burden is overwhelming. Behavioral research conducted on animal subjects is crucial for comprehending these disorders and, from a translational standpoint, for introducing innovative therapeutic approaches. In this context, the Hole-Board apparatus has emerged as a widely utilized test for studying anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Although a substantial body of literature underscores the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board in anxiety research, recent decades have witnessed a range of studies that have led to uncertainties and misinterpretations regarding the validity of this behavioral assay. The objective of this review is twofold: firstly, to underscore the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board assay, and concurrently, to examine the underlying factors contributing to potential misconceptions surrounding its utilization in the study of anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. We will present results from both conventional quantitative analyses and multivariate approaches, while referencing a comprehensive collection of studies conducted using the Hole-Board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy
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Casarrubea M, Leca JB, Gunst N, Jonsson GK, Portell M, Di Giovanni G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. Structural analyses in the study of behavior: From rodents to non-human primates. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1033561. [PMID: 36467208 PMCID: PMC9716108 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1033561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The term "structure" indicates a set of components that, in relation to each other, shape an organic complex. Such a complex takes on essential connotations of functionally unitary entity resulting from the mutual relationships of its constituent elements. In a broader sense, we can use the word "structure" to define the set of relationships among the elements of an emergent system that is not determined by the mere algebraic sum of these elements, but by the interdependence relationships of these components from which the function of the entire structure itself derives. The behavior of an integrated living being can be described in structural terms via an ethogram, defined as an itemized list of behavioral units. Akin to an architectural structure, a behavioral structure arises from the reciprocal relationships that the individual units of behavior establish. Like an architectural structure, the function of the resulting behaving complex emerges from the relationships of the parts. Hence, studying behavior in its wholeness necessitates not only the identification of its constitutive units in their autarchic individuality, but also, and importantly, some understanding of their relationships. This paper aimed to critically review different methods to study behavior in structural terms. First, we emphasized the utilization of T-pattern analysis, i.e., one of the most effective and reliable tools to provide structural information on behavior. Second, we discussed the application of other methodological approaches that are based on the analysis of transition matrices, such as hierarchical clustering, stochastic analyses, and adjusted residuals. Unlike T-pattern analysis, these methods allow researchers to explore behavioral structure beyond its temporal characteristics and through other relational constraints. After an overview of how these methods are used in the study of animal behavior, from rodents to non-human primates, we discussed the specificities, advantages and challenges of each approach. This paper could represent a useful background for all scientists who intend to study behavior both quantitatively and structurally, that is in terms of the reciprocal relationships that the various units of a given behavioral repertoire normally weave together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jean-Baptiste Leca
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- School of Natural and Engineering Sciences, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, India
| | - Noëlle Gunst
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Gudberg K. Jonsson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Killackey T, Kohut SA, Morgan C, Gill N, Aiello S, Alonso-Gonzalez R, Graham J, Veloso L, Desbiens C, Desbiens C, Stinson J. VIRTUAL PEER-TO-PEER MENTORING FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: AN IMPLEMENTATION STUDY. Can J Cardiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.08.220] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
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Aiello S, Vagni D, Cerasa A, Leonardi E, Carrozza C, Famà F, Campisi A, Marino F, Siracusano R, Alquino MA, Mainiero F, Germano E, Tartarisco G, Pioggia G, Gagliano A, Ruta L. Autistic Traits and Empathy in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:734177. [PMID: 34887721 PMCID: PMC8649805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.734177] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are two of the most represented neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood. The diagnostic shift introduced by the DSM-5, allowing a combined diagnosis of ADHD and ASD, poses different clinical challenges related to diagnostic overshadowing, accuracy of clinical judgment and potential delay in an ASD diagnosis in children presenting with ADHD. Here we tried to disentangle the clinical phenotype and specificity of the two co-occurring conditions in relation to autism traits and empathy, by comparing children with ASD with and without comorbid ADHD with children presenting ADHD only and children with typical development. The child versions of the Autism Quotient (C-AQ) and Empathy Quotient (C-EQ) were administered to a total sample of 198 male children between 6 and 14 years old with age appropriate language skills and normal intelligence. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the C-AQ total and subscale scores as well as the C-EQ between children with ASD and children with ASD + ADHD, while children with ADHD alone presented an intermediate phenotype between ASD and TD. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to discriminate among the different phenotypes. We found that the C-AQ and C-EQ were accurate at distinguishing with satisfactory reliability between: (a) ASD vs. non- ASD (N-ASD) groups comprising both ADHD and TD children (Area Under the Curve AUC 88% for C-AQ and 81% for C-EQ); (b) ASD and TD (AUC 92% for C-AQ and 95% for C-EQ); (c) ASD and ADHD (AUC 80% for C-AQ and 68% for C-EQ). Our data confirm the reliability of the C-AQ and C-EQ as behavioral markers to differentiate ASD (regardless of comorbid ADHD) from an ADHD condition and TD. Interestingly, in our sample an ADHD condition does not increase the severity of the clinical phenotype in terms of autism traits distribution and empathy, suggesting that the psychological measures detected by the two quantitative instruments are independent of ADHD traits. This evidence will contribute to the translational efforts in developing better tailored treatments and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy.,S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy.,Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | - Elisa Leonardi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Carrozza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Famà
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Agrippina Campisi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Flavia Marino
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Siracusano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Federico II University Hospital Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ausilia Alquino
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Mainiero
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Germano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liliana Ruta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
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Casarrubea M, Davies C, Pierucci M, Colangeli R, Deidda G, Santangelo A, Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Di Giovanni G. The impact of chronic daily nicotine exposure and its overnight withdrawal on the structure of anxiety-related behaviors in rats: Role of the lateral habenula. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110131. [PMID: 33039434 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a serious health problem worldwide and a leading cause of mortality. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, affects a range of emotional responses, including anxiety-related behaviors. Although perceived by smokers to be anxiolytic, evidence suggests that smoking increases anxiety and that mood fluctuates with nicotine intake. Thus, nicotine addiction may depend on easing the psychobiological distress caused by its abuse. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated as a neural substrate for acute nicotine-induced anxiety, but its role in anxiety-like behaviors associated with chronic nicotine exposure has not been explored. Here, we assessed the effect of chronic nicotine exposure and its subsequent overnight withdrawal on anxiety-like behavior using both quantitative and multivariate T-pattern analysis in rats tested using the hole-board apparatus. Additionally, we explored the role of the LHb by comparing the behavioral effects of short-term nicotine withdrawal in chronically treated LHb-lesioned rats. Quantitative analysis revealed increased anxiety-like behavior in chronically treated overnight nicotine-deprived rats, as manifested in reduced general and focused exploratory behaviors, which was eased in animals that received nicotine. Quantitative analysis failed to reveal a role of the LHb in overnight nicotine deprivation-induced anxiety. Conversely, T-pattern analysis of behavioral outcomes revealed that chronic nicotine-treated rats still show anxiety-like behavior following nicotine challenge. Moreover, it demonstrated that the LHb lesion induced a stronger anxiolytic-like response to the acute challenge of nicotine in chronically nicotine-exposed animals, implicating the LHb in the anxiogenic effect of chronic nicotine exposure. These data further highlight the LHb as a promising target for smoking cessation therapies and support the importance of T-pattern analysis for behavioral analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Caitlin Davies
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Massimo Pierucci
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Roberto Colangeli
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Deidda
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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Santangelo A, Monteleone AM, Casarrubea M, Cassioli E, Castellini G, Crescimanno G, Aiello S, Ruzzi V, Cascino G, Marciello F, Ricca V. Recurring sequences of multimodal non-verbal and verbal communication during a human psycho-social stress test: A temporal pattern analysis. Physiol Behav 2020; 221:112907. [PMID: 32275912 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112907] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a widely used protocol to study human psycho-social stress responses. Quantitative reports of non-verbal behaviors have been carried out by means of the Ethological Coding System for Interviews (ECSI). However, no data have described whether and how non-verbal and verbal behaviors take part in the composition of multimodal sequences of communication during the test. METHOD Five non-verbal ECSI categories and four verbal behaviors related with communication were included in the Ethogram. A focal sampling was employed to ensure a high temporal resolution of the behavioral annotation. T-Pattern Analysis was employed to detect statistically-grounded behavioral sequences. RESULTS As a first step, frequency, overall duration and mean time length were reported for each component of the Ethogram. Besides, T-Pattern Analysis revealed that communication during TSST is organized according to a complex temporal patterning. We found 51 different sequences (T-patterns): 8 T-patterns included exclusively non-verbal behaviors; 17 T-patterns included verbal behaviors and 26 T-patterns encompassed mixed non-verbal and verbal behaviors. T-patterns were discussed depending on their putative functional meaning since non-verbal behaviors almost did not overlap within patterns. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of an Ethogram including non-verbal and verbal components highlights the multimodal human communication in TSST. T-Pattern Analysis unveils the real-time interplay among these components. In this study results are discussed according to Jakobson's six constitutive factors of communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Santangelo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | | | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valeria Ruzzi
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giammarco Cascino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Section of Neurosciences, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Marciello
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Section of Neurosciences, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Castañer M, Aiello S, Prat Q, Andueza J, Crescimanno G, Camerino O. Impulsivity and physical activity: A T-Pattern detection of motor behavior profiles. Physiol Behav 2020; 219:112849. [PMID: 32088173 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112849] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The relation between impulsivity and physical activity has been scantly investigated. Actually, during physical activity, several goals are achieved on the basis of a certain dose of impulsiveness. This study detects motor and interactive behavior profiles from athletes with traits of impulsiveness, moderate impulsiveness and non-impulsiveness, performing open motor tasks concerning material, space and interaction behaviors. A specific test was administered to assess the impulsivity profiles of athletes; then the Observational System of Motor Skills, Space, Time and Interaction (OSMOSTI), was used to observe and detect movement sequences patterns throughout T-Pattern detection and analysis (TPA). Recent researches have shown that TPA is a suitable approach to study physical activity in different contexts related, for instance, to sport, dance or exergames. Results of TPA revealed that open motor situations enhance motor behavior profiles especially by comparing participants with different impulsiveness. T-Patterns of non-impulsiveness and moderate impulsiveness traits emphasized much more the executive functions of response inhibition, working memory and mental shifting. In this study we pointed out on how impulsiveness, as a candent trait, traditionally considered that leads to a precipitation, unplanned and risky actions could enhance adequate responses to goal achievements if we consider it far to be a disorder on sport and similar subjects. The tool OSMOSTI and TPA used to observe diverse degrees of impulsivity have evidenced objectively the aim of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Queralt Prat
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain.
| | - Juan Andueza
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
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Casarrubea M, Faulisi F, Raso G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. Early alterations of the behavioural structure of mice affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and tested in open-field. Behav Brain Res 2020; 386:112609. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Di Giovanni G, Casarrubea M. T-patterns in the study of movement and behavioral disorders. Physiol Behav 2019; 215:112790. [PMID: 31870941 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the present review is to offer an outline of the application of T-pattern analysis (TPA) in the study of neurological disorders characterized by anomalies of movement and, more in general, of behavior. TPA is a multivariate technique to detect real time patterns of behavior on the basis of statistically significant constraints among the events in sequence. TPA is particularly suitable to analyse the structure of behavior. The application of TPA to study movement and behavioral disorders is able to offer, with a high level of detail, hidden characteristics of behavior otherwise impossible to detect. For its intrinsic features, TPA is completely different not only from quantitative evaluations of behavior such as assessments of frequencies, durations, percent distributions etc. of individual behavioral components, but also from the largest extent of multivariate approaches based, for instance, on the analysis of transition matrices. Various applications of TPA in the study of behavior in human patients and in animal models of neurological disorders are discussed. TPA is a suitable tool to study the movement and behavioral disorders. This review represents a useful background for researchers, therapists, physicians etc. who intend to use this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratotry of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Casarrubea M, Aiello S, Santangelo A, Di Giovanni G, Crescimanno G. Different Representation Procedures Originated from Multivariate Temporal Pattern Analysis of the Behavioral Response to Pain in Wistar Rats Tested in a Hot-Plate under Morphine. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E233. [PMID: 31547468 PMCID: PMC6770233 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9090233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal pattern analysis is an advanced multivariate technique able to investigate the structure of behavior by unveiling the existence of statistically significant constraints among the interval length separating events in sequence. If on the one hand, such an approach allows investigating the behavioral response to pain in its most intimate and inner features, on the other hand, due to the meaning of the studies on pain, it is of relevant importance that the results utilize intuitive and easily comprehensible ways of representation. The aim of this paper is to show various procedures useful to represent the results originating from the multivariate T-pattern analysis of the behavioral response to pain in Wistar rats tested in a hot-plate and IP injected morphine or saline as a control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida 2080, Malta.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
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12
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Casarrubea M, Aiello S, Di Giovanni G, Santangelo A, Palacino M, Crescimanno G. Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Data in the Study of Feeding Behavior in Male Wistar Rats. Front Psychol 2019; 10:881. [PMID: 31068869 PMCID: PMC6491709 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step in a behavioral study is represented by the organization of a suitable ethogram, that is, a formal description of individual components of the behavior. Then, each component of such a behavioral repertoire can be quantified (e.g., how many times it occurs, its duration, percent distribution, latency, etc.). However, it is our contention that the possibility to describe the behavior of a living being by means of hundreds or even thousands of numbers concerning isolated components, disjointed from the comprehensive behavioral architecture, does not imply the possibility to use those numbers to reconstruct the meaning of behavior. Such a level of comprehension requires a qualitative approach based on the analysis of behavioral structure and its underlying dynamics. By means of synergic utilization of quantitative and qualitative data a more complete description of a given behavior becomes available. In present study we discuss results obtained from observations of feeding behavior in two groups of male Wistar rats: a control group, under standard diet, and a second group, under hyperglycidic one. Results have been presented both in terms of quantitative evaluations and in terms of structural/qualitative ones, the latter obtained by means of T-pattern detection and analysis. As to quantitative results, mean durations showed a significant reduction of Walking and Feeding and an increase of Hind-Paw Licking and Body Grooming; concerning mean occurrences, a significant increase of Front-Paw Licking, Hind-Paw Licking, and Body Grooming was present; percent distributions showed significant reductions for Walking and Feeding and a significant increase for all grooming activities. As to qualitative assessments, T-pattern analysis unveiled a clear-cut behavioral reorganization induced by the hyperglycidic diet. If on the one hand, 50 different T-patterns were detected in subjects under standard diet, on the other hand, 703 different T-patterns were discovered in animals under hyperglycidic treatment, with a highly significant increase of mean lengths and a significant reduction of mean occurrences of T-patterns. Synergic evaluation of results in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects shows, in rats fed with hyperglycidic diet, an increased anxiety condition, likely dependent on food-related stimuli and suggestive of a pervasive craving-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Manfredi Palacino
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Pini M, Aiello S, Manotti C, Pattacini C, Quintavalla R, Poli T, Tagliaferri A, Dettoi AG. Low Molecular Weight Heparin versus Warfarin in the Prevention of Recurrences after Deep Vein Thrombosis. Thromb Haemost 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
SummaryTo evaluate the role of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as an alternative to oral anticoagulants in the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism, we compared in a randomized trial conventional warfarin treatment with a three-month course of enoxaparin 4000 anti-Xa units once a day subcutaneously. 187 patients with symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), diagnosed by strain-gauge plethysmography plus D-dimer latex assay and confirmed by venography in most cases, were treated with full-dose subcutaneous heparin for ten days and then randomized to secondary prophylaxis. During the 3-month treatment period, 6 of the 93 patients who received LMWH (6%) and 4 of the 94 patients on warfarin (4%) had symptomatic recurrence of venous thromboembolism confirmed by objective testing (p = 0.5; 95% confidence interval [Cl] for the difference, -3% to 7%). Four patients in the LMWH group had bleeding complications as compared with 12 in the warfarin group (p = 0.04; 95% Cl for the difference, 4% to 14%). In the 9-month follow-up period, during which 34 patients on warfarin prolonged treatment for other 3 months and 14 up to one year, 10 patients in the enoxaparin group and 4 patients in the warfarin group suffered a documented recurrence of venous thromboembolism. Of these 14 late recurrences, just one occurred in patients with postoperative DVT. After one year there were 16 recurrences (17%) in the LMWH group and 8 (9%) in the warfarin group (p = 0.07; 95% Cl for the difference, 1% to 16%).These results confirm the potential of LMWH as an alternative to oral anticoagulants in this setting, and suggest to evaluate in a prospective study a slightly higher dose of enoxaparin in patients with postoperative DVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pini
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - S Aiello
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - C Manotti
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - C Pattacini
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - R Quintavalla
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - T Poli
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - A Tagliaferri
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - A G Dettoi
- The V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
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14
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Casarrubea M, Magnusson MS, Anguera MT, Jonsson GK, Castañer M, Santangelo A, Palacino M, Aiello S, Faulisi F, Raso G, Puigarnau S, Camerino O, Di Giovanni G, Crescimanno G. T-pattern detection and analysis for the discovery of hidden features of behaviour. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 310:24-32. [PMID: 29935197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The behaviour of all living beings consists of hidden patterns in time; consequently, its nature and its underlying dynamics are intrinsically difficult to be perceived and detected by the unaided observer. METHOD Such a scientific challenge calls for improved means of detection, data handling and analysis. By using a powerful and versatile technique known as T-pattern detection and analysis (TPA) it is possible to unveil hidden relationships among the behavioural events in time. RESULTS TPA is demonstrated to be a solid and versatile tool to study the deep structure of behaviour in different experimental contexts, both in human and non human subjects. CONCLUSION This review deepens and extends contents recently published by adding new concepts and examples concerning the applications of TPA in the study of behaviour both in human and non-human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy.
| | - M S Magnusson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M T Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - G K Jonsson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Castañer
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia) and IRBLLEIDA (Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation), University of Lleida, Spain
| | - A Santangelo
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy; Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Palacino
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - S Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - F Faulisi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - G Raso
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy
| | - S Puigarnau
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia) and IRBLLEIDA (Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation), University of Lleida, Spain
| | - O Camerino
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia) and IRBLLEIDA (Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation), University of Lleida, Spain
| | - G Di Giovanni
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - G Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neurosciences (Bio.Ne.C.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Italy
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15
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Tomasoni S, Trionfini P, Azzollini N, Zentilin L, Giacca M, Aiello S, Longaretti L, Cozzi E, Baldan N, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. AAV9-mediated engineering of autotransplanted kidney of non-human primates. Gene Ther 2017; 24:308-313. [PMID: 28346435 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo gene transfer to the graft before transplantation is an attractive option for circumventing systemic side effects of chronic antirejection therapy. Gene delivery of the immunomodulatory protein cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) prevented chronic kidney rejection in a rat model of allotransplantation without the need for systemic immunosuppression. Here we generated adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) and AAV9 vectors encoding for LEA29Y, an optimized version of CTLA4-Ig. Both LEA29Y vectors were equally efficient for reducing T-cell proliferation in vitro. Serotype 9 was chosen for in vivo experiments owing to a lower frequency of preformed antibodies against the AAV9 capsid in 16 non-human primate tested sera. AAV9-LEA29Y was able to transduce the kidney of non-human primates in an autotransplantation model. Expression of LEA29Y mRNA by renal cells translated into the production of the corresponding protein, which was confined to the graft but not detected in serum. Results in non-human primates represent a step forward in maintaining the portability of this strategy into clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tomasoni
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
| | - P Trionfini
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
| | - N Azzollini
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
| | - L Zentilin
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - M Giacca
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - S Aiello
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
| | - L Longaretti
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
| | - E Cozzi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Transplant Immunology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padova, Italy.,Consortium for Research in Organ Transplantation (CORIT), Padua, Italy
| | - N Baldan
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, Padua University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - G Remuzzi
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy.,Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Benigni
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Bergamo, Italy
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16
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Giammanco M, Aiello S, Casuccio A, La Guardia M, Cicero L, Puleio R, Vazzana I, Tomasello G, Cassata G, Leto G, Di Majo D. Effects of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine on the liver of high fat diet fed rats. J Biol Res 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/jbr.2016.5667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies have highlighted that the administration of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) to rats fed diets rich in lipids induces a decrease of cholesterol and triglycerides plasma levels and body weight (BW) without inducing liver steatosis. On the basis of these observations we carried out some experimental <em>in vivo</em> studies to assess the effects of multiple high doses of T2 on the pituitary thyroid axis of rats fed diet rich in lipids. Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five animals each. The first group (N group) received standard diet, the second group was fed with a high fat diet (HFD group), while the third group (HFDT2 group) was additionally given T2 intraperitoneally at a dose level of 70 µg/100 g of BW three times a week up to four weeks. At the end of the treatment, blood sample from each animal was collected, centrifuged and the serum was stored at -20°C. The serum concentrations of thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine, thyroxine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase were then determined. In addition, liver of rats was examined by histology in order to assess the presence and degree of steatosis. The administration of T2 to rats fed with a high fat diet suppressed TSH secretion (P=0.013) while no steatosis was observed in the liver of these animals. Our data show that multiple administrations of high doses of T2 to rats fed diets rich in lipid inhibit TSH secretion and prevent the onset of liver steatosis in these animals.
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17
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Distefano C, Aiello S, Ameli F, Anghinolfi M, Barbarino G, Barbarito E, Barbato F, Beverini N, Biagi S, Bouhadef B, Bozza C, Cacopardo G, Calamai M, Calì C, Capone A, Caruso F, Ceres A, Chiarusi T, Circella M, Cocimano R, Coniglione R, Costa M, Cuttone G, D'Amato C, D'Amico A, Bonis GD, Luca VD, Deniskina N, Rosa GD, Capua FD, Fermani P, Flaminio V, Fusco L, Garufi F, Giordano V, Gmerk A, Grasso R, Grella G, Hugon C, Imbesi M, Kulikovskiy V, Larosa G, Lattuada D, Leismueller K, Leonora E, Litrico P, Lonardo A, Longhitano F, Presti DL, Maccioni E, Margiotta A, Martini A, Masullo R, Migliozzi P, Migneco E, Miraglia A, Mollo C, Mongelli M, Morganti M, Musico P, Musumeci M, Nicolau C, Orlando A, Papaleo R, Pellegrino C, Pellegriti M, Perrina C, Piattelli P, Pugliatti C, Pulvirenti S, Orselli A, Raffaelli F, Randazzo N, Riccobene G, Rovelli A, Sanguineti M, Sapienza P, Sciacca V, Sgura I, Simeone F, Sipala V, Speziale F, Spina M, Spitaleri A, Spurio M, Stellacci S, Taiuti M, Terreni G, Trasatti L, Trovato A, Ventura C, Vicini P, Viola S, Vivolo AD. Measurement of the atmospheric muon flux at 3500 m depth with the NEMO Phase-2 detector. EPJ Web of Conferences 2016. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/201612105015] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
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18
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Giordano V, Aiello S, Leonora E, Randazzo N. The effects of Earth's magnetic field on 3-inch diameter photomultipliers used in KM3NeT neutrino telescope. EPJ Web of Conferences 2016. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/201611601005] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
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19
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Kahlberg A, Rinaldi E, Castelli P, Piffaretti G, Speziale F, Sirignano P, Trimarchi S, Segreti S, Costantini E, Campanati B, Bonardelli S, Cervi E, Baratta V, Aiello S, Sarcina A, Bellosta R, Melissano G, Chiesa R. Aorto-Enteric Fistula following Endovascular Aortic Repair: Results from the Multicenter study on Aorto-Enteric FIstulization after STent grafting Of the abdominal aorta (MAEFISTO). Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
CONTEXT There is increasing evidence that Vitamin D (Vit D) and its metabolites, besides their well-known calcium-related functions, may also exert antiproliferative, pro-differentiating, and immune modulatory effects on tumor cells in vitro and may also delay tumor growth in vivo. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to provide fresh insight into the most recent advances on the role of Vit D and its analogues as chemopreventive drugs in cancer therapy. METHODS A systematic review of experimental and clinical studies on Vit D and cancer was undertaken by using the major electronic health database including ISI Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Experimental and clinical observations suggest that Vit D and its analogues may be effective in preventing the malignant transformation and/or the progression of various types of human tumors including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and some hematological malignances. These findings suggest the possibility of the clinical use of these molecules as novel potential chemopreventive and anticancer agents.
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21
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Cassis P, Solini S, Azzollini N, Aiello S, Rocchetta F, Conti S, Novelli R, Gagliardini E, Mister M, Rapezzi F, Rapezzi S, Benigni A, Remuzzi G, Conway EM, Noris M. An unanticipated role for survivin in organ transplant damage. Am J Transplant 2014; 14:1046-60. [PMID: 24731002 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major determinant of graft survival in kidney transplantation. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis that participates in the control of mitosis and cell cycle progression, has been implicated in renal protection and repair after I/R injury; however, no study has been performed in the transplant setting. We investigated the role of survivin in modulating posttransplant I/R injury in syngeneic and allogeneic kidney grafts, and studied whether protection from I/R injury impacted on the recipient immune system, on chronic allograft nephropathy and rejection. We used genetically engineered mice with survivin haploinsufficiency and WT mice in which survivin over-expression was induced by gene-delivery. Survivin haploinsufficiency in syngeneic grafts was associated with exuberant I/R tissue injury, which triggered inflammation eventually resulting in graft loss. Conversely, survivin over-expression in the grafts minimized I/R injury and dysfunction in syngeneic grafts and in a clinically relevant fully MHC-mismatched allogeneic combination. In the latter, survivin over-expression translated into limited anti-donor adaptive immune response and less long-term allograft injury with protection from renal parenchymal damage. Our data support survivin over-expression in the graft as a novel target for protocols aimed at limiting tissue damage at the time of transplant ultimately modulating the recipient immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cassis
- Centro Ricerche Trapianti, "Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi", IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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22
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Buoso E, Biundo F, Lanni C, Aiello S, Grossi S, Schettini G, Govoni S, Racchi M. Modulation of Rack-1/PKCβII signalling by soluble AβPPα in SH-SY5Y cells. Curr Alzheimer Res 2014; 10:697-705. [PMID: 23905995 DOI: 10.2174/15672050113109990145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The soluble amyloid β precursor protein α (sAβPPα) released after α-secretase cleavage of the amyloid β precursor protein (AβPP) has several functions including modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity; it has been suggested that some of these effects are mediated by activation of NF-κB via induction of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We have recently described the presence of several consensus binding sites of c-Rel transcription factor in the promoter region of the GNB2L1 gene, coding for the Receptor for Activated C Kinase -1 (RACK-1). We investigated whether sAβPPα could influence the expression of RACK-1 through NF-κB involvement. Our data demonstrate that sAβPPα regulates RACK-1 gene expression through PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway, inducing c-Rel nuclear translocation and NF-κB activation. Since RACK-1 is the scaffold of protein kinase C βII (PKCβII), we turned our attention to this kinase in order to evaluate whether sAβPPα could also influence PKCβII signalling demonstrating that sAβPPα induces PKCβII translocation and interaction with its scaffold with consequent RACK-1/PKCβII complex increase in membrane. Altogether these results suggest the existence of an interesting loop between the functions of the metabolic products of AβPP and the role of PKC and that the impact of a dysregulated AβPP metabolism occurring in several conditions (from physiological aging to injury response) may have consequences on the potential protective functions of the non amyloidogenic sAβPPα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Department of Drug Sciences- Pharmacology Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Carmi C, Galvani E, Vacondio F, Rivara S, Lodola A, Russo S, Aiello S, Bordi F, Costantino G, Cavazzoni A, Alfieri RR, Ardizzoni A, Petronini PG, Mor M. Irreversible Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activity by 3-Aminopropanamides. J Med Chem 2012; 55:2251-64. [DOI: 10.1021/jm201507x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Carmi
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Galvani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Volturno
39, I-43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Simonetta Russo
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie
Molecolari e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, I-90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bordi
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Costantino
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavazzoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Volturno
39, I-43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta R. Alfieri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Volturno
39, I-43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Oncologia Medica, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, V.le Gramsci
14, I-43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Petronini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via Volturno
39, I-43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento
Farmaceutico, Università degli Studi di Parma, V.le G.P. Usberti
27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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24
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Rocchetta F, Solini S, Mister M, Mele C, Cassis P, Noris M, Remuzzi G, Aiello S. Erythropoietin enhances immunostimulatory properties of immature dendritic cells. Clin Exp Immunol 2011; 165:202-10. [PMID: 21649646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04417.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and play a crucial role by modulating the T cell immune response against infective agents, tumour antigens and alloantigens. The current study shows that differentiating bone marrow (BM)-derived DCs but not fully differentiated DCs are targets of erythropoietin (EPO). Indeed, DCs emerging from rat bone marrow, but not splenic DCs, express the EPO receptor (Epo-R) and respond to EPO stimulation displaying a more activated phenotype with increased CD86, CD40 and interleukin (IL)-12 expression levels and a higher allostimulatory capacity on T cells than untreated DCs. Moreover, results here presented show that EPO up-regulates Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 in differentiating DCs rendering these cells more sensitive to stimulation by the TLR-4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Indeed, DCs treated with EPO and then stimulated by LPS were strongly allostimulatory and expressed CCR7, CD86, CD40, IL-12 and IL-23 at higher levels than those observed in DCs stimulated with LPS alone. It is tempting to speculate that EPO could act as an additional danger signal in concert with TLR-4 engagement. Thus, EPO, beyond its erythropoietic and cytoprotective effects, turns out to be an immune modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rocchetta
- Transplant Research Center Chiara Cucchi de Alessandri e Gilberto Crespi, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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25
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Boschi D, Guglielmo S, Aiello S, Morace G, Borghi E, Fruttero R. Synthesis and in vitro antimicrobial activities of new (cyano-NNO-azoxy)pyrazole derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2011; 21:3431-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.03.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Invidiata FP, Aiello S, Furno' G, Aiello E, Simoni D, Rondanin R. Synthesis of new 2,2′-disubstituted 5,5′-dimethyl-4,4′-bitriazoles and 2-(4-Triazolyl)quinoxalines. J Heterocycl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.5570370221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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27
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Aiello S, Wells G, Stone EL, Kadri H, Bazzi R, Bell DR, Stevens MFG, Matthews CS, Bradshaw TD, Westwell AD. Synthesis and biological properties of benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and chromen-4-one analogues of the potent antitumor agent 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-fluorobenzothiazole (PMX 610, NSC 721648). J Med Chem 2008; 51:5135-9. [PMID: 18666770 DOI: 10.1021/jm800418z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
New fluorinated 2-aryl-benzothiazoles, -benzoxazoles, and -chromen-4-ones have been synthesized and their activity against MCF-7 and MDA 468 breast cancer cell lines compared with the potent antitumor benzothiazole 5. Analogues such as 9a, b and 12a, d yielded submicromolar GI50 values in both cell lines; however, none of the new compounds approached 5 in terms of antitumor potency. For 5, binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor appeared to be necessary but not sufficient for growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, UK
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28
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Bianco S, Zilio D, Lonigro J, Aiello S, Vaienti L. [Surgical reconstruction of skin layers of the leg in children: a case report]. Pediatr Med Chir 2007; 29:346-349. [PMID: 18410067] [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: 05/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Bianco
- Unità di Chirurgia Plastica, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi, 30- 20097 San Donato Milanese, MI
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29
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Meli M, Tolomeo M, Grifantini M, Franchetti P, Cappellacci L, Simoni D, Invidiata F, Aiello S, Dusonchet L. The synergistic apoptotic effects of thiophenfurin, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, in combination with retinoids in HL60 cells. Oncol Rep 2007. [DOI: 10.3892/or.17.1.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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30
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Meli M, Tolomeo M, Grifantini M, Franchetti P, Cappellacci L, Simoni D, Invidiata FP, Aiello S, Dusonchet L. The synergistic apoptotic effects of thiophenfurin, an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor, in combination with retinoids in HL60 cells. Oncol Rep 2007; 17:185-92. [PMID: 17143497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
New effective cytotoxic agents and combinations are urgently needed in cancer treatment. The enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase is a potentially useful target for drug development, since its activity has been shown to be amplified in malignant cells. Thiophenfurin, an inhibitor of the enzyme synthesized by us, is endowed with a significant apoptotic activity in promyelocytic leukaemia HL60 cells. Since retinoids were successfully employed in the treatment of patients with leukaemia, demonstrating significant differentiation-inducing and apoptotic effects, we carried out this study to evaluate the effects of the combination of thiophenfurin and several retinoid molecules, acting in different phases of the cell cycle in vitro. The results show that thiophenfurin is capable of eliciting significant S phase-specific antiproliferative effects in different sensitive and resistant cell lines with the IC50s ranging from 6.7 to 26 microM. When HL60 cells were treated with thiophenfurin in combination with retinoids, the effects on cell growth were additive or synergistic, depending on the kind of retinoid used and the sequence of treatment. In particular, we observed additive effects when the cells were exposed to thiophenfurin and all-transretinoic acid either simultaneously or sequentially. Instead, when the new heterocyclic retinoid isoxazole benzoic acid was used, synergism was obtained in the cells treated sequentially. The combination of thiophenfurin and isoxazole benzoic acid determined synergistic apoptotic effects through a mitochondrion-dependent mechanism, suggesting the possible usefulness of this combination in the treatment of leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche, Università di Palermo, via del Vespro 129, I-90127 Palermo, Italy
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31
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Simoni D, Roberti M, Invidiata FP, Aiello E, Aiello S, Marchetti P, Baruchello R, Eleopra M, Di Cristina A, Grimaudo S, Gebbia N, Crosta L, Dieli F, Tolomeo M. Stilbene-based anticancer agents: Resveratrol analogues active toward HL60 leukemic cells with a non-specific phase mechanism. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:3245-8. [PMID: 16580204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Several stilbenes, related to known resveratrol, have been synthesized and tested for their anticancer effect on HL60 leukemia cell line, taking particular care of the cell cycle analysis. The most potent compound was the known (Z)-3,4',5-trimethoxystilbene (6b) which was active as apoptotic agent at 0.24 microM. Differently from other stilbenes (including resveratrol) that induced a prevalent recruitment of cells in S phase of cell cycle, we found a peculiar behavior of 6b that caused a decrease of cells in all phases of cell cycle (G0-G1, S, and G2-M) and a proportional increase of apoptotic cells. The potent pro-apoptotic activity shown by compound 6b and its effects on cell cycle make this compound of great interest for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Simoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, Università di Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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32
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Espinosa A, Marchal JA, Aránega A, Gallo MA, Aiello S, Campos J. Antitumoural properties of benzannelated seven-membered 5-fluorouracil derivatives and related open analogues. Molecular markers for apoptosis and cell cycle dysregulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 60:91-7. [PMID: 15752467 DOI: 10.1016/j.farmac.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2004] [Revised: 07/26/2004] [Accepted: 12/29/2004] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Attention is increasingly being focussed on the cell cycle and apoptosis as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. We prepared a series of bioisosteric benzannelated seven-membered 5-FU O,N-acetals to test them against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Benzo-fused seven-membered O,O-acetals or their acyclic analogues led to the expected 5-FU O,N-acetals (or aminals), in addition to six- and 14-membered aminal structures and acyclic compounds. All the cyclic aminals provoked a G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, whereas Ftorafur, a known prodrug of 5-FU, and 1-[2-(2-hydroxymethyl-4-nitrophenoxy)-1-methoxyethyl]-5-fluorouracil (11) induced an S-phase cell cycle arrest. Although breast cancer is most often treated with conventional cytotoxic agents it has proved difficult to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells, but improved clinical responses may be obtained by identifying therapies that are particularly effective in activating apoptosis. 1-(2,3-Dihydrobenzoxepin-2-yl)-5-fluorouracil (5) may be particularly useful in stimulating apoptosis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Espinosa
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, c/ Campus de Cartuja, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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33
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Simoni D, Giannini G, Roberti M, Rondanin R, Baruchello R, Rossi M, Grisolia G, Invidiata FP, Aiello S, Marino S, Cavallini S, Siniscalchi A, Gebbia N, Crosta L, Grimaudo S, Abbadessa V, Di Cristina A, Tolomeo M. Studies on the Apoptotic Activity of Natural and Synthetic Retinoids: Discovery of a New Class of Synthetic Terphenyls That Potently Support Cell Growth and Inhibit Apoptosis in Neuronal and HL-60 Cells. J Med Chem 2005; 48:4293-9. [PMID: 15974583 DOI: 10.1021/jm049080y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
New terphenyl derivatives have been synthesized and tested for their effect on cell survival in serum-free cultures. These compounds protected HL60 cells from death and supported their growth with an activity higher than that of the natural 14-hydroxy-retro-retinol. Terphenyls 26 and 28 also possess antiapoptotic activity on neuronal cells, proving them as possible candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative and ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Simoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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34
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Campos J, Saniger E, Marchal JA, Aiello S, Súarez I, Boulaiz H, Aránega A, A Gallo M, Espinosa A. New Medium Oxacyclic O,N-Acetals and Related Open Analogues: Biological Activities. Curr Med Chem 2005; 12:1423-38. [PMID: 15974993 DOI: 10.2174/0929867054020927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Attention is increasingly being focussed on the cell cycle and apoptosis as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Taking 1-[(2-oxepanyl)]-5-fluorouracil previously prepared by us, we committed ourselves to increase the lipophilicity of this upper cyclohomologue of Ftorafur and prepared a series of bioisosteric benzannelated seven-membered 5-FU O,N-acetals to test them against the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Benzo-fused seven-membered O,O-acetals or their acyclic analogues led to the expected 5-FU O,N-acetals (or aminals), in addition to six- and to 14-membered aminal structures and acyclic compounds. All the cyclic aminals provoked a G(o)/G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest, whereas Ftorafur, a known prodrug of 5-FU, and 1-[2-(2-hydroxymethyl-4-nitrophenoxy)-1-methoxyethyl]-5-fluorouracil (51) induced an S-phase cell cycle arrest. Although breast cancer is most often treated with conventional cytotoxic agents it has proved difficult to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and, consequently, improved clinical responses may be obtained by identifying therapies that are particularly effective in activating apoptosis. 1-(2,3-Dihydrobenzoxepin-2-yl)-5-fluorouracil (26) may be particularly useful in stimulating apoptosis in breast cancer. This compound is more potent as an apoptotic inductor than paclitaxel (Taxol). Finally, a fact that is worth emphasizing is that the cyclic and acyclic 5-FU O,N-acetals induce neither toxicity nor death in mice after one month's treatment when administered intravenously twice a week, with a 50 mg/kg dose each time. Taken together, the experimental findings provide evidence of specific anti-tumour activity of these new substances and warrant further evaluation in in vivo models of breast cancer to future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Campos
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, c/ Campus de Cartuja, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain.
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35
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Macchiarulo A, Costantino G, Sbaglia R, Aiello S, Meniconi M, Pellicciari R. The role of electrostatic interaction in the molecular recognition of selective agonists to metabotropic glutamate receptors. Proteins 2003; 50:609-19. [PMID: 12577267 DOI: 10.1002/prot.10301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The influence of electrostatic interactions in determining selectivity for individual subtypes of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) is evaluated for a small set of agonists by using the program Delphi and the information thus obtained is compared with docking experiments carried out with AutoDock. The evaluation of the electrostatic component of the free energy of binding for L-Glu, L-AP4, or S-PPG to mGluR1, mGluR2, and mGluR4 subtypes allowed for the detection of subtle differences in the electronic properties of the three subtypes, differences that can account for the observed agonist selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Macchiarulo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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36
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Gatica JM, Fornasiero P, Kašpar J, Lesage T, Aiello S, Daturi M. Hydrogen scrambling over Rh/Ce0.68Zr0.32O2 and Rh/Al2O3 catalysts: Effects of support, metal precursor and redox aging. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2002. [DOI: 10.1039/b107115g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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37
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Aiello E, Aiello S, Mingoia F, Bacchi A, Pelizzi G, Musiu C, Setzu MG, Pani A, La Colla P, Marongiu ME. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 3-(1-R-3(5)-methyl-4-nitroso-1H-5(3)-pyrazolyl)-5-methylisoxazoles. Bioorg Med Chem 2000; 8:2719-28. [PMID: 11131163 DOI: 10.1016/s0968-0896(00)00211-x] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A number of new 3-(1-R-3(5)-methyl-4-nitroso-1H-5(3)-pyrazolyl)-5-methylisoxazoles 6a-g (7b-f) were synthesized and tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. Some of these compounds displayed antifungal activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Derivative 6c was 9 times more potent in vitro than miconazole and 20 times more selective against C. neoformans. 6c was also 8- and 125-fold more potent than amphotericin B and fluconazole, respectively. None of the compounds was active against bacteria. Preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies showed that the NO group at position 4 of the pyrazole ring is essential for the activity. Lipophilicity of the pyrazole moiety, N-alkyl chain length and planarity of the two heterocyclic rings appear to play a decisive role in modulating cytotoxicity and antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Aiello
- Dipartimento Farmacochimico Tossicologico e Biologico, Università degli Studi, Palermo, Italy.
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38
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Noris M, Todeschini M, Zappella S, Bonazzola S, Zoja C, Corna D, Gaspari F, Marchetti G, Aiello S, Remuzzi G, Marchetti F. 17beta-estradiol corrects hemostasis in uremic rats by limiting vascular expression of nitric oxide synthases. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2000; 279:F626-35. [PMID: 10997912 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.2000.279.4.f626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated estrogens shorten the prolonged bleeding time in uremic patients and are similarly effective in a rat model of uremia. We have previously demonstrated that the shortening effect of a conjugated estrogen mixture or 17beta-estradiol on bleeding time was abolished by the nitric oxide (NO) precursor L-arginine, suggesting that the effect of these drugs on hemostasis in uremia might be mediated by changes in the NO synthetic pathway. The present study investigated the biochemical mechanism(s) by which conjugated estrogens limit the excessive formation of NO. 17beta-estradiol (0.6 mg/kg), given to rats made uremic by reduction of renal mass, significantly reduced bleeding time within 24 h and completely normalized plasma concentrations of the NO metabolites, nitrites and nitrates, and of NO synthase (NOS) catalytic activity, determined by NADPH-diaphorase staining in the thoracic aorta. Endothelial NOS (ecNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) immunoperoxidase staining in the endothelium of uremic aortas of untreated rats was significantly more intense than in control rats, while in uremic rats receiving 17beta-estradiol staining was comparable to controls. Thus 17beta-estradiol corrected the prolonged bleeding time of uremic rats and fully normalized the formation of NO by reducing the expression of ecNOS and iNOS in vascular endothelium. These results provide a possible biochemical explanation of the well-known effect of estrogens on primary hemostasis in uremia, in experimental animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Noris
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Azienda Ospedaliera, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, 24125 Bergamo, Italy.
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39
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De Marzo C, Ambriola M, Bellotti R, Cafagna F, Calicchio M, Ciacio F, Circella M, De Marzo C, Montaruli T, Falchieri D, Gabrielli A, Gandolfi E, Masetti M, Vitullo C, Zanarini G, Habel R, Usai I, Aiello S, Burrafato G, Caponetto L, Costanzo E, LoPresti D, Pappalardo L, Petta C, Randazzo N, Russo G, Troia O, Barnà R, D'Amico V, De Domenico E, De Pasquale D, Giacobbe S, Italiano A, Migliardo F, Salvato G, Trafirò A, Trimarchi M, Ameli F, Bonori M, Bottai S, Capone A, Desiati P, Massa F, Masullo R, Salusti E, Vicini M, Coniglione R, Migneco E, Piattelli P, Riccobene R, Sapienza P, Cordelli M, Trasatti L, Valente V, De Marchis G, Piccari L, Accerboni E, Mosetti R, Astraldi M, Gasparini G, Ulzega A, Orrù P. Feasibility studies for a Mediterranean neutrino observatory — the NEMO.RD Project. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0920-5632(00)00714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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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40
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Aiello S, Noris M, Piccinini G, Tomasoni S, Casiraghi F, Bonazzola S, Mister M, Sayegh MH, Remuzzi G. Thymic dendritic cells express inducible nitric oxide synthase and generate nitric oxide in response to self- and alloantigens. J Immunol 2000; 164:4649-58. [PMID: 10779769 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.164.9.4649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Thymocytes maturing in the thymus undergo clonal deletion/apoptosis when they encounter self- or allo-Ags presented by dendritic cells (DCs). How this occurs is a matter of debate, but NO may play a role given its ability of inducing apoptosis of these cells. APC (a mixed population of macrophages (Mphi) and DCs) from rat thymus expressed high levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and produced large amounts of NO in basal conditions whereas iNOS expression and NO production were very low in thymocytes. Analysis by FACS and by double labeling of cytocentrifuged preparations showed that DCs and MPhi both express iNOS within APC. Analysis of a purified preparation of DCs confirmed that these cells express high levels of iNOS and produce large amounts of NO in basal conditions. The capacity of DCs to generate NO was enhanced by exposure to rat albumin, a self-protein, and required a fully expressed process of Ag internalization, processing, and presentation. Peptides derived from portions of class II MHC molecules up-regulate iNOS expression and NO production by DCs as well, both in self and allogeneic combinations, suggesting a role of NO in both self and acquired tolerance. We also found that NO induced apoptosis of rat double-positive thymocytes, the effect being more evident in anti-CD3-stimulated cells. Altogether, the present findings might suggest that DC-derived NO is at least one of the soluble factors regulating events, in the thymus, that follow recognition of self- and allo-Ags.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aiello
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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41
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Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous free radical derived from L-arginine, is a potent modulator of vascular tone and platelet functions. A number of recent studies, both in the experimental model of renal mass reduction (RMR) in rats and in uremic patients, have raised the hypothesis that abnormalities of NO synthetic pathway could have a key role in mediating the complex hemodynamic and hemostatic disorders associated to the progression of renal disease. Thus, kidneys from rats with RMR produce less NO than normal rats and NO generation negatively correlates with markers of renal damage. The abnormality is due to a strong defect of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) content in the kidney. Recent in vitro and in vivo data have raised the possibility that excessive renal synthesis of the potent vasoconstrictor and promitogenic peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a major determinant for progressive iNOS loss in the kidney of RMR rats. In contrast, uremia is associated with excessive systemic NO release, both in experimental model and in human beings. In the systemic circulation of uremic rats, as well as uremic patients, NO is formed in excessive amounts. Possible cause of the increased NO levels is higher release from systemic vessels due to the augmented expression of both iNOS and endothelial NOS. A putative cause for excessive NO production in uremia can be guanidinosuccinate, an uremic toxin that accumulates in the circulation of uremic patients and upregulates NO synthesis from cultured endothelial cells. Upregulation of systemic NO synthesis might be a defense mechanism against hypertension of uremia. On the other hand, more NO available to circulating cells may sustain the bleeding tendency, a well-known complication of uremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aiello
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Slovakia
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Aiello S, Remuzzi G, Noris M. Nitric oxide/endothelin balance after nephron reduction. Kidney Int Suppl 1998; 65:S63-7. [PMID: 9551434] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), an L-arginine derivative, is implicated in neuronal transmission, immune response and vasodilation, besides acting as a platelet function modulator. A number of recent studies in the experimental model of renal mass reduction (RMR) in rats have proposed the hypothesis that abnormalities of the NO synthetic pathway could have a key role in mediating the complex hemodynamic and hemostatic disorders associated with the progression of renal disease. Thus, renal NO generation is lower than normal in rats with RMR seven days after surgery, and progressively worsens with time in close correlation with signs of renal injury. This abnormality is due to a strong defect of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) content in the kidney. In the same model, administration of either the NO precursor, L-arginine, or a NO-releasing compound reduces proteinuria, slows renal disease progression and prolongs survival. On the other hand RMR is associated with a progressive increase of renal synthesis of the potent vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), whose mRNA is expressed in excessive amounts in cortical tubules early after surgical ablation. In this setting, a marked reduction of NO, in the face of continuous local generation of ET-1, may well contribute to intraglomerular capillary hypertension and cell proliferation. Actually, administration of a selective ETA receptor antagonist to RMR rats reduced abnormal permeability to proteins and prevented renal function deterioration. In the same model the ETA receptor antagonist also corrected the impaired renal NO synthesis, suggesting that excessive ET-1 bioactivity might also be responsible for the progressive reduction of renal NO. In keeping with this possibility are recent in vitro data that ET-1 inhibits iNOS transcription, a process mediated by interaction of the peptide with subtype A receptors. Nitric oxide and ET-1 have profound and opposite effects on glomerular and tubular function. Thus, abnormalities of renal NO and ET-1 synthetic pathways, as documented in the RMR model, likely have major and complementary roles in promoting alteration in renal hemodynamics and functions in progressive nephropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aiello
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy
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Aiello S, Noris M, Remuzzi G. Nitric oxide synthesis and L-arginine in uremia. Miner Electrolyte Metab 1997; 23:151-6. [PMID: 9387106] [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: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), an L-arginine derivative, is implicated in neuronal transmission, immune response and vasodilation, and acts as a modulator of platelet function. Recent studies in the experimental model of renal mass reduction (RMR) in rats have generated the hypothesis that abnormalities in the NO synthetic pathway could play a key role in mediating the complex hemodynamic and hemostatic disorders associated with the progression of renal disease. Thus, renal NO generation is lower than normal in rats with RMR 7 days after surgery and progressively worsens with time in close correlation with signs of renal injury. This abnormality is due to a major defect in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) content in the kidney. In the same model, administration of either the NO precursor, L-arginine, or a NO-releasing compound reduces proteinuria, slows renal disease progression, and prolongs survival. In contrast, in the systemic circulation of uremic rats, NO is formed in excessive amounts, possibly caused by higher release from systemic vessels due to the augmented expression of both iNOS and endothelial NOS. Up-regulation of systemic NO synthesis might be a defense mechanism against uremic hypertension. On the other hand, a greater availability of NO to circulating cells may sustain the bleeding tendency, a well-known complication of uremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aiello
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy.
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Perico N, Lapinski R, Konopka K, Aiello S, Noris M, Remuzzi G. Platelet-activating factor mediates angiotensin II-induced proteinuria in isolated perfused rat kidney. J Am Soc Nephrol 1997; 8:1391-8. [PMID: 9294830 DOI: 10.1681/asn.v891391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolated kidney preparations (IPK) from male Sprague Dawley rats perfused at constant pressure were used to evaluate the effect of angiotensin II (AII) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) on renal function and urinary protein excretion. Compared with basal, intrarenal infusion of AII at 8 ng/min caused a progressive increase in protein excretion (11 +/- 6 versus 73 +/- 21 micrograms/min) in parallel with a decline in renal perfusate flow (RPF) (29 +/- 3 versus 18 +/- 3 ml/min). Addition to the perfusate of PAF at 50 nM final concentration also induced proteinuria (9 +/- 4 versus 55 +/- 14 micrograms/min) but did not change RPF (29 +/- 3 versus 30 +/- 3 ml/min). Preexposure of isolated kidneys to the PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086 prevented the increase in urinary protein excretion induced by AII infusion (basal: 13 +/- 6; post-AII: 12 +/- 7 micrograms/min) but failed to prevent the vasoactive effect of AII (RPF, basal: 30 +/- 2; post-AII: 21 +/- 3 ml/min). In additional experiments, dexamethasone reduced the proteinuric effect of PAF remarkably. These results indicate that in isolated kidney preparation: (1) AII infusion induced proteinuria and decreased RPF; and (2) the effect of AII in enhancing urinary protein excretion was completely prevented by a specific PAF receptor antagonist, which, however, did not influence the AII-induced fall in RPF. It is suggested that PAF plays a major role in AII-induced changes in the permselective function of the glomerular capillary barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Perico
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Aiello S, Noris M, Todeschini M, Zappella S, Foglieni C, Benigni A, Corna D, Zoja C, Cavallotti D, Remuzzi G. Renal and systemic nitric oxide synthesis in rats with renal mass reduction. Kidney Int 1997; 52:171-81. [PMID: 9211360 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In rats undergoing renal mass reduction (RMR) oral supplementation with the nitric oxide (NO) precursor L-arginine increases glomerular filtration rate and ameliorates signs of glomerular injury, suggesting that chronic renal failure in the rats is a condition of low NO formation in the kidney. On the contrary, data are available that in the systemic circulation of uremics, both rats and human beings, NO is formed in excessive amounts and may contribute to platelet dysfunction and bleeding tendency, well-known complications of uremia. The present study was designed to clarify the pathophysiology of renal and systemic NO synthesis in uremia. We showed that renal ex vivo NO generation, measured as the conversion of [3H] L-arginine to [3H] L-citrulline, was lower than normal in RMR rats, seven days after surgery, and progressively worsened with time in close correlation with signs of renal injury. Consistent with these results, urinary excretion of the stable NO metabolites, NO2-/NO3-, significantly decreased in rats with RMR. To go deeper into the cellular origin and biochemical nature of this abnormality we used two histochemical approaches that could locate either NO synthase (NOS) catalytic activity (NADPH-diaphorase) or NOS isoenzyme expression (immunoperoxidase). NADPH-diaphorase documented a progressive loss of renal NOS activity in RMR rats that co-localized with a strong progressive decrease of inducible NOS isoenzyme (iNOS) immunostaining. At variance with iNOS, endothelial cell NOS (ecNOS) staining was rather comparable in RMR and control kidneys. At variance to the kidney, in the systemic circulation of RMR rats the synthesis of NO increased as reflected by higher than normal plasma NO2-/NO3- concentrations. High systemic NO likely derives from vessels as documented by the increased NOS activity and higher expression of both iNOS and ecNOS in the aorta of RMR rats. Up-regulation of systemic NO synthesis might be an early defense mechanism against hypertension of uremia. On the other hand, more NO available to circulating cells may sustain the bleeding tendency, a well-known complication of uremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aiello
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy
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Boccardo P, Soregaroli M, Aiello S, Noris M, Donadelli R, Lojacono A, Benigni A. Systemic and fetal-maternal nitric oxide synthesis in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1996; 103:879-86. [PMID: 8813307 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate systemic and fetal-placental nitric oxide synthesis by biochemical and molecular biology means in normal human pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Three groups of women were studied: healthy pregnant women (n = 8), pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (n = 8), and age-matched nonpregnant controls (n = 8). Pre-eclamptic patients were treated with nifedipine (30-60 mg/day) for severe hypertension. Systemic nitric oxide synthesis was assessed in normal pregnant women at weeks 18-21, 29-32 and 38-39 and in pre-eclamptic women on admission to the hospital (29-32 weeks, 30 on average), before the morning nifedipine administration. Nonpregnant women were studied twice at four-week intervals as controls. The pattern of nitric oxide biosynthesis in fetal-placental circulation was studied in normal and pre-eclamptic women at the delivery. SETTING Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, and the Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Brescia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma cGMP levels and platelet nitric oxide synthesis, assessed by measuring the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline as well as intracellular cGMP, were evaluated. Constitutive nitric oxide synthase (EC-NOS) gene expression by Northern blot analysis and nitric oxide release by the conversion of [3H]L-arginine to [3H]L-citrulline were assessed in umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and in placenta. Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity was also evaluated in HUVEC exposed to tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and in placenta homogenates incubated in calcium free medium. RESULTS Plasma cGMP was higher in both normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women than in nonpregnant controls. In normal pregnancy cGMP rose as early as 18-21 weeks and remained elevated throughout pregnancy. [3H]L-citrulline production and intracellular cGMP were comparable in platelets from all women. EC-NOS gene expression and nitric oxide synthesis were identical in HUVEC and placenta from normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic women. CONCLUSIONS Systemic levels of CGMP, the nitric oxide second messenger, are increased in normal pregnancy. Excessive nitric oxide production does not derive from platelets. Pre-eclampsia is not associated with changes in fetal-placental nitric oxide synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Boccardo
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Macconi D, Foppolo M, Paris S, Noris M, Aiello S, Remuzzi G, Remuzzi A. PAF mediates neutrophil adhesion to thrombin or TNF-stimulated endothelial cells under shear stress. Am J Physiol 1995; 269:C42-7. [PMID: 7631759 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.1995.269.1.c42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is known to modulate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adhesion to endothelial cells cultured under static conditions and activated by thrombin. In contrast, there are no data on the role of PAF in PMN adhesion to cells exposed to flow conditions and activated by stimuli other than thrombin. Here we used the PAF receptor antagonist L-659,989 to evaluate PMN adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in basal conditions or upon challenge with thrombin or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Experiments were performed under dynamic flow using a parallel-plate flow chamber and a computer-based image analysis system. Rolling and adhesion of PMNs to endothelial cells significantly increased upon stimulation with thrombin. Thrombin-stimulated HUVEC also synthesized higher amounts of PAF than untreated cells. Pretreatment of PMNs with L-659,989 significantly reduced their rolling and adhesion to thrombin-activated HUVEC. Stimulation of HUVEC with TNF-alpha significantly increased the number of rolling and adherent PMNs as compared with untreated cells. Adhesion of PMNs to and migration across TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVEC were reduced by L-659,989, whereas cell rolling was unchanged. We conclude that PAF mediates leukocyte interaction under flow conditions with HUVEC activated by inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Macconi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Noris M, Morigi M, Donadelli R, Aiello S, Foppolo M, Todeschini M, Orisio S, Remuzzi G, Remuzzi A. Nitric oxide synthesis by cultured endothelial cells is modulated by flow conditions. Circ Res 1995; 76:536-43. [PMID: 7534657 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.76.4.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that dynamic characteristics of flow modulate the production of vasoactive mediators, namely nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cells were exposed for 6 hours in a cone-and-plate apparatus to different types of flow: steady laminar, with shear stresses of 2, 8, and 12 dyne/cm2, pulsatile laminar, with shear stress from 8.2 to 16.6 dyne/cm2 and a frequency of 2 Hz; periodic laminar, with square wave cycles of 15 minutes and shear stress from 2 to 8 dyne/cm2, and turbulent, with shear stress of 8 dyne/cm2 on average. A second culture dish was kept in a normal incubator as a static control for each experiment. Laminar flow induced synthesis of NO by HUVECs that was dependent on shear-stress magnitude. Laminar shear stress at 8 dyne/cm2 also upregulated the level of NO synthase mRNA. As observed with steady laminar flow, pulsatile flow also induced an increase in NO release by endothelial cells. When HUVECs were subjected to step-change increases of laminar shear, a further increase of NO synthesis was observed, compared with steady laminar shear of the same magnitude. Turbulent flow did not upregulate NO synthase mRNA or increase NO release. Both laminar and turbulent shear stress reduced, although not significantly, ET-1 mRNA and ET-1 production compared with the static condition. These results indicate that local blood flow conditions modulate the production of vasoactive substances by endothelial cells. This may affect vascular cell functions such as nonthrombogenicity, regulation of blood flow, and vascular tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Noris
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Bergamo, Italy
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Pagano A, Aiello S, Lanzanó G, Milone C, Mermaz MC. Angular correlations of projectilelike and fission fragments in the reaction 16O+238U at 110 MeV. Phys Rev C Nucl Phys 1994; 50:891-896. [PMID: 9969732 DOI: 10.1103/physrevc.50.891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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Pini M, Aiello S, Manotti C, Pattacini C, Quintavalla R, Poli T, Tagliaferri A, Dettori AG. Low molecular weight heparin versus warfarin in the prevention of recurrences after deep vein thrombosis. Thromb Haemost 1994; 72:191-7. [PMID: 7831650] [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: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the role of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) as an alternative to oral anticoagulants in the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism, we compared in a randomized trial conventional warfarin treatment with a three-month course of enoxaparin 4000 anti-Xa units once a day subcutaneously. 187 patients with symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), diagnosed by strain-gauge plethysmography plus D-dimer latex assay and confirmed by venography in most cases, were treated with full-dose subcutaneous heparin for ten days and then randomized to secondary prophylaxis. During the 3-month treatment period, 6 of the 93 patients who received LMWH (6%) and 4 of the 94 patients on warfarin (4%) had symptomatic recurrence of venous thromboembolism confirmed by objective testing (p = 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference, -3% to 7%). Four patients in the LMWH group had bleeding complications as compared with 12 in the warfarin group (p = 0.04; 95% CI for the difference, 4% to 14%). In the 9-month follow-up period, during which 34 patients on warfarin prolonged treatment for other 3 months and 14 up to one year, 10 patients in the enoxaparin group and 4 patients in the warfarin group suffered a documented recurrence of venous thromboembolism. Of these 14 late recurrences, just one occurred in patients with postoperative DVT. After one year there were 16 recurrences (17%) in the LMWH group and 8 (9%) in the warfarin group (p = 0.07; 95% CI for the difference, 1% to 16%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pini
- V Divisione Medica e Centro Emostasi, Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
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