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Tringali G, Lavanco G, Castelli V, Pizzolanti G, Kuchar M, Currò D, Cannizzaro C, Brancato A. Cannabidiol tempers alcohol intake and neuroendocrine and behavioural correlates in alcohol binge drinking adolescent rats. Focus on calcitonin gene-related peptide's brain levels. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4870-4884. [PMID: 37525534 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol binge drinking is common among adolescents and may challenge the signalling systems that process affective stimuli, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signalling. Here, we employed a rat model of adolescent binge drinking to evaluate reward-, social- and aversion-related behaviour, glucocorticoid output and CGRP levels in affect-related brain regions. As a potential rescue, the effect of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol was explored. Adolescent male rats underwent the intermittent 20% alcohol two-bottle choice paradigm; at the binge day (BD) and the 24 h withdrawal day (WD), we assessed CGRP expression in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala, hypothalamus and brainstem; in addition, we evaluated sucrose preference, social motivation and drive, nociceptive response, and serum corticosterone levels. Cannabidiol (40 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered before each drinking session, and its effect was measured on the above-mentioned readouts. At BD and WD, rats displayed decreased CGRP expression in mPFC, NAc and amygdala; increased CGRP levels in the brainstem; increased response to rewarding- and nociceptive stimuli and decreased social drive; reduced serum corticosterone levels. Cannabidiol reduced alcohol consumption and preference; normalised the abnormal corticolimbic CGRP expression, and the reward and aversion-related hyper-responsivity, as well as glucocorticoid levels in alcohol binge-like drinking rats. Overall, CGRP can represent both a mediator and a target of alcohol binge-like drinking and provides a further piece in the intricate puzzle of alcohol-induced behavioural and neuroendocrine sequelae. CBD shows promising effects in limiting adolescent alcohol binge drinking and rebalancing the bio-behavioural abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Tringali
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
- Psychedelics Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Diego Currò
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Cristiano C, Giorgio C, Cocchiaro P, Boccella S, Cesta MC, Castelli V, Liguori FM, Cuozzo MR, Brandolini L, Russo R, Allegretti M. Inhibition of C5aR1 as a promising approach to treat taxane-induced neuropathy. Cytokine 2023; 171:156370. [PMID: 37722320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of several antitumor agents resulting in progressive and often irreversible damage of peripheral nerves. In addition to their known anticancer effects, taxanes, including paclitaxel, can also induce peripheral neuropathy by activating microglia and astrocytes, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL-2). All these events contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic or inflammatory response. Complement component 5a (C5a)/C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) signaling was very recently shown to play a crucial role in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our recent findings highlighted that taxanes have the previously unreported property of binding and activating C5aR1, and that C5aR1 inhibition by DF3966A is effective in preventing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) in animal models. Here, we investigated if C5aR1 inhibition maintains efficacy in reducing PIPN in a therapeutic setting. Furthermore, we characterized the role of C5aR1 activation by paclitaxel and the CIPN-associated activation of nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Our results clearly show that administration of the C5aR1 inhibitor strongly reduced cold and mechanical allodynia in mice when given both during the onset of PIPN and when neuropathy is well established. C5aR1 activation by paclitaxel was found to be a key event in the induction of inflammatory factors in spinal cord, such as TNF-α, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In addition, C5aR1 inhibition significantly mitigated paclitaxel-induced inflammation and inflammasome activation by reducing IL-1β and NLRP3 expression at both sciatic and dorsal root ganglia level, confirming the involvement of inflammasome in PIPN. Moreover, paclitaxel-induced upregulation of C5aR1 was significantly reduced by DF3966A treatment in central nervous system. Lastly, the antinociceptive effect of C5aR1 inhibition was confirmed in an in vitro model of sensory neurons in which we focused on receptor channels usually activated upon neuropathy. In conclusion, C5aR1 inhibition is proposed as a therapeutic option with the potential to exert long-term protective effect on PIPN-associated neuropathic pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cristiano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - C Giorgio
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - P Cocchiaro
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - S Boccella
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via De Amicis, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M C Cesta
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F M Liguori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M R Cuozzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - L Brandolini
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - M Allegretti
- Dompé farmaceutici SpA, Via Campo di Pile, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, D'Amico C, Feo S, Pizzolanti G, Kuchar M, Cannizzaro C. Social stress under binge-like alcohol withdrawal in adolescence: evidence of cannabidiol effect on maladaptive plasticity in rats. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5538-5550. [PMID: 36065905 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol binge drinking may compromise the functioning of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), i.e. the neural hub for processing reward and aversive responses. METHODS As socially stressful events pose particular challenges at developmental stages, this research applied the resident-intruder paradigm as a model of social stress, to highlight behavioural neuroendocrine and molecular maladaptive plasticity in rats at withdrawal from binge-like alcohol exposure in adolescence. In search of a rescue agent, cannabidiol (CBD) was selected due to its favourable effects on alcohol- and stress-related harms. RESULTS Binge-like alcohol exposed intruder rats displayed a compromised defensive behaviour against the resident and a blunted response of the stress system, in addition to indexes of abnormal dopamine (DA)/glutamate plasticity and dysfunctional spine dynamics in the NAc. CBD administration (60 mg/kg) was able to: (1) increase social exploration in the binge-like alcohol exposed intruder rats, at the expenses of freezing time, and in control rats, which received less aggressive attacks from the resident; (2) reduce corticosterone levels independently on alcohol previous exposure; (3) restore DA transmission and (4) facilitate excitatory postsynaptic strength and remodelling. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the maladaptive behavioural and synaptic plasticity promoted by the intersection between binge-like alcohol withdrawal and exposure to adverse social stress can be rescued by a CBD détente effect that results in a successful defensive strategy, supported by a functional endocrine and synaptic plasticity. The current data highlight CBD's relevant therapeutic potential in alcohol- and stress-related harms, and prompt further investigation on its molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesare D'Amico
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Feo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- ATEN Center, Genomic and Proteomic Laboratory, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties 'G. D' Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Castelli V, Lavanco G, D’Amico C, Feo S, Tringali G, Kuchar M, Cannizzaro C, Brancato A. CBD enhances the cognitive score of adolescent rats prenatally exposed to THC and fine-tunes relevant effectors of hippocampal plasticity. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1237485. [PMID: 37583903 PMCID: PMC10424934 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1237485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: An altered neurodevelopmental trajectory associated with prenatal exposure to ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) leads to aberrant cognitive processing through a perturbation in the effectors of hippocampal plasticity in the juvenile offspring. As adolescence presents a unique window of opportunity for "brain reprogramming", we aimed at assessing the role of the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) as a rescue strategy to temper prenatal THC-induced harm. Methods: To this aim, Wistar rats prenatally exposed to THC (2 mg/kg s.c.) or vehicle (gestational days 5-20) were tested for specific indexes of spatial and configural memory in the reinforcement-motivated Can test and in the aversion-driven Barnes maze test during adolescence. Markers of hippocampal excitatory plasticity and endocannabinoid signaling-NMDAR subunits NR1 and 2A-, mGluR5-, and their respective scaffold proteins PSD95- and Homer 1-; CB1R- and the neuromodulatory protein HINT1 mRNA levels were evaluated. CBD (40 mg/kg i.p.) was administered to the adolescent offspring before the cognitive tasks. Results: The present results show that prenatal THC impairs hippocampal memory functions and the underlying synaptic plasticity; CBD is able to mitigate cognitive impairment in both reinforcement- and aversion-related tasks and the neuroadaptation of hippocampal excitatory synapses and CB1R-related signaling. Discussion: While this research shows CBD potential in dampening prenatal THC-induced consequences, we point out the urgency to curb cannabis use during pregnancy in order to avoid detrimental bio-behavioral outcomes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesare D’Amico
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies and ATEN Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Feo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies and ATEN Center, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tringali
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Kuchar
- Forensic Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czechia
- Psychedelics Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Cannizzaro C, Tringali G. Adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure dysregulates NPY and CGRP in rats: Behavioural and immunochemical evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 123:110699. [PMID: 36565980 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol binge drinking during adolescence impacts affective behaviour, possibly impinging on developing neural substrates processing affective states, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Here, we modelled binge-like alcohol exposure in adolescence, by administering 3.5 g/kg alcohol per os, within 1 h, to male adolescent rats every other day, from postnatal day 35 to 54. The effects on positive and negative affective behaviour during abstinence were explored including: consummatory behaviour and weight gain; social behaviour in the modified social interaction test; thermal nociception in the tail-flick test; psychosocial stress coping in the resident-intruder paradigm. Moreover, CGRP and NPY levels were evaluated in functionally relevant brain regions. Our data shows that binge-like intermittent alcohol administration during adolescence decreased weight gain, social preference and motivation, nociception, and active psychosocial stress coping during abstinence. In addition, intermittent alcohol-exposed rats displayed increased expression of CGRP and NPY in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens; decreased NPY levels in the amygdala; opposite changes in CGRP levels in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Overall, our data shows that adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure, through the allostatic load of alternate intoxication and withdrawal, produces long-term consequences in sensory and affective processes and dysregulated complementary neuropeptidergic systems. Thus, neuropeptide-targeted interventions hold promising potential for addressing negative affect during prolonged withdrawal in young subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valentina Castelli
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tringali
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Cannizzaro E, Lavanco G, Castelli V, Cirrincione L, Di Majo D, Martines F, Argo A, Plescia F. Alcohol and Nicotine Use among Adolescents: An Observational Study in a Sicilian Cohort of High School Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:6152. [PMID: 35627691 PMCID: PMC9140855 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the mode of alcoholic intake known as binge drinking (BD) has become a common practice, especially among adolescents who, due to socio-environmental motives, tend to reach a rapid state of drunkenness. This drunkeness leads to alterations in brain areas responsible for executive functions and cognitive processes, as well as to the genesis of factors that predispose to lasting addiction. Likewise, nicotine leads to a comparable degree of addiction. On this basis, the aim of this research was to evaluate, on a cohort of 349 high school students (15−17 years old) in the province of Palermo, the following: (I) the drinking model of alcoholic beverages; (II) the use of nicotine and the degree of dependence; (III) the correlation between the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the use of nicotine. We employed the AUDIT-C test and the Fagerström test, two valid and standard instruments, in order to assess alcohol and nicotine use, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data showed that male and female students consumed alcohol prominently in a BD mode (77.2%, audit score (AS) 3.497, confidence interval (CI) 3.206−3.788; 69.6%, AS 2.793, CI 2.412−3.274) and nicotine (41.5%, Fagerström score (FS) 3.882, CI 3.519−4.245; 28%, FS 3.286, CI 2.547−4.024). Furthermore, a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and nicotine use was found for male (r = 0.6798, p < 0.0001) and female (r = 0.6572, p < 0.0001) students. This study provided further insights into the use of legal substances of abuse in adolescents, evidencing the obvious need for the promotion of specific school educational programs aimed at the wellbeing of youth populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “Giuseppe D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.); or (G.L.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “Giuseppe D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.); or (G.L.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (D.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Luigi Cirrincione
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “Giuseppe D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.); or (G.L.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Danila Di Majo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (D.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesco Martines
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (D.D.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Antonina Argo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “Giuseppe D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.); or (G.L.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “Giuseppe D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (E.C.); or (G.L.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
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Castelli V, Plescia F, Maniaci G, Lavanco G, Pizzolanti G, Brancato A, Cannizzaro C. Alcohol binge drinking in adolescence and psychological profile: Can the preclinical model crack the chicken-or-egg question? Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:996965. [PMID: 36159952 PMCID: PMC9500321 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.996965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During adolescence, internal and external factors contribute to engaging with alcohol binge drinking (ABD), putting at risk the neurodevelopment of brain regions crucial for emotional control and stress coping. This research assessed the prevalence of ABD in late adolescent students of Southern Italy and characterized their psychological profile and drinking motives. Translational effects of alcohol binge drinking in the animal model were also studied. Seven hundred and fifty-nine high school students of both sexes (aged 18-20) were recruited. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised Short Form, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-Third Ed., State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Basic Self-Esteem Scale identified alcohol habits, drinking motives, and psychopathological profile. Eighty-five percentage of the students drank alcohol and 28% of them engaged in ABD; AUDIT-C correlated with enhancement, coping, and conformity motives. ABD was related to a greater likelihood of presenting clinical syndromes and personality disorders, as well as low resilience and self-esteem. Thereafter, in the pre-clinical model, adolescent male rats were exposed to alcohol (3.5 g/kg) in an intermittent binge-like paradigm and tested during prolonged abstinence. Rats were evaluated for anxiety-like behavior, motivated behaviors, resilience, and stress response following a psychosocial challenge. Binge-like alcohol-exposed adolescent rats displayed high integrated z-score for social- and novelty-induced anxiety, altered motivation-driven output, decreased resilience, and a blunted HPA axis response to psychosocial stress, with respect to respective controls. Our data confirm that ABD is the chosen pattern of drinking in a significant percentage of high school students in Southern Italy, and highlights AUDIT-C score as a relevant parameter able to predict the occurrence of affective disturbances. The evidence from the preclinical model shows that ABD produces detrimental consequences in the adolescent rat brain, resulting in negative affect, emotional dysregulation, and aberrant stress response, pointing to decreasing excessive alcohol drinking as a primary goal for the global act for brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maniaci
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pizzolanti
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, Cannizzaro C. Environmental Enrichment During Adolescence Mitigates Cognitive Deficits and Alcohol Vulnerability due to Continuous and Intermittent Perinatal Alcohol Exposure in Adult Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:583122. [PMID: 33100982 PMCID: PMC7546794 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.583122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal alcohol exposure affects ontogenic neurodevelopment, causing physical and functional long-term abnormalities with limited treatment options. This study investigated long-term consequences of continuous and intermittent maternal alcohol drinking on behavioral readouts of cognitive function and alcohol vulnerability in the offspring. The effects of environmental enrichment (EE) during adolescence were also evaluated. Female rats underwent continuous alcohol drinking (CAD)—or intermittent alcohol drinking paradigm (IAD), along pregestation, gestation, and lactation periods—equivalent to the whole gestational period in humans. Male offspring were reared in standard conditions or EE until adulthood and were then assessed for declarative memory in the novel object recognition test; spatial learning, cognitive flexibility, and reference memory in the Morris water maze (MWM); alcohol consumption and relapse by a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our data show that perinatal CAD decreased locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and declarative memory with respect to controls, whereas perinatal IAD displayed impaired declarative memory and spatial learning and memory. Moreover, both perinatal alcohol-exposed offspring showed higher vulnerability to alcohol consummatory behavior than controls, albeit perinatal IAD rats showed a greater alcohol consumption and relapse behavior with respect to perinatal-CAD progeny. EE ameliorated declarative memory in perinatal CAD, while it mitigated spatial learning and reference memory impairment in perinatal-IAD progeny. In addition, EE decreased vulnerability to alcohol in both control and perinatal alcohol-exposed rats. Maternal alcohol consumption produces drinking pattern-related long-term consequences on cognition and vulnerability to alcohol in the offspring. However, increased positive environmental stimuli during adolescence may curtail the detrimental effects of developmental alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- INSERM U1215, NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Lombardi A, Consonni D, Carugno M, Bozzi G, Mangioni D, Muscatello A, Castelli V, Palomba E, Cantù AP, Ceriotti F, Tiso B, Pesatori AC, Riboldi L, Bandera A, Lunghi G, Gori A. Characteristics of 1573 healthcare workers who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26:1413.e9-1413.e13. [PMID: 32569835 PMCID: PMC7305713 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The management of healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still a matter of debate. We aimed to assess in this group the attack rate of asymptomatic carriers and the symptoms most frequently associated with infection. METHODS Occupational and clinical characteristics of HCWs who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a university hospital from 24 February 2020 to 31 March 2020 were collected. For those who tested positive and for those who tested positive but who were asymptomatic, we checked the laboratory and clinical data as of 22 May to calculate the time necessary for HCWs to then test negative and to verify whether symptoms developed thereafter. Frequencies of positive tests were compared according to selected variables using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS There were 139 positive tests (8.8%) among 1573 HCWs (95% confidence interval, 7.5-10.3), with a marked difference between symptomatic (122/503, 24.2%) and asymptomatic (17/1070, 1.6%) workers (p < 0.001). Physicians were the group with the highest frequency of positive tests (61/582, 10.5%), whereas clerical workers and technicians had the lowest frequency (5/137, 3.6%). The likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19 increased with the number of reported symptoms; the strongest predictors of test positivity were taste and smell alterations (odds ratio = 76.9) and fever (odds ratio = 9.12). The median time from first positive test to a negative test was 27 days (95% confidence interval, 24-30). CONCLUSIONS HCWs can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 without displaying any symptoms. Among symptomatic HCWs, the key symptoms to guide diagnosis are taste and smell alterations and fever. A median of almost 4 weeks is necessary before nasopharyngeal swab test results are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lombardi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - D Consonni
- Epidemiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Carugno
- Epidemiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Bozzi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - D Mangioni
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Muscatello
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - V Castelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - E Palomba
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A P Cantù
- Medical Direction, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - F Ceriotti
- Clinical Laboratory, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - B Tiso
- Medical Direction, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A C Pesatori
- Epidemiology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Riboldi
- Occupational Health Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Bandera
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Lunghi
- Clinical Laboratory, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Gori
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, Marino RAM, Cannizzaro C. In utero Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure confers vulnerability towards cognitive impairments and alcohol drinking in the adolescent offspring: Is there a role for neuropeptide Y? J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:663-679. [PMID: 32338122 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120916135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid consumption during pregnancy has been increasing on the wave of the broad-based legalisation of cannabis in Western countries, raising concern about the putative detrimental outcomes on foetal neurodevelopment. Indeed, since the endocannabinoid system regulates synaptic plasticity, emotional and cognitive processes from early stages of life interfering with it and other excitability endogenous modulators, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), might contribute to the occurrence of a vulnerable phenotype later in life. AIMS This research investigated whether in utero exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may induce deficits in emotional/cognitive processes and alcohol vulnerability in adolescent offspring. NPY and excitatory postsynaptic density (PSD) machinery were measured as markers of neurobiological vulnerability. METHODS Following in utero THC exposure (2 mg/kg delivered subcutaneously), preadolescent male rat offspring were assessed for: behavioural reactivity in the open field test, neutral declarative memory and aversive limbic memory in the Novel Object and Emotional Object Recognition tests, immunofluorescence for NPY neurons and the PSD proteins Homer-1, 1b/c and 2 in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and nucleus accumbens at adolescence (cohort 1); and instrumental learning, alcohol taking, relapse and conflict behaviour in the operant chamber throughout adolescence until early adulthood (cohort 2). RESULTS In utero THC-exposed adolescent rats showed: (a) increased locomotor activity; (b) no alteration in neutral declarative memory; (c) impaired aversive limbic memory; (d) decreased NPY-positive neurons in limbic regions; (e) region-specific variations in Homer-1, 1b/c and 2 immunoreactivity; (f) decreased instrumental learning and increased alcohol drinking, relapse and conflict behaviour in the operant chamber. CONCLUSION Gestational THC impaired the formation of memory traces when integration between environmental encoding and emotional/motivational processing was required and promoted the development of alcohol-addictive behaviours. The abnormalities in NPY signalling and PSD make-up may represent the common neurobiological background, suggesting new targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- INSERM U1215, NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Anna Maria Marino
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother-Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence 'G. D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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11
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Antonacci R, Linguiti G, Burger PA, Castelli V, Pala A, Fitak R, Massari S, Ciccarese S. Comprehensive genomic analysis of the dromedary T cell receptor gamma (TRG) locus and identification of a functional TRGC5 cassette. Dev Comp Immunol 2020; 106:103614. [PMID: 31962062 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The emergent availability in public databases of more complete genome assemblies allows us to improve genomic data obtained by classical molecular cloning. The main goal of this study was to refine the genomic map of the dromedary TRG locus by integrating our previous genomic data with the analysis of recent genomic assemblies. We identified an additional TRGC cassette, defined as a V-J-C recombination unit, located at the 5' of the locus and made up of five TRGV genes followed by three TRGJ genes and one TRGC gene. Hence, the complete dromedary TRG locus spans about 105 Kb and consists of three in tandem TRGC cassettes delimited by AMPH and STARD3NL genes at the 5' and 3' end, respectively. An expression assay carried out on peripheral blood showed the functional competency for the dromedary TRGC5 cassette and confirmed the presence of the somatic hypermutation mechanism able to enlarge the repertoire diversity of the dromedary γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Antonacci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - G Linguiti
- Department of Biology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - P A Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Castelli
- Department of Biology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - A Pala
- Department of Biology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - R Fitak
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Biology, Genomics and Bioinformatics Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - S Massari
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - S Ciccarese
- Department of Biology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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12
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Castelli V, Lavanco G, Brancato A, Plescia F. Targeting the Stress System During Gestation: Is Early Handling a Protective Strategy for the Offspring? Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:9. [PMID: 32082129 PMCID: PMC7006220 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinatal window is a critical developmental time when abnormal gestational stimuli may alter the development of the stress system that, in turn, influences behavioral and physiological responses in the newborns. Individual differences in stress reactivity are also determined by variations in maternal care, resulting from environmental manipulations. Despite glucocorticoids are the primary programming factor for the offspring's stress response, therapeutic corticosteroids are commonly used during late gestation to prevent preterm negative outcomes, exposing the offspring to potentially aberrant stress reactivity later in life. Thus, in this study, we investigated the consequences of one daily s.c. injection of corticosterone (25 mg/kg), from gestational day (GD) 14-16, and its interaction with offspring early handling, consisting in a brief 15-min maternal separation until weaning, on: (i) maternal behavior; and (ii) behavioral reactivity, emotional state and depressive-like behavior in the adolescent offspring. Corticosterone plasma levels, under non-shock- and shock-induced conditions, were also assessed. Our results show that gestational exposure to corticosterone was associated with diminished maternal care, impaired behavioral reactivity, increased emotional state and depressive-like behavior in the offspring, associated with an aberrant corticosterone response. The early handling procedure, which resulted in increased maternal care, was able to counteract the detrimental effects induced by gestational corticosterone exposure both in the behavioral- and neurochemical parameters examined. These findings highlight the potentially detrimental consequences of targeting the stress system during pregnancy as a vulnerability factor for the occurrence of emotional and affective distress in the adolescent offspring. Maternal extra-care proves to be a protective strategy that confers resiliency and restores homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- INSERM U1215, Neuro Centre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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13
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Catanesi M, Panella G, Benedetti E, Fioravanti G, Perrozzi F, Ottaviano L, Leandro LD, Ardini M, Giansanti F, d'Angelo M, Castelli V, Angelucci F, Ippoliti R, Cimini A. YAP/TAZ mechano-transduction as the underlying mechanism of neuronal differentiation induced by reduced graphene oxide. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:3091-3106. [PMID: 30451074 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work is the dissection of the molecular pathways underlying the differentiation effect of reduced graphene oxide (GO) materials in the absence of differentiation agents. MATERIALS & METHODS Reduced GO is obtained either by drop casting method and heat-treated or biological reduction by the interaction between GO and wtPrxI. Cells were grown on both materials and the differentiation process studied by immunological and morphological detection. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The results obtained indicate that both reduction methods of GO can determine the modulation of pathway involved in mechano-transduction and differentiation, by affecting YAP/TAZ localization outside the nuclei and increasing neuronal differentiation markers. This suggests that the mechano-transduction pathways are responsible for the differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Catanesi
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - G Panella
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - E Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - G Fioravanti
- Department of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - F Perrozzi
- Department of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - L Ottaviano
- Department of Physical & Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - L Di Leandro
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - M Ardini
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - F Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - M d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - V Castelli
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - F Angelucci
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - R Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy
| | - A Cimini
- Department of Life, Health & Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila Italy.,Department of Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Medicine, Temple University, PA, USA
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14
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Lavanco G, Castelli V, Brancato A, Tringali G, Plescia F, Cannizzaro C. The endocannabinoid-alcohol crosstalk: Recent advances on a bi-faceted target. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 45:889-896. [PMID: 29770478 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has focusesed on the endocannabinoid system as a relevant player in the induction of aberrant synaptic plasticity and related addictive phenotype following chronic excessive alcohol drinking. In addition, the endocannabinoid system is implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. Interestingly, whereas the involvement of CB1 receptors in alcohol rewarding properties is established, the central and peripheral action of CB2 signalling is still to be elucidated. This review aims at giving the input to deepen knowledge on the role of the endocannabinoid system, highlighting the advancing evidence that suggests that CB1 and CB2 receptors may play opposite roles in the regulation of both the reinforcing properties of alcohol in the brain and the mechanisms responsible for cell injury and inflammation in the hepatic tissue. The manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could represent a bi-faceted strategy to counteract alcohol-related dysfunction in central transmission and liver structural and functional disarrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tringali
- Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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15
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Benedetti E, Cristiano L, Antonosante A, d'Angelo M, d'Angelo B, Selli S, Castelli V, Ippoliti R, Giordano A, Cimini A. PPARs in Neurodegenerative and Neuroinflammatory Pathways. Curr Alzheimer Res 2018; 15:336-344. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205014666170517150037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
PPARs are lipid sensors activated by dietary lipids or their metabolites, mainly
fatty acids and eicosanoids, that play critical roles in CNS biology, since brain has a very high lipid content
and has the higher energetic metabolism in the body.
Methods:
In neurodegenerative diseases in addition to metabolic impairment, also neuroinflammation is
observed and PPARs are also closely linked to inflammatory processes. Several studies have revealed a
complicated relationship between the innate immune response and tissue metabolism.
Results:
In the brain, during pathological conditions, an alteration in metabolic status occurs, particularly
involving glucose utilization and production, a condition which is generally related to metabolic changes.
Conclusion:
Taking into account the high expression of PPARs in the brain, this review will focus on the
role of these transcription factors in CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - L. Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - A. Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - M. d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - B. d'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - S. Selli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - V. Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - R. Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - A. Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - A. Cimini
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), Assergi, Italy
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16
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Brancato A, Castelli V, Cavallaro A, Lavanco G, Plescia F, Cannizzaro C. Pre-conceptional and Peri-Gestational Maternal Binge Alcohol Drinking Produces Inheritance of Mood Disturbances and Alcohol Vulnerability in the Adolescent Offspring. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:150. [PMID: 29743872 PMCID: PMC5930268 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although binge drinking is on the rise in women of reproductive age and during pregnancy, the consequences in the offspring, in particular the inheritance of alcohol-related mood disturbances and alcohol abuse vulnerability, are still poorly investigated. In this study, we modeled both Habitual- and Binge Alcohol Drinking (HAD and BAD) in female rats by employing a two-bottle choice paradigm, with 20% alcohol and water. The exposure started 12 weeks before pregnancy and continued during gestation and lactation. The consequences induced by the two alcohol drinking patterns in female rats were assessed before conception in terms of behavioral reactivity, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Afterwards, from adolescence to young-adulthood, male offspring was assessed for behavioral phenotype and alcohol abuse vulnerability. At pre-conceptional time BAD female rats showed higher mean alcohol intake and preference than HAD group; differences in drinking trajectories were attenuated during pregnancy and lactation. Pre-conceptional BAD induced a prevalent depressive/anhedonic-like behavior in female rats, rather than an increase in anxiety-like behavior, as observed in HAD rats. In the adolescent offspring, peri-gestational BAD did not affect behavioral reactivity in the open field and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Rather, BAD dams offspring displayed higher despair-behavior and lower social interaction with respect to control- and HAD dams progeny. Notably, only binge drinking exposure increased offspring vulnerability to alcohol abuse and relapse following forced abstinence. This is the first report showing that binge-like alcohol consumption from pre-conceptional until weaning induces relevant consequences in the affective phenotype of both the mothers and the offspring, and that such effects include heightened alcohol abuse vulnerability in the offspring. These findings highlight the need for more incisive public education campaigns about detrimental consequences of peri-gestational alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Cavallaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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17
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Ribichini D, Fiorini G, Repaci A, Castelli V, Gatta L, Vaira D, Pasquali R. Tablet and oral liquid L-thyroxine formulation in the treatment of naïve hypothyroid patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. Endocrine 2017; 57:394-401. [PMID: 27848196 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To compare the clinical efficacy of tablet and oral liquid L-thyroxine (LT4) formulation in naïve hypothyroid subjects with Helicobacter pylori infection. Forty-seven adult naïve hypothyroid subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were investigated with upper endoscopy and divided into: 28 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection (Group A); 15 patients without gastric alterations (group B); 4 patients with autoimmune gastritis were excluded from the study. Subjects were randomly treated with a same dose of LT4 tablet (TAB) or oral liquid formulation (SOL), for 9 months on group A and 6 months on group B. Helicobacter pylori infection was eradicated after 3 months of LT4 treatment. On group A, after 3 months (before Helicobacter pylori eradication), subjects treated with SOL showed a greater thyroid-stimulating hormone reduction (ΔTSH3-0: TAB = -4.1 ± 4.6 mU/L; SOL = -7.7 ± 2.5 mU/L; p = 0.029) and a greater homogeneity in the thyroid-stimulating hormone values (TSH3mo: TAB = 5.7 ± 4.9 mU/L; SOL = 4.1 ± 2.0 mU/L; p = 0.025), compared to LT4 tablet. At 9 months (after 6 months of Helicobacter pylori eradication) mean thyroid-stimulating hormone values were lower in subjects treated with LT4 tablet (TSH9mo: TAB = 1.8 ± 1.2 mU/L; SOL = 3.2 ± 1.7 mU/L; p = 0.006). On group B no difference were observed, at each time point, in the mean thyroid-stimulating hormone values and thyroid-stimulating hormone variations between two LT4 formulations. LT4 liquid formulation may produce a better clinical response compared to the tablet formulation in hypothyroid subjects with Helicobacter pylori infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Ribichini
- Division of Endocrinology (DE), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fiorini
- Division of Internal Medicine (IM), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Repaci
- Division of Endocrinology (DE), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Division of Internal Medicine (IM), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Gatta
- Gastroenterogy & Endoscopy Unit, Versilia Hospital, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Dino Vaira
- Division of Internal Medicine (IM), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Pasquali
- Division of Endocrinology (DE), Department of Medical & Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Zaccaro C, Saracino IM, Fiorini G, Figura N, Holton J, Castelli V, Pesci V, Gatta L, Vaira D. Power of screening tests for colorectal cancer enhanced by high levels of M2-PK in addition to FOBT. Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:333-339. [PMID: 28155016 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1610-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process that involves adenoma-carcinoma sequence. CRC can be prevented by routine screening, which can detect precancerous lesions. The aim of this study is to clarify whether faecal occult blood test (i-FOBT), tumor M2 pyruvate kinase (t-M2-PK), and endocannabinoid system molecules (cannabinoid receptors type 1-CB1, type 2-CB2, and fatty acid amide hydrolase-FAAH) might represent better diagnostic tools, alone or in combination, for an early diagnosis of CRC. An immunochemical FOB test (i-FOBT) and quantitative ELISA stool test for t-M2-PK were performed in 127 consecutive patients during a 12 month period. Endocannabinoid system molecules and t-M2-PK expression were detected by immunostaining in healthy tissues and normal mucosa surrounding adenomatous and cancerous colon lesions. i-FOBT and t-M2-PK combination leads to a better diagnostic accuracy for pre-neoplastic and neoplastic colon lesions. T-M2-PK quantification in stool samples and in biopsy samples (immunostaining) correlates with tumourigenesis stages. CB1 and CB2 are well expressed in healthy tissues, and their expression decreases in the presence of advanced stages of carcinogenesis and disappears in CRC. FAAH signal is well expressed in normal mucosa and low-risk adenoma, and increased in high-risk adenoma and carcinoma adjacent tissues. This study shows that high levels of t-M2-PK in addition to FOBT enhance the power of a CRC screening test. Endocannabinoid system molecule expression correlates with colon carcinogenesis stages. Developing future faecal tests for their quantification must be undertaken to obtain a more accurate early non-invasive diagnosis for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zaccaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Maria Saracino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Natale Figura
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Pesci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Gatta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Dino Vaira
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
The past two decades of data derived from addicted individuals and preclinical animal models of addiction implicate a role for the excitatory glutamatergic transmission within the mesolimbic structures in alcoholism. The cellular localization of the glutamatergic receptor subtypes, as well as their signaling efficiency and function, are highly dependent upon discrete functional constituents of the postsynaptic density, including the Homer family of scaffolding proteins. The consequences of repeated alcohol administration on the expression of the Homer family proteins demonstrate a crucial and active role, particularly for the expression of Homer2 isoform, in regulating alcohol-induced behavioral and cellular neuroplasticity. The interaction between Homer2 and alcohol can be defined as a mutual relation: alcohol consumption enhances the expression of Homer2 protein isoform within the nucleus accumbens and the extended amygdala, cerebral areas where, in turn, Homer2 is able to mediate the development of the "pro-alcoholic" behavioral phenotype, as a consequence of the morpho-functional synaptic adaptations. Such findings are relevant for the detection of the strategic molecular components that prompt alcohol-induced functional and behavioral disarrangement as targets for future innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Castelli
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Cavallaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Fiorini G, Bland JM, Hughes E, Castelli V, Vaira D. A systematic review on drugs absorption modifications after eradication in Helicobacter pylori positive patients undergoing replacement therapy. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2016; 24:95-100, 1 p following 100. [PMID: 25822439 DOI: 10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.fio] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been suggested as a cause of impaired drug absorption. This infection leads to alteration of the gastric acid secretion that may change the conformational characteristics of drugs and their intestinal absorption leading to uncertainties about the dose to administer and the therapeutic results. A systematic review was undertaken to clarify the implications of drug absorption during the administration of replacement therapies. METHODS Electronic databases such as MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library [which includes Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (CDSR), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Database of Abstract of Reviews of Effect (DARE)] were searched. Grey literature databases (e.g. the International clinical trials registry platform, Trials Register, Clinical Trials.gov, Controlled Trials and TrialsCentral), Theses database, Government publication and LILACS database were also searched. No language restriction was applied. RESULTS Infection and altered drug absorption were evaluated in patients under replacement therapies with iron, thyroxin and L-dopa. In all, seven studies included an improvement in drug absorption after eradication and an existing inverse correlation between the grade of gastric inflammation and indices of drug absorption were noticed. CONCLUSION This systematic review confirmed the presence of an interaction between infection and drug absorption of orally administered replacement therapies. Gastric acid reduction and subsequent alteration of drug composition seem to lead this mechanism. Clinicians should be aware of this possible interaction when starting a replacement therapy in patients and when evaluating poor clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dino Vaira
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Giorgi M, Pompili A, Cardarelli S, Castelli V, Biagioni S, Sancesario G, Gasbarri A. Zaprinast impairs spatial memory by increasing PDE5 expression in the rat hippocampus. Behav Brain Res 2014; 278:129-36. [PMID: 25281278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we report the effect of post-training intraperitoneal administration of zaprinast on rat memory retention in the Morris water maze task that revealed a significant memory impairment at the intermediate dose of 10mg/kg. Zaprinast is capable of inhibiting both striatal and hippocampal PDE activity but to a different extent which is probably due to the different PDE isoforms expressed in these areas. To assess the possible involvement of cyclic nucleotides in rat memory impairment, we compared the effects obtained 30 min after the zaprinast injection with respect to 24h after injection by measuring both cyclic nucleotide levels and PDE activity. As expected, 30 min after the zaprinast administration, we observed an increase of cyclic nucleotides, which returned to a basal level within 24h, with the exception of the hippocampal cGMP which was significantly decreased at the dose of 10mg/kg of zaprinast. This increase in the hippocampal region is the result of a cGMP-specific PDE5 induction, confirmed by sildenafil inhibition, in agreement with literature data that demonstrate transcriptional regulation of PDE5 by cAMP/cGMP intracellular levels. Our results highlight the possible rebound effect of PDE inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giorgi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Assunta Pompili
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardarelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sancesario
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Gasbarri
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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De Francesco V, Zullo A, Giorgio F, Saracino I, Zaccaro C, Hassan C, Ierardi E, Di Leo A, Fiorini G, Castelli V, Lo Re G, Vaira D. Change of point mutations in Helicobacter pylori rRNA associated with clarithromycin resistance in Italy. J Med Microbiol 2013; 63:453-457. [PMID: 24344205 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.067942-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary clarithromycin resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori therapy. This study aimed: (i) to assess the concordance between phenotypic (culture) and genotypic (real-time PCR) tests in resistant strains; (ii) to search, in the case of disagreement between the methods, for point mutations other than those reported as the most frequent in Europe; and (iii) to compare the MICs associated with the single point mutations. In order to perform real-time PCR, we retrieved biopsies from patients in whom H. pylori infection was successful diagnosed by bacterial culture and clarithromycin resistance was assessed using the Etest. Only patients who had never been previously treated, and with H. pylori strains that were either resistant exclusively to clarithromycin or without any resistance, were included. Biopsies from 82 infected patients were analysed, including 42 strains that were clarithromycin resistant and 40 that were clarithromycin susceptible on culture. On genotypic analysis, at least one of the three most frequently reported point mutations (A2142C, A2142G and A2143G) was detected in only 23 cases (54.8%), with a concordance between the two methods of 0.67. Novel point mutations (A2115G, G2141A and A2144T) were detected in a further 14 out of 19 discordant cases, increasing the resistance detection rate of PCR to 88% (P<0.001; odds ratio 6.1, 95% confidence interval 2-18.6) and the concordance to 0.81. No significant differences in MIC values among different point mutations were observed. This study suggests that: (i) the prevalence of the usually reported point mutations may be decreasing, with a concomitant emergence of new mutations; (ii) PCR-based methods should search for at least six point mutations to achieve good accuracy in detecting clarithromycin resistance; and (iii) none of the tested point mutations is associated with significantly higher MIC values than the others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Zullo
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, 'Nuovo Regina Margherita' Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Giorgio
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Saracino
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Zaccaro
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Hassan
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, 'Nuovo Regina Margherita' Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Ierardi
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Lo Re
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dino Vaira
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Saracino IM, Zullo A, Holton J, Castelli V, Fiorini G, Zaccaro C, Ridola L, Ricci C, Gatta L, Vaira D. High prevalence of primary antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori isolates in Italy. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2013. [PMID: 23256118 DOI: 10.1007/s10388-012-0346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS H. pylori eradication with standard therapies is decreasing worldwide, mainly because of increased primary antibiotic resistance rates. We aimed to assess primary resistance in H. pylori isolates towards the most used antibiotics in clinical practice. METHODS The study enrolled consecutive, dyspeptic, adult patients, never treated for H. pylori, who had underwent upper endoscopy. Gastric biopsies were taken for standard histology, and two further antral biopsies were used for H. pylori culture. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) >/= 1, >/= 8 and >/= 1 mg/L were used as break point for clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin resistance, respectively. RESULTS Bacterial culture was successful in 145 (94%) out of 154 infected patients. Resistance towards at least one antibiotic was detected in 111 (76.6%) isolated, and multiple antibiotic resistance in 35.2% of cases. Primary resistance towards clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin was detected in 51 (35.2%), 86 (59.3%), and in 32 isolated (22.1%), respectively. Levofloxacin resistance was significantly associated with the male sex (OR: 11.3, 95% CI = 1.2-103; P = 0.03), whilst females were at a higher risk of being infected with bacterial strains harbouring a double clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance (OR: 4.9, 95% CI = 1.2-19.8, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Our data indicate a very high primary resistance rate towards the most used antibiotics in H. pylori isolates. The efficacy of standard eradication therapies is expected to further decrease in the next years.
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Fiorini G, Zullo A, Castelli V, Lo Re G, Holton J, Vaira D. Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the thyroid diseases. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2013; 22:261-263. [PMID: 24078981] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital Bologna, Italy;
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25
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Mango D, Bonito-Oliva A, Ledonne A, Nisticò R, Castelli V, Giorgi M, Sancesario G, Fisone G, Berretta N, Mercuri NB. Phosphodiesterase 10A controls D1-mediated facilitation of GABA release from striato-nigral projections under normal and dopamine-depleted conditions. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt A:127-36. [PMID: 23973317 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we found that PDE10A inhibitor papaverine, alone or in combination with the D1 receptor agonist SKF38393, did not change spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) frequency or amplitude in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr). An increase in frequency, but not in amplitude, of sIPSCs was only observed when SKF38393 and PDE10A inhibitors were associated to perfusion with higher extracellular K(+). On the other hand, the amplitude of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) of the striato-nigral projection to SNpr, was increased in response to co-administration of SKF38393 and papaverine in normal extracellular potassium. Of note, both an increase in sIPSCs frequency and eIPSC amplitude could be obtained either by a robust stimulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) with forskolin (10 μM) or by a lower dose of forskolin (1 μM) associated to PDE inhibition. We next investigated the effects produced by dopamine (DA) depletion in the striatum. Under this condition, SKF38393 alone increased either sIPSCs frequency and eIPSC amplitude. In addition, in the striatum of DA-depleted mice we found reduced PDE10A levels and higher cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in response to D1 receptor stimulation. In accordance with these biochemical data, perfusion with papaverine had no effect on the SKF38393-induced changes of IPSCs in slices of DA-depleted mice. These findings reveal a dynamic interplay between PDE10A activity, level of neuronal network depolarization and degree of dopaminergic tone in the ability of D1 receptors to facilitate the GABAergic transmission to SNpr neurons from the direct nigro-striatal pathway. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Synaptic Basis of Neurodegenerative Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mango
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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26
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Fiorini G, Vakil N, Zullo A, Saracino IM, Castelli V, Ricci C, Zaccaro C, Gatta L, Vaira D. Culture-based selection therapy for patients who did not respond to previous treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 11:507-10. [PMID: 23267869 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Eradication of Helicobacter pylori using empiric therapy has become difficult as a result of increasing resistance to antibiotics. We evaluated the efficacy of specific treatments, selected based on response of bacterial samples to culture with clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole, for patients infected with resistant strains of H pylori. METHODS We performed a prospective study at a single center of 236 consecutive patients with persistent H pylori infection, despite 1 or more treatment attempts, and documented resistance to at least 1 antimicrobial agent (based on bacterial culture tests). Biopsy samples were collected by endoscopy and cultured in selective media. Patients received either 10 days of levofloxacin (250 mg twice daily for 131 patients with susceptible infections) or 12 days of rifabutin (150 mg once daily for 105 patients resistant to levofloxacin) in combination with amoxicillin (1 g twice daily) and esomeprazole (40 mg twice daily). Efficacy of eradication was determined by the (13)C-urea breath test, 6 to 8 weeks after therapy. Compliance and side effects were determined via personal interviews at the end of therapy. Rifabutin toxicity was monitored by analysis of blood samples. RESULTS H pylori infection was cured in 118 of the patients who received levofloxacin triple therapy (90%; 95% confidence interval, 85%-95%) and 93 of the patients who received rifabutin triple therapy (88.6%; 95% confidence interval, 82%-95%). In each group, the cure rate did not differ significantly between patients infected with H pylori strains resistant to single or multiple antibiotics. Mild side effects occurred in 15.5% and 14.9% of patients resistant to single or multiple antibiotics, respectively, and self-limiting neutropenia was observed in 1 (0.7%) case. CONCLUSIONS Selection of triple therapy with either levofloxacin or rifabutin, based on results from bacterial culture tests, cures H pylori infection in about 90% who did not previously respond to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection remains widespread internationally, with a definite morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of standard 7–14 day triple therapies is decreasing, mainly due to increasing primary bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Currently, the most effective treatments are either the sequential regimen or the concomitant therapy. Different patents have been registered showing high bactericidal effects in vitro, some of which are active against clarithromycin- and metronidazole-resistant strains, even at low pH values. Among these novel molecules, benzimidazole-derivatives, polycyclic compounds, pyloricidin, and arylthiazole analogues seem to be the more promising. The identification of essential genes for either bacterial colonization or growth represents a route for potential target therapies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bologna, Italy
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Vaira D, Gatta L, Ricci C, Castelli V, Fiorini G, Kajo E, Lanzini A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus. Intern Emerg Med 2011; 6:299-306. [PMID: 20614201 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-010-0427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis recorded during visits to outpatient clinics. The spectrum of injury includes esophagitis, stricture, the development of columnar metaplasia in place of the normal squamous epithelium (Barrett's esophagus), and adenocarcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant lesion detected in the majority of patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of these cancers has been increasing in the United States and they are associated with a low rate of survival (5-year survival rate, 15-20%). When symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are typical and the patient responds to therapy, no diagnostic tests are necessary to verify the diagnosis. Endoscopy is the primary test in patients whose condition is resistant to empirical therapy but its yield in this setting is low because of the poor correlation between symptoms attributed to the condition and endoscopic features of the disease. Clinical experience suggests that lifestyle modifications may be beneficial for gastroesophageal reflux disease although trials of the clinical efficacy of dietary or behavioral changes are lacking. Abundant data from randomized trials show benefits of inhibiting gastric acid secretion and suggest that proton-pump inhibitors are superior to H2-blockers and that both are superior to placebo. In patients with Barrett's esophagus, antireflux interventions are intended to control symptoms of reflux and promote healing of the esophageal mucosa. If a patient has symptoms refractory to proton-pump inhibitors or cannot tolerate such therapy, antireflux surgery, most commonly Nissen fundoplication, may be an alternative management approach. In patients with high-grade dysplasia, endoscopic therapies or surgical resection must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Vaira
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
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Giorgi M, Melchiorri G, Nuccetelli V, D'Angelo V, Martorana A, Sorge R, Castelli V, Bernardi G, Sancesario G. PDE10A and PDE10A-dependent cAMP catabolism are dysregulated oppositely in striatum and nucleus accumbens after lesion of midbrain dopamine neurons in rat: a key step in parkinsonism physiopathology. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 43:293-303. [PMID: 21515371 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of dopamine neurons in experimental parkinsonism results in altered cyclic nucleotide cAMP and cGMP levels throughout the basal ganglia. Our objective was to examine whether expression of phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), an isozyme presenting a unique distribution in basal ganglia, is altered after unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine in the medial forebrain bundle, eliminating all midbrain dopaminergic neurons, such that cyclic nucleotide catabolism and steady state could be affected. Our study demonstrates that PDE10A mRNA levels were decreased in striatal neurons 10 weeks after 6-hydroxydopamine midbrain lesion. Such changes occurred in the striatum ipsilateral to lesion and were paralleled by decreased PDE10A protein levels and activity in striatal neurons and in striato-pallidal and striato-nigral projections. However, PDE10A protein and activity were increased while PDE10A mRNA was unchanged in the nucleus accumbens ipsilateral to the 6-hydroxydopamine midbrain lesion. Accordingly, cAMP levels were down-regulated in the nucleus accumbens, and up-regulated in the striatum ipsilateral to the lesion, but they were not significantly changed in substantia nigra and globus pallidus. Unlike cAMP, cGMP levels were decreased in all dopamine-deafferented regions. The opposite variations of cAMP steady state in striatum and nucleus accumbens are concordant and likely dependent, at least in part, on the down-regulation of PDE10A expression and activity in the former and its up-regulation in the latter. On the other hand, the down-regulation of cGMP steady state in the striato-nigral and striato-pallidal complex is not consistent with and is likely independent from the concomitant down-regulation of PDE10A. Therefore, dopamine loss inversely regulates PDE10A gene expression in the striatum and PDE10A post-transcription in the nucleus accumbens, therein differentially modulating PDE10A-dependent cAMP catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giorgi
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Gatta L, Di Mario F, Vaira D, Franzé A, Rugge M, Pilotto A, Lucarini P, Lera M, Fiorini G, Castelli V, Kajo E, Scarpignato C. Helicobacter pylori eradication: are we really all equal? A controlled study in native and immigrant population. Intern Emerg Med 2011; 6:35-9. [PMID: 20721642 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-010-0443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Italy's shift to a tertiary economy has modified the working market, concentrating demand also on unqualified one, which includes most immigrants. It is also well established that low socio-economical conditions are associated with an increased prevalence of H. pylori infection. The aims of this study were to compare: (1) the efficacy of a 7 days triple therapy in immigrant and in Italian patients; (2) the prevalence of PUD between these two groups of patients. A total of 116 consecutive immigrant and 112 Italian H. pylori infected patients were recruited between 2007 and 2008. Patients underwent (13)C-UBT, endoscopy with biopsies, and were offered a 7-day triple therapy. Eradication rate (ER) was assessed 8 weeks after the end of the treatment using (13)C-UBT. The two populations differed for median age (p < 0.01), prevalence of PUD (p < 0.01), and smoking status (p < 0.01). The ER according to the ITT analysis was 70% for Italian and 48.3% for immigrant (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis including country of origin, sex, age, PUD, smoking, and alcohol status found that immigrant had an adjusted OR for not eradicating of 2.14 (p = 0.03). In immigrant patients resident in Italy, performance of triple therapy was lower than expected. Further studies are demanded to confirm and clarify these intriguing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gatta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy.
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Gatta L, Moayyedi P, Tosetti C, Vakil N, Ubaldi E, Barsanti P, Fiorini G, Castelli V, Gargiulo C, Lucarini P, Lera M, Kajo E, Di Mario F, Vaira D. A validation study of the Italian Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire. Intern Emerg Med 2010; 5:501-6. [PMID: 20886376 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-010-0467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of symptoms should be one of the main outcome measures in dyspepsia clinical trials. This requires a reliable, valid and responsive questionnaire that measures the frequency and severity of dyspeptic symptoms. The Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) has been proven to fulfil these criteria in its original version in the English language. The aim of the study was to assess the internal consistency, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Italian version of the SF-LDQ in primary and secondary care. Unselected primary and secondary care patients completed the Italian version of the SF-LDQ. Test-retest reliability was assessed after 2 days. Validity was measured by comparison with diagnosis made by physicians. Responsiveness was determined before and after treatment for endoscopically proven disease. The SF-LDQ was administered to 311 patients in primary care and 179 in secondary care patients. Internal consistency, as judged by the Cronbach's α, was 0.90. Pearson's correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.92. The SF-LDQ had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 82%. A highly significant response to change was also observed (p = 0.001). The Italian SF-LDQ is a reliable, valid and responsive self-completed outcome measure for quantifying the frequency and severity of dyspeptic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gatta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy.
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Vaira D, Gatta L, Ricci C, Perna F, Saracino I, Fiorini G, Castelli V, Holton J. A comparison amongst three rapid urease tests to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection in 375 consecutive dyspeptic. Intern Emerg Med 2010; 5:41-7. [PMID: 20082190 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-009-0344-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tools for Helicobacter pylori are important in endoscopy. To assess the accuracy of a new 5-min rapid urease test (UFT300, ABS Cernusco, sul Naviglio, Italy) compared with the 1-h Pyloritek (Serim Laboratories, Elkhart, IN) and the 24-h CLO test (Kimberly-Clark Ballard Medical Products, Roswell, GA), consecutive dyspeptic patients referred to our unit for endoscopy were prospectively studied. All patients underwent a 13C-urea-breath test, histology and the UFT300 (ABS; Cernusco, sul Naviglio, Italy). Two additional rapid urease tests were performed. Patients were deemed infected when both 13C-UBT and histology were positive. Rapid urease tests were read at 1, 5, and 60 min, respectively. Of the 375 enrolled patients, 45.3% were infected with H. pylori. The sensitivity of the new 5-min rapid urease test 300 was 90.3, 94.5, and 96.2% at 1, 5, and 60 min, respectively (specificity 100%). The Pyloritek and the new 5-min rapid urease test were comparable, but the CLO test was not reliable at 5 and 60 min. In conclusion, the new 5-min rapid urease test is comparable to the Pyloritek test, but the CLO test is significantly less sensitive at early time points. Reading the test results at 1 min may increase false-negative results with decreasing sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Vaira
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
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Carmenini E, Pitucco G, Tripodi DA, Centi M, Castelli V, Lentini P, Galdenzi R, Bologna E. [Cat scratch pneumonia: a case report]. Clin Ter 2006; 157:517-8. [PMID: 17228851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pasteurella multocida infections can be caused by scratches or bites of many animals including pets. An unrecognized infection can lead to severe complications such as arthritis, osteomyelitis, respiratory infections and even meningitis or endocarditis. We present the case of a woman affected by soft tissue infection caused by Pasteurella multocida complicated by bacteremia and pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmenini
- Ospedale Madre Giuseppina Vannini, U.O. Osservazione Medica, Roma, Italia.
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Jaillon O, Aury JM, Roest Crollius H, Salanoubat M, Wincker P, Dossat C, Castelli V, Boudet N, Samair S, Eckenberg R, Bonneval S, Saurin W, Scarpelli C, Schächter V, Weissenbach J. Genome-wide analyses based on comparative genomics. Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol 2003; 68:275-82. [PMID: 15338627 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2003.68.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- O Jaillon
- CNRS UMR8030, Genoscope and University of Evry, Evry, France
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35
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Cavallaro U, Tenan M, Castelli V, Perilli A, Maggiano N, Van Meir EG, Montesano R, Soria MR, Pepper MS. Response of bovine endothelial cells to FGF-2 and VEGF is dependent on their site of origin: Relevance to the regulation of angiogenesis. J Cell Biochem 2001; 82:619-33. [PMID: 11500940 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillary blood vessels, occurs almost exclusively in the microcirculation. This process is controlled by the interaction between factors with positive and negative regulatory activity. In this study, we have compared the effect of two well described positive regulators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) on bovine adrenal cortex-derived microvascular endothelial (BME) and bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells. The parameters we assessed included (a) cellular reorganization and lumen formation following exposure of the apical cell surface to a three-dimensional collagen gel; (b) organization of the actin cytoskeleton; (c) expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), an endogenous negative regulator of angiogenesis; and (d) extracellular proteolytic activity mediated by the plasminogen activator (PA)/plasmin system. We found that (a) collagen gel overlay induces rapid reorganization and lumen formation in BME but not BAE cells; (b) FGF-2 but not VEGF induced dramatic reorganization of actin microfilaments in BME cells, with neither cytokine affecting BAE cells; (c) FGF-2 decreased TSP-1 protein and mRNA expression in BME cells, an effect which was specific for FGF-2 and BME cells, since TSP-1 protein levels were unaffected by VEGF in BME cells, or by FGF-2 or VEGF in BAE cells; (d) FGF-2 induced urokinase-type PA (uPA) in BME and BAE cells, while VEGF induced uPA and tissue-type PA in BME cells with no effect on BAE cells. Taken together, these findings reveal endothelial cell-type specific responses to FGF-2 and VEGF, and point to the greater specificity of these cytokines for endothelial cells of the microvasculature than for large vessel (aortic) endothelial cells. Furthermore, when viewed in the context of our previous observation on the synergistic interaction between VEGF and FGF-2, our present findings provide evidence for complementary mechanisms which, when acting in concert, might account for the synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Cavallaro
- Dibit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Cavallaro U, Perilli A, Castelli V, Pepper MS, Soria MR. FGF-2 promotes disassembly of actin cytoskeleton and shape changes in murine vascular cells. Microvasc Res 2001; 61:211-4. [PMID: 11254401 DOI: 10.1006/mvre.2000.2299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- U Cavallaro
- Department of Biological and Technological Research, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Cavallaro U, Castelli V, Del Monte U, Soria MR. Phenotypic alterations in senescent large-vessel and microvascular endothelial cells. Mol Cell Biol Res Commun 2000; 4:117-21. [PMID: 11170842 DOI: 10.1006/mcbr.2000.0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cell senescence likely plays a key role in age-associated vascular diseases. A close relationship between in vitro and in vivo senescence of endothelial cells has been established. Therefore, elucidating the structural and functional changes occurring during long-term cultures of endothelial cells would contribute to clarifying the pathogenesis of vascular disorders in the elderly. We investigated the effects of replicative senescence on the architecture of bovine aortic vs microvascular endothelial cells. A marked increase in cell area was observed in both cell types, whereas dramatic morphological alterations were detected in microvascular endothelial cells only. The latter also showed age-associated reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Finally, both aortic and microvascular endothelial cells lost their migratory response to basic fibroblast growth factor with age. Our results highlight dramatic structural and functional alterations in senescent endothelial cells. Such rearrangements might account for in vivo endothelial cell alterations involved in age-associated vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Cavallaro
- Institute of General Pathology, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
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Cavallaro U, Castelli V, Perilli A, Dossi R, Giavazzi R, Pepper MS, Soria MR, Montesano R. Characterization of novel clonal murine endothelial cell lines with an extended life span. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2000; 36:299-308. [PMID: 10937833 DOI: 10.1290/1071-2690(2000)036<0299:concme>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A murine endothelial cell line was recently established from microvessels that had invaded a subcutaneous sponge implant (Dong, Q. G.; Bernasconi, S.; Lostaglio, S., et al. Arterioscl. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17:1599-1604; 1997). From these sponge-induced endothelial (SIE) cells, we have isolated two subpopulations endowed with different phenotypic properties. Clone SIE-F consists of large, highly spread cells that have a relatively slow growth rate, form contact-inhibited monolayers, do not grow under anchorage-independent conditions, express elevated levels of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and are not tumorigenic in vivo. In contrast, clone SIE-S2 consists of small, spindle-shaped cells that have a high proliferation rate, do not show contact-inhibition, grow under anchorage-independent conditions, express very low levels of TSP-1 and are tumorigenic in vivo. Both clones express the endothelial markers vascular endothelial-cadherin and vascular intercellular adhesion molecule-1, but do not express CD31 and E-selectin. In addition, SIE-S2 cells, but not SIE-F cells, express the alpha-smooth muscle actin isoform. SIE-S2 cells, but not SIE-F cells, are able to form branching tubes in fibrin gels. The SIE-F and SIE-S2 clones, which have properties of nontransformed and transformed cells, respectively, should provide useful tools to investigate physiological and pathological processes involving vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Cavallaro
- Dibit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Castelli V, Moscogiuri D, Taviani AP, Donati L. Occurrence of papillary carcinoma in a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule: report of a case and diagnostic considerations. Thyroidology 1994; 6:69-72. [PMID: 7536453] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid occurring within a hyperfunctioning nodule is an extremely rare disorder. A case in a woman is reported. We believe that diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be used in the case of a hot thyroid nodule must take this possible occurrence into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Castelli
- Department of Endocrinology, M.G. Vannini Hospital, Rome, Italy
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40
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Castelli V. [Hypothyroidism and simple goiter in pregnancy]. Recenti Prog Med 1994; 85:190-5. [PMID: 8184203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is 2.5%. Failure to diagnose the problem causes serious complications both to the mater and to the fetus. This pathological condition is verified on the basis of clinical analysis and above all in the laboratory. Autoimmunity is frequently the cause of hypothyroidism whereas this condition is rarely provoked as a result of surgery and therapy with I131. Pregnancy causes a definite deterioration of a pre-existing euthyroid goiter, so as it requires a careful monitoring of woman at risk. If the goiter is found to be neoplastic, its histotype and size must be studied carefully in order to provide for surgery. Therapy with L-thyroxine is essential to avoid damage to both mater and fetus and to monitor the glandular growth in the euthyroid goiter.
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Castelli V, Moscogiuri D. [Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy]. Recenti Prog Med 1992; 83:621-5. [PMID: 1287750] [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: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The authors review the current knowledge of fetus and woman thyroid physiology during pregnancy. They analyze the abnormalities related to hyperthyroidism, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of thyrotoxicosis; in detail possible fetal complications. They suggest the practical management of thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Castelli
- Ospedale generale di zona, Figlie di S. Camillo, Roma
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Castelli V, Moscogiuri D, Taviani AP, D'Accinni MP, D'Ascoli C, Donati L. [Echocardiographic changes in primary autoimmune hypothyroidism]. Recenti Prog Med 1989; 80:183-5. [PMID: 2762654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Echocardiographic features in patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism have been described. Plasma levels of T3, T4 and TSH have been compared with the severity of the echocardiographic alterations. Echocardiography demonstrated abnormalities more frequently in patients with severe hypothyroidism. No pericardial effusion has been detected. We discuss the possible etiopathogenic mechanisms.
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Abstract
The article describes the treatment of solitary bone cysts of the upper and lower limbs by means of elastic intramedullary nailing. In the 11 cases treated, bone rehabilitation was complete, probably due to the defluction of the intracystic fluid by means of the drainage caused by the nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Santori
- Institute of Clinical Orthopedics, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Simonetti G, Passariello R, Rossi P, Pesce B, Tomiselli A, Canalis GC, Santori FS, Castelli V, Coen G, Granieri A. Digital angiography in evaluation of orthopedic tumors. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 1985; 8:83-8. [PMID: 3910251 DOI: 10.1007/bf02552865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Preoperative evaluation of orthopedic tumors using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) proved useful to ascertain the nature of the lesion, its extension to soft tissues and joints, and the presence of arteriovenous (AV) shunts. We report that overall accuracy varied from 89% to 92%, depending on the feature evaluated. The importance of angiographic examination of this entity is discussed as well as the advantages of DSA over conventional angiography.
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45
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Gigante GE, Gigante G, Castelli V, Casagrande A. [Possible new technics for evaluating the mineral content of bone "in vivo": improvements and completion of Cameron's absorbimetric technic]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981; 57:2264-2269. [PMID: 7326114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
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Abstract
This paper documents the analytic foundation and software architecture for the computerized mathematical simulation of high speed cylindrical rolling element bearing behavior. The software, CYBEAN (CYlindrical BEaring ANalysis), considers a flexible, variable geometry outer ring, EHD films, roller centrifugal and quasidynamic loads, roller tilt and skew, mounting fits, cage and flange interactions. The representation includes both steady state and time transient simulation of thermal interactions internal to and coupled with the surroundings of the bearing. A sample problem illustrating program use is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Pirvics
- SKF Industries, Inc., King of Prussia, Pa
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47
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Abstract
The problem of the compliant surface journal bearing is investigated. The mathematical problem is divided into two parts, the elasticity problem and the fluid problem. The equations of linear elasticity, which represent the elasticity problem, are solved; (a) by expansion of the solution in eigenfunctions (b) by the Raleigh Ritz method, and (c) by a collocation method. Reynolds’ equation, which represents the fluid problem, is then coupled with the solution to the elasticity problem. The corresponding finite difference representation of Reynolds’ equation, which is a set of fourth-order nonlinear algebraic equations, is inverted by Newton iteration. Finally, numerical results are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. K. Benjamin
- Lubrication Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
| | - V. Castelli
- Lubrication Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
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Cheng HS, Castelli V, Chow CY. Performance Characteristics of Spiral-Groove and Shrouded Rayleigh Step Profiles for High-Speed Noncontacting Gas Seals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1969. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3554900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Current methods in gas lubrication have been used in this paper to analyze the gas-film characteristics in a high-speed, face-type gas seal. Detailed analyses are presented for two different surface geometries, the spiral-groove-orifice seal and the shrouded Rayleigh step seal. Results are presented in three parts. The first part shows the performance of a spiral-groove seal without the orifices, and also the difference in performance when the grooves are located at the high pressure, low pressure, or both sides. The second part gives typical performance of a nonparallel film profile for the spiral-groove-orifice seal as well as for the shrouded Rayleigh step seal. In the last part, a comparison is made between the two seal geometries on their tolerance to coning or dishing under a constant seal load.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - C. Y. Chow
- Mechanical Technology Inc., Latham, N. Y
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Castelli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
| | - J. Pirvics
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
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Castelli V, Rightmire GK, Fuller DD. On the Analytical and Experimental Investigation of a Hydrostatic, Axisymmetric Compliant-Surface Thrust Bearing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1967. [DOI: 10.1115/1.3617045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents experimental and theoretical data on the axisymmetric hydrostatic thrust bearing with one bonded compliant surface. The theoretical results are exact and are based on linear elasticity theory. The effects of compliance on the behavior of the thrust bearing are discussed and illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Castelli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
| | - G. K. Rightmire
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
| | - D. D. Fuller
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, N. Y
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