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Pompili E, Baldassarre M, Bedogni G, Zaccherini G, Iannone G, De Venuto C, Pratelli D, Palmese F, Domenicali M, Caraceni P. Predictors of clinical trajectories of patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis. An external validation of the PREDICT study. Liver Int 2024; 44:72-82. [PMID: 37718730 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The PREDICT study recently showed that acutely decompensated (AD) patients with cirrhosis can present three different clinical phenotypes in the 90 days after admission: (1) pre-ACLF, developing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF); (2) unstable decompensated cirrhosis (UDC), being re-admitted for AD without ACLF and (3) stable decompensated cirrhosis (SDC), not presenting readmission or ACLF. This study aimed to externally validate the existence of these three distinct trajectories and to identify predictors for the occurrence of each trajectory. METHODS Baseline data, 3-month ACLF and readmission incidence and 1-year survival were analysed in a prospective cohort of patients admitted for AD. A multinomial multivariable model was used to evaluate the association between baseline features and clinical trajectories. RESULTS Of the 311 patients enrolled, 55% met the criteria for SDC, 18% for UDC and 27% for pre-ACLF, presenting a significantly different 1-year mortality: pre-ACLF 65%, UDC 46%, SDC 21% (p < .001). The presence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was associated with UDC (p = .043), while the absence of ascites to SDC (p = .017). Among laboratory parameters, an increase in MELD-Na (p = .001) and C-reactive protein (p = .009) and a decrease in haemoglobin (p = .004) and albumin (p = .008) levels were associated with pre-ACLF. CONCLUSION The present study confirms that AD patients have three different clinical trajectories with different mortality rates. Besides the severity of cirrhosis, the association with C-reactive protein supports the predominant role of systemic inflammation in ACLF pathophysiology. Finally, HE is associated with the UDC phenotype highlighting the need for better management of this complication after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pompili
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Baldassarre
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bedogni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Primary Health Care, Internal Medicine Unit Addressed to Frailty and Aging, "S. Maria delle Croci" Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Iannone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Clara De Venuto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dario Pratelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Palmese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Primary Health Care, Internal Medicine Unit Addressed to Frailty and Aging, "S. Maria delle Croci" Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Marco Domenicali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Primary Health Care, Internal Medicine Unit Addressed to Frailty and Aging, "S. Maria delle Croci" Ravenna Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Paolo Caraceni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Marasco G, Buttitta F, Cremon C, Barbaro MR, Stanghellini V, Barbara G. The role of microbiota and its modulation in colonic diverticular disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14615. [PMID: 37243442 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diverticular disease (DD) is a common condition in Western countries. The role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of DD and its related symptoms has been frequently postulated since most complications of this disease are bacteria-driven and most therapies rely on microbiota modulation. Preliminary data showed fecal microbial imbalance in patients with DD, particularly when symptomatic, with an increase of pro-inflammatory and potentially pathogenetic bacteria. In addition, bacterial metabolic markers can mirror specific pathways of the disease and may be even used for monitoring treatment effects. All treatments currently suggested for DD can affect microbiota structure and metabolome compositions. PURPOSE Sparse evidence is available linking gut microbiota perturbations, diverticular disease pathophysiology, and symptom development. We aimed to summarize the available knowledge on gut microbiota evaluation in diverticular disease, with a focus on symptomatic uncomplicated DD, and the relative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Buttitta
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Cremon
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Stanghellini
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Sita G, Graziosi A, Corrieri C, Ghelli L, Angelini S, Cortelli P, Hrelia P, Morroni F. The Unfolded Protein Response in a Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Looking for Predictors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16200. [PMID: 38003389 PMCID: PMC10671834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most frequent type of dementia worldwide, and aging is the most important risk factor for the sporadic form of the pathology. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the main cellular actor involved in proteostasis, appears significantly compromised in AD due to the accumulation of the β-amyloid (Aβ) protein and the phosphorylated Tau protein. Increasing protein misfolding activates a specific cellular response known as Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), which orchestrates the recovery of ER function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of UPR in a murine model of AD induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aβ1-42 oligomers at 3 or 18 months. The oligomer injection in aged animals induced memory impairment, oxidative stress, and the depletion of glutathione reserve. Furthermore, the RNA sequencing and the bioinformatic analysis performed showed the enrichment of several pathways involved in neurodegeneration and protein regulations. The analysis highlighted the significant dysregulation of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6). In turn, ER stress affected the PI3K/Akt/Gsk3β and MAPK/ERK pathways, highlighting Mapkapk5 as a potential marker, whose regulation could lead to the definition of new pharmacological and neuroprotective strategies to counteract AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sita
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Agnese Graziosi
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Camilla Corrieri
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Luca Ghelli
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences—DiBiNeM, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology—FaBiT, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (G.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (S.A.); (F.M.)
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Righetti R, Grillini S, Del Dotto V, Costanzini A, Liuzzi F, Zanna C, Sgarbi G, Solaini G, Baracca A. The Pro-Oncogenic Protein IF 1 Promotes Proliferation of Anoxic Cancer Cells during Re-Oxygenation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14624. [PMID: 37834071 PMCID: PMC10572598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells overexpress IF1, the endogenous protein that inhibits the hydrolytic activity of ATP synthase when mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔμH+) falls, as in ischemia. Other roles have been ascribed to IF1, but the associated molecular mechanisms are still under debate. We investigated the ability of IF1 to promote survival and proliferation in osteosarcoma and colon carcinoma cells exposed to conditions mimicking ischemia and reperfusion, as occurs in vivo, particularly in solid tumors. IF1-silenced and parental cells were exposed to the FCCP uncoupler to collapse ΔμH+ and the bioenergetics of cell models were validated. All the uncoupled cells preserved mitochondrial mass, but the implemented mechanisms differed in IF1-expressing and IF1-silenced cells. Indeed, the membrane potential collapse and the energy charge preservation allowed an increase in both mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in IF1-expressing cells only. Interestingly, the presence of IF1 also conferred a proliferative advantage to cells highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation when the uncoupler was washed out, mimicking cell re-oxygenation. Overall, our results indicate that IF1, by allowing energy preservation and promoting mitochondrial renewal, can favor proliferation of anoxic cells and tumor growth. Therefore, hindering the action of IF1 may be promising for the therapy of tumors that rely on oxidative phosphorylation for energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Righetti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Silvia Grillini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Valentina Del Dotto
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesca Liuzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Claudia Zanna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Gianluca Sgarbi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Giancarlo Solaini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandra Baracca
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Mitochondrial Pathophysiology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (R.R.); (S.G.); (V.D.D.); (C.Z.); (G.S.); (A.B.)
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Marasco G, Maida M, Cremon C, Barbaro MR, Stanghellini V, Barbara G. Letter: Post-COVID-19 functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome-Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:128-129. [PMID: 37307549 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia-Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Cesare Cremon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Stanghellini
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Marasco G, Maida M, Cremon C, Barbaro MR, Stanghellini V, Barbara G. Letter: Post-COVID-19 disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI)-just post-infectious or a multifaceted entity? Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:132-133. [PMID: 37307543 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia - Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Cesare Cremon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria R Barbaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Stanghellini
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Vitale F, Urrutia M, Avenanti A, de Vega M. You are fired! Exclusion words induce cortico-spinal modulations associated with vicarious pain. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023:7188152. [PMID: 37261928 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Self- and vicarious experience of physical pain induces inhibition of the motor cortex (M1). Experience of social rejections recruits the same neural network as physical pain, however, whether social pain modulates M1 corticospinal excitability remains unclear. This study examines for the first time whether social exclusion words, rather than simulated social exclusion tasks, modulate embodied sensorimotor networks during vicarious experience of other's pain. Participants observed visual sequences of painful and functional events ending with a superimposed word with either social exclusion, social inclusion, or nonsocial meaning. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) to single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the left M1 were recorded at 400 or 550 ms from word onset. MEPs tended to inhibit during observation of pain, relative to functional events. Moreover, MEPs recorded at 400 ms from word onset, during pain movies, decreased following the presentation of exclusion, relative to inclusion/neutral words. The magnitude of these two modulations marginally correlated with participants' interindividual differences in personal distress and self-esteem. These findings provide evidence of vicarious responding to others' pain in the M1 corticospinal system and enhancement of such vicarious response in the earlier phases of semantic processing of exclusion words - supporting activation of social pain embodied representations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Vitale
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Mabel Urrutia
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Concepción, Victor Lamas, Concepción 1290, Chile
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Università di Bologna, Campus di Cesena, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas,Universidad Católica del Maule, 3460000 Talca, Chile
| | - Manuel de Vega
- Instituto Universitario de Neurociencia (IUNE), Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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Turrini S, Bevacqua N, Cataneo A, Chiappini E, Fiori F, Battaglia S, Romei V, Avenanti A. Neurophysiological Markers of Premotor-Motor Network Plasticity Predict Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051464. [PMID: 37239135 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is commonly associated with a decline in motor control and neural plasticity. Tuning cortico-cortical interactions between premotor and motor areas is essential for controlling fine manual movements. However, whether plasticity in premotor-motor circuits predicts hand motor abilities in young and elderly humans remains unclear. Here, we administered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) using the cortico-cortical paired-associative stimulation (ccPAS) protocol to manipulate the strength of PMv-to-M1 connectivity in 14 young and 14 elderly healthy adults. We assessed changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) during ccPAS as an index of PMv-M1 network plasticity. We tested whether the magnitude of MEP changes might predict interindividual differences in performance in two motor tasks that rely on premotor-motor circuits, i.e., the nine-hole pegboard test and a choice reaction task. Results show lower motor performance and decreased PMv-M1 network plasticity in elderly adults. Critically, the slope of MEP changes during ccPAS accurately predicted performance at the two tasks across age groups, with larger slopes (i.e., MEP increase) predicting better motor performance at baseline in both young and elderly participants. These findings suggest that physiological indices of PMv-M1 plasticity could provide a neurophysiological marker of fine motor control across age-groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Turrini
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Precision Neuroscience & Neuromodulation Program, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Naomi Bevacqua
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cataneo
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Emilio Chiappini
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie, Universität Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesca Fiori
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- NeXT: Unità di Ricerca di Neurofisiologia e Neuroingegneria dell'Interazione Uomo-Tecnologia, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglia
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romei
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestriari", Campus di Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 47521 Cesena, Italy
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 346000, Chile
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Giorgetti A, Amurri S, Fazio G, Bini C, Anniballi L, Pirani F, Pelletti G, Pelotti S. The Evaluation of CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 Phenoconversion in Post-Mortem Casework: The Challenge of Forensic Toxicogenetics. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050661. [PMID: 37233702 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In toxicogenetics, an integrative approach including the prediction of phenotype based on post-mortem genotyping of drug-metabolising enzymes might help explain the cause of death (CoD) and manner of death (MoD). The use of concomitant drugs, however, might lead to phenoconversion, a mismatch between the phenotype based on the genotype and the metabolic profile actually observed after phenoconversion. The aim of our study was to evaluate the phenoconversion of CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 drug-metabolising enzymes in a series of autopsy cases tested positive for drugs that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of these enzymes. Our results showed a high rate of phenoconversion for all enzymes and a statistically significant higher frequency of poor and intermediate metabolisers for CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 after phenoconversion. No association was found between phenotypes and CoD or MoD, suggesting that, although phenoconversion might be useful for a forensic toxicogenetics approach, more research is needed to overcome the challenges arising from the post-mortem setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Amurri
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Fazio
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Bini
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Anniballi
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Pirani
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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10
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Marasco G, Maida M, Cremon C, Barbaro MR, Stanghellini V, Barbara G. Meta-analysis: Post-COVID-19 functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023. [PMID: 37038318 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of post-COVID-19 functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the rate of post-COVID-19 FD and IBS. METHODS MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase were searched through 17 December 2022. Studies reporting the incidence of FD and/or IBS in COVID-19 survivors and controls (without COVID-19), when available, according to the Rome criteria, were included. Estimated incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was pooled. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was pooled; heterogeneity was expressed as I2 . RESULTS Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Overall, four studies including 1199 COVID-19 patients were considered for FD. Post-COVID-19 FD was reported by 72 patients (4%, 95% CI: 3%-5% and I2 0%). The pooled OR for FD development (three studies) in post-COVID-19 patients compared to controls was 8.07 (95% CI: 0.84-77.87, p = 0.071 and I2 = 67.9%). Overall, 10 studies including 2763 COVID-19 patients were considered for IBS. Post-COVID-19 IBS was reported by 195 patients (12%, 95% CI: 8%-16%, I2 95.6% and Egger's p = 0.002 test). The pooled OR for IBS development (four studies) in COVID-19 patients compared to controls was 6.27 (95% CI: 0.88-44.76, p = 0.067 and I2 = 81.4%); considering only studies with a prospective COVID-19 cohort (three studies), the pooled OR was 12.92 (95% CI: 3.58-46.60, p < 0.001 and I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 survivors were found to be at risk for IBS development compared to controls. No definitive data are available for FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Maida
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, S. Elia - Raimondi Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Cesare Cremon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Stanghellini
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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11
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Di Luzio P, Tarasi L, Silvanto J, Avenanti A, Romei V. Human perceptual and metacognitive decision-making rely on distinct brain networks. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001750. [PMID: 35944012 PMCID: PMC9362930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Perceptual decisions depend on the ability to exploit available sensory information in order to select the most adaptive option from a set of alternatives. Such decisions depend on the perceptual sensitivity of the organism, which is generally accompanied by a corresponding level of certainty about the choice made. Here, by use of corticocortical paired associative transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol (ccPAS) aimed at inducing plastic changes, we shaped perceptual sensitivity and metacognitive ability in a motion discrimination task depending on the targeted network, demonstrating their functional dissociation. Neurostimulation aimed at boosting V5/MT+-to-V1/V2 back-projections enhanced motion sensitivity without impacting metacognition, whereas boosting IPS/LIP-to-V1/V2 back-projections increased metacognitive efficiency without impacting motion sensitivity. This double-dissociation provides causal evidence of distinct networks for perceptual sensitivity and metacognitive ability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Di Luzio
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Luca Tarasi
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Juha Silvanto
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Vincenzo Romei
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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12
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Severgnini M, Morselli S, Camboni T, Ceccarani C, Salvo M, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Pedna MF, Sambri V, Foschi C, Consolandi C, Marangoni A. Gardnerella vaginalis clades in pregnancy: New insights into the interactions with the vaginal microbiome. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269590. [PMID: 35700195 PMCID: PMC9197028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269590] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) is an anaerobic bacterial species involved in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition of vaginal dysbiosis associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. GV strains are categorized into four clades, characterized by a different ability to produce virulence factors, such as sialidase. We investigated the distribution of GV clades and sialidase genes in the vaginal ecosystem of a cohort of pregnant women, assessing the correlations between GV clades and the whole vaginal microbiome. A total of 61 Caucasian pregnant women were enrolled. Their vaginal swabs, collected both at the first and third trimester of pregnancy, were used for (i) evaluation of the vaginal status by Nugent score, (ii) vaginal microbiome profiling by 16S rRNA sequencing, (iii) detection and quantification of GV clades and sialidase A gene by qPCR assays. DNA of at least one GV clade was detected in most vaginal swabs, with clade 4 being the most common one. GV clade 2, together with the presence of multiple clades (>2 simultaneously), were significantly associated with a BV condition. Significantly higher GV loads and sialidase gene levels were found in BV cases, compared to the healthy status. Clade 2 was related to the major shifts in the vaginal microbial composition, with a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in several BV-related taxa. As the number of GV clades detected simultaneously increased, a group of BV-associated bacteria tended to increase as well, while Bifidobacterium tended to decrease. A negative correlation between sialidase gene levels and Lactobacillus, and a positive correlation with Gardnerella, Atopobium, Prevotella, Megasphaera, and Sneathia were observed. Our results added knowledge about the interactions of GV clades with the inhabitants of the vaginal microbiome, possibly helping to predict the severity of BV and opening new perspectives for the prevention of pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Camboni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Ceccarani
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Melissa Salvo
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Federica Pedna
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Clarissa Consolandi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies – National Research Council, Segrate, Milan, Italy
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13
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Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Zhu C, Foschi C, Morselli S, Pedna MF, Sambri V, Marangoni A. Vaginal metabolic profiles during pregnancy: Changes between first and second trimester. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249925. [PMID: 33831087 PMCID: PMC8031435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome plays an important role in both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Throughout pregnancy, the vaginal microbial composition undergoes significant changes, including a decrease in overall diversity and enrichment with Lactobacillus spp. In turn, the modifications in the microbial profiles are associated with shifts in the composition of vaginal metabolites. In this study, we characterized the vaginal metabolic profiles throughout pregnancy at two different gestational ages, correlating them with a microscopic evaluation of the vaginal bacterial composition. A total of 67 Caucasian pregnant women presenting to the Family Advisory Health Centres of Ravenna (Italy) were enrolled and a vaginal swab was collected at gestational ages 9–13 weeks (first trimester) and 20–24 weeks (second trimester). The composition of the vaginal microbiome was assessed by Nugent score and women were divided in ‘H’ (normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota), ‘I’ (intermediate microbiota), and ‘BV’ (bacterial vaginosis) groups. Starting from the cell-free supernatants of the vaginal swabs, a metabolomic analysis was performed by means of a 1H-NMR spectroscopy. From the first to the second trimester, a greater number of women showed a normal lactobacilli-dominated microbiota, with a reduction of cases of dysbiosis. These microbial shifts were associated with profound changes in the vaginal metabolic profiles. Over the weeks, a significant reduction in the levels of BV-associated metabolites (e.g. acetate, propionate, tyramine, methylamine, putrescine) was observed. At the same time, the vaginal metabolome was characterized by higher concentrations of lactate and of several amino acids (e.g. tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine), typically found in healthy vaginal conditions. Over time, the vaginal metabolome became less diverse and more homogeneous: in the second trimester, women with BV showed metabolic profiles more similar to the healthy/intermediate groups, compared to the first trimester. Our data could help unravel the role of vaginal metabolites in the pathophysiology of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Laghi
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | - Chenglin Zhu
- Department of Agro-Food Science and Technology, Centre of Foodomics, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Sara Morselli
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Federica Pedna
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Microbiology, Greater Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena, Italy
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14
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Zhao J, Santino F, Giacomini D, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Peptides for the Design of Functional Cell-Responsive Biomaterials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E307. [PMID: 32854363 PMCID: PMC7555639 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are a family of cell surface receptors crucial to fundamental cellular functions such as adhesion, signaling, and viability, deeply involved in a variety of diseases, including the initiation and progression of cancer, of coronary, inflammatory, or autoimmune diseases. The natural ligands of integrins are glycoproteins expressed on the cell surface or proteins of the extracellular matrix. For this reason, short peptides or peptidomimetic sequences that reproduce the integrin-binding motives have attracted much attention as potential drugs. When challenged in clinical trials, these peptides/peptidomimetics let to contrasting and disappointing results. In the search for alternative utilizations, the integrin peptide ligands have been conjugated onto nanoparticles, materials, or drugs and drug carrier systems, for specific recognition or delivery of drugs to cells overexpressing the targeted integrins. Recent research in peptidic integrin ligands is exploring new opportunities, in particular for the design of nanostructured, micro-fabricated, cell-responsive, stimuli-responsive, smart materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.Z.); (F.S.); (D.G.)
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15
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Baiula M, Greco R, Ferrazzano L, Caligiana A, Hoxha K, Bandini D, Longobardi P, Spampinato S, Tolomelli A. Integrin-mediated adhesive properties of neutrophils are reduced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with chronic non-healing wound. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237746. [PMID: 32810144 PMCID: PMC7433869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several studies suggested that the ability of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to promote healing in patients with diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds is due to the reduction of inflammatory cytokines and to a significant decrease in neutrophils recruitment to the damaged area. α4 and β2 integrins are receptors mediating the neutrophil adhesion to the endothelium and the comprehension of the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation on their expression and functions in neutrophils could be of great importance for the design of novel therapeutic protocols focused on anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, the α4 and β2 integrins' expression and functions have been evaluated in human primary neutrophils obtained from patients with chronic non-healing wounds and undergoing a prolonged HBOT (150 kPa per 90 minutes). The effect of a peptidomimetic α4β1 integrin antagonist has been also analyzed under these conditions. A statistically significant decrease (68%) in β2 integrin expression on neutrophils was observed during the treatment with HBO and maintained one month after the last treatment, while α4 integrin levels remained unchanged. However, cell adhesion function of both neutrophilic integrins α4β1 and β2 was significantly reduced 70 and 67%, respectively), but α4β1 integrin was still sensitive to antagonist inhibition in the presence of fibronectin, suggesting that a combined therapy between HBOT and integrin antagonists could have greater antinflammatory efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Greco
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrazzano
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum -University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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De Marco R, Rampazzo E, Zhao J, Prodi L, Paolillo M, Picchetti P, Gallo F, Calonghi N, Gentilucci L. Integrin-Targeting Dye-Doped PEG-Shell/Silica-Core Nanoparticles Mimicking the Proapoptotic Smac/DIABLO Protein. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020; 10:E1211. [PMID: 32575872 PMCID: PMC7353088 DOI: 10.3390/nano10061211] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells demonstrate elevated expression levels of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), contributing to tumor cell survival, disease progression, chemo-resistance, and poor prognosis. Smac/DIABLO is a mitochondrial protein that promotes apoptosis by neutralizing members of the IAP family. Herein, we describe the preparation and in vitro validation of a synthetic mimic of Smac/DIABLO, based on fluorescent polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated silica-core nanoparticles (NPs) carrying a Smac/DIABLO-derived pro-apoptotic peptide and a tumor-homing integrin peptide ligand. At low μM concentration, the NPs showed significant toxicity towards A549, U373, and HeLa cancer cells and modest toxicity towards other integrin-expressing cells, correlated with integrin-mediated cell uptake and consequent highly increased levels of apoptotic activity, without perturbing cells not expressing the α5 integrin subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Enviromental and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Enrico Rampazzo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.R.); (J.Z.); (L.P.); (F.G.)
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.R.); (J.Z.); (L.P.); (F.G.)
| | - Luca Prodi
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.R.); (J.Z.); (L.P.); (F.G.)
| | - Mayra Paolillo
- Department of Drugs Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Pierre Picchetti
- Institut de Science et d’Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (ISIS), Université de Strasbourg, 67083 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Francesca Gallo
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.R.); (J.Z.); (L.P.); (F.G.)
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (E.R.); (J.Z.); (L.P.); (F.G.)
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Granchi D, Torreggiani E, Massa A, Caudarella R, Di Pompo G, Baldini N. Potassium citrate prevents increased osteoclastogenesis resulting from acidic conditions: Implication for the treatment of postmenopausal bone loss. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181230. [PMID: 28715463 PMCID: PMC5513456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular acidic milieu in bones results in activation of osteoclasts (OC) and inhibition of osteoblasts (OB) causing a net loss of calcium from the skeleton and the deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Alkalinization through supplementation with potassium citrate (K citrate) has been proposed to limit the osteopenia progression, even though its pharmacological activity in bone microenvironment is not well defined. We evaluated if K citrate was able to prevent the adverse effects that acidic milieu induces on bone cells. OC and OB were maintained in neutral (pH 7.4) versus acidic (pH 6.9) culture medium, and treated with different K citrate concentrations. We evaluated the OC differentiation at seven days, by counting of multinucleated cells expressing tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and the activity of mature OC at 14 days, by quantifying of collagen degradation. To evaluate the effects on OB, we analyzed proliferation, mineralization, and expression of bone-related genes. We found that the low pH increased OC differentiation and activity and decreased OB function. The osteoclastogenesis was also promoted by RANKL concentrations ineffective at pH 7.4. Non-cytotoxic K citrate concentrations were not sufficient to steadily neutralize the acidic medium, but a) inhibited the osteoclastogenesis, the collagen degradation, and the expression of genes involved in RANKL-mediated OC differentiation, b) enhanced OB proliferation and alkaline phosphatase expression, whereas it did not affect the in vitro mineralization, and c) were effective also in OC cultures resistant to alendronate, i.e. the positive control of osteoclastogenesis inhibition. In conclusion, K citrate prevents the increase in OC activity induced by the acidic microenvironment, and the effect does not depend exclusively on its alkalizing capacity. These data provide the biological basis for the use of K citrate in preventing the osteopenia progression resulting from low-grade acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Granchi
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Elena Torreggiani
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annamaria Massa
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Di Pompo
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Baldini
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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