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Pecorini G, Braccini S, Simoni S, Corti A, Parrini G, Puppi D. Additive Manufacturing of Wet-Spun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-Based Scaffolds Loaded with Hydroxyapatite. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2300538. [PMID: 38534197 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300538] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering represents an advanced therapeutic approach for the treatment of bone tissue defects. Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a promising class of natural polymers in this context thanks to their biocompatibility, processing versatility, and mechanical properties. The aim of this study is the development by computer-aided wet-spinning of novel poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-based composite scaffolds for bone engineering. In particular, PHBV scaffolds are loaded with hydroxyapatite (HA), an osteoinductive ceramic, in order to tailor their biological activity and mechanical properties. PHBV blending with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is also explored to increase the processing properties of the polymeric mixture used for composite scaffold fabrication. Different HA percentages, up to 15% wt., can be loaded into the PHBV or PHBV/PLGA scaffolds without compromising their interconnected porous architecture, as well as the polymer morphological and thermal properties, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, HA loading results in increased scaffold compressive stiffness to levels comparable to those of trabecular bone tissue, as well as in higher in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell viability and production of mineralized extracellular matrix, in comparison to what observed for unloaded scaffolds. The observed mechanical and biological properties suggest the suitability of the developed scaffolds for bone engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Pecorini
- BIOLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Simona Braccini
- BIOLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Stefano Simoni
- BIOLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | - Andrea Corti
- BIOLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy
| | | | - Dario Puppi
- BIOLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy
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Guglielmi G, Crucitta S, Bertani L, Ruglioni M, Baiano Svizzero G, Ceccarelli L, Del Re M, Danesi R, Costa F, Fogli S. Expression of Circulating let-7e and miR-126 May Predict Clinical Remission in Patients With Crohn's Disease Treated With Anti-TNF-α Biologics. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:441-446. [PMID: 37696681 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of new biomarkers predictive of response to antitumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) monoclonal antibodies remains an unmet medical need in Crohn's disease (CD) because a high percentage of patients show no clinical improvement after treatment or can lose response over time. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate inflammatory and immunological responses and were found to play a role in CD. METHODS Baseline serum samples from 37 CD patients previously treated with infliximab or adalimumab, as per clinical practice, were obtained from the serum library at the Gastroenterology Unit of the University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. Patients were categorized as responders or nonresponders based on the following treatment outcomes: clinical remission at weeks 14 and 54 and endoscopic remission at week 54. The expression levels of a panel of selected miRNAs were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Comparisons of miRNA expression between responders and nonresponders and statistical analyses were performed by MedCalc and GraphPad Prism software. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of potential biomarkers. RESULTS Patients in clinical remission at week 14 had a lower let-7e expression, whereas those in clinical remission at week 54 had lower levels of circulating miR-126 than nonresponders. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified optimal cutoff values with assay sensitivity and specificity of 92.9% and 61.1%, for let-7e, and 62.5% and 83.3%, for miR-126, respectively. CONCLUSION These results provide evidence that expression levels of circulating let-7e and miR-126 at baseline may predict clinical remission in CD patients treated with anti-TNF-α biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Guglielmi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bertani
- IBD Unit, Department of General Surgery and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Ruglioni
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Baiano Svizzero
- IBD Unit, Department of General Surgery and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Ceccarelli
- IBD Unit, Department of General Surgery and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romano Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Costa
- IBD Unit, Department of General Surgery and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Fogli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Strangis G, Labardi M, Gallone G, Milazzo M, Capaccioli S, Forli F, Cinelli P, Berrettini S, Seggiani M, Danti S, Parchi P. 3D Printed Piezoelectric BaTiO 3/Polyhydroxybutyrate Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:193. [PMID: 38391679 PMCID: PMC10886384 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020193] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone defects are a significant health problem worldwide. Novel treatment approaches in the tissue engineering field rely on the use of biomaterial scaffolds to stimulate and guide the regeneration of damaged tissue that cannot repair or regrow spontaneously. This work aimed at developing and characterizing new piezoelectric scaffolds to provide electric bio-signals naturally present in bone and vascular tissues. Mixing and extrusion were used to obtain nanocomposites made of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a matrix and barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles as a filler, at BaTiO3/PHB compositions of 5/95, 10/90, 15/85 and 20/80 (w/w%). The morphological, thermal, mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the nanocomposites were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed good nanoparticle dispersion within the polymer matrix. Considerable increases in the Young's modulus, compressive strength and the piezoelectric coefficient d31 were observed with increasing BaTiO3 content, with d31 = 37 pm/V in 20/80 (w/w%) BaTiO3/PHB. 3D printing was used to produce porous cubic-shaped scaffolds using a 90° lay-down pattern, with pore size ranging in 0.60-0.77 mm and good mechanical stability. Biodegradation tests conducted for 8 weeks in saline solution at 37 °C showed low mass loss (∼4%) for 3D printed scaffolds. The results obtained in terms of piezoelectric, mechanical and chemical properties of the nanocomposite provide a new promising strategy for vascularized bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Strangis
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Labardi
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (IPCF), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa Research Area, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gallone
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Milazzo
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Capaccioli
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (IPCF), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa Research Area, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physics "Enrico Fermi", University of Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Emergency Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (IPCF), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa Research Area, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Berrettini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Emergency Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizia Seggiani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Danti
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (IPCF), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa Research Area, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Parchi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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De Marchi L, Vernaccini M, Meucci V, Briganti A, Lippi I, Marchetti V, Intorre L. Six-Year Prescription Pattern of Antimicrobial Use in Cats at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pisa. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:521. [PMID: 38338164 PMCID: PMC10854698 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030521] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of antimicrobials has greatly contributed to improving animal health. However, their inappropriate use reduces their effectiveness in treating bacterial infections and contributes to the selection of resistance. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the six-year pattern (2017-2022) of antimicrobial use in cats visiting the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the University of Pisa (Italy). The total number of prescribed antimicrobials, the number of animals for which an antimicrobial was prescribed, and the total number of antimicrobial prescriptions showed a significant time trend decrease during the study period, except for the fixed-dose combinations. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobials were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) (39.1%) followed by enrofloxacin (29.8%). These antimicrobials were mostly prescribed to treat infections affecting the genitourinary tract (~30%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory system affections. Antimicrobials in empirical associations represented 13.0% of the total antimicrobial prescriptions, and the combination of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) with enrofloxacin accounted for the majority. The oral route represented the main route of administration of prescribed antimicrobials, followed by parenteral and topical ones. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Synulox) (37.2%), ceftriaxone (2.7%), and tobramycin (2.8%) were the most prescribed antimicrobials for the oral, parenteral, and topical routes, respectively. Antimicrobial prescriptions complied with prudent use recommendations in terms of availability of diagnosis, respect to the dose range, duration of treatment, and the use of medicinal products approved for the species. On the contrary, antimicrobial susceptibility tests were used infrequently (5.2%), lacking compliance with the existing guidelines observed in companion animal practice. Overall, additional interventions are required not only to improve the responsible use of antimicrobials in our feline practice but also to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs, enhancing diagnostics such as culture and sensitivity testing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valentina Meucci
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.D.M.); (M.V.); (A.B.); (I.L.); (V.M.); (L.I.)
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Petralli G, Salvati A, Tricò D, Ricco G, Colombatto P, Brunetto MR, Solini A. Simple proxies of insulin resistance identify obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease subjects with advanced liver disease. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2024; 40:e3736. [PMID: 37839068 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3736] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Insulin resistance (IR) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), which can progress to liver fibrosis. We examined the relationship of different IR scores with markers of MAFLD severity in obese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective observational study, 346 non-diabetic, overweight/obese individuals with newly diagnosed MAFLD (age 50.2 ± 13.3 years, 34% females, BMI 30.8 ± 4.4 kg/m2 ) underwent liver stiffness (LS) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurements by Fibroscan® to assess liver fibrosis and steatosis. Biochemical data were collected to calculate surrogate markers of IR (Homoeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR], triglyceride-glucose index, triglyceride by HDL ratio), liver fibrosis (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases fibrosis score, fibrosis-4 score, Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index) and steatosis (fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index). RESULTS All three IR scores were associated with CAP, while only HOMA-IR positively correlated with LS (r = 0.275, p < 0.0001), independent of age and sex, BMI, transaminases, and fibrosis markers. Insulin-resistant individuals (HOMA-IR >2.5, n = 165) had higher liver enzymes, CAP and LS, with a 4-fold increased risk of severe liver disease (LS >9.7 kPa, OR 4.42[1.95-10.01], p = 0.0002). Among HOMA-IR components, fasting plasma insulin (FPI) was independently associated with LS (r = 0.270, p < 0.0001). ROC AUC for HOMA-IR and FPI to predict severe liver disease were virtually identical (0.748 and 0.758, respectively). CONCLUSIONS HOMA-IR is independently associated with non-invasive markers of MAFLD severity in overweight/obese individuals. This relationship is largely mediated by hyperinsulinemia, regardless of BMI. Measuring insulin levels in MAFLD individuals might be useful to identify those at risk of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Petralli
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvati
- Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Tricò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ricco
- Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Piero Colombatto
- Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anna Solini
- Department of Surgical Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Lucchesi M, Marracci S, Amato R, Lapi D, Santana-Garrido Á, Espinosa-Martín P, Vázquez CM, Mate A, Dal Monte M. The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Acebuche Oil Exert a Retinoprotective Effect in a Murine Model of High-Tension Glaucoma. Nutrients 2024; 16:409. [PMID: 38337691 PMCID: PMC10857689 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030409] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is characterized by cupping of the optic disc, apoptotic degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, with patchy loss of vision. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for hypertensive glaucoma and the only modifiable one. There is a need to find novel compounds that counteract other risk factors contributing to RGC degeneration. The oil derived from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), also called Acebuche (ACE), shows powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and retinoprotective effects. We evaluated whether ACE oil could counteract glaucoma-related detrimental effects. To this aim, we fed mice either a regular or an ACE oil-enriched diet and then induced IOP elevation through intraocular injection of methylcellulose. An ACE oil-enriched diet suppressed glaucoma-dependent retinal glia reactivity and inflammation. The redox status of the glaucomatous retinas was restored to a control-like situation, and ischemia was alleviated by an ACE oil-enriched diet. Notably, retinal apoptosis was suppressed in the glaucomatous animals fed ACE oil. Furthermore, as shown by electroretinogram analyses, RGC electrophysiological functions were almost completely preserved by the ACE oil-enriched diet. These ameliorative effects were IOP-independent and might depend on ACE oil's peculiar composition. Although additional studies are needed, nutritional supplementation with ACE oil might represent an adjuvant in the management of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lucchesi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Silvia Marracci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Dominga Lapi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Álvaro Santana-Garrido
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (Á.S.-G.); (P.E.-M.); (C.M.V.)
- Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pablo Espinosa-Martín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (Á.S.-G.); (P.E.-M.); (C.M.V.)
| | - Carmen María Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (Á.S.-G.); (P.E.-M.); (C.M.V.)
- Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alfonso Mate
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (Á.S.-G.); (P.E.-M.); (C.M.V.)
- Epidemiología Clínica y Riesgo Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (S.M.); (R.A.); (D.L.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Fulceri F, Ryskalin L, Morucci G, Busoni F, Soldani P, Gesi M. Pain-Relieving Effects of Shockwave Therapy for Ledderhose Disease: An Ultrasound-Based Study of an Unusual Bilateral Case. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:169. [PMID: 38398678 PMCID: PMC10889909 DOI: 10.3390/life14020169] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ledderhose disease (LD, or plantar fibromatosis) is a rare, nodular, hyperproliferative condition affecting the plantar aponeurosis of the foot. At present, several conservative, non-surgical treatments have been documented, although with various degrees of success, with little evidence in the literature supporting their efficacy. In this scenario, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a safe, effective, and less invasive approach for the successful treatment of several refractory musculoskeletal conditions and soft tissue injuries. Again, recent experimental evidence has shown that ESWT can exert beneficial effects on different fibroproliferative diseases, including Dupuytren's and Peyronie's disease. In contrast, the literature regarding the use of ESWT for LD is extremely limited, and no optimal application parameters have been defined to ensure its effectiveness for this disease. Therefore, in the present paper, we report a case of a 48-year-old male patient who developed bilateral foot LD, which was successfully treated with a novel ESWT protocol of treatment consisting of three sessions at 1-week intervals, with 2000 impulses at 5 Hz with an energy flux density of 0.20 mJ/mm2. Our data show that this ESWT treatment protocol was effective in completely relieving pain, restoring full functional activity, and thus, greatly improving the patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fulceri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (L.R.)
| | - Larisa Ryskalin
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (L.R.)
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine “Sport and Anatomy”, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Morucci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (L.R.)
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine “Sport and Anatomy”, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Busoni
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine “Sport and Anatomy”, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Soldani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (L.R.)
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine “Sport and Anatomy”, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Gesi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (L.R.)
- Center for Rehabilitative Medicine “Sport and Anatomy”, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
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Gallo E, Bellucci L, Carlotto S, Bottaro G, Babetto L, Giordano L, Marchetti F, Samaritani S, Armelao L, Labella L. Aluminium 8-Hydroxyquinolinate N-Oxide as a Precursor to Heterometallic Aluminium-Lanthanide Complexes. Molecules 2024; 29:451. [PMID: 38257364 PMCID: PMC10821320 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020451] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A reaction in anhydrous toluene between the formally unsaturated fragment [Ln(hfac)3] (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Gd3+ and Er3+; Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone) and [Al(qNO)3] (HqNO = 8-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide), here prepared for the first time from [Al(OtBu)3] and HqNO, affords the dinuclear heterometallic compounds [Ln(hfac)3Al(qNO)3] (Ln3+ = Eu3+, Gd3+ and Er3+) in high yields. The molecular structures of these new compounds revealed a dinuclear species with three phenolic oxygen atoms bridging the two metal atoms. While the europium and gadolinium complexes show the coordination number (CN) 9 for the lanthanide centre, in the complex featuring the smaller erbium ion, only two oxygens bridge the two metal atoms for a resulting CN of 8. The reaction of [Eu(hfac)3] with [Alq3] (Hq = 8-hydroxyquinoline) in the same conditions yields a heterometallic product of composition [Eu(hfac)3Alq3]. A recrystallization attempt from hot heptane in air produced single crystals of two different morphologies and compositions: [Eu2(hfac)6Al2q4(OH)2] and [Eu2(hfac)6(µ-Hq)2]. The latter compound can be directly prepared from [Eu(hfac)3] and Hq at room temperature. Quantum mechanical calculations confirm (i) the higher stability of [Eu(hfac)3Al(qNO)3] vs. the corresponding [Eu(hfac)3Alq3] and (ii) the preference of the Er complexes for the CN 8, justifying the different behaviour in terms of the Lewis acidity of the metal centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gallo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Luca Bellucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
- ICMATE-CNR and INSTM, Presso Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Carlotto
- ICMATE-CNR and INSTM, Presso Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche and INSTM, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gregorio Bottaro
- ICMATE-CNR and INSTM, Presso Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.)
| | - Luca Babetto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche and INSTM, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Giordano
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Fabio Marchetti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Simona Samaritani
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Lidia Armelao
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche and INSTM, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei Materiali (DSCTM), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Piazzale A. Moro 7, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Labella
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and CIRCC, Università di Pisa, via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy (L.G.)
- ICMATE-CNR and INSTM, Presso Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, I-35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.)
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9
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Gigante V, Aliotta L, Ascrizzi R, Pistelli L, Zinnai A, Batoni G, Coltelli MB, Lazzeri A. Innovative Biobased and Sustainable Polymer Packaging Solutions for Extending Bread Shelf Life: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4700. [PMID: 38139951 PMCID: PMC10747240 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244700] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Gigante
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Laura Aliotta
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Roberta Ascrizzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Laura Pistelli
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Agriculture Food Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Zinnai
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Agriculture Food Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Batoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 37, 56123 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria-Beatrice Coltelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
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10
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Guidotti L, Tomassi E, Marracci S, Lai M, Lapi D, Pesi R, Pucci L, Novellino E, Albi E, Garcia-Gil M. Effects of Nutraceuticals on Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity in HEI-OC1 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17416. [PMID: 38139245 PMCID: PMC10743635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417416] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of several solid tumors, whose use is limited by its nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, and development of resistance. The toxicity is caused by DNA cross-linking, increase in reactive oxygen species and/or depletion of cell antioxidant defenses. The aim of the work was to study the effect of antioxidant compounds (Lisosan G, Taurisolo®) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing compounds (erucin) in the auditory HEI-OC1 cell line treated with cisplatin. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. Caspase and sphingomyelinase activities were measured by fluorometric and colorimetric methods, respectively. Expression of transcription factors, apoptosis hallmarks and genes codifying for antioxidant response proteins were measured by Western blot and/or RT-qPCR. Lisosan G, Taurisolo® and erucin did not show protective effects. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a donor of H2S, increased the viability of cisplatin-treated cells and the transcription of heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 2, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase type 1 and the catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), the Bax/Bcl2 ratio, caspase-3, caspase-8 and acid sphingomyelinase activity. Therefore, NaHS might counteract the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin by increasing the antioxidant response and by reducing ROS levels and caspase and acid sphingomyelinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Guidotti
- General Physiology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Elena Tomassi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.T.); (L.P.)
| | - Silvia Marracci
- General Physiology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Michele Lai
- Retrovirus Centre, Department of Translational Medicine and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Strada Statale del Brennero 2, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Dominga Lapi
- General Physiology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Rossana Pesi
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Laura Pucci
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology, Italian National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.T.); (L.P.)
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Interno Orto Botanico, University of Perugia, Via Romana, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Mercedes Garcia-Gil
- General Physiology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (S.M.); (D.L.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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11
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Fadel C, Łebkowska-Wieruszewska B, Bourdo K, Poapolathep A, Hassoun G, Giorgi M. Metronidazole pharmacokinetics in geese (Anser anser domesticus) after intravenous and oral administrations. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2023. [PMID: 38032073 DOI: 10.1111/jvp.13421] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Metronidazole (MTZ) is a 5-nitroimidazole anti-bacterial and anti-protozoal drug. In human and companion animal medicine, MTZ remains widely used due to its effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. In farm animals, however, MTZ is currently prohibited in several countries due to insufficient data on nitroimidazoles. The purpose of this study was to assess its pharmacokinetics (PK) in geese after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administrations. Fifteen-month old healthy male geese (n = 8) were used. Geese were subjected to a two-phase, single-dose (10 mg/kg IV, 50 mg/kg PO), open, longitudinal study design with a two-week washout period between the IV and PO phases. Blood was drawn from the left wing vein to heparinized tubes at 0, 0.085 (for IV only), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 48 h. Plasma MTZ concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analyzed using PKanalix™ software with a non-compartmental approach. MTZ was still quantifiable and well above the LLOQ at 24 h after both routes of administration. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half-life, volume of distribution, and total clearance were 5.47 h, 767 mL/kg, and 96 mL/h/kg, respectively. For the PO route, the bioavailability was high (85%), and the mean peak plasma concentration was 60.27 μg/mL at 1 h. When parameters were normalized for the dose, there were no statistically significant differences for any of the PK parameters between the two routes of administration. The study shows that oral administration of MTZ seems to be promising in geese, although comprehensive research on its pharmacodynamics and multiple-dose studies are necessary before its adoption in geese can be further considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Fadel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Beata Łebkowska-Wieruszewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Protection, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bourdo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Protection, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland
| | - Amnart Poapolathep
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Georges Hassoun
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mario Giorgi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Bocci G, Pelliccia S, Orlandi P, Caridi M, Banchi M, Musuraca G, Di Napoli A, Bianchi MP, Patti C, Anticoli-Borza P, Battistini R, Casaroli I, Lanzolla T, Tafuri A, Cox MC. Correction: Bocci et al. Remarkable Remission Rate and Long-Term Efficacy of Upfront Metronomic Chemotherapy in Elderly and Frail Patients, with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 7162. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7053. [PMID: 38002810 PMCID: PMC10671874 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the original publication [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Bocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pelliccia
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Orlandi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Caridi
- Division of Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marta Banchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gerardo Musuraca
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) Srl—IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Napoli
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea & Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Bianchi
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Patti
- UOC Oncoematologia, Azienda Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Ivana Casaroli
- Haematology Department, San Gerardo Hospital Monza, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lanzolla
- UOC Medicina Nucleare, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Christina Cox
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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13
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Citi V, Barresi E, Piragine E, Spezzini J, Testai L, Da Settimo F, Martelli A, Taliani S, Calderone V. Anti-Proliferative Properties of the Novel Hybrid Drug Met-ITC, Composed of the Native Drug Metformin with the Addition of an Isothiocyanate H 2S Donor Moiety, in Different Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16131. [PMID: 38003321 PMCID: PMC10671447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216131] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met) is the first-line therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus but, in last few years, it has also been evaluated as anti-cancer agent. Several pathways, such as AMPK or PI3K/Akt/mTOR, are likely to be involved in the anti-cancer Met activity. In addition, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and H2S donors have been described as anti-cancer agents affecting cell-cycle and inducing apoptosis. Among H2S donors, isothiocyanates are endowed with a further anti-cancer mechanism: the inhibition of the histone deacetylase enzymes. On this basis, a hybrid molecule (Met-ITC) obtained through the addition of an isothiocyanate moiety to the Met molecule was designed and its ability to release Met has been demonstrated. Met-ITC exhibited more efficacy and potency than Met in inhibiting cancer cells (AsPC-1, MIA PaCa-2, MCF-7) viability and it was less effective on non-tumorigenic cells (MCF 10-A). The ability of Met-ITC to release H2S has been recorded both in cell-free and in cancer cells assays. Finally, its ability to affect the cell cycle and to induce both early and late apoptosis has been demonstrated on the most sensitive cell line (MCF-7). These results confirmed that Met-ITC is a new hybrid molecule endowed with potential anti-cancer properties derived both from Met and H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Citi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Piragine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.C.); (E.B.); (E.P.); (J.S.); (L.T.); (F.D.S.); (S.T.); (V.C.)
- Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Martini D, Digregorio M, Voto IAP, Morabito G, Degl'Innocenti A, Giudetti G, Giannaccini M, Andreazzoli M. Kdm7a expression is spatiotemporally regulated in developing Xenopus laevis embryos, and its overexpression influences late retinal development. Dev Dyn 2023. [PMID: 37909656 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.670] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-translational histone modifications are among the most common epigenetic modifications that orchestrate gene expression, playing a pivotal role during embryonic development and in various pathological conditions. Among histone lysine demethylases, KDM7A, also known as KIAA1718 or JHDM1D, catalyzes the demethylation of H3K9me1/2 and H3K27me1/2, leading to transcriptional regulation. Previous data suggest that KDM7A plays a central role in several biological processes, including cell proliferation, commitment, differentiation, apoptosis, and maintenance. However, information on the expression pattern of KDM7A in whole organisms is limited, and its functional role is still unclear. RESULTS In Xenopus development, kdm7a is expressed early, undergoing spatiotemporal regulation in various organs and tissues, including the central nervous system and the eye. Focusing on retinal development, we found that kdm7a overexpression does not affect the expression of genes critically involved in early neural development and eye-field specification, whereas unbalances the distribution of neural cell subtypes in the mature retina by disfavoring the development of ganglion cells while promoting that of horizontal cells. CONCLUSIONS Kdm7a is dynamically expressed during embryonic development, and its overexpression influences late retinal development, suggesting a potential involvement in the molecular machinery regulating the spatiotemporally ordered generation of retinal neuronal subtypes.
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Habermaass V, Olivero D, Gori E, Mariti C, Longhi E, Marchetti V. Intestinal Microbiome in Dogs with Chronic Hepatobiliary Disease: Can We Talk about the Gut-Liver Axis? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3174. [PMID: 37893898 PMCID: PMC10603696 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203174] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-liver axis represents a current topic in human medicine. Extensive research investigates the gut microbiome (GM) modifications in relation to various kinds of chronic hepatobiliary diseases (CHD), with many mechanisms and therapeutical implications recognized. Those aspects in veterinary medicine are still quite unexplored. The aim of the present study was to evaluate GM in dogs diagnosed with CD. Comparison among CHD dogs were made considering some clinical and biochemical variables (lipemia and alanine-aminotransferase activities), presence of cholestasis or endocrine disorders, diet). Sixty-five dogs were prospectively enrolled with clinical and hematobiochemical evaluation and 16S-RNA GM sequencing assessed. Dogs that received antibiotics and/or pre/pro/symbiotics administration were excluded. Deeper GM alteration was observed between dogs with or without ultrasonographic and biochemical cholestatic CHD. Cholestasis was associated with a decrease in several bacterial taxa, including Clostridium hiranonis, Fusobacterium, Megamonas, Ruminococcus faecis, Turicibacter, and higher levels of Escherichia/Shigella and Serratia. Thus, the alteration in bile flow and composition, typical of cholestasis, may directly affect the local intestinal microbial environment. For the management of dogs with CHD and especially cholestatic CHD, clinicians should be aware that gut-liver interaction may lead to dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Habermaass
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.H.); (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Daniela Olivero
- Analysis Lab BSA Scilvet, Via A. D’Aosta 7, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gori
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.H.); (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.H.); (E.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Erika Longhi
- Analysis Lab Labospace, Via Apelle 41, 20128 Milan, Italy;
| | - Veronica Marchetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (V.H.); (E.G.); (V.M.)
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16
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Lorusso L, Minaldi E, Esposito G, Piaggi P, Bottici V, Brogioni S, Giani C, Valerio L, Molinaro E, Elisei R, Agate L. Radio-iodine refractory thyroid cancer patients: a tailored follow-up based on clinicopathological features. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2165-2173. [PMID: 37084131 PMCID: PMC10514097 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the experience of a single center for the selection of radioiodine-refractory (RAIR) thyroid cancer patients (RAIR-TC) who needed tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs) treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated all features of 279 RAIR-TC patients both at the time of diagnosis and at the RAIR diagnosis. RESULTS Ninety-nine patients received indication to TKIs (Group A), while 180 remained under active surveillance (Group B). Group A had greater tumor size, more aggressive histotype, more frequent macroscopic extrathyroidal extension, distant metastases, advanced AJCC stage, and higher ATA risk of recurrence. After RAIR diagnosis, 93.9% of Group A had progression of disease (PD) after which TKIs' therapy was started. The remaining 6.1% of patients had a so severe disease at the time of RAIR diagnosis that TKIs' therapy was immediately started. Among Group B, 42.7% had up to 5 PD, but the majority underwent local treatments. The mean time from RAIR diagnosis to the first PD was shorter in Group A, and the evidence of PD within 25 months from RAIR diagnosis was associated with the decision to start TKIs. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, a more tailored follow-up should be applied to RAIR-TC patients. A too strict monitoring and too many imaging evaluations might be avoided in those with less-aggressive features and low rate of progression. Conversely, RAIR-TC with an advanced stage at diagnosis and a first PD occurring within 25 months from RAIR diagnosis would require a more stringent follow-up to avoid a late start of TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Lorusso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Minaldi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Esposito
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - P. Piaggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - V. Bottici
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - S. Brogioni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Giani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Valerio
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Molinaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - R. Elisei
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Agate
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Aiello F, Uccello Barretta G, Balzano F, Spiaggia F. The Phenomenon of Self-Induced Diastereomeric Anisochrony and Its Implications in NMR Spectroscopy. Molecules 2023; 28:6854. [PMID: 37836697 PMCID: PMC10574224 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196854] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an analytical technique largely applied in the analysis of discrimination processes involving enantiomeric substrates and chiral agents, which can interact with the analyte either via covalent bonding or via formation of diastereomeric solvates. However, enantiodiscrimination has been observed, in some cases, even in the absence of any additional chiral selector. The reasons behind this phenomenon must be found in the capability of some chiral substrates to interact with themselves by forming diastereomeric solvates in solution that can generate nonequivalences in the NMR spectra of enantiomerically enriched mixtures. As a result, differentiation of enantiomers is observed, thus allowing the quantification of the enantiomeric composition of the mixture under investigation. The tendency of certain substrates to self-aggregate and to generate diastereomeric adducts in solution can be defined as Self-Induced Diastereomeric Anisochrony (SIDA), but other acronyms have been used to refer to this phenomenon. In the present work, an overview of SIDA processes investigated via NMR spectroscopy will be provided, with a particular emphasis on the nature of the substrates involved, on the interaction mechanisms at the basis of the phenomenon, and on theoretical treatments proposed in the literature to explain them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Aiello
- National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (CNR-IPCF), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Uccello Barretta
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Balzano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabio Spiaggia
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (F.S.)
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18
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Rutigliano G, Bertolini A, Grittani N, Frascarelli S, Carnicelli V, Ippolito C, Moscato S, Mattii L, Kusmic C, Saba A, Origlia N, Zucchi R. Effect of Combined Levothyroxine (L-T 4) and 3-Iodothyronamine (T 1AM) Supplementation on Memory and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in a Mouse Model of Hypothyroidism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13845. [PMID: 37762153 PMCID: PMC10530993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813845] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood alterations, anxiety, and cognitive impairments associated with adult-onset hypothyroidism often persist despite replacement treatment. In rodent models of hypothyroidism, replacement does not bring 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) brain levels back to normal. T1AM is a thyroid hormone derivative with cognitive effects. Using a pharmacological hypothyroid mouse model, we investigated whether augmenting levothyroxine (L-T4) with T1AM improves behavioural correlates of depression, anxiety, and memory and has an effect on hippocampal neurogenesis. Hypothyroid mice showed impaired performance in the novel object recognition test as compared to euthyroid mice (discrimination index (DI): 0.02 ± 0.09 vs. 0.29 ± 0.06; t = 2.515, p = 0.02). L-T4 and L-T4+T1AM rescued memory (DI: 0.27 ± 0.08 and 0.34 ± 0.08, respectively), while T1AM had no effect (DI: -0.01 ± 0.10). Hypothyroidism reduced the number of neuroprogenitors in hippocampal neurogenic niches by 20%. L-T4 rescued the number of neuroprogenitors (mean diff = 106.9 ± 21.40, t = 4.99, pcorr = 0.003), while L-T4+T1AM produced a 30.61% rebound relative to euthyroid state (mean diff = 141.6 ± 31.91, t = 4.44, pcorr = 0.004). We performed qPCR analysis of 88 genes involved in neurotrophic signalling pathways and found an effect of treatment on the expression of Ngf, Kdr, Kit, L1cam, Ntf3, Mapk3, and Neurog2. Our data confirm that L-T4 is necessary and sufficient for recovering memory and hippocampal neurogenesis deficits associated with hypothyroidism, while we found no evidence to support the role of non-canonical TH signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Rutigliano
- Institute of Clinical Science, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Andrea Bertolini
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
| | - Nicoletta Grittani
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
| | - Sabina Frascarelli
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
| | - Vittoria Carnicelli
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.I.); (S.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Stefania Moscato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.I.); (S.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Letizia Mattii
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.I.); (S.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Claudia Kusmic
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Saba
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
| | | | - Riccardo Zucchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (N.G.); (S.F.); (V.C.); (A.S.); (R.Z.)
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19
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Pedonese F, Fratini F, Copelotti E, Marconi F, Carrese R, Mancini S. Behaviour of Staphylococcus aureus in the Rearing Substrate of Tenebrio molitor Larvae. Vet Sci 2023; 10:549. [PMID: 37756071 PMCID: PMC10534670 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090549] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) is one of the most promising insect species to produce sustainable feed and food with high nutritional value. Insects may harbour microorganisms both in the gut and on the exoskeleton originating from the rearing environment. Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic microorganism frequently involved in food poisoning due to its enterotoxin production. This study aimed to evaluate the S. aureus growth and enterotoxins production following an experimental inoculation into the T. molitor rearing substrate (about 7 log CFU/g). Analyses on the substrate and larvae were performed over a testing period of seven days. The microbial population dynamics were also evaluated through total viable count and lactic acid bacteria count. The effects of fasting, washing, and cooking on the microbial loads of mealworms were evaluated. The results highlighted that mealworms and substrates can maintain their microbial loads of S. aureus over the tested period. Moreover, fasting and washing were generally not able to significantly reduce (p-value > 0.05) S. aureus count in mealworms. On the other hand, cooking significantly reduced (p-value < 0.001) the microbial load in almost all cases. No production of enterotoxins was revealed during the trial. Therefore, microbiological risks can be reduced by a wise choice of substrate, appropriate control measures, and thermal treatment of larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pedonese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Copelotti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Francesca Marconi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Roberto Carrese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Simone Mancini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.M.); (S.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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20
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Baldassarro VA, Quadalti C, Runfola M, Manera C, Rapposelli S, Calzà L. Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Agonists Promote Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Differentiation in the Presence of Inflammatory Challenges. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1207. [PMID: 37765015 PMCID: PMC10534456 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091207] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes and their precursors are the cells responsible for developmental myelination and myelin repair during adulthood. Their differentiation and maturation processes are regulated by a complex molecular machinery driven mainly by triiodothyronine (T3), the genomic active form of thyroid hormone, which binds to thyroid hormone receptors (TRs), regulating the expression of target genes. Different molecular tools have been developed to mimic T3 action in an attempt to overcome the myelin repair deficit that underlies various central nervous system pathologies. In this study, we used a well-established in vitro model of neural stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to test the effects of two compounds: the TRβ1 ligand IS25 and its pro-drug TG68. We showed that treatment with TG68 induces OPC differentiation/maturation as well as both the natural ligand and the best-known TRβ1 synthetic ligand, GC-1. We then described that, unlike T3, TG68 can fully overcome the cytokine-mediated oligodendrocyte differentiation block. In conclusion, we showed the ability of a new synthetic compound to stimulate OPC differentiation and overcome inflammation-mediated pathological conditions. Further studies will clarify whether the compound acts as a pro-drug to produce the TRβ1 ligand IS25 or if its action is mediated by secondary mechanisms such as AMPK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Corinne Quadalti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Runfola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (C.M.); (S.R.)
| | - Laura Calzà
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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21
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Tramonti Fantozzi MP, De Cicco V, d’Ascanio P, Cataldo E, De Cicco D, Bruschini L, Barresi M, Faraguna U, Manzoni D. Trigeminal Stimulation and Visuospatial Performance: The Struggle between Chewing and Trigeminal Asymmetries. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2307. [PMID: 37626803 PMCID: PMC10452603 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082307] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chewing improves visuospatial performance through locus coeruleus (LC) activation. The effects of bilateral and unilateral mastication were investigated in subjects showing different degrees of asymmetry in masseter electromyographic (EMG) activity during clenching and in pupil size at rest (anisocoria), which is a proxy of LC imbalance. Correlations between performance changes and asymmetry values were found in males, but not in females. Among males, subjects with low asymmetry values (balanced-BAL) were more sensitive than those with high asymmetry values (imbalanced-IMB) to bilateral and unilateral chewing on the side with higher EMG activity (hypertonic). The opposite was true for hypotonic side chewing. BAL subjects were sensitive to unilateral chewing on both sides, while in IMB subjects, hypertonic side chewing did not influence performance in either males or females. Bilateral chewing elicited larger effects in BAL subjects than in IMB subjects, exceeding the values predicted from unilateral chewing in both groups. Finally, pupil size and anisocoria changes elicited by chewing were correlated with asymmetry values, independent of sex. Data confirmed the facilitation of visuospatial performance exerted by chewing. Trigeminal asymmetries modulate the chewing effects, making occlusal rebalancing an appropriate strategy to improve performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Tramonti Fantozzi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Cicco
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola d’Ascanio
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Cataldo
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide De Cicco
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Barresi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Manzoni
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
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22
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Lanzolla G, Di Matteo L, Comi S, Cosentino G, Menconi F, Maglionico MN, Posarelli C, Figus M, Marinò M. Absence of a relationship between vitamin D and Graves' orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1717-1721. [PMID: 36696067 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Di Matteo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Comi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Cosentino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M N Maglionico
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit II, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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23
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Barresi E, Robello M, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Viviano M, Salerno S, Da Settimo F, Taliani S. Indol-3-ylglyoxylamide as Privileged Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:997. [PMID: 37513909 PMCID: PMC10386336 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070997] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, indolylglyoxylamide-based derivatives have received much attention due to their application in drug design and discovery, leading to the development of a wide array of compounds that have shown a variety of pharmacological activities. Combining the indole nucleus, already validated as a "privileged structure," with the glyoxylamide function allowed for an excellent template to be obtained that is suitable to a great number of structural modifications aimed at permitting interaction with specific molecular targets and producing desirable therapeutic effects. The present review provides insight into how medicinal chemists have elegantly exploited the indolylglyoxylamide moiety to obtain potentially useful drugs, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting activity in in vivo models or reaching clinical trials. All in all, this information provides exciting new perspectives on existing data that can be useful in further design of indolylglyoxylamide-based molecules with interesting pharmacological profiles. The aim of this report is to present an update of collection data dealing with the employment of this moiety in the rational design of compounds that are able to interact with a specific target, referring to the last 20 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Robello
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Bianchi A, Sanmartin C, Taglieri I, Macaluso M, Venturi F, Napoli M, Mancini M, Fabbri C, Zinnai A. Effect of Fertilization Regime of Common Wheat ( Triticum aestivum) on Flour Quality and Shelf-Life of PDO Tuscan Bread. Foods 2023; 12:2672. [PMID: 37509763 PMCID: PMC10379306 DOI: 10.3390/foods12142672] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The shelf-life of bread is influenced by flour components, such as starch, composed of amylose and amylopectin. The aim was to test the effect of different balances of N (45, 90, 135 kg/ha) and P (48, 96 kg/ha) fertilizers on the flour characteristics and consequently the shelf-life of PDO Tuscan bread, stored in different modified atmosphere packaging (Ar, N2, Air). The amylose and phytochemical compounds were increased by N and decreased by the addition of P, but excessive doses of N (135 kg/ha) had a negative effect on flour quality. In the bread, the study highlighted the tendency of N2 and Ar, as storage filler gases, to reduce water loss, slow down the staling process, and prolong shelf-life. However, the most significant influence on shelf-life was related to the different fertilizations of wheat. In fact, when N was present in equal dose to P (90/96 or 45/48 kg/ha) or slightly higher (90/48 kg/ha), the bread tended to last longer over time. Instead, when these ratios were unbalanced in favor of N (135/48 or 135/96 kg/ha) and in favor of P (45/96 kg/ha), the shelf-life decreased considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bianchi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sanmartin
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Taglieri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Macaluso
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Venturi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Napoli
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Firenze, Italy
| | - Marco Mancini
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Firenze, Italy
| | - Carolina Fabbri
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry, University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Firenze, Italy
| | - Angela Zinnai
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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25
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Cuffaro D, Gimeno A, Bernardoni BL, Di Leo R, Pujadas G, Garcia-Vallvé S, Nencetti S, Rossello A, Nuti E. Identification of N-Acyl Hydrazones as New Non-Zinc-Binding MMP-13 Inhibitors by Structure-Based Virtual Screening Studies and Chemical Optimization. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11098. [PMID: 37446276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311098] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase 13 plays a central role in osteoarthritis (OA), as its overexpression induces an excessive breakdown of collagen that results in an imbalance between collagen synthesis and degradation in the joint, leading to progressive articular cartilage degradation. Therefore, MMP-13 has been proposed as a key therapeutic target for OA. Here we have developed a virtual screening workflow aimed at identifying selective non-zinc-binding MMP-13 inhibitors by targeting the deep S1' pocket of MMP-13. Three ligands were found to inhibit MMP-13 in the µM range, and one of these showed selectivity over other MMPs. A structure-based analysis guided the chemical optimization of the hit compound, leading to the obtaining of a new N-acyl hydrazone-based derivative with improved inhibitory activity and selectivity for the target enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doretta Cuffaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Aleix Gimeno
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus de Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | | | - Riccardo Di Leo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gerard Pujadas
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus de Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Santiago Garcia-Vallvé
- Research Group in Cheminformatics & Nutrition, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus de Sescelades, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Susanna Nencetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Armando Rossello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Nuti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Sgrò D, Rossi P, Piaggi P, Brancatella A, Lorusso L, Bottici V, Molinaro E, Latrofa F, Elisei R, Agate L. Significance of Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies in Patients With Thyroid Cancer Treated With Lenvatinib. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad084. [PMID: 37440964 PMCID: PMC10334479 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad084] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker, employed in post-operative management of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Tumor shrinkage of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) treated with multitarget kinase inhibitors as lenvatinib, expressed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), is also associated with a drastic reduction of Tg levels. However, interference caused by circulating thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAb) represents the main limitation in the clinical use of Tg. Objective To evaluate if in RAIR-DTC TgAb could be considered a surrogate marker of Tg in monitoring response to treatment with lenvatinib. Design We retrospectively evaluated patients who had started lenvatinib and correlated serum Tg and TgAb with the radiological response across visits. Setting University of Pisa, Italy. Patients We selected 9/97 RAIR-DTC patients with detectable TgAb. Intervention None. Main Outcome Measures None. Results Tg values correlated neither with TgAb title nor with radiological response across visits. Greater decreases in TgAb titer correlated with favorable radiological response to lenvatinib after 1 month (Spearman's correlation = 0.74, P = .021) and 6 months (correlation = 0.61, P = .079). According to RECIST, patients with partial response showed a ∼10-fold greater decrease in TgAb compared to those with stable disease at 1 month (median TgAb decrease: -142 vs -14 IU/mL, P = .01) and those with progressive disease at 6 months (median TgAb decrease: -264 vs-24 IU/mL, P = .04). Conclusion TgAb evaluation may represent a reliable surrogate marker for Tg trend in evaluating response of RAIR-DTC to treatment with lenvatinib. A multicentric study would be useful to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Sgrò
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Piercarlo Rossi
- Radiology, Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Paolo Piaggi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Alessandro Brancatella
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Loredana Lorusso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Valeria Bottici
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Molinaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Francesco Latrofa
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Correspondence: Rossella Elisei, MD, Endocrinology Unit I, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, Pisa 56127, Italy.
| | - Laura Agate
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56127, Italy
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Cuffaro D, Pinto D, Silva AM, Bertolini A, Bertini S, Saba A, Macchia M, Rodrigues F, Digiacomo M. Insights into the Antioxidant/Antiradical Effects and In Vitro Intestinal Permeation of Oleocanthal and Its Metabolites Tyrosol and Oleocanthalic Acid. Molecules 2023; 28:5150. [PMID: 37446813 PMCID: PMC10343523 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135150] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as an active ingredient against chronic diseases. The properties of EVOO are due to its peculiar composition, mainly to its rich content of polyphenols. In fact, polyphenols may contribute to counteract oxidative stress, which often accompanies chronic diseases. In this work, the antioxidant effects of high-value polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) and its main metabolites, tyrosol (Tyr) and oleocanthalic acid (OA), respectively, have been investigated along with their impact on cell viability. (2) Methods: OC, Tyr, and OA have been evaluated regarding antiradical properties in term of scavenging capacity towards biologically relevant reactive species, including O2●-, HOCl, and ROO●, as well as their antioxidant/antiradical capacity (FRAP, DPPH●, ABTS●+). Moreover, the ability to permeate the intestinal membrane was assessed by an intestinal co-culture model composed by Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines. (3) Results: The capacity of OC and Tyr as radical oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, particularly regarding HOCl and O2●-, was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the ability to permeate the intestinal co-culture model was plainly proved by the good permeations (>50%) achieved by all compounds. (4) Conclusions: OC, OA, and Tyr revealed promising properties against oxidative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doretta Cuffaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (S.B.); (M.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diana Pinto
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Ana Margarida Silva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Andrea Bertolini
- Department of Surgery, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Simone Bertini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (S.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Saba
- Department of Surgery, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (S.B.); (M.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; (D.P.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria Digiacomo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.C.); (S.B.); (M.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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28
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Dalle Carbonare L, Basile A, Rindi L, Bulleri F, Hamedeh H, Iacopino S, Shukla V, Weits DA, Lombardi L, Sbrana A, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Giuntoli B, Licausi F, Maggi E. Dim artificial light at night alters gene expression rhythms and growth in a key seagrass species (Posidonia oceanica). Sci Rep 2023; 13:10620. [PMID: 37391536 PMCID: PMC10313690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37261-3] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a globally spreading anthropogenic stressor, affecting more than 20% of coastal habitats. The alteration of the natural light/darkness cycle is expected to impact the physiology of organisms by acting on the complex circuits termed as circadian rhythms. Our understanding of the impact of ALAN on marine organisms is lagging behind that of terrestrial ones, and effects on marine primary producers are almost unexplored. Here, we investigated the molecular and physiological response of the Mediterranean seagrass, Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, as model to evaluate the effect of ALAN on seagrass populations established in shallow waters, by taking advantage of a decreasing gradient of dim nocturnal light intensity (from < 0.01 to 4 lx) along the NW Mediterranean coastline. We first monitored the fluctuations of putative circadian-clock genes over a period of 24 h along the ALAN gradient. We then investigated whether key physiological processes, known to be synchronized with day length by the circadian rhythm, were also affected by ALAN. ALAN influenced the light signalling at dusk/night in P. oceanica, including that of shorter blue wavelengths, through the ELF3-LUX1-ZTL regulatory network, and suggested that the daily perturbation of internal clock orthologs in seagrass might have caused the recruitment of PoSEND33 and PoPSBS genes to mitigate the repercussions of a nocturnal stress on photosynthesis during the day. A long-lasting impairment of gene fluctuations in sites characterised by ALAN could explain the reduced growth of the seagrass leaves when these were transferred into controlled conditions and without lighting during the night. Our results highlight the potential contribution of ALAN to the global loss of seagrass meadows, posing questions about key interactions with a variety of other human-related stressors in urban areas, in order to develop more efficient strategies to globally preserve these coastal foundation species.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dalle Carbonare
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.
| | - A Basile
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Rindi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - H Hamedeh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Iacopino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Shukla
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - D A Weits
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Lombardi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Sbrana
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Benedetti-Cecchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Giuntoli
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Piazza Martiri Della Libertà, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Licausi
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - E Maggi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita' di Pisa, CoNISMa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Scaffei E, Mazziotti R, Conti E, Costanzo V, Calderoni S, Stoccoro A, Carmassi C, Tancredi R, Baroncelli L, Battini R. A Potential Biomarker of Brain Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot fNIRS Study in Female Preschoolers. Brain Sci 2023; 13:951. [PMID: 37371429 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060951] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition whose detection still remains challenging in young females due to the heterogeneity of the behavioral phenotype and the capacity of camouflage. The availability of quantitative biomarkers to assess brain function may support in the assessment of ASD. Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive and flexible tool that quantifies cortical hemodynamic responses (HDR) that can be easily employed to describe brain activity. Since the study of the visual phenotype is a paradigmatic model to evaluate cerebral processing in many neurodevelopmental conditions, we hypothesized that visually-evoked HDR (vHDR) might represent a potential biomarker in ASD females. We performed a case-control study comparing vHDR in a cohort of high-functioning preschooler females with ASD (fASD) and sex/age matched peers. We demonstrated the feasibility of visual fNIRS measurements in fASD, and the possibility to discriminate between fASD and typical subjects using different signal features, such as the amplitude and lateralization of vHDR. Moreover, the level of response lateralization was correlated to the severity of autistic traits. These results corroborate the cruciality of sensory symptoms in ASD, paving the way for the validation of the fNIRS analytical tool for diagnosis and treatment outcome monitoring in the ASD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Scaffei
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Costanzo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Pacini MI, Forzan M, Franzo G, Tucciarone CM, Fornai M, Bertelloni F, Sgorbini M, Cantile C, Mazzei M. Feline Parvovirus Lethal Outbreak in a Group of Adult Cohabiting Domestic Cats. Pathogens 2023; 12:822. [PMID: 37375512 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060822] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and often fatal disease in cats. The virus, known as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), primarily affects kittens and unvaccinated cats. It is transmitted through contact with infected cats or their bodily fluids, as well as contaminated objects and environments. The diagnosis of FPV infection can be confirmed through a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, and fecal testing. Prevention through vaccination is recommended for all cats. This case report describes an outbreak of feline panleukopenia in a group of unvaccinated domestic cats that resulted in acute mortality. The lesions were evaluated using histopathology, and the specific viral strain was characterized using molecular techniques. The clinical course of the outbreak was peracute, with a hemorrhagic pattern and 100% of lethality. The observed clinical-pathological pattern was unusual; nevertheless, molecular studies did not highlight peculiar genomic features of the parvovirus isolate. The outbreak affected 3 out of 12 cats in a very short time. However, the prompt application of biosecurity measures and vaccination resulted in an effective interruption of virus spread. In conclusion, we could assume that the virus found the ideal conditions to infect and replicate at high titers, resulting in a particularly aggressive outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Irene Pacini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Forzan
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Tucciarone
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Milena Fornai
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Piombinese, Via Torino 38, 57025 Piombino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Micaela Sgorbini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Mazzei
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Tampucci S, Monti D, Burgalassi S, Terreni E, Paganini V, Di Gangi M, Chetoni P. Binary Polymeric Surfactant Mixtures for the Development of Novel Loteprednol Etabonate Nanomicellar Eyedrops. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:864. [PMID: 37375811 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060864] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of several ocular inflammatory conditions affecting different areas of the ocular globe involves the administration of topical ophthalmic formulations containing corticosteroids. This research was aimed at evaluating the solubilising efficacy of 5.0% w/w of different binary mixtures of commercial amphiphilic polymeric surfactants with the purpose of obtaining nanomicellar solutions containing a high amount of loteprednol etabonate (LE). The selected LE-TPGS/HS nanomicelles, containing 0.253 mg/mL of the drug, had a small size (=13.57 nm) and uniform distribution (Polydispersity Index = 0.271), appeared completely transparent and perfectly filterable through 0.2 μm membrane filter, and remained stable up to 30 days at 4 °C. The critical micellar concentration (CMCTPGS/HS) was 0.0983 mM and the negative value of the interaction parameter between the polymeric-surfactant-building unit (βTPGS/HS = -0.1322) confirmed the ability of the polymeric surfactants to interact, favouring the dissolution of LE into nanomicelles. The disappearance of the endothermic peak of LE in the DSC analysis confirmed the interactions of LE with the polymeric surfactants. LE-TPGS/HS produced in vitro LE which sustained diffusion for 44 h (more than 40% of encapsulated LE). Furthermore, the lack of a significant cytotoxic effect on a sensitive corneal epithelial cell line makes it a candidate for further biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Tampucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Italian Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs in Teaching and Research, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Italian Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs in Teaching and Research, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susi Burgalassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Italian Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs in Teaching and Research, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Patrizia Chetoni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Italian Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs in Teaching and Research, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
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Malloggi C, Rizzo B, Giusti A, Guardone L, Gasperetti L, Dall’Ara S, Armani A. First Toxicological Analysis of the Pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster Collected in Italian Waters (Strait of Sicily): Role of Citizens Science in Monitoring Toxic Marine Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1873. [PMID: 37889799 PMCID: PMC10252100 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111873] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea may represent an emerging public health risk due to the possible accumulation of marine neurotoxins such as tetrodotoxin (TTXs) and saxitoxin (STXs) in their tissues. In this study, the presence of pufferfish species in the Strait of Sicily (Lampedusa Island, Italy) was investigated using a citizen science (CS) approach, involving local fishermen. Samples (liver, intestine, gonads, muscle, skin) from 20 specimens were sent to the National Reference Laboratory on Marine Biotoxins for TTXs detection using a validated HILIC-MS/MS method on fish tissue. The presence of STXs was also screened in part of the specimens. Overall, 56 specimens identified as Sphoeroides pachygaster (Müller &Troschel, 1848) were collected. Data on their total length, body weight, fishing method and catch area (with relative depth temperature and salinity) were analyzed and compared with the S. pachygaster records reported in literature which were updated to 2022. All the analysed tissues were found to be negative for both TTXs and STXs. CS played an essential role in monitoring potentially toxic marine species in this investigation. Outcomes from this study, which is the first investigating S. pachygaster toxicity in Italian waters, may provide useful data for the proper assessment of this emerging risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malloggi
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Biagio Rizzo
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Alice Giusti
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Lisa Guardone
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Gasperetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, 00178 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sonia Dall’Ara
- Fondazione Centro Ricerche Marine, National Reference Laboratory on Marine Biotoxins, Viale A. Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, Italy;
| | - Andrea Armani
- FishLab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (C.M.); (A.G.); (L.G.)
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Stoccoro A, Conti E, Scaffei E, Calderoni S, Coppedè F, Migliore L, Battini R. DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Young Children with Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119138. [PMID: 37298088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119138] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, the underlying pathological mechanisms of which are not yet completely understood. Although several genetic and genomic alterations have been linked to ASD, for the majority of ASD patients, the cause remains unknown, and the condition likely arises due to complex interactions between low-risk genes and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms that are highly sensitive to environmental factors and influence gene function without altering the DNA sequence, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, are involved in ASD pathogenesis. This systematic review aimed to update the clinical application of DNA methylation investigations in children with idiopathic ASD, investigating its potential application in clinical settings. To this end, a literature search was performed on different scientific databases using a combination of terms related to the association between peripheral DNA methylation and young children with idiopathic ASD; this search led to the identification of 18 articles. In the selected studies, DNA methylation is investigated in peripheral blood or saliva samples, at both gene-specific and genome-wide levels. The results obtained suggest that peripheral DNA methylation could represent a promising methodology in ASD biomarker research, although further studies are needed to develop DNA-methylation-based clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Scaffei
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Coppola F, Dari C, Vecchio G, Aloisi M, Romeo G, Biliotti C, Felicioli A. Porcupettes Management at Wildlife Rescue Centers and Liberation into the Wild: Implications for Post-Liberation Success. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091546. [PMID: 37174582 PMCID: PMC10177367 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091546] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The crested porcupine is a frequent host species in wildlife rescue centers and no guidelines for its management, liberation and post-liberation monitoring are yet available. Here, captive-grown porcupines' behavior and survival in the wild after liberation were investigated and described for the first time. Management strategies adopted at the centers could affect porcupine adaptation to the natural environment. The detention of porcupettes in single cages and fed only human-supplied food may not ensure ethological welfare, nor a suitable behavioral development compatible with wildlife. The liberation of captive-grown porcupines should also be carefully planned to promote and increase the possibility of post-liberation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Dari
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Aloisi
- CRASM Semproniano, Loc. Casaccia snc, 58055 Semproniano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Romeo
- Wildlife Sector, Tuscany Regional Council, Via Trieste 5, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Colucci P, Giannaccini M, Baggiani M, Kennedy BN, Dente L, Raffa V, Gabellini C. Neuroprotective Nanoparticles Targeting the Retina: A Polymeric Platform for Ocular Drug Delivery Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041096. [PMID: 37111581 PMCID: PMC10144786 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041096] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotective drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye represents a major challenge to counteract vision loss. This work focuses on the development of a polymer-based nanocarrier, specifically designed for targeting the posterior eye. Polyacrylamide nanoparticles (ANPs) were synthesised and characterised, and their high binding efficiency was exploited to gain both ocular targeting and neuroprotective capabilities, through conjugation with peanut agglutinin (ANP:PNA) and neurotrophin nerve growth factor (ANP:PNA:NGF). The neuroprotective activity of ANP:PNA:NGF was assessed in an oxidative stress-induced retinal degeneration model using the teleost zebrafish. Upon nanoformulation, NGF improved the visual function of zebrafish larvae after the intravitreal injection of hydrogen peroxide, accompanied by a reduction in the number of apoptotic cells in the retina. Additionally, ANP:PNA:NGF counteracted the impairment of visual behaviour in zebrafish larvae exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Collectively, these data suggest that our polymeric drug delivery system represents a promising strategy for implementing targeted treatment against retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Colucci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Matteo Baggiani
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luciana Dente
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittoria Raffa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Bertelloni F, Cagnoli G, Bresciani F, Scotti B, Lazzerini L, Marcucci M, Colombani G, Ebani VV. Antimicrobial Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Carried by House Flies ( Musca domestica) Captured in Swine and Poultry Farms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040636. [PMID: 37106998 PMCID: PMC10135123 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040636] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
House flies (Musca domestica) are very diffuse insects attracted by biological materials. They are abundantly present in farm environments and can frequently come in contact with animals, feed, manure, waste, surfaces, and fomites; consequently, these insects could be contaminated, carry, and disperse several microorganisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in house flies collected in poultry and swine farms. Thirty-five traps were placed in twenty-two farms; from each trap, 3 different kinds of samples were tested: attractant material present in the traps, the body surface of house flies and the body content of house flies. Staphylococci were detected in 72.72% of farms, 65.71% of traps and 43.81% of samples. Only coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated, and 49 isolates were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test. Most of the isolates were resistant to amikacin (65.31%), ampicillin (46.94%), rifampicin (44.90%), tetracycline (40.82%) and cefoxitin (40.82%). Minimum Inhibitory concentration assay allowed to confirm 11/49 (22.45%) staphylococci as methicillin-resistant; 4 of them (36.36%) carried the mecA gene. Furthermore, 53.06% of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Higher levels of resistance and multidrug resistance were detected in CoNS isolated from flies collected in poultry farms than in swine farms. Therefore, house flies could carry MDR and methicillin-resistant staphylococci, representing a possible source of infection for animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bertelloni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Cagnoli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Flavio Bresciani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Bruno Scotti
- Sede Sicurezza Alimentare e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Zona Versilia, Azienda Usl Toscana Nord Ovest, Via Martiri di S. Anna 12, 55045 Pietrasanta, Italy
| | - Luca Lazzerini
- Sede Sicurezza Alimentare e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Zona Versilia, Azienda Usl Toscana Nord Ovest, Via Martiri di S. Anna 12, 55045 Pietrasanta, Italy
| | - Marco Marcucci
- Sede Sicurezza Alimentare e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda Usl Toscana Nord Ovest, Via IV Novembre 10, 55027 Gallicano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colombani
- Sede Sicurezza Alimentare e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda Usl Toscana Nord Ovest, Via IV Novembre 10, 55027 Gallicano, Italy
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Bianchi A, Venturi F, Zinnai A, Taglieri I, Najar B, Macaluso M, Merlani G, Angelini LG, Tavarini S, Clemente C, Sanmartin C. Valorization of an Old Variety of Triticum aestivum: A Study of Its Suitability for Breadmaking Focusing on Sensory and Nutritional Quality. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061351. [PMID: 36981275 PMCID: PMC10048056 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
"Avanzi 3-Grano 23" (G23) is an old variety of Triticum aestivum from the mountain areas of Lunigiana (north Tuscany, Italy), where traditional farming communities have contributed to its success and on-farm conservation. G23 flour, traditionally used for typical food products, is characterized by particular nutritional and sensory traits but has technological properties which limit its suitability for breadmaking. The aim of this work was to evaluate how to promote the use of G23 through the optimization of bread formulation by leveraging both flour blending and the leavening system. During the preliminary test, three different mixes of G23 flour and a strong flour (C) were tested in terms of their leavening power as a function of leavening agent (baker's yeast or sourdough). The selected M2 flour, composed of G23:C (1:1 w/w), was used for further breadmaking trials and 100% C flour was utilized as a control. The sourdough bread obtained with the M2 flour (SB-M2) showed an improved sensory profile compared with the related control (SB-C). Furthermore, SB-M2 exhibited the best aromatic (high content in aldehydes, pyrazines and carboxylic acids) and phytochemical profile (total polyphenols and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity). In contrast, the use of baker's yeast, although optimal from the point of view of breadmaking, did not result in the same levels of aromatic complexity because it tends to standardize the product without valorizing the sensory and nutritional qualities of the flour. In conclusion, in the experimental conditions adopted, this old wheat variety appears to be suitable for the production of sourdough bakery products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bianchi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Venturi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Zinnai
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Taglieri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Basma Najar
- Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery Unit and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Free University of Brussels, Bld Triomphe, Campus Plaine, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Monica Macaluso
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Merlani
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luciana Gabriella Angelini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Tavarini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Clarissa Clemente
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sanmartin
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Recchimurzo A, Balzano F, Uccello Barretta G, Gherardi L, Malanga M, Aiello F. Silylated-Acetylated Cyclodextrins as Chiral Sensors for the Enantiodiscrimination of Fluorinated Anesthetics. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062804. [PMID: 36985776 PMCID: PMC10058779 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062804] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Silylated-acetylated cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives have recently been investigated, via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, as chiral sensors for substrates that are endowed and devoid of fluorine atoms, and the importance of Si-F interaction in the discrimination phenomena has been assessed. Here, the contributions of both superficial interactions and inclusion processes were further evaluated by extending the records to other chiral fluorinated substrates of interest for pharmaceutical applications. Non-equivalences were measured for both the 1H and 19F resonances in equimolar mixtures with the CDs; the promising results also supported the use of chiral sensors in sub-stoichiometric amounts. Finally, the occurrence of inclusion processes was evaluated by analyzing the intermolecular dipolar interactions by means of ROESY (Rotating-frame Overhauser Enhancement Spectroscopy) experiments. The study confirmed that the γCD derivative is the best chiral solvating agent for the fluorinated substrates investigated, likely due to the higher number of silyl moieties that can be involved in Si-F interactions. The contribution of inclusion processes to the enantiodiscrimination was also confirmed by comparison with the α- and β-analogues. Overall, the CD derivatives proved to be able to discriminate fluorinated substrates even when used in sub-stoichiometric amounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Recchimurzo
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Balzano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Uccello Barretta
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Gherardi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Milo Malanga
- CycloLab, Cyclodextrin R&D Ltd., Illatos út. 7, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Federica Aiello
- National Research Council, Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes (CNR-IPCF), via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Nepita I, Piazza S, Ruglioni M, Cristiani S, Bosurgi E, Salvadori T, Vicidomini G, Diaspro A, Castello M, Cerase A, Bianchini P, Storti B, Bizzarri R. On the Advent of Super-Resolution Microscopy in the Realm of Polycomb Proteins. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:374. [PMID: 36979066 PMCID: PMC10044799 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030374] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of metazoans are organized at multiple spatial scales, ranging from the double helix of DNA to whole chromosomes. The intermediate genomic scale of kilobases to megabases, which corresponds to the 50-300 nm spatial scale, is particularly interesting, as the 3D arrangement of chromatin is implicated in multiple regulatory mechanisms. In this context, polycomb group (PcG) proteins stand as major epigenetic modulators of chromatin function, acting prevalently as repressors of gene transcription by combining chemical modifications of target histones with physical crosslinking of distal genomic regions and phase separation. The recent development of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has strongly contributed to improving our comprehension of several aspects of nano-/mesoscale (10-200 nm) chromatin domains. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art SRM applied to PcG proteins, showing that the application of SRM to PcG activity and organization is still quite limited and mainly focused on the 3D assembly of PcG-controlled genomic loci. In this context, SRM approaches have mostly been applied to multilabel fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). However, SRM data have complemented the maps obtained from chromosome capture experiments and have opened a new window to observe how 3D chromatin topology is modulated by PcGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Nepita
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Simonluca Piazza
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- R&D Department, Genoa Instruments s.r.l., Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Ruglioni
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sofia Cristiani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bosurgi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Salvadori
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vicidomini
- Molecular Microscopy and Spectroscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Castello
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- R&D Department, Genoa Instruments s.r.l., Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerase
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Strada Statale dell’Abetone Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bianchini
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- DIFILAB, Dipartimento di Fisica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Storti
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ranieri Bizzarri
- Nanoscopy, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via E. Melen 83, 16152 Genova, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 65, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Lanzolla G, Puccinelli L, Giudetti M, Comi S, Menconi F, Maglionico MN, Posarelli C, Figus M, Marcocci C, Marinò M. Anti-nuclear autoantibodies in Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:337-344. [PMID: 36030301 PMCID: PMC9859920 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01906-3] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A relationship between thyroid and non-organ-specific autoimmunity could be relevant for Graves' orbitopathy (GO), which affects connective tissue. We investigated the association between GO and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs). METHODS Retrospective investigation was conducted in 265 patients with Graves' disease (GD), 158 with and 107 without GO. Primary outcome was: prevalence of ANAs in GO vs no-GO. Secondary outcomes were: (1) relationship between ANAs and GO features; (2) prevalence of ANAs in GD compared with non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism [(78 patients with toxic nodular goiter (TNG)]; (3) distribution of ANA patterns. RESULTS ANAs were detected in 212 (80%) GD patients, but prevalence did not differ between GO (79.7%) and no-GO (80.3%). Higher ANA titers (1:160) were more common in GO (51.5 vs 38.3%), but only nearly significantly (OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-1; P = 0.059). Proptosis was lower in ANA-positive patients (mean difference: - 1.4 mm; 95% CI from - 2.5 to - 0.3; P = 0.011), in whom nearly significantly lower CAS (Mann-Whitney U: 1.5; P = 0.077) and eyelid aperture (mean difference: - 0.9 mm; 95% CI from - 2 to 0; P = 0.062) were observed. Prevalence of ANAs in GD was lower than in TNG (80 vs 91%; OR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9; P = 0.028), but nuclear speckled pattern was more frequent (OR 22.9; 95% CI 1.3-381.3; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS Although ANAs are not more frequent in GO, they seem to exert a protective role on its severity and on development of GD. A switch of T cell population in ANA-positive patients, resulting in a different phenotype, may be responsible. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lanzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Puccinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Giudetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Comi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M N Maglionico
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Ophthalmology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Marcocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Marinò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit I, University of Pisa and University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Tzompa-Sosa DA, Moruzzo R, Mancini S, Schouteten JJ, Liu A, Li J, Sogari G. Consumers' acceptance toward whole and processed mealworms: A cross-country study in Belgium, China, Italy, Mexico, and the US. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279530. [PMID: 36630382 PMCID: PMC9833582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The interest in edible insects as food is growing, both in traditional and non-traditional insect-eating countries given their advantages in terms of sustainability and nutritional content. However, only a few studies have conducted cross-country investigations on the acceptance of including processed or whole insects in the diet. Thus, this study aimed to examine to which extent consumers were accepting (i) whole and visible mealworms, (ii) processed mealworms in their diet and (iii) to explore the factors affecting the acceptance level of consuming mealworms in countries with and without entomophagy tradition. An online survey was applied to collect responses (3,006) from five countries-i.e., Belgium, China, Italy, Mexico, and the US-using a quota sampling method. Moreover, an information treatment was included with about half of the participants receiving information about the advantages of edible insects as food (ingredient) and the presence of food safety regulations. Across countries, gender was the main factor affecting acceptance level as men accepted mealworms more than women. Entomophagy tradition mainly explained the differences among countries. Countries with entomophagy traditions (Mexico and China) showed higher acceptance of including whole or processed mealworms in the diet compared to countries with no entomophagy traditions (i.e., Belgium, Italy, and the US). While information and age did affect differently the acceptance of including processed mealworms in countries with entomophagy traditions showing that consumer acceptance was affected by information in Mexico and by age in China. Whereas it was found that younger people (below 42 years old) in countries without entomophagy tradition were more open to accepting processed mealworms in their diet. Moreover, across countries, the acceptance of including processed mealworms was higher compared to whole mealworms. These findings provide insights into which consumer segments to target and the potential impact of information when introducing new insect-based foods in countries with and without entomophagy traditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daylan Amelia Tzompa-Sosa
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Food structure and Function Research Group, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Moruzzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Mancini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Aijun Liu
- China Center for Food Security Studies, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Giovanni Sogari
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Bocci G, Pelliccia S, Orlandi P, Caridi M, Banchi M, Musuraca G, Di Napoli A, Bianchi MP, Patti C, Anticoli-Borza P, Battistini R, Casaroli I, Lanzolla T, Tafuri A, Cox MC. Remarkable Remission Rate and Long-Term Efficacy of Upfront Metronomic Chemotherapy in Elderly and Frail Patients, with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. J Clin Med 2022; 11:7162. [PMID: 36498736 PMCID: PMC9739472 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237162] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The upfront treatment of very elderly and frail patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is still a matter of debate. Herein, we report results of the metronomic all-oral DEVEC [prednisolone/deltacortene®, vinorelbine (VNR), etoposide (ETO), cyclophosphamide] combined with i.v. rituximab (R). This schedule was administered as a first line therapy in 22 elderly/frail DLBCL subjects (median age = 84.5 years). In 17/22 (77%) patients, the Elderly-IPI-score was high. After a median follow-up of 24 months, 15 patients had died: seven (50%) for causes unrelated to DLBCL or its treatment, six (40%) for progression, and two (13%) for multiorgan failure. Six treatment-pertinent serious-adverse-events occurred. At the end of induction, 14/22 (64%) achieved complete remission; overall survival and event-free survival at 24 months were both 54% (95% CI = 32−72%), while the time to progression was 74% (95% CI = 48−88%). Furthermore, antiproliferative and proapoptotic assays were performed on DLBCL/OCI-LY3 cell-line using metronomic VNR and ETO and their combination. Both metronomic VNR and ETO had concentration-dependent antiproliferative (IC50 = 0.036 ± 0.01 nM and 7.9 ± 3.6 nM, respectively), and proapoptotic activities in DLBCL cells. Co-administration of the two drugs showed a strong synergism (combination index < 1 and dose reduction index > 1) against cell proliferation and survival. This low-dose schedule seems to compare favourably with intravenous-CHEMO protocols used in the same subset. Indeed, the high synergism shown by metronomic VRN+ETO in in vitro studies, explains the remarkable clinical responses and it allows significant dose reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Bocci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pelliccia
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Orlandi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Caridi
- Division of Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06125 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marta Banchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gerardo Musuraca
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) Srl—IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Arianna Di Napoli
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea & Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Bianchi
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Patti
- UOC Oncoematologia, Azienda Villa Sofia-Cervello, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Ivana Casaroli
- Haematology Department, San Gerardo Hospital Monza, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lanzolla
- UOC Medicina Nucleare, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Christina Cox
- UOC Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sant’Andrea, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Marchetti L, Nifosì R, Martelli PL, Da Pozzo E, Cappello V, Banterle F, Trincavelli ML, Martini C, D’Elia M. Quantum computing algorithms: getting closer to critical problems in computational biology. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6758194. [PMID: 36220772 PMCID: PMC9677474 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac437] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent biotechnological progress has allowed life scientists and physicians to access an unprecedented, massive amount of data at all levels (molecular, supramolecular, cellular and so on) of biological complexity. So far, mostly classical computational efforts have been dedicated to the simulation, prediction or de novo design of biomolecules, in order to improve the understanding of their function or to develop novel therapeutics. At a higher level of complexity, the progress of omics disciplines (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) has prompted researchers to develop informatics means to describe and annotate new biomolecules identified with a resolution down to the single cell, but also with a high-throughput speed. Machine learning approaches have been implemented to both the modelling studies and the handling of biomedical data. Quantum computing (QC) approaches hold the promise to resolve, speed up or refine the analysis of a wide range of these computational problems. Here, we review and comment on recently developed QC algorithms for biocomputing, with a particular focus on multi-scale modelling and genomic analyses. Indeed, differently from other computational approaches such as protein structure prediction, these problems have been shown to be adequately mapped onto quantum architectures, the main limit for their immediate use being the number of qubits and decoherence effects in the available quantum machines. Possible advantages over the classical counterparts are highlighted, along with a description of some hybrid classical/quantum approaches, which could be the closest to be realistically applied in biocomputation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pier Luigi Martelli
- Corresponding authors: Pier Luigi Martelli. Tel.: +39 0512094005; Fax: +39 0512094005; E-mail: ; Claudia Martini. Tel.: +39 0502219522; Fax: +39 050 2210680; E-mail:
| | - Eleonora Da Pozzo
- University of Pisa, Department of Pharmacy, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Valentina Cappello
- Italian Institute of Technology, Center for Materials Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera (PI), Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Martini
- Corresponding authors: Pier Luigi Martelli. Tel.: +39 0512094005; Fax: +39 0512094005; E-mail: ; Claudia Martini. Tel.: +39 0502219522; Fax: +39 050 2210680; E-mail:
| | - Massimo D’Elia
- University of Pisa, Department of Physics, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, 56127, Pisa Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Pisa, Largo Bruno Pontecorvo 3, I-56127 Pisa, Italy
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Carta A, Fernández-Pascual E, Gioria M, Müller JV, Rivière S, Rosbakh S, Saatkamp A, Vandelook F, Mattana E. Climate shapes the seed germination niche of temperate flowering plants: a meta-analysis of European seed conservation data. Ann Bot 2022; 129:775-786. [PMID: 35303062 PMCID: PMC9292614 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interactions between ecological factors and seed physiological responses during the establishment phase shape the distribution of plants. Yet, our understanding of the functions and evolution of early-life traits has been limited by the scarcity of large-scale datasets. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the germination niche of temperate plants is shaped by their climatic requirements and phylogenetic relatedness, using germination data sourced from a comprehensive seed conservation database of the European flora (ENSCOBASE). METHODS We performed a phylogenetically informed Bayesian meta-analysis of primary data, considering 18 762 germination tests of 2418 species from laboratory experiments conducted across all European geographical regions. We tested for the interaction between species' climatic requirements and germination responses to experimental conditions including temperature, alternating temperature, light and dormancy-breaking treatments, while accounting for between-study variation related to seed sources and seed lot physiological status. KEY RESULTS Climate was a strong predictor of germination responses. In warm and seasonally dry climates the seed germination niche includes a cold-cued germination response and an inhibition determined by alternating temperature regimes and cold stratification, while in climates with high temperature seasonality opposite responses can be observed. Germination responses to scarification and light were related to seed mass but not to climate. We also found a significant phylogenetic signal in the response of seeds to experimental conditions, providing evidence that the germination niche is phylogenetically constrained. Nevertheless, phylogenetically distant lineages exhibited common germination responses under similar climates. CONCLUSION This is the first quantitative meta-analysis of the germination niche at a continental scale. Our findings showed that the germination niches of European plants exhibit evolutionary convergence mediated by strong pressures at the macroclimatic level. In addition, our methodological approach highlighted how large datasets generated by conservation seed banking can be valuable sources to address questions in plant macroecology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margherita Gioria
- Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion Ecology, Průhonice, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Sergey Rosbakh
- Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arne Saatkamp
- Aix Marseille Université, Université d’Avignon, CNRS, IRD, IMBE, Marseille, France
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Piccinini L, Iacopino S, Cazzaniga S, Ballottari M, Giuntoli B, Licausi F. A synthetic switch based on orange carotenoid protein to control blue-green light responses in chloroplasts. Plant Physiol 2022; 189:1153-1168. [PMID: 35289909 PMCID: PMC9157063 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac122] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology approaches to engineer light-responsive systems are widely used, but their applications in plants are still limited due to the interference with endogenous photoreceptors and the intrinsic requirement of light for photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria possess a family of soluble carotenoid-associated proteins named orange carotenoid proteins (OCPs) that, when activated by blue-green light, undergo a reversible conformational change that enables the photoprotection mechanism that occurs on the phycobilisome. Exploiting this system, we developed a chloroplast-localized synthetic photoswitch based on a protein complementation assay where two nanoluciferase fragments were fused to separate polypeptides corresponding to the OCP2 domains. Since Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) does not possess the prosthetic group needed for the assembly of the OCP2 complex, we first implemented the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway with a bacterial β-carotene ketolase enzyme (crtW) to generate keto-carotenoid-producing plants. The photoswitch was tested and characterized in Arabidopsis protoplasts and stably transformed plants with experiments aimed to uncover its regulation by a range of light intensities, wavelengths, and its conversion dynamics. Finally, we applied the OCP-based photoswitch to control transcriptional responses in chloroplasts in response to green light illumination by fusing the two OCP fragments with the plastidial SIGMA FACTOR 2 and bacteriophage T4 anti-sigma factor AsiA. This pioneering study establishes the basis for future implementation of plastid optogenetics to regulate organelle responses upon exposure to specific light spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Piccinini
- Plantlab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Sergio Iacopino
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Stefano Cazzaniga
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Beatrice Giuntoli
- Plantlab, Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa 56127, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Francesco Licausi
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
- Author for correspondence:
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Poma AM, Bonuccelli D, Giannini R, Macerola E, Vignali P, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Proietti A, Pistello M, Basolo A, Santini F, Toniolo A, Basolo F. COVID-19 autopsy cases: detection of virus in endocrine tissues. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:209-214. [PMID: 34191258 PMCID: PMC8243303 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been detected in a variety of human samples including blood, urine, semen, and faeces. However, evidence of virus presence in tissues other than lung are limited. METHODS We investigated whether SARS-CoV-2 could be detected in 50 autoptic specimens of endocrine organs from 29 patients who died of COVID-19. RESULTS The virus was detected in 25 specimens including ten abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples (62%), six testes (67%), and nine thyroid (36%) samples. The analysis of multiple endocrine organ samples obtained from the same patients showed that, in virus-positive cases, the viral genome was consistently detected in all but two matched specimens. CONCLUSION Our findings show that the virus spread into endocrine organs is a common event in severe cases. Further studies should assess the rate of the phenomenon in clinically mild cases. The potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on endocrine functions should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - R Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Pistello
- Retrovirus Center and Virology Section, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Basolo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Santini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - F Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi,10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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Convertino I, Giometto S, Gini R, Cazzato M, Fornili M, Valdiserra G, Cappello E, Ferraro S, Bartolini C, Paoletti O, Tillati S, Baglietto L, Turchetti G, Trieste L, Lorenzoni V, Blandizzi C, Mosca M, Tuccori M, Lucenteforte E. Trajectories of Adherence to Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Tuscan Administrative Databases: The Pathfinder Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5743. [PMID: 34945038 PMCID: PMC8708974 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Scanty information on clustering longitudinal real-world data is available in the medical literature about the adherence implementation phase in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To identify and characterize trajectories by analyzing the implementation phase of adherence to biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), we conducted a retrospective cohort drug-utilization study using Tuscan administrative databases. RA patients were identified by a validated algorithm, including the first biologic DMARD supply from 2010 to 2015, RA specialist visit in the year before or after the first supply date and RA diagnosis in the five years before or in the year after the first supply date. We observed users for three years or until death, neoplasia, or pregnancy. We evaluated adherence quarterly through the Medication Possession Ratio. Firstly, we identified adherence trajectories and described the baseline characteristics; then, we focused on the trajectory most populated to distinguish the related sub-trajectories. We identified 952 first ever-biologic DMARD users in RA (712 females, mean age 52.7 years old, standard deviation 18.8). The biologic DMARD mostly supplied was etanercept (387 users) followed by adalimumab (233). Among 935 users with at least 3 adherence values, we identified 49 fully-adherent users, 829 continuous users, and 57 early-discontinuing users. Significant differences were observed among the index drugs. After focusing on the continuous users, three sub-trajectories were identified: continuous-steady users (556), continuous-alternate users (207), and continuous-declining users (66). No relevant differences emerged at the baseline. The majority of first ever-biologic DMARD users showed a continuous adherence behavior in RA. The role of adherence potential predictors and the association with effectiveness and safety outcomes should be explored by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Convertino
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Sabrina Giometto
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Rosa Gini
- Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology, Tuscan Regional Healthcare Agency, 50100 Florence, Italy; (R.G.); (C.B.); (O.P.)
| | - Massimiliano Cazzato
- Unit of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Fornili
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Giulia Valdiserra
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Emiliano Cappello
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Sara Ferraro
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Claudia Bartolini
- Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology, Tuscan Regional Healthcare Agency, 50100 Florence, Italy; (R.G.); (C.B.); (O.P.)
| | - Olga Paoletti
- Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology, Tuscan Regional Healthcare Agency, 50100 Florence, Italy; (R.G.); (C.B.); (O.P.)
| | - Silvia Tillati
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Laura Baglietto
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Turchetti
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (G.T.); (L.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Leopoldo Trieste
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (G.T.); (L.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Valentina Lorenzoni
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (G.T.); (L.T.); (V.L.)
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
- Unit of Adverse Drug Reactions Monitoring, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Unit of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Tuccori
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.C.); (G.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (C.B.); (M.T.)
- Unit of Adverse Drug Reactions Monitoring, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Unit of Medical Statistics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.G.); (M.F.); (S.T.); (L.B.)
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Maestrini M, Molento MB, Forzan M, Perrucci S. In vitro anthelmintic activity of an aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra and of glycyrrhetinic acid against gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. Parasite 2021; 28:64. [PMID: 34468311 PMCID: PMC10649775 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of a liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root aqueous extract and of glycyrrhetinic acid at 30, 10, 5, 1, and 0.5 mg/mL against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), using the egg hatch test (EHT), the larval development test (LDT), and the larval migration inhibition test (LMIT). The compounds were applied on a mixture of GIN eggs and larvae, mainly Trichostrongylus spp. and Teladorsagia/Ostertagia spp. Cytotoxicity assays were also performed. In the EHT, both candidates showed significant concentration-dependent efficacy and were significantly more effective (p < 0.001) at the highest concentrations (30 and 10 mg/mL) than the lowest ones. In the LDT, only G. glabra showed a concentration-dependent effect (R2 = 0.924), but glycyrrhetinic acid (R2 = 0.910) had significantly higher efficacy than G. glabra root extract. Moreover, the efficacy of glycyrrhetinic acid at 30, 10, and 5 mg/mL was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than at lower concentrations. In the LMIT, G. glabra showed concentration-dependent efficacy (R2 = 0.971), while considerably reduced efficacy was observed for glycyrrhetinic acid (R2 = 0.855) at the lowest concentrations. These data suggest that the two compounds may have different mechanisms of action. In the LMIT, the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of glycyrrhetinic acid (~5.12 mg/mL) was > 2.0-fold lower when compared to G. glabra (12.25 mg/mL). Analysis and previous findings indicated low toxicity for both compounds. The results obtained encourage in vivo studies aimed at evaluating the potential use of the tested compounds as natural de-wormers in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Maestrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa Viale delle Piagge 2 56124 Pisa Italy
| | - Marcelo Beltrão Molento
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Paraná R. dos Funcionarios, 1540 Curitiba 80035-050 PR Brazil
| | - Mario Forzan
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa Viale delle Piagge 2 56124 Pisa Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa Viale delle Piagge 2 56124 Pisa Italy
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Hyeraci M, Scalcon V, Folda A, Labella L, Marchetti F, Samaritani S, Rigobello MP, Dalla Via L. New Platinum(II) Complexes Affecting Different Biomolecular Targets in Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma Cells. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1956-1966. [PMID: 33751814 PMCID: PMC8252049 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to platinum-based anticancer drugs represents an important limit for their clinical effectiveness and one of the most important field of investigation in the context of platinum compounds. From our previous studies, PtII complexes containing the triphenylphosphino moiety have been emerging as promising agents, showing significant cytotoxicity to resistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Two brominated triphenylphosphino trans-platinum derivatives were prepared and evaluated on human tumor cell lines, sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. The new complexes exert a notable antiproliferative effect on resistant ovarian carcinoma cells, showing a remarkable intracellular accumulation and the ability to interact with different intracellular targets. The interaction with DNA, the collapse of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and the impairment of intracellular redox state were demonstrated. Moreover, a selectivity towards the selenocysteine of thioredoxin reductase was observed. The mechanism of action is discussed with regard to the resistance phenomenon in ovarian carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Hyeraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological SciencesUniversity of PadovaVia F. Marzolo, 535131PadovaItaly
| | - Valeria Scalcon
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaVia U. Bassi 58/b35131PadovaItaly
| | - Alessandra Folda
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaVia U. Bassi 58/b35131PadovaItaly
| | - Luca Labella
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
| | - Fabio Marchetti
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
| | - Simona Samaritani
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial ChemistryUniversity of PisaVia G. Moruzzi 1356124PisaItaly
| | - Maria Pia Rigobello
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaVia U. Bassi 58/b35131PadovaItaly
| | - Lisa Dalla Via
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological SciencesUniversity of PadovaVia F. Marzolo, 535131PadovaItaly
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Zallocco L, Giusti L, Ronci M, Mussini A, Trerotola M, Mazzoni MR, Lucacchini A, Sebastiani L. Salivary Proteome Changes in Response to Acute Psychological Stress Due to an Oral Exam Simulation in University Students: Effect of an Olfactory Stimulus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4295. [PMID: 33919012 PMCID: PMC8122612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role both in acute and chronic psychological stress eliciting changes in many local and systemic physiological and biochemical processes. Salivary secretion is also regulated by ANS. In this study, we explored salivary proteome changes produced in thirty-eight University students by a test stress, which simulated an oral exam. Students underwent a relaxation phase followed by the stress test during which an electrocardiogram was recorded. To evaluate the effect of an olfactory stimulus, half of the students were exposed to a pleasant odor diffused in the room throughout the whole session. Saliva samples were collected after the relaxation phase (T0) and the stress test (T1). State anxiety was also evaluated at T0 and T1. Salivary proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and patterns at different times were compared. Spots differentially expressed were trypsin digested and identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis was used to validate proteomic results. Anxiety scores and heart rate changes indicated that the fake exam induced anxiety. Significant changes of α-amylase, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), and immunoglobulin α chain (IGHA) secretion were observed after the stress test was performed in the two conditions. Moreover, the presence of pleasant odor reduced the acute social stress affecting salivary proteome changes. Therefore, saliva proteomic analysis was a useful approach to evaluate the rapid responses associated to an acute stress test also highlighting known biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Zallocco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.Z.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Laura Giusti
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Pharmacy, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, via dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Andrea Mussini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.S.)
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Mazzoni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.Z.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Antonio Lucacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, via Savi, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Sebastiani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.S.)
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