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Corli G, Tirri M, Bassi M, Bernardi T, Boccuto F, Borsari M, Zauli G, Bilel S, Marti M. 5-HT 2A receptors are involved in the pharmaco-toxicological effects of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH-018 and 5F-PB22: In vivo studies in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176486. [PMID: 38458413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Over the last years, Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) have been among the largest and most frequently seized groups of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). These substances have been frequently detected in biological samples from patients involved in several intoxication and death cases. Their serious adverse effects have been related to their action as potent agonist of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. However, evidence concerning the potential interaction between SCs and serotoninergic mechanisms has emerged. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the involvement of 5-HT2A receptors in the effects induced by acute systemic administration of 1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole (JWH-018; 1 mg/kg) and quinolin-8-yl 1-pentyfluoro-1H-indole-3-8-carboxylate (5F-PB22; 1 mg/kg). Sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and tactile) responses, pain threshold (acute mechanical and thermal nociception), core temperature, breath rate and motor performance (stepping activity) have been assessed in CD-1 male mice. The present results pointed out that both substances deeply alter sensorimotor responses, nociceptive threshold, core temperature, breath rate and motor activity in mice. Noteworthy, pretreatment with the selective 5-HT2A receptors antagonist MDL100907 (0.1 mg/kg) at least partially prevented sensorimotor disruption, antinociception and hypothermic effects. Conversely, the respiratory and motor impairment was not prevented. Thus, it states the relevance of serotoninergic 5-HT2A mechanisms on pharmaco-toxicological effects induced by SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Bassi
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Boccuto
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Borsari
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Excellence of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy.
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Esposito E, Pozza E, Contado C, Pula W, Bortolini O, Ragno D, Toldo S, Casciano F, Bondi A, Zauli E, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Melloni E. Microfluidic Fabricated Liposomes for Nutlin-3a Ocular Delivery as Potential Candidate for Proliferative Vitreoretinal Diseases Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3513-3536. [PMID: 38623081 PMCID: PMC11018138 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s452134] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proliferative vitreoretinal diseases (PVDs) represent a heterogeneous group of pathologies characterized by the presence of retinal proliferative membranes, in whose development retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is deeply involved. As the only effective treatment for PVDs at present is surgery, we aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic activity of Nutlin-3a, a small non-genotoxic inhibitor of the MDM2/p53 interaction, on ARPE-19 cell line and on human RPE primary cells, as in vitro models of RPE and, more importantly, to formulate and evaluate Nutlin-3a loaded liposomes designed for ophthalmic administration. Methods Liposomes were produced using an innovative approach by a microfluidic device under selection of different conditions. Liposome size distribution was evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy and centrifugal field flow fractionation, while the liposome structure was studied by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The Nutlin-3a entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultrafiltration and HPLC. Nutlin-3a biological effectiveness as a solution or loaded in liposomes was evaluated by viability, proliferation, apoptosis and migration assays and by morphological analysis. Results The microfluidic formulative study enabled the selection of liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) 5.4 or 8.2 mg/mL and 10% ethanol, characterized by roundish vesicular structures with 150-250 nm mean diameters. Particularly, liposomes based on the lower PC concentration were characterized by higher stability. Nutlin-3a was effectively encapsulated in liposomes and was able to induce a significant reduction of viability and migration in RPE cell models. Conclusion Our results lay the basis for a possible use of liposomes for the ocular delivery of Nutlin-3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Elena Pozza
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Catia Contado
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Walter Pula
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Olga Bortolini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Daniele Ragno
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Sofia Toldo
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Agnese Bondi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
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Bassi M, Bilel S, Tirri M, Corli G, Di Rosa F, Gregori A, Alkilany AM, Rachid O, Roda E, Zauli G, Locatelli CA, Marti M. Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the novel tryptamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-MiPT on motor, sensorimotor, physiological, and cardiorespiratory parameters in mice-from a human poisoning case to the preclinical evidence. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:489-511. [PMID: 38214743 PMCID: PMC10884077 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06526-8] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE The 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT, known online as "Moxy") is a new psychedelic tryptamine first identified on Italian national territory in 2014. Its hallucinogen effects are broadly well-known; however, only few information is available regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects. OBJECTIVES Following the seizure of this new psychoactive substances by the Arm of Carabinieri and the occurrence of a human intoxication case, in the current study we had the aim to characterize the in vivo acute effects of systemic administration of 5-MeO-MiPT (0.01-30 mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, thermoregulation, and stimulated motor activity (drag and accelerod test) in CD-1 male mice. We also evaluated variation on sensory gating (PPI, prepulse inhibition; 0.01-10 mg/kg i.p.) and on cardiorespiratory parameters (MouseOx and BP-2000; 30 mg/kg i.p.). Lastly, we investigated the in silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) profile of 5-MeO-MiPT compared to 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). RESULTS This study demonstrates that 5-MeO-MiPT dose-dependently inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses and, at high doses, induces impairment of the stimulated motor activity and cardiorespiratory changes in mice. In silico prediction shows that the 5-MeO-MiPT toxicokinetic profile shares similarities with 5-MeO-DIPT and DMT and highlights a cytochrome risk associated with this compound. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of 5-MeO-MiPT can affect the ability to perform activities and pose a risk to human health status, as the correspondence between the effects induced in mice and the symptoms occurred in the intoxication case suggests. However, our findings suggest that 5-MeO-MiPT should not be excluded from research in the psychiatric therapy field.
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Grants
- Effects of NPS: development of a multicentre research for the information enhancement of the Early Warning System Anti-Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
- Implementation of the identification Anti-Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
- study of the effects of NPS: Development of a multicentric research to strengthen the database of the National Monitoring Centre for Drug Addiction Anti-Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
- the Early Warning System Anti-Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
- FAR 2021 Università degli Studi di Ferrara
- FAR 2022 Università degli Studi di Ferrara
- Anti-Drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bassi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabiana Di Rosa
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Carabinieri, 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - Alaaldin M Alkilany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ousama Rachid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.
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Caruso L, Fields M, Rimondi E, Zauli G, Longo G, Marcuzzi A, Previati M, Gonelli A, Zauli E, Milani D. Classical and Innovative Evidence for Therapeutic Strategies in Retinal Dysfunctions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2124. [PMID: 38396799 PMCID: PMC10889839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The human retina is a complex anatomical structure that has no regenerative capacity. The pathogenesis of most retinopathies can be attributed to inflammation, with the activation of the inflammasome protein platform, and to the impact of oxidative stress on the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy/mitophagy in retinal cells. In recent years, new therapeutic approaches to treat retinopathies have been investigated. Experimental data suggest that the secretome of mesenchymal cells could reduce oxidative stress, autophagy, and the apoptosis of retinal cells, and in turn, the secretome of the latter could induce changes in mesenchymal cells. Other studies have evidenced that noncoding (nc)RNAs might be new targets for retinopathy treatment and novel disease biomarkers since a correlation has been found between ncRNA levels and retinopathies. A new field to explore is the interaction observed between the ocular and intestinal microbiota; indeed, recent findings have shown that the alteration of gut microbiota seems to be linked to ocular diseases, suggesting a gut-eye axis. To explore new therapeutical strategies for retinopathies, it is important to use proper models that can mimic the complexity of the retina. In this context, retinal organoids represent a good model for the study of the pathophysiology of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Matteo Fields
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Erika Rimondi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Maurizio Previati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (G.L.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (D.M.)
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Tisato V, Silva JA, Scarpellini F, Capucci R, Marci R, Gallo I, Salvatori F, D'Aversa E, Secchiero P, Serino ML, Zauli G, Singh AV, Gemmati D. Epigenetic role of LINE-1 methylation and key genes in pregnancy maintenance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3275. [PMID: 38332006 PMCID: PMC10853191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53737-2] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion is a pregnancy complication characterized by complex and multifactorial etiology. About 5% of childbearing women are globally affected by early pregnancy loss (EPL) and most of them experience recurrence (RPL). Epigenetic mechanisms and controlled inflammation are crucial for pregnancy maintenance and genetic predispositions may increase the risk affecting the maternal-fetal crosstalk. Combined analyses of global methylation, inflammation and inherited predispositions may contribute to define pregnancy loss etiopathogenesis. LINE-1 epigenetic regulation plays crucial roles during embryo implantation, and its hypomethylation has been associated with senescence and several complex diseases. By analysing a group of 230 women who have gone through pregnancy interruption and comparing those experiencing spontaneous EPL (n = 123; RPL, 54.5%) with a group of normal pregnant who underwent to voluntary interruption (VPI, n = 107), the single statistical analysis revealed significant lower (P < 0.00001) LINE-1 methylation and higher (P < 0.0001) mean cytokine levels (CKs: IL6, IL10, IL17A, IL23) in EPL. Genotyping of the following SNPs accounted for different EPL/RPL risk odds ratio: F13A1 rs5985 (OR = 0.24; 0.06-0.90); F13B rs6003 (OR = 0.23; 0.047-1.1); FGA rs6050 (OR = 0.58; 0.33-1.0); CRP rs2808635/rs876538 (OR = 0.15; 0.014-0.81); ABO rs657152 (OR = 0.48; 0.22-1.08); TP53 rs1042522 (OR = 0.54; 0.32-0.92); MTHFR rs1801133/rs1801131 (OR = 2.03; 1.2-3.47) and FGB rs1800790 (OR = 1.97; 1.01-3.87), although Bonferroni correction did not reach significant outputs. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and logistic regression disclosed further SNPs positive/negative associations (e.g. APOE rs7412/rs429358; FGB rs1800790; CFH rs1061170) differently arranged and sorted in four significant PCs: PC1 (F13A, methylation, CKs); PC3 (CRP, MTHFR, age, methylation); PC4 (F13B, FGA, FGB, APOE, TP53, age, methylation); PC6 (F13A, CFH, ABO, MTHFR, TP53, age), yielding further statistical power to the association models. In detail, positive EPL risk association was with PC1 (OR = 1.81; 1.33-2.45; P < 0.0001) and negative associations with PC3 (OR = 0.489; 0.37-0.66; P < 0.0001); PC4 (OR = 0.72; 0.55-0.94; P = 0.018) and PC6 (OR = 0.61; 0.46-0.81; P = 0.001). Moreover, significant inverse associations were detected between methylation and CKs levels in the whole group (rIL10 = - 0.22; rIL17A = - 0.25; rIL23 = - 0.19; rIL6 = - 0.22), and methylation with age in the whole group, EPL and RPL subgroups (r2TOT = 0.147; r2EPL = 0.136; r2 RPL = 0.248), while VPI controls lost significance (r2VPI = 0.011). This study provides a valuable multilayer approach for investigating epigenetic abnormalities in pregnancy loss suggesting genetic-driven dysregulations and anomalous epigenetic mechanisms potentially mediated by LINE-1 hypomethylation. Women with unexplained EPL might benefit of such investigations, providing new insights for predicting the pregnancy outcome and for treating at risk women with novel targeted epidrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- University Strategic Centre for Studies On Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Juliana A Silva
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Capucci
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Gallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria L Serino
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay V Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- University Strategic Centre for Studies On Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Pellegrini M, Yu AC, Spena R, Bovone C, Zauli G, Busin M. Outcomes of large-diameter deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and converted two-piece mushroom penetrating keratoplasty for herpetic corneal scars. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:614-619. [PMID: 37726333 PMCID: PMC10858060 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical outcomes of large diameter deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and converted two-piece microkeratome-assisted mushroom keratoplasty (MK) for herpetic corneal scars. METHODS In this single-centre study, large diameter (9 mm) DALK was attempted in consecutive patients with herpetic corneal scars. In case of macroperforation or unsatisfactory clearance of the optical zone, the procedure was intraoperatively converted to two-piece microkeratome-assisted MK. Outcome measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive astigmatism, endothelial cell density (ECD), immunologic rejection, herpetic recurrence and graft failure rates in the two groups. RESULTS DALK was successfully performed in 98 of 120 eyes, while the remaining 22 eyes required intraoperative conversion to MK. At 5 years, mean logMAR BSCVA was 0.10 ± 0.12 in the DALK group and 0.09 ± 0.15 in the MK group (P = 0.75). Refractive astigmatism at 5 years was 2.8 ± 1.4 D in the DALK group and 3.0 ± 1.7 D in the MK group (P = 0.67). ECD was higher in the DALK group than in the MK group at all time points (P < 0.001), with a mean annual cell loss of 10.9% after MK and 4.2% after DALK. The 5-year risk for immunologic rejection (DALK: 3%, MK: 5%, P = 0.38), herpetic recurrence (DALK: 6%, MK: 9%, P = 0.38), and graft failure (DALK: 4%, MK: 5%, P = 0.75) were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION Large diameter (9 mm) DALK yields excellent visual and clinical outcomes in eyes with herpetic corneal scars. In case of intraoperative complications, DALK can be converted to two-piece microkeratome-assisted MK to maximize the refractive benefit of a large diameter graft while minimizing the risk of endothelial failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pellegrini
- University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy
- Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Department of Ophthalmology, Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy
- Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Department of Ophthalmology, Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Rossella Spena
- University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy
- Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Department of Ophthalmology, Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Cristina Bovone
- University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy
- Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Department of Ophthalmology, Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Busin
- University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy.
- Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Department of Ophthalmology, Forlì, Italy.
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy.
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Casciano F, Zauli E, Celeghini C, Caruso L, Gonelli A, Zauli G, Pignatelli A. Retinal Alterations Predict Early Prodromal Signs of Neurodegenerative Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1689. [PMID: 38338966 PMCID: PMC10855697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are an increasingly common group of diseases that occur late in life with a significant impact on personal, family, and economic life. Among these, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the major disorders that lead to mild to severe cognitive and physical impairment and dementia. Interestingly, those diseases may show onset of prodromal symptoms early after middle age. Commonly, the evaluation of these neurodegenerative diseases is based on the detection of biomarkers, where functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown a central role in revealing early or prodromal phases, although it can be expensive, time-consuming, and not always available. The aforementioned diseases have a common impact on the visual system due to the pathophysiological mechanisms shared between the eye and the brain. In Parkinson's disease, α-synuclein deposition in the retinal cells, as well as in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, alters the visual cortex and retinal function, resulting in modifications to the visual field. Similarly, the visual cortex is modified by the neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic amyloid β plaques typically seen in the Alzheimer's disease brain, and this may reflect the accumulation of these biomarkers in the retina during the early stages of the disease, as seen in postmortem retinas of AD patients. In this light, the ophthalmic evaluation of retinal neurodegeneration could become a cost-effective method for the early diagnosis of those diseases, overcoming the limitations of functional and structural imaging of the deep brain. This analysis is commonly used in ophthalmic practice, and interest in it has risen in recent years. This review will discuss the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease with retinal degeneration, highlighting how retinal analysis may represent a noninvasive and straightforward method for the early diagnosis of these neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Celeghini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 12329, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angela Pignatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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Esposito E, Ferrara F, Drechsler M, Bortolini O, Ragno D, Toldo S, Bondi A, Pecorelli A, Voltan R, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Valacchi G. Nutlin-3 Loaded Ethosomes and Transethosomes to Prevent UV-Associated Skin Damage. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38276284 PMCID: PMC10817472 DOI: 10.3390/life14010155] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin's protective mechanisms, in some cases, are not able to counteract the destructive effects induced by UV radiations, resulting in dermatological diseases, as well as skin aging. Nutlin-3, a potent drug with antiproliferative activity in keratinocytes, can block UV-induced apoptosis by activation of p53. In the present investigation, ethosomes and transethosomes were designed as delivery systems for nutlin-3, with the aim to protect the skin against UV damage. Vesicle size distribution was evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy and morphology was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while nutlin-3 entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultrafiltration and HPLC. The in vitro diffusion kinetic of nutlin-3 from ethosomes and transethosomes was studied by Franz cell. Moreover, the efficiency of ethosomes and transethosomes in delivering nutlin-3 and its protective role were evaluated in ex vivo skin explants exposed to UV radiations. The results indicate that ethosomes and transethosomes efficaciously entrapped nutlin-3 (0.3% w/w). The ethosome vesicles were spherical and oligolamellar, with a 224 nm mean diameter, while in transethosome the presence of polysorbate 80 resulted in unilamellar vesicles with a 146 nm mean diameter. The fastest nutlin-3 kinetic was detected in the case of transethosomes, with permeability coefficients 7.4-fold higher, with respect to ethosomes and diffusion values 250-fold higher, with respect to the drug in solution. Ex vivo data suggest a better efficacy of transethosomes to promote nutlin-3 delivery within the skin, with respect to ethosomes. Indeed, nutlin-3 loaded transethosomes could prevent UV effect on cutaneous metalloproteinase activation and cell proliferative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (D.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Francesca Ferrara
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (D.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Markus Drechsler
- Bavarian Polymer Institute (BPI) Keylab “Electron and Optical Microscopy”, University of Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany;
| | - Olga Bortolini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (O.B.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (R.V.)
| | - Daniele Ragno
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (D.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Sofia Toldo
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (O.B.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (R.V.)
| | - Agnese Bondi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.F.); (D.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (O.B.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (R.V.)
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (O.B.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (R.V.)
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy; (O.B.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (R.V.)
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Sciences Department, NC Research Campus, NC State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
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Bovone C, De Rosa L, Pellegrini M, Ruzza A, Ferrari S, Camposampiero D, Ponzin D, Zauli G, Yu AC, Busin M. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using Dehydrated versus Standard Organ Culture-Stored Donor Corneas: Prospective Randomized Trial. Ophthalmology 2023:S0161-6420(23)00934-X. [PMID: 38160881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using dehydrated versus standard organ culture-stored donor corneas for eyes with keratoconus. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, single-center trial conducted in Italy. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with keratoconus scheduled for elective DALK. METHODS Patients undergoing successful type 1 bubble pneumatic dissection using a standard DALK technique were randomized during surgery to receive either dehydrated (n = 30) or standard organ culture-stored (n = 30) donor corneas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary study outcome was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes were refractive astigmatism (RA), endothelial cell density (ECD), and complication rates. RESULTS Postoperative BSCVA did not significantly differ between groups at both time points: mean difference at 6 months was 0.030 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.53 to 0.10 logMAR; P = 0.471) and at 12 months was -0.013 logMAR (95% CI, -0.10 to 0.08 logMAR; P = 0.764). No significant differences between groups were observed in terms of postoperative RA and ECD at all time points. In the first 3 days after DALK, an epithelial defect was present in 10 patients (33%) in the organ culture cornea group and in 29 patients (97%) in the dehydrated cornea group. Complete re-epithelialization was achieved by day 7 in all patients (100%) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The study provides evidence that the use of dehydrated corneas is noninferior to the use of standard organ culture donor corneas for DALK. Corneal tissue dehydration represents a viable solution that can allow long-term cornea preservation and avoid wastage of unused corneas. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bovone
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Ospedali Privati Forlì"Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy; Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Luigi De Rosa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Ospedali Privati Forlì"Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy; Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Marco Pellegrini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Ospedali Privati Forlì"Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy; Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Ospedali Privati Forlì"Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy; Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Ospedali Privati Forlì"Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy; Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy.
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Tisato V, Castiglione A, Ciorba A, Aimoni C, Silva JA, Gallo I, D'Aversa E, Salvatori F, Bianchini C, Pelucchi S, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Singh AV, Gemmati D. LINE-1 global DNA methylation, iron homeostasis genes, sex and age in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Hum Genomics 2023; 17:112. [PMID: 38098073 PMCID: PMC10722762 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00562-9] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an abrupt loss of hearing, still idiopathic in most of cases. Several mechanisms have been proposed including genetic and epigenetic interrelationships also considering iron homeostasis genes, ferroptosis and cellular stressors such as iron excess and dysfunctional mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity. RESULTS We investigated 206 SSNHL patients and 420 healthy controls for the following genetic variants in the iron pathway: SLC40A1 - 8CG (ferroportin; FPN1), HAMP - 582AG (hepcidin; HEPC), HFE C282Y and H63D (homeostatic iron regulator), TF P570S (transferrin) and SOD2 A16V in the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-2 gene. Among patients, SLC40A1 - 8GG homozygotes were overrepresented (8.25% vs 2.62%; P = 0.0015) as well SOD2 16VV genotype (32.0% vs 24.3%; P = 0.037) accounting for increased SSNHL risk (OR = 3.34; 1.54-7.29 and OR = 1.47; 1.02-2.12, respectively). Moreover, LINE-1 methylation was inversely related (r2 = 0.042; P = 0.001) with hearing loss score assessed as pure tone average (PTA, dB HL), and the trend was maintained after SLC40A1 - 8CG and HAMP - 582AG genotype stratification (ΔSLC40A1 = + 8.99 dB HL and ΔHAMP = - 6.07 dB HL). In multivariate investigations, principal component analysis (PCA) yielded PC1 (PTA, age, LINE-1, HAMP, SLC40A1) and PC2 (sex, HFEC282Y, SOD2, HAMP) among the five generated PCs, and logistic regression analysis ascribed to PC1 an inverse association with moderate/severe/profound HL (OR = 0.60; 0.42-0.86; P = 0.0006) and with severe/profound HL (OR = 0.52; 0.35-0.76; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Recognizing genetic and epigenetic biomarkers and their mutual interactions in SSNHL is of great value and can help pharmacy science to design by pharmacogenomic data classical or advanced molecules, such as epidrugs, to target new pathways for a better prognosis and treatment of SSNHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- University Strategic Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ciorba
- Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudia Aimoni
- Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juliana Araujo Silva
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Gallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianchini
- Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pelucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- University Strategic Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Centre Haemostasis and Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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11
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Salvatori F, D’Aversa E, Serino ML, Singh AV, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Tisato V, Gemmati D. miRNAs Epigenetic Tuning of Wall Remodeling in the Early Phase after Myocardial Infarction: A Novel Epidrug Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13268. [PMID: 37686073 PMCID: PMC10487654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries. An early diagnosis decreases subsequent severe complications such as wall remodeling or heart failure and improves treatments and interventions. Novel therapeutic targets have been recognized and, together with the development of direct and indirect epidrugs, the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) yields great expectancy. ncRNAs are a group of RNAs not translated into a product and, among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most investigated subgroup since they are involved in several pathological processes related to MI and post-MI phases such as inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. These processes and pathways are finely tuned by miRNAs via complex mechanisms. We are at the beginning of the investigation and the main paths are still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the recent findings on epigenetic changes involved in the first phases after MI as well as on the role of the several miRNAs. We focused on miRNAs function and on their relationship with key molecules and cells involved in healing processes after an ischemic accident, while also giving insight into the discrepancy between males and females in the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Elisabetta D’Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Maria Luisa Serino
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental Science and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Rotfogel Z, Pellegrini M, Franco E, Zauli G, Yu AC, Busin M. Impact of topographic hot spots on the refractive outcomes of combined DMEK and cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg 2023; 49:848-852. [PMID: 37052155 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the refractive results of combined Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and cataract surgery in eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with and without topographic hot spots. SETTING "Villa Igea" Hospital, Forlì, Italy. DESIGN Interventional case series. METHODS 57 eyes of 52 patients with FECD undergoing combined DMEK, cataract surgery, and monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included in this single-center study. Patients were classified based on the presence or absence of topographic hot spots on the preoperative axial power map. Prediction error (PE) was calculated as the postoperative manifest spherical equivalent (SE) refraction minus the SE predicted refraction. RESULTS 6 months postoperatively, mean PE was +0.79 ± 1.12 diopters (D). In eyes with hot spots, mean keratometry (K), K flat, and K steep significantly decreased after surgery (all P < .05), whereas no significant changes were observed in eyes without hot spots (all P > .05). Eyes with hot spots showed a significantly more hyperopic PE than eyes without hot spots (+1.13 ± 1.23 vs +0.40 ± 0.86 D; P = .013). CONCLUSIONS Combined DMEK and cataract surgery can result in a hyperopic refractive surprise. The presence of topographic hot spots before surgery is associated with a higher hyperopic shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziv Rotfogel
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea," Forlì, Italy (Rotfogel, Pellegrini, Franco, Yu, Busin); Ophthalmology Research Laboratory, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel (Rotfogel); Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel (Rotfogel); Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy (Pellegrini, Yu, Busin); Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy (Pellegrini, Franco, Yu, Busin); Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Zauli)
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13
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Gentili V, Bortolotti D, Morandi L, Rizzo S, Schiuma G, Beltrami S, Casciano F, Papi A, Contoli M, Zauli G, Rizzo R. Natural Killer Cells in SARS-CoV-2-Vaccinated Subjects with Increased Effector Cytotoxic CD56 dim Cells and Memory-Like CD57 +NKG2C +CD56 dim Cells. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2023; 28:156. [PMID: 37525920 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2807156] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infection and negative effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) virus are mitigated by vaccines. It is unknown whether vaccination has worked by eliciting robust protective innate immune responses with high affinity. METHODS Twenty healthy volunteers received three doses of Comirnaty (Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd.) and were evaluated 9 months after the second vaccination and 1 month after the booster dose. The exclusion criteria were the presence of adverse effects following the vaccination, a history of smoking, and heterologous immunization. The inclusion criteria were the absence of prior Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 history, the absence of adverse effects, and the absence of comorbidities. Specific phenotype and levels of CD107a and granzyme production by blood NK (natural killer) cells were analyzed after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen (Wuhan, Alpha B.1.1.7, Delta B.1.617.2, and Omicron B1.1.529 variants), and related with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production. RESULTS The booster dose caused early NK CD56dim subset activation and memory-like phenotype. CONCLUSIONS We report the relevance of the innate immune response, especially NK cells, to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to guarantee efficient protection against the infection following a booster dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Pulmonology Unit, University Hospital of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiuma
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Contoli
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, 11462 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Casciano F, Zauli E, Busin M, Caruso L, AlMesfer S, Al-Swailem S, Zauli G, Yu AC. State of the Art of Pharmacological Activators of p53 in Ocular Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3593. [PMID: 37509256 PMCID: PMC10377487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143593] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The pivotal role of p53 in the regulation of a vast array of cellular functions has been the subject of extensive research. The biological activity of p53 is not strictly limited to cell cycle arrest but also includes the regulation of homeostasis, DNA repair, apoptosis, and senescence. Thus, mutations in the p53 gene with loss of function represent one of the major mechanisms for cancer development. As expected, due to its key role, p53 is expressed throughout the human body including the eye. Specifically, altered p53 signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of conjunctival and corneal tumors, retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, and intraocular melanoma. As non-selective cancer chemotherapies as well as ionizing radiation can be associated with either poor efficacy or dose-limiting toxicities in the eye, reconstitution of the p53 signaling pathway currently represents an attractive target for cancer therapy. The present review discusses the role of p53 in the pathogenesis of these ocular tumors and outlines the various pharmacological activators of p53 that are currently under investigation for the treatment of ocular malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Saleh AlMesfer
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 12329, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar Al-Swailem
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 12329, Saudi Arabia
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 12329, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
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15
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Romani A, Sergi D, Zauli E, Voltan R, Lodi G, Vaccarezza M, Caruso L, Previati M, Zauli G. Nutrients, herbal bioactive derivatives and commensal microbiota as tools to lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1152254. [PMID: 37324739 PMCID: PMC10267353 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1152254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has infected a vast population across the world, causing more than 664 million cases and 6.7 million deaths by January 2023. Vaccination has been effective in reducing the most critical aftermath of this infection, but some issues are still present regarding re-infection prevention, effectiveness against variants, vaccine hesitancy and worldwide accessibility. Moreover, although several old and new antiviral drugs have been tested, we still lack robust and specific treatment modalities. It appears of utmost importance, facing this continuously growing pandemic, to focus on alternative practices grounded on firm scientific bases. In this article, we aim to outline a rigorous scientific background and propose complementary nutritional tools useful toward containment, and ultimately control, of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, we review the mechanisms of viral entry and discuss the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from α-linolenic acid and other nutrients in preventing the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with its entry gateways. In a similar way, we analyze in detail the role of herbal-derived pharmacological compounds and specific microbial strains or microbial-derived polypeptides in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 entry. In addition, we highlight the role of probiotics, nutrients and herbal-derived compounds in stimulating the immunity response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Domenico Sergi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Lodi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Previati
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Spena R, Bovone C, Ciarmatori N, Pellegrini M, Yu AC, Zauli G, Busin M. Microsporidial Stromal Keratitis in Post-Keratoplasty Eyes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113706. [PMID: 37297901 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to report the clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, management and outcomes of microsporidial keratitis in post-keratoplasty eyes. METHODS This is a retrospective review of three patients diagnosed with microsporidial stromal keratitis in post-keratoplasty eyes between January 2012 and December 2021 at a tertiary referral center (Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy). RESULTS All patients presented with fine multifocal granular infiltrates following keratoplasty for a presumed herpetic keratitis. No microorganisms were isolated from the corneal scrapings and no clinical response was observed with broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. In all cases, confocal microscopy demonstrated spore-like structures. The histopathologic examination of the excised corneal buttons confirmed the diagnosis of microsporidial stromal keratitis. Following therapeutic keratoplasty and treatment with an initial high dose and extended taper of topical fumagillin, clinical resolution was achieved in all eyes. The Snellen visual acuities at the final follow-up were 20/50, 20/63 and 20/32. CONCLUSIONS Prior to definitive surgery, confocal microscopy can be employed for the in vivo detection of pathogenic microorganisms such as Microsporidium. In post-keratoplasty eyes, therapeutic keratoplasty and an initial high dose of topical fumagillin with extended taper can allow the resolution of microsporidial stromal keratitis with a satisfactory visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Spena
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Cristina Bovone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicolò Ciarmatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Marco Pellegrini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", 47122 Forlì, Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), 47122 Forlì, Italy
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Corli G, Tirri M, Bilel S, Arfè R, Coccini T, Roda E, Marchetti B, Vincenzi F, Zauli G, Borea PA, Locatelli CA, Varani K, Marti M. MAM-2201 acute administration impairs motor, sensorimotor, prepulse inhibition, and memory functions in mice: a comparison with its analogue AM-2201. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06378-8. [PMID: 37233813 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06378-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE 1-[(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methyl-1-naphthalenyl) methanone (MAM-2201) is a potent synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist illegally marketed in "spice" products and as "synthacaine" for its psychoactive effects. It is a naphthoyl-indole derivative which differs from its analogue 1-[(5-Fluoropentyl)-1H-indol-3-yl](1-naphthylenyl) methanone (AM-2201) by the presence of a methyl substituent on carbon 4 (C-4) of the naphthoyl moiety. Multiple cases of intoxication and impaired driving have been linked to AM-2201 and MAM-2201 consumption. OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the in vitro (murine and human cannabinoid receptors) and in vivo (CD-1 male mice) pharmacodynamic activity of MAM-2201 and compare its effects with those induced by its desmethylated analogue, AM-2201. RESULTS In vitro competition binding studies confirmed that MAM-2201 and AM-2201 possess nanomolar affinity for both CD-1 murine and human CB1 and CB2 receptors, with preference for the CB1 receptor. In agreement with the in vitro binding data, in vivo studies showed that MAM-2201 induces visual, acoustic, and tactile impairments that were fully prevented by pretreatment with CB1 receptor antagonist/partial agonist AM-251, indicating a CB1 receptor mediated mechanism of action. Administration of MAM-2201 also altered locomotor activity and PPI responses of mice, pointing out its detrimental effect on motor and sensory gating functions and confirming its potential use liability. MAM-2201 and AM-2201 also caused deficits in short- and long-term working memory. CONCLUSION These findings point to the potential public health burden that these synthetic cannabinoids may pose, with particular emphasis on impaired driving and workplace performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Teresa Coccini
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, and Poison Control Centre and National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Maugeri 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato Di Mortara 17-19, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy.
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18
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Sergi D, Zauli E, Tisato V, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Cervellati C. Lipids at the Nexus between Cerebrovascular Disease and Vascular Dementia: The Impact of HDL-Cholesterol and Ceramides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054403. [PMID: 36901834 PMCID: PMC10002119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases and the subsequent brain hypoperfusion are at the basis of vascular dementia. Dyslipidemia, marked by an increase in circulating levels of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol and a parallel decrease in HDL-cholesterol, in turn, is pivotal in promoting atherosclerosis which represents a common feature of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this regard, HDL-cholesterol has traditionally been considered as being protective from a cardiovascular and a cerebrovascular prospective. However, emerging evidence suggests that their quality and functionality play a more prominent role than their circulating levels in shaping cardiovascular health and possibly cognitive function. Furthermore, the quality of lipids embedded in circulating lipoproteins represents another key discriminant in modulating cardiovascular disease, with ceramides being proposed as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis. This review highlights the role of HDL lipoprotein and ceramides in cerebrovascular diseases and the repercussion on vascular dementia. Additionally, the manuscript provides an up-to-date picture of the impact of saturated and omega-3 fatty acids on HDL circulating levels, functionality and ceramide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Sergi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Rizzo R, Caccuri F, Valacchi G, Zauli G. Editorial: Cell cycle control as a new therapeutic approach for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1136277. [PMID: 36817134 PMCID: PMC9929526 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1136277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Rizzo,
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Lodi G, Gentili V, Casciano F, Romani A, Zauli G, Secchiero P, Zauli E, Simioni C, Beltrami S, Fernandez M, Rizzo R, Voltan R. Cell cycle block by p53 activation reduces SARS-CoV-2 release in infected alveolar basal epithelial A549-hACE2 cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018761. [PMID: 36582523 PMCID: PMC9792496 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV viruses have been shown to downregulate cellular events that control antiviral defenses. They adopt several strategies to silence p53, key molecule for cell homeostasis and immune control, indicating that p53 has a central role in controlling their proliferation in the host. Specific actions are the stabilization of its inhibitor, MDM2, and the interference with its transcriptional activity. The aim of our work was to evaluate a new approach against SARS-CoV-2 by using MDM2 inhibitors to raise p53 levels and activate p53-dependent pathways, therefore leading to cell cycle inhibition. Experimental setting was performed in the alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549-hACE2, expressing high level of ACE2 receptor, to allow virus entry, as well as p53 wild-type. Cells were treated with several concentrations of Nutlin-3 or RG-7112, two known MDM2 inhibitors, for the instauration of a cell cycle block steady-state condition before and during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and for the evaluation of p53 activation and impact on virus release and related innate immune events. The results indicated an efficient cell cycle block with inhibition of the virion release and a significant inhibition of IL-6, NF-kB and IFN-λ expression. These data suggest that p53 is an efficient target for new therapies against the virus and that MDM2 inhibitors deserve to be further investigated in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Lodi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Beltrami
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mercedes Fernandez
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Rizzo, ; Rebecca Voltan,
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy,*Correspondence: Roberta Rizzo, ; Rebecca Voltan,
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21
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Gemmati D, Longo G, Gallo I, Silva JA, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Hanau S, Passaro A, Pellegatti P, Pizzicotti S, Serino ML, Singh AV, Tisato V. Host genetics impact on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immunoglobulin levels and dynamics: The role of TP53, ABO, APOE, ACE2, HLA-A, and CRP genes. Front Genet 2022; 13:1028081. [PMID: 36531241 PMCID: PMC9748098 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1028081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Development and worldwide availability of safe and effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to fight severe symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and block the pandemic have been a great achievement and stimulated researchers on understanding the efficacy and duration of different vaccine types. Methods: We investigated the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in 195 healthy adult subjects belonging to the staff of the University-Hospital of Ferrara (Italy) starting from 15 days up to 190 days (about 6 months) after the second dose of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA-based vaccine (n = 128) or ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca) adenovirus-based vaccine (n = 67) using a combined approach of serological and genomics investigations. Results: A strong correlation between IgG and NAb levels was detected during the 190 days of follow-up (r 2 = 0.807; p < 0.0001) and was confirmed during the first 90 days (T1) after vaccination (r 2 = 0.789; p = 0.0001) and 91-190 days (T2) after vaccination (r 2 = 0.764; p = 0.0001) for both vaccine types (r 2 = 0.842; p = 0.0001 and r 2 = 0.780; p = 0.0001 for mRNA- and adenovirus-based vaccine, respectively). In addition to age (p < 0.01), sex (p = 0.03), and type of vaccine (p < 0.0001), which partially accounted for the remarkable individual differences observed in the antibody levels and dynamics, interesting genetic determinants appeared as significant modifiers of both IgG and NAb responses among the selected genes investigated (TP53, rs1042522; APOE, rs7412/rs429358; ABO, rs657152; ACE2, rs2285666; HLA-A rs2571381/rs2499; CRP, rs2808635/rs876538; LZTFL1, rs35044562; OAS3, rs10735079; SLC6A20, rs11385942; CFH, rs1061170; and ACE1, ins/del, rs4646994). In detail, regression analysis and mean antibody level comparison yielded appreciable differences after genotype stratification (P1 and P2, respectively, for IgG and NAb distribution) in the whole cohort and/or in the mRNA-based vaccine in the following genes: TP53, rs1042522 (P1 = 0.03; P2 = 0.04); ABO, rs657152 (P1 = 0.01; P2 = 0.03); APOE, rs7412/rs429358 (P1 = 0.0018; P2 = 0.0002); ACE2, rs2285666 (P1 = 0.014; P2 = 0.009); HLA-A, rs2571381/rs2499 (P1 = 0.02; P2 = 0.03); and CRP, rs2808635/rs876538 (P1 = 0.01 and P2 = 0.09). Conclusion: High- or low-responsive subjects can be identified among healthy adult vaccinated subjects after targeted genetic screening. This suggests that favorable genetic backgrounds may support the progression of an effective vaccine-induced immune response, though no definite conclusions can be drawn on the real effectiveness ascribed to a specific vaccine or to the different extent of a genotype-driven humoral response. The interplay between data from the polygenic predictive markers and serological screening stratified by demogeographic information can help to recognize the individual humoral response, accounting for ethnic and geographical differences, in both COVID-19 and anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Gender Medicine Studies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Longo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ines Gallo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Juliana Araujo Silva
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Department of Neuroscience & Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angelina Passaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical & Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Gender Medicine Studies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Sergi D, Zauli E, Casciano F, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Fields M, Melloni E. Palmitic Acid Induced a Long-Lasting Lipotoxic Insult in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells, which Is Partially Counteracted by TRAIL. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122340. [PMID: 36552548 PMCID: PMC9774631 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycaemia and increased circulating saturated fatty acids are key metabolic features of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that contribute to diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis. Contrarily, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to improve or prevent T2DM. This study aimed at investigating the effect of TRAIL in an in vitro model of human retinal pigment epithelium: the ARPE-19 cell line, treated with palmitic acid (PA) in the presence of high glucose concentration. PA caused a drop in cellular metabolic activity and cell viability as well as an increase in apoptosis rates, which were paralleled by an upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as well as mitochondrial fragmentation. Despite ARPE-19 cells expressing TRAIL-R2 at the cell surface, TRAIL failed to counteract the cytotoxic effects of PA. However, when TRAIL was used alongside PA and then removed or used alone following PA challenge, it partially attenuated PA-induced lipotoxicity. This effect of TRAIL appeared to rely upon the modulation of inflammation and ROS production. Thus, TRAIL exerted a trophic effect on ARPE-19 cells, which became evident only when the lipotoxic insult was removed. Nevertheless, whether recombinant TRAIL might have a therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Sergi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh 11462, Saudi Arabia
| | - Matteo Fields
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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23
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Bilel S, Giorgetti A, Tirri M, Arfè R, Cristofori V, Marchetti B, Corli G, Caruso L, Zauli G, Giorgetti R, Marti M. Sensorimotor Alterations Induced by Novel Fentanyl Analogs in Mice: Possible Impact on Human Driving Performances. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 21:87-104. [PMID: 36397617 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221116160032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Operating a vehicle is a complex task that requires multiple cognitive functions and psychomotor skills to cooperate. Driving might be impaired by licit or illicit drugs, including novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and novel synthetic opioids (NSO), the effects of which are still yet to be elucidated in humans. In the present work, a revision of the literature regarding the psychomotor impairing effects of Fentanyl (FENT) and three analogues (Acrylfentanyl, Ocfentanyl and Furanylfentanyl) is presented, as emerged by experimental studies on humans, driving under the influence of a drug (DUID) and intoxication cases. An experimental study on a mouse model evaluated the sensorimotor alterations induced by FENT and the three fentalogs. Acute systemic administration of the four opioids (0.01-15 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently decreased the visual object and placing tests, the acoustic and the tactile responses of mice. The preclinical data are in accordance with the data that emerged from the revision of the literature regarding experimental data on humans, driving under the influence of drugs and intoxication cases, suggesting that novel synthetic opioids might affect the psychomotor performances on daily human tasks with a particular focus on driving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Virginia Cristofori
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Marchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Corli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center of the National Early Warning System, Department for Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ferrara, Italy
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24
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Casciano F, Zauli E, Rimondi E, Mura M, Previati M, Busin M, Zauli G. The role of the mTOR pathway in diabetic retinopathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:973856. [PMID: 36388931 PMCID: PMC9663464 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.973856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina, the part of the eye, translates the light signal into an electric current that can be sent to the brain as visual information. To achieve this, the retina requires fine-tuned vascularization for its energy supply. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) causes alterations in the eye vascularization that reduce the oxygen supply with consequent retinal neurodegeneration. During DR, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway seems to coordinate retinal neurodegeneration with multiple anabolic and catabolic processes, such as autophagy, oxidative stress, cell death, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are closely related to chronic hyperglycemia. This review outlines the normal anatomy of the retina and how hyperglycemia can be involved in the neurodegeneration underlying this disease through over activation or inhibition of the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Rimondi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Mura
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maurizio Previati
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Romani A, Zauli E, Zauli G, AlMesfer S, Al-Swailem S, Voltan R. MDM2 inhibitors-mediated disruption of mitochondrial metabolism: A novel therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000677. [PMID: 36338723 PMCID: PMC9632280 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000677] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
MDM2 is the principal inhibitor of p53, and MDM2 inhibitors can disrupt the physical interaction between MDM2 and p53. The half-life of p53 is very short in normal cells and tissues, and an uncontrolled increase in p53 levels has potential harmful effects. It has been shown that p53 is frequently mutated in most cancers; however, p53 mutations are rare in retinoblastoma. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing the expression levels of wild-type p53 are attractive. In this minireview, we discuss the potential use of nutlin-3, the prototype small molecule inhibitor that disrupts the MDM2-p53 interaction, for the treatment of retinoblastoma. Although p53 has pleiotropic biological effects, the functions of p53 depend on its sub-cellular localization. In the nucleus, p53 induces the transcription of a vast array of genes, while in mitochondria, p53 regulates mitochondrial metabolism. This review also discusses the relative contribution of p53-mediated gene transcription and mitochondrial perturbation for retinoblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh AlMesfer
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar Al-Swailem
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rebecca Voltan,
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Pellegrini M, Mura M, Zauli G, Busin M. Therapeutic contact lens‐assisted optical coherence tomography for detection of posterior segment diseases in patients with corneal oedema. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:1105-1107. [DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pellegrini
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology Ospedali Privati Forlì “Villa Igea” Forlì Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO) Forlì Italy
| | - Marco Mura
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department King Khaled Eye Specalist Hospital Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology Ospedali Privati Forlì “Villa Igea” Forlì Italy
- Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO) Forlì Italy
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27
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Zauli G, AlHilali S, Al-Swailem S, Secchiero P, Voltan R. Therapeutic potential of the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection of the eye through p53 activation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:902713. [PMID: 35911386 PMCID: PMC9329687 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.902713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Starting from the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) global pandemic, most of the published data has concentrated on the respiratory signs and symptoms of Covid-19 infection, underestimating the presence and importance of ocular manifestations, such as conjunctivitis, usually reported in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. With the present review we intend to resume the ocular involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the recent discoveries about the different cell types and tissues of the eye that can be directly infected by SARS-CoV-2 and propagate the infection. Moreover, reviewing literature data about p53 expression in normal and diseased eye tissues, we hypothesize that the pleiotropic protein p53 present at high levels in cornea, conjunctiva and tear film might play a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since p53 can be easily up-regulated by using small molecule non-genotoxic inhibitors of MDM2, we propose that topical use of Nutlin-3, the prototype member of MDM2 inhibitors, might protect the anterior surface of the eye from SARS-CoV-2 infection, reducing the spreading of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Giorgio Zauli
| | - Sara AlHilali
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar Al-Swailem
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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28
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Zauli G, Voltan R, Bosco R, Melloni E, Marmiroli S, Rigolin GM, Cuneo A, Secchiero P. Editor's Note: Dasatinib Plus Nutlin-3 Shows Synergistic Antileukemic Activity in Both p53wild-type and p53mutated B Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias by Inhibiting the Akt Pathway. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2972. [PMID: 35775191 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Voltan R, Secchiero P, Ruozi B, Forni F, Agostinis C, Caruso L, Vandelli MA, Zauli G. Editor's Note: Nanoparticles Engineered with Rituximab and Loaded with Nutlin-3 Show Promising Therapeutic Activity in B-Leukemic Xenografts. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2971. [PMID: 35775192 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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30
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Secchiero P, Voltan R, di Iasio MG, Melloni E, Tiribelli M, Zauli G. Editor's Note: The Oncogene DEK Promotes Leukemic Cell Survival and Is Downregulated by Both Nutlin-3 and Chlorambucil in B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemic Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2973. [PMID: 35775195 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Pellegrini M, Salgari N, D'Angelo S, Caruso L, Franco E, Bovone C, Spena R, Zauli G, Busin M, Yu AC. 10-year experience with lamellar keratoplasty for the surgical Management of Paediatric Corneal Diseases. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e1306-e1312. [PMID: 35678335 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the outcomes of various lamellar keratoplasty techniques performed at our Institution in children aged 14 years or younger over the last decade. METHODS This single-centre study reviewed 72 eyes that underwent lamellar keratoplasty for various indications. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) was performed in 19 eyes, mushroom penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 27 eyes and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in 25 eyes. The main outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), complications and rate of graft failure which was defined as any graft requiring repeat transplantation. RESULTS Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) significantly improved after DALK, mushroom PK and DSAEK (all p < 0.05), with 50%, 60% and 56% of eyes reaching ≥20/40, respectively. Stromal rejection was observed in 1 eye (5.3%) after DALK, whilst endothelial rejection occurred in 1 eye after mushroom PK (3.7%) and 1 eye after DSAEK (4.0%). Overall survival was 100% after DALK (mean follow-up: 23.0 months), 92.8% after mushroom PK (mean follow-up: 42.3 months) and 96.0% after DSAEK (mean follow-up: 33.6 months). CONCLUSION Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), mushroom PK and DSAEK offer good visual outcomes for children with corneal pathology, with low rates of immunological rejection and graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pellegrini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Niccolò Salgari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Sergio D'Angelo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elena Franco
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Cristina Bovone
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Rossella Spena
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia, Forlì, Italy
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32
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Milani D, Caruso L, Zauli E, Al Owaifeer AM, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Gemmati D, Tisato V. p53/NF-kB Balance in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: From OMICs, Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Insights to Tailored Therapeutic Perspectives (COVIDomics). Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:871583. [PMID: 35721196 PMCID: PMC9201997 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.871583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection affects different organs and tissues, including the upper and lower airways, the lung, the gut, the olfactory system and the eye, which may represent one of the gates to the central nervous system. Key transcriptional factors, such as p53 and NF-kB and their reciprocal balance, are altered upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as other key molecules such as the virus host cell entry mediator ACE2, member of the RAS-pathway. These changes are thought to play a central role in the impaired immune response, as well as in the massive cytokine release, the so-called cytokine storm that represents a hallmark of the most severe form of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Host genetics susceptibility is an additional key side to consider in a complex disease as COVID-19 characterized by such a wide range of clinical phenotypes. In this review, we underline some molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 modulates p53 and NF-kB expression and activity in order to maximize viral replication into the host cells. We also face the RAS-pathway unbalance triggered by virus-ACE2 interaction to discuss potential pharmacological and pharmacogenomics approaches aimed at restoring p53/NF-kB and ACE1/ACE2 balance to counteract the most severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Milani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Adi Mohammed Al Owaifeer
- Department of Research, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Research, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Centre Haemostasis and Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Donato Gemmati, ; Veronica Tisato,
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Donato Gemmati, ; Veronica Tisato,
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33
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Pellegrini M, Furiosi L, Salgari N, D'Angelo S, Zauli G, Yu AC, Busin M. Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation for cataract surgery after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 50:17-22. [PMID: 34845828 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14026] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of intraocular lens power (IOL) formulas for cataract surgery after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS This retrospective study included eyes which had previously undergone DALK and underwent standard phacoemulsification with monofocal IOL implantation between January 2012 and January 2021 at Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea" (Forlì, Italy). The predicted spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated using the Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO), Haigis, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Holladay II, Kane and SRK/T formulas. Prediction error (PE) was calculated as the actual postoperative SE refraction minus the SE predicted refraction. RESULTS Eighty-two eyes of 82 patients were included. The mean PE was negative using all formulas. Friedman test revealed a statistically significant difference of the median absolute PE (MedAE) among the different IOL formulas (P = 0.005). On the basis of the MedAE, the formulas were ranked as follows: SRK/T (0.805 D), Kane (0.810 D), EVO (0.845 D), Hoffer QST (0.847 D), Barrett (0.895 D), Holladay 1 (0.915 D), Haigis (1.010 D) and Hoffer Q (1.070 D) formulas. CONCLUSIONS All formulas had a tendency towards a myopic refractive shift in post-DALK eyes. Although the SRK/T, Kane, EVO and Hoffer QST formulas were more accurate, predictability of refractive outcomes was lower than in virgin eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pellegrini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Luca Furiosi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Niccolò Salgari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Sergio D'Angelo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angeli Christy Yu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Busin
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedali Privati Forlì "Villa Igea", Forlì, Italy.,Istituto Internazionale per la Ricerca e Formazione in Oftalmologia (IRFO), Forlì, Italy
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34
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Marcuzzi A, Melloni E, Zauli G, Romani A, Secchiero P, Maximova N, Rimondi E. Autoinflammatory Diseases and Cytokine Storms-Imbalances of Innate and Adaptative Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11241. [PMID: 34681901 PMCID: PMC8541037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune responses have a well-known link and represent the distinctive origins of several diseases, many of which may be the consequence of the loss of balance between these two responses. Indeed, autoinflammation and autoimmunity represent the two extremes of a continuous spectrum of pathologic conditions with numerous overlaps in different pathologies. A common characteristic of these dysregulations is represented by hyperinflammation, which is an exaggerated response of the immune system, especially involving white blood cells, macrophages, and inflammasome activation with the hyperproduction of cytokines in response to various triggering stimuli. Moreover, hyperinflammation is of great interest, as it is one of the main manifestations of COVID-19 infection, and the cytokine storm and its most important components are the targets of the pharmacological treatments used to combat COVID-19 damage. In this context, the purpose of our review is to provide a focus on the pathogenesis of autoinflammation and, in particular, of hyperinflammation in order to generate insights for the identification of new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.M.); (G.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (E.R.)
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.M.); (G.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Arianna Romani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.M.); (G.Z.); (A.R.)
| | - Paola Secchiero
- LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (E.R.)
| | - Natalia Maximova
- Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Erika Rimondi
- LTTA Centre, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.M.); (E.R.)
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35
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De Caro R, Boscolo-Berto R, Artico M, Bertelli E, Cannas M, Cappello F, Carpino G, Castorina S, Cataldi A, Cavaletti GA, Cinti S, Cocco LI, Cremona O, Crivellato E, De Luca A, Falconi M, Familiari G, Ferri GL, Fornai F, Gesi M, Geuna S, Gibelli DM, Giordano A, Gobbi P, Guerra G, Gulisano M, Macchi V, Macchiarelli G, Manzoli L, Michetti F, Miscia S, Montagnani S, Montella ACM, Morini S, Onori P, Palumbo C, Papa M, Porzionato A, Quacci DE, Raspanti M, Rende M, Rezzani R, Ribatti D, Ripani M, Rodella LF, Rossi P, Sbarbati A, Secchiero P, Sforza C, Stecco C, Toni R, Vercelli A, Vitale M, Zancanaro C, Zauli G, Zecchi S, Anastasi GP, Gaudio E. The Italian law on body donation: A position paper of the Italian College of Anatomists. Ann Anat 2021; 238:151761. [PMID: 34139280 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In Italy, recent legislation (Law No. 10/2020) has tuned regulations concerning the donation of one's postmortem body and tissues for study, training, and scientific research purposes. This study discusses several specific issues to optimise the applicability and effectiveness of such an important, novel regulatory setting. Critical issues arise concerning the learners, the type of training and teaching activities that can be planned, the position of academic anatomy institutes, the role of family members in the donation process, the time frame of the donation process, the eligibility of partial donation, or the simultaneous donation of organs and tissues to patients awaiting transplantation. In particular, a universal time limit for donations (i.e., one year) makes it impossible to plan the long-term use of specific body parts, which could be effectively preserved for the advanced teaching and training of medical students and surgeons. The abovementioned conditions lead to the limited use of corpses, thus resulting in the inefficiency of the whole system of body donation. Overall, the donors' scope for the donation of their body could be best honoured by a more flexible and tuneable approach that can be used on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, it is deemed necessary to closely monitor the events scheduled for corpses in public nonacademic institutions or private enterprises. This paper presents useful insights from Italian anatomists with the hope of providing inspiration for drafting the regulations. In conclusion, this paper focuses on the critical issues derived from the recently introduced Italian law on the donation and use of the body after death and provides suggestions to lawmakers for future implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele De Caro
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Rafael Boscolo-Berto
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Bertelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Cannas
- Department of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine and Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Department of Biomedical and Technological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guido Angelo Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Experimental Neurology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Saverio Cinti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Center of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Ottavio Cremona
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Crivellato
- Department of Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mirella Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF-Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Gesi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Gobbi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Massimo Gulisano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Veronica Macchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Miscia
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Morini
- Laboratory of Microscopical and Ultrastructural Anatomy, "Campus Bio-Medico di Roma" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Palumbo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Papa
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Porzionato
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Mario Raspanti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Mario Rende
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Human, Clinical and Forensic Anatomy, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ripani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Rossi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sbarbati
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- Department of Biomedical Science for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberto Toni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Zancanaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Zecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pio Anastasi
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Zauli G, Tisato V, Secchiero P. Rationale for Considering Oral Idasanutlin as a Therapeutic Option for COVID-19 Patients. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1156. [PMID: 32848765 PMCID: PMC7403220 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Gemmati D, Bramanti B, Serino ML, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Tisato V. COVID-19 and Individual Genetic Susceptibility/Receptivity: Role of ACE1/ACE2 Genes, Immunity, Inflammation and Coagulation. Might the Double X-chromosome in Females Be Protective against SARS-CoV-2 Compared to the Single X-Chromosome in Males? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3474. [PMID: 32423094 PMCID: PMC7278991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [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: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) from a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was recognized in the city of Wuhan, China. Rapidly, it became an epidemic in China and has now spread throughout the world reaching pandemic proportions. High mortality rates characterize SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19), which mainly affects the elderly, causing unrestrained cytokines-storm and subsequent pulmonary shutdown, also suspected micro thromboembolism events. At the present time, no specific and dedicated treatments, nor approved vaccines, are available, though very promising data come from the use of anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, and anti-coagulant drugs. In addition, it seems that males are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than females, with males 65% more likely to die from the infection than females. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese scientists show that of all cases about 1.7% of women who contract the virus will die compared with 2.8% of men, and data from Hong Kong hospitals state that 32% of male and 15% of female COVID-19 patients required intensive care or died. On the other hand, the long-term fallout of coronavirus may be worse for women than for men due to social and psychosocial reasons. Regardless of sex- or gender-biased data obtained from WHO and those gathered from sometimes controversial scientific journals, some central points should be considered. Firstly, SARS-CoV-2 has a strong interaction with the human ACE2 receptor, which plays an essential role in cell entry together with transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2); it is interesting to note that the ACE2 gene lays on the X-chromosome, thus allowing females to be potentially heterozygous and differently assorted compared to men who are definitely hemizygous. Secondly, the higher ACE2 expression rate in females, though controversial, might ascribe them the worst prognosis, in contrast with worldwide epidemiological data. Finally, several genes involved in inflammation are located on the X-chromosome, which also contains high number of immune-related genes responsible for innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Other genes, out from the RAS-pathway, might directly or indirectly impact on the ACE1/ACE2 balance by influencing its main actors (e.g., ABO locus, SRY, SOX3, ADAM17). Unexpectedly, the higher levels of ACE2 or ACE1/ACE2 rebalancing might improve the outcome of COVID-19 in both sexes by reducing inflammation, thrombosis, and death. Moreover, X-heterozygous females might also activate a mosaic advantage and show more pronounced sex-related differences resulting in a sex dimorphism, further favoring them in counteracting the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Gemmati
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Barbara Bramanti
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical & Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Serino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.S.); (G.Z.); (V.T.)
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.S.); (G.Z.); (V.T.)
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (P.S.); (G.Z.); (V.T.)
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Ferioli M, Zauli G, Maiorano P, Milani D, Mirandola P, Neri LM. Role of physical exercise in the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms in inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging process. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14852-14864. [PMID: 30767204 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The genetic heritage for decades has been considered to respond only to gene promoters or suppressors, with specific roles for oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes. Epigenetics is progressively attracting increasing interest because it has demonstrated the capacity of these regulatory processes to regulate the gene expression without modifying gene sequence. Several factors may influence epigenetics, such as lifestyles including food selection. A role for physical exercise is emerging in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. In this review, we resume physiological and pathological implications of epigenetic modification induced by the physical activity (PA). Inflammation and cancer mechanisms, immune system, central nervous system, and the aging process receive benefits due to PA through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, the modulation of epigenetic processes by physical exercise positively influences prevention, development, and the course of inflammatory and cancer diseases, as well as neurodegenerative illnesses. This growing field of studies gives rise to a new role for PA as an option in prevention strategies and to integrate pharmacological therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferioli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Maiorano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Biffi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Bortot
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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De Bonis P, Visani J, Zauli G, Mongardi L, Zamboni P, Cavallo MA. A Brain Hidden in the Ferrara Cathedral: A Novel Interpretation of a Renaissance Masterpiece. World Neurosurg 2019; 127:486-489. [PMID: 30954742 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of present report was to briefly review the history of the anatomical studies during the Italian Renaissance and to outline their relationship to the figurative arts, focusing, in particular, on neuroanatomical studies that have been at the center of the medical and philosophical debate from the 14th to 16th centuries. Therefore, we have presented the interpretation of different Renaissance masterpieces for which some references to brain anatomy have been previously reported. We propose a new interpretation, in neuroanatomical key, of the fresco of the universal judgment in the vault of San Giorgio's Cathedral in Ferrara, Italy, painted around the end of the 16th century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale De Bonis
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jacopo Visani
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mongardi
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Zamboni
- Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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Trapella C, Rizzo R, Gallo S, Alogna A, Bortolotti D, Casciano F, Zauli G, Secchiero P, Voltan R. HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17665. [PMID: 30518946 PMCID: PMC6281574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Snail mucus is a mixture of active substances commonly thought to have healthy properties for the treatment of skin disorders. Although snail mucus is an ingredient of several cosmetic and para-pharmaceutic products, a comprehensive characterization of chemical composition and biological effects is still missing. Crude purified extracts from Helix aspersa muller mucus (HelixComplex) were prepared and, after chemical characterization, tested on in vitro experimental models. Differently from what expected, HelixComplex was characterized by the presence of small amounts of glycolic acid and allantoin. By using different in vitro assays on fibroblast cultures, we found that HelixComplex lacked of cytotoxicity, protected cells from apoptosis (p < 0.05) and, importantly, was able to significantly induce cell proliferation and migration through direct and indirect mechanisms. These effects were associated to morphological changes, cytoskeleton re-organization and release of cytokines. In conclusion, our findings suggest that snail mucus biological effects are attributable to cell proliferation and migration, and pave the way for further investigating snail mucus potential as therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Gallo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Alogna
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daria Bortolotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Arcidiacono MV, Rimondi E, Maietti E, Melloni E, Tisato V, Gallo S, Valdivielso JM, Fernández E, Betriu À, Voltan R, Zauli G, Volpato S, Secchiero P. Relationship between low levels of circulating TRAIL and atheromatosis progression in patients with chronic kidney disease. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203716. [PMID: 30204795 PMCID: PMC6133360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients experience a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CV); however, the factors involved in CV-related morbidity and mortality in these patients have not been fully defined. Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine, which exhibits pleiotropic activities on endothelial, vascular smooth muscle and inflammatory cells, with relevant effects on atheromatous plaque formation. On this basis, the present study aims to investigate the role of TRAIL in atheromatosis progression in CKD patients. Methods Circulating TRAIL levels were measured in 378 CKD patients belonging to the Spanish National Observatory of Atherosclerosis in Nephrology (NEFRONA) study. All patients were free of previous CV events. Carotid and femoral B-mode ultrasound was performed to detect the presence of plaque at baseline and after 24 months of follow-up. Results The lowest levels of TRAIL at baseline were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the appearance, after 24 months of follow-up, of at least two new atheromatous plaques in all territories and of one new plaque in the carotid artery, even after adjusting for CV risk factors. In addition, the patients with low levels of TRAIL at baseline were characterized by the presence of at least one hypoechoic plaque in the carotid artery. This association was significant (p<0.05) even after adjusting for CKD stage. Conclusions Overall, the results of our study suggest TRAIL as an assertable independent prognostic biomarker for atheromatosis plaque formation in CKD patients. This observation further supports the potential role of TRAIL for the prevention/treatment of CV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Arcidiacono
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Via dell'Istria, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Erika Rimondi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Maietti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/b, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefania Gallo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jose Manuel Valdivielso
- Grupo de Investigación Translacional Vascular y Renal, and RedinRen RETIC, ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Elvira Fernández
- Grupo de Investigación Translacional Vascular y Renal, and RedinRen RETIC, ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Àngels Betriu
- Grupo de Investigación Translacional Vascular y Renal, and RedinRen RETIC, ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volpato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/b, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, Ferrara, Italy
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Biolo G, Di Girolamo FG, McDonnell A, Fiotti N, Mearelli F, Situlin R, Gonelli A, Dapas B, Giordano M, Lainscak M, Grassi G, Zauli G, Secchiero P, Mekjavic I. Effects of Hypoxia and Bed Rest on Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk: Compensatory Changes in Circulating TRAIL and Glutathione Redox Capacity. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1000. [PMID: 30104982 PMCID: PMC6077233 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic diseases, hypoxia and physical inactivity are associated with atherosclerosis progression. In contrast, a lower mortality from coronary artery disease and stroke is observed in healthy humans residing at high altitude in hypoxic environments. Eleven young, male volunteers completed the following 10-day campaigns in a randomized order: hypoxic ambulatory, hypoxic bed rest and normoxic bed rest. Before intervention, subjects were evaluated in normoxic ambulatory condition. Normobaric hypoxia was achieved in a hypoxic facility simulating 4000 m of altitude. Following hypoxia, either in bed rest or ambulatory condition, markers of cardiometabolic risk shifted toward a more atherogenic pattern consisting of: (a) lower levels of total HDL cholesterol and HDL2 sub-fraction and decreased hepatic lipase; (b) activation of systemic inflammation, as determined by C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A; (c) increased plasma homocysteine; (d) decreased delta-5 desaturase index in cell membrane fatty acids, a marker of insulin sensitivity. Bed rest and hypoxia additively decreased total HDL and delta-5 desaturase index. In parallel to the pro-atherogenic effects, hypoxia activated selected anti-atherogenic pathways, consisting of increased circulating TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a protective factor against atherosclerosis, membrane omega-3 index and erythrocyte glutathione availability. Hypoxia mediated changes in TRAIL concentrations and redox glutathione capacity (i.e., GSH/GSSG ratio) were greater in ambulatory conditions (+34 ± 6% and +87 ± 31%, respectively) than in bed rest (+17 ± 7% and +2 ± 27% respectively). Hypoxia-induced cardiometabolic risk is blunted by moderate level of physical activity as compared to bed rest. TRAIL and glutathione redox capacity may contribute to the positive interaction between physical activity and hypoxia. Highlights: – Hypoxia and bed rest activate metabolic and inflammatory markers of atherogenesis. – Hypoxia and physical activity activate selected anti-atherogenic pathways. – Hypoxia and physical activity positive interaction involves TRAIL and glutathione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Biolo
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo G Di Girolamo
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Adam McDonnell
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Mearelli
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Situlin
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Chirurgia e Medicina Sperimentale, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Mauro Giordano
- Ospedale Clinicizzato di Marcianise, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche, Neurologiche, Metaboliche e dell'Invecchiamento, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Marcianise, Italy
| | - Mitja Lainscak
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Murska Sobota and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Chirurgia e Medicina Sperimentale, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Chirurgia e Medicina Sperimentale, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Igor Mekjavic
- Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6440-6454. [PMID: 29667769 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in treatment protocols, B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) displays a poor prognosis in about 15-20% of pediatric cases and about 60% of adult patients. In addition, life-long irreversible late effects from chemo- and radiation therapy, including secondary malignancies, are a growing problem for leukemia survivors. Targeted therapy holds promising perspectives for cancer treatment as it may be more effective and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a key regulatory cascade which controls proliferation, survival and drug-resistance of cancer cells, and it is frequently upregulated in the different subtypes of B-ALL, where it plays important roles in the pathophysiology, maintenance and progression of the disease. Moreover, activation of this signaling cascade portends a poorer prognosis in both pediatric and adult B-ALL patients. Promising preclinical data on PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have documented their anticancer activity in B-ALL and some of these novel drugs have entered clinical trials as they could lead to a longer event-free survival and reduce therapy-associated toxicity for patients with B-ALL. This review highlights the current status of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in B-ALL, with an emphasis on emerging evidence of the superior efficacy of synergistic combinations involving the use of traditional chemotherapeutics or other novel, targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ultimo S, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Cardiovascular disease-related miRNAs expression: potential role as biomarkers and effects of training exercise. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17238-17254. [PMID: 29682219 PMCID: PMC5908320 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide, therefore the need of effective preventive strategies is imperative. Aging is associated with significant changes in both cardiovascular structure and function that lower the threshold for clinical signs and symptoms, making older people more susceptible to CVDs morbidity and mortality. microRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs are involved in cardiovascular physiology and in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Physical activity is recommended by the medical community and the cardiovascular benefits of exercise are multifactorial and include important systemic effects on skeletal muscle, the peripheral vasculature, metabolism, and neuroendocrine systems, as well as beneficial modifications within the myocardium itself. In this review we describe the role of miRNAs and their dysregulation in several types of CVDs. We provide an overview of miRNAs in CVDs and of the effects of physical activity on miRNA regulation involved in both cardiovascular pathologies and age-related cardiovascular changes and diseases. Circulating miRNAs in response to acute and chronic sport exercise appear to be modulated following training exercise, and may furthermore serve as potential biomarkers for CVDs and different age-related CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Simioni C, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, Ultimo S, Milani D, Neri LM. Physical training interventions for children and teenagers affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related treatment impairments. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17199-17209. [PMID: 29682216 PMCID: PMC5908317 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A decreased physical fitness has been reported in patients and survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is influenced by the negative effects of the disease and by the treatments of childhood cancer. In the past, children were advised to recover in bed, and to take as much relax as possible. Nowadays, it is considered that too much immobility may result in a further decrease of physical fitness and functioning. Exercise training for ALL children has frequently been reported to improve physical fitness and the well-being of the children, since it prevents the negative effects of a sedentary life-style, such as obesity and a poor skeletal health. In recent years, different studies and protocols on this subject has become available for children and young adults with cancer, both during and after treatment. The efficacy of recent physical exercise training interventions, that act on several ALL impairments in children such as skeletal, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, fatigue, body balance disorders and metabolism alterations have been examined. These side effects might be prevented or significantly reduced by introducing a physical exercise program during or shortly after cancer treatment. Several interventions are discussed and presented for each impairment, reducing their level caused by the disease and thus suggesting the importance of physical training activity in ameliorating the children quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Simioni C, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, Sacchetti G, Gonelli A, Neri LM. Oxidative stress: role of physical exercise and antioxidant nutraceuticals in adulthood and aging. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17181-17198. [PMID: 29682215 PMCID: PMC5908316 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is considered to be one of the beneficial factors of a proper lifestyle and is nowadays seen as an indispensable element for good health, able to lower the risk of disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine and osteomuscular apparatus, immune system diseases and the onset of potential neoplasms. A moderate and programmed physical exercise has often been reported to be therapeutic both in the adulthood and in aging, since capable to promote fitness. Regular exercise alleviates the negative effects caused by free radicals and offers many health benefits, including reduced risk of all-cause mortality, sarcopenia in the skeletal muscle, chronic disease, and premature death in elderly people. However, physical performance is also known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle fatigue. Many efforts have been carried out to identify micronutrients and natural compounds, also known as nutraceuticals, able to prevent or attenuate the exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this review is to discuss the benefits deriving from a constant physical activity and by the intake of antioxidant compounds to protect the body from oxidative stress. The attention will be focused mainly on three natural antioxidants, which are quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin. Their properties and activity will be described, as well as their benefits on physical activity and on aging, which is expected to increase through the years and can get favorable benefits from a constant exercise activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M. Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ultimo S, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Influence of physical exercise on microRNAs in skeletal muscle regeneration, aging and diseases. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17220-17237. [PMID: 29682218 PMCID: PMC5908319 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue with remarkable plasticity and its growth and regeneration are highly organized, with the activation of specific transcription factors, proliferative pathways and cytokines. The decline of skeletal muscle tissue with age, is one of the most important causes of functional loss of independence in older adults. Maintaining skeletal muscle function throughout the lifespan is a prerequisite for good health and independent living. Physical activity represents one of the most effective preventive agents for muscle decay in aging. Several studies have underlined the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the control of myogenesis and of skeletal muscle regeneration and function. In this review, we reported an overview and recent advances about the role of miRNAs expressed in the skeletal muscle, miRNAs regulation by exercise in skeletal muscle, the consequences of different physical exercise training modalities in the skeletal muscle miRNA profile, their regulation under pathological conditions and the role of miRNAs in age-related muscle wasting. Specific miRNAs appear to be involved in response to different types of exercise and therefore to play an important role in muscle fiber identity and myofiber gene expression in adults and elder population. Understanding the roles and regulation of skeletal muscle miRNAs during muscle regeneration may result in new therapeutic approaches in aging or diseases with impaired muscle function or re-growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ferioli M, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Ultimo S, Capitani S, Neri LM. Impact of physical exercise in cancer survivors during and after antineoplastic treatments. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14005-14034. [PMID: 29568412 PMCID: PMC5862633 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients experience symptoms and adverse effects of treatments that may last even after the end of treatments. Exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological and cost-effective therapy that can provide several health benefits in cancer patient and survivors, reducing cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The purpose of this review is to describe how the physical exercise is capable to reduce cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. We realized a pragmatic classification of symptoms, dividing them into physical, psychological and psycho-physical aspects. For each symptom we discuss causes, therapies, we analyse the effects of physical exercise and we summarize the most effective type of exercise to reduce the symptoms. This review also points out what are the difficulties that patients and survivors face during the practice of physical activity and provides some solutions to overcome these barriers. Related to each specific cancer, it emerges that type, frequency and intensity of physical exercise could be prescribed and supervised as a therapeutic program, like it occurs for the type, dose and duration of a drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferioli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Ultimo S, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Vitale M, Calin GA, Neri LM. Roles and clinical implications of microRNAs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5642-5654. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Sport and Exercise Medicine Centre (SEM)University of ParmaParmaItaly
- CoreLabHospital‐University of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - George A. Calin
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics and LeukemiaThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Center for RNA Interference and Non‐Coding RNAsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Luca M. Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
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