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Marconi M, Pagano MT, Ristori J, Bonadonna S, Pivonello R, Meriggiola MC, Motta G, Lombardo F, Mosconi M, Oppo A, Cocchetti C, Romani A, Federici S, Bruno L, Verde N, Lami A, Crespi CM, Marinelli L, Giordani L, Matarrese P, Ruocco A, Santangelo C, Contoli B, Masocco M, Minardi V, Chiarotti F, Fisher AD, Pierdominici M. Sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours and experiences of healthcare access in Italian transgender and gender diverse adult population. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02362-x. [PMID: 38733428 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02362-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Information on the general health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals continues to be lacking. To bridge this gap, the National Institute of Health in Italy together with the National Office against Racial Discriminations, clinical centres, and TGD organizations carried out a cross-sectional study to define the sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours, and experiences of healthcare access in Italian TGD adult population. METHODS A national survey was conducted by Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique. Collected data were compared within the TGD subgroups and between TGD people and the Italian general population (IGP). RESULTS TGD respondents were 959: 65% assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 35% assigned male at birth (AMAB). 91.8% and 8.2% were binary and non-binary TGD respondents, respectively. More than 20% of the TGD population reported to be unemployed with the highest rate detectable in AMAB and non-binary people. Cigarette smoking and binge drinking were higher in the TGD population compared with IGP (p < 0.05), affecting TGD subgroups differently. A significant lower percentage of AFAB TGD people reported having had screening for cervical and breast cancer in comparison with AFAB IGP (p < 0.0001, in both cases). Over 40% was the percentage of AFAB and non-binary TGD people accessing healthcare who felt discriminated against because of their gender identity. CONCLUSIONS Our results are a first step towards a better understanding of the health needs of TGD people in Italy in order to plan the best policy choices for a more inclusive public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marconi
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Pagano
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - J Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Bonadonna
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - R Pivonello
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M C Meriggiola
- Division of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Lombardo
- Laboratory of Semiology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mosconi
- Gender Identity Development Service, Hospital S. Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - A Oppo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Cocchetti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - A Romani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - S Federici
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - L Bruno
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lami
- Division of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C M Crespi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città Della Salute E Della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Giordani
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P Matarrese
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ruocco
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - C Santangelo
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - B Contoli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - M Masocco
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - V Minardi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - F Chiarotti
- Reference Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M Pierdominici
- Reference Centre for Gender Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Tissera NS, Esteso F, Luca R, Enrico D, Waisberg F, Rodriguez A, Bruno L, Kucharczyk M, Amat M, García X, Pombo T, Salazar IP, Loria FS, Huertas E, Galli M, Chacón M, O’Connor JM. Atypical pattern of response in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant pembrolizumab treatment: a case report, literature review, and proposed management model. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:1635-1642. [PMID: 37435212 PMCID: PMC10331748 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy is the first-line treatment in patients with advanced microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are not yet a standard, the results are very encouraging and raise the question of whether patients with clinical complete response (cCR) could receive nonoperative management (NOM). However, different patterns of response have challenged management strategies. Case Description A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with dMMR LARC started treatment with capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2 on day 1 to 14 and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 and every 21 days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed three cycles later, showed local progression of the primary rectal lesion, which at that time had new peritoneal reflex involvement. A new hepatic lesion in segment V was observed. Due to disease progression, she was administered pembrolizumab 200 mg every 21 days. After three cycles, a discordant radiological response was observed on a new MRI scan that showed a complete response of the liver lesion and magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) 1 in the rectum. However, new involvement of the mesentery and enlargement of the regional lymph nodes (LNs) were also evident. A new colonoscopic biopsy was performed, showing no cancerous cells. She underwent surgery on the rectum and liver lesion. Pathology showed a complete response of the rectal wall and liver lesion, but 1 of 22 LNs was positive for adenocarcinoma (ypT0 N1 M0). The patient continued on pembrolizumab, and 14 months after surgery, she had not relapsed. Conclusions Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for rectal cancer requires new recommendations for the assessment of clinical response. Pseudoprogression should be ruled out as an atypical response before deciding on surgical treatment. We propose an algorithm to address pseudoprogression in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S. Tissera
- Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Group, Vall’d Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Esteso
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Luca
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Enrico
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Waisberg
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés Rodriguez
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luisina Bruno
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Kucharczyk
- Department of Radiology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mora Amat
- Department of Pathology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ximena García
- Department of Pathology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Teresa Pombo
- Department of Pathology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Eduardo Huertas
- Department of Surgery, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Galli
- Department of Radiotherapy, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Chacón
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel O’Connor
- Department of Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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3
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Narváez D, Waisberg F, Soule T, Angel M, Bruno L, Girotti MR, Pupareli C, Chacón M, Petracci FE. Precision medicine in the real-world setting. Clinical activity of talazoparib in a woman with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with pathogenic mutation in somatic BRCA2. Ecancermedicalscience 2022; 16:1448. [DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2022.1448] [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] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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4
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Esteso F, Tissera NS, O'Connor JM, Luca R, Huertas E, Sánchez Loria F, Pedraza I, Pairola A, Brancato F, Paganini L, Kucharczyk M, Amat M, Pombo MT, Galli M, Bruno L, Caro L, Rodriguez A, Enrico D, Waisberg F, Chacón M. Implementation of a virtual multicenter gastrointestinal tumor board to reduce cancer disparities in Argentina. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:423-428. [PMID: 35949433 PMCID: PMC9244971 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i6.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the increasing complexity of cancer care, multidisciplinary tumor boards have become essential in daily clinical oncology practice. The Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) initiative developed an innovative telementoring model using a "hub and spoke" design consisting of a team of experts (hub) that offers a full service to multiple participants (the spokes) during regularly scheduled sessions discussing patients' clinical cases. The Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute in Buenos Aires was the first hub in Latin America to implement Project ECHO for gastrointestinal tumors. In our 3-year experience, 80 patients from 37 centers were evaluated within Project ECHO and a range of three to five cases were discussed in each meeting. From our perspective, the impact of this novel approach was a remarkable strategy to reduce care disparities by equalizing access to high-quality medical knowledge in a multidisciplinary environment for medical discussions. Additionally, it was shown to have a cost-effective impact directly on the patients and the local health system, since relevant costs were saved after unnecessary treatments, studies and travel expenses were avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Esteso
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Natalia Soledad Tissera
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel O'Connor
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Romina Luca
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Huertas
- Department of Surgery, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | | | - Ivana Pedraza
- Department of Surgery, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Pairola
- Department of Surgery, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Fernando Brancato
- Department of Surgery, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Lisandro Paganini
- Department of Radiology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Mariana Kucharczyk
- Department of Radiology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Mora Amat
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Maria Teresa Pombo
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Mariana Galli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Luisina Bruno
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Luis Caro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Andrés Rodriguez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Diego Enrico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Federico Waisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
| | - Matías Chacón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires 1426, Argentina
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5
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Gonzalez A, Del Greco F, Vargas-Roig L, Brun B, Tabares G, Mampel A, Montes C, Martin C, Lopez M, Rossi N, Bruno L, Ponce C, Quaglio P, Yanzi A, Acevedo S, Lugo L, Lopez Breccia P, Avila S, Sisterna S, Del Castillo MS, Vazquez M, Nuñez LM. PALB2 germline mutations in a multi-gene panel testing cohort of 1905 breast-ovarian cancer patients in Argentina. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 194:403-412. [PMID: 35610400 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06620-5] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PALB2 variants have been scarcely described in Argentinian and Latin-American reports. In this study, we describe molecular and clinical characteristics of PALB2 mutations found in multi-gene panels (MP) from breast-ovarian cancer (BOC) families in different institutions from Argentina. METHODS We retrospectively identified PALB2 pathogenic (PV) and likely pathogenic (LPV) variants from a cohort of 1905 MP results, provided by one local lab (Heritas) and SITHER (Hereditary Tumor Information System) public database. All patients met hereditary BOC clinical criteria for testing, according to current guidelines. RESULTS The frequency of PALB2 mutations is 2.78% (53/1905). Forty-eight (90.5%) are PV and five (9.5%) are LPV. Most of the 18 different mutations (89%) are nonsense and frameshift types and 2 variants are novel. One high-rate recurrent PV (Y551*) is present in 43% (23/53) of the unrelated index cases. From the 53 affected carriers, 94% have BC diagnosis with 14% of bilateral cases. BC phenotype is mainly invasive ductal (78%) with 62% of hormone-receptor positive and 22% of triple negative tumors. Self-reported ethnic background of the cohort is West European (66%) and native Latin-American (20%) which is representative of Buenos Aires and other big urban areas of the country. CONCLUSION This is the first report describing molecular and clinical characteristics of PALB2 carriers in Argentina. Frequency of PALB2 PV in Argentinian HBOC families is higher than in other reported populations. Y551* is a recurrent mutation that seems to be responsible for almost 50% of PALB2 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cecilia Montes
- Instituto Modelo de Ginecología Y Obstetricia, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Martin
- Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Norma Rossi
- Fundación Para el Progreso de La Medicina, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luisina Bruno
- Instituto de Oncología Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Ponce
- Instituto de Oncología Alexander Fleming, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Lilia Lugo
- Clínica San Gerónimo, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Silvia Avila
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina.,Heritas - CONICET, Rosario, Argentina.,Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Lina M Nuñez
- Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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6
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Wahba R, Urbanski A, Datta RR, Kleinert R, Bruno L, Zervakis A, Thomas MN. Operating room time savings in Germany- and UK-based hospitals with 3D- VS. 2D-imaging technology in laparoscopic surgery: Meta analysis and budget impact model - Health economic evaluation. Int J Surg 2022; 102:106643. [PMID: 35490950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106643] [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: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Opportunity cost (OC) analysis is key when evaluating surgical techniques. Operating room (OR) time is one potential source of OC in laparoscopic surgery. This study quantifies differences in OR time between 3D- and 2D-imaging technology in laparoscopic surgery, translates these into OC and models the economic impact in real-world hospitals. METHODS First a systematically performed literature review and meta-analysis were conducted. Then, methods to translate OR time savings into OC were theorised and a budget impact model was created. After that, the potential time savings of real-world hospital case mixes were extrapolated. Finally, the opportunity costs of not using 3D-imaging in laparoscopic surgery were evaluated. RESULTS Average OR time saving per laparoscopic procedure was -19.4 min (-24.3; -14.5) (-14%) in favour of 3D. The Budget Impact Model demonstrated an economic impact of using 3D-laparoscopy instead of 2D laparoscopy, ranging from £183,045-£866,316 in the British and 73,049€-437,829€ in German hospitals, modelling a mixture of cost savings and performing additional procedures (earning additional revenue). CONCLUSION The OC analysis revealed significant economic benefits of introducing 3D-imaging technology in laparoscopic surgery, on the basis that average procedure time is reduced. Utilising the saved OR time to perform additional procedures was the biggest driver of OC. Hospital case mix and procedure volume indicated the magnitude of the OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wahba
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Germany.
| | - A Urbanski
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Germany.
| | - R R Datta
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Germany.
| | - R Kleinert
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - L Bruno
- Olympus Europe SE & Co. KG aA, Germany.
| | | | - M N Thomas
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Germany.
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7
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Bruno L, Ostinelli A, Waisberg F, Enrico D, Ponce C, Rivero S, Blanco A, Zarba M, Loza M, Fabiano V, Amat M, Pombo MT, Noro L, Chacón M, Coló F, Chacón R, Nadal J, Nervo A, Costanzo V. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitor Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer Carrying Germline Pathogenic Variants in DNA Repair-Related Genes. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100140. [PMID: 35235412 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years, unprecedented benefits have been observed with the development of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 inhibitors for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. However, there is scarce evidence of their value in specific populations, such as patients carrying germline pathogenic variants in DNA repair-related genes. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied the efficacy of CDK 4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. Three cohorts were compared, including patients harboring germline pathogenic variants in DNA repair-related genes (gBRCA1/2-ATM-CHEK2 mutated), those tested without these mutations (wild type [WT]), and the nontested subgroup. Relevant prognostic factors including age, metastatic site (visceral v nonvisceral), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, and prior treatment with CDK 4/6 inhibitors were stratified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS Among the total population (n = 217), 15 (6.9%) patients carried gBRCA1/2 (n = 10)-ATM (n = 4)-CHEK2 (n = 1) pathogenic variants, 45 (20.7%) were WT, and 157 (72.4%) were nontested. Gene pathogenic variant carriers were younger (P < .001). Most patients (164, 75.6%) had not received prior endocrine therapy in the advanced setting. Median progression-free survival was shorter in patients with evaluated germline pathogenic variants (10.2 months [95% CI, 5.7 to 14.7]), compared with WT and nontested patients (15.6 months [95% CI, 7.8 to 23.4], and (17.6 months [95% CI, 12.9 to 22.2]; P = .002). Consistently, a worse median overall survival was observed in the subgroup with germline pathogenic variants than in the WT group (P = .006). Multivariable analysis showed that mutation status was an independent prognostic factor of progression-free survival (P = .020) and overall survival (P = .012). CONCLUSION In this retrospective real-world study, gBRCA1/2-ATM-CHEK2 pathogenic variants were independently associated with poor outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisina Bruno
- Genetic Counselling Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alexis Ostinelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Waisberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Enrico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Ponce
- Genetic Counselling Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Breast Surgery, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Rivero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Albano Blanco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Zarba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Loza
- Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Breast Surgery, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Fabiano
- Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Breast Surgery, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mora Amat
- Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Pathology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Teresa Pombo
- Department of Pathology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Noro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Chacón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Research Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Coló
- Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Breast Surgery, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Reinaldo Chacón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Nadal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Nervo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Costanzo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Breast Cancer Unit, Alexander Fleming Cancer Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Bailey D, Bruno L, Spano M, Crosby M, Sterling S. Adapting Communications of a Nutrition and Physical Activity Study to Reach Registered Dietitians During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.06.016] [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: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Fernández Casafuz AB, De Rossi MC, Bruno L. Intracellular motor-driven transport of rodlike smooth organelles along microtubules. Phys Rev E 2021; 101:062416. [PMID: 32688554 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.101.062416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Molecular motors are fascinating proteins that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to drive vesicles and organelles along cytoskeleton filaments toward their final destination within the cell. Several copies of these proteins bind to the cargo and take turns transporting the cargo attaching to and detaching from the track stochastically. Despite the relevance of molecular motors to cell physiology, key aspects of their collective functioning are still unknown. In this work we propose a one-dimensional model for the transport of extensive and smooth organelles driven by molecular motors. We ran numerical simulations to study the behavior of the cargo for different motor configurations, focusing on the transport properties observable in the experiments, e.g., average speed of the organelle and variations in length. We found that active motors drive the cargo using two different mechanisms: Either they locate in front of the cargo and pull the organelle or they situate at the cargo lagging edge and push. Variations in the organelle length is in close relation with the fraction of motors in each configuration, which depends on the resisting load. The results of this model were contrasted with experimental data obtained from the tracking of rodlike mitochondria during active transport in Xenopus laevis melanophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Fernández Casafuz
- Instituto de Cálculo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C De Rossi
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Bruno
- Instituto de Cálculo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
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Bailey D, Bruno L, Schwartz Cohen J. Check in With Chicken: Novel Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Communications Program at a National Food and Nutrition Meeting. J Acad Nutr Diet 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.06.113] [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: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Bruno L, Ceravolo G, Ceravolo MD, Salpietro A, Concolino D, De Sarro R, Oreto L, Tropeano A, Viola I, Chimenz R, Cuppari C, Calabrò MP. Genetic cardiac channelopathies and SIDS. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2020; 34:55-58. SPECIAL ISSUE: FOCUS ON PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY. [PMID: 33000601] [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] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - G Ceravolo
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Emergency Pediatrics, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - M D Ceravolo
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Emergency Pediatric, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - A Salpietro
- Pediatric Clinic, ASST-Spedali Civili of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Concolino
- Department of Science of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Pediatric Unit, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - R De Sarro
- Department of Science of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Pediatric Unit, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - L Oreto
- Mediterranean Pediatric Cardiology Center, San Vincenzo Hospital, Taormina, Italy
| | - A Tropeano
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Emergency Pediatric, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - I Viola
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Emergency Pediatric, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - R Chimenz
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology with Dialysis, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - C Cuppari
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Emergency Pediatric, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
| | - M P Calabrò
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Messina, "G. Martino" Policlinic, Italy
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12
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Bruno L, Stancari A, Piro F, Bonoli A, Peddis F, Forchielli M, Puggioli C, Bersani G. SUN-PO273: How Does the Use of Sodium Glycerophosphate Affect Personalized Parenteral Nutrition Admixture Stability? Clin Nutr 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(19)32903-6] [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: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Monastra AG, Carusela MF, van der Velde G, D'Angelo MV, Bruno L. Evolution of instabilities in filament buckling processes. Phys Rev E 2019; 99:033004. [PMID: 30999474 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.99.033004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this work we study the dynamical buckling process of a thin filament immersed in a highly viscous medium. We perform an experimental study to track the shape evolution of the filament during a constant velocity compression. Numerical simulations reproduce the dynamical features observed from the experimental data and allow quantifying the filament's load. We observe that both the filament's load and the wave number evolve in a stepwise manner. In order to achieve a physical insight of the process, we apply a theoretical model to describe the buckling of a filament in a viscous medium. We solve a hydrodynamic equation in terms of normal modes for clamped-clamped boundary conditions and constant applied load. We find a good agreement between experimental data and simulations, suggesting that the proposed mechanistic model captures the essential features underlying the dynamical buckling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Monastra
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Gral. Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - M F Carusela
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Gral. Sarmiento, Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - G van der Velde
- Departamento de Física & IFIBA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M V D'Angelo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina.,Grupo de Medios Porosos, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Bruno
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina.,Departamento de Física & IFIBA-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Hebert V, Vermeulin T, Prost-Squarcioni C, Picard-Dahan C, Duvert-Lehembre S, Bruno L, Marie-Aleth R, Bernard P, Dupuy A, Bouaziz JD, Oro S, Dalac-Rat S, Delaporte E, Avenel-Audran M, Sassolas B, Alexandre M, Caux F, D’Incan M, Bedane C, Quereux G, Machet L, Dereure O, Skowron F, Franck N, Beylot-Barry M, Doutre MS, Debarbieux S, Jullien D, Misery L, Musette P, Paul C, Vabres P, Bénéton N, Dupin N, Houivet E, Joly P. Comparaison des coûts de santé du traitement de première ligne par rituximab par rapport à la corticothérapie standard chez les patients pemphigus nouvellement diagnostiqués. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2018.09.012] [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: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Rugnini L, Costa G, Congestri R, Antonaroli S, Sanità di Toppi L, Bruno L. Phosphorus and metal removal combined with lipid production by the green microalga Desmodesmus sp.: An integrated approach. Plant Physiol Biochem 2018; 125:45-51. [PMID: 29413630 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.01.032] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This work focused on the potential of Desmodesmus sp. to be employed for wastewater bioremediation and biodiesel production. The green microalga was grown in a culture medium with a phosphorus (P) content of 4.55 mg L-1 simulating an industrial effluent; it was also exposed to a bimetal solution of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) for 2 days. P removal was between 94 and 100%. After 2 days of exposure to metals, 94% of Cu and 85% of Ni were removed by Desmodesmus sp. Adsorption tests showed that the green microalga was able to remove up to 90% of Cu and 43% of Ni in less than 30 min. The presence of metals decreased the lipid yield, but biodiesel quality from the biomass obtained from metal exposed samples was higher than that grown without metals. This result revealed that this technology could offer a new alternative solution to environmental pollution and carbon-neutral fuel generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rugnini
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Costa
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Dept. Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - R Congestri
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Antonaroli
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica snc, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - L Sanità di Toppi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via L. Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - L Bruno
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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16
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Rugnini L, Costa G, Congestri R, Bruno L. Testing of two different strains of green microalgae for Cu and Ni removal from aqueous media. Sci Total Environ 2017; 601-602:959-967. [PMID: 28582741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The concentration of metal ions in aqueous media is a major environmental problem due to their persistence and non-biodegradability that poses hazards to the ecosystem and human health. In this study, the effect of Cu and Ni on the growth of two green microalgal strains, Chlorella vulgaris and Desmodesmus sp., was evaluated along with the removal capacity from single metal solutions (12days exposure; metal concentration range: 1.9-11.9mgL-1). Microalgal growth showed to decrease at increasing metal concentrations, but promising metal removal efficiencies were recorded: up to 43% and 39% for Cu by Desmodesmus sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively, with a sorption capacity of 33.4mggDW-1 for Desmodesmus sp. As for Ni, at the concentration of 5.7mgL-1, the removal efficiency reached 32% for C. vulgaris and 39% for Desmodesmus sp. In addition, Desmodesmus sp. growth and metal removal were evaluated employing bimetallic solutions. In these tests, the removal efficiency for Cu was higher than that of Ni for all the mix solutions tested with a maximum of 95%, while Ni-removal reached 90% only for the lowest concentrations tested. Results revealed that the biosorption of both metals reached maximum removal levels within the fourth day of incubation (with metal uptakes of 67mgCugDW-1 and 37mgNigDW-1). Intracellular bioaccumulation of metals in Desmodesmus sp. was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy after DAPI staining of cells exposed or not to Cu during their growth. Imaging suggested that Cu is sequestered in polyphosphate bodies within the cells, as observable also in phosphorus deprived cultures. Our results indicate the potential of employing green microalgae for bioremediation of metal-polluted waters, due to their ability to grow in the presence of high metal concentrations and to remove them efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rugnini
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - G Costa
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Dept. Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - R Congestri
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - L Bruno
- LBA-Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Dept. of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Cracovia 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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17
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Bruno L, Jablonski P, Ozkul M, Mercado G, Sendoya J, Llera A, Núñez L, Valdez R, Mansilla D, Cólica V, Kalfayan P, Ruggiero C, Reyes M, Cerretini R. NGS and Sanger screening for BRCA1/BRCA2, CHEK2 and TP53 in Argentinian high-risk breast/ovarian cancer families and bioinformatic studies: Initial results. Ann Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx383.010] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Rocca YS, Roberti MP, Juliá EP, Pampena MB, Bruno L, Rivero S, Huertas E, Sánchez Loria F, Pairola A, Caignard A, Mordoh J, Levy EM. Phenotypic and Functional Dysregulated Blood NK Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients Can Be Activated by Cetuximab Plus IL-2 or IL-15. Front Immunol 2016; 7:413. [PMID: 27777574 PMCID: PMC5056190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with the immune response; thus, these tumors could be responsive to different immune therapy approaches. Natural killer (NK) cells are key antitumor primary effectors that can eliminate CRC cells without prior immunization. We previously determined that NK cells from the local tumor environment of CRC tumors display a profoundly altered phenotype compared with circulating NK cells from healthy donors (HD). In this study, we evaluated peripheral blood NK cells from untreated patients and their possible role in metastasis progression. We observed profound deregulation in receptor expression even in early stages of disease compared with HD. CRC-NK cells displayed underexpression of CD16, NKG2D, DNAM-1, CD161, NKp46, and NKp30 activating receptors, while inhibitory receptors CD85j and NKG2A were overexpressed. This inhibited phenotype affected cytotoxic functionality against CRC cells and interferon-γ production. We also determined that NKp30 and NKp46 are the key receptors involved in detriment of CRC-NK cells’ antitumor activity. Moreover, NKp46 expression correlated with relapse-free survival of CRC patients with a maximum follow-up of 71 months. CRC-NK cells also exhibited altered antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity function responding poorly to cetuximab. IL-2 and IL-15 in combination with cetuximab stimulated NK cell, improving cytotoxicity. These results show potential strategies to enhance CRC-NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Sol Rocca
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-IIBBA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - María Paula Roberti
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Estefanía Paula Juliá
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - María Betina Pampena
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Luisina Bruno
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Sergio Rivero
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Eduardo Huertas
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | | | - Alejandro Pairola
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Anne Caignard
- UMRS-1160, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France; U1160, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - José Mordoh
- Fundación Instituto Leloir-IIBBA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estrella Mariel Levy
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires , Argentina
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Bruno L, Piro F, Conti M, Tumietto F, Forchielli M, Stancari A, Guarguaglini A, Piazza G, Patrono D, Puggioli C, Bersani G. SUN-P103: Evaluation of Three Different Antibiotic Lock-Therapies in Combination with Urokinase for the Treatment of Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections. Clin Nutr 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(16)30446-0] [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: 11/30/2022]
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Forchielli M, Lallii E, Zanni S, Boi C, Bonoli A, Bruno L, Piro F, Stancari A, Piazza G, Pession A, Puggioli C, Bersani G. MON-P177: Is Bisphenol-A Present in Parenteral and Enteral Admixture Bags and Bottles? Clin Nutr 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(16)30811-1] [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: 10/21/2022]
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Montagnaro S, Pagnini U, Diana T, Bruno L, Baldi L, Iovane G. Comparison of fluorescence polarization assay with Rose Bengal (RB) test and complement fixation tests for the diagnosis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) brucellosis in a high-prevalence area. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Chacon M, Mendez GA, Guercovich AS, Bruno L, Llanos A, Diocca M, Puparelli C, Angel M. Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGISTs): Experience of a cooperative group. J Clin Oncol 2014. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2014.32.15_suppl.10558] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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23
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Bruno L, Nesi G, Nobili S, Veltri M, Girardi L, Boni D, Santomaggio C, Neri B, Boddi V, Bechi P, Mini E, Cortesini C. Postoperative Chemotherapy in Resected Gastric Cancer: Results of a Single Center Experience. J Chemother 2013; 20:497-502. [DOI: 10.1179/joc.2008.20.4.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Engster O, Niedermann S, Thalmann C, Frei R, Kramers J, Krähenbühl U, Liu YZ, Hofmann B, Boer RH, Reimold WU, Bruno L. Noble gases, K, U, Th, and Pb in native gold. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/95jb02843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bruno L, Di Pippo F, Antonaroli S, Gismondi A, Valentini C, Albertano P. Characterization of biofilm-forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production. J Appl Microbiol 2012; 113:1052-64. [PMID: 22845917 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05416.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This work reports on one of the first attempts to use biofilm-forming cyanobacteria for biomass and lipid production. METHODS AND RESULTS Three isolates of filamentous cyanobacteria were obtained from biofilms at different Italian sites and characterized by a polyphasic approach, involving microscopic observations, ecology and genetic diversity (studying the 16S rRNA gene). The isolates were grown in batch systems and in a semi-continuous flow incubator, specifically designed for biofilms development. Culture system affected biomass and lipid production, but did not influence the fatty acid profile. The composition of fatty acids was mainly palmitic acid (>50%) and less amounts of other saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Only two isolates contained two polyunsaturated fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS Data obtained from the flow-lane incubator system would support a more economical and sustainable use of the benthic micro-organisms for biomass production. The produced lipids contained fatty acids suitable for a high-quality biodiesel production, showing high proportions of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Data seem promising when taking into account the savings in cost and time derived from easy procedures for biomass harvesting, especially when being able to obtain the co-production of other valuable by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- LBA-Laboratory for Biology of Algae, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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Levesy B, Beaumont B, Bruno L, Cerisier T, Cordier J, Dammann A, Giancarli L, Henderson M, Romannikov A, Rumyantsev Y, Udintsev V. Design progress on ITER port plug test facility. Fusion Engineering and Design 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2012.02.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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27
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Rocca YS, Roberti MP, Arriaga JM, Amat M, Bruno L, Pampena MB, Huertas E, Loria FS, Pairola A, Bianchini M, Mordoh J, Levy EM. Altered phenotype in peripheral blood and tumor-associated NK cells from colorectal cancer patients. Innate Immun 2012; 19:76-85. [PMID: 22781631 DOI: 10.1177/1753425912453187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite NK cells being originally identified because of their ability to kill tumor cells in vitro, only limited information is available on NK cells infiltration of malignant tumors, especially in humans. NK cells infiltrating human colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) were analyzed to identify their potential protective role in an antitumor immune response. The expression and function of relevant molecules were analyzed from different sources, comparing tumor-associated NK cells (TANKs) with autologous peripheral blood NK cells (PB-NKs) from CRC patients-the latter in comparison with PB-NKs from normal donors. TANKs displayed a profound alteration of their phenotype with a drastic reduction of NK cell receptor expression. Co-culture experiments showed that CRC cells produce modulation in NK phenotype and functionality. Moreover, PB-NKs from CRC patients also exhibited an altered phenotype and profound defects in the ability to activate degranulation and IFN-γ production. For the first time, TANK and PB-NK cells from CRC patients have been characterized. It is shown that they are not capable of producing relevant cytokines and degranulate. Taken together, our results suggest that NK cells from CRC patients present alterations of phenotype and function therefore supporting the progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila S Rocca
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas CIO-FUCA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Arriaga JM, Bravo IA, Bruno L, Morales Bayo S, Hannois A, Sanchez Loria F, Pairola F, Huertas E, Roberti MP, Rocca YS, Aris M, Barrio MM, Baffa Trasci S, Levy EM, Mordoh J, Bianchini M. Combined metallothioneins and p53 proteins expression as a prognostic marker in patients with Dukes stage B and C colorectal cancer. Hum Pathol 2012; 43:1695-703. [PMID: 22516242 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Our study aimed to evaluate metallothionein and p53 expression in colorectal cancer and to correlate their combined expression with selected clinical and pathologic variables of the disease, to define their prognostic significance. Colorectal cancer specimens from 99 patients were retrospectively analyzed by immunohistochemistry for metallothionein and p53 expression. Survival curves were generated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate survival distributions were compared with the use of the log-rank test. Multivariate models were computed using Cox proportional hazards regression. This research was approved by the institutional review boards of all centers. Tumors showing concomitant high metallothionein expression and negative p53 (metallothionein(H)/p53(-)) were significantly inversely related to depth of invasion, frequency of nodal metastasis, and Dukes stage (P < .01). In univariate analysis, patients with metallothionein(H)/p53(-) phenotype showed a better overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.83; P < .05) and disease-free survival (HR, 2.03; P < .05). In multivariate analysis, considering staging, metallothionein, and metallothionein + p53 variables, in 83 patients with Dukes stages B and C, metallothionein(H)/p53(-) combination was the sole factor showing an independent prognostic value for overall survival (HR, 3.88; P < .1) and disease-free survival (HR, 2.56; P < .1). In conclusion, the combined analysis of metallothionein and p53 may enhance the prognostic power of each individual marker by predicting the progression of the disease and contributing to a better identification of patients at low risk for mortality, especially for those with Dukes stage B and C colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Arriaga
- Instituto Médico Especializado Alexander Fleming, Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas de la Fundación Cáncer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Arriaga JM, Levy EM, Bravo AI, Bayo SM, Amat M, Aris M, Hannois A, Bruno L, Roberti MP, Loria FS, Pairola A, Huertas E, Mordoh J, Bianchini M. Metallothionein expression in colorectal cancer: relevance of different isoforms for tumor progression and patient survival. Hum Pathol 2011; 43:197-208. [PMID: 21820154 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Metallothioneins are a family of small, cysteine-rich proteins with many functions. Immunohistochemical evaluation of all metallothionein 1 + 2 isoforms in colorectal tumors has demonstrated an important down-regulation compared with normal tissue, although its prognostic significance is unclear. Moreover, the contribution of individual isoforms to overall metallothionein down-regulation is not known. To address these important issues, we analyzed the messenger RNA expression levels of all functional metallothionein 1 + 2 isoforms by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 22 pairs of normal and tumor-microdissected epithelia and correlated these to the overall immunohistochemical protein expression. Our results showed that 5 isoforms (MT1G, 1E, 1F, 1H, and 1M) were lost during the transition from normal mucosa to tumor, whereas MT1X and MT2A were less down-regulated, and their expression was correlated with overall protein positivity. Second, we showed that MT1G hypermethylation occurred in cell lines and in 29% of tumor samples, whereas histone deacetylase inhibitors are able to induce most isoforms. Furthermore, we analyzed by immunohistochemistry 107 normal mucosae, 25 adenomas, 81 carcinomas, and 19 lymph node metastases to evaluate metallothionein expression during different stages of cancer development and to assess its relationship to patient survival. A lower immunohistochemical expression was associated with poorer survival, although it was not an independent predictor. Overall, this study identifies for the first time the relevant metallothionein isoforms for colorectal cancer progression, supports the concept that their loss is associated with worse prognosis, and suggests 2 mechanisms for epigenetic repression of metallothionein expression in colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Martín Arriaga
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas de la Fundación Cáncer, 1426 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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La Paglia L, Badalamenti G, Amodeo V, Bruno L, Calò V, Corsini L, D'Andrea A, Fanale D, Insalaco L, Margarese N, Terrasi M, Napoli L, Damiani G, Di Piazza F, Miraglia M, Bazan V, Russo A. 6 C-KIT MUTATIONS IN GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS. Cancer Treat Rev 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0305-7372(10)70032-3] [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: 11/30/2022]
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Perez M, Margarese N, Calò V, Bruno L, La Paglia L, Cimino S, Corsini L, Terrasi M, Fanale D, Amodeo V, Insalaco L, Napoli L, Di Gaudio F, Di Piazza F, Miraglia M, Bazan V, Russo A. 79 VUS VARIANTS IN BRCA GENES OF HEREDITARY BREAST/OVARIAN CANCER. Cancer Treat Rev 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0305-7372(10)70105-5] [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: 10/18/2022]
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Liguori S, Gottardi M, Micheletto G, Bruno L. Pharmacological approach to chronic visceral pain. Focus on oxycodone controlled release: an open multicentric study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2010; 14:185-190. [PMID: 20391956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Visceral pain is a significant issue for patients, and the importance of treating pain is underestimated. New opioid formulations, the primary treatment option for moderate-to-severe pain, have been shown to be effective, but no studies have been conducted to address the efficacy of these agents for visceral pain. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of visceral pain in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe pain, and to evaluate the efficacy of controlled-release (CR) oxycodone in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS s: In this multicenter, prospective, observational study, 967 of 980 evaluated patients were included, 350 (36.2%) of whom presented mainly visceral pain. In most cases (57.0%), patients had experienced pain for < or = 3 months, and the majority (94.9%) were cancer patients. Pain was uncontrolled in 340 (97.1%) patients, and was rated as severe in >2/3 of patients (mean numerical rating scale (NRS) value 7.04 +/- 1.68). Patients with uncontrolled pain were given oxycodone CR; all completed the 15-day study and no patient was switched to an alternative opioid. RESULTS Oxycodone CR was associated with significant reductions in mean NRS value at day 3, 7 and 15 (final mean NRS 2.37 +/- 1.59) and the proportion of patients experiencing severe pain had decreased by the end of the study to 1.5%. The SF-12 questionnaire showed significant improvements in quality of life in all domains, and oxycodone CR was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Oxycodone CR appears to be a very well tolerated and effective treatment for patients with visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liguori
- Pain Therapy Unit, OO.RR, Bergamo, Italy.
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Bruno L, Levi V, Brunstein M, Despósito MA. Transition to superdiffusive behavior in intracellular actin-based transport mediated by molecular motors. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys 2009; 80:011912. [PMID: 19658734 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.80.011912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular transport of large cargoes, such as organelles, vesicles, or large proteins, is a complex dynamical process that involves the interplay of adenosine triphosphate-consuming molecular motors, cytoskeleton filaments, and the viscoelastic cytoplasm. In this work we investigate the motion of pigment organelles (melanosomes) driven by myosin-V motors in Xenopus laevis melanocytes using a high-spatio-temporal resolution tracking technique. By analyzing the obtained trajectories, we show that the melanosomes mean-square displacement undergoes a transition from a subdiffusive to a superdiffusive behavior. A stochastic theoretical model, which explicitly considers the collective action of the molecular motors, is introduced to generalize the interpretation of our data. Starting from a generalized Langevin equation, we derive an analytical expression for the mean square displacement, which also takes into account the experimental noise. By fitting theoretical expressions to experimental data we were able to discriminate the exponents that characterize the passive and active contributions to the dynamics and to estimate the "global" motor forces correctly. Then, our model gives a quantitative description of active transport in living cells with a reduced number of parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Chiappetta A, Fambrini M, Petrarulo M, Rapparini F, Michelotti V, Bruno L, Greco M, Baraldi R, Salvini M, Pugliesi C, Bitonti MB. Ectopic expression of LEAFY COTYLEDON1-LIKE gene and localized auxin accumulation mark embryogenic competence in epiphyllous plants of Helianthus annuus x H. tuberosus. Ann Bot 2009; 103:735-47. [PMID: 19151043 PMCID: PMC2707873 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcn266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2008] [Revised: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The clone EMB-2 of the interspecific hybrid Helianthus annuus x H. tuberosus provides an interesting system to study molecular and physiological aspects of somatic embryogenesis. Namely, in addition to non-epiphyllous (NEP) leaves that expand normally, EMB-2 produces epiphyllous (EP) leaves bearing embryos on the adaxial surface. This clone was used to investigate if the ectopic expression of H. annuus LEAFY COTYLEDON1-LIKE (Ha-L1L) gene and auxin activity are correlated with the establishment of embryogenic competence. METHODS Ha-L1L expression was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The endogenous level and spatial distribution of free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were estimated by a capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring method and an immuno-cytochemical approach. KEY RESULTS Ectopic expression of Ha-L1L was detected in specific cell domains of the adaxial epidermis of EP leaves prior to the development of ectopic embryos. Ha-L1L was expressed rapidly when NEP leaves were induced to regenerate somatic embryos by in vitro culture. Differences in auxin distribution pattern rather than in absolute level were observed between EP and A-2 leaves. More precisely, a strong IAA immuno-signal was detected in single cells or in small groups of cells along the epidermis of EP leaves and accompanied the early stages of embryo development. Changes in auxin level and distribution were observed in NEP leaves induced to regenerate by in vitro culture. Exogenous auxin treatments lightly influenced Ha-L1L transcript levels in spite of an enhancement of the regeneration frequency. CONCLUSIONS In EP leaves, Ha-L1L activity marks the putative founder cells of ectopic embryos. Although the ectopic expression of Ha-L1L seems to be not directly mediated by auxin levels per se, it was demonstrated that localized Ha-L1L expression and IAA accumulation in leaf epidermis domains represent early events of somatic embryogenesis displayed by the epiphyllous EMB-2 clone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Chiappetta
- Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Ecologia, Via P. Bucci, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - M. Fambrini
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Biologia delle Piante Agrarie – Sezione di Genetica, Via Matteotti 1B, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. Petrarulo
- Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Ecologia, Via P. Bucci, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - F. Rapparini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biometeorologia IBIMET – Sezione di Bologna, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - V. Michelotti
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Biologia delle Piante Agrarie – Sezione di Genetica, Via Matteotti 1B, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Bruno
- Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Ecologia, Via P. Bucci, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - M. Greco
- Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Ecologia, Via P. Bucci, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - R. Baraldi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biometeorologia IBIMET – Sezione di Bologna, Via Gobetti 101, I-40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - M. Salvini
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Biologia delle Piante Agrarie – Sezione di Genetica, Via Matteotti 1B, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Pugliesi
- Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Biologia delle Piante Agrarie – Sezione di Genetica, Via Matteotti 1B, I-56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - M. B. Bitonti
- Università della Calabria, Dipartimento di Ecologia, Via P. Bucci, I-87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
- For correspondence. E-mail
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Bazan V, Bruno L, Augello C, Agnese V, Calò V, Corsale S, Gargano G, Terrasi M, Schirò V, Di Fede G, Adamo V, Intrivici C, Crosta A, Rinaldi G, Latteri F, Dardanoni G, Grassi N, Valerio MR, Colucci G, Macaluso M, Russo A. Molecular detection of TP53, Ki-Ras and p16INK4A promoter methylation in plasma of patients with colorectal cancer and its association with prognosis. Results of a 3-year GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study. Ann Oncol 2008; 17 Suppl 7:vii84-90. [PMID: 16760301 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the improvement in detection and surgical therapy in the last years, the outcome of patients affected by colorectal carcinoma (CRC) remains limited by metastatic relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of free tumor DNA in the plasma of CRC patients in order to understand its possible prognostic role. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ki-Ras, TP53 mutations and p16(INK4A) methylation status were prospectively evaluated in tumor tissues and plasma of 66 CRC patients. RESULTS In 50 of the 66 primitive tumor cases (76%) at least one significant alteration was identified in Ki-Ras and/or TP53 and/or p16(INK4A) genes. Eighteen of the 50 patients presented the same alteration both in the plasma and in the tumor tissue. At univariate analysis, Ki-Ras mutations proved to be significantly related to quicker relapse (P <0.01), whereas only a trend towards statistical significance (P = 0.083) was observed for the TP53 mutations CONCLUSIONS Detection of Ki-Ras and TP53 mutation in plasma should be significantly related to disease recurrence. These data suggest that patients with a high risk of recurrence can be identified by means of the analysis of tumor-derived plasma DNA with the use of fairly non-invasive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bazan
- Section of Medical Oncology and Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical and Oncology, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Gargano G, Agnese V, Calò V, Corsale S, Augello C, Bruno L, La Paglia L, Gullo A, Ottini L, Russo A, Fulfaro F, Rinaldi G, Crosta A, Cicero G, Majorana O, Palmeri L, Cipolla C, Agrusa A, Gulotta G, Morello V, Di Fede G, Adamo V, Colucci G, Tomasino RM, Valerio MR, Bazan V, Russo A. Detection and quantification of mammaglobin in the blood of breast cancer patients: can it be useful as a potential clinical marker? Preliminary results of a GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study. Ann Oncol 2008; 17 Suppl 7:vii41-5. [PMID: 16760290 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammaglobin is expressed mainly in mammary tissue, overexpressed in breast cancer (BC) and rarely in other tissue. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of transcript MGB1 detection and to evaluate the role of MGB1 as potential clinical marker for the detection of disseminated cancer cells in the blood of BC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A consecutive series of 23 BC tissues, 36 peripheral blood BC samples and 35 healthy peripheral blood samples was prospectively recruited to investigate MGB1 expression by means of a quantitative Real Time RT-PCR assay. RESULTS MGB1 overexpression in tissue samples of BC patients is significantly associated only with high level of Ki67 (P <0.05). None of the samples from peripheral blood of 35 healthy female individuals were positive for MGB1 transcript. In contrast MGB1 mRNA expression was detected in three of 36 (8%) peripheral blood of BC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary results demonstrate that the detection of MGB1 transcript in peripheral blood of BC patients was specific but with low sensitivity. MGB1 overexpression by itself or in combination with Ki67 might be considered an index of BC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gargano
- Section of Medical Oncology and Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical and Oncology, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Augello C, Bruno L, Bazan V, Calò V, Agnese V, Corsale S, Cascio S, Gargano G, Terrasi M, Barbera F, Fricano S, Adamo B, Valerio MR, Colucci G, Sumarcz E, Russo A. Y179C, F486L and N550H are BRCA1 variants that may be associated with breast cancer in a Sicilian family: results of a 5-year GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study. Ann Oncol 2008; 17 Suppl 7:vii30-3. [PMID: 16760288 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 600 different pathogenic mutations have been identified in the BRCA1 gene. Nevertheless, numerous missense mutations of unknown biological function still exist. Understanding of biological significance of these mutations should help in genetic counselling to carriers and their families. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 104 patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer whose genetic counselling answered the criteria of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2003), were prospectively screened for mutations in all coding exons of the BRCA1 gene by automatic direct sequencing. RESULTS During these mutational screening procedures one case presented three mutations classified in the Breast Cancer Information Core Database as unknown variants. These were 655A/G found in exon 8 of BRCA1, 1575T/C and 1767A/C found in exon 11 of the same gene. The identification of the three unknown variants in the proband (16SIRIO) and in her mother and sister indicates that such alterations exist in cis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the charge and stechiometry variations determined by the changes in the amino acids Y179C, F486L and N550H might produce an effect on the conformation of the protein and, consequently, on its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Augello
- Section of Medical Oncology and Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical and Oncology, Università di Palermo, Italy
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Agnese V, Corsale S, Calò V, Augello C, Bruno L, Calcara D, Crosta A, Rodolico V, Rinaldi G, Cicero G, Latteri F, Agrusa A, Morello V, Adamo V, Altavilla G, Di Fede G, Fiorentino E, Grassi N, Latteri MA, Valerio MR, Tomasino RM, Colucci G, Bazan V, Russo A. Significance of P16INK4A hypermethylation gene in primary head/neck and colorectal tumors: it is a specific tissue event? Results of a 3-year GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study. Ann Oncol 2008; 17 Suppl 7:vii137-41. [PMID: 16760277 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylation of the p16 promoter is one of the most frequent mechanisms of gene inactivation; its incidence is extremely variable according to the type of tumor involved. Our purpose was to analyze the hypermethylation of the p16 promoter in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC), salivary gland (SG) tumors and in colorectal cancer (CRC), to detect any possible association with the clinicopathological features and to determine the prognostic significance of the p16 gene in the tumors analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS The hypermethylation of the p16 promoter was prospectively analyzed, by MSP, in a consecutive series of 64 locally advanced LSCC patients, in a consecutive series of 33 SG tumor patients and in a consecutive series of 66 sporadic CRC patients. RESULTS Hypermethylation was observed in 9% of the LSCC cases, in all cases of SG cancer and in 21% of the CRC cases. No significant association was observed between p16 hypermethylation and clinicopathological variables in all the tissue samples analyzed. Moreover at univariate analysis p16 mutations were not independently related at disease relapse and death in LSCC and CRC. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that the lack of p16 function could happen in advanced stage of SG tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Agnese
- Section of Medical Oncology, Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical and Oncology, Section of General Surgery, Department of Human Pathology, Università di Palermo
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Gschwendtner E, Pardons A, Bruno L, Clement M, Efthymiopoulos I, Elsener K, Meddahi M, Rangod S, Vincke H, Yasuda O, Mondal N, Ohmori C. First Operational Experience Of The CNGS Facility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1063/1.2898946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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40
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Russo A, Calò V, Augello C, Bruno L, Agnese V, Schirò V, Barbera F, Cascio S, Foddai E, Badalamenti G, Intrivici C, Cajozzo M, Gulotta G, Surmacz E, Colucci G, Gebbia N, Bazan V. 4843delC of the BRCA1 gene is a possible founder mutation in Southern Italy (Sicily). Ann Oncol 2007; 18 Suppl 6:vi99-102. [PMID: 17591844 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdm235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency and the type of BRCA1 mutations vary widely and might have different geographic and ethnic distribution. Most of these alterations are generally found in isolated populations as a consequence of the founder effect. The object of this study was to determine whether 4843delC, a deleterious mutation of the BRCA1 gene, might be due to a founder effect originating in the Sicilian region of Italy. This mutation was described by us for the first time and identified in two unrelated Sicilian families with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. The two families were from the same geographical area (south-western area of Palermo, Sicily). The homogeneity of the ethnic group of the two families and the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) analysis of probands led us to perform a study of the allelotype of the various members. PATIENTS AND METHODS The analysis of the haplotype of the probands and of several family members was conducted by means of a study of the highly polymorphic microsatellites within or flanking the BRCA1 gene. RESULTS This analysis revealed the presence of a common allele associated with the mutation. CONCLUSIONS We therefore conclude that 4843delC of the BRCA1 gene is a possible founder mutation in the Sicilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Russo
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Regional Reference Centre for the Biomolecular Characterization and Genetic Screening of Hereditary Tumors, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Lewis P, Abbeduto L, Murphy M, Richmond E, Giles N, Bruno L, Schroeder S, Anderson J, Orsmond G. Psychological well-being of mothers of youth with fragile X syndrome: syndrome specificity and within-syndrome variability. J Intellect Disabil Res 2006; 50:894-904. [PMID: 17100950 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00907.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on parental well-being has focused largely on Down syndrome and autism; however, fragile X syndrome is likely to pose different challenges for parents compared with these other diagnostic conditions. Moreover, there is considerable variability among youth with fragile X syndrome; for example, 25% to 33% of affected youth meet criteria for a co-morbid diagnosis of autism. It is likely that parents of youth with fragile X syndrome will experience different degrees and patterns of stress, depending on whether their offspring do or do not have a co-morbid diagnosis of autism. In the present study, we compared mothers of three groups of young males on measures of psychological well-being and stress: those with fragile X syndrome and a co-morbid diagnosis of autism; those with fragile X syndrome alone; and those with Down syndrome. METHOD The sample consisted of mothers of adolescent and young adult males with fragile X syndrome and co-morbid autism (n=9), fragile X syndrome alone (n=19), and Down syndrome (n=19). We screened all youth for autism using the Autism Behavior Checklist, which was completed by mothers, fathers and teachers, and the youth who scored above the suggested cut-off were evaluated by a licensed psychologist to determine autism status. The three groups of youth did not differ in chronological age (16.4, 15.8 and 16.0 years, respectively) or non-verbal mental age (3.8, 3.9 and 3.8 years, respectively). Several self-report measures were completed by mothers. These measures assessed current mental health status (e.g. the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), perceptions of their son's and family's functioning (e.g. the Positive Affect Index, which measures closeness felt by the mother to her son and also reciprocated closeness felt by the son towards the mother, as perceived by the mother), and approach to coping with their son's disability [e.g. the Multidimensional Coping Inventory (COPE), which measures emotion-focused and problem-solving focused coping]. RESULTS The results suggest that fragile X syndrome creates more challenges to maternal psychological well-being than Down syndrome, and that the combination of fragile X syndrome and autism can be particularly challenging. Differences among groups, however, were manifested mainly as concerns about the affected son and about relationships within the family rather than as lower levels of mental health. Thus, mothers of sons with fragile X syndrome, regardless of the son's autism status, reported more pessimism about the son's future and more conflict within the family than mothers of sons with Down syndrome. Additionally, mothers of sons with fragile X syndrome and co-morbid autism reported lower levels of reciprocated closeness than the other two groups of mothers. CONCLUSION We consider possible causes of these maternal differences, the implications for clinical practice, needs for future research, and the importance of understanding child and contextual factors as well as the dynamics leading to these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA.
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Lewis P, Abbeduto L, Murphy M, Richmond E, Giles N, Bruno L, Schroeder S. Cognitive, language and social-cognitive skills of individuals with fragile X syndrome with and without autism. J Intellect Disabil Res 2006; 50:532-45. [PMID: 16774638 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00803.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether those with co-morbid fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism represent a distinct subtype of FXS; whether the especially severe cognitive delays seen in studies of young children with co-morbid FXS and autism compared with those with only FXS continue into adolescence and young adulthood; and whether autism in those with FXS is 'true autism', i.e. reflects the same underlying problems as idiopathic autism. METHOD We compared the non-verbal IQ of adolescents and young adults with co-morbid FXS and autism (n = 10) with those with only FXS (n = 44). We then created a subsample of those with FXS only, matched on non-verbal IQ, mental age and gender (n = 21) to the subsample of those with co-morbid FXS and autism. We compared the two groups on measures of expressive language, receptive language (lexical, grammatical morphology and syntactic patterns), and a theory of mind task. RESULTS Those with co-morbid FXS and autism had lower non-verbal IQs than those with only FXS. The participants with co-morbid FXS and autism did not perform as well as the cognitive ability- and gender-matched participants with only FXS on the three measures of receptive language or the theory of mind task; there were no differences on the expressive language measure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the notion that those with co-morbid FXS and autism represent a distinct subtype of FXS, with more impairment in receptive language and theory of mind even when controlling for their lower non-verbal IQ relative to those with only FXS. The greater cognitive impairments observed in those with co-morbid FXS and autism continues into adolescence and young adulthood; and the autism seen in those with FXS appears to be the same as idiopathic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis
- Waisman Center University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Prieto L, Gutiérrez V, Colás C, Tabar A, Pérez-Francés C, Bruno L, Uixera S. Effect of omalizumab on adenosine 5'-monophosphate responsiveness in subjects with allergic asthma. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005; 139:122-31. [PMID: 16374021 DOI: 10.1159/000090387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of omalizumab on bronchoconstriction induced by methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). METHODS Thirty-four subjects with mild to moderate allergic asthma were randomized to receive placebo (n = 16) or omalizumab (n = 18) subcutaneously during 12 weeks. Airway responsiveness to AMP was measured at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, whereas the response to methacholine was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS After 4 weeks of treatment, the increase in AMP PC(20) (provocative concentration required to produce a 20% fall in FEV(1)) was significantly greater in the omalizumab group than in the placebo group, the mean difference in the change between the groups being 1.52 doubling concentrations (95% CI, 0.25-2.79, p = 0.02). Compared with baseline, the mean AMP PC(20) values at 12 weeks were increased by 1.91 doubling concentrations with omalizumab (p < 0.001) and 1.01 doubling concentrations with placebo (p = 0.16), but changes were not significantly different between the treatment groups. Changes in methacholine PC(20) values were not significantly different between the omalizumab and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS In subjects with allergic asthma, omalizumab reduces the response to AMP without decreasing the response to methacholine. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that the contribution of IgE to the development of AMP bronchoconstriction is more important than their role in the induction of methacholine hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Prieto
- Sección de Alergología, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain.
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Prieto L, Seijas T, Gutiérrez V, Uixera S, Bruno L, López R. Exhaled nitric oxide levels and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate in subjects with nasal polyposis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2004; 134:303-9. [PMID: 15205562 DOI: 10.1159/000079168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 04/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely appreciated that asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways associated with airway hyperresponsiveness, and that nasal polyposis and asthma are related diseases. The objective of this study was to determine differences in exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) levels and airway responsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) between nonasthmatic patients with nasal polyposis and healthy controls. METHODS Twenty patients without asthma with nasal polyposis and 16 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Participants were challenged with increasing concentrations of AMP and methacholine. ENO was measured with the single-exhalation method. RESULTS Bronchoconstriction in response to AMP was detected in 7 (35%) subjects with nasal polyposis. The geometric mean (95% CI) of ENO for subjects with nasal polyposis was 33.1 parts per billion (ppb) (24.0-45.7 ppb) compared with 12.3 ppb (8.5-18.2 ppb) for the healthy controls (p = 0.0002). ENO values were significantly higher in atopic than in nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis [51.3 ppb (32.3-83.2 ppb) vs. 24.5 ppb (16.2-37.1 ppb), p = 0.02]. Nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis also had higher concentrations of ENO than healthy control subjects (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Inhaled AMP causes airway narrowing in a significantly higher proportion of nonasthmatic subjects with nasal polyposis than in healthy controls. Furthermore, increased concentrations of ENO are detected in atopic and nonatopic subjects with nasal polyposis. These results suggest that bronchial inflammation is present in nonasthmatic subjects with nasal polyposis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Prieto
- Sección de Alergología, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
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Bruno L, Calvo A, Ippolito I. Dispersive flow of disks through a two-dimensional Galton board. Eur Phys J E Soft Matter 2003; 11:131-140. [PMID: 15011053 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2002-10152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2002] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We report here an experimental and numerical study of the flow properties of disks driven by gravity through a hexagonal lattice of obstacles, i.e. a Galton board. During the fall, particles experience dissipative collisions that scatter them in random directions. A driven-diffusion regime can be achieved under certain conditions. A characteristic length of the motion and its dependence on geometrical parameters of the system is analyzed in the steady regime. The influence of collective effects on the dispersion process is investigated by comparison between single- and many-particle flows. The characterization of the dynamics and the diffusive properties of the flow in a system like a Galton board can be expanded to other granular systems, particularly static solid particle mixers and will give some insight in understanding granular mixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- Groupe Matière Condensée et Matériaux (UMR CNRS 6626), Université de Rennes I, Bât 11A, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
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Abstract
The association of recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI) and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) has been considered to be due to a probable contiguous gene defect. However, there are several reports of patients with large deletions on both sides of the steroid sulphatase gene (responsible for RXL1) that show no signs of HPS. We report the third pedigree wherein RXL1 was associated with HPS. Apart from the proband, both diseases showed themselves as independent events in the family tree with ichthyosis present in two other individuals and HPS in three other relatives. We calculated the probability that both diseases occurred simultaneously in the index case as a chance occurrence as 1 : 40 (using the Independence principle of probability). We conclude that in our pedigree it is likely that these two rare diseases show an accidental and not a true genetic association.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- Medicina de Familia, Hospital Diego Paroissien, Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina
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Prieto L, Gutiérrez V, Uixera S, Bruno L. Concentrations of exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatics and subjects with allergic rhinitis sensitized to the same pollen allergen. Clin Exp Allergy 2002; 32:1728-33. [PMID: 12653163 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2002.01546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have reported that the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) in asthmatics are similar to those in subjects with allergic rhinitis, and it has been postulated that atopic status might be the determinant of enhanced nitric oxide production in asthma. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine differences in ENO levels between asthmatics and subjects with allergic rhinitis sensitized to the same allergen, and to correlate these levels with airway responsiveness. METHODS Nineteen patients with asthma and 18 subjects with allergic rhinitis monosensitized to Parietaria pollen were enrolled in the study. ENO values and airway responsiveness to methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) were measured during the pollen season. The response to each bronchoconstrictor agent was measured by the provocative concentration required to produce a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20). ENO was measured with the single-exhalation method. RESULTS The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) ENO values were significantly higher in asthmatics than in subjects with allergic rhinitis: 72.4p.p.b. (54.9-93.3p.p.b) vs. 44.7p.p.b. (30.9-64.6p.p.b., P = 0.03). In asthmatics, a significant correlation was found between ENO and PC20 AMP values (p = -0.57, P=0.02), whereas no correlation was detected between ENO and PC20 methacholine (p = -0.35, P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that atopy is not the only determinant of increased ENO levels detected in subjects with asthma, and that responsiveness to AMP may be a more sensitive marker for assessing airway inflammation in asthma compared to methacholine.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Prieto
- Sección de Alergología, Hospital Universitario Dr Peset, Valencia, Spain.
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Beghetto E, Pucci A, Minenkova O, Spadoni A, Bruno L, Buffolano W, Soldati D, Felici F, Gargano N. Identification of a human immunodominant B-cell epitope within the GRA1 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii by phage display of cDNA libraries. Int J Parasitol 2001; 31:1659-68. [PMID: 11730793 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Excreted secreted antigens of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii play a key role in stimulating the host immune system during acute and chronic infection. With the aim of identifying the immunodominant epitopes of T. gondii antigens involved in the human B-cell response against the parasite, we employed a novel immunological approach. A library of cDNA fragments from T. gondii tachyzoites was displayed as fusion proteins to the amino-terminus of lambda bacteriophage capsid protein D. The lambda D-tachyzoite library was then affinity-selected by using a panel of sera of pregnant women, all infected with the parasite. Some of the clones identified through this procedure matched the sequence of the dense granule GRA1 protein (p24), allowing us to identify its antigenic regions. In particular, the analysis of human antibody response against the recombinant GRA1 antigen fragments revealed the existence of an immunodominant epitope (epi-24 peptide).
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Arata M, Bruno L, Pastorale C, Pagliero F, Basabe JC. Effect of modified diabetic splenocytes on mice injected with splenocytes from multiple low-dose streptozotocin diabetic donors. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2001; 226:898-905. [PMID: 11682695 DOI: 10.1177/153537020122601004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Etiological agents of autoimmune processes that have been made nonvirulent by several treatments, i.e., mitomycin C (Mit C), can be used as a vaccine to protect against disease. In this work we studied the effects of splenocytes from diabetic mice on animals that had been injected with modified splenocytes (Mit C-treated splenocytes from multiple low-dose streptozotocin [mld-sz] mice) 15 days before. Splenocytes from mld-sz diabetic donors altered i.p. glucose tolerance and the first peak of insulin secretion pattern when injected into normal singeneic recipients. These effects can be prevented partially (one injection in a vaccine form) or completely (two injections with a 15-day interval) by a previous injection of Mit C-treated mononuclear splenocytes (MS) from mld-sz mice. The fact that control splenocytes previously treated with Mit C were not able to achieve similar results indicates that donor splenocytes have to be diabetic to prevent the disease. On the other hand, Mit C-treated diabetic MS were not effective in preventing the alterations in glucose tolerance and in the pattern of insulin secretion when injected into athymic mice. This suggests that the preventive effect of Mit C-treated diabetic MS injection also implies an active role of the T cells from the recipient mice. Mit C-treated diabetic splenocytes are preferentially trapped by the pancreas and the lymph nodes from recipient mice. Our results show that the impairment in glucose tolerance and in the insulin secretion pattern produced by diabetic splenocyte transfer can be prevented by one or two previous injections of Mit C-modified diabetic splenocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Arata
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Gallo 1360, (1425), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bruno L, Seidl T, Lanzavecchia A. Mouse pre-immunocytes as non-proliferating multipotent precursors of macrophages, interferon-producing cells, CD8alpha(+) and CD8alpha(-) dendritic cells. Eur J Immunol 2001; 31:3403-12. [PMID: 11745359 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200111)31:11<3403::aid-immu3403>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this study we characterize in mouse bone marrow and peripheral blood a homogeneous cell subset expressing Ly6C, CD31 and CD11c, that can give rise to multiple cell types involved in the immune response. Under the aegis of M-CSF or GM-CSF these cells rapidly differentiate without division to either macrophages or immature dendritic cells, which can be further induced to mature by LPS stimulation. In fetal thymic organ cultures the same cells generate both CD8alpha(+) and CD8alpha(-) dendritic cells in comparable proportion as found in normal thymus. The Ly6C(+), CD31(+) and CD11c(+) cells express not only TLR2 and TLR4, which are characteristic of myeloid dendritic cells, but also TLR7 and TLR9, which conversely are characteristic of human interferon-producing cells. Moreover, following stimulation with influenza virus, they rapidly express high levels of IFN-alpha mRNA. Finally these precursors are increased in bone marrow and peripheral blood during systemic inflammation. These cells are defined as "pre-immunocytes" to underline the fact that they serve in a flexible fashion multiple, and often divergent, functions required for the immune response to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bruno
- Basel Institute for Immunology, Basel, Switzerland.
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