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Petretto GL, Vacca G, Addis R, Pintore G, Nieddu M, Piras F, Sogos V, Fancello F, Zara S, Rosa A. Waste Citrus limon Leaves as Source of Essential Oil Rich in Limonene and Citral: Chemical Characterization, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties, and Effects on Cancer Cell Viability. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1238. [PMID: 37371968 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated chemical composition, cytotoxicity in normal and cancer cells, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the essential oil (EO) isolated by hydrodistillation from the discarded leaves of lemon (Citrus limon) plants cultivated in Sardinia (Italy). The volatile chemical composition of lemon leaf EO (LLEO) was analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with flame ionization detection (GC/MS and GC/FID). The most abundant component of LLEO was limonene (260.7 mg/mL), followed by geranial (102.6 mg/mL) and neral (88.3 mg/mL). The antimicrobial activity of LLEO was tested using eight bacterial strains and two types of yeasts by a microdilution broth test. Candida albicans showed the greatest susceptibility (MIC = 0.625 μL/mL) and Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were inhibited at low LLEO concentration (MIC values from 2.5 to 5 μL/mL). The C. limon leaf EO displayed radical scavenging ability (IC50 value of 10.24 mg/mL) in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate (DPPH) assay. Furthermore, the LLEO impact on cell viability was explored by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in cancer HeLa cells, A375 melanoma cell line, normal fibroblasts (3T3 cells), and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). LLEO, at 24 h of incubation, significantly reduced viability from 25 μM in Hela cells (33% reduction) and A375 cells (27%), greatly affecting cell morphology, whereas this effect was found from 50 μM on 3T3 fibroblasts and keratinocytes. LLEO's pro-oxidant effect was also established in HeLa cells by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Luigi Petretto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vacca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberta Addis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pintore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Franca Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Francesco Fancello
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Severino Zara
- Department of Agriculture, University of Sassari, Viale Italia, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Pitzanti G, Pireddu R, Lai F, Cardia MC. Impact of solid lipid nanoparticles on 3T3 fibroblasts viability and lipid profile: The effect of curcumin and resveratrol loading. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:272-286. [PMID: 35978497 PMCID: PMC10087382 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on the impact in 3T3 fibroblasts of several types of empty and curcumin- and resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on cell viability and lipid metabolism in relation to their lipid content and encapsulated drug. SLN, prepared by hot homogenization/ultrasonication, were characterized with respect to size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Compritol® 888 ATO at different concentrations (4%, 5%, and 6% wt/wt) was chosen as lipid matrix while Poloxamer 188 (from 2.2% to 3.3% wt/wt) and Transcutol (TRC; 2% or 4%) were added as nanoparticle excipients. Prepared SLN were able to encapsulate high drug amount (encapsulation efficiency percentage of about 97-99%). All empty SLN did not show cytotoxicity (by MTT assay, at 24 h of incubation) in 3T3 cells independently of the lipid and TRC amount, while a viability reduction in the range 5-11% and 12-27% was observed in 3T3 cells treated with curcumin-loaded and resveratrol-loaded SLN, respectively. SLN without TRC did not affect cell lipid metabolism, independently from the lipid content. Empty and loaded SLN formulated with 4% of Compritol and 4% of TRC significantly affected, after 24 h of incubation at the dose of 5 μl/ml, cell polar lipids (phospholipids and free cholesterol) and fatty acid profile, with respect to control cells. Loaded compounds significantly modulated the impact of the corresponding empty formulation on cell lipids. Therefore, the combined impact on lipid metabolism of SLN and loaded drug should be taken in consideration in the evaluation of the toxicity, potential application, and therapeutic effects of new formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Pitzanti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Pollastro F, Piras C. Fatty Acid Ratios as Parameters to Discriminate Between Normal and Tumoral Cells and Compare Drug Treatments in Cancer Cells. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.202200128] [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: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria SS 554, Km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria SS 554, Km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Eastern Piedmont Largo Donegani 2 Novara 28100 Italy
- PlantaChem Srls via Amico Canobio 4/6 Novara 28100 Italy
| | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria SS 554, Km 4.5 Monserrato, Cagliari 09042 Italy
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Salamone S, Aiello N, Fusani P, Rosa A, Nieddu M, Appendino G, Pollastro F. Non-Volatile Terpenoids and Lipophilic Flavonoids from Achillea erba-rotta Subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson. Plants (Basel) 2023; 12:402. [PMID: 36679115 PMCID: PMC9866263 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Musk yarrow (Achillea erba-rotta subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson) is endemic to the Central Alps, and is used to flavour alcoholic beverages. Despite its popularity as aromatizing agent and its alleged beneficial effects on digestion, the phytochemical profile of the plant is still largely unknown and undiscovered. As a consequence, its authentication in aromatized products is impossible beyond sensory analysis allowing forgery. To address these issues, we phytochemically characterized a sample of musk yarrow from the Italian Eastern Alps, identifying, in addition to widespread phytochemicals (taraxasterol, apigenin), the guaianolides 3, 8, 9; the seco-caryophyllane 6; and the polymethoxylated lipophilic flavonoids 1, 4, and 5. The flavonoid xanthomicrol 1, a major constituent of the plant, was cytotoxic to HeLa cells, but only modestly affected primary 3T3 fibroblasts. On account of their stability, detectability by UV absorption, and concentration, the oxygenated flavonoids qualify as markers to validate the supply chain of the plant growers to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salamone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem S.r.l.s., Via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola Aiello
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Piazza Nicolini 6, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Pietro Fusani
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, Piazza Nicolini 6, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Guido Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
- PlantaChem S.r.l.s., Via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Rosa A, Isola R, Pollastro F, Nieddu M. Effect of the natural polymethoxylated flavone artemetin on lipid oxidation and its impact on cancer cell viability and lipids. Fitoterapia 2021; 156:105102. [PMID: 34921927 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2021.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The biochemical class of the polymethoxylated flavonoids represents uncommon phenolic compounds in plants presenting a more marked lipophilic behavior due to the alkylation of its hydroxylic groups. As a polymethoxylated flavone, which concerns a different bioavailability, artemetin (ART) has been examined in vitro against lipid oxidation and its impact on cancer cells has been explored. Despite this flavone only exerted a slight protection against in vitro fatty acid and cholesterol oxidative degradation, ART significantly reduced viability and modulated lipid profile in cancer Hela cells at the dose range 10-50 μM after 72 h of incubation. It induced marked changes in the monounsaturated/saturated phospholipid class, significant decreased the levels of palmitic, oleic and palmitoleic acids, maybe involving an inhibitory effect on de novo lipogenesis and desaturation in cancer cells. Moreover, ART compromised normal mitochondrial function, inducing a noteworthy mitochondrial membrane polarization in cancer cells. A dose-dependent absorption of ART was evidenced in HeLa cell pellets (15.2% of the applied amount at 50 μM), coupled to a marked increase in membrane fluidity, as indicate by the dose-dependent fluorescent Nile Red staining (red emissions). Our results validate the ART role as modulatory agent on cancer cell physiology, especially impacting viability, lipid metabolism, cell fluidity, and mitochondrial potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Isola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy; PlantaChem Srls, via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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Salamone S, Nieddu M, Khalili A, Sansaro A, Bombardelli E, Rosa A, Pollastro F. Effects of quercetin and artemetin prenylation on bioavailability and bioactivity. Chem Phys Lipids 2021; 240:105137. [PMID: 34529978 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2021.105137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Flavonoids are a huge class of polyphenolic compounds ubiquitous in higher plants, in most food and beverages of natural origin. They could be considered as dietary phenols, which exert many health-promoting effects on human and animal physiology with a wide range of biomedical and nutritional functions such as activation or inhibition of enzymes like lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, the detoxification of carcinogens and chemoprevention. From a chemical point of view, these aromatic compounds can be divided in six subgroups depending on the position of aromatic B ring on C ring, the degree of unsaturation and oxidation, the position of hydroxyl groups and their functionalization. Between flavonoids, the prenylated ones represent a unique class occurring in nature where the C-prenylation is the most common, whereas O-prenylation is rarely present. The presence of this lipophilic functional group in different positions on the scaffold of flavonoids can sometimes lead to relevant changes in their biological activity due to an increased bioavailability. Capitalizing on the restricted incidence in nature of prenylated flavonoids, we have assessed the synthesis of C- and O-prenylated derivatives starting from two flavonoids, quercetin and artemetin, aimed at the exploration of structure-activity relationships. Results showed that prenylation significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of flavonoids in cancer HeLa cells, also improving their capacity to affect cell phospholipid and fatty acid composition. A marked cell bioavailability increase was demonstrated for the artemetin C-prenylated derivative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Salamone
- Dip. Di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, l̥Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Dip. di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, l̥SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Adil Khalili
- Dip. Di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, l̥Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansaro
- Dip. Di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, l̥Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | | | - Antonella Rosa
- Dip. di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, l̥SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Federica Pollastro
- Dip. Di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale, l̥Largo Donegani 2/3, 28100 Novara, Italy; PlantaChem S.R.L.S., l̥via Amico Canobio 4/6, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Rosa A, Isola R, Pollastro F, Caria P, Appendino G, Nieddu M. The dietary flavonoid eupatilin attenuates in vitro lipid peroxidation and targets lipid profile in cancer HeLa cells. Food Funct 2021; 11:5179-5191. [PMID: 32436500 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00777c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eupatilin is a dietary flavonoid isolated from the alpine wormwoods, used for the genepy liqueur production. This flavone protects cells and tissues against oxidative stress and targets cancer cells, inducing cytotoxicity, cell circle arrest, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study examines the EUP in vitro antioxidant effects on cholesterol and phospholipid membrane oxidation and explores its ability to modulate the cancer cell lipid profile. This flavone remarkably protected fatty acids and cholesterol against oxidative degradation by scavenging lipoperoxyl radicals. EUP (24 h of incubation) significantly reduced viability and modulated the total lipid and fatty acid profiles in cancer HeLa cells. It induced marked changes in the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio, significant decreases in the levels of oleic and palmitic acids and a marked increase of stearic acid, involving an inhibitory effect on de novo lipogenesis and desaturation in cancer cells. Moreover, a noteworthy mitochondrial membrane depolarization, signs of apoptosis, abnormal mitosis with multi-nucleation (mitotic catastrophe) and morphological alterations were observed in cancer EUP-treated cells. Our results validate the EUP role as antioxidant agent for the treatment/prevention of disorders implicating a membrane lipid oxidative damage and substantiate cell lipid metabolism as another possible target of this dietary natural flavonoid in cancer HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Km 4.5 SS 554, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - R Isola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Km 4.5 SS 554, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - F Pollastro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - P Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Km 4.5 SS 554, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - G Appendino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - M Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Km 4.5 SS 554, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Shaghayegh Alavi S, Hadi Razavi S, Khodaiyan F, Cristina Cardia M, Lai F, Valenti D, Pini E, Rosa A, Nieddu M, Fadda AM. Proniosomal Formulation Encapsulating Pomegranate Peel Extract for Nutraceutical Applications. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2907-2916. [PMID: 33653457 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, pomegranate peel as a traditional natural remedy was extracted and encapsulated in proniosomal systems in order to improve its stability against harsh environmental conditions. Pomegranate peel was extracted by using sonication as a green extraction technology and the antioxidant activity of the obtained extract was evaluated to be 85.37% by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Proniosomal powder was prepared based on the slurry method with a mixture of non-ionic surfactants namely span 60 and tween 20 in combination with cholesterol as a bilayer stabilizer. Proniosome-derived niosomes were achieved by hydration of the powder with water. The obtained vesicles were evaluated for their particle size, morphological observations, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity assay, DPPH antioxidant activity and, physical stability at 4 °C for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the proniosome-derived niosomes were of small size (198.16 nm for unloaded and 411.3 for extract loaded), quite homogeneous (PDI = 0.188 for unloaded and 0.216 for loaded) with highly negative charged spherical vesicles and showed appropriate physical stability during the time of storage. The encapsulation efficiency was 68.43±0.24% and the cytotoxicity assay proved that the formulations were not toxic against 3T3 fibroblast cells in the applied concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Shaghayegh Alavi
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Seyed Hadi Razavi
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Faramarz Khodaiyan
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science-Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini," Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Masala C, Marincola FC, Porcedda S, Piras A. Waste salt from the manufacturing process of mullet bottarga as source of oil with nutritional and nutraceutical properties. J Sci Food Agric 2020; 100:5363-5372. [PMID: 32542835 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sardinian food delicacy 'bottarga' is the final product of a number of treatments (salting and drying) on the ovaries of mullet (Mugil spp) and represents an important natural source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) with nutraceutical properties. During the salting process of mullet roes to obtain bottarga, huge amounts of waste salt are generated, rich in residual ovary material. RESULTS We evaluated the lipid composition (main lipid components and fatty acids) and bioactivity of oil obtained from the ovary material separated from waste salt (waste salt oil). Oil was obtained by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ), an environmentally friendly separation technique. The lipid composition of waste salt oil was determined by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C-NMR) spectroscopy and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD) chromatography. The oil was characterized by a relatively high level of n-3 PUFA (122 ± 7 g kg-1 of oil), and these beneficial health compounds were mainly present in the form of wax esters. Waste salt oil showed a marked cytotoxic effect [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] in cancer B16F10 melanoma cells, with a slight cytotoxic effect in normal cells (3T3 fibroblasts). Waste salt and its derivatives (salt oil and residual material after oil extraction) were also tested for the attractant effect and acceptability to insects (Ceratitis capitata) to gain preliminary information about their potential application for animal supplementation. CONCLUSION The results qualify waste salt as a potential resource for veterinary dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Flaminia Cesare Marincola
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Italy
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Squassina A, Manchia M, Pisanu C, Ardau R, Arzedi C, Bocchetta A, Caria P, Cocco C, Congiu D, Cossu E, Dettori T, Frau DV, Garzilli M, Manca E, Meloni A, Montis MA, Mura A, Nieddu M, Noli B, Paribello P, Pinna F, Robledo R, Severino G, Sogos V, Del Zompo M, Ferri GL, Chillotti C, Vanni R, Carpiniello B. Telomere attrition and inflammatory load in severe psychiatric disorders and in response to psychotropic medications. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:2229-2238. [PMID: 32919410 PMCID: PMC7784910 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. At the biological level, patients with these disorders present features that suggest the involvement of accelerated aging, such as increased circulating inflammatory markers and shorter telomere length (TL). To date, the role of the interplay between inflammation and telomere dynamics in the pathophysiology of severe psychiatric disorders has been scarcely investigated. In this study we measured T-lymphocytes TL with quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) and plasma levels of inflammatory markers in a cohort comprised of 40 patients with bipolar disorder (BD), 41 with schizophrenia (SZ), 37 with major depressive disorder (MDD), and 36 non-psychiatric controls (NPC). TL was shorter in SZ and in MDD compared to NPC, while it was longer in BD (model F6, 137 = 20.128, p = 8.73 × 10-17, effect of diagnosis, F3 = 31.870; p = 1.08 × 10-15). There was no effect of the different classes of psychotropic medications, while duration of treatment with mood stabilizers was associated with longer TL (Partial correlation controlled for age and BMI: correlation coefficient = 0.451; p = 0.001). Levels of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) were higher in SZ compared to NPC (adjusted p = 0.027), and inversely correlated with TL in the whole sample (r = -0.180; p = 0.042). Compared to NPC, patients with treatment resistant (TR) SZ had shorter TL (p = 0.001), while patients with TR MDD had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) compared to NPC (p = 0.028) and to non-TR (p = 0.039). Comorbidity with cardio-metabolic disorders did not influence the observed differences in TL, hsCRP, and TNFα among the diagnostic groups. Our study suggests that patients with severe psychiatric disorders present reduced TL and increased inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ardau
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Arzedi
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Bocchetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cossu
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tinuccia Dettori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virginia Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Garzilli
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elias Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Montis
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Mura
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renato Robledo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Severino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Del Zompo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Caterina Chillotti
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Vanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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11
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Rosa A, Isola R, Nieddu M, Masala C. The Role of Lipid Composition in the Sensory Attributes and Acceptability of the Salted and Dried Mullet Roes (Bottarga): A Study in Human and Animal Models. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113454. [PMID: 33187182 PMCID: PMC7697620 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A taste component is implicated in the oro-sensory detection of dietary lipids and free fatty acids seem to be involved in fatty food recognition. Bottarga, the salted and semi-dried ovary product of mullet (Mugil spp.), is a rich-fat food. A comparative sensory assessment of different commercial bottarga samples was performed in insect and human models in relation to their lipid composition. The bottarga attractant effect to Ceratitis capitata was assessed by behavioral tests. The subjective odor and taste perception of bottarga samples was investigated in human determining the rate of pleasantness, familiarity, and intensity dimensions using the 7-points Likert-type scale. Bottarga samples showed similar lipid profiles, but differences emerged in total and free fatty acid levels. Significant differences were observed in the attractant effect/acceptability of samples to medflies, negatively correlated to their total and free fatty acids. Insect female exhibited the ability to select among bottarga samples based on their visual and olfactory properties. In the human model, a potential contribution of free fatty acid amount in the pleasantness and familiarity dimensions of taste of bottarga samples was evidenced. Women exhibited a greater ability than men to select bottarga samples based on their better olfactory perception. Our results increase the knowledge about this outstanding product with nutritional and nutraceutical properties.
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12
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Ben Attia I, Zucca P, Cesare Marincola F, Nieddu M, Piras A, Rosa A, Rescigno A, Chaieb M. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities on Cancer Cell Line of Extracts of Parasitic Plants Harvested in Tunisia. POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.31883/pjfns/122040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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13
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Pisanu C, Congiu D, Manchia M, Caria P, Cocco C, Dettori T, Frau DV, Manca E, Meloni A, Nieddu M, Noli B, Pinna F, Robledo R, Sogos V, Ferri GL, Carpiniello B, Vanni R, Bocchetta A, Severino G, Ardau R, Chillotti C, Zompo MD, Squassina A. Differences in telomere length between patients with bipolar disorder and controls are influenced by lithium treatment. Pharmacogenomics 2020; 21:533-540. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2020-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess the role of lithium treatment in the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL). Materials & methods: We compared LTL between 131 patients with BD, with or without a history of lithium treatment, and 336 controls. We tested the association between genetically determined LTL and BD in two large genome-wide association datasets. Results: Patients with BD with a history lithium treatment showed longer LTL compared with never-treated patients (p = 0.015), and similar LTL compared with controls. Patients never treated with lithium showed shorter LTL compared with controls (p = 0.029). Mendelian randomization analysis showed no association between BD and genetically determined LTL. Conclusion: Our data support previous findings showing that long-term lithium treatment might protect against telomere shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paola Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Tinuccia Dettori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Daniela Virginia Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Elias Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Renato Robledo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Roberta Vanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology & Genetics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Alberto Bocchetta
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Severino
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ardau
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Caterina Chillotti
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Maria Del Zompo
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, 09100, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, 09042, Italy
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14
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Fois B, Distinto S, Meleddu R, Deplano S, Maccioni E, Floris C, Rosa A, Nieddu M, Caboni P, Sissi C, Angeli A, Supuran CT, Cottiglia F. Coumarins from Magydaris pastinacea as inhibitors of the tumour-associated carbonic anhydrases IX and XII: isolation, biological studies and in silico evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:539-548. [PMID: 31948300 PMCID: PMC7006766 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1713114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In an in vitro screening for human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibiting agents from higher plants, the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of Magydaris pastinacea seeds selectively inhibited hCA IX and hCA XII isoforms. The phytochemical investigation of the extracts led to the isolation of ten linear furocoumarins (1-10), four simple coumarins (12-15) and a new angular dihydrofurocoumarin (11). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on 1 D and 2 D NMR, MS, and ECD data analysis. All isolated compounds were inactive towards the ubiquitous cytosolic isoform hCA I and II (Ki > 10,000 nM) while they were significantly active against the tumour-associated isoforms hCA IX and XII. Umbelliprenin was the most potent coumarin inhibiting hCA XII isoform with a Ki of 5.7 nM. The cytotoxicity of the most interesting compounds on HeLa cancer cells was also investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Fois
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Distinto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rita Meleddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Serenella Deplano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elias Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Costantino Floris
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Sissi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche e Nutraceutiche, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Filippo Cottiglia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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15
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Manchia M, Paribello P, Arzedi C, Bocchetta A, Caria P, Cocco C, Congiu D, Cossu E, Dettori T, Frau DV, Garzilli M, Manca E, Meloni A, Montis MA, Mura A, Nieddu M, Noli B, Pinna F, Pisanu C, Robledo R, Severino G, Sogos V, Chillotti C, Carpiniello B, Del Zompo M, Ferri GL, Vanni R, Squassina A. A multidisciplinary approach to mental illness: do inflammation, telomere length and microbiota form a loop? A protocol for a cross-sectional study on the complex relationship between inflammation, telomere length, gut microbiota and psychiatric disorders. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032513. [PMID: 31988227 PMCID: PMC7045141 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe psychiatric disorders are typically associated with a significant reduction in life expectancy compared with the general population. Among the different hypotheses formulated to explain this observation, accelerated ageing has been increasingly recognised as the main culprit. At the same time, telomere shortening is becoming widely accepted as a proxy molecular marker of ageing. The present study aims to fill a gap in the literature by better defining the complex interaction/s between inflammation, age-related comorbidities, telomere shortening and gut microbiota in psychiatric disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A cross-sectional study is proposed, recruiting 40 patients for each of three different diagnostic categories (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder) treated at the Section of Psychiatry and at the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology of the University Hospital Agency of Cagliari (Italy), compared with 40 age-matched and sex-matched non-psychiatric controls. Each group includes individuals suffering, or not, from age-related comorbidities, to account for the impact of these medical conditions on the biological make-up of recruited patients. The inflammatory state, microbiota composition and telomere length (TL) are assessed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Agency of Cagliari (PG/2018/11693, 5 September 2018). The study is conducted in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice and the Declaration of Helsinki, and in compliance with the relevant Italian national legislation. Written, informed consent is obtained from all participants. Participation in the study is on a voluntary basis only. Patients will be part of the dissemination phase of the study results, during which a local conference will be organised and families of patients will also be involved. Moreover, findings will be published in one or more research papers and presented at national and international conferences, in posters or oral communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Arzedi
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Bocchetta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Caria
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Cocco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cossu
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tinuccia Dettori
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela V Frau
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Garzilli
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elias Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria A Montis
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Mura
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Noli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renato Robledo
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Severino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Caterina Chillotti
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Del Zompo
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Ferri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NEF Laboratory, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Vanni
- Unit of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Rosa A, Caprioglio D, Isola R, Nieddu M, Appendino G, Falchi AM. Dietary zerumbone from shampoo ginger: new insights into its antioxidant and anticancer activity. Food Funct 2019; 10:1629-1642. [PMID: 30834410 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo02395f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The dietary sesquiterpene dienone zerumbone (ZER) selectively targets cancer cells, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, and protects non-cancerous cells towards oxidative stress and insult. This study examines the in vitro effects of ZER on lipid peroxidation in biological systems (cholesterol and phospholipid membrane oxidation) and explores its antitumor action in terms of its ability to modulate cancer cell lipid profile. Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of ZER showed that this compound is unable to trap lipoperoxyl radicals per se. ZER significantly modulated the total lipid and fatty acid profiles in cancer cells, inducing marked changes in the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio, with significant decreases in the levels of oleic and palmitic acids and a marked increase of stearic acid. Cell-based fluorescent measurements of intracellular membranes and lipid droplets using the Nile Red staining technique showed that in cancer cells, ZER induced significant accumulation of cytosolic lipid droplets and altered cell membrane organization/protein dynamics, depolarizing the mitochondrial membranes and inducing apoptosis and alteration of nuclear morphology. The modulatory activity of ZER on the total lipid and fatty acid profiles and lipid droplets may therefore represent another possible mechanism of its anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Km 4.5 SS 554, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Rosa A, Era B, Masala C, Nieddu M, Scano P, Fais A, Porcedda S, Piras A. Supercritical CO
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Extraction of Waste Citrus Seeds: Chemical Composition, Nutritional and Biological Properties of Edible Fixed Oils. EUR J LIPID SCI TECH 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201800502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Benedetta Era
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari09123 CagliariItaly
| | - Carla Masala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Paola Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Antonella Fais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari09123 CagliariItaly
| | - Silvia Porcedda
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
| | - Alessandra Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella UniversitariaSS 554, km 4.509042 Monserrato, CagliariItaly
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18
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Petretto GL, Sarais G. Chemical composition and in vitro bioactivity of essential oil obtained from the flavedo of ‘Pompia’, an ancient Sardinian fruit. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1606740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Sarais
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Schlich M, Fornasier M, Nieddu M, Sinico C, Murgia S, Rescigno A. 3-hydroxycoumarin loaded vesicles for recombinant human tyrosinase inhibition in topical applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 171:675-681. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Nieddu M, Robledo R, Mezzanotte R, Vacca GM, Pita M. Cytogenetic identity: A new parameter for estimating whole-genome differences. Gene Reports 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2018.04.005] [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: 10/17/2022]
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Rosa A, Atzeri A, Nieddu M, Appendino G. New insights into the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of arzanol and effect of methylation on its biological properties. Chem Phys Lipids 2017; 205:55-64. [PMID: 28476462 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The heterodimeric phloroglucinyl pyrone arzanol (Arz) has raised considerable interest because of its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. We have investigated the effect of methylation of the pyrone moiety on the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of Arz. This manoeuvre, that left the polyphenolic moiety unscathed, was nevertheless detrimental for antioxidant activity in both the cholesterol thermal degradation- and the Cu2+-induced liposome oxidation assays, providing evidence of structure-activity relationships that go beyond the preservation of the polyphenolic pharmacophore. The antioxidant activity of Arz was retained also in the Fe-NTA model of in vivo oxidative stress, with protective effect on the oxidative degradation of plasmatic lipids, unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Both Arz and methylarzanol (Me-Arz) were devoid of toxic effect on colonic differentiated Caco-2 cells up to 100μM, but significantly reduced cancer Caco-2 cell viability at lower dosages. Arz could also selectively reduce viability of other cancer cell lines, [murine melanoma cells (B16F10 cells), human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa cells)], suggesting that it can act as a selective modulator of cell processes typical of cancer cells. Taken together, our results qualify Arz as a lead structure for further in vivo investigation of its pharmacological potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Angela Atzeri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS 554, Km 4.5, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Appendino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Zucca P, Argiolas A, Nieddu M, Pintus M, Rosa A, Sanna F, Sollai F, Steri D, Rescigno A. Biological Activities and Nutraceutical Potentials of Water Extracts from Different Parts of Cynomorium coccineum L. (Maltese Mushroom). POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/pjfns-2016-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Rosa A, Piras A, Nieddu M, Putzu D, Cesare Marincola F, Falchi AM. Mugil cephalus roe oil obtained by supercritical fluid extraction affects the lipid profile and viability in cancer HeLa and B16F10 cells. Food Funct 2016; 7:4092-103. [DOI: 10.1039/c6fo00914j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We explored the changes in viability and lipid profile occurring in cancer cells, melanoma cells (B16F10 cells) and cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa cells), when exposed to an n-3 PUFA-rich oil obtained by SFE-CO2 extraction from Mugil cephalus processed roe (bottarga).
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - A. Piras
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - M. Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - D. Putzu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - F. Cesare Marincola
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - A. M. Falchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences
- University of Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- 09042 Monserrato
- Italy
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Nieddu M, Mezzanotte R, Pichiri G, Coni PP, Dedola GL, Dettori ML, Pazzola M, Vacca GM, Robledo R. Evolution of satellite DNA sequences in two tribes of Bovidae: A cautionary tale. Genet Mol Biol 2015; 38:513-8. [PMID: 26692159 PMCID: PMC4763316 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-475738420150094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Two clones, Bt1 from Bos taurus and Om1 from Ovis orientalis
musimon, were used as probes for hybridization on genomic DNA and on
metaphase chromosomes in members of Bovini and Caprini tribes. Bt1 and Om1 are
sequences respectively belonging to the 1.715 and 1.714 DNA satellite I families.
Southern blots and fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments
showed completely coherent results: the Bovini probe Bt1 hybridized only to members
of the Bovini tribe and not to members of Caprini. Likewise, the Caprini probe Om1
hybridized only to members of the Caprini tribe and not to members of Bovini.
Hybridization signals were detected in the heterochromatic regions of every
acrocentric autosome, except for two pairs of autosomes from Capra
hircus that did not show hybridization to probe Om1. No signal was
detected on X and Y chromosomes or on bi-armed autosomes. Remarkably, probe Om1
showed almost 100% homology with a bacterial sequence reported in
Helicobacter pylori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Mezzanotte
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Coni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Dedola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Michele Pazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Renato Robledo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Zucca P, Pintus M, Manzo G, Nieddu M, Steri D, Rinaldi AC. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties of extracts of the Mediterranean parasitic plant Cytinus hypocistis. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:562. [PMID: 26462912 PMCID: PMC4603636 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytinus is an endophytic parasitic plant occurring in South Africa, Madagascar, and in the Mediterranean region. We have extracted the inflorescences (the only visible part of the plant, emerging from the host roots at the time of blossom) of Cytinus hypocistis collected in Sardinia, Italy, and explored the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and cytotoxic activities of the extracts. Methods Extracts from C. hypocistis were prepared using increasing polarity solvents: cyclohexane, ethanol, and water. Phenolic composition were determined through spectrophotometric assays, and antioxidant activity with both electron-transfer and hydrogen-atom assays. Nine different bacterial strains, including clinical isolate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were used in agar diffusion method. Cytotoxicity was tested using against the B16F10 melanoma cell line. Results While cyclohexane extracts where biologically inactive, ethanolic and aqueous extracts displayed an intriguing activity against several Gram-positive bacterial strains, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and against the Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumanii. Compared to the conventional antibiotics like cloxacillin, ampicillin, and oxytetracycline, C.hypocistis extracts were less active in absolute terms, but displayed a wider spectrum (notably, cloxacillin and ampicillin were inactive against methicillin-resistant S. aureus). The ethanolic extract of C. hypocistis was found to be particularly rich in polyphenols, in most part hydrolysable tannins. The antioxidant activity of extracts, tested with several methodologies, resulted to be particularly high in the case of ethanolic extracts, in accordance with the composition in phenolics. In detail, ethanol extracts presented about a twofold higher activity than the water sample when tested through the oxygen radical absorbance capacity-pyrogallol red (ORAC-PYR) assay. Cytotoxicity analysis against the B16F10 melanoma cell line showed that both extracts have not significant cytotoxic effect, even at the highest dose (1000 µg/mL). Tests showed that ethanolic extracts also had the greatest tyrosinase inhibition activity, indicating that C. hypocistis-derived substances could find application in food formulations as anti-browning agents. Conclusions Overall, these results point to the need of further studies on C. hypocistis extracts, aimed at isolating and fully characterizing its biologically active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Zucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy. .,Consorzio UNO, Oristano, Italy.
| | - Manuela Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Manzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Daniela Steri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Andrea C Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Complesso Universitario, SP Monserrato-Sestu Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Briguglio I, Piras S, Corona P, Gavini E, Nieddu M, Boatto G, Carta A. Benzotriazole: An overview on its versatile biological behavior. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 97:612-48. [PMID: 25293580 PMCID: PMC7115563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Discovered in late 1960, azoles are heterocyclic compounds class which constitute the largest group of available antifungal drugs. Particularly, the imidazole ring is the chemical component that confers activity to azoles. Triazoles are obtained by a slight modification of this ring and similar or improved activities as well as less adverse effects are reported for triazole derivatives. Consequently, it is not surprising that benzimidazole/benzotriazole derivatives have been found to be biologically active. Since benzimidazole has been widely investigated, this review is focused on defining the place of benzotriazole derivatives in biomedical research, highlighting their versatile biological properties, the mode of action and Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) studies for a variety of antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and even antitumor, choleretic, cholesterol-lowering agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Briguglio
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - S Piras
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - P Corona
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - E Gavini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - M Nieddu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - G Boatto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Carta
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/A, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Ruocco LA, Treno C, Gironi Carnevale UA, Arra C, Boatto G, Pagano C, Tino A, Nieddu M, Michel M, Prikulis I, Carboni E, de Souza Silva MA, Huston JP, Sadile AG, Korth C. Immunization with DISC1 protein in an animal model of ADHD influences behavior and excitatory amino acids in prefrontal cortex and striatum. Amino Acids 2015; 47:637-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1897-6] [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] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Rassu G, Nieddu M, Bosi P, Trevisi P, Colombo M, Priori D, Manconi P, Giunchedi P, Gavini E, Boatto G. Encapsulation and modified-release of thymol from oral microparticles as adjuvant or substitute to current medications. Phytomedicine 2014; 21:1627-1632. [PMID: 25442269 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to encapsulate, thymol, in natural polymers in order to obtain (i) taste masking effect and, then, enhancing its palatability and (ii) two formulations for systemic and local delivery of herbal drug as adjuvants or substitutes to current medications to prevent and treat several human and animal diseases. Microspheres based on methylcellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) were prepared by spray drying technique. Microparticles were in vitro characterized in terms of yield of production, drug content and encapsulation efficiency, particle size, morphology and drug release. Both formulations were in vivo orally administered and pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out. The polymers used affect the release and, then, the pharmacokinetic profile of thymol. Encapsulation into methylcellulose microspheres leads to short half/life but bioavailability remarkably increases compared to the free thymol. In contrast, enteric formulation based on HPMCP shows very limited systemic absorption. These formulations could be proposed as alternative or adjuvants for controlling pathogen infections in human or animal. In particular, methylcellulose microspheres can be used for thymol systemic administration at low doses and HPMCP particles for local treatment of intestinal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rassu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - M Nieddu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - P Bosi
- Department of Agri-Food Science and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - P Trevisi
- Department of Agri-Food Science and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - M Colombo
- Department of Agri-Food Science and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - D Priori
- Department of Agri-Food Science and Technologies (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - P Manconi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - P Giunchedi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - E Gavini
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - G Boatto
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Abstract
The thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) has been widely used to make sister chromatid differentiation (SCD) evident in metaphase chromosomes of cells grown for two cycles in BrdU and, thus, containing varying amounts of the thymidine analogue. A direct consequence was the possibility of making sister chromatid exchange (SCE) evident without using autoradiographic procedures. The latter phenomenon was first discovered in 1953, and its frequency is considered a reliable marker of pathological cell situations, as well as an indicator of mutagenic compounds. Several experimental procedures were found which produced SCD, such as the use of fluorochromes like 33258 Hoechst or acridine orange, whose observation under fluorescence microscopy was directly recorded by photos or stained with Giemsa to make chromosome preparations permanent. Other treatments followed by Giemsa staining required the use of saline hot solutions, acid solutions, nuclease attack and specific monoclonal antibodies. Basically two molecular mechanisms were invoked to explain the different affinity of Giemsa stain for differential BrdU-substituted chromatid DNA. The first implied debromination of chromatid DNA, whose occurrence would be greater in chromatids containing an amount of BrdU greater than that present in sister chromatids. The second mechanism, although not denying the importance of DNA debromination, postulated that chromatin structural organization, in terms of DNA-protein and/or protein-protein DNA interaction, is responsible for SCD production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mezzanotte
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Melis M, Atzori E, Cabras S, Zonza A, Calò C, Muroni P, Nieddu M, Padiglia A, Sogos V, Tepper BJ, Tomassini Barbarossa I. The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), as a mechanistic link between PROP tasting and fungiform taste papilla density and maintenance. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74151. [PMID: 24040192 PMCID: PMC3767652 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste sensitivity to PROP varies greatly among individuals and is associated with polymorphisms in the bitter receptor gene TAS2R38, and with differences in fungiform papilla density on the anterior tongue surface. Recently we showed that the PROP non-taster phenotype is strongly associated with the G variant of polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G) of the gene that controls the salivary trophic factor, gustin. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the role of gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G), in PROP sensitivity and fungiform papilla density and morphology, and 2) to investigate the effect of this gustin gene polymorphism on cell proliferation and metabolic activity. Sixty-four subjects were genotyped for both genes by PCR techniques, their PROP sensitivity was assessed by scaling and threshold methods, and their fungiform papilla density, diameter and morphology were determined. In vitro experiments examined cell proliferation and metabolic activity, following treatment with saliva of individuals with and without the gustin gene mutation, and with isolated protein, in the two iso-forms. Gustin and TAS2R38 genotypes were associated with PROP threshold (p=0.0001 and p=0.0042), but bitterness intensity was mostly determined by TAS2R38 genotypes (p<0.000001). Fungiform papillae densities were associated with both genotypes (p<0.014) (with a stronger effect for gustin; p=0.0006), but papilla morphology was a function of gustin alone (p<0.0012). Treatment of isolated cells with saliva from individuals with the AA form of gustin or direct application of the active iso-form of gustin protein increased cell proliferation and metabolic activity (p<0.0135). These novel findings suggest that the rs2274333 polymorphism of the gustin gene affects PROP sensitivity by acting on fungiform papilla development and maintenance, and could provide the first mechanistic explanation for why PROP super-tasters are more responsive to a broad range of oral stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Elena Atzori
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Stefano Cabras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Zonza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Carla Calò
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Patrizia Muroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessandra Padiglia
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Beverly J. Tepper
- Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Coluccia E, Pichiri G, Nieddu M, Coni P, Manconi S, Deiana AM, Salvadori S, Mezzanotte R. Identification of two new repetitive elements and chromosomal mapping of repetitive DNA sequences in the fish Gymnothorax unicolor (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae). Eur J Histochem 2011; 55:e12. [PMID: 22193293 PMCID: PMC3284148 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2011.e12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Muraenidae is a species-rich family, with relationships among genera and species and taxonomy that have not been completely clarified. Few cytogenetic studies have been conducted on this family, and all of them showed the same diploid chromosome number (2n=42) but with conspicuous karyotypic variation among species. The Mediterranean moray eel Gymnothorax unicolor was previously cytogenetically studied using classical techniques that allowed the characterization of its karyotype structure and the constitutive heterochromatin and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) distribution pattern. In the present study, we describe two new repetitive elements (called GuMboI and GuDdeI) obtained from restricted genomic DNA of G. unicolor that were characterized by Southern blot and physically localized by in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes. As they are highly repetitive DNA sequences, they map in heterochromatic regions. However, while GuDdeI was localized in the centromeric regions, the GuMboI fraction was distributed on some centromeres and was co-localized with the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). Comparative analysis with other Mediterranean species such as Muraena helena pointed out that these DNA fractions are species-specific and could potentially be used for species discrimination. As a new contribution to the karyotype of this species, we found that the major ribosomal genes are localized on acrocentric chromosome 9 and that the telomeres of each chromosome are composed of a tandem repeat derived from a poly-TTAGGG DNA sequence, as it occurs in most vertebrate species. The results obtained add new information useful in comparative genomics at the chromosomal level and contribute to the cytogenetic knowledge regarding this fish family, which has not been extensively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Coluccia
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Università di Cagliari, via T. Fiorelli, 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy.
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Vacca GM, Pazzola M, Pisano C, Carcangiu V, Diaz ML, Nieddu M, Robledo R, Mezzanotte R, Dettori ML. Chromosomal localisation and genetic variation of the SLC11A1 gene in goats (Capra hircus). Vet J 2010; 190:60-5. [PMID: 21071245 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.09.028] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The solute carrier family 11 member A1 (SLC11A1) gene is associated with resistance to infectious diseases. Chromosomal localisation, genomic regions corresponding to functional domains and the genetic variability of microsatellites in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of this gene were investigated in 427 goats (Capra hircus) of six breeds. Using dual colour fluorescence in situ hybridisation, SLC11A1 was localised to goat chromosome 2. Single strand conformation polymorphism was used to screen for polymorphisms in SLC11A1 exons 2, 10 and 15. There was no variation among goat breeds in the sarcoma homology 3 (SH3) binding motif, the protein kinase C phosphorylation site or the two N-linked glycosylation sites. Exon 15 exhibited variability due to the presence of two polymorphic microsatellites. Genotyping of the upstream guanine-thymine repeat (GTn) at 3'-UTR revealed eight alleles (GT11, GT12, GT14-GT19) in goats, whereas GT13 (present in cattle) was absent. Most goats carried the GT16 allele and no allele was found to be exclusive to only one breed. The coefficient of genetic differentiation value (G(ST)) was 0.084. This microsatellite appears to be an informative DNA marker for genetic linkage analysis in goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Vacca
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università degli Studi Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Pita M, Gosálvez J, Gosálvez A, Nieddu M, López-Fernández C, Mezzanotte R. A highly conserved pericentromeric domain in human and gorilla chromosomes. Cytogenet Genome Res 2010; 126:253-8. [PMID: 20068296 DOI: 10.1159/000251962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant similarity between human and gorilla genomes has been found in all chromosome arms, but not in centromeres, using whole-comparative genomic hybridization (W-CGH). In human chromosomes, centromeric regions, generally containing highly repetitive DNAs, are characterized by the presence of specific human DNA sequences and an absence of homology with gorilla DNA sequences. The only exception is the pericentromeric area of human chromosome 9, which, in addition to a large block of human DNA, also contains a region of homology with gorilla DNA sequences; the localization of these sequences coincides with that of human satellite III. Since highly repetitive DNAs are known for their high mutation frequency, we hypothesized that the chromosome 9 pericentromeric DNA conserved in human chromosomes and deriving from the gorilla genome may thus play some important functional role.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pita
- Unidad de Genética, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid , Spain
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34
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Nosadini R, Carboni A, Manconi A, Angius F, Caria S, Cherchi S, Satta A, Faedda R, Obinu D, Nieddu M, Carraro A, Tonolo GC. WITHDRAWN: The decline of glomerular function is not always associated with the development of micro- and macroalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia 2008. [PMID: 18607559 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-008-1079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Nosadini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Internal Medicine Department, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 8, 07100, Sassari, Italy,
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35
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Nieddu M, Pichiri G, Manconi S, Mezzanotte R. Some remarks on the use of TaqI to detect highly repetitive DNA sequences in human chromosomes. Eur J Histochem 2006; 50:281-3. [PMID: 17213036] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the attempt to conclude investigation of the action of restriction endonucleases on eukaryote chromosomes, we carried out a series of experiments digesting in situ human metaphase chromosomes with AluI/TaqI followed by Giemsa staining. We focused on the centromeric regions of chromosomes1, 2 and 16 and noted that those areas appeared as intensely stained blocks after AluI digestion, but were dramatically reduced in size or completely destroyed after subsequent TaqI treatment. These results permitted us to draw some conclusions on the highly repetitive DNA composition of these regions, in terms of alphoid and classical satellite DNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nieddu
- Sezione di Biologia e Genetica, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Cittadella Universitaria 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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36
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Abstract
p12 represents the smallest, so far poorly characterized subunit of the mammalian DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) heterotetramer. Previously, to gain a molecular understanding of endothelial cell activation by fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), we identified an upregulated transcript in FGF2-overexpressing murine aortic endothelial cells (FGF2-T-MAE cells) showing 89% identity with human p12. Here, we cloned the open reading frame of the murine p12 cDNA and confirmed the capacity of overexpressed or exogenously added FGF2 to upregulate p12 mRNA and protein in endothelial and NIH3T3 cells with no effect on the other pol delta subunits. p12 expression was instead unaffected by serum and different mitogens. Also, anti-p12 antibodies decorated FGF2-T-MAE cell nuclei and their chromosome outline during metaphase. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of p12 caused a significant decrease in FGF2-driven proliferation rate of FGF2-T-MAE cells, in keeping with a modulatory role of p12 in pol delta activity. Immunoistochemistry of FGF2-embedded Matrigel plugs and FGF2-overexpressing tumor xenografts demonstrated a nuclear p12 staining of angiogenic CD31(+) endothelium. p12 immunoreactivity was also observed in the CD45(+)/CD11b(+) inflammatory infiltrate. Thus, FGF2 upregulates p12 expression in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. p12 expression in infiltrating inflammatory cells may suggest additional, cell proliferation-unrelated functions for this pol delta subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Dell'Era
- Unit of General Pathology and Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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37
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Boatto G, Nieddu M, Carta A, Pau A, Lorenzoni S, Manconi P, Serra D. Determination of phenol and o-cresol by GC/MS in a fatal poisoning case. Forensic Sci Int 2004; 139:191-4. [PMID: 15040915 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2003.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2003] [Accepted: 10/31/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A fatality due to the ingestion of solution containing phenol and o-cresol is described. The pathological findings were typical of acute substantial poisoning. Blood, urine and stomach content were obtained during post mortem examinations. Phenol and o-cresol were identified using GC/MS. The extractions from autopsy materials were obtained as follows: by gel permeation with cyclohexane/dichloromethane from stomach content, by solid phase extraction (SPE) from urine and by deproteinization with acetonitrile from blood. The phenol and o-cresol concentrations in the samples were found, respectively, as follows: 115.0 and 5.0 microg/g in the stomach contents, 58.3 and 1.9 microg/ml in the blood, 3.3 and 20.5 microg/ml in the urine. Distributions of phenol in fatal poisonings have been reported, but, usually, colorimetry was used as the analytical method and it cannot exclude the interference of other phenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boatto
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tossicologico, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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38
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Nieddu M, Pichiri G, Diaz G, Mezzanotte R. The organization of classical satellite DNAs in human chromosomes: an approach using AluI and TaqI restriction endonucleases. Eur J Histochem 2003; 47:209-14. [PMID: 14514411 DOI: 10.4081/829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human classical satellite DNAs were used as probes to investigate the molecular mechanism(s) of AluI/TaqI attack in situ on specific centromeric areas. The biochemical results obtained show that the majority of such highly repetitive DNAs are not solubilized from chromosomes, in spite of a cleavage pattern identical to that shown in naked genomic DNA digested with the same enzymes. Moreover, when digestion in situ with restriction enzymes precedes in situ hybridization, it is possible to observe an increased signal in the centromeres of some chromosomes as compared to that shown in standard undigested chromosomes and, on the other hand, hybridization labelling in centromeres which are difficult to detect by in situ hybridization using standard undigested chromosomes. Lastly, our results show that centromeric heterochromatin is not a homogeneous class in regard to organizational structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Sezione di Biologia e Genetica, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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39
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Nieddu M, Pichiri G, Melis V, Mezzanotte R. The impact of StuI digestion in situ on FISH to human chromosomes with satellite DNA probes. Heredity (Edinb) 2003; 90:298-301. [PMID: 12692582 DOI: 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [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: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human metaphase chromosomes were digested with StuI and subsequently hybridized in situ using chromosome 9 alphoid DNA and classical satellite III DNA as probes. The data obtained suggest that it is not possible to establish a general rule regarding the cytological effects induced by restriction enzymes in particular chromosome regions and that a number of factors, such as DNA sequences, DNA-protein interaction and enzyme structure, play a role in determining such effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Sezione di Biologia e Genetica, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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40
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Pichiri G, Coni P, Deiana AM, Nieddu M, Mezzanotte R. On the variability of MboI repeated sequences and 5S rDNA in Muraena helena and Gymnothorax unicolor (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae). Chromosome Res 2001; 8:443-5. [PMID: 10997784 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009271121778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Pichiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Applicate ai Biosistemi, Università di Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy
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Nieddu M, Rossino R, Pichiri G, Rocchi M, Setzu MD, Mezzanotte R. The efficiency of in-situ hybridization on human chromosomes with alphoid DNAs is enhanced by previous digestion with AluI and TaqI. Chromosome Res 2000; 7:593-602. [PMID: 10628660 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009227901195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Centromeric alphoid DNAs of human chromosomes 6, 9, 16 and Y were employed to obtain information on the molecular mechanism(s) determining cytological effects produced by digestion in situ with AluI and TaqI restriction enzymes, possibly related to the structure of the above-cited areas. The following cytological and biochemical experiments were carried out using the above-mentioned alphoid sequences as probes: (1) standard in-situ hybridization and in-situ hybridization after chromosome cleavage with AluI/TaqI, and (2) filter hybridization on the DNA fractions obtained from the material solubilized and that retained on the slides after digestion in situ with AluI/TaqI. Biochemical data show that cleavage of alphoid DNAs is not prevented by the peculiar organization of centromeric heterochromatin, but such cleavage is not necessarily followed by complete DNA solubilization. The analysis of alphoid sequence cleavage in naked genomic DNA as well as during digestion of fixed chromosomes shows that (1) AluI cuts more efficiently than TaqI, (2) DNA fragments as large as 3-5 kb can be solubilized, and (3) DNA fragments of the same size are found in both fractions of DNA, i.e. that retained on the chromosomes as well as that solubilized from chromosomes. Cytological data show that previous chromosome digestion, mostly with TaqI, increases the hybridization signal area, suggesting that this fact might be due to (1) chromatin reorganization produced by enzyme attack and/or (2) the presence of alphoid DNAs which might be restricted not only to the kinetochore area but also to para/peri-centromeric heterochromatin. Lastly, centromere DNA solubilization as a consequence of restriction enzyme cleavage seems to vary from chromosome to chromosome, thus suggesting that centromeric regions do not represent a homogeneous class of constitutive heterochromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nieddu
- Istituto di Biologia Generale, Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Cagliari, Italy
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42
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Nieddu M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Salvadori S, Deiana AM, Mezzanotte R. A comparative analysis of European and American eel (Anguilla anguilla and Anguilla rostrata) genomic DNA: 5S rDNA polymorphism permits the distinction between the two populations. Genome 1998. [DOI: 10.1139/g98-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We studied possible molecular and cytological correlations between the European (Anguilla anguilla) and the American (Anguilla rostrata) eel, using either low molecular weight highly repetitive sequences isolated from genomic DNA of the two species, or highly conserved sequences, such as 45S or 5S rDNA, as probes. A clearcut difference was found only in filter hybridization experiments carried out using 5S rDNA as probe.Key words: fish, chromosomes, DNA, endonucleases, rDNA.
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43
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Nieddu M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Salvadori S, Deiana A, Mezzanotte R. A comparative analysis of European and American eel ( Anguilla anguilla and Anguilla rostrata) genomic DNA: 5S rDNA polymorphism permits the distinction between the two populations. Genome 1998. [DOI: 10.1139/gen-41-5-728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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44
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Ennas MG, Sorio C, Greim R, Nieddu M, Scarpa A, Orlandini S, Croce CM, Fey GH, Marschalek R. The human ALL-1/MLL/HRX antigen is predominantly localized in the nucleus of resting and proliferating peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cancer Res 1997; 57:2035-41. [PMID: 9158002] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The ALL-1 gene is an important regulator of embryonal and hematopoietic development, and structural variants of the human gene generated by chromosomal translocations and other genomic alterations presumably act as oncogenes in the pathogenesis of acute leukemias and other hematological malignancies. Antisera against two different epitopes of the human ALL-1 protein (anti-ALL1-N and anti-ALL1-C) were produced. Both sera revealed indistinguishable patterns of antigen localization in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In resting PBMCs, the antigen was distributed in a speckled pattern across the nuclei, with an increased density at the nuclear envelope and the nuclear indentation. In mitotically stimulated PBMCs, the antigen surrounded the condensing chromosomes but did not colocalize with chromatin or the nuclear scaffold. The antigen is considered a marker for a novel nuclear subcompartment, a perichromosomal area termed the "chromosomal envelope." In Western blot experiments, the anti-ALL1-N serum reacted with a polypeptide corresponding to the expected full-length 430-kDa ALL-1 protein. Recombinant proteins representing the AT-hook and zinc binding subdomains of the ALL-1 protein interacted in vitro with a degenerate mixture of double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. Thus, the ALL-1 protein probably is a DNA-binding protein with both a sequence-unspecific (AT-hook) and a sequence-specific (zinc binding subdomains) double-stranded DNA binding mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Ennas
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Italy
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45
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Diaz G, Setzu MD, Diana A, Zucca A, Ennas MG, Nieddu M. Deblurring and 3D-like rendering of light microscope images. Microsc Res Tech 1996; 35:359-60. [PMID: 8987031 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19961101)35:4<359::aid-jemt8>3.0.co;2-h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G Diaz
- Department of Cytomorphology, Cagliari University, Italy
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46
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Ennas MG, Suzuki H, Menegazzi M, Carcereri A, Hanaoka F, Gremo F, Nieddu M, Mezzanotte R. On the presence of DNA polymerase alpha in human lymphocyte nuclei and chromosomes. Heredity (Edinb) 1996; 77 ( Pt 2):186-91. [PMID: 8760400 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.1996.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiments were carried out to correlate the cytological localization of DNA polymerase alpha with the presence of its specific mRNA in human lymphocytes studied at different times after phytohaemagglutinin stimulation. Our data indicated that in resting cells it is not possible to detect DNA polymerase alpha protein or mRNA by Northern hybridization. By contrast, in stimulated cells the detection of mRNA specific for DNA polymerase alpha synthesis is possible after 16 h phytohaemagglutin stimulation, whereas immunolocalization is possible after only 4 h stimulation. Observation of cytological preparations from cells stimulated for times long enough to obtain mitoses surprisingly showed an intense immunoreaction in mitotic chromosomes treated with monoclonal antibodies to DNA polymerase alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Ennas
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Università di Cagliari, Italy
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47
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Pichiri G, Nieddu M, Mezzanotte R, Coni PP, Salvadori S, Deiana M, Deiana AM. The molecular characterization of the genome of Muraena helena L. I. Isolation and hybridization of two MboI-restricted DNA fractions. Genome 1995; 38:809-13. [PMID: 18470206 DOI: 10.1139/g95-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the genome of the anguilliform fish Muraena helena at the molecular level we characterized total DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis after cleavage with AluI, HaeIII, MboI, and DdeI restriction endonucleases. Subsequently, we isolated the DNA from two specific electrophoretic fractions to be used as probes for Southern and in situ hybridization experiments. One such fraction showed an electrophoretic pattern typical of highly repetitive DNA localized in the centromeres of many chromosomes. The other fraction was shown to be located in the nucleolar organizer region, partially coincident with 45S rDNA, and to be composed of highly repetitive sequences.
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48
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Mezzanotte R, Rossino R, Nieddu M, Lopez-Fernandez C, Gosalvez J. The DNA fragments produced by AluI and BstNI digestion of fixed mouse chromosomes. Chromosoma 1992; 101:641-4. [PMID: 1424989 DOI: 10.1007/bf00360542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AluI and BstNI restriction endonucleases were used to study cytological and biochemical effects on centromere DNA in fixed mouse chromosomes. These enzymes were employed, as it is known that AluI is incapable of attacking major satellite DNA, contrary to BstNI that is known to cut this DNA fraction into monomers of 234 bp. After digestion in situ, electrophoretic analysis was carried out to characterize the DNA purified (1) from the material remaining on the chromosomes and (2) from the material solubilized from chromosomes. The DNA was then transferred to a nylon filter and 32P-labelled major satellite DNA was used as a probe for hybridization experiments. Other preparations were simply stained with Giemsa after digestion in situ with AluI and BstNI. Our results show that although restriction endonuclease cleavage primarily depends on DNA base sequence, this factor is not always sufficient to explain nuclease-induced cytological effects. In fact, the structural organization of peculiar regions such as the centromeres of mouse chromosomes might affect cleavage efficiency when restriction enzyme digestion is performed in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mezzanotte
- Istituto di Biologia Generale, Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Cagliari, Italy
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49
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Vanni R, Nieddu M, Scarpa RM, Migliari R, Usai E. Trisomy 7 in a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney. Cancer Genet Cytogenet 1989; 41:149-51. [PMID: 2766250 DOI: 10.1016/0165-4608(89)90120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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50
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Tamponi G, Bottari W, Camorali C, Favilli L, Nieddu M, Salvi E. [Atracurium in general surgery]. Minerva Anestesiol 1989; 55:231-4. [PMID: 2689910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The particular characteristics of atracurium in comparison with available relaxant agents are briefly analyzed. Afterwards the results of a clinical investigation regarding a group of 56 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery are referred to. The most important elements of this investigation involve: the priming technique, dosage variations of atracurium in respect to the two different administration techniques (further doses, continuous infusion), anticholinesterases need during neuromuscular block reverse and average neuromuscular recovery time without anticholinesterases.
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