Developing a microbial consortium for removing nutrients in dishwasher wastewater: towards a biofilter for its up-cycling

Microbial consortia are effective biofilters to treat wastewaters, allowing for resource recovery and water remediation. To reuse and save water in the domestic cycle, we assembled a suspended biofilm, a 'biofilter' to treat dishwasher wastewater. Bacterial monocultures of both photo- and heterotrophs were assembled in an increasingly complex fashion to test their nutrient stripping capacity. This 'biofilter' is the core of an integrated system (Zero Mile System) devoted to reusing and upcycling of reconditioned wastewater, partly in subsequent dishwasher cycles and partly into a vertical garden for plant food cultivation. The biofilter was assembled based on a strain of the photosynthetic, filamentous cyanobacterium Trichormus variabilis, selected to produce an oxygen evolving scaffold, and three heterotrophic aerobic bacterial isolates coming from the dishwasher wastewater itself: Acinetobacter, Exiguobacterium and Pseudomonas spp. The consortium was constructed starting with 16 isolates tested one-to-one with T. variabilis and then selecting the heterotrophic microbes up to a final one-to-three consortium, which included two dominant and a rare component of the wastewater community. This consortium thrives in the wastewater much better than T. variabilis alone, efficiently stripping N and P in short time, a pivotal step for the reuse and saving of water in household appliances.

Parchment processing and analysis: Ionizing radiation treatment by the REX source and multidisciplinary approach characterization

Library material, and thus parchment, is frequently subjected to bio-deterioration processes caused by microorganisms. Fungi and bacteria cause alterations in the parchment inducing, in some cases, even the partial detachments of the surface layer and the loss of any text present on it. An important contribution to disinfection of the cultural heritage artefacts is given by the use of ionizing radiation. In this work, a preliminary study on the applicability of X-ray radiation as treatment for bio-deterioration removal is proposed. The results on the microbial growth after different irradiation treatments are shown in order to detect the dose protocol for the bio-degradation removal. Furthermore, the evaluation of the irradiation effects on the parchment microstructure is presented in order to define the applicability of the method on parchment artefacts.

DNA methylation of genes regulating appetite and prediction of weight loss after bariatric surgery in obese individuals

PURPOSE

Epigenetic traits are influenced by clinical variables; interaction between DNA methylation (DNAmeth) and bariatric surgery-induced weight loss has been scarcely explored. We investigated whether DNAmeth of genes encoding for molecules/hormones regulating appetite, food intake or obesity could predict successful weight outcome following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

METHODS

Forty-five obese individuals with no known comorbidities were stratified accordingly to weight decrease one-year after RYGB (excess weight loss, EWL ≥ 50%: good responders, GR; EWL < 50%: worse responders, WR). DNAmeth of leptin (LEP), ghrelin (GHRL), ghrelin receptor (GHSR) and insulin-growth factor-2 (IGF2) was assessed before intervention. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes affecting DNAmeth, DNMT3A and DNMT3B, were also determined.

RESULTS

At baseline, type 2 diabetes was diagnosed by OGTT in 13 patients. Post-operatively, GR (n = 23) and WR (n = 22) achieved an EWL of 67.7 ± 9.6 vs 38.2 ± 9.0%, respectively. Baseline DNAmeth did not differ between GR and WR for any tested genes, even when the analysis was restricted to subjects with no diabetes. A relationship between GHRL and LEP methylation profiles emerged (r = 0.47, p = 0.001). Searching for correlation between DNAmeth of the studied genes with demographic characteristics and baseline biochemical parameters of the studied population, we observed a correlation between IGF2 methylation and folate (r = 0.44, p = 0.003). Rs11683424 for DNMT3A and rs2424913 for DNMT3B did not correlate with DNAmeth of the studied genes.

CONCLUSIONS

In severely obese subjects, the degree of DNAmeth of some genes affecting obesity and related conditions does not work as predictor of successful response to RYGB.

Pregnancy risk factors related to autism: an Italian case-control study in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), their siblings and of typically developing children

This study, carried out in two Italian Institutions, assesses the frequency of 27 potential autism risk factors related to pregnancy and peri- and postnatal periods by interviewing mothers who had children with autism, children with autism and one or two typically developing siblings, or only typically developing children. The clinical sample included three case groups: 73 children and adolescents with autism (Group A), 35 children and adolescents with autism (Group A1) having 45 siblings (Group B) and 96 typically developing children (Group C) matched for gender and age. Twenty-five out of 27 of risk factors presented a higher frequency in Group A in comparison with Group C and for nine of them a statistically significant difference was found. Twenty-one out of 27 of risk factors presented a higher frequency in Group A in comparison with Group B. A higher prevalence of environmental risk factors was observed in 11 risk factors in the Group A1 in comparison with Group B and for nine of them an odds ratio higher than 1.5 was found. For 13 factors there was a progressive increase in frequency going from Group C, B and A and a statistically higher prevalence of the mean number of stressful events per pregnancy was recorded in Group A when compared with Groups B and C. The results suggest that environmental, incidental phenomena and stressful life events can influence pregnancy outcome in predisposed subjects, pointing out a possible threshold effect in women who are predisposed to have suboptimal pregnancies.

Insights into the CuO nanoparticle ecotoxicity with suitable marine model species

Metal oxide nanoparticles, among them copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), are widely used in different applications (e.g. batteries, gas sensors, superconductors, plastics and metallic coatings), increasing their potential release in the environment. In aquatic matrix, the behavior of CuO NPs may strongly change, depending on their surface charge and some physical-chemical characteristics of the medium (e.g. ionic strength, salinity, pH and natural organic matter content). Ecotoxicity of CuO NPs to aquatic organisms was mainly studied on freshwater species, few tests being performed on marine biota. The aim of this study was to assess the toxicity of CuO NPs on suitable indicator species, belonging to the ecologically relevant level of consumers. The selected bioassays use reference protocols to identify Effect/Lethal Concentrations (E(L)C), by assessing lethal and sub-lethal endpoints. Mortality tests were performed on rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis), shrimp (Artemia franciscana) and copepod (Tigriopus fulvus). While moult release failure and fertilization rate were studied, as sub-lethal endpoints, on T. fulvus and sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus), respectively. The size distribution and sedimentation rates of CuO NPs, together with the copper dissolution, were also analyzed in the exposure media. The CuO NP ecotoxicity assessment showed a concentration-dependent response for all species, indicating similar mortality for B. plicatilis (48hLC₅₀ = 16.94 ± 2.68mg/l) and T. fulvus (96hLC₅₀ = 12.35 ± 0.48mg/l), followed by A. franciscana (48hLC₅₀ = 64.55 ± 3.54mg/l). Comparable EC₅₀ values were also obtained for the sub-lethal endpoints in P. lividus (EC₅₀ = 2.28 ± 0.06mg/l) and T. fulvus (EC₅₀ = 2.38 ± 0.20mg/l). Copper salts showed higher toxicity than CuO NPs for all species, with common sensitivity trend as follows: P. lividus ≥ T. fulvus (sublethal endpoint) ≥ B. plicatilis >T. fulvus (lethal endpoint) >A. franciscana. CuO NP micrometric aggregates and high sedimentation rates were observed in the exposure media, with different particle size distributions depending on the medium. The copper dissolution was about 0.16% of the initial concentration, comparable to literature values. The integrated ecotoxicological-physicochemical approach was used to better describe CuO NP toxicity and behavior. In particular, the successful application of ecotoxicological reference protocols allowed to produce reliable L(E)C data useful to identify thresholds and assess potential environmental hazard due to NPs.

Can Artemia Hatching Assay Be a (Sensitive) Alternative Tool to Acute Toxicity Test?

Artemia sp. is extensively used in ecotoxicity testing, despite criticisms inherent to both acute and long-term tests. Alternative endpoints and procedures should be considered to support the use of this biological model. The hatching process comprises several developmental steps and the cyst hatchability seems acceptable as endpoint criterion. In this study, we assessed the reliability of the hatching assay on A. franciscana by comparing with acute and long-term mortality tests, using two chemicals: Diethylene Glycol (DEG), Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS). Both DEG and SDS tests demonstrated a dose dependent hatching inhibition. The hatching test resulted more sensitive than acute mortality test and less sensitive than the long-term one. Results demonstrate the reliability and high sensitivity of this hatching assay on a short time lag and support its useful application in first-tier risk assessment procedures.

Therapeutic perspectives of epigenetically active nutrients

Many nutrients are known for a wide range of activities in prevention and alleviation of various diseases. Recently, their potential role in regulating human health through effects on epigenetics has become evident, although specific mechanisms are still unclear. Thus, nutriepigenetics/nutriepigenomics has emerged as a new and promising field in current epigenetics research in the past few years. In particular, polyphenols, as part of the central dynamic interaction between the genome and the environment with specificity at physiological concentrations, are well known to affect mechanisms underlying human health. This review summarizes the effects of dietary compounds on epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of gene expression including expression of enzymes and other molecules responsible for drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in cancer, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders and hormonal dysfunction.

Epigenetics of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through a multistep process that results from the progressive accumulation of mutations and epigenetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Epigenetic modifications, that have a fundamental role in the regulation of gene expression, involve DNA methylation, specific histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) interventions. Many genes have been until now studied to detect their methylation status during CRC carcinogenesis; and the functions of many of these genes in cancer initiation and progression are being clarified. Less is known about the patterns of histone modification alterations in CRC. Epigenetic deregulation of the ncRNAs or the genes involved in their biogenesis have been described in tumor progression and some examples of dysregulated microRNA were found also in CRC cells. Diet has an important role in the etiology of colon cancer. Folate is involved via 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, which is then used to form the main DNA methylating agent S-adenosylmethionine. However, the role of folate in protecting from or in promoting CRC, depending on conditions, is still debated. The study of epigenetic marks to better characterize CRC and to identify new tools for diagnosis and prognosis as well as for therapeutic interventions is extremely promising.

Fungal bioremediation of creosote-treated wood: a laboratory scale study on creosote components degradation by Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium

A bioremediation system for creosote-treated wood is proposed, based on the detoxifying capability of Pleurotus ostreatus, a ligninolythic fungus. Non-sterilized chipped contaminated wood was mixed at various ratios with wheat straw on which Pleurotus mycelia was grown. At 1:2 initial ratio contaminated wood:wheat straw, chemical analyses demonstrated an almost complete degradation of creosote oil components after 44 days, also confirmed by a significant reduction of ecotoxicity. Lower ratios, i.e. higher amount of contaminated wood, lower system efficiency, although a better creosote degradation was obtained by a stepped up wood addition.

Genotoxicity induced by arsenic compounds in peripheral human lymphocytes analysed by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay

This work focuses on the analysis of genotoxic effects on human peripheral lymphocytes exposed in vitro to different arsenic (As) compounds by means of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. The study was carried out by challenging peripheral human lymphocytes with six As compounds in trivalent or pentavalent forms such as arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)) and organoarsenic species such as monomethylarsonous acid (MMAs(III)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAs(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAs(V)) and trymethylarsine oxide (TMAO(V)). For As(III) and As(V) at concentrations of 4 and 32 microM, respectively, an increase of micronuclei (MN) frequency was found. MMAs(III) and MMAs(V) induced a statistically significant increase of MN frequency at the dose of 2 and 500 microM, respectively. For DMAs(V), no significant increase of MN was observed, although a decrease of the nuclear division index (NDI) was evident, indicating a cytotoxic effect. The genotoxic mechanism of action of MMAs(III) was further evaluated by means of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Due to a higher percentage of centromere-positive MN, MMAs(III) showed a clear aneuploidogenic property. Finally, for TMAO(V) no genotoxicity was observed up to 1 mM. These results show how speciation is important in determining the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of As compounds in human peripheral lymphocytes and support the emerging hypothesis that the induction of aneuploidy could be a mechanism by which As exerts its carcinogenic properties.

Nanomaterials and lung toxicity: interactions with airways cells and relevance for occupational health risk assessment

Engineered nanoparticles (NP) comprise various classes of technological materials with innovative properties. Although inhalation is less likely for engineered nanomaterials (NM) compared with ambient or mineral dust particles, this can happen during bulk manufacture and handling of freely dispersible NP. In this mini-review we summarize recent data on NP and CNT (carbon nanotubes) hazards, with particular emphasis on toxic effect on lung and in cell culture of lung origin. Owing to the highest deposition efficiency in the alveolar area, primary interactions of NM occur with epithelial and alveolar macrophages (AM). Scarce data are available to date on the cell mechanisms underlying NM permeability across the airway epithelium, but the absorption of NP through airways does not seem to require epithelial mediation, suggesting rather the involvement of alternative mechanisms such as AM-dependent dissemination. The relationship between toxicity and particle characteristics may be complex, involving size, surface area and surface chemistry. Some NM act according to an oxidative stress paradigm, but possible NM interactions with biological systems may result in additional forms of injury. In particular, CNT, a man-made forms of crystalline carbon, are currently attracting intense research efforts because of their unique properties, which make them suitable for many uses in biomedicine and pharmacology. Although CNT stimulate cytokine production and induce inflammatory reactions, they could behave also as conventional fibers, showing the ability to cause lung granulomas and fibrotic reactions in experimental animals. Production and marketing of NM is advancing much more rapidly than research on NM safety. This phenomenon will have a strong impact on the approach of occupational physicians to health risks from NP. In literature increasing evidence suggests that NM are potentially hazardous to humans and that strict industrial hygiene measures should be taken to limit exposure during their manipulation. Moreover, given the uncertainty about the NM features endowed with pathogenetic relevance, the toxicological properties of a specific NP should be evaluated on an individual basis by new screening strategies based on current acquisitions.

An in vitro study on the free radical scavenging capacity of ergothioneine: comparison with reduced glutathione, uric acid and trolox

BACKGROUND

Treatment of oxidative stress-related pathologies is a possible therapeutical strategy for the future. Natural product with antioxidant properties could trigger this goal. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the antioxidant activity of the natural product ergothioneine (EGT), a compound of plant origin, which is assimilated and conserved by mammals in erythrocytes, kidney, seminal fluid and liver.

METHODS

We measured the antioxidant activity of EGT as its ability to antagonize the oxidation of alpha-keto-gamma-methiolbutyric acid (KMBA) by hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. The results are expressed as total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC) units. Glutathione (GSH), uric acid and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (trolox), the water-soluble analog of vitamin E, were used as the reference antioxidants.

RESULTS

EGT was the most active scavenger of free radicals as compared to classic antioxidants as GSH, uric acid and trolox. In particular, the highest antioxidant capacity exhibited by EGT vs. peroxyl radicals (5.53 +/- 1.27 units) resulted 25% higher than the value obtained with the reference antioxidant trolox (4.4 +/- 0.6 units, P < 0.01). The scavenging capacity of EGT towards hydroxyl radicals (0.34 +/- 0.09 units) was 60% higher, as compared to uric acid (0.21 +/- 0.04 units, P < 0.001), which represent the reference antioxidant vs. hydroxyl radicals. Finally, EGT showed the highest antioxidant activity also towards peroxynitrite (5.2 +/- 1.0 units), with a scavenging capacity 10% higher than that of uric acid (4.7 +/- 0.9 units, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that EGT has potent intrinsic anti-hydroxyl, anti-peroxyl and anti-peroxynitrite radicals antioxidant activity, as compared to classic molecules with antioxidant capacity as GSH, trolox and uric acid. This appears of interest, given the increasing use of non-vitamins cocktails for therapeutical approaches to many oxidative-induced pathologies.

Relationship between genotoxicity biomarkers in somatic and germ cells: findings from a biomonitoring study

A biomonitoring study to evaluate chromosome and DNA damage respectively in somatic and germ cells of a group of male workers exposed to styrene by using biomarkers of genotoxicity was carried out. Styrene-exposed workers from three different areas of Tuscany and healthy subjects, of comparable mean age, sex and lifestyle characteristics, as a control group not exposed to chemicals, have been enrolled. In addition to previous reports [L. Migliore, A. Naccarati, A. Zanello, R. Scarpato, L. Bramanti and M. Mariani (2002) Hum. Reprod., 17, 2912-2918; L. Migliore, A. Naccarati, F. Coppedè et al. (2006) Pharmacogenet. Genomics, 16, 87-99] we present now data on a cross-sectional investigation involving a homogeneous group of subjects for which data on both somatic and germ cells have been obtained from individuals (42 exposed and 25 controls). Somatic cell genotoxicity was assessed by analysing the frequency of micronucleated binucleated cells (MNBN) in blood lymphocytes. The micronucleus assay was coupled with centromeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Primary DNA damage in germ cells was evaluated by alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) and the percentage of the tail DNA (%TD) was used as parameter of Comet evaluation. Moreover, to investigate the frequencies of aneuploidy and diploidy in sperm, we performed multicolour FISH, using DNA probes specific for the centromeric regions of sex chromosomes and chromosome 2, in decondensed sperm nuclei of samples with normal semen parameters in a subgroup of individuals. Mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids (MAPGA) in end of shift samples were determined as biomarkers of internal dose. MAPGA excretion was consistent with an exposure to styrene above the threshold limit value-time weighted average concentration of 20 p.p.m. Styrene workers showed significantly higher frequency of MNBN as compared to controls (13.8 +/- 5.2 versus 6.2 +/- 5.1; P < 0.001), due to higher proportions of both micronuclei (MN) arising from chromosomal breakage (C-MN) and harbouring whole chromosomes (C+MN). DNA damage in sperm cells was also higher among styrene-exposed, the %TD being 11.02 +/- 2.99 versus 7.42 +/- 2.30 in controls (P < 0.001). The incidence of aneuploidy and diploidy for the tested chromosomes in sperm did not show a statistically significant difference between workers and controls. However, a positive correlation was found between genotoxic damage detected in somatic and in germ cells, even after removing the effect of age (r = 0.475; P < 0.001). Although cytogenetic biomarkers detected both in somatic and germ cells were interrelated, no relationships were apparent with exposure parameters. Styrene exposure may increase the likelihood of both chromosome and DNA damage in somatic and germ cells, thus supporting the hypothesis of an interference on reproductive capacity among exposed workers. This is the first time that a field study shows a correlation between two biomarkers of genotoxicity evaluated at the same time in somatic and germ cells.

Susceptibility to chromosome malsegregation in lymphocytes of women who had a Down syndrome child in young age

Recent findings seem to converge towards a unified hypothesis trying to relate Down's syndrome (DS), trisomy 21 and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The majority of DS individuals develop neuropathological characteristics of AD by the age of 40. Previous cytogenetic studies performed by us showed an increased frequency of aneuploidy in peripheral lymphocytes and fibroblasts of AD patients and a preferential occurrence of chromosome 21 in malsegregation events. An increased frequency of AD among young mothers of individuals with DS (MDS) is reported. This study investigates the cytogenetic characteristics and the predisposition to chromosome malsegregation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in a group of women (n = 35) who had a Down syndrome child in young age (<35 years) and in a control group (n = 30). We applied the micronucleus assay and the dual-color FISH in order to assess the susceptibility to malsegregation events. The results indicate a higher frequency of binucleated micronucleated cells in MDS in respect to the control group (16.1+/-9.1 per thousand versus 8.7+/-5.4 per thousand). Moreover, our data reveal that peripheral lymphocytes of MDS are more prone to chromosome non-disjunction with both chromosomes, 13 and 21, equally involved.

Oxidative DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes of mild cognitive impairment and AD patients

It is well established that oxidative stress plays a key role in the degenerative neuronal death and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although it is not clear if it is the primary triggering event in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition between normal aging and AD, characterized by a memory deficit without loss of general cognitive and functional abilities. We performed this study by a comet assay analysis to evaluate the level of primary and oxidative DNA damage in two groups of MCI and AD patients, compared to healthy controls. Data showed a significantly higher level of primary DNA damage in leukocytes of AD and also of MCI patients compared to control individuals (average: 2.09+/-0.79 and 2.47+/-1.01, respectively for AD and MCI, versus 1.04+/-0.31 in controls). Moreover, the amount of oxidised DNA bases (both purines and pyrimidines) was significatively higher in the two groups of patients (AD and MCI) compared to controls. Our results give a further indication that oxidative stress, at least at the DNA level, is an earlier event in the pathogenesis of AD.

Searching for the role and the most suitable biomarkers of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease and in other neurodegenerative diseases

The contribution of oxidative stress to neurodegeneration is not peculiar of a specific neurodegenerative disease, oxidative stress has been found implicated in a number of neurodegenerative disorders among which Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Even increasing are studies dealing with the search for peripheral biomarkers of oxidative stress in biological fluids or even in peripheral tissues themselves such as fibroblasts or blood cells. The application of the modified version of the comet assay for the detection of oxidised purines and pyrimidines in peripheral blood leukocytes results particularly useful if the study requires repeated blood drawn from the same individual, for instance if a clinical trial is performed with a preventive therapy. Likely damage occurs to every category of biological macromolecules and we consider, in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly critical the proteic level. The identification of subjects at risk to develop AD or with pre-pathogenic conditions, the possibility to use "a battery of assays" for the detection of oxidative damage at peripheral level, together with recent advances in brain imaging, will allow to better address studies aimed not only to therapeutic purposes but also mainly to primary prevention.

Evaluation of cytogenetic and DNA damage in mitochondrial disease patients: effects of coenzyme Q10 therapy

Endogenous oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial diseases (MD). In this group of heterogeneous disorders the increased production of radical species caused by compromised mitochondrial respiratory function could affect both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA integrity. The aim of the present study was to assess the basal level of nuclear DNA (nDNA) damage in terms of chromosome and DNA alterations in leukocytes of 13 patients (age range 29-74 years) presenting several forms of MD. A further objective of this work was the evaluation of possible changes in nDNA in a subgroup of patients (10 individuals) before and after a 2 week therapy with ubidecarenone, a coenzyme Q10 analogue. The extent of cytogenetic damage, expressed as chromosome breakage and chromosome loss, was assessed employing the cytokinesis block micronucleus method in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes, coupled with fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using a digoxigenin-labelled pancentromeric DNA probe. A modified version of the single cell gel electrophoresis assay was used to quantify primary and oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes. In MD patients an increased level of chromosome damage, expressed as frequency of micronucleated lymphocytes, was detected in comparison with healthy individuals of corresponding sex, age and lifestyle. The FISH analysis revealed a preferential occurrence of micronuclei arising from loss of whole chromosomes in patients, with no substantial difference in frequencies observed in matched controls. The Comet assay indicated a slightly higher level of primary DNA damage in patients compared with controls and also a difference in oxidative DNA damage, however, this was not statistically significant. Patients receiving ubidecarenone showed a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of micronucleated cells after therapy, while only a slight decrease was observed in the levels of both primary DNA damage and oxidized bases.

[Genetic polymorphism of biotransforming enzymes and genotoxic effects of styrenes]

A cross-sectional study was carried out on laminators producing glass-fibre reinforced plastics, to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphism of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes on the genotoxicity of styrene. Clastogenic effects, evaluated by the micronucleus test, are related with end-of-shift urinary concentration of 4-vinylphenol and seem to be modulated by NQO1 polymorphism; aneuploidogenic effects, evaluated by the identification of centromers in micronuclei using the fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique with a pancentromeric probe, are related with before-shift urinary levels of mandelic and phenylglyoxylic acids and seem to be modulated by the GSTM1 polymorphism.

[Chromosome aberrations, valued as frequency of spontaneous micronuclei, in subjects with suspected presclerodermic Raynaud's phenomenon]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of spontaneous chromosome damage in cultured peripheral lymphocytes of subjects with suspected presclerodermic Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), by means of molecular cytogenetic analysis.

METHODS

We studied 20 suspected presclerodermic RP, 20 idiopathic RP and 25 healthy subjects. As marker of chromosome alteration we used the micronucleus assay. All subjects were also classified as ANA-, ACA+ or Scl70+. To identify the mechanism of MN formation, a MN fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis using a pancentromeric DNA probe was also performed.

RESULTS

Suspected presclerodermic RP subjects, showed significantly higher MN frequencies than idiopathic RP and controls (39+/-15.2 vs 10+/-2.1 and 9.8+/-3.5 respectively p<0.0001). Interestingly, subjects with idiopathic RP displayed MN frequency comparable to that of controls. Furthermore, ACA+ subjects showed the highest MN frequencies (44+/-8.1) as compared to subjects with different antibody pattern (26+/-7.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show the presence of higher levels of chromosomal damage in circulating lymphocytes of suspected presclerodermic RP. They also would suggest a key role of anti-centromere antibody in determining the observed cytogenetic anomalies. FISH analysis indicated that both aneuploidogenic and clastogenic events contribute to the formation of MN observed in suspected presclerodermic RP.

Cytogenetic alterations in lymphocytes of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease patients

We investigated the presence of cytogenetic alterations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Detection of spontaneous structural and/or numerical chromosome damage has been assessed by micronucleus (MN) assay coupled with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The cytogenetic investigation was performed on 22 AD patients, 18 PD patients, and 20 controls. The spontaneous frequencies of micronuclei (MN) in human lymphocytes of both AD and PD patients were significantly higher than in controls. The majority of MN was composed of whole chromosomes in AD patients, while a prevalence of MN arising from chromosome breakage was observed in PD patients. Different molecular mechanisms underlie cytogenetic alterations observed in peripheral lymphocytes of AD and PD patients.

[The high frequency of spontaneous micronuclei observed in lymphocytes of systemic sclerosis patients: preliminary results]

OBJECTIVE

Aim of the study is to assess the presence of spontaneous chromosome damage in patients affected by limited (lSSc) or diffuse (dSSc) Systemic Slerosis, using the micronucleus (MN) assay.

METHODS

We evaluated MN frequency in cultured peripheral lymphocytes of 18 SSc and in a group of 20 healthy controls. Patients were also classified as ACA+, Scl70+, FAN+ according to the presence of the specific anti-nuclear antibodies. We also explored the hypothesis that the extent of cytogenetic alteration might be related to the severity of the pathological condition and/or to the immunological profile.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, the patient group as a whole showed significantly higher MN frequencies (10.8+/-4.5 vs. 27.8+/-13.7, p<0.001). No correlation was found between spontaneous chromosome damage and severity of the disease, being MN frequency 33.1+/-17.0 and 19.8+/-2.7 in lSSc and dSSc, respectively. Interestingly, ACA+ subjects displayed the highest MN frequency (36.9+/-15.0), as compared to patients with different antibody pattern (Scl70+, FAN+; 19.7+/-8.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the presence of chromosomal damage in circulating lymphocytes of SSc patients and would suggest a key role of antibodies to the centromere in determining the observed cytogenetic anomalies.