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Latini A, Bonadies A, Trento E, Bultrini S, Cota C, Solivetti FM, Ferraro C, Ardigò M, Amorosi B, Palamara G, Bucher S, Giuliani M, Cordiali-Fei P, Ensoli F, Di Carlo A. Effective treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma by electrochemotherapy and intravenous bleomycin administration. Dermatol Ther 2012; 25:214-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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de Oliveira J, Hort MA, Moreira ELG, Glaser V, Ribeiro-do-Valle RM, Prediger RD, Farina M, Latini A, de Bem AF. Positive correlation between elevated plasma cholesterol levels and cognitive impairments in LDL receptor knockout mice: relevance of cortico-cerebral mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Neuroscience 2011; 197:99-106. [PMID: 21945034 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Convergent epidemiological, clinical, and experimental findings indicate that hypercholesterolemia contributes to the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like dementia, but the exact underlying mechanisms remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the cognitive performance of mice submitted to a model of hypercholesterolemia, as well as its relationship with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, two key events involved in AD pathogenesis. Wild-type C57bl/6 or low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)-deficient mice were fed with either standard or cholesterol-enriched diet for a 4-week period and tested for spatial learning and memory in the object location task. LDLr⁻/⁻ mice displayed spatial learning and memory impairments regardless of diet. Moreover, LDLr⁻/⁻ mice fed cholesterol-enriched diet presented a significant decrease in the mitochondrial complexes I and II activities in the cerebral cortex, which were negatively correlated with respective blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, hypercholesterolemic LDLr⁻/⁻ mice presented a significant decrease in glutathione levels, about 40% increase in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels, as well as an imbalance between the peroxide-removing-related enzymes glutathione peroxidase/glutathione reductase activities in the cerebral cortex. These findings indicate a significant relationship between hypercholesterolemia, cognitive impairment, and cortico-cerebral mitochondrial dysfunctional/oxidative stress. Because of the involvement of such alterations in AD patients, our data render this mouse model of hypercholesterolemia a useful approach to comprehend the molecular events mediating AD pathogenesis.
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Rau JV, Latini A, Teghil R, De Bonis A, Fosca M, Caminiti R, Rossi Albertini V. Superhard tungsten tetraboride films prepared by pulsed laser deposition method. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2011; 3:3738-3743. [PMID: 21877743 DOI: 10.1021/am200927q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to synthesize and/or theoretically predict new superhard materials are the subject of an intense research activity. The trials to deposit them in the form of films have just began. WB(2) (77 wt % WB(2) and 23 wt % WB(4)) and WB(4) (65 wt % WB(4) and 35 wt % WB(2)) polycrystalline bulk samples were obtained in this work via electron beam synthesis technique and, subsequently, used as targets for films preparation by the pulsed laser deposition method. The targets were irradiated by a frequency-doubled Nd:glass laser with a pulse duration of 250 fs. The films grown on SiO(2) substrates at 600 °C were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, and Vickers microhardness technique. The deposited films are composed of WB(4). The intrinsic film hardness, calculated according to the "law-of-mixtures" model, lies in the superhardness region 42-50 GPa.
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Sigwalt AR, Budde H, Helmich I, Glaser V, Ghisoni K, Lanza S, Cadore EL, Lhullier FLR, de Bem AF, Hohl A, de Matos FJ, de Oliveira PA, Prediger RD, Guglielmo LGA, Latini A. Molecular aspects involved in swimming exercise training reducing anhedonia in a rat model of depression. Neuroscience 2011; 192:661-74. [PMID: 21712072 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from depression frequently display hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) resulting in elevated cortisol levels. One main symptom of this condition is anhedonia. There is evidence that exercise training can be used as a rehabilitative intervention in the treatment of depressive disorders. In this scenario, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an aerobic exercise training protocol on the depressive-like behavior, anhedonia, induced by repeated dexamethasone administration. The study was carried out on adult male Wistar rats randomly divided into four groups: the "control group" (C), "exercise group" (E), "dexamethasone group" (D) and the "dexamethasone plus exercise group" (DE). The exercise training consisted of swimming (1 h/d, 5 d/wk) for 3 weeks, with an overload of 5% of the rat body weight. Every day rats were injected with either dexamethasone (D/DE) or saline solution (C/E). Proper positive controls, using fluoxetine, were run in parallel. Decreased blood corticosterone levels, reduced adrenal cholesterol synthesis and adrenal weight (HPA disruption), reduced preference for sucrose consumption and increased immobility time (depressive-like behavior), marked hippocampal DNA oxidation, increased IL-10 and total brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; pro-plus mature-forms) and a severe loss of body mass characterized the dexamethasone-treated animals. Besides increasing testosterone blood concentrations, the swim training protected depressive rats from the anhedonic state, following the same profile as fluoxetine, and also from the dexamethasone-induced impaired neurochemistry. The data indicate that physical exercise could be a useful tool in preventing and treating depressive disorders.
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Manco M, Lo Zupone C, Latini A, Lucidi V, Monti L. Noninvasive assessment of cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease with acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. Hepatology 2011; 53:1779-80; author reply 1780-1. [PMID: 21351113 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Bordignon V, Bultrini S, Prignano G, Sperduti I, Piperno G, Bonifati C, Filippetti M, Toma L, Latini A, Di Cecio M, Giuliani A, Vocaturo A, Trento E, D' Agosto G, Francesconi F, Cataldo A, Vento A, Cilenti V, Berardesca E, Ameglio F, Cordiali Fei P, Ensoli F. High prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and in chronic respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2011; 25:213-220. [PMID: 21880210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The early diagnosis and treatment of individuals harboring M. tuberculosis is key to ensuring the effectiveness of health programs aimed at the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). Monitoring for TB also has other important health care implications for the related immune pathology caused by the chronic inflammatory response to M. tuberculosis. Moreover, the recent introduction of biologic therapies for the treatment of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases has shown unexpected high frequencies of reactivation of latent TB. The present cross-sectional study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in different groups of subjects, either undergoing a routine program of screening for TB or a clinical monitoring of autoimmune or lung disorders, by analyzing their immune response in vitro to a pool of different M. tuberculosis antigens through an IFN-gamma-release assay (IGRA). We consecutively tested 1,644 subjects including health care workers (931), healthy immigrants from different countries (93), patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis (405), patients with lung inflammatory disease (60) or lung neoplasia (32) and a group of HIV-1 infected Italian subjects (120). The prevalence of IGRAs positive responses among health care workers was 8.9 percent. In comparison, significantly higher frequencies were found in healthy immigrant subjects (33.3%), similar to those found in inflammatory broncho-pneumopathies (34.5%) or lung cancer (29.6%). Interestingly, an unexpected high prevalence was also found in patients affected by psoriasis (18.0%), while HIV-infected subjects had values comparable to those of health care workers (10.8%). An age cut-off was determined and applied for each group by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in order to perform the statistical analysis among age-comparable groups. Multivariate analysis showed that the age and clinical conditions such as having a diagnosis of psoriasis or a lung inflammatory disease were independent risk factors for developing an IGRA positive response. This study highlights an unprecedented high prevalence of IGRA positive responses among patients affected by psoriasis and emphasizes the need for a preliminary assessment of LTBI before the administration of any biologic therapy based on cytokine antagonists such as anti-TNF-alpha. Moreover, screening for LTBI should be routinely performed in the presence of a chronic pulmonary disease.
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Falqui A, Loche D, Casula MF, Corrias A, Gozzi D, Latini A. Synthesis and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube/FeCo nanocomposites. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2011; 11:2215-2225. [PMID: 21449371 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2011.3725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Multiwalled carbon nanotube/FeCo nanocomposites were produced by Catalytic Chemical Vapour Deposition using highly porous FeCo-SiO2 aerogels with different loadings and dimensions of FeCo nanoparticles as catalysts. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes with average number of walls depending on the size of the catalyst nanoparticles were obtained. Inside the nanotubes spherical or elliptical FeCo nanoparticles are retained, and the magnetic properties of the resulting nanocomposites were characterized in detail.
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Aguiar A, Boemer G, Rial D, Cordova F, Mancini G, Walz R, de Bem A, Latini A, Leal R, Pinho R, Prediger R. High-intensity physical exercise disrupts implicit memory in mice: involvement of the striatal glutathione antioxidant system and intracellular signaling. Neuroscience 2010; 171:1216-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Scaramuzzo FA, Salvati R, Paci B, Generosi A, Rossi-Albertini V, Latini A, Barteri M. Nanoscale in situ morphological study of proteins immobilized on gold thin films. J Phys Chem B 2010; 113:15895-9. [PMID: 19899801 DOI: 10.1021/jp907149m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The nanoscale organization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and of its polyclonal antibody immobilized on gold thin films was studied by means of Energy Dispersive X-ray Reflectometry (EDXR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The macromolecules were alternatively deposited over a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of thioctic acid. The measurements, collected in situ at subsequent deposition stages of the device, gave information on the distribution of the macromolecules on the surface showing that both the proteins can bind covalently to the SAM. In addition to this, we demonstrated that the antigen-antibody reaction takes place when one of the two reactants is anchored to the surface.
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Fiszman ML, Ricart KC, Latini A, Rodríguez G, Sica REP. In vitro neurotoxic properties and excitatory aminoacids concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Relationship with the degree of certainty of disease diagnoses. Acta Neurol Scand 2010; 121:120-6. [PMID: 19804473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine glutamate and aspartate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) grouped according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria, and to perform an in vitro assessment of the neurotoxicity of the CSF in murine cortical neurons. METHODS SALS patients were sorted according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria. Glutamate and aspartate were measured in the CSF using high performance liquid chromatography. Cultured cortical neuron viability was determined after exposure to CSF for 24 h. RESULTS Glutamate levels were elevated in 28 out of the 29 patients with definite, probable or possible SALS. There were no differences in glutamate concentrations when the three clinical forms of the disease were compared; neither there were significant variation across disease duration and clinical presentation. In agreement with previous reports, we concluded that CSF-SALS-induced in vitro neurotoxicity is mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors. We found no relationship between the degree of in vitro neurotoxicity and glutamate concentration in the CSF. CONCLUSIONS Glutamate but not aspartate CSF levels may contribute to ALS pathogenesis. However, glutamate levels may not influence the degree of diagnosis certainty or lesion extension.
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Latini A, Rau JV, Teghil R, Generosi A, Albertini VR. Superhard properties of rhodium and iridium boride films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2010; 2:581-587. [PMID: 20356208 DOI: 10.1021/am9008264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Very recently, the superhard properties of rhenium and ruthenium boride films were reported, this research being inspired by the discovery of the ReB(2) bulk superhardness. In this paper, we report the first successful deposition and characterization of rhodium and iridium boride films, other possible candidates for superhard materials. The films were prepared, applying the pulsed laser deposition technique, and studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, and Vickers microhardness. The refined structural parameters for RhB(1.1) and IrB(1.1) films were obtained. The RhB(1.1) film is characterized by the submicrometer crystallite size, whereas for the IrB(1.1) film, the crystallite size is in the tens of nanometers range, and this latter film presents a slightly preferred orientation along the [004] direction. Both the films exhibit very similar morphology, being composed of dense globular aggregate texture. The RhB(1.1) film presents a homogeneously textured surface with an average roughness of 20-50 nm, whereas the IrB(1.1) film possesses a finer texture with an average roughness of 20-30 nm. The intrinsic hardness of both films lies in the superhardness range: the 1.0 microm thick RhB(1.1) film possesses a hardness of 44 GPa, whereas the 0.4 microm thick IrB(1.1) film has a hardness of 43 GPa.
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Gozzi D, Latini A, Lazzarini L. Experimental thermodynamics of high temperature transformations in single-walled carbon nanotube bundles. J Am Chem Soc 2009; 131:12474-82. [PMID: 19655757 DOI: 10.1021/ja904294z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The thermodynamic quantities associated to the transformation of carbon in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundles to carbon in graphite were determined from 750 to 1015 K by a CaF2 solid electrolyte galvanic cell: (-) Mo | Cr3C2,CrF2,C'' | CaF2s.c. | Cr3C2,CrF2,C' | Mo (+). The trend with temperature of the electromotive force of the cell was found to be greatly dependent on temperature and fully reversible with it. The standard enthalpy DeltaH(T)(o) and entropy DeltaS(T)(o) changes are 7.1, 6.0, and 60.2 kJ mol(-1) and 8.6, 14.7, and 72.8 J K(-1) mol(-1) at 778, 883, and 975 K, respectively. This most likely correlates with the different arrangements and shapes of tubes that deviate from the ideal triangular closed packed structure of the SWCNT bundles. The constraints to the thermal expansion of bundles in the electrode containing them generated high internal pressures that were responsible for deformations of tube shape and lattice. Stable bundle states were formed that interconvert as a function of temperature. Comparative analyses by low angle XRD, microRaman, and HR-TEM of SWCNT bundles before and after experiments support this scenario. The cohesion energy and associated entropy changes are also reported for such states. The formation enthalpy of unbundled SWCNTs was calculated equal to 9.5 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-1).
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Giuliani M, Montieri S, Palamara G, Latini A, Alteri C, Perno C, Santoro M, Rezza G, Ciccozzi M. Non-B HIV type 1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in Rome, Italy. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2009; 25:157-64. [PMID: 19108689 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2008.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in the circulation of HIV-1 non-B subtypes has been observed in recent years in Western European countries. Due to the lack of data on the circulation of HIV-1 non-B subtypes among European HIV-1-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), a biomolecular study was conducted in Rome, Italy. HIV-1 partial pol gene sequences from 111 MSM individuals (76 drug naive and 35 drug experienced) were collected during the years 2004-2006. All these sequences were analyzed using the REGA HIV-1 Subtyping Tool, and aligned using CLUSTAL X followed by manual editing using the Bioedit software. A BLAST search for non-B subtype sequences was also performed. Twenty-six (23.4%) MSM were not Italians. Eight individuals (7.2%) were diagnosed as HIV infected before 1991, 20 (18.0%) between 1991 and 1999, and 83 (74.8%) from 2000 to 2006. Fifteen (15/111, 13.5%) individuals were infected with the non-B subtype. The percentage of infection with HIV-1 non-B subtypes was 8.2% (7/85) among Italian MSM and 30.8% (8/26) among the non-Italians (OR = 4.95 95% IC: 1.40-17.87). Individuals infected with the non-B subtype were significantly younger than those infected with the HIV-1 B subtype (28 years vs. 34 years, p = 0.003). The CRFs were more prevalent (8.1%) than pure subtypes (5.4%), which were distributed as follows: subtype C (2.6%), subtype A1 (1.7%), and subtype F1 (0.9%). Major mutations conferring resistance to antiretroviral drugs (ARV) were not found among HIV-1 non-B subtype drug-naive patients but were found in two ARV-experienced individuals. The data show that viral diversity is likely increasing in a population group that had been previously characterized by the circulation of HIV-1 subtype B.
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Latini A, Scussiato K, Leipnitz G, Gibson KM, Wajner M. Evidence for oxidative stress in tissues derived from succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase-deficient mice. J Inherit Metab Dis 2007; 30:800-10. [PMID: 17885820 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-007-0599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2007] [Revised: 04/19/2007] [Accepted: 06/08/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Animal models of inborn errors of metabolism are useful for investigating the pathogenesis associated with the corresponding human disease. Since the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency (Aldh5a1; OMIM 271980) are still not established, in the present study we evaluated the tissue antioxidant defences and lipid peroxidation in various cerebral structures (cortex, cerebellum, thalamus and hippocampus) and in the liver of SSADH-deficient mice. The parameters analysed were total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) and glutathione (GSH) levels, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). We first observed that the tissue nonenzymatic antioxidant defences were significantly reduced in the SSADH-deficient animals, particularly in the liver (decreased TRAP and GSH) and in the cerebral cortex (decreased GSH), as compared to the wild-type mice. Furthermore, SOD activity was significantly increased in the liver and cerebellum, whereas the activity of CAT was significantly higher in the thalamus. In contrast, GPx activity was significantly diminished in the hippocampus. Finally, we observed that lipid peroxidation (TBARS levels) was markedly increased in the liver and cerebral cortex, reflecting a high lipid oxidative damage in these tissues. Our data showing an imbalance between tissue antioxidant defences and oxidative attack strongly indicate that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of SSADH deficiency in mice, and likely the corresponding human disorder.
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Gozzi D, Iervolino M, Latini A. The thermodynamics of the transformation of graphite to multiwalled carbon nanotubes. J Am Chem Soc 2007; 129:10269-75. [PMID: 17665913 DOI: 10.1021/ja072120d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The thermodynamic quantities associated to the transformation from graphite to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were determined by electromotive force (emf) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. From the emf versus T data of galvanic cell Mo|Cr(3)C(2), CrF2, MWCNTs|CaF2 s.c.|Cr(3)C(2), CrF2, graphite|Mo with CaF2 as solid electrolyte, Delta(r)H(T) degrees= 8.25 +/- 0.09 kJ mol(-1) and Delta(r)S(T) degrees= 11.72 +/- 0.09 JK(-1) mol(-1) were found at average temperature T = 874 K. The transformation enthalpy was also measured by DSC of the Mn(7)C(3) formation starting from graphite or MWCNTs. Thermodynamic values at 298 K were calculated to be: Delta(r)H(298) degrees = 9.0 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-1) as averaged value from both techniques and Delta(r)S(298) degrees approximately Delta(r)S(T) degrees. At absolute zero, the residual entropy of MWCNTs was estimated 11.63 +/- 0.09 JK(-1) mol(-1), and transformation enthalpy Delta(r)H(0) degrees approximately Delta(r)H(298) degrees. The latter agrees satisfactorily with the theoretical calculations for the graphite-MWCNTs transformation. On thermodynamic basis, the transformation becomes spontaneous above 704 +/- 13 K.
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de Assis DR, Maria RC, Ferreira GC, Schuck PF, Latini A, Dutra-Filho CS, Wannmacher CMD, Wyse ATS, Wajner M. Na+, K+ ATPase activity is markedly reduced by cis-4-decenoic acid in synaptic plasma membranes from cerebral cortex of rats. Exp Neurol 2006; 197:143-9. [PMID: 16203000 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Revised: 07/25/2005] [Accepted: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that octanoic (OA) and decanoic acids (DA) inhibit Na+, K+ ATPase activity in synaptic plasma membranes from rat brain. The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effects of the other metabolites that accumulate in tissues of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)-deficient patients, namely cis-4-decenoic acid (cDA), octanoylcarnitine (OC), hexanoylcarnitine (HC), hexanoylglycine (HG), phenylpropionylglycine (PPG) and suberoylglycine (SG), on Na+, K+ ATPase activity in synaptic plasma membrane from cerebral cortex of 30-day-old rats. cDA, the pathognomonic compound found in this disorder, provoked the strongest inhibition on this enzyme activity at concentrations as low as 0.25 mM, whereas OC inhibited this activity at 1.0 mM and higher concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, HC, HG, PPG and SG did not affect Na+, K+ ATPase activity. Furthermore, pre-treatment of cortical homogenates with the antioxidant enzymes catalase plus superoxide dismutase totally prevented cDA-induced Na+, K+ ATPase inhibition. We also provided evidence that cDA, as well as OA and DA, caused lipid peroxidation, which may explain, at least in part, the inhibitory properties of these compounds towards Na+, K+ ATPase. Considering that Na+, K+ ATPase is a critical enzyme for normal brain development and functioning, it is presumed that these findings, especially those regarding to the marked inhibitory effect of cDA, may be involved in the pathophysiology of the neurological dysfunction of MCAD-deficient patients.
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Galeffi P, Lombardi A, Donato MD, Latini A, Sperandei M, Cantale C, Giacomini P. Expression of single-chain antibodies in transgenic plants. Vaccine 2005; 23:1823-7. [PMID: 15734049 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is an ever-growing interest in plant molecular farming as a system for producing valuable recombinant pharmaceutical molecules, such as single-chain variable fragments, on an industrial/agricultural scale and it appears that it is going to become a reality. Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is an oncogene involved in abnormal cell growth in breast cancer and is considered for the development of new cancer therapies. We describe here the cloning and expression of a scFv-alpha HER2 that has been produced in Escherichia coli and in plants using both stable and transient systems in tobacco and Nicotiana benthamiana. Single-chain antibodies (ScFvs) extracted and purified from E. coli and plant tissues were tested for functionality and specificity by flow cytometry analysis on several cell lines and showed positive results when used on breast cancer slides coming from human frozen tissues. As a result, scFv-alpha HER2 represents a good opportunity for application and use in diagnosis and therapy.
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Ferro D, Barinov SM, Rau JV, Teghil R, Latini A. Calcium phosphate and fluorinated calcium phosphate coatings on titanium deposited by Nd:YAG laser at a high fluence. Biomaterials 2005; 26:805-12. [PMID: 15350786 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Calcium phosphate coatings are known to enhance long-term fixation, reliability and promote osteointegration of cementless titanium-based implant devices. This study was aimed at the pulsed laser deposition of calcium phosphate coatings onto titanium using hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite-fluorapatite targets. The deposition was carried out at the high laser beam fluence conditions, about 12 J/cm(2). The coatings were characterized with respect to their morphology, phase composition and hardness. X-ray energy dispersive analysis revealed the coatings retain their elemental composition, and fluoride content within the film is the same as in the initial target. However, unlike sintered targets, the deposited films contain no apatite-like phases. The hardness of the films, about 18 GPa, is surprisingly high compared to that of hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite-fluorapatite ceramic targets. The deposited coatings of 2.7-2.9 microm thickness have uniform and dense microstructure, containing the solidified droplets of the expulsed from the target phase. The uncommon structure and hardness of the films can be attributed to the melting and phase decomposition of the initial material in the laser plasma.
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Latini A, Scussiato K, Leipnitz G, Dutra-Filho CS, Wajner M. Promotion of oxidative stress by 3-hydroxyglutaric acid in rat striatum. J Inherit Metab Dis 2005; 28:57-67. [PMID: 15702406 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-005-3677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2003] [Accepted: 07/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the striatum degeneration characteristic of patients affected by the inherited neurometabolic disorder glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (GDD), also known as glutaric aciduria type I, is still in debate. We have previously reported that 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OH-GA) considered the main neurotoxin in this disorder, induces oxidative stress in rat cerebral cotex. In the present work, we extended these studies by investigating the in vitro effect of 3-OH-GA, at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 mmol/L on the brain antioxidant defences by measuring total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and on the production of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde in striatum homogenates from young rats. We observed that TRAP, TAR and GSH levels were markedly reduced (by up to 50%) when striatum homogenates were treated with 3-OH-GA. In contrast, H(2)O(2) (up to 44%), NO (up to 95%) and malondialdehyde levels (up to 28%) were significantly increased by 3-OH-GA. These data indicate that total nonenzymatic antioxidant defences (TRAP) and the tissue capacity to handle an increase of reactive species (TAR) were reduced by 3-OH-GA in the striatum. Furthermore, the results also reflect an increase of lipid peroxidation, probably secondary to 3-OH-GA-induced free radical production. Thus, it may be presumed that oxidative stress is involved in the neuropathology in GDD.
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Rosa RB, Schuck PF, de Assis DR, Latini A, Dalcin KB, Ribeiro CAJ, da C Ferreira G, Maria RC, Leipnitz G, Perry MLS, Filho CSD, Wyse ATS, Wannmacher CMD, Wajner M. Inhibition of energy metabolism by 2-methylacetoacetate and 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate in cerebral cortex of developing rats. J Inherit Metab Dis 2005; 28:501-15. [PMID: 15902553 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-005-0501-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2004] [Accepted: 12/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial beta-ketothiolase and 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (MHBD) deficiencies are inherited neurometabolic disorders affecting isoleucine catabolism. Biochemically, beta-ketothiolase deficiency is characterized by intermittent ketoacidosis and urinary excretion of 2-methyl-acetoacetate (MAA), 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate (MHB) and tiglylglycine (TG), whereas in MHBD deficiency only MHB and tiglylglycine accumulate. Lactic acid accumulation and excretion are also observed in these patients, being more pronounced in MHBD-deficient individuals, particularly during acute episodes of decompensation. Patients affected by MHBD deficiency usually manifest severe mental retardation and convulsions, whereas beta-ketothiolase-deficient patients present encephalopathic crises characterized by metabolic acidosis, vomiting and coma. Considering that the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the neurological alterations of these disorders are unknown and that lactic acidosis suggests an impairment of energy production, the objective of the present work was to investigate the in vitro effect of MAA and MHB, at concentrations varying from 0.01 to 1.0 mmol/L, on several parameters of energy metabolism in cerebral cortex from young rats. We observed that MAA markedly inhibited CO2 production from glucose, acetate and citrate at concentrations as low as 0.01 mmol/L. In addition, the activities of the respiratory chain complex II and succinate dehydrogenase were mildly inhibited by MAA. MHB, at 0.01 mmol/L and higher concentrations, strongly inhibited CO2 production from all tested substrates, as well as the respiratory chain complex IV activity. The other activities of the respiratory chain were not affected by these metabolites. The data indicate a marked blockage in the Krebs cycle and a mild inhibition of the respiratory chain caused by MAA and MHB. Furthermore, MHB inhibited total and mitochondrial creatine kinase activities, which was prevented by the use of the nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME and glutathione (GSH). These data indicate that the effect of MHB on creatine kinase was probably mediated by oxidation or other modification of essential thiol groups of the enzyme by nitric oxide and other by-products derived from this organic acid. In contrast, MAA did not affect creatine kinase activity. Taken together, these observations indicate that aerobic energy metabolism is inhibited by MAA and to a greater extent by MHB, a fact that may be related to lactic acidaemia occurring in patients affected by MHBD and beta-ketothiolase deficiencies. If the in vitro effects detected in the present study also occur in vivo, it is tempting to speculate that they may contribute, at least in part, to the neurological dysfunction found in these disorders.
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Latini A, Rodriguez M, Borba Rosa R, Scussiato K, Leipnitz G, Reis de Assis D, da Costa Ferreira G, Funchal C, Jacques-Silva MC, Buzin L, Giugliani R, Cassina A, Radi R, Wajner M. 3-Hydroxyglutaric acid moderately impairs energy metabolism in brain of young rats. Neuroscience 2005; 135:111-20. [PMID: 16111821 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2005] [Revised: 05/09/2005] [Accepted: 05/09/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
3-Hydroxyglutaric acid (3HGA) accumulates in the inherited neurometabolic disorder known as glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The disease is clinically characterized by severe neurological symptoms, frontotemporal atrophy and striatum degeneration. Because of the pathophysiology of the brain damage in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency is not completed clear, we investigated the in vitro effect of 3HGA (0.01-5.0mM) on critical enzyme activities of energy metabolism, including the respiratory chain complexes I-V, creatine kinase isoforms and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in cerebral cortex and striatum from 30-day-old rats. Complex II activity was also studied in rat C6-glioma cells exposed to 3HGA. The effect of 3HGA was further investigated on the rate of oxygen consumption in mitochondria from rat cerebrum. We observed that 1.0mM 3HGA significantly inhibited complex II in cerebral cortex and C6 cells but not the other activities of the respiratory chain complexes. Creatine kinase isoforms and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase were also not affected by the acid. Furthermore, no inhibition of complex II activity occurred when mitochondrial preparations from cerebral cortex or striatum homogenates were used. In addition, 3HGA significantly lowered the respiratory control ratio in the presence of glutamate/malate and succinate under stressful conditions or when mitochondria were permeabilized with digitonin. Since 3HGA stimulated oxygen consumption in state IV and compromised ATP formation, it can be presumed that this organic acid might act as an endogenous uncoupler of mitochondria respiration. Finally, we observed that 3HGA changed C6 cell morphology from a round flat to a spindle-differentiated shape, but did not alter cell viability neither induced apoptosis. The data provide evidence that 3HGA provokes a moderate impairment of brain energy metabolism and do not support the view that 3HGA-induced energy failure would solely explain the characteristic brain degeneration observed in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency patients.
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Simeone P, Teson M, Latini A, Carducci M, Venuti A. Endothelin-1 could be one of the targets of psoriasis therapy. Br J Dermatol 2004; 151:1273-5. [PMID: 15606529 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Migliore A, Tormenta S, Martin Martin LS, Valente C, Massafra U, Latini A, Alimonti A. [Safety profile of 185 ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections for treatment of rheumatic diseases of the hip]. Reumatismo 2004; 56:104-9. [PMID: 15309218 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2004.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We have developed a standardized technique for intra-articular injection of the hip joint with the purpose of extending routine intra-articular injection of hyaluronans and steroids to the hip, as commonly used in the knee. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety of this technique in an extended series of patients. METHODS A 7 MHz linear or 3.5 MHz convex transducer was used with a sterilized biopsy guide attached. Intra-articular (IA) injection was performed by inserting into the biopsy guide a 20 gauge needle with the anterosuperior approach. Then, using biopsy real-time guidance software, the needle was advanced into the anterior capsular recess, at the level of the femoral head. RESULTS The standardised technique was used to inject 97 patients (114 hips) with 185 injections of either steroid/local anaesthetic (10) or hyaluronan (175) over a three-year period. The treatment was well tolerated with few, and exclusively local, side effects. No systemic side effects or joint infections were observed in our study. The colour Doppler vision allowed us to avoid injecting blood vessels. In all cases direct visualization of needle introduction and progression into the articular space was shown by on-screen guidance. Ultrasound guidance is more economic and faster in comparison to the TC or fluoroscopic guidance. Contrary to TC or fluoroscopic techniques ultrasound does not require use of radiations or iodized contrast. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the administration of hyaluronans or steroids with ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection is a safe technique for treatment of rheumatic diseases of the hip.
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D'Agosto G, Latini A, Carducci M, Mastroianni A, Vento A, Fei PC. Evaluation of recombinant antigen-based assays for diagnosis of bullous autoimmune diseases. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 11:762-5. [PMID: 15242953 PMCID: PMC440609 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.11.4.762-765.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2004] [Revised: 04/01/2004] [Accepted: 04/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases is based on clinical observation and on the presence of autoantibodies directed to molecules involved in the adhesion systems of the skin. Immunofluorescence assays are the currently accepted method for detection of autoantibodies; such assays depend greatly on the skill of operators and are difficult to standardize. Recombinant desmoglein-1 (Dsg1), Dsg3, and BP180 peptides, the main autoantigens in pemphigus or bullous pemphigoid, have been used to develop new quantitative enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for the detection of specific antibodies. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these immunoassays and to determine the correlation between the results and the clinical aspects of diseases. Serum samples from patients with pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, or mucous membrane pemphigoid, from healthy individuals, and from patients with unrelated autoimmune conditions were tested. Anti-desmoglein reactivity was detected in all the patients with pemphigus and in none of the controls. Patients with the more benign form of cutaneous disease had anti-Dsg1 antibodies, while patients with deeper cutaneous lesions or with mucosal involvement had anti-Dsg3 reactivity also, or exclusively. The BP180-based assay was positive for 66.6% of patients with bullous pemphigoid and for none of the patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid, and no reactivity was detected in the control sera. In conclusion, the anti-Dsg1 and anti-Dsg3 assays are useful in the diagnosis of pemphigus and provide information on the clinical phenotype of the disease. However, the sensitivity of EIA for detection of autoantibodies in bullous pemphigoid should be improved by the use of additional antigens or epitopes.
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Vargas CR, Wajner M, Sirtori LR, Goulart L, Chiochetta M, Coelho D, Latini A, Llesuy S, Bello-Klein A, Giugliani R, Deon M, Mello CF. Evidence that oxidative stress is increased in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2004; 1688:26-32. [PMID: 14732478 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2003.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a hereditary disorder of peroxisomal metabolism biochemically characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), particularly hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0) in different tissues and in biological fluids. The disease is clinically characterized by central and peripheral demyelination and adrenal insufficiency, which is closely related to the increased concentrations of these fatty acids. However, the mechanisms underlying the brain damage in X-ALD are poorly known. Considering that free radical generation is involved in various neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, in the present study we evaluated various oxidative stress parameters, namely chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBA-RS), total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) in plasma of X-ALD patients, as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes and fibroblasts from these patients. It was verified a significant increase of plasma chemiluminescence and TBA-RS, reflecting induction of lipid peroxidation, as well as a decrease of plasma TAR, indicating a deficient capacity to rapidly handle an increase of reactive species. We also observed a significant increase of erythrocytes GPx activity and of catalase and SOD activities in fibroblasts from the patients studied. It is therefore proposed that oxidative stress may be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD.
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