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Romeo M, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Rodegher M, Esposito F, Martinelli V, Comi G. Clinical and MRI predictors of response to interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Eur J Neurol 2013; 20:1060-7. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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202
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Abruzzo P, Esposito F, Marchionni C, di Tullio S, Belia S, Fulle S, Veicsteinas A, Marini M. Moderate Exercise Training Induces ROS-Related Adaptations to Skeletal Muscles. Int J Sports Med 2013; 34:676-87. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1323782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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203
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Solari D, Cavallo LM, De Angelis M, Villa A, Somma T, Esposito F, Del Basso De Caro M, Cappabianca P. Advances in trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery. Panminerva Med 2012; 54:271-276. [PMID: 23123578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary surgery is a continuous evolving speciality of the neurosurgeons' armamentarium, requiring precise anatomical knowledge, technical skills and integrated appreciation of the pituitary pathophysiology. Actually, it could be considered the result of a close cooperation between different specialists, i.e. the ophthalmologist, the neuroradiologist, the endocrinologist, the neurosurgeon, the pathologist, etc. In this teamwork environment each member plays his own role, offering his contribute to the final result; every effort is performed to provide patients with the best possible procedure, individually measured. The endoscopic pituitary surgery performed by means of a transsphenoidal approach perfectly fits this scenario, being though advocated as the result of an evolutionary process rather than a revolutionary one. The "pure" endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery - consisting of a whole procedure performed with the endoscope alone and without the use of any transsphenoidal retractor - offers some advantages due to the endoscope itself: a superior close-up view of the relevant anatomy, very important at the tumor/gland interface and an enlarged working angle are provided with an increased panoramic vision inside the surgical area. Results in terms of mass removal, relief of clinical symptoms, cure of the underlying disease and complication rate are similar to those reported in the major microsurgical series but patient compliance is by far better.
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Esposito F, Corona A, Zinzula L, Kharlamova T, Tramontano E. New anthraquinone derivatives as inhibitors of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase-associated ribonuclease H function. Chemotherapy 2012; 58:299-307. [PMID: 23128501 DOI: 10.1159/000343101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The degradative activity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT), termed ribonuclease H (RNase H), which hydrolyzes the RNA component of the heteroduplex RNA:DNA replication intermediate, is an excellent target for drug discovery. Anthraquinones (AQs) and their derivatives, which are common secondary metabolites occurring in bacteria, fungi, lichens and a large number of families in higher plants, have been reported to have several biological activities including that of inhibiting HIV-1 RT activities in biochemical assays. METHODS We have assayed new AQ derivatives on HIV-1 RNase H activities in biochemical assays. RESULTS Six series of new AQ derivatives with various substituents at positions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the AQ ring were tested, and new analogs able to inhibit HIV-1 RT-associated RNase H activity in the low micromolar range were found. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that AQ derivatives are promising anti-RNase H inhibitors.
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Gallo A, Esposito F, Sacco R, Docimo R, Bisecco A, Della Corte M, D'Ambrosio A, Corbo D, Rosa N, Lanza M, Cirillo S, Bonavita S, Tedeschi G. Visual resting-state network in relapsing-remitting MS with and without previous optic neuritis. Neurology 2012; 79:1458-65. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e31826d5eea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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206
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Esposito F, De Martino M, Tornincasa M, Forzati F, Petti M, Pierantoni G, Fusco A. 185 Role of HMGA1 Pseudogenes in Human Cancer. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)70883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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207
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Limonta E, Cè E, Esposito F. Effects of acute passive stretching on ventilatory pattern during prolonged cycle exercise. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-012-0122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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208
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Cirillo M, Esposito F, Tedeschi G, Caiazzo G, Sagnelli A, Piccirillo G, Conforti R, Tortora F, Monsurrò MR, Cirillo S, Trojsi F. Widespread microstructural white matter involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a whole-brain DTI study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1102-8. [PMID: 22300932 PMCID: PMC8013257 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The extensive application of advanced MR imaging techniques to the study of ALS has undoubtedly improved our knowledge of disease pathophysiology, even if the actual spread of the neurodegenerative process throughout the central nervous system is not fully understood. The present study aimed to detect WM patterns of microstructural abnormalities to better investigate the pathologic process in ALS, within but also beyond CSTs, in a whole-brain analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS DTI was performed in 19 patients with ALS and 20 matched healthy controls, by using whole-brain TBSS and VOI analyses. RESULTS We observed a significant decrease of FA in the body of CC of the ALS group (P < .05). At the VOI level, both FA decrease and RD increase in the body of CC significantly correlated with the UMN score (P = .003 and P = .02). Additionally, significant voxelwise positive correlations between FA and the ALSFRS-R were detected in the WM tracts underneath the left premotor cortex (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The correlations between reduction of FA and increase of RD in the body of CC with the UMN score indicate that the WM degeneration in the CC is strictly related to the ALS pyramidal impairment, while the correlation between FA and ALSFRS-R in the associative tracts underneath the left premotor cortex might reflect the progressive spread of the disease from the motor toward the extramotor areas.
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Moretti R, Torre P, Antonello RM, Rosin MV, Esposito F, Furman MR, Bellini G. Apathy: a complex symptom specific to the clinical pattern of presentation of Parkinson's disease? Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2012; 27:196-201. [PMID: 22573285 PMCID: PMC10845519 DOI: 10.1177/1533317512445502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no consensus on the nosological position of apathy in clinical practice, although many different articles indicate that apathy is a common, behavioral disturbance in the general Parkinson's disease (PD) population, often related to severe motor symptoms, hypothesizing that the dysfunction of the nigrostriatal pathway may play an important role in its pathophysiology. However, not all patients with PD become apathetic, indicating that apathy should not entirely be considered a dopamine-dependent syndrome in PD. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and clinical correlates of apathy in a representative community-based sample of patients within 2 variants of the PD: akinetic-rigid type and tremor-dominant type. Specifically, we wanted to investigate whether these 2 variants of PD would present with apathy as a primary behavioral disorder and whether apathy could be associated with different cognitive and behavioral disorders. Apathy is present in both the groups but significantly more evident in the akinetic-rigid group associated with frontal impairment but not related to motor impairment or depression. We discuss the results, starting with anatomical and physiological brain studies.
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Suchaud V, Bailly F, Lion C, Tramontano E, Esposito F, Corona A, Christ F, Debyser Z, Cotelle P. Development of a series of 3-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-ones as selective inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase associated RNase H activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:3988-92. [PMID: 22607675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.04.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We report herein the synthesis of a series of 3-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives. Esters and amide groups were introduced at position 4 of the basis scaffold and some modulations of the benzenic moiety were performed. Most compounds presented selective inhibitory properties in the 10-20 μM range against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase associated ribonuclease H activity, without affecting the integrase and reverse transcriptase DNA polymerase activities. Unfortunately all tested compounds exhibited high cellular cytotoxicity in cell culture which limited their applications as antiviral agents.
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Urrets-Zavalia JA, Croxatto JO, Holopainen JM, Cafaro TA, Esposito F, Neira W, Serra HM. In vivo confocal microscopy study of climatic droplet keratopathy. Eye (Lond) 2012; 26:1021-3. [PMID: 22538217 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2012.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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212
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Tessitore A, Amboni M, Cirillo G, Corbo D, Picillo M, Russo A, Vitale C, Santangelo G, Erro R, Cirillo M, Esposito F, Barone P, Tedeschi G. Regional gray matter atrophy in patients with Parkinson disease and freezing of gait. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1804-9. [PMID: 22538070 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE FOG is a troublesome symptom of PD. Despite growing evidence suggesting that FOG in PD may be associated with cognitive dysfunction, the relationship between regional brain atrophy and FOG has been poorly investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Optimized VBM was applied to 3T brain MR images of 24 patients with PD and 12 HC. Patients were classified as either FOG- or FOG+ (n = 12) based on their responses to a validated FOG Questionnaire and clinical observation. All patients with PD also underwent a detailed neuropsychological evaluation. RESULTS The VBM analysis in patients with FOG+ showed a reduced GM volume in the left cuneus, precuneus, lingual gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex compared with both patients with FOG- and HC. We did not detect any significant change of GM volume when comparing HC versus all patients with PD (FOG- and FOG+). FOG clinical severity was significantly correlated with GM loss in posterior cortical regions. Finally, patients with FOG+ scored lower on tests of frontal lobe function. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide the first evidence that the development of FOG in patients with PD is associated with posterior GM atrophy, which may play a role in the complex pathophysiology of this disabling symptom.
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Curzi D, Salucci S, Marini M, Esposito F, Agnello L, Veicsteinas A, Burattini S, Falcieri E. How physical exercise changes rat myotendinous junctions: an ultrastructural study. Eur J Histochem 2012; 56:e19. [PMID: 22688300 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2012.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotendinous junctions can be easily injured by overloading or trauma, and exercise training may be a way of increasing their resistance to mechanical stress. To this end, we examined herein the morphological changes induced by moderate exercise training in the myotendinous junctions of extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscles in rats. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this investigation. Six of them were trained to run on a treadmill for 1 h/day, 3 days/week over 10 weeks in order for them to achieve a running rate of 25 m/min at the end of the training period. Six age-matched sedentary rats were used as controls. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after the final training session, and the extensor digitorum longum (EDL) and the gastrocnemium were excised; the myotendinous junctions (MTJ) were then prepared and observed with electron microscopy. Digitation branching was evaluated by counting the bifurcations in the MTJ protrusions. Our observations indicate that exercise does indeed induce changes in MTJ morphology. In both muscles the number of bifurcated interdigitations increased significantly, as well as, in gastrocnemius, the branching of the finger-like processes. It was demonstrated that the MTJ is able to adapt to an increase in tensile force by enlarging the muscle-tendon contact area and, consequently, mechanical resistance.
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Curzi D, Salucci S, Marini M, Esposito F, Agnello L, Veicsteinas A, Burattini S, Falcieri E. How physical exercise changes rat myotendinous junctions: an ultrastructural study. Eur J Histochem 2012; 56:e19. [PMID: 22688300 PMCID: PMC3428968 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2012.e19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotendinous junctions can be easily injured by overloading or trauma, and exercise training may be a way of increasing their resistance to mechanical stress. To this end, we examined herein the morphological changes induced by moderate exercise training in the myotendinous junctions of extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscles in rats. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this investigation. Six of them were trained to run on a treadmill for 1 h/day, 3 days/week over 10 weeks in order for them to achieve a running rate of 25 m/min at the end of the training period. Six age-matched sedentary rats were used as controls. The rats were sacrificed 24 h after the final training session, and the extensor digitorum longum (EDL) and the gastrocnemium were excised; the myotendinous junctions (MTJ) were then prepared and observed with electron microscopy. Digitation branching was evaluated by counting the bifurcations in the MTJ protrusions. Our observations indicate that exercise does indeed induce changes in MTJ morphology. In both muscles the number of bifurcated interdigitations increased significantly, as well as, in gastrocnemius, the branching of the finger-like processes. It was demonstrated that the MTJ is able to adapt to an increase in tensile force by enlarging the muscle-tendon contact area and, consequently, mechanical resistance.
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Tramontano E, Kharlamova T, Zinzula L, Esposito F. Effects of new quinizarin derivatives on both HCV NS5B RNA polymerase and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase associated ribonuclease H activities. J Chemother 2012; 23:273-6. [PMID: 22005058 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2011.23.5.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affect 60 and 170 million infected individuals worldwide, respectively, and co-infection by both pathogens is often observed. This represents a serious public health problem that requires the identification of new drugs targeting essential phases of the life cycle of these two viruses. In this report, the synthesis and inhibitory activity of quinizarin derivatives towards both HCV NS5B polymerase and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase associated functions are reported. Our results demonstrate that anthraquinone derivatives are promising anti-polymerase viral inhibitors.
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Distinto S, Esposito F, Kirchmair J, Cardia MC, Gaspari M, Maccioni E, Alcaro S, Markt P, Wolber G, Zinzula L, Tramontano E. Identification of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase dual inhibitors by a combined shape-, 2D-fingerprint- and pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 50:216-29. [PMID: 22361685 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 12/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
We report the first application of ligand-based virtual screening (VS) methods for discovering new compounds able to inhibit both human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated functions, DNA polymerase and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activities. The overall VS campaign consisted of two consecutive screening processes. In the first, the VS platform Rapid Overlay of Chemical Structures (ROCS) was used to perform in silico shape-based similarity screening on the NCI compounds database in which a hydrazone derivative, previously shown to inhibit the HIV-1 RT, was chosen. As a result, 34 hit molecules were selected and assayed on both RT-associated functions. In the second, the 4 most potent RT inhibitors identified were selected as queries for parallel VS performed by combining shape-based, 2D-fingerprint and 3D-pharmacophore VS methods. Overall, a set of molecules characterized by new different scaffolds were identified as novel inhibitors of both HIV-1 RT-associated activities in the low micromolar range.
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217
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Kindra G, Coutsoudis A, Esposito F. Effect of nutritional supplementation of breastfeeding HIV positive mothers on maternal and child health: findings from a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:946. [PMID: 22192583 PMCID: PMC3268126 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been well established that breastfeeding is beneficial for child health, however there has been debate regarding the effect of lactation on maternal health in the presence of HIV infection and the need for nutritional supplementation in HIV positive lactating mothers. AIMS To assess the effect of nutritional supplementation to HIV infected lactating mothers on nutritional and health status of mothers and their infants. METHODS A randomized controlled clinical trial to study the impact of nutritional supplementation on breastfeeding mothers. Measurements included anthropometry; body composition indicators; CD4 count, haemoglobin and albumin; as well as incidence rates of opportunistic infections; depression and quality of life scores. Infant measurements included anthropometry, development and rates of infections. RESULTS The supplement made no significant impact on any maternal or infant outcomes. However in the small group of mothers with low BMI, the intake of supplement was significantly associated with preventing loss of lean body mass (1.32 kg vs. 3.17 kg; p = 0.026). There was no significant impact of supplementation on the infants. CONCLUSIONS A 50 g daily nutritional supplement to breastfeeding mothers had no or limited effect on mother and child health outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN68128332 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN68128332).
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218
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DI Domenico M, Pierantoni GM, Feola A, Esposito F, Laino L, DE Rosa A, Rullo R, Mazzotta M, Martano M, Sanguedolce F, Perillo L, D'Angelo L, Papagerakis S, Tortorella S, Bufo P, Lo Muzio L, Pannone G, Santoro A. Prognostic significance of N-Cadherin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Anticancer Res 2011; 31:4211-4218. [PMID: 22199283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-Cadherin (CDH2) is a calcium-dependent adhesion protein, whose de novo expression, re-expression, up-regulation and down-regulation in human tumors has been demonstrated. The aim of the present work was to define the prognostic role of N-Cadherin in a large series of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 94 selected OSCCs were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by immunohistochemistry for N-Cadherin. The association between protein expression and clinico-pathological parameters was assessed by statistical analysis. RESULTS In neoplastic tissue, N-Cadherin levels were more evident than in normal peritumoral epithelium (p<0.05). Protein staining was mainly detected in the neoplastic cells, and only focal nuclear positivity was observed. Expression of cytoplasmic N-Cadherin correlated significantly with poor histological differentiation (p<0.05). Furthermore, we have observed significant a statistical trend for stage and a correlation with worst patient outcome, also confirmed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. CONCLUSION Our work has underlined the key-role of N-Cadherin in oral carcinogenesis and in the prognostic stratification of patients.
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Amoroso MR, Matassa DS, Laudiero G, Egorova AV, Polishchuk RS, Maddalena F, Piscazzi A, Paladino S, Sarnataro D, Garbi C, Landriscina M, Esposito F. TRAP1 and the proteasome regulatory particle TBP7/Rpt3 interact in the endoplasmic reticulum and control cellular ubiquitination of specific mitochondrial proteins. Cell Death Differ 2011; 19:592-604. [PMID: 21979464 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2011.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein-1 (TRAP1) is a mitochondrial (MITO) antiapoptotic heat-shock protein. The information available on the TRAP1 pathway describes just a few well-characterized functions of this protein in mitochondria. However, our group's use of mass-spectrometric analysis identified TBP7, an AAA-ATPase of the 19S proteasomal subunit, as a putative TRAP1-interacting protein. Surprisingly, TRAP1 and TBP7 colocalize in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as demonstrated by biochemical and confocal/electron microscopic analyses, and interact directly, as confirmed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis. This is the first demonstration of TRAP1's presence in this cellular compartment. TRAP1 silencing by short-hairpin RNAs, in cells exposed to thapsigargin-induced ER stress, correlates with upregulation of BiP/Grp78, thus suggesting a role of TRAP1 in the refolding of damaged proteins and in ER stress protection. Consistently, TRAP1 and/or TBP7 interference enhanced stress-induced cell death and increased intracellular protein ubiquitination. These experiments led us to hypothesize an involvement of TRAP1 in protein quality control for mistargeted/misfolded mitochondria-destined proteins, through interaction with the regulatory proteasome protein TBP7. Remarkably, expression of specific MITO proteins decreased upon TRAP1 interference as a consequence of increased ubiquitination. The proposed TRAP1 network has an impact in vivo, as it is conserved in human colorectal cancers, is controlled by ER-localized TRAP1 interacting with TBP7 and provides a novel model of the ER-mitochondria crosstalk.
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220
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Tessitore A, Russo A, Esposito F, Giordano A, Taglialatela G, De Micco R, Cirillo M, Conte F, d'Onofrio F, Cirillo S, Tedeschi G. Interictal cortical reorganization in episodic migraine without aura: an event-related fMRI study during parametric trigeminal nociceptive stimulation. Neurol Sci 2011; 32 Suppl 1:S165-7. [PMID: 21533737 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to explore the pain processing network in patients with migraine during trigeminal nociceptive stimulation. Sixteen patients with episodic migraine without aura and 16 healthy controls performed functional magnetic resonance imaging during thermal stimuli (at 41, 51 and 53°C). Patients with migraine showed a greater activation in the perigenual part of anterior cingulate cortex at 51°C and less activation in the bilateral somatosensory cortex at 53°C compared to healthy controls. There were no differences in experimental pain perception between groups. Our findings demonstrate a functional reorganization of cerebral areas known to be involved in pain processing in patients with migraine.
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221
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Moretti R, Torre P, Antonello RM, Esposito F, Bellini G. The on-freezing phenomenon: cognitive and behavioral aspects. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2011; 2011:746303. [PMID: 21785692 PMCID: PMC3140042 DOI: 10.4061/2011/746303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Freezing of gait is a warning sign of Parkinson's disease. One could distinguish off-freezing, which is associated with dopaminergic therapy and to its titration, and it is clinically related to wearing-off phenomenon. Differently, the on-freezing phenomenon seems to be related to a neural disruption of the frontal-parietal-basal ganglia-pontine projections; clinically, it does not respond to therapy modifications or to different drug titration. In a group of patients with on-freezing, we have detected an alteration of focusing attention, an impairment of set-shifting, in addition to poor abstract reasoning and a reduction of planning. These aspects have been even more evident, when compared with the results obtained by a group of PD patients, without freezing.
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Moretti R, Bernobich E, Esposito F, Torre P, Antonello RM, De Angelis L, Bellini G. Depression in vascular pathologies: the neurologist's point of view. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2011; 7:433-43. [PMID: 21796258 PMCID: PMC3141916 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s20147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The coexistence of depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is regularly discussed, and much debated. There is strong evidence that there are pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly endothelial dysfunction, altered platelet aggregation, and hyperactivation of the thrombosis cascade, which coexist with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis dysfunction, and link depression to CVD. Therefore, depression should not be automatically considered to be a consequence of life impairment due to myocardial infarction or major stroke. Probably, it should be considered as one of the many other stressful events, or “genetic reactions to life”, which are risk factors for CVD development. This review will examine the significance of depression in clinical daily practice, its pathophysiology as a determinant in vascular events, and its real importance in, before, and after many CVD events.
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223
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Esposito F, Zinzula L, Maxia A, Tramontano E, Sanna C. Inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase associated activities by the hydroalcoholic extract of Casimiroa edulis seeds. Nat Prod Res 2011; 25:1067-73. [PMID: 21726129 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2010.508896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the seeds of Casimiroa edulis cultivated in Sardinia (Italy) have been assayed on the two enzymatic-associated activities of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT), the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) and the ribonuclease H. In biochemical assays, the extract inhibited both activities in a dose-dependent manner, showing a 10-fold more potent inhibition of the HIV-1 RT RDDP activity. Furthermore, the extract was cytotoxic on K562 cell replication.
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Gobbo M, Gaffurini P, Bissolotti L, Esposito F, Orizio C. Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation: influence of electrode positioning and stimulus amplitude settings on muscle response. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 111:2451-9. [PMID: 21717122 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2047-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of two different transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation procedures on evoked muscle torque and local tissue oxygenation. In the first one (MP mode), the cathode was facing the muscle main motor point and stimulus amplitude was set to the level eliciting the maximal myoelectrical activation according to the amplitude of the evoked electromyogram (EMG); in the second one (RC mode), the electrodes were positioned following common reference charts for electrode placement while stimulus amplitude was set according to subject tolerance. Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Vastus Lateralis (VL) muscles of 10 subjects (28.4 ± 8.2 years) were tested in specific dynamometers to measure the evoked isometric torque. The EMG and near-infrared spectroscopy probes were placed on muscle belly to detect the electrical activity and local metabolic modifications of the stimulated muscle, respectively. The stimulation protocol consisted of a gradually increasing frequency ramp from 2 to 50 Hz in 7.5 s. Compared to RC mode, in MP mode the contractile parameters (peak twitch, tetanic torque, area under the torque build-up) and the metabolic solicitation (oxygen consumption and hyperemia due to metabolites accumulation) resulted significantly higher for both TA and VL muscles. MP mode resulted also to be more comfortable for the subjects. Based on the assumption that proper mechanical and metabolic stimuli are necessary to induce muscle strengthening, our results witness the importance of an optimized, i.e., comfortable and effective, stimulation to promote the aforementioned muscle adaptive modifications.
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Esposito F, Cè E, Limonta E. Cycling efficiency and time to exhaustion are reduced after acute passive stretching administration. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011; 22:737-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01327.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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