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Manera M, Giari L. Segmentation of Renal Thyroid Follicle Colloid in Common Carp: Insights into Perfluorooctanoic Acid-Induced Morphometric Alterations. TOXICS 2024; 12:369. [PMID: 38787148 PMCID: PMC11126022 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a globally prevalent contaminant of concern recognised for its persistence and detrimental effects on both wildlife and humans. While PFOA has been established as a disruptor of thyroid function, limited data exist regarding its impact on thyroid morphology. The kidney of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) harbours numerous thyroid follicles, rendering it a valuable biomarker organ for investigating PFOA-induced thyroid alterations. Renal tissue slides, stained with the Alcian blue/PAS method, were examined from carp in three experimental groups: unexposed, exposed to 200 ng L-1, and exposed to 2 mg L-1 of PFOA over 56 days. Thyroid follicle colloids were segmented, and related morphometric parameters, including perimeter, area, and shape descriptors, were obtained. Statistical analyses revealed significant reductions in thyroid follicle colloid perimeter and area in the 200 ng L-1 PFOA group compared to the unexposed and 2 mg L-1 PFOA groups. Additionally, the fish exposed to PFOA exhibited a significantly higher follicle count compared to the unexposed fish. These findings collectively suggest that PFOA induces thyroid folliculogenesis, emphasising its impact on thyroid morphology even at an environmentally relevant concentration (200 ng L-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Department of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. L. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Dong R, Song N, Hong M, Li J, Yu J, Kong D. Emerging and legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fluorochemical wastewater along full-scale treatment processes: Source, fate, and ecological risk. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133270. [PMID: 38113743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The increasing applications of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have raised global concern. However, the release of emerging PFAS from the fluorochemical industry remains unclear. Herein, the occurrence of 48 emerging and legacy PFAS in wastewater from 10 fluorochemical manufacturers and mass flows of PFAS in a centralized wastewater treatment plant were investigated. Their distribution and ecological risk in neighboring riverine water were also evaluated. In wastewater from fluorochemical manufacturers, PFAS concentrations were in the range of 14,700-5200,000 ng/L and 2 H,2 H-perfluorooctanoic acid (6:2 FTCA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-EtFOSA), and 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecanesulfonate (8:2 FTS) were the major PFAS detected. Several PFAS displayed increased mass flows after wastewater treatment, especially PFOA and 6:2 FTCA. The mass flows of PFAS increased from - 20% to 233% after the activated sludge system but decreased by only 0-13% after the activated carbon filtration. In riverine water, PFAS concentrations were in the range of 5900-39,100 ng/L and 6:2 FTCA, 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecyl phosphate monoester (8:2 monoPAP), 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorooctyl phosphate monoester (6:2 monoPAP), PFOA, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the major PFAS detected. PFOA and 6:2 FTCA exhibited comparable hazard quotients for ecological risk. Current wastewater treatment processes cannot fully remove various PFAS discharged by fluorochemical manufacturers, and further investigations on their risk are needed for better chemical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ruochen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ninghui Song
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Minghui Hong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Juying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
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Chen L, Lin X, Shi S, Li M, Mortimer M, Fang W, Li F, Guo LH. Activation of estrogen-related receptor: An alternative mechanism of hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs estrogenic effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166257. [PMID: 37574057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) alternatives such as hexafluoropropylene oxide homologs (HFPOs) cause concern due to increased occurrence in the environment as well as potential bioaccumulation and toxicity. HFPOs have been demonstrated to activate the estrogen receptor (ER) pathway. The ER pathway is homologous and connected to the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) pathway, but HFPOs effects on the ERR pathway have not been studied. Hence, we assessed the potential estrogenic effects of HFPOs via ERRγ pathway. In vitro assays revealed that HFPO dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric acids (HFPO-DA, -TA, and -TeA, respectively), acted as ERRγ agonists, activating the transcription of both human and zebrafish ERRγ at low concentrations, but inhibiting zebrafish ERRγ at high concentrations. We also found that HFPO-TA promoted the human endometrial cancer cells (Ishikawa cells) proliferation via ERRγ/EGF, Cyclin D1 pathway. The HFPO-TA-induced proliferation of Ishikawa cells was inhibited by co-exposure with a specific antagonist of ERRγ, GSK5182. In vivo exposure of female zebrafish to HFPO-TA disturbed sex hormone levels, interfered with the gene expression involved in estrogen synthesis and follicle regulation, and caused histopathological lesions in the ovaries, which were similar to those induced by a known ERRγ agonist GSK4716. Taken together, this study revealed a new mechanism concerning the estrogenic effect of HFPOs via activation of the ERRγ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Xicha Lin
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Sha Shi
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Minjie Li
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Monika Mortimer
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Wendi Fang
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Fangfang Li
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences, China Jiliang University, 168 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, 258 Xueyuan Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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Manera M, Castaldelli G, Giari L. Perfluorooctanoic Acid Promotes Recruitment and Exocytosis of Rodlet Cells in the Renal Hematopoietic Tissue of Common Carp. TOXICS 2023; 11:831. [PMID: 37888682 PMCID: PMC10611324 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being a prominent member. PFOA poses a risk to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to its presence in water, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation. Since rodlet cells (RCs) have emerged as potential biomarkers for chemical stressors, this study aimed to investigate the effects of sub-chronic PFOA exposure on RCs in the renal hematopoietic tissue of common carp. Three groups of fish were used: an unexposed control group and two groups exposed to environmentally relevant (200 ng L-1) and elevated (2 mg L-1) PFOA concentrations. Light and transmission electron microscopy were employed to assess RCs' distribution patterns and exocytosis, while biometry quantified RCs in the hematopoietic tissue. The results showed that, even at environmentally relevant concentrations, PFOA significantly influenced RCs' distribution patterns, leading to increased occurrence and cluster formation, as well as heightened exocytosis activity. This research highlights PFOA's immunotoxicity in fish and suggests the potential of RCs as sentinel cells in the immunological response to environmental contaminants. These findings enhance our understanding of PFAS toxicity and emphasise the importance of monitoring their impact on fish as representative vertebrates and reliable animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Department of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (L.G.)
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Manera M, Casciano F, Giari L. Ultrastructural Alterations of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier in Fish Experimentally Exposed to Perfluorooctanoic Acid. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5253. [PMID: 37047869 PMCID: PMC10094651 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances can be referred to as the most critical group of contaminants of emerging concern. They can accumulate in high concentration in the kidney and are known to potentially affect its function. Nonetheless, there is a lack of knowledge about their morphopathological effect on the glomerular filtration barrier. Since previous research suggests perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) induces glomerular protein leakage, the glomerular filtration barrier of 30 carp from the same parental stock (10 unexposed; 10 exposed to 200 ng L-1 of PFOA; and 10 exposed to 2 mg L-1 of PFOA for 56 days) was screened for possible PFOA-induced ultrastructural lesions in order to shed light on the related pathophysiology. PFOA exposure affected the glomerular filtration barrier in carp experimentally exposed to 2 mg L-1, showing ultrastructural alterations compatible with glomerulonephrosis: podocyte effacement, reduction of filtration slits and filtration slit diaphragms, basement membrane disarrangement, and occurrence of proteinaceous material in the urinary space. The results of the present research confirm the glomerular origin of the PFOA-induced protein leakage and can contribute to the mechanistic comprehension of PFOA's impact on renal function and to the assessment of the exposure effect of environmental pollutants on animals and humans, according to the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Department of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, St. Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Dong H, Lu G, Wang X, Zhang P, Yang H, Yan Z, Liu J, Jiang R. Tissue-specific accumulation, depuration, and effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on fish: Influences of aqueous pH and sex. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 861:160567. [PMID: 36455738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely distributed in nature, particularly in aquatic environments. Its bioaccumulation and toxicity in aquatic organisms can be affected by both the chemical status of PFOA in water and the physiology of the organism. However, research on the patterns of these effects is scarce. In this study, we investigated the influence of aqueous pH (pH 6, acidic; pH 7.5, neutral; pH 9, basic) and fish sex on PFOA uptake, clearance, and biochemical effects in crucian carp (C. auratus) using flow-through exposure. In the 17-d kinetic experiment, PFOA bioaccumulation adhered to a uniform first-order model in which PFOA uptake rates from water to blood and liver in acidic conditions were faster than those in other conditions, indicating possible acidic pH influence on PFOA uptake. PFOA clearance rates in these compartments of males were slower than in females, which was attributed to the notably stronger expression of Oat2 (organic anion transporter 2, responsible for reabsorption) in the kidneys of males. Similar responses were observed for peroxisome proliferation-related biomarkers at different pH levels and in different sexes. These biochemical responses were driven by the internal concentrations of PFOA. The inhibition acetylcholinesterase activity in the fish brain was closely linked to changes in P-glycoprotein content, demonstrating a protective relationship. Collectively, an aqueous pH lower than 7.5 might affect the uptake of PFOA by fish. The clearance discrepancies between the sexes highlight the importance of anion carriers for ionizable organic compounds in aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huike Dong
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Haohan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Runren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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Allelic and Genotype Frequencies of CYP2B6 ∗2 (64C > T) and CYP2B6 ∗3 (777C > A) in Three Dominant Ethnicities of the Iranian Population. Genet Res (Camb) 2023; 2023:8283470. [PMID: 36817260 PMCID: PMC9934979 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8283470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cytochrome P450 complex plays a key role in drug metabolism. CYP2B6 has an essential part in Cytochrome P450 complex metabolism. This study aims to determine the allelic distribution of CYP2B6∗2 and CYP2B6∗3 in three main Iranian ethnicities: Fars, Turk, and Kurd. Methods The study was conducted on 174 unrelated healthy volunteers from three main Iranian ethnicities. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood samples, genotyping of CYP2B6∗2 and ∗3 was performed using tetra ARMS and ARMS PCR, respectively. Results The average age of 174 cases was 40.69 ± 11.87 (mean ± SD) and 39.06 ± 11.63 (mean ± SD) for males and females. In the CYP2B6∗2 variant, the genotyping frequency of wild type (C/C), heterozygous (C/T), and homozygous mutant (T/T) was 8.7%, 86%, and 5.2%, respectively. The CYP2B6∗2 (c.64C > T) allele frequency was 48.2% (95% CI: (37.8-58.6)). In the CYP2B6∗3 variant, the frequency of wild type (C/C), heterozygous (C/T), and homozygous mutant (T/T) was 75.3%, 11%, and 13.6%, respectively. The CYP2B6∗3 (c.777C > A) allelic frequency was 19.1% (95% CI: (17.5-20.7)). Conclusion Allelic distribution in three main Iranian ethnicities, i.e., Turk, Kurd, and Fars, is remarkably higher than that in other populations, even that in Southern Iran. High frequencies of CYP2B6∗2 and ∗3 in the Iranian population highly affect drug responsiveness. Understanding such variability could help to increase drug efficacy and reduce its toxicity.
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Mwapasa M, Huber S, Chakhame BM, Maluwa A, Odland ML, Röllin H, Choko A, Xu S, Odland JØ. Serum Concentrations of Selected Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Pregnant Women and Associations with Birth Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Southern Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1689. [PMID: 36767049 PMCID: PMC9914481 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pervasive exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) shows associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to examine the determinants of different serum PFAS concentrations in late pregnancy and their relationship with birth outcomes in southern Malawi. The sample included 605 pregnant women with a mean age of 24.8 years and their offspring from three districts in the southern region of Malawi. Six PFAS were measured in serum from third-trimester women. The serum PFAS concentrations were assessed with head circumference, birth length, birth weight, gestational age and ponderal index. Participants living in urban areas had significantly higher serum levels of PFOA, PFNA and SumPFOS, while SumPFHxS concentrations were higher in women from rural settings. High PFOA, PFNA and SumPFHxS concentrations were generally inversely associated with head circumference. Birth length was negatively associated with PFOA and PFNA while SumPFHxS was negatively associated with birth weight. SumPFOS was inversely associated with gestational age. Urban area of residence was the strongest predictor for high PFAS concentrations in the maternal serum and was generally associated with adverse birth outcomes. The results highlight the need to investigate SumPFHxS further as it follows a pattern that is different to similar compounds and cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mphatso Mwapasa
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Sandra Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bertha Magreta Chakhame
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Maternal, Neonatal and Reproductive Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Alfred Maluwa
- Directorate of Research and Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo 310106, Malawi
| | - Maria Lisa Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre 312233, Malawi
| | - Halina Röllin
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Augustine Choko
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre 312233, Malawi
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Szekerczés T, Selvam AK, Moro CF, Elduayen SP, Dillner J, Björnstedt M, Ghaderi M. Exploration of Patient-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Ex Vivo Tissue for Treatment Response. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010167. [PMID: 36671030 PMCID: PMC9855166 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tissue culture models are valuable tools to investigate drug effects and targeted treatment approaches. Resected tumor slices cultured ex vivo have recently gained interest in precision medicine, since they reflect the complex microenvironment of cancer tissue. In this study, we examined the treatment response to an internally developed ex vivo tissue culture model from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and in vitro analysis. Seven PDAC tissues were cultured and subsequently treated with indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA). IPA, which is known as an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, has antioxidant properties. Genome-wide transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed activation of AHR pathway genes (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, significant upregulation of AHR repressor genes AHRR and TiPARP was also observed (p ≤ 0.05), which is indicative of the negative feedback loop activation of AHR pathway signaling. The overall transcriptomic response to IPA indicated that the tissues are biologically active and respond accordingly to exogenous treatment. Cell culture analysis confirmed the significant induction of selected AHR genes by IPA. A morphological examination of the paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue did not show obvious signs of IPA treatment related to tumor cell damage. This study is a proof of concept that ex vivo patient-derived tissue models offer a valuable tool in precision medicine to monitor the effect of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Szekerczés
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Arun Kumar Selvam
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soledad Pouso Elduayen
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Dillner
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mehran Ghaderi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
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Hassan HF, Bou Ghanem H, Abi Kharma J, Abiad MG, Elaridi J, Bassil M. Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Milk: First Survey from Lebanon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20010821. [PMID: 36613141 PMCID: PMC9819430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Human milk is the primary source of nutrition for infants in their first year of life. Its potential contamination with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a group of toxic man-made chemicals, is a health concern that may threatens infants' health. Our study aims to assess the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the breast milk of Lebanese lactating mothers and the maternal factors associated with their presence. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a Micromass Quattro micro API triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect the level of contamination in 57 collected human milk samples. PFOA and PFOS were present in 82.5% and 85.7% of the samples, respectively, while PFOA levels ranged between 120 and 247 pg/mL with a median of 147 pg/mL, and those of PFOS ranged between 12 and 86 pg/mL with a median of 27.5 pg/mL. The median contamination for PFOA exceeded the threshold set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (60 pg/mL); however, that of PFOS was below the threshold (73 pg/mL). The consumption of bread, pasta, meat, and chicken more than twice per week and that of white tubers and roots at least once per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOA (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between maternal age, BMI, parity, level of education, place of residence, source of water used, and smoking with the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the human milk. Additionally, the consumption of cereals at least twice per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOS. These findings call for actions to improve the local environmental and agricultural practices, and the regulations and standards for inspecting imported food. It is important to highlight that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the reported contamination with PFOS and PFOA in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein F. Hassan
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Haneen Bou Ghanem
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad G. Abiad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- LEAF—The Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture and Food, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Chemistry Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Maya Bassil
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence:
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11
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Chen J, Hao X, Tan R, Li Y, Wang B, Pan J, Ma W, Ma L. Functional Study on Cytochrome P450 in Response to L(-)-Carvone Stress in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1956. [PMID: 36360193 PMCID: PMC9689654 DOI: 10.3390/genes13111956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (PWN) causes pine wilt disease (PWD), which is one of the most devastating pine diseases worldwide. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) catalyzes the biosynthetic metabolism of terpenoids and plays an important role in the modification of secondary metabolites in all living organisms. We investigated the molecular characteristics and biological functions of Bx-cyp29A3 in B. xylophilus. The bioinformatics analysis results indicated that Bx-cyp29A3 has a transmembrane domain and could dock with L(-)-carvone. The gene expression pattern indicated that Bx-cyp29A3 was expressed in 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/mL L(-)-carvone solutions. The Bx-cyp29A3 expression increased in a dose-dependent manner and peaked at 24 h of exposure when the L(-)-carvone solution concentration was 0.8 mg/mL. However, the gene expression peaked at 0.6 mg/mL after 36 h. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) indicated that Bx-cyp29A3 played an essential role in the response to L(-)-carvone. The mortality rates of the Bx-cyp29A3 knockdown groups were higher than those of the control groups in the 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/mL carvone solutions after 24 h of exposure or 36 h of exposure. In summary, bioinformatics provided the structural characteristics and conserved sequence properties of Bx-cyp29A3 and its encoded protein, which provided a target gene for the study of the P450 family of B. xylophilus. Gene silencing experiments clarified the function of Bx-cyp29A3 in the immune defense of B. xylophilus. This study provides a basis for the screening of new molecular targets for the prevention and management of B. xylophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
- Plant Science, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xin Hao
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ruina Tan
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yang Li
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bowen Wang
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Jialiang Pan
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Wei Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ling Ma
- School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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12
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Relationship between CYP2C19 Polymorphism and Clopidogrel Resistance in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Ischemic Stroke in China. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:1901256. [PMID: 36325266 PMCID: PMC9616677 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1901256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Clopidogrel is widely used for preventing ischemic complications related to cardiovascular diseases. However, many patients experience clopidogrel resistance (CR). The polymorphisms of CYP2C19 have been implicated in CR, but CYP2C19 polymorphism considerably varies with both ethnic group and geographical location. This study aimed to investigate the association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and clopidogrel resistance (CR) in patients with coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke among Han and Tibetan populations in Qinghai Province, China. Methods From June 2019 to January 2020, patients who were diagnosed with coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction in internal medicine of Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital and had taken dual antiplatelet drugs were included in this study. Blood was collected and routine items were completed. Whole exome sequencing was performed for CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19∗2 (rs4244285), CYP2C19∗3 (rs4986893), and CYP2C19∗17 (rs12248560). Results A total of 91 patients with coronary heart disease or cerebral infarction (67 Han people (65.99 ± 12.25 years old) and 24 Tibetan (63.6324 Tib years old)) including 52 cases with CR and 39 cases with non-CR were enrolled in this study. For the Han population, the differences in age, glycosylated hemoglobin, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), gender, aspirin resistance, and diabetes were significant between the CR and non-CR groups. For the Tibetan population, the two groups showed no significant difference in all indicators. There was no significant difference between CR and non-CR groups for all genotypes (CYP2C19 ∗2, ∗3, and ∗17) in either Han or Tibetan populations. For the Han populations, age, APTT, and aspirin resistance were significantly correlated with CR. Conclusion The present study indicated that CYP2C19∗2, CYP2C19∗3, and CYP2C19∗17 alleles were not correlated with CR for both Han and Tibetan populations in Qinghai Province, while age, APTT, and aspirin resistance were independent risk factors of CR in this region.
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13
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Frequency of CYP2B6 Alleles in Major Iranian Ethnicities, Affecting Response to Efavirenz. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:5754776. [PMID: 36320932 PMCID: PMC9605844 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5754776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efavirenz is an antihuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug metabolized by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) enzyme. Cytochrome P450 2B6 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CYP2B6 gene. Polymorphisms of this gene play a crucial role in the metabolism of drugs such as Efavirenz. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of three clinically significant CYP2B6 polymorphisms (CYP2B6∗6 (516G > T), CYP2B6∗4 (785A > G), and CYP2B6∗5 (1459C > T)) in three major Iranian ethnicities. Methods One hundred forty-seven participants from three main Iranian ethnicities were included in this study. After DNA extraction, CYP2B6∗6 (516G > T), CYP2B6∗4 (785A > G), and CYP2B6∗5 (1459C > T) were genotyped using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Results The frequency of the mutated allele in the Iranian population for CYP2B6∗6 (516G > T) was 41.50 (95% CI: 35.81, 47.36), which was significantly lower than in Kurds (59.62, 95% CI: 45.10, 72.99). Similarly, Kurds had a higher frequency of mutated allele of CYP2B6∗5 (1459C > T) (46.15%, 95% CI: 32.23, 60.53) than in Iranians (24.49%, 95% CI: 19.68, 29.82). The frequency of A and G alleles of CYP2B6∗4 (785A > G) was 62.59% (95% CI: 56.78, 68.13) and 37.41 (95% CI: 31.87, 43.22), respectively. Conclusion Kurds are at higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and insufficient anti-HIV response compared to other Iranians.
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14
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Xiao J, Huang J, Wang Y, Qian X, Cao M. Evaluation of the ecological impacts of short- and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids on constructed wetland systems: Perfluorobutyric acid and perfluorooctanoic acid. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128863. [PMID: 35650717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) contamination of aquatic system has attracted widespread attention in recent years. From both plant and microbial perspectives, the ecological risk of CWs by comparing PFASs with different chain lengths have not been fully understood. In this study, the influences of perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as typical of short- and long-chains on the ecological effect of CWs have been specifically studied. The results showed that plants produced oxidative stress response and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in leaves were stimulated by 17.23-28.13% and 10.49-14.17% upon 10 mg/L PFBA and PFOA exposure. Under the high level of PFBA and PFOA stress, the chlorophyll content was reduced by 15.20-39.40% and lipid peroxidation was observed in leaves with the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) at 1.20-1.22 times of the control. Dehydrogenase (DHA) exhibited the most sensitivity in the presence of PFBA and PFOA with an inhibition ratio of over 90%. The biotoxicity of PFOA was higher than that of PFBA in terms of the inhibition degree of several substrate enzymes. The information of Illumina Miseq sequencing indicated that the diversity and structure of microbial community in CWs were significantly altered by PFBA and PFOA addition and led to an enrichment of more PFASs-tolerant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xiao
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiuwen Qian
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meifang Cao
- School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, PR China
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15
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Manera M, Castaldelli G, Giari L. Perfluorooctanoic Acid Affects Thyroid Follicles in Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159049. [PMID: 35897426 PMCID: PMC9332161 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carp kidney is comprised of nephrons, hemopoietic tissue, and also hormonally-active thyroid follicles. Given this anatomical trait, it has been used to assess the thyroid disrupting potential of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a widespread and feared per- poly-fluoroalkyl substance and a persistent organic pollutant capable of interfering with the endocrine system in animals and humans. The occurrence and morphology of thyroid follicles in kidneys of carp experimentally exposed to 200 ng L−1 or 2 mg L−1 waterborne PFOA for 56 days were studied. The abundance of thyroid follicles was significantly higher and vesiculation increased in exposed fish as compared to controls. The number of vesiculated follicles/total number of follicles was positively correlated with PFOA blood concentration in fish exposed to the highest dose (2 mg L−1). The structure and ultrastructure of thyroid follicles were affected by PFOA also at the lower, environmentally relevant, concentration (200 ng L−1). Increased cellular projections, enhanced colloid endocytosis, rough endoplasmic reticulum enlargement and fragmentation and cytoplasm vacuolation were the main features displayed by PFOA-exposed carp. These results show that PFOA affects the occurrence and status of follicles and suggest the utility of fish kidney as a multipurpose biomarker organ in environmental pathology research, according to the One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (L.G.)
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16
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Low Doses of PFOA Promote Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells Growth through Different Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147900. [PMID: 35887249 PMCID: PMC9318902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are found in everyday products. Widely distributed throughout the environment, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a specific class of EDCs that can accumulate in adipose tissue. Many of them induce adverse effects on human health—such as obesity, fertility disorders and cancers—by perturbing hormone effects. We previously identified many compounds with EDC activity in the circulation of obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Herein, we analyzed the effects of four of them (aldrin, BDE28, PFOA and PCB153) on two cancer cell lines of hormone-sensitive organs (prostate and breast). Each cell line was exposed to serial dilutions of EDCs from 10−6 M to 10−12 M; cytotoxicity and proliferation were monitored using the IncuCyte® technology. We showed that none of these EDCs induce cytotoxicity and that PFOA and PCB153, only at very low doses (10−12 M), increase the proliferation of DU145 (prostate cancer) and MCF7 (breast cancer) cells, while the same effects are observed with high concentrations (10−6 M) for aldrin or BDE28. Regarding the mechanistic aspects, PFOA uses two different signaling pathways between the two lines (the Akt/mTORC1 and PlexinD1 in MCF7 and DU145, respectively). Thus, our study demonstrates that even at picomolar (10−12 M) concentrations PFOA and PCB153 increase the proliferation of prostate and breast cancer cell lines and can be considered possible carcinogens.
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17
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Rotondo JC, Martini F, Maritati M, Caselli E, Gallenga CE, Guarino M, De Giorgio R, Mazziotta C, Tramarin ML, Badiale G, Tognon M, Contini C. Advanced Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Methods to Detect SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1193. [PMID: 35744711 PMCID: PMC9231257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 in China and quickly spread across the globe, causing over 521 million cases of infection and 6.26 million deaths to date. After 2 years, numerous advances have been made. First of all, the preventive vaccine, which has been implemented in record time, is effective in more than 95% of cases. Additionally, in the diagnostic field, there are numerous molecular and antigenic diagnostic kits that are equipped with high sensitivity and specificity. Real Time-PCR-based assays for the detection of viral RNA are currently considered the gold-standard method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and can be used efficiently on pooled nasopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal samples for widespread screening. Moreover, additional, and more advanced molecular methods such as droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are currently under development to detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, as the number of subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 continuously increases globally, health care systems are being placed under increased stress. Thus, the clinical laboratory plays an important role, helping to select especially asymptomatic individuals who are actively carrying the live replicating virus, with fast and non-invasive molecular technologies. Recent diagnostic strategies, other than molecular methods, have been adopted to either detect viral antigens, i.e., antigen-based immunoassays, or human anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, i.e., antibody-based immunoassays, in nasal or oropharyngeal swabs, as well as in blood or saliva samples. However, the role of mucosal sIgAs, which are essential in the control of viruses entering the body through mucosal surfaces, remains to be elucidated, and in particular the role of the immune response in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection, primarily at the site(s) of virus entry that appears to be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Orthopaedic Ward, Casa di Cura Santa Maria Maddalena, 45030 Occhiobello, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, CIAS Research Center and LTTA, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Carla Enrica Gallenga
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.G.); (R.D.G.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Tramarin
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.M.); (M.M.); (C.E.G.); (C.M.); (M.L.T.); (G.B.); (M.T.)
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Mahoney H, Xie Y, Brinkmann M, Giesy JP. Next generation per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: Status and trends, aquatic toxicity, and risk assessment. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:117-131. [PMID: 38075527 PMCID: PMC10702929 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Widespread application of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has resulted in some substances being ubiquitous in environmental matrices. That and their resistance to degradation have allowed them to accumulate in wildlife and humans with potential for toxic effects. While specific substances of concern have been phased-out or banned, other PFAS that are emerging as alternative substances are still produced and are being released into the environment. This review focuses on describing three emerging, replacement PFAS: perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulphonate (PFECHS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). By summarizing their physicochemical properties, environmental fate and transport, and toxic potencies in comparison to other PFAS compounds, this review offers insight into the viabilities of these chemicals as replacement substances. Using the chemical scoring and ranking assessment model, the relative hazards, uncertainties, and data gaps for each chemical were quantified and related to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) based on their chemical and uncertainty scores. The substances were ranked PFOS > 6:2 Cl-PFAES > PFOA > HFPO-DA > PFECHS according to their potential toxicity and PFECHS > HFPO-DA > 6:2 Cl-PFAES > PFOS > PFOA according to their need for future research. Since future uses of PFAS remain uncertain in the face of governmental regulations and production bans, replacement PFAS will continue to emerge on the world market and in the environment, raising concerns about their general lack of information on mechanisms and toxic potencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Mahoney
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5C8, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
- Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 1K2, Canada
| | - John P. Giesy
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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19
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Manera M, Castaldelli G, Guerranti C, Giari L. Effect of waterborne exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid on nephron and renal hemopoietic tissue of common carp Cyprinus carpio. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 234:113407. [PMID: 35278987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic contaminants of global concern for environmental and public health. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an important PFAS, and considerable attention has been paid to its hepatotoxicity and reproductive and developmental impact, while potential nephrotoxic effects are largely ignored, especially in fish. This study documents the structural and ultrastructural effects on kidney of common carp Cyprinus carpio exposed to waterborne PFOA at an environmentally relevant concentration of 200 ng L-1 and at 2 mg L-1. Dilation of the glomeruli capillary bed, increased vesiculation in the proximal tubular segment, compromised mitochondria, apical blebbing, and sloughing of collecting duct cells occurred in exposed fish, primarily at 2 mg L-1. Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure resulted in higher numbers of rodlet cells (RC), putative immune cells exclusive to fish, mainly in the renal interstitium, than seen in controls, increased association with cells of myeloid lineage and modifications to ultrastructure. No differences in other cells of innate immunity were observed. Despite the absence of severe histological lesions, PFOA was shown to affect both nephron and hemopoietic interstitium at high concentration, raising concern of the impact on renal and immune function in fish. The response of RCs to PFOA concentration of 200 ng L-1 suggests a potential role as a biomarker of PFOA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, I-64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. L. Borsari 46, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiana Guerranti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, St. Licio Giorgieri 10, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, St. L. Borsari 46, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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20
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Gafà R, Touzé A, Durand MA, Martini F, Rotondo JC. The Role of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832047. [PMID: 35350569 PMCID: PMC8957841 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of non–melanoma skin cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 63%. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, is the etiological agent of MCC. Although representing a small proportion of MCC cases, MCPyV-negative MCCs have also been identified. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in MCC, have been only partially determined. This review aims to describe the most recent progress on PTMs and their regulative factors in the context of MCC onset/development, providing an overview of current findings on both MCC subtypes. An outline of current knowledge on the potential employment of PTMs and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as novel treatment strategies targeting the reversibility of PTMs for MCC therapy is provided. Recent research shows that PTMs are emerging as important epigenetic players involved in MCC onset/development, and therefore may show a potential clinical significance. Deeper and integrated knowledge of currently known PTM dysregulations is of paramount importance in order to understand the molecular basis of MCC and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options for this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Alice Durand
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Stefani C, Badiale G, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. The Role of Purinergic P2X7 Receptor in Inflammation and Cancer: Novel Molecular Insights and Clinical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1116. [PMID: 35267424 PMCID: PMC8909580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a transmembrane protein whose expression has been related to a variety of cellular processes, while its dysregulation has been linked to inflammation and cancer. P2X7R is expressed in cancer and immune system cell surfaces. ATP plays a key role in numerous metabolic processes due to its abundance in the tumour microenvironment. P2X7R plays an important role in cancer by interacting with ATP. The unusual property of P2X7R is that stimulation with low doses of ATP causes the opening of a permeable channel for sodium, potassium, and calcium ions, whereas sustained stimulation with high doses of ATP favours the formation of a non-selective pore. The latter effect induces a change in intracellular homeostasis that leads to cell death. This evidence suggests that P2X7R has both pro- and anti-tumour proprieties. P2X7R is increasingly recognised as a regulator of inflammation. In this review, we aimed to describe the most relevant characteristics of P2X7R function, activation, and its ligands, while also summarising the role of P2X7R activation in the context of inflammation and cancer. The currently used therapeutic approaches and clinical trials of P2X7R modulators are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Stefani
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giada Badiale
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (J.C.R.); (C.M.); (C.L.); (C.S.); (G.B.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
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22
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Spinaci A, Buccioni M, Dal Ben D, Maggi F, Marucci G, Francucci B, Santoni G, Lambertucci C, Volpini R. A3 Adenosine Receptor Antagonists with Nucleoside Structures and Their Anticancer Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020164. [PMID: 35215276 PMCID: PMC8879107 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of the A3 adenosine receptor (AR) in a number of cancer cell types makes it an attractive target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Hence, in the search for new A3AR ligands, a series of novel 2,N6-disubstituted adenosines (Ados) was synthesized and tested in radioligand binding and functional assays at ARs. Derivatives bearing a 2-phenethylamino group in the N6-position were found to exert higher A3AR affinity and selectivity than the corresponding N6-(2,2-diphenylethyl) analogues. 2-Chloro-N6-phenylethylAdo (15) was found to be a potent full A3AR agonist with a Ki of 0.024 nM and an EC50 of 14 nM, in a cAMP accumulation assay. Unlike 15, the other ligands behaved as A3AR antagonists, which concentration-dependently reduced cell growth and exerted cytostatic activity on the prostate cancer cell line PC3, showing comparable and even more pronounced effects with respect to the ones elicited by the reference full agonist Cl-IB-MECA. In particular, the N6-(2,2-diphenylethyl)-2-phenylethynylAdo (12: GI50 = 14 µM, TGI = 29 µM, and LC50 = 59 µM) showed the highest activity proving to be a potential antitumor agent. The cytostatic effect of both A3AR agonist (Cl-IB-MECA) and antagonists (12 and other newly synthesized compounds) confirm previous observations according to which, in addition to the involvement of A3ARs, other cellular mechanisms are responsible for the anticancer effects of these ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Spinaci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Michela Buccioni
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Diego Dal Ben
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Federica Maggi
- Experimental Medicine Section, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (F.M.); (G.S.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Gabriella Marucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Beatrice Francucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
| | - Giorgio Santoni
- Experimental Medicine Section, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (F.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Catia Lambertucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (R.V.); Tel.: +39-073-740-2252 (C.L.); +39-073-740-2278 (R.V.)
| | - Rosaria Volpini
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy; (A.S.); (M.B.); (D.D.B.); (G.M.); (B.F.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (R.V.); Tel.: +39-073-740-2252 (C.L.); +39-073-740-2278 (R.V.)
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23
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Oton-Gonzalez L, Mazziotta C, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Nocini R, Trevisiol L, D’Agostino A, Tognon M, Rotondo JC, Martini F. Genetics and Epigenetics of Bone Remodeling and Metabolic Bone Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031500. [PMID: 35163424 PMCID: PMC8836080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metabolism consists of a balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is mediated by osteoblast and osteoclast activity, respectively. In order to ensure bone plasticity, the bone remodeling process needs to function properly. Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into the osteoblast lineage by activating different signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and the Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt)/β-catenin pathways. Recent data indicate that bone remodeling processes are also epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA expressions, such as micro-RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Mutations and dysfunctions in pathways regulating the osteoblast differentiation might influence the bone remodeling process, ultimately leading to a large variety of metabolic bone diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize and describe the genetics and epigenetics of the bone remodeling process. Moreover, the current findings behind the genetics of metabolic bone diseases are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Nocini
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Trevisiol
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio D’Agostino
- Unit of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (L.O.-G.); (C.M.); (M.R.I.); (M.T.)
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.C.R.); (F.M.); Tel.: +39-0532-455536 (J.C.R.); +39-0532-455540 (F.M.)
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24
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Mazziotta C, Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Campione G, Martini F, Tognon M. Cancer biology and molecular genetics of A 3 adenosine receptor. Oncogene 2022; 41:301-308. [PMID: 34750517 PMCID: PMC8755539 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) is a cell membrane protein, which has been found to be overexpressed in a large number of cancer types. This receptor plays an important role in cancer by interacting with adenosine. Specifically, A3AR has a dual nature in different pathophysiological conditions, as it is expressed according to tissue type and stimulated by an adenosine dose-dependent manner. A3AR activation leads to tumor growth, cell proliferation and survival in some cases, while triggering cytostatic and apoptotic pathways in others. This review aims to describe the most relevant aspects of A3AR activation and its ligands whereas it summarizes A3AR activities in cancer. Progress in the field of A3AR modulators, with a potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment are reported, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Campione
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Epigenetic Dysregulations in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111464. [PMID: 34768895 PMCID: PMC8584046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA virus with oncogenic potential. MCPyV is the causative agent of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive tumor of the skin. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone posttranslational modifications (HPTMs), DNA methylation, and microRNA (miRNA) regulation on MCPyV-driven MCC has recently been highlighted. In this review, we aim to describe and discuss the latest insights into HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, as well as their regulative factors in the context of MCPyV-driven MCC, to provide an overview of current findings on how MCPyV is involved in the dysregulation of these epigenetic processes. The current state of the art is also described as far as potentially using epigenetic dysregulations and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic tools is concerned, in addition to targets for MCPyV-driven MCC therapy. Growing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA pathways plays a role in MCPyV-driven MCC etiopathogenesis, which, therefore, may potentially be clinically significant for this deadly tumor. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and related factors may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for MCPyV-driven MCC.
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26
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Vincenzi F, Rotondo JC, Pasquini S, Di Virgilio F, Varani K, Tognon M. A 3 Adenosine and P2X7 Purinergic Receptors as New Targets for an Innovative Pharmacological Therapy of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679285. [PMID: 34660262 PMCID: PMC8518529 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, but aggressive tumor of the serosal cavities whose 5-year survival rate is 15%. At present, there are no effective therapies for MPM. Although recent findings suggest that A3 adenosine (A3AR) and P2X7 (P2X7R) receptors can be employed as antitumoral pharmacological targets in MPM, their potential role in a combined therapy is currently unknown. The A3AR agonist Cl-IB-MECA and the P2X7 receptor antagonist AZ10606120, as a single compound or in combination, were investigated in vitro for their anti-tumor activities. Assays were carried out in MPM cell lines IST-Mes2 and MPP89 and in primary human normal mesothelial cells (HMCs), as control. Single treatment with Cl-IB-MECA reduced cell proliferation and favored a pro-apoptotic effect in both MPP89 and IST-Mes2 cell lines, whereas AZ10606120 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in IST-Mes2, only. The combined treatment with Cl-IB-MECA and AZ10606120 reduced cell proliferation and favored apoptosis in MPP89 and IST-Mes2 cell lines, whereas no synergistic effect was detected. These data cumulatively suggest the absence of a synergistic effect in combined targeting of A3 adenosine and P2X7 receptors of MPM cell lines. This study may stimulate further investigations aimed at determining new combinations of antitumor compounds and more effective therapeutic strategies against MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Virgilio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Pathology Unit, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Experimental Medicine Section, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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28
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Serum HPV16 E7 Oncoprotein Is a Recurrence Marker of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133370. [PMID: 34282779 PMCID: PMC8268104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Classical markers alone, such as HPV DNA, p16 and HPV mRNA expression, are not enough to stratify HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, but when combined with serological markers, the latter are strong indicators of prognosis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients. Specifically, HPV16 E7 oncoprotein in serum at the time of diagnosis, correlates with disease recurrence and patient overall survival. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate HPV E7 oncoprotein in patient serum. The E7 oncoprotein detection in serum at the time of diagnosis may be useful as a non-invasive procedure for HPV-positive OPSCC patient stratification and follow-up, helping to identify patients at risk for tumor recurrence and metastasis during follow-up, and ultimately, providing a tool for clinicians to identify patients for de-escalation treatment or those to be kept under close surveillance. Abstract Despite improved prognosis for many HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), some cases are still marked by recurrence and metastasis. Our study aimed to identify novel biomarkers for patient stratification. Classical HPV markers: HPV-DNA, p16 and HPV mRNA expression were studied in HNSCC (n = 67) and controls (n = 58) by qPCR. Subsequently, ELISA tests were used for HPV16 L1 antibody and HPV16 E7 oncoprotein detection in serum at diagnosis and follow-up. All markers were correlated to relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). HPV-DNA was found in HNSCCs (29.85%), HPV16-DNA in 95% of cases, HPV16 E7 mRNA was revealed in 93.75%. p16 was overexpressed in 75% of HPV-positive HNSCC compared to negative samples and controls (p < 0.001). Classical markers correlated with improved OS (p < 0.05). Serological studies showed similar proportions of HPV16 L1 antibodies in all HNSCCs (p > 0.05). Serum E7 oncoprotein was present in 30% HPV-positive patients at diagnosis (p > 0.05) and correlated to HNSCC HPV16 E7 mRNA (p < 0.01), whereas it was associated to worse RFS and OS, especially for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) (p < 0.01). Detection of circulating HPV16 E7 oncoprotein at diagnosis may be useful for stratifying and monitoring HPV-positive HNSCC patients for worse prognosis, providing clinicians a tool for selecting patients for treatment de-escalation.
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Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Torreggiani E, Oton-Gonzalez L, Iaquinta MR, Mazzoni E, Gaboriaud P, Touzé A, Silvagni E, Govoni M, Martini F, Tognon M, Rotondo JC. Serum Antibodies Against the Oncogenic Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Detected by an Innovative Immunological Assay With Mimotopes in Healthy Subjects. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676627. [PMID: 34168646 PMCID: PMC8217635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, has been detected in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and in normal tissues. Since MCPyV infection occurs in both MCC-affected patients and healthy subjects (HS), innovative immunoassays for detecting antibodies (abs) against MCPyV are required. Herein, sera from HS were analyzed with a novel indirect ELISA using two synthetic peptides mimicking MCPyV capsid protein epitopes of VP1 and VP2. Synthetic peptides were designed to recognize IgGs against MCPyV VP mimotopes using a computer-assisted approach. The assay was set up evaluating its performance in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV on MCPyV-positive (n=65) and -negative (n=67) control sera. Then, the ELISA was extended to sera (n=548) from HS aged 18-65 yrs old. Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was investigated. Performance evaluation indicated that the assay showed 80% sensitivity, 91% specificity and 83.9% accuracy, with positive and negative predictive values of 94.3% and 71%, respectively. The ratio expected/obtained data agreement was 86%, with a Cohen's kappa of 0.72. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis indicated that the areas under the curves (AUCs) for the two peptides were 0.82 and 0.74, respectively. Intra-/inter-run variations were below 9%. The overall prevalence of serum IgGs anti-MCPyV in HS was 62.9% (345/548). Age-specific MCPyV-seroprevalence was 63.1% (82/130), 56.7% (68/120), 64.5% (91/141), and 66.2% (104/157) in HS aged 18-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-65 yrs old, respectively (p>0.05). Performance evaluation suggests that our indirect ELISA is reliable in detecting IgGs anti-MCPyV. Our immunological data indicate that MCPyV infection occurs asymptomatically, at a relatively high prevalence, in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elena Torreggiani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP “Biologie des infections à polyomavirus” Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Ettore Silvagni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Perspectives on Complexity, Chaos and Thermodynamics in Environmental Pathology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115766. [PMID: 34072059 PMCID: PMC8199338 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Though complexity science and chaos theory have become a common scientific divulgation theme, medical disciplines, and pathology in particular, still rely on a deterministic, reductionistic approach and still hesitate to fully appreciate the intrinsic complexity of living beings. Herein, complexity, chaos and thermodynamics are introduced with specific regard to biomedical sciences, then their interconnections and implications in environmental pathology are discussed, with particular regard to a morphopathological, image analysis-based approach to biological interfaces. Biomedical disciplines traditionally approach living organisms by dissecting them ideally down to the molecular level in order to gain information about possible molecule to molecule interactions, to derive their macroscopic behaviour. Given the complex and chaotic behaviour of living systems, this approach is extremely limited in terms of obtainable information and may lead to misinterpretation. Environmental pathology, as a multidisciplinary discipline, should grant privilege to an integrated, possibly systemic approach, prone to manage the complex and chaotic aspects characterizing living organisms. Ultimately, environmental pathology should be interested in improving the well-being of individuals and the population, and ideally the health of the entire ecosystem/biosphere and should not focus merely on single diseases, diseased organs/tissues, cells and/or molecules.
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31
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Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang A, Li J, Yu J, Dou Y, He J, Kong D. Perfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water sources along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, China: Human health and ecological risk assessment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 218:112289. [PMID: 33940442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in source water is of growing concern for its adverse effects on human health and wildlife as well. The Yangtze River is the vital drinking water source in Jiangsu Province of China, but little attention has been paid on PFASs. The occurrence, spatial distribution and temporal trend of PFASs in 21 water sources along the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River was investigated with sampling from 2018 to 2020. Moreover, health risk of PFASs was assessed by estimated intake dose and derived tolerable intake dose, while ecological risk was assessed by selected effect concentration and environmental exposure. PFASs concentrations in source water ranged from 12.0 to 128 ng/L, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as the dominated congener. Fluorine chemical industry lead to a great increase of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in its nearest water source. The estimated daily intake of PFASs through drinking was 0.54 and 0.82 ng/kg bw/day for adults and children. The major health risk was from perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFOA for their toxicity on liver, reproduction, development and immunity, with the maximum hazard quotient of 0.029 and 0.043 for adults and children in the worst scenario. The ecological risks from PFASs on nine species groups ranged from 2.7 × 10-10 to 5.2. PFOA and Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were causing significant risk on wildlife, particularly on worms, mussels, and fish, which may further influence the structure and processes in the foodweb. Overall, PFASs, especially PFOS, PFOA and PFBS, induced considerable risk on human health and aquatic species in some hotspot area. It would be necessary to include them into monitoring in China and develop standards for different protection purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yunqiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Aiguo Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Juying Li
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yezhi Dou
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jian He
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Deyang Kong
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China.
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Lanzillotti C, De Mattei M, Mazziotta C, Taraballi F, Rotondo JC, Tognon M, Martini F. Long Non-coding RNAs and MicroRNAs Interplay in Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646032. [PMID: 33898434 PMCID: PMC8063120 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained great attention as epigenetic regulators of gene expression in many tissues. Increasing evidence indicates that lncRNAs, together with microRNAs (miRNAs), play a pivotal role in osteogenesis. While miRNA action mechanism relies mainly on miRNA-mRNA interaction, resulting in suppressed expression, lncRNAs affect mRNA functionality through different activities, including interaction with miRNAs. Recent advances in RNA sequencing technology have improved knowledge into the molecular pathways regulated by the interaction of lncRNAs and miRNAs. This review reports on the recent knowledge of lncRNAs and miRNAs roles as key regulators of osteogenic differentiation. Specifically, we described herein the recent discoveries on lncRNA-miRNA crosstalk during the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (BM), as well as from different other anatomical regions. The deep understanding of the connection between miRNAs and lncRNAs during the osteogenic differentiation will strongly improve knowledge into the molecular mechanisms of bone growth and development, ultimately leading to discover innovative diagnostic and therapeutic tools for osteogenic disorders and bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lanzillotti
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Taraballi
- Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Oton-Gonzalez L, Rotondo JC, Cerritelli L, Malagutti N, Lanzillotti C, Bononi I, Ciorba A, Bianchini C, Mazziotta C, De Mattei M, Pelucchi S, Tognon M, Martini F. Association between oncogenic human papillomavirus type 16 and Killian polyp. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:3. [PMID: 33413530 PMCID: PMC7792173 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Killian polyp (KP) is a benign lesion that arises from the maxillary sinus. The etiology of KP is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential involvement of human papilloma- (HPV) and polyoma-viruses (HPyV) infections in the onset of KP. METHODS DNA from antral (n = 14) and nasal (n = 14) KP fractions were analyzed for HPV and HPyV sequences, genotypes, viral DNA load and physical status along with expression of viral proteins and p16 cellular protein. RESULTS The oncogenic HPV16 was detected in 3/14 (21.4%) antral KPs, whilst nasal KPs tested HPV-negative (0/14). The mean HPV16 DNA load was 4.65 ± 2.64 copy/104 cell. The whole HPV16 episomal genome was detected in one KP sample, whereas HPV16 DNA integration in two KPs. P16 mRNA level was lower in the KP sample carrying HPV16 episome than in KPs carrying integrated HPV16 and HPV- negative KPs (p< 0.001). None of the antral and nasal KP samples tested positive for HPyV DNA (0/28). CONCLUSIONS A fraction of KP tested positive for the oncogenic HPV16. HPV16 detection in the KP antral portion may be consistent with HPV16 infection derived from the maxillary sinus. HPV16 DNA integration represents a novel finding. Altogether, these data improve our knowledge on the association between KP and HPV infection, whereas it indicates that the KP onset is heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oton-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Cerritelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Nicola Malagutti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciorba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianchini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Monica De Mattei
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pelucchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialistic Surgeries, ENT Section, University of Ferrara and University Hospital of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Square, 44124, Cona, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
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Manera M, Castaldelli G, Fano EA, Giari L. Perfluorooctanoic acid-induced cellular and subcellular alterations in fish hepatocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 81:103548. [PMID: 33188888 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) pathophysiology and related morphofunction disturbances were studied in common carp at the cellular and subcellular level and with box-counting fractal analysis of ultrathin sections to assess the effect of PFOA exposure on hepatocyte structure complexity and heterogeneity. Three experimental groups were investigated: unexposed; low exposure (200 ng L-1 PFOA); high exposure (2 mg L-1 PFOA). PFOA-exposed cells showed differences from controls at both tested concentrations, manifested mainly as cloudy swelling and reversible vacuolar degeneration. Subcellular modifications primarily involved mitochondria and secondarily endoplasmic reticulum, with evidence of increased subcellular turnover. The alterations were consistent with oxidative stress related pathophysiology. Fractal analysis discriminated exposed from unexposed fish and low from high PFOA exposure based on lacunarity and fractal dimension, respectively. The absence of irreversible organelle alterations and apoptosis/necrosis, along with the increase of cellular complexity, led to the conclusion that the patterns observed represented an adaptive recovery response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa A Fano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Gebreab KY, Eeza MNH, Bai T, Zuberi Z, Matysik J, O'Shea KE, Alia A, Berry JP. Comparative toxicometabolomics of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and next-generation perfluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114928. [PMID: 32540561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Owing to environmental health concerns, a number of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been phased-out, and increasingly replaced by various chemical analogs. Most prominent among these replacements are numerous perfluoroether carboxylic acids (PFECA). Toxicity, and environmental health concerns associated with these next-generation PFAS, however, remains largely unstudied. The zebrafish embryo was employed, in the present study, as a toxicological model system to investigate toxicity of a representative sample of PFECA, alongside perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as one of the most widely used, and best studied, of the "legacy" PFAS. In addition, high-resolution magic angle spin (HRMAS) NMR was utilized for metabolic profiling of intact zebrafish embryos in order to characterize metabolic pathways associated with toxicity of PFAS. Acute embryotoxicity (i.e., lethality), along with impaired development, and variable effects on locomotory behavior, were observed for all PFAS in the zebrafish model. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was significantly correlated with alkyl chain-length, and toxic concentrations were quantitatively similar to those reported previously for PFAS. Metabolic profiling of zebrafish embryos exposed to selected PFAS, specifically including PFOA and two representative PFECA (i.e., GenX and PFO3TDA), enabled elaboration of an integrated model of the metabolic pathways associated with toxicity of these representative PFAS. Alterations of metabolic profiles suggested targeting of hepatocytes (i.e., hepatotoxicity), as well as apparent modulation of neural metabolites, and moreover, were consistent with a previously proposed role of mitochondrial disruption and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activation as reflected by dysfunctions of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and consistent with a previously proposed contribution of PFAS to metabolic syndrome. Taken together, it was generally concluded that toxicity of PFECA is quantitatively and qualitatively similar to PFOA, and these analogs, likewise, represent potential concerns as environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiflom Y Gebreab
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Muhamed N H Eeza
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tianyu Bai
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Zain Zuberi
- The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jörg Matysik
- Institute for Analytical Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kevin E O'Shea
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - A Alia
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - John P Berry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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Tognon M, Tagliapietra A, Magagnoli F, Mazziotta C, Oton-Gonzalez L, Lanzillotti C, Vesce F, Contini C, Rotondo JC, Martini F. Investigation on Spontaneous Abortion and Human Papillomavirus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E473. [PMID: 32854278 PMCID: PMC7563606 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA). Conflicting results have been reported on the association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and SA. HPV DNA was investigated in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from women who experienced SA (n = 80, cases) and women who underwent a voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI; n = 80, controls) by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Viral genotyping was performed using real-time PCR in HPV-positive samples. Specific IgG antibodies against HPV16 were investigated in sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) females using indirect ELISA assays. None of the DNA samples from SA subjects was HPV-positive (0/80), whilst HPV DNA was detected in 2.5% of VI women (p > 0.05), with a mean viral DNA load of 7.12 copy/cell. VI samples (n = 2) were found to be positive for the HPV45 genotype. The ddPCR assay revealed a higher number of HPV-positive samples. HPV DNA was detected in 3.7% and 5% of SA and VI chorionic tissues, respectively, with mean viral DNA loads of 0.13 copy/cell in SA and 1.79 copy/cell in VI (p >0.05) samples. All DNA samples from the PBMCs of SA and VI females tested HPV-negative by both PCR and ddPCR. The overall prevalence of serum anti-HPV16 IgG antibodies was 37.5% in SA and 30% in VI (p > 0.05) women. For the first time, HPV DNA was detected and quantitatively analyzed using ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI women. Circulating IgG antibodies against HPV16 were detected in sera from SA and VI females. Our results suggest that HPV infection in chorionic villi may be a rare event. Accordingly, it is likely that HPV has no significant role in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara street, 64, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (L.O.-G.); (C.L.); (F.V.); (C.C.)
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Fossato di Mortara street, 64, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.T.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (L.O.-G.); (C.L.); (F.V.); (C.C.)
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Tagliapietra A, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Mazzoni E, Magagnoli F, Maritati M, Contini C, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Footprints of BK and JC polyomaviruses in specimens from females affected by spontaneous abortion. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:433-440. [PMID: 30590693 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infections associated with spontaneous abortion (SA)? SUMMARY ANSWER There is no association of JCPyV or BKPyV with SA. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A large number of risk factors have been associated with SA. The role of polyomaviruses, including JCPyV and BKPyV, in SA remains to be clarified. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a case-control study including women affected by spontaneous abortion (SA, n = 100, the cases) and women who underwent voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI, n = 100, the controls). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Viral DNAs were investigated by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR) in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SA (n = 100) and VI (n = 100). Indirect ELISAs with mimotopes/synthetic peptides corresponding to JCPyV and BKPyV viral capsid protein 1 epitopes were then employed to investigate specific IgG antibodies against JCPyV and BKPyV in human sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) cohorts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE JCPyV DNA was detected in 51% and 61% of SA and VI samples, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 7.92 copy/104 cells in SA and 5.91 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05); BKPyV DNA was detected in 11% and 12% of SA and VI specimens, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.7 copy/104 cells in SA and 3.08 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). JCPyV was more prevalent than BKPyV in both SA and VI specimens (P < 0.0001). In PBMCs from the SA and VI cohorts, JCPyV DNA was detected with a prevalence of 8% and 12%, respectively, with a mean viral DNA load of 2.29 copy/104 cells in SA and 1.88 copy/104 cells in VI (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of serum IgG antibodies against JCPyV detected by indirect ELISAs was 52.5% and 48.7% in SA and VI groups, respectively, whereas BKPyV-positive sera were found in 80% SA and 78.7% VI samples. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study did not investigate the presence of viral mRNA and/or proteins, which are indicative of an active viral infection, and these might be taken into consideration in future studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS JCPyV and BKPyV DNA sequences were detected and quantitatively analyzed for the first time by PCR/ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI specimens. Moreover specific immunological approaches detected serum IgG against JCPyV/BKPyV. Statistical analyses, however, do not indicate an association between these polyomaviruses and SA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the University of Ferrara, FAR research grants and the University Hospital of Ferrara/University of Ferrara joint grant. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tagliapietra
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - J C Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - I Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Maritati
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences; Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology; University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, 8, Aldo Moro Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology; Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Ferrara, 64/B, Fossato di Mortara Street, Ferrara, Italy
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High Human Papillomavirus DNA loads in Inflammatory Middle Ear Diseases. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030224. [PMID: 32197385 PMCID: PMC7157545 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Previous studies reported human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in middle ear tumors, whereas these viruses have been poorly investigated in chronic inflammatory middle ear diseases. We investigated HPVs in non-tumor middle ear diseases, including chronic otitis media (COM). Methods. COM specimens (n = 52), including chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) (n =38) and cholesteatoma (COMC) (n = 14), as well as normal middle ear (NME) specimens (n = 56) were analyzed. HPV sequences and DNA loads were analyzed by quantitative-PCR. HPV genotyping was performed by direct sequencing. Results. HPV DNA was detected in 23% (12/52) of COM and in 30.4% (17/56) of NME (p > 0.05). Specifically, HPV DNA sequences were found in 26.3% (10/38) of CSOM and in 14.3% (2/14) of COMC (p > 0.05). Interestingly, the HPV DNA load was higher in COMC (mean 7.47 copy/cell) than in CSOM (mean 1.02 copy/cell) and NME (mean 1.18 copy/cell) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.017 versus CSOM and NME, respectively). HPV16 and HPV18 were the main genotypes detected in COMC, CSOM and NME. Conclusions. These data suggest that HPV may infect the middle ear mucosa, whereas HPV-positive COMCs are associated with higher viral DNA loads as compared to NME.
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Lee JW, Choi K, Park K, Seong C, Yu SD, Kim P. Adverse effects of perfluoroalkyl acids on fish and other aquatic organisms: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135334. [PMID: 31874399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been widely used in many industrial and consumer products. They have been detected ubiquitously in ambient water along with other environmental matrices, and their adverse effects on aquatic organisms have been a subject of active investigation. Here, we intended to summarize and synthesize the existing body of knowledge on PFAA toxicity through an extensive literature review, and shed light on areas where further research is warranted. PFAA toxicity appears to be influenced by the sex and developmental stages of aquatic organisms, but not significantly by exposure route. PFAA-induced aquatic toxicity could be classified as metabolism disturbance, reproduction disruption, oxidative stress, developmental toxicity, thyroid disruption, etc. At the molecular level, these responses can be initiated by key events, such as nuclear receptor activation, reactive oxygen species induction, or interaction with a membrane, followed by a cascade of downstream responses. PFAA-induced toxicity involves diverse metabolic processes, and therefore elucidating crosstalk or interactions among diverse metabolic pathways is a challenging task. In the presence of other chemicals, PFAAs can function as agonists or antagonists, resulting in different directions of combined toxicity. Therefore, mixture toxicity with other groups of chemicals is another research opportunity. Experimental evidence supports the trans-generational toxicity of PFAAs, suggesting that their long-term consequences for aquatic ecosystems should become of concern. A recent global ban of several PFAAs resulted in an increasing dependence on PFAA alternatives. The lack of sufficient toxicological information on this emerging group of chemicals warrant caution and rigorous toxicological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wuk Lee
- Research Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Park
- Research Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea
| | - Changho Seong
- Research Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Do Yu
- Research Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea
| | - Pilje Kim
- Research Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea.
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Mazzoni E, D'Agostino A, Iaquinta MR, Bononi I, Trevisiol L, Rotondo JC, Patergnani S, Giorgi C, Gunson MJ, Arnett GW, Nocini PF, Tognon M, Martini F. Hydroxylapatite-collagen hybrid scaffold induces human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to osteogenic differentiation in vitro and bone regrowth in patients. Stem Cells Transl Med 2019; 9:377-388. [PMID: 31834992 PMCID: PMC7031637 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering-based bone graft is an emerging viable treatment modality to repair and regenerate tissues damaged as a result of diseases or injuries. The structure and composition of scaffolds should modulate the classical osteogenic pathways in human stem cells. The osteoinductivity properties of the hydroxylapatite-collagen hybrid scaffold named Coll/Pro Osteon 200 were investigated in an in vitro model of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs), whereas the clinical evaluation was carried out in maxillofacial patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by the scaffold were analyzed using the Osteogenesis RT2 PCR Array. The osteoinductivity potential of the scaffold was also investigated by studying the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, matrix mineralization, osteocalcin (OCN), and CLEC3B expression protein. Fifty patients who underwent zygomatic augmentation and bimaxillary osteotomy were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and histologically during a 3-year follow-up. Among DEGs, osteogenesis-related genes, including BMP1/2, ALP, BGLAP, SP7, RUNX2, SPP1, and EGFR, which play important roles in osteogenesis, were found to be upregulated. The genes to cartilage condensation SOX9, BMPR1B, and osteoclast cells TNFSF11 were detected upregulated at every time point of the investigation. This scaffold has a high osteoinductivity revealed by the matrix mineralization, ALP activity, OCN, and CLEC3B expression proteins. Clinical evaluation evidences that the biomaterial promotes bone regrowth. Histological results of biopsy specimens from patients showed prominent ossification. Experimental data using the Coll/Pro Osteon 200 indicate that clinical evaluation of bone regrowth in patients, after scaffold implantation, was supported by DEGs implicated in skeletal development as shown in "in vitro" experiments with hASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosa Iaquinta
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Patergnani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michael J Gunson
- Private Practice, Arnett and Gunson Facial Reconstruction, Santa Barbara, California
| | - G William Arnett
- Private Practice, Arnett and Gunson Facial Reconstruction, Santa Barbara, California.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California
| | | | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Manera M, Sayyaf Dezfuli B, Castaldelli G, DePasquale JA, Fano EA, Martino C, Giari L. Perfluorooctanoic Acid Exposure Assessment on Common Carp Liver through Image and Ultrastructural Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4923. [PMID: 31817419 PMCID: PMC6950721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) poses particular concern as an emerging pollutant in both surface and ground waters. Fish, as a natural inhabitant of these waters and being highly representative of vertebrates, represents an ideal animal model to assess the toxic effects of PFOA. Hereby, liver microscopic texture was comparatively evaluated in individuals of common carp subchronically exposed to PFOA using grayscale differential box counting, a fractal analysis method. Furthermore, liver cytoplasmic glycogen areas and ultrastructure were also evaluated and compared to the image analysis findings. Redundancy Analysis was performed to assess, in summary, how much the variation of fractal dimension and lacunarity was explained by the concentration of PFOA in liver, the mass of liver and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-immunoreactive nuclei. Treatment group ordination was better determined by fractal dimension than lacunarity. Interestingly, a significant complexity increase was associated with the modification of liver microscopic texture due to PFOA exposure. This complexity increase was related to "cloudy swelling", possibly representing a primarily adaptive strategy against PFOA challenge, rather than a slight, reversible form of degeneration as traditionally proposed. The occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein reaction and hormetic response was proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, St. R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Bahram Sayyaf Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (B.S.D.); (G.C.); (E.A.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (B.S.D.); (G.C.); (E.A.F.); (L.G.)
| | | | - Elisa Anna Fano
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (B.S.D.); (G.C.); (E.A.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Camillo Martino
- Department of Veterinary, University of Perugia, St. San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Luisa Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (B.S.D.); (G.C.); (E.A.F.); (L.G.)
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Tagliapietra A, Rotondo JC, Bononi I, Mazzoni E, Magagnoli F, Gonzalez LO, Contini C, Vesce F, Tognon M, Martini F. Droplet-digital PCR assay to detect Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences in chorionic villi from spontaneous abortion affected females. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:1888-1894. [PMID: 31549405 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technique was set up to detect/quantify Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in clinical specimens, including chorionic villi and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from spontaneous abortion (SA)-affected females. This ddPCR assay showed high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting MCPyV DNA cloned in a recombinant plasmid vector, the control. ddPCR was extended to MCPyV DNA to investigate/quantify its sequences in clinical samples. Overall, 400 samples were analyzed, that is, 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs, from SA females (n = 100), the cases, and 100 chorionic villi and 100 PBMCs from females who underwent voluntary pregnancy interruption (VI, n = 100), the control. MCPyV DNA was detected in 4/100 (4%) and 5/100 (5%) of SA and VI chorionic villi, respectively. The mean viral DNA load was 1.99 ( ± 0.94 standard mean deviation [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and 3.02 ( ± 1.86 [SD]) copy/104 cells in VI. In PBMCs, MCPyV DNA was revealed in 9/100 (9%) and 14/100 (14%) of SA and VI, with a mean of 2.09 ( ± 1.17 [SD]) copy/104 cells and 4.09 ( ± 4.26 [SD]) copy/104 cells in SA and VI, respectively. MCPyV gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR for the large T antigen (LT) and viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) showed their mRNAs in 2/4 (50%) SA- and 2/5 (40%) VI-MCPyV-positive samples. MCPyV DNA was detected/quantified using the ddPCR technique, in chorionic villi and PBMCs from SA and VI. In our experimental conditions, ddPCR provided a powerful tool to detect/quantify MCPyV DNA sequences in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tagliapietra
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Magagnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Oton Gonzalez
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Contini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fortunato Vesce
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Rotondo JC, Mazzoni E, Bononi I, Tognon M, Martini F. Association Between Simian Virus 40 and Human Tumors. Front Oncol 2019; 9:670. [PMID: 31403031 PMCID: PMC6669359 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a small DNA tumor virus of monkey origin. This polyomavirus was administered to human populations mainly through contaminated polio vaccines, which were produced in naturally infected SV40 monkey cells. Previous molecular biology and recent immunological assays have indicated that SV40 is spreading in human populations, independently from earlier SV40-contaminated vaccines. SV40 DNA sequences have been detected at a higher prevalence in specific human cancer specimens, such as the brain and bone tumors, malignant pleural mesotheliomas, and lymphoproliferative disorders, compared to the corresponding normal tissues/specimens. However, other investigations, which reported negative data, did not confirm an association between SV40 and human tumors. To circumvent the controversies, which have arisen because of these molecular biology studies, immunological researches with newly developed indirect ELISA tests were carried out in serum samples from patients affected by the same kind of tumors as mentioned above. These innovative indirect ELISAs employ synthetic peptides as mimotopes/specific SV40 antigens. SV40 mimotopes do not cross-react with the homologous human polyomaviruses, BKPyV, and JCPyV. Immunological data obtained from indirect ELISAs, using SV40 mimotopes, employed to analyze serum samples from oncological patients, have indicated that these sera had a higher prevalence of antibodies against SV40 compared to healthy subjects. The main data on (i) the biology and genetics of SV40; (ii) the epidemiology of SV40 in the general population, (iii) the mechanisms of SV40 transformation; (iv) the putative role of SV40 in the onset/progression of specific human tumors, and (v) its association with other human diseases are reported in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Dong H, Lu G, Yan Z, Liu J, Ji Y. Molecular and phenotypic responses of male crucian carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to perfluorooctanoic acid. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1395-1406. [PMID: 30759578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has long been produced and widely used due to its excellent water and oil repellent properties. However, this trend has facilitated to the ubiquitous existence of PFOA in environmental matrix, and the potential ecotoxicity on aquatic organisms has not been fully elucidated. To study the tissue-specific bioconcentration and the nervous system- and energy-related biochemical effects of PFOA, as well as the phenotypic alterations by this chemical, male crucian carp (Carassius auratus) were exposed to gradient concentrations of PFOA (nominal 0.2, 10, 500 and 25,000 μg/L) in a flow-through apparatus for 7 days. PFOA was enriched in tissues following an order of blood > kidney ≥ liver > gill > brain > muscle. The bioconcentration factors ranged from 0.1 to 60.4. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the fish brain was inhibited, while liver carboxylesterase was induced in most cases and attenuated with time. The acyl-CoA oxidase activity was dose-dependently elevated and accompanied by a decline of ATP contents. PFOA treatments also inhibited the activity of the electron transport system (ETS). At the transcriptional level, ETS component complexes II and IV were concordantly depressed, and ATP synthesis was also downregulated. The mRNA level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α was increasingly upregulated, with related downstream genes upregulated in varying degrees. The phenotypes showed patterns of increased liver pathology and reduced swimming activity. In summary, PFOA leads to adverse effects in Carassius auratus related to multiple aspects, which may be associated with the nervous system, fundamental energy metabolism and other unpredictable factors. The results obtained in this study are expected to help clarify the PFOA toxic mechanisms on energy relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huike Dong
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Water Conservancy Project & Civil Engineering College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China.
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yong Ji
- College of Water Conservancy and Ecological Engineering, Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang 330099, China
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