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Milella MS, Geminiani M, Trezza A, Visibelli A, Braconi D, Santucci A. Alkaptonuria: From Molecular Insights to a Dedicated Digital Platform. Cells 2024; 13:1072. [PMID: 38920699 PMCID: PMC11201470 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues of several body compartments causing cartilage degeneration, tendon calcification, heart problems, and an invalidating, early-onset form of osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanisms underlying AKU involve homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation in cells and tissues. HGA is highly reactive, able to modify several macromolecules, and activates different pathways, mostly involved in the onset and propagation of oxidative stress and inflammation, with consequences spreading from the microscopic to the macroscopic level leading to irreversible damage. Gaining a deeper understanding of AKU molecular mechanisms may provide novel possible therapeutical approaches to counteract disease progression. In this review, we first describe inflammation and oxidative stress in AKU and discuss similarities with other more common disorders. Then, we focus on HGA reactivity and AKU molecular mechanisms. We finally describe a multi-purpose digital platform, named ApreciseKUre, created to facilitate data collection, integration, and analysis of AKU-related data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Serena Milella
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Michela Geminiani
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE-SbA, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Trezza
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Visibelli
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Daniela Braconi
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- ONE-HEALTH Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.S.M.); (A.T.); (A.V.); (D.B.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE-SbA, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- ARTES 4.0, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Frusciante L, Geminiani M, Trezza A, Olmastroni T, Mastroeni P, Salvini L, Lamponi S, Bernini A, Grasso D, Dreassi E, Spiga O, Santucci A. Phytochemical Composition, Anti-Inflammatory Property, and Anti-Atopic Effect of Chaetomorpha linum Extract. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:226. [PMID: 38786617 PMCID: PMC11123029 DOI: 10.3390/md22050226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental preservation. The therapeutic potential of plant extracts is garnering increasing interest, and this study aimed to demonstrate promising outcomes from an extract obtained from an underutilized plant waste. Chaetomorpha linum, an invasive macroalga found in the Orbetello Lagoon, thrives in eutrophic conditions, forming persistent mats covering approximately 400 hectares since 2005. The biomass of C. linum undergoes mechanical harvesting and is treated as waste, requiring significant human efforts and economic resources-A critical concern for municipalities. Despite posing challenges to local ecosystems, the study identified C. linum as a natural source of bioactive metabolites. Phytochemical characterization revealed lipids, amino acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity in C. linum extract. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells showed the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions via NF-κB nuclear translocation, in RAW 264.7 cells. It also reduced chemokines (TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and IL-8) and the cytokine IL-1β production in HaCaT cells, suggesting potential as a therapeutic candidate for chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Finally, in silico studies indicated palmitic acid as a significant contributor to the observed effect. This research not only uncovered the untapped potential of C. linum but also laid the foundation for its integration into the circular bioeconomy, promoting sustainable practices, and innovative applications across various industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Frusciante
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Trezza
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Tommaso Olmastroni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Mastroeni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Laura Salvini
- Fondazione Toscana Life Sciences, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Daniela Grasso
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Advanced Robotics and Enabling Digital TEchnologies & Systems 4.0 (ARTES 4.0), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.F.); (A.T.); (T.O.); (P.M.); (S.L.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (E.D.); (O.S.); (A.S.)
- SienabioACTIVE, Università di Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Advanced Robotics and Enabling Digital TEchnologies & Systems 4.0 (ARTES 4.0), Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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Bernardini G, Braconi D, Zatkova A, Sireau N, Kujawa MJ, Introne WJ, Spiga O, Geminiani M, Gallagher JA, Ranganath LR, Santucci A. Alkaptonuria. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38453957 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria is a rare inborn error of metabolism caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase activity. The consequent homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulation in body fluids and tissues leads to a multisystemic and highly debilitating disease whose main features are dark urine, ochronosis (HGA-derived pigment in collagen-rich connective tissues), and a painful and severe form of osteoarthropathy. Other clinical manifestations are extremely variable and include kidney and prostate stones, aortic stenosis, bone fractures, and tendon, ligament and/or muscle ruptures. As an autosomal recessive disorder, alkaptonuria affects men and women equally. Debilitating symptoms appear around the third decade of life, but a proper and timely diagnosis is often delayed due to their non-specific nature and a lack of knowledge among physicians. In later stages, patients' quality of life might be seriously compromised and further complicated by comorbidities. Thus, appropriate management of alkaptonuria requires a multidisciplinary approach, and periodic clinical evaluation is advised to monitor disease progression, complications and/or comorbidities, and to enable prompt intervention. Treatment options are patient-tailored and include a combination of medications, physical therapy and surgery. Current basic and clinical research focuses on improving patient management and developing innovative therapies and implementing precision medicine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernardini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Zatkova
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Geneton Ltd, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Mariusz J Kujawa
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Wendy J Introne
- Human Biochemical Genetics Section, Medical Genetics Branch, Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - James A Gallagher
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lakshminarayan R Ranganath
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Effects of Nitisinone on Oxidative and Inflammatory Markers in Alkaptonuria: Results from SONIA1 and SONIA2 Studies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223668. [PMID: 36429096 PMCID: PMC9688277 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223668] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitisinone (NTBC) was recently approved to treat alkaptonuria (AKU), but there is no information on its impact on oxidative stress and inflammation, which are observed in AKU. Therefore, serum samples collected during the clinical studies SONIA1 (40 AKU patients) and SONIA2 (138 AKU patients) were tested for Serum Amyloid A (SAA), CRP and IL-8 by ELISA; Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) by spectrophotometry; and protein carbonyls by Western blot. Our results show that NTBC had no significant effects on the tested markers except for a slight but statistically significant effect for NTBC, but not for the combination of time and NTBC, on SAA levels in SONIA2 patients. Notably, the majority of SONIA2 patients presented with SAA > 10 mg/L, and 30 patients in the control group (43.5%) and 40 patients (58.0%) in the NTBC-treated group showed persistently elevated SAA > 10 mg/L at each visit during SONIA2. Higher serum SAA correlated with lower quality of life and higher morbidity. Despite no quantitative differences in AOPP, the preliminary analysis of protein carbonyls highlighted patterns that deserve further investigation. Overall, our results suggest that NTBC cannot control the sub-clinical inflammation due to increased SAA observed in AKU, which is also a risk factor for developing secondary amyloidosis.
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Homogentisic acid induces autophagy alterations leading to chondroptosis in human chondrocytes: Implications in Alkaptonuria. Arch Biochem Biophys 2022; 717:109137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Alkaptonuria in Russia: mutational spectrum and novel variants. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104165. [PMID: 33621656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in HGD gene. Here we report the results of genetic and biochemical analysis of 49 Russian patients with alkaptonuria. One of the common variants c.481G > A; p.(Gly161Arg) comprising 72.4% of identified alleles was found in 45 of 49 patients in our cohort, which is probably the highest frequency of this variant worldwide. 9 novel variants were found: 6 missense, 2 splicing and 1 loss of start-codon. For missense variants we performed bioinformatic analysis, protein 3D-modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, which strongly suggest their pathogenic effect. For the rare synonymous variant c.753C > T; p.(Gly251Gly), which was found in 3 cases and predicted to activate cryptic splice site, we performed the detailed functional analysis on patient's cDNA and minigene assay and confirmed its pathogenicity.
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Galderisi S, Cicaloni V, Milella MS, Millucci L, Geminiani M, Salvini L, Tinti L, Tinti C, Vieira OV, Alves LS, Crevenna AH, Spiga O, Santucci A. Homogentisic acid induces cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix alteration in alkaptonuric cartilage. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6011-6024. [PMID: 33469937 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra-rare disease caused by the deficient activity of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase enzyme, leading the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in connective tissues implicating the formation of a black pigmentation called "ochronosis." Although AKU is a multisystemic disease, the most affected tissue is the articular cartilage, which during the pathology appears to be highly damaged. In this study, a model of alkaptonuric chondrocytes and cartilage was realized to investigate the role of HGA in the alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The AKU tissues lost its architecture composed of collagen, proteoglycans, and all the proteins that characterize the ECM. The cause of this alteration in AKU cartilage is attributed to a degeneration of the cytoskeletal network in chondrocytes caused by the accumulation of HGA. The three cytoskeletal proteins, actin, vimentin, and tubulin, were analyzed and a modification in their amount and disposition in AKU chondrocytes model was identified. Cytoskeleton is involved in many fundamental cellular processes; therefore, the aberration in this complex network is involved in the manifestation of AKU disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Galderisi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Vittoria Cicaloni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria S Milella
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lia Millucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Laura Tinti
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Otilia V Vieira
- NOVA Medical School, 3CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana S Alves
- NOVA Medical School, 3CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Ottavia Spiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Proteome Alterations in Equine Osteochondrotic Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246179. [PMID: 31817880 PMCID: PMC6940994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteochondrosis is a failure of the endochondral ossification that affects developing joints in humans and several animal species. It is a localized idiopathic joint disorder characterized by focal chondronecrosis and growing cartilage retention, which can lead to the formation of fissures, subchondral bone cysts, or intra-articular fragments. Osteochondrosis is a complex multifactorial disease associated with extracellular matrix alterations and failure in chondrocyte differentiation, mainly due to genetic, biochemical, and nutritional factors, as well as traumas. This study describes the main proteomic alterations occurring in chondrocytes isolated from osteochondrotic cartilage fragments. A comparative analysis performed on equine osteochondrotic and healthy chondrocytes showed 26 protein species as differentially represented. In particular, quantitative changes in the extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal and chaperone proteins, and in cell adhesion and signaling molecules were observed in osteochondrotic cells, compared to healthy controls. Functional group analysis annotated most of these proteins in “growth plate and cartilage development”, while others were included in “glycolysis and gluconeogenesis”, “positive regulation of protein import”, “cell–cell adhesion mediator activity”, and “mitochondrion nucleoid”. These results may help to clarify some chondrocyte functional alterations that may play a significant role in determining the onset and progression of equine osteochondrosis and, being related, of human juvenile osteochondrosis.
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A new integrated and interactive tool applicable to inborn errors of metabolism: Application to alkaptonuria. Comput Biol Med 2018; 103:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bernardini G, Leone G, Millucci L, Consumi M, Braconi D, Spiga O, Galderisi S, Marzocchi B, Viti C, Giorgetti G, Lupetti P, Magnani A, Santucci A. Homogentisic acid induces morphological and mechanical aberration of ochronotic cartilage in alkaptonuria. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:6696-6708. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Gemma Leone
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Lia Millucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Marco Consumi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Ottavia Spiga
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Silvia Galderisi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Barbara Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
- UOC Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese Siena Italy
| | - Cecilia Viti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Giovanna Giorgetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Pietro Lupetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Agnese Magnani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia Università degli Studi di Siena Siena Italy
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12
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Braconi D, Giustarini D, Marzocchi B, Peruzzi L, Margollicci M, Rossi R, Bernardini G, Millucci L, Gallagher JA, Le Quan Sang KH, Imrich R, Rovensky J, Al-Sbou M, Ranganath LR, Santucci A. Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in alkaptonuria: data from the DevelopAKUre project. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:1078-1086. [PMID: 29852277 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to assess baseline serum levels of established biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress in samples from alkaptonuric subjects enrolled in SONIA1 (n = 40) and SONIA2 (n = 138) clinical trials (DevelopAKUre project). METHODS Baseline serum levels of Serum Amyloid A (SAA), IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, CRP, cathepsin D (CATD), IL-1ra, and MMP-3 were determined through commercial ELISA assays. Chitotriosidase activity was assessed through a fluorimetric method. Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) were determined by spectrophotometry. Thiols, S-thiolated proteins and Protein Thiolation Index (PTI) were determined by spectrophotometry and HPLC. Patients' quality of life was assessed through validated questionnaires. RESULTS We found that SAA serum levels were significantly increased compared to reference threshold in 57.5% and 86% of SONIA1 and SONIA2 samples, respectively. Similarly, chitotriosidase activity was above the reference threshold in half of SONIA2 samples, whereas CRP levels were increased only in a minority of samples. CATD, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, MMP-3, AOPP, thiols, S-thiolated protein and PTI showed no statistically significant differences from control population. We provided evidence that alkaptonuric patients presenting with significantly higher SAA, chitotriosidase activity and PTI reported more often a decreased quality of life. This suggests that worsening of symptoms in alkaptonuria (AKU) is paralleled by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which might play a role in disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of SAA may be suggested in AKU to evaluate inflammation. Though further evidence is needed, SAA, chitotriosidase activity and PTI might be proposed as disease activity markers in AKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - D Giustarini
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - B Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy; UOC Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - L Peruzzi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy; UOC Medicina Molecolare e Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - M Margollicci
- UOC Medicina Molecolare e Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - R Rossi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - G Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - L Millucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - J A Gallagher
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - R Imrich
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - J Rovensky
- National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases, Piešťany, Slovakia.
| | - M Al-Sbou
- Department of Pharmacology, Alkaptonuria Research Office, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Mutah, Karak, Jordan.
| | - L R Ranganath
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - A Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
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13
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Thorpe SD, Gambassi S, Thompson CL, Chandrakumar C, Santucci A, Knight MM. Reduced primary cilia length and altered Arl13b expression are associated with deregulated chondrocyte Hedgehog signaling in alkaptonuria. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2407-2417. [PMID: 28158906 PMCID: PMC5484994 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare inherited disease resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase which leads to the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA). AKU is characterized by severe cartilage degeneration, similar to that observed in osteoarthritis. Previous studies suggest that AKU is associated with alterations in cytoskeletal organization which could modulate primary cilia structure/function. This study investigated whether AKU is associated with changes in chondrocyte primary cilia and associated Hedgehog signaling which mediates cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. Human articular chondrocytes were obtained from healthy and AKU donors. Additionally, healthy chondrocytes were treated with HGA to replicate AKU pathology (+HGA). Diseased cells exhibited shorter cilia with length reductions of 36% and 16% in AKU and +HGA chondrocytes respectively, when compared to healthy controls. Both AKU and +HGA chondrocytes demonstrated disruption of the usual cilia length regulation by actin contractility. Furthermore, the proportion of cilia with axoneme breaks and bulbous tips was increased in AKU chondrocytes consistent with defective regulation of ciliary trafficking. Distribution of the Hedgehog-related protein Arl13b along the ciliary axoneme was altered such that its localization was increased at the distal tip in AKU and +HGA chondrocytes. These changes in cilia structure/trafficking in AKU and +HGA chondrocytes were associated with a complete inability to activate Hedgehog signaling in response to exogenous ligand. Thus, we suggest that altered responsiveness to Hedgehog, as a consequence of cilia dysfunction, may be a contributing factor in the development of arthropathy highlighting the cilium as a novel target in AKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. Thorpe
- Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Silvia Gambassi
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieChimica e FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di SienaSienaItaly
| | - Clare L. Thompson
- Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Charmilie Chandrakumar
- Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieChimica e FarmaciaUniversità degli Studi di SienaSienaItaly
| | - Martin M. Knight
- Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Materials ScienceQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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14
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Millucci L, Bernardini G, Spreafico A, Orlandini M, Braconi D, Laschi M, Geminiani M, Lupetti P, Giorgetti G, Viti C, Frediani B, Marzocchi B, Santucci A. Histological and Ultrastructural Characterization of Alkaptonuric Tissues. Calcif Tissue Int 2017; 101:50-64. [PMID: 28271171 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-017-0260-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a hereditary disorder that results from altered structure and function of homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase (HGD). This enzyme, predominantly produced by liver and kidney, is responsible for the breakdown of homogentisic acid (HGA), an intermediate in the tyrosine degradation pathway. A deficient HGD activity causes HGA levels to rise systemically. The disease is clinically characterized by homogentisic aciduria, bluish-black discoloration of connective tissues (ochronosis) and joint arthropathy. Additional manifestations are cardiovascular abnormalities, renal, urethral and prostate calculi and scleral and ear involvement. While the radiological aspect of ochronotic spondyloarthropathy is known, there are only few data regarding an exhaustive ultrastructural and histologic study of different tissues in AKU. Moreover, an in-depth analysis of tissues from patients of different ages, having varied symptoms, is currently lacking. A complete microscopic and ultrastructural analysis of different AKU tissues, coming from six differently aged patients, is here presented thus significantly contributing to a more comprehensive knowledge of this ultra-rare pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Millucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Adriano Spreafico
- Immunoematologia Trasfusionale, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Marcella Laschi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Lupetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, via A. Moro 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Giorgetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Siena, Strada Laterina 8, Siena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Viti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Siena, Strada Laterina 8, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Siena, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
- U. O. C. Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Viale Bracci, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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15
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Santucci A, Bernardini G, Braconi D, Petricci E, Manetti F. 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase and Its Inhibition in Plants and Animals: Small Molecules as Herbicides and Agents for the Treatment of Human Inherited Diseases. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4101-4125. [PMID: 28128559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This review mainly focuses on the physiological function of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), as well as on the development and application of HPPD inhibitors of several structural classes. Among them, one illustrative example is represented by compounds belonging to the class of triketone compounds. They were discovered by serendipitous observations on weed growth and were developed as bleaching herbicides. Informed reasoning on nitisinone (NTBC, 14), a triketone that failed to reach the final steps of the herbicidal design and development process, allowed it to become a curative agent for type I tyrosinemia (T1T) and to enter clinical trials for alkaptonuria. These results boosted the research of new compounds able to interfere with HPPD activity to be used for the treatment of the tyrosine metabolism-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena , via A. Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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