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Ledda C, Loreto C, Lombardo C, Cardile V, Rapisarda V. Mesothelin methylation, soluble mesothelin related protein levels and inflammation profiling in workers chronically exposed to naturally occurring asbestos fibers. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101872. [PMID: 38134842 PMCID: PMC10751818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101872] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to asbestiform fibers, including chrysotile and amphibole, is carcinogenic, causing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) when inhaled. Some populations globally face Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) exposure, leading to MPM cases like in Biancavilla, Italy, from Fluoro-edenite (FE) contamination. Studies show NOA exposure causes epigenetic changes, focusing on mesothelin methylation, an MPM marker, and altered inflammation, emphasizing the health risks of FE and asbestos. This research, conducted from February 2022 to October 2022, studied 125 construction workers from Biancavilla and 125 controls from 40 km away without Biancavilla work history. With at least ten years in construction and no respiratory conditions, participants underwent medical assessments and gave blood samples for analysis, including inflammation markers, mesothelin methylation, and soluble mesothelin-related protein levels. The results showed similar demographics but differing inflammation and methylation levels in exposed workers, suggesting long-term cellular changes. Pearson correlation showed intricate biomarker relationships. Significant inflammatory differences were found between FE exposed and non-exposed workers, indicating potential health impacts from FE. This raises concerns for communities like Biancavilla, emphasizing the importance of extensive epigenetic research for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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2
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Dysregulation of microRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in mesothelial and mesothelioma cell lines after asbestiform fiber exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9181. [PMID: 35654808 PMCID: PMC9163335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13044-0] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence demonstrated that fluoro-edenite (FE) can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects. Environmental exposure to FE fibers is correlated with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). An early diagnosis of MPM, and a comprehensive health monitoring of the patients exposed to FE fibers are two clinical issues that may be solved by the identification of specific biomarkers. We reported the microRNA (miRNA) and transfer RNA-derived non coding RNA (tRNA-derived ncRNA) transcriptome in human normal mesothelial and malignant mesothelioma cell lines exposed or not exposed to several concentration FE fibers. Furthermore, an interactive mesothelioma-based network was derived by using NetME tool. In untreated condition, the expression of miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in tumor cells was significantly different with respect to non-tumor samples. Moreover, interesting and significant changes were found after the exposure of both cells lines to FE fibers. The network-based pathway analysis showed several signaling and metabolic pathways potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MPM. From papers analyzed by NetME, it is clear that many miRNAs can positively or negatively influence various pathways involved in MPM. For the first time, the analysis of tRNA-derived ncRNAs molecules in the context of mesothelioma has been made by using in vitro systems. Further studies will be designed to test and validate their diagnostic potential in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsies.
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Filetti V, Loreto C, Falzone L, Lombardo C, Cannizzaro E, Castorina S, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Three microRNAs in Environmental Asbestiform Fibers-Associated Malignant Mesothelioma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111205. [PMID: 34834557 PMCID: PMC8618926 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111205] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestiform fiber identified in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy). Environmental exposure to FE has been associated with a higher incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM). The present study aimed to validate the predicted diagnostic significance of hsa-miR-323a-3p, hsa-miR-101-3p, and hsa-miR-20b-5p on a subset of MM patients exposed to FE and matched with healthy controls. For this purpose, MM tissues vs. nonmalignant pleura tissues were analyzed through droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to evaluate differences in the expression levels of the selected miRNAs and their MM diagnostic potential. In addition, further computational analysis has been performed to establish the correlation of these miRNAs with the available online asbestos exposure data and clinic-pathological parameters to verify the potential role of these miRNAs as prognostic tools. ddPCR results showed that the three analyzed miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in MM cases vs. controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed high specificity and sensitivity rates for both hsa-miR-323a-3p and hsa-miR-20b-5p, which thus acquire a diagnostic value for MM. In silico results showed a potential prognostic role of hsa-miR-101-3p due to a significant association of its higher expression and increased overall survival (OS) of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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Di Nunno N, Esposito M, Argo A, Salerno M, Sessa F. Pharmacogenetics and Forensic Toxicology: A New Step towards a Multidisciplinary Approach. TOXICS 2021; 9:292. [PMID: 34822683 PMCID: PMC8620299 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics analyzes the individual behavior of DNA genes after the administration of a drug. Pharmacogenetic research has been implemented in recent years thanks to the improvement in genome sequencing techniques and molecular genetics. In addition to medical purposes, pharmacogenetics can constitute an important tool for clarifying the interpretation of toxicological data in post-mortem examinations, sometimes crucial for determining the cause and modality of death. The purpose of this systematic literature review is not only to raise awareness among the forensic community concerning pharmacogenetics, but also to provide a workflow for forensic toxicologists to follow in cases of unknown causes of death related to drug use/abuse. The scientific community is called on to work hard in order to supply evidence in forensic practice, demonstrating that this investigation could become an essential tool both in civil and forensic contexts. The following keywords were used for the search engine: (pharmacogenetics) AND (forensic toxicology); (pharmacogenetics) AND (post-mortem); (pharmacogenetics) AND (forensic science); and (pharmacogenetics) AND (autopsy). A total of 125 articles were collected. Of these, 29 articles were included in this systematic review. A total of 75% of the included studies were original articles (n = 21) and 25% were case reports (n = 7). A total of 78% (n = 22) of the studies involved deceased people for whom a complete autopsy was performed, while 22% (n = 6) involved people in good health who were given a drug with a subsequent pharmacogenetic study. The most studied drugs were opioids (codeine, morphine, and methadone), followed by antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants and venlafaxine). Furthermore, all studies highlighted the importance of a pharmacogenetics study in drug-related deaths, especially in cases of non-overdose of drugs of abuse. This study highlights the importance of forensic pharmacogenetics, a field of toxicology still not fully understood, which is of great help in cases of sudden death, deaths from overdose, deaths after the administration of a drug, and also in cases of complaint of medical malpractice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonina Argo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Esposito M, Licciardello G, Privitera F, Iannuzzi S, Liberto A, Sessa F, Salerno M. Forensic Post-Mortem Investigation in AAS Abusers: Investigative Diagnostic Protocol. A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081307. [PMID: 34441242 PMCID: PMC8393338 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) are a group of synthetic molecules derived from testosterone and its precursors. AASs are widely used illicitly by adolescents and athletes, especially by bodybuilders; AASs are among the most used drugs for improving physical performance, as well as for aesthetic purposes. The use of AASs by professional and recreational athletes is increasing worldwide. This review focused on deaths related to AAS abuse and to investigation of the autopsy results and histopathological findings using a rigorous methodology protocol covering: a complete autopsy, histological analysis, and a broad toxicological investigation. Moreover, we aimed to define an investigative diagnostic protocol supporting forensic pathologists during the post-mortem investigation of AAS abusers. This review was conducted using PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases to find articles published between 1 January 1968 and 30 June 2021, using the following key terms: “(anabolic-androgenic steroids) AND (autopsy); (anabolic-androgenic steroids) AND (forensic)”. A total of 939 articles were screened and 926 did not meet the inclusion criteria. In conclusion, 14 articles were included in this systematic review, reporting 137 fatal cases of AAS abuse in total. The histopathologic studies showed myocardial damage characterized by myocyte hypertrophy, focal myocyte damage with myofibrillar loss, interstitial fibrosis, mostly subepicardial, and small vessel disease. Indeed, in AAS-related cases, autopsy plays a pivotal role in the study of AAS adverse effects and organ damage related to their use or abuse. This systematic review aimed to define a specific workflow in death cases related to AASs, suggesting important future insights to better clarify sudden deaths related to AASs, such as the use of miRNAs. The forensic community needs a unified approach in cases of suspected death related to the use of AASs. There are several occasions to apply this workflow, for example in cases of death of bodybuilders and of young people who die in gymnasiums or during sports activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Gabriele Licciardello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Federico Privitera
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Salvatore Iannuzzi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +39-0881-736-926 (F.S.); +39-0953-782-060 (M.S.)
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (G.L.); (F.P.); (S.I.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (M.S.); Tel.: +39-0881-736-926 (F.S.); +39-0953-782-060 (M.S.)
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Immunohistochemical Expression of Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126249. [PMID: 34207798 PMCID: PMC8296067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Serine and Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) has a proto-oncogenic function, being associated with angiogenesis and frequently overexpressed in many human malignant neoplasms. Its immunohistochemical expression has never been investigated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We evaluated SRSF1 immunoexpression and its possible relation to angiogenesis in a selected cohort of 10 fluoro-edenite(FE)-induced MPM cases. Methods: Immunohistochemical analyses with an anti-SRSF1 antibody were performed. We interpreted the cases as positive if tumor cell nuclei were stained; a semi-quantitative analysis of the cases was performed by evaluating the intensity of staining and the percentage of tumor positive cells. A microvessel density (MVD) count was also performed. Results: High and low immunoexpressions of SRSF1 were seen in six and four MPMs, respectively. A trend of shorter overall survival was found in FE-induced MPM patients with SRSF1 overexpression. In addition, a significant association between high-MVD and high SRSF1 immunoexpression (p = 0.0476) was found. Conclusions: SRSF1 appears to be involved in MPM pathogenesis and its immunoexpression may represent a prognostic biomarker capable of identifying subgroups of patients with different prognosis. However, given the preliminary nature of the present study, further investigations on larger series, and additional in vitro studies, are required to validate our findings.
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Ledda C, Lombardo C, Tendi EA, Hagnas M, Paravizzini G, Filetti V, Rapisarda V. Pathway of Inflammation due to Asbestiform Fiber “Fluoro-edenite” Exposure: An Update. CURRENT RESPIRATORY MEDICINE REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573398x16999200819151645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
FluorFluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestos-like amphibole present in the bentonitic lavas extracted
from a stone quarry in Biancavilla, a village sited in the Etnean Volcanic Area (Italy).o-edenite (FE) is an asbestos-like amphibole present in the bentonitic lavas extracted from a stone quarry in Biancavilla, a village sited in the Etnean Volcanic Area (Italy).
:
Thoracic pathologies are the results of excessive inflammatory processes that are the early response
of the immune system to inhaled fibers. As demonstrated for asbestos, fibers may trigger immune
system cells in an acute and/or chronic manner. This review aims to clarify the pathways of
inflammation in workers exposed to FE fibers.
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Based on the articles reviewed, it seems that a permanent stimulus created by repeatedly inhaling
the FE fibers and their persistence in the body can act as a trigger both in promoting inflammatory
processes and in the immunological induction of autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria Hagnas
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Vera Filetti
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Filetti V, Vitale E, Broggi G, Hagnäs MP, Candido S, Spina A, Lombardo C. Update of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo fluoro-edenite effects on malignant mesothelioma: A systematic review (Review). Biomed Rep 2020; 13:60. [PMID: 33149905 PMCID: PMC7605121 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE), asbestiform fiber found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), presents various characteristics similar to the asbestos group, in particular two fibrous phases tremolite and actinolite. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that FE fibers have similar effects to those of asbestos fibers. Such studies have reported a high incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal membranes lining the pleural cavity, in individuals residing there due to FE exposure in Biancavilla related to environmental contamination. Evidence has led to the classification of FE as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The aim of this systematic review is to compare the results achieved in in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experimental studies involving FE in order to update the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms responsible for FE-mediated MM development as well as the availability of effective biomarkers for MM prevention and diagnosis. This review is focused on the pathophysiological mechanisms mediated by inflammation induced by FE fiber exposure and which are responsible for MM development. This review also discusses the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the management of this pathology. It is known that the risk of cancer development increases with chronic inflammation, arising from enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO• production stimulated by the body to remove exogenous agents, causing DNA damage and enhanced signal transduction that may lead to activation of oncogenes. Studies concerning MM biomarker discovery indicate that several biomarkers have been proposed for MM, but mesothelin is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biomarker for MM, with limitations. In recent studies, in silico analysis to identify selected miRNAs highly deregulated in cancer samples when compared with normal control have been developed. This in silico approach could represent an effort in the field of biomarker discovery for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Pathologic Anatomy, Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria P Hagnäs
- Rovaniemi Health Centre, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland.,Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, 90150 Oulu, Finland
| | - Saverio Candido
- Oncologic, Clinic and General Pathology Section, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy.,Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Spina
- INPS Italian National Social Security Institution, I-95129 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Pathologic Anatomy, Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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Preliminary Post-Mortem COVID-19 Evidence of Endothelial Injury and Factor VIII Hyperexpression. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080575. [PMID: 32784826 PMCID: PMC7460315 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The current outbreak of COVID-19 infection is an ongoing challenge and a major threat to public health that requires surveillance, prompt diagnosis, as well as research efforts to understand the viral pathogenesis. Despite this, to date, very few studies have been performed concerning autoptic specimens. Therefore, this study aimed: (i) to reiterate the importance of the autoptic examination, the only method able to precisely define the cause of death; (ii) to provide a complete post-mortem histological and immunohistochemical investigation pattern capable of diagnosing death from COVID-19 infection. (2) Methods: In this paper, the lung examination of two subjects who died from COVID-19 are discussed, comparing the obtained data with those of the control, a newborn who died from pneumonia in the same pandemic period. (3) Results: The results of the present study suggest that COVID-19 infection can cause different forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), due to diffuse alveolar damage and diffuse endothelial damage. Nevertheless, different patterns of cellular and cytokine expression are associated with anti-COVID-19 antibody positivity, compared to the control case. Moreover, in both case studies, it is interesting to note that COVID-19, ACE2 and FVIII positivity was detected in the same fields. (4) Conclusions: COVID-19 infection has been initially classified as exclusively interstitial pneumonia with varying degrees of severity. Subsequently, vascular biomarkers showed that it can also be considered a vascular disease. The data on Factor VIII discussed in this paper, although preliminary and limited in number, seem to suggest that the thrombogenicity of Sars-CoV2 infection might be linked to widespread endothelial damage. In this way, it would be very important to investigate the pro-coagulative substrate both in all subjects who died and in COVID-19 survivors. This is because it may be hypothesized that the different patterns with which the pathology is expressed could depend on different individual susceptibility to infection or a different personal genetic-clinical background. In light of these findings, it would be important to perform more post-mortem investigations in order to clarify all aspects of the vascular hypothesis in the COVID-19 infection.
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Filetti V, Falzone L, Rapisarda V, Caltabiano R, Eleonora Graziano AC, Ledda C, Loreto C. Modulation of microRNA expression levels after naturally occurring asbestiform fibers exposure as a diagnostic biomarker of mesothelial neoplastic transformation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 198:110640. [PMID: 32330788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a silicate mineral identified in the lava products of Monte Calvario from stone quarries located in the southeast of Biancavilla, a small city of the Etnean volcanic complex (Sicily, Italy). Inhalation of FE fibers has been associated with a higher incidence of Malignant Mesothelioma (MM), a highly aggressive neoplasm of the serosal membranes lining the pleural cavity. Only 5% of MM patients are diagnosed at an early stage and the median survival is approximate 6-12 months. Many diagnostic biomarkers have been proposed for MM. Several studies demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be used as good non-invasive diagnostics, as well as prognostic biomarkers for various human diseases, including cancer. On these bases, the aim of the present study was to identify a set of miRNAs involved in the development and progression of MM and potentially used as diagnostic biomarkers. For these purposes, in silico analyses were performed on healthy/exposed to asbestos fibers subjects vs. patients with MM. These analyses revealed a set of miRNAs strictly involved in MM by merging the lists of miRNAs found differentially expressed in the three miRNA expression datasets analyzed. The result of these computational evaluations allowed the execution of functional in vitro experiments performed on normal pleural mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A) and MM cell line (JU77) in order to test the carcinogenetic effects and epigenetic modulation induced by FE exposure. The in vitro results showed that the expression levels of hsa-miR-323a-3p vary significantly in both supernatant- and cell-derived miRNAs derived from treated and untreated cells. Secreted and cellular hsa-miR-101-3p in MeT-5A treated with FE fibers and JU77 cells showed different trends of expression. As regard hsa-miR-20b-5p, there was no differential expression between secreted and cellular hsa-miR-20b-5p. This miRNA has been shown a significant up-regulation in JU77 cells vs. control and treated MeT-5A. As a future plan, translational analyses will be performed on a subset of patients chronically exposed to FE fibers to further verify the clinical role of such miRNAs in high-risk individuals and their possible use as biomarkers of FE exposure or MM early onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department Gian Filippo Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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Loreto C, Caltabiano R, Graziano ACE, Castorina S, Lombardo C, Filetti V, Vitale E, Rapisarda G, Cardile V, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Defense and protection mechanisms in lung exposed to asbestiform fiber: the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and heme oxygenase-1. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 32312030 PMCID: PMC7171426 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE), an asbestiform fiber, is responsible for many respiratory pathologies: chronic obstructive diseases, pleural plaques, fibrosis, and malignant mesothelioma. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is one of the first cytokines produced in response to lung tissue damage. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a protein with protective effects against oxidative stress. It is up regulated by several stimuli including pro-inflammatory cytokines and factors that promote oxidative stress. In this research, the in vivo model of sheep lungs naturally exposed to FE was studied in order to shed light on the pathophysiological events sustaining exposure to fibers, by determining immunohistochemical lung expression of MIF and HO-1. Protein levels expression of HO-1 and MIF were also evaluated in human primary lung fibroblasts after exposure to FE fibers in vitro. In exposed sheep lungs, MIF and HO-1 immunoexpression were spread involving the intraparenchymal stroma around bronchioles, interstitium between alveoli, alveolar epithelium and macrophages. High MIF immunoexpression prevails in macrophages. Similar results were obtained in vitro, but significantly higher values were only detected for HO-1 at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL of FE fibers. MIF and HO-1 expressions seem to play a role in lung self-protection against uncontrolled chronic inflammation, thus counteracting the strong link with cancer development, induced by exposure to FE. Further studies will be conducted in order to add more information about the role of MIF and HO-1 in the toxicity FE-induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Loreto
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnologies Sciences, University of Catania.
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12
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Abstract
Since 1973 the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified asbestos as a certain carcinogen, but today it is still used in several countries. To date, mesothelioma risk is certainly linked not only to occupational exposures but also to environmental exposures. The incidence and mortality are increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries where asbestos is still often used without adequate measures for worker safety. The epidemiological surveillance systems of related asbestos diseases are instruments of public health adopted internationally. The experience and the operating methodology of the Italian mesothelioma registry and the data produced from 1996 to 2015 highlight how in countries where the asbestos ban has been active for over 20 years the risk of asbestos remains present, especially in the construction sector as well as for the environmental exposures of the resident population near companies that used asbestos in their production cycle. Worldwide, it is necessary to introduce the ban on the extraction, processing, and marketing of asbestos as claimed by the international scientific community.
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13
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Ledda C, Caltabiano R, Vella F, Matera S, Marconi A, Loreto C, Rapisarda V. Fibulin-3 as biomarker of malignant mesothelioma. Biomark Med 2019; 13:875-886. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2018-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many malignant diseases are associated with past asbestos exposure; the most lethal and strictly related to previous fiber exposure being malignant mesothelioma (MM). Effective preventive protocols may include sensitive and specific biomarkers. The role of Fb-3 has been recently investigated for MM early detection, but its role is still under debate. After an independent search for scientific literature, nine studies were included for a systematic review. Human Fb-3 levels seem to be able to separate healthy people with previous exposure to asbestiform fibers from MM patients. Fb-3 blood levels can distinguish MM effusions from other malignant and benign effusions. Furthers investigations on more significant groups of patients are desirable to validate and assess the validity of combining Fb-3 with other biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Vella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Marconi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
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14
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Rodríguez-Cid JR, García-Acevedo O, Benjamin-Contreras J, Bonilla-Molina D, Flores-Mariñelarena RR, Martínez-Barrera L, Alatorre-Alexander JA, Sanchez-Ríos CP, Flores-Soto MDR, Santillan-Doherty PJ, Peña-Mirabal ES. Expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and its prognostic value in pleural mesothelioma. J Thorac Dis 2019; 11:1456-1464. [PMID: 31179088 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2019.03.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Overexpression of estrogen receptors in malignant pleural mesothelioma has shown an independent relation with a better prognosis of survival, and the use of selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) agonists increases the susceptibility to antitumor treatment. Methods This was a retrospective single center study that analyzed the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma with an expression of ERβ to first-line chemotherapy. The study included patients with pleural mesothelioma pathologically confirmed between 2013 and 2016 at the National Institute for Respiratory Disease (INER), who underwent an immunohistochemistry assay for ERβ (mouse monoclonal antibody PPG5/10). The primary endpoint was the response to chemotherapy based on RECIST 1.1 according to the ERβ expression; secondary outcomes were the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results We included 22 patients, regarding the expression of ERβ, 17 (77.2%) patients had high or moderate degree, while 5 (22.7%) had low degree or null expression. The response to treatment as by RECIST 1.1, 12 (54.5%) had partial response, 5 (22.7%) had stable disease, and 3 (13.6%) had progression. None of the patients had a complete response. Of those who had a partial response, 9 (75%) had a high or moderate degree of ERβ expression in tumor cells, and 3 (25%) had a low or null degree of expression. Conclusions High and moderate expression of ERβ group with advanced clinical stage malignant pleural mesothelioma was associated with a tendency of higher OS and better response to chemotherapy treatment resulting in longer PFS although statistical significance was not achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Orlando García-Acevedo
- Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Benjamin-Contreras
- Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Bonilla-Molina
- Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Luis Martínez-Barrera
- Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Carla Paola Sanchez-Ríos
- Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Erika Sagrario Peña-Mirabal
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Rapisarda V, Loreto C, Castorina S, Romano G, Garozzo SF, Musumeci A, Migliore M, Avola R, Cinà D, Pomara C, Ledda C. Occupational exposure to fluoro-edenite and prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies. Future Oncol 2018; 14:59-62. [PMID: 29664352 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
An environmental contamination due to an asbestiform mineral fiber, fluoro-edenite (FE), caused a significantly increased mortality rate for malignant mesothelioma in Biancavilla, Italy. Exposure to fluoro-edenite has been associated with inflammatory processes as an early response to inhaled fibers. The aim was to explore prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) in a group of construction workers residing and working in the contaminated area. Prevalences for samples positive to ANA were 60% (n = 9) and 13% (n = 2), for exposed and nonexposed, respectively (p-value <0.05), the odds ratio was 9.75 (95% CI: 1.59-59.69). The significance of elevated ANAs in subjects exposed to fibers is unknown; additional studies may provide a better opportunity to establish a correlation between autoimmunity and environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy & Histology, Department of Biomedical & Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Human Anatomy & Histology, Department of Biomedical & Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Romano
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Musumeci
- Radiology Unit, 'Policlinico G. Rodolico' Universitary Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Migliore
- Academic Thoracic Surgery Unit, University Hospital 'Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele', Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Biotechnology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Diana Cinà
- Clinical Pathology Unit, 'Garibaldi Centro' Hospital of Catania, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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16
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Caltabiano R, Loreto C, Vitale E, Matera S, Miozzi E, Migliore M, Angelico G, Tumino R, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Fibulin-3 immunoexpression in malignant mesothelioma due to fluoro-edenite: a preliminary report. Future Oncol 2018; 14:53-57. [PMID: 29664355 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An increased standardized incidence and mortality rate were reported due to malignant mesothelioma (MM) in Biancavilla. Environmental investigations showed the presence of an asbestiform fiber: fluoro-edenite (FE). MM develops with a latency of 20-60 years from exposure and specific and sensitive biomarkers are urgently needed. For this purpose, we evaluated Fibulin-3 (Fb-3) immunoexpression in human cases of MM related to FE exposure and its prognostic role. Immunohistochemical analysis of Fb-3 was carried out in eight MM patients resident in Biancavilla and the analysis showed evidence of environmental exposure to FE fibers. Six MM cases (3 epithelioid and 3 biphasic) showed a high immunoexpression of Fb-3 in neoplastic cells with nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. One epithelioid and one biphasic subtype did not show Fb-3 immunostaining. The results demonstrate the implication of Fb-3 in MM due to FE exposure and may possibly suggest its potential role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Caltabiano
- Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical & Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy & Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Edoardo Miozzi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Migliore
- Academic Thoracic Surgery Unit, University Hospital 'Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele', Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Angelico
- Department 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Tumino
- Cancer Registry & Histopathology Department, 'Civic - M. P. Arezzo' Hospital, ASP Ragusa, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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17
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Asbestos Exposure and the Mesothelioma Incidence in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081741. [PMID: 30104558 PMCID: PMC6121399 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Asbestos is carcinogenic to humans; the exposure to asbestos causes a wide range of diseases. Aim: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is unique for asbestos exposure. Methods: Based on the physical inventory of asbestos-cement roofing, the social-economic situation of communes, the proximity of asbestos manufacturing plants, the land use data referring to the surface of the built-up area, and the historical data on the annexations, the amount of asbestos-containing products in use was estimated by computing best Random Forest models. Per capita asbestos use is an indicator to compare the state of asbestos use among countries. MM cases in the local administrative units (provinces) were tested by the application of Moran’s I and Getis and Ord statistic. Results: The total amount of asbestos roofing in Poland was estimated at 738,068,000 m2 (8.2 million tons). In total there were 28 plants in Poland located in 11 provinces throughout the country. The amount of asbestos-cement roofing in use is correlated primarily with the measurements of asbestos concentration fibers (rs = 0.597). MM raw morbidity rate was calculated, stratified by province, and classified into five groups with respect to incidence. Hotspots of MM cases are in the southern part of Poland. Conclusions: MM cases are concentrated in the same geographical areas, which may indicate an increasing impact of environmental exposure. The results of the local and global autocorrelation clearly indicate a statistically significant relationship between incidences of MM in provinces. Poland and other Eastern European countries are among countries with low MM incidence rate. Detailed investigation is desirable since the current MM morbidity rate in Poland seems to be underestimated.
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18
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Ledda C, Caltabiano R, Loreto C, Cinà D, Senia P, Musumeci A, Ricceri V, Pomara C, Rapisarda V. Prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies in subjects exposed to natural asbestiform fibers: a cross-sectional study. J Immunotoxicol 2018; 15:24-28. [PMID: 29241379 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2017.1415398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestiform mineral fiber spotted in the lava rocks excavated from a stone quarry in Biancavilla (Italy). The derived material had been employed locally for building purposes. Previous studies found evidence that exposure to asbestos may induce autoimmunity, with frequency of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between FE exposure and autoimmune responses in an exposed population. For the study, 60 subjects living in the area of Biancavilla and 60 subjects as control group were randomly invited to participate. A free medical check, including spirometry and a high-resolution computer tomography chest scan, was given to all participants. ANA were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. On medical check, no subject showed any sign and/or symptoms of illness. Prevalence for samples positive to ANA were 70% (n = 42) and 25% (n = 15), respectively, for exposed and non-exposed subjects (p < 0.05). The presence of pleural plaques (PP) was found in 21 (30%) of the exposed subjects and in 2 (3%) of the non-exposed participants. PP subjects were always ANAs positive. In conclusion, as already it was observed with exposure to asbestos fibers, levels of ANA seemed to significantly increase in subjects who had been exposed to FE. Furthermore, all subjects showing PP were also ANA-positive. This first finding in subjects exposed to FE should encourage researchers to further investigate associations between autoimmune unbalance and environmental exposure to asbestiform fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- b Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G. F. Ingrassia" , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- c Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Diana Cinà
- d Clinical Pathology Unit , "Garibaldi Centro" University Hospital of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Paola Senia
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Andrea Musumeci
- e Radiology Unit , "Policlinico G. Rodolico" University Hospital of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ricceri
- f Radiology Unit , "Maria SS. Addolorata" Hospital of Biancavilla, ASP Catania , Biancavilla , Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- g Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Foggia , Foggia , Italy.,h Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine , University of Malta , Msida , Malta
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
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19
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Angelico G, Ieni A, Caltabiano R, Zeppa P, Tuccari G. Aquaporin-1 expression in fluoro-edenite-induced mesothelioma effusions: An approach by cell-block procedure. Cytopathology 2018; 29:455-460. [PMID: 29873855 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aquaporin 1 (AQP-1) is a water channel protein found in cell membranes, whose expression has been considered an independent favourable prognostic factor in pleural malignant mesothelioma (MM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AQP-1 and its prognostic value in a series of pleural MM effusions, from a geographical area with high concentrations of fluoro-edenite (FE). METHODS We selected 25 MM cases from Biancavilla (Italy), an area with high environmental concentrations of FE. Cytological samples, cell-blocks (CB), clinical and follow-up data were available for all cases. Immunohistochemistry for calretinin, CK5/6, WT1, CK7 and TTF1 was used on CB sections to confirm the cytological diagnosis of MM. Immunohistochemistry for AQP-1 was performed and high expression was defined when ≥50% of tumour cells showed linear and circumferential membranous staining. RESULTS The cohort included 16 men and nine women (median age: 67.5 years; range: 49-88 years). The median survival was 14 months (range 1.5-60 months), with a significant value (P = 0.006). All cases have been histologically confirmed and classified as epithelioid (16 cases), biphasic (seven cases) and sarcomatoid (two cases). AQP-1 high expression has been observed in 16 cases. Comparing AQP-1 high expression to the survival of corresponding patients, a significant association with a slight increased overall survival of 12 months has been demonstrated. Nine patients with a AQP-1 score less than 50% showed a shorter median overall survival (7 months). CONCLUSIONS AQP-1 high expression is detectable on cytological samples of FE-induced MM with a prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Angelico
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Messina, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - A Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Messina, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - R Caltabiano
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Pathologic Anatomy, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P Zeppa
- Pathological Anatomy, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - G Tuccari
- Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University of Messina, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy
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20
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Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Quest Goes on. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10060203. [PMID: 29914087 PMCID: PMC6025035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor characterized by a poor prognosis. Although its carcinogenesis mechanism has not been strictly understood, about 80% of MM can be attributed to occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos fibers. The identification of non-invasive molecular markers for an early diagnosis of MM has been the subject of several studies aimed at diagnosing the disease at an early stage. The most studied biomarker is mesothelin, characterized by a good specificity, but it has low sensitivity, especially for non-epithelioid MM. Other protein markers are Fibulin-3 and osteopontin which have not, however, showed a superior diagnostic performance. Recently, interesting results have been reported for the HMGB1 protein in a small but limited series. An increase in channel proteins involved in water transport, aquaporins, have been identified as positive prognostic factors in MM, high levels of expression of aquaporins in tumor cells predict an increase in survival. MicroRNAs and protein panels are among the new indicators of interest. None of the markers available today are sufficiently reliable to be used in the surveillance of subjects exposed to asbestos or in the early detection of MM. Our aim is to give a detailed account of biomarkers available for MM.
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21
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Angelico G, Caltabiano R, Loreto C, Ieni A, Tuccari G, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Immunohistochemical Expression of Aquaporin-1 in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Report. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E685. [PMID: 29495596 PMCID: PMC5877546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunohistochemical expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is emerging as a useful prognostic indicator of improved survival. A significantly increased incidence of MPM in a small town in southern Italy was ascribed to exposure to fluoro-edenite (FE), a naturally occurring asbestos fiber. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of AQP1 in patients affected by FE-related MPM; taking into consideration its suggested independent prognostic role, its possible correlation with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome was also evaluated. METHODS Ten patients were selected for this study, as neoplastic tissue blocks, clinical and follow-up data were available. The immunohistochemical overexpression of AQP1 was defined as ≥50% of tumor cells showing membranous staining. RESULTS Six cases showed AQP1 expression in ≥50% of tumor cells; in this group, a significant association of AQP1 overexpression with an increased median overall survival (OS) of 26.3 months was observed. By contrast, four patients exhibited an AQP1 score of <50% of stained cells, with a shorter median OS of 8.9 months. CONCLUSIONS The present study represents further confirmation of the hypothesized prognostic role of AQP1, which seems a reliable prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Angelico
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
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22
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Silva M, Sverzellati N, Colombi D, Milanese G, La Vecchia C, Galeone C, Marchianò A, Pastorino U. Pleural plaques in lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography: prevalence, association with lung cancer and mortality. BMC Pulm Med 2017; 17:155. [PMID: 29178853 PMCID: PMC5702182 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-017-0506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To report the prevalence of pleural plaques in a lung cancer screening trial by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and to test the association with incidence of lung cancer and mortality. Methods The LDCT of 2303 screenees were retrospectively reviewed with the specific aim of describing the prevalence and features of pleural plaques. Self-administered questionnaire was used to assess asbestos exposure. Frequency of lung cancer, lung cancer mortality, and overall mortality were detailed according to presence of pleural findings. Statistical analyses included comparison of mean or median, contingency tables, and Cox model for calculation of hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Among male screenees, 31/1570 (2%) showed pleural abnormalities, 128/1570 (8.2%) disclosed asbestos exposure, 23/31 (74.2%) subjects with pleural plaques consistently denied exposure to asbestos. There was a trend for higher frequency of lung cancer among subjects with pleural plaques (9.7% vs 4.2%). Lung cancer in subjects with pleural plaques was always diagnosed in advanced stage. Subjects with pleural plaques showed HR 5.48 (95% CI 1.61–18.70) for mortality from lung cancer. Conclusions Pleural plaques are a risk factor for lung cancer mortality that can be detected in lung cancer screening by LDCT, also in subjects that are not aware of asbestos exposure. Trial registration NCT02837809 - Retrospectively registered July 1, 2016 - Enrolment of first participant September 2005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Silva
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy. .,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicola Sverzellati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Colombi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Milanese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), Section of Radiology, Unit of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Padiglione Barbieri, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Galeone
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Marchianò
- Department of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Pastorino
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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23
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Rapisarda V, Caltabiano R, Musumeci G, Castrogiovanni P, Ferrante M, Ledda C, Lombardo C, Graziano ACE, Cardile V, Loreto C. Analysis of fibulin-3 after exposure to asbestos-like fibers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:381-387. [PMID: 28395242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A significantly increased incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy) has been ascribed to exposure to fluoro-edenite, a fibrous amphibole extracted from a local stone quarry. Fibulin-3 is a highly conserved glycoprotein proposed as a biomarker for malignant mesothelioma that belongs to the family of extracellular matrix proteins. Previous studies demonstrated high Fibulin-3 plasma levels in workers with pleural plaques exposed to fluoro-edenite. Therefore, in order to gain insight into the biomolecular mechanisms of fluoro-edenite toxicity, we performed the analysis of Fibulin-3 expression by immunohistochemistry in the lung samples derived from sheep belonging to the area of Biancavilla. Furthermore, an in vitro model of exposed fluoro-edenite fibroblasts was used to perform functional experiments to better understand the modulation of Fibulin-3 expression. The percentage of immunostained area by Fibulin-3 was very much higher in exposed lungs compared with non-exposed ones. The Fibulin-3 protein level was significantly expressed in primary human lung fibroblasts exposed to 50 and 100µg/ml of fluoro-edenite fibers for 72h, compared to the unexposed controls. The results from the present study further demonstrate the implication of Fibulin-3 during fluoro-edenite exposure. This would endorse our previous results regarding the use of Fibulin-3 as a possible screening biomarker for fluoro-edenite exposed individuals, thereby contributing to the monitoring of the population at risk. The present study also suggested that the Fibulin-3 overexpression may reflect a defensive response of the tissues after exogenous stimuli and may be implicated in cancer development, especially in the context of fluoro-edenite contamination. However, further studies are necessary in order to make Fibulin-3 a customized screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venerando Rapisarda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Physiology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | | | - Venera Cardile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Physiology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
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24
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Ledda C, Cocuzza S, Salerno M, Senia P, Matera S, Rapisarda V, Loreto C. Occupational exposure to Mount Etna's basaltic dust: Assessment of mutagenic and cytotoxic effects. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3350-3354. [PMID: 28339019 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Basalt and volcanic ash are natural constituents of the ground surrounding volcanic areas such as Mount Etna. The dust may be daily inhaled by the general population as well as by several types of workers, such as construction workers. In this experiment, we analyzed the potential mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of the materials used in construction industry, excavated from Mt. Etna. Ground basalt (A), volcanic ash (B), mixed basalt and cement (C) and cement (D) were studied with Ames test, for mutagenic assessment and with MMT assay for cytotoxic evaluation. The Ames test revealed that cement (sample D), showed a higher and significant mutagenicity than the samples A, B and C. MTT assay showed that samples C and D had a slightly more negative impact on cell viability than A and B. In conclusion, no particular risks seem to exist for construction industry workers, while the exploitation of cement and cement mixed with basalt seems to be a risk for workers, given the high percentage of silica and iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Senia
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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25
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Ferrante M, Ledda C, Oliveri Conti G, Fiore M, Rapisarda V, Copat C, Sole G, Terzo N, Travali S. Lead exposure and plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3361-3365. [PMID: 28339023 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic data for carcinogenicity in those exposed to lead (Pb) suggests relations with cancers although the totality of the evidence is inconsistent. Alterations in the expression of ERBB receptors have been studied during the development and malignant transformation of different kinds of human tumors where they induce proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis generation. Relevant clinical data demonstrate the role of ERBB2 receptors in the development and malignancy of human cancers. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to give more information on the link between plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene and lead blood levels in a healthy population. Blood samples, socio‑demographic, exposure and health data were obtained from 48 healthy men. Real‑time polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect ERBB2 gene transcripts, ΔΔCt method was used to quantify gene expression. Pb blood level was assayed using high‑resolution sector field inductively coupled mass spectrometry and is expressed in µg/dl. Plasma mRNA expression in ERBB2 gene was 6.44±3.07 ΔΔCt; Pb blood levels was 16.07±6.74 µg/dl. Regression analysis revealed a significant association (r2=0.5345; p<0.0001) between Pb levels and mRNA expression in ERBB2. So far, it has still not been established if the expression of ERBB2 receptors is influenced by Pb exposure. On the base of the above reported data, we believe an in vitro study might be useful, to understand the molecular mechanisms implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gea Oliveri Conti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', Section of Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sole
- ISAB S.r.l. ‑ Lukoil, I‑96010 Priolo Gargallo, Italy
| | - Nivea Terzo
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Travali
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95124 Catania, Italy
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26
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Ledda C, Costa C, Matera S, Puglisi B, Costanzo V, Bracci M, Fenga C, Rapisarda V, Loreto C. Immunomodulatory effects in workers exposed to naturally occurring asbestos fibers. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3372-3378. [PMID: 28339042 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural asbestiform fibers are defined 'naturally occurring asbestos' (NOA) and refer to the mineral as a natural component of soils or rocks. The release of NOA fibers into the air from rocks or soils by routine human activities or natural weathering processes represents a risk for human beings. Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a NOA fiber detected in the benmoreitic lava in the area of Biancavilla, South-west slope of Mt. Etna. The aim of the present study was to investigate FE immunotoxicity pathways in a group of 38 occupationally exposed construction workers, in order to find any biological markers of its effect. Subjects underwent respiratory function tests and HRCT total chest scanning. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured. The presence of PPs was significantly greater in subjects exposed than in the control (25 vs. 2). In subjects exposed to FE, IL-1β and TNF-α values were significantly higher than the controls. The previously observed increase of IL-1β and IL-18 showed a probable involvement of the proteic complex defined inflammosome by FE fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Beatrice Puglisi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Costanzo
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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27
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Ledda C, Loreto C, Matera S, Massimino N, Cannizzaro E, Musumeci A, Migliore M, Fenga C, Pomara C, Rapisarda V. Early effects of fluoro-edenite: correlation between IL-18 serum levels and pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. Future Oncol 2016; 12:59-62. [PMID: 27669761 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a natural mineral asbestos-like fibrous species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily. In order to clarify potential involvement of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of FE-induced chest abnormalities, we analyzed IL-18 serum levels in FE-exposed workers (FEEW) and correlated them with pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. A total of 21 FEEWs, residing in Biancavilla for >30 years, with a working seniority of 17 ± 6.1 years were examined. High-resolution computed tomography scans revealed low grade of fibrosis in 8 (38%) FEEWs, and pleural plaques (PPs) in 13 (62%) FEEWs. The mean IL-18 level was 203.13 ± 90.43 pg/ml. Pearson correlation showed a significant association (p < 0.0001) between IL-18 and PPs and parenchymal abnormality scores. Data suggest a potential role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical & Biotechnology Sciences, Human Anatomy & Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Massimino
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion & Mother & Child Care 'Giuseppe D'Alessandro', University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Musumeci
- Division of Radiology, University Hospital 'Policlinico, Vittorio Emanuele', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Migliore
- Department of Surgery, Academic Thoracic Surgery Unit, University Hospital 'Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of the Environment, Safety, Territory, Food & Health Sciences, Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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28
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Ledda C, Loreto C, Bracci M, Mangano D, Migliore M, Ricceri V, Musumeci A, Costa C, Pomara C, Rapisarda V. High risk of pleural plaques and parenchymal abnormalities in women living in Biancavilla (Italy). Future Oncol 2016; 12:63-65. [PMID: 27624550 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite is a natural mineral species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily, used for construction of houses and roads, with health effects allegedly the same as those of asbestos. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the risks of pleural plaques and parenchymal abnormalities in women living in Biancavilla through a retrospective cross-sectional study. The evaluation pointed out a relative risk of pleural plaques of 39.67 (95% CI: 11.33-138.82) and 27.67 (95% CI: 5.43-141.00) for parenchymal abnormalities as well. These findings have prompted urge to extend the screening on the possible abnormalities of the respiratory tract to all Biancavilla's population, particularly in those aged more than 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy & Histology, Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Dario Mangano
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marcello Migliore
- Academic Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery & Medical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ricceri
- Division of Radiology, Hospital of Biancavilla 'Maria SS Addolorata', ASP Catania, Biancavilla, Italy
| | - Andrea Musumeci
- Division of Radiology, University Hospital 'Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele', University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Occupational Medicine, Department of the Environment, Safety, Territory, Food & Health Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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