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D'Antongiovanni V, Pellegrini C, Antonioli L, Ippolito C, Segnani C, Benvenuti L, D'Amati A, Errede M, Virgintino D, Fornai M, Bernardini N. Enteric Glia and Brain Astroglia: Complex Communication in Health and Disease along the Gut-Brain Axis. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:493-510. [PMID: 37052336 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231163460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have provided interesting evidence about the role of the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain in the onset and development of several pathologic conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), neurodegenerative diseases, and related comorbidities. Indeed, patients with IBD can experience neurologic disorders, including depression and cognitive impairment, besides typical intestinal symptoms. In parallel, patients with neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease, are often characterized by the occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders. In this context, enteric glial cells and brain astrocytes are emerging as pivotal players in the initiation/maintenance of neuroinflammatory responses, which appear to contribute to the alterations of intestinal and neurologic functions observed in patients with IBD and neurodegenerative disorders. The present review was conceived to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available knowledge on the morphologic, molecular, and functional changes occurring in the enteric glia and brain astroglia in IBDs and neurologic disorders. In addition, our intent is to identify whether such alterations could represent a common denominator involved in the onset of comorbidities associated with the aforementioned disorders. This might help to identify putative targets useful to develop novel pharmacologic approaches for the therapeutic management of such disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa D'Antongiovanni
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Benvenuti
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Amati
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Mariella Errede
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sensory Organs, University of Bari School of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Bellini G, Benvenuti L, Ippolito C, Frosini D, Segnani C, Rettura F, Pancetti A, Bertani L, D'Antongiovanni V, Palermo G, Del Prete E, Antonioli L, Nardini V, Morganti R, Pellegrini C, Bernardini N, Ceravolo R, Fornai M, Bellini M. Intestinal histomorphological and molecular alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3440-3450. [PMID: 36263629 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Changes in gut microbiota composition, enteric inflammation, impairments of the intestinal epithelial barrier and neuroplastic changes in the enteric nervous system have been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and could contribute to the onset of both neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, their mutual interplay has rarely been investigated. This study evaluated, in an integrated manner, changes in faecal microbiota composition, morphofunctional alterations of colonic mucosal barrier and changes of inflammatory markers in blood and stools of PD patients. METHODS Nineteen PD patients and nineteen asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. Blood lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, marker of altered intestinal permeability) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, as well as stool IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels, were evaluated. Gut microbiota analysis was performed. Epithelial mucins, collagen fibres, claudin-1 and S100-positive glial cells as markers of an impairment of the intestinal barrier, mucosal remodelling and enteric glial activation were evaluated on colonic mucosal specimens collected during colonoscopy. RESULTS Faecal microbiota analysis revealed a significant difference in the α-diversity in PD patients compared to controls, while no differences were found in the β-diversity. Compared to controls, PD patients showed significant chenags in plasma LBP levels, as well as faecal TNF and IL-1β levels. The histological analysis showed a decrease in epithelial neutral mucins and claudin-1 expression and an increased expression of acidic mucins, collagen fibres and S100-positive glial cells. CONCLUSIONS Parkinson's disease patients are characterized by enteric inflammation and increased intestinal epithelial barrier permeability, as well as colonic mucosal barrier remodelling, associated with changes in gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Bellini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Benvenuti
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Frosini
- Department of Medical Specialties, Neurology Unit, AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Rettura
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pancetti
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bertani
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Surgery and Gastroenterology, Tuscany North-West ASL, Pontedera Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vanessa D'Antongiovanni
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palermo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nardini
- Anatomia Patologica 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Ceravolo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Unit of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellini
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Werner CM, Willing LB, Goudsward HJ, McBride AR, Stella SL, Holmes GM. Plasticity of colonic enteric nervous system following spinal cord injury in male and female rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14646. [PMID: 37480186 PMCID: PMC11298951 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic bowel is a dysmotility disorder following spinal cord injury (SCI) that negatively impacts quality of life, social integration, and physical health. Colonic transit is directly modulated by the enteric nervous system. Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) distributed throughout the small intestine and colon serve as specialized pacemaker cells, generating rhythmic electrical slow waves within intestinal smooth muscle, or serve as an interface between smooth muscle cells and enteric motor neurons of the myenteric plexus. Interstitial Cells of Cajal loss has been reported for other preclinical models of dysmotility, and our previous experimental SCI study provided evidence of reduced excitatory and inhibitory enteric neuronal count and smooth muscle neural control. METHODS Immunohistochemistry for the ICC-specific marker c-Kit was utilized to examine neuromuscular remodeling of the distal colon in male and female rats with experimental SCI. KEY RESULTS Myenteric plexus ICC (ICC-MP) exhibited increased cell counts 3 days following SCI in male rats, but did not significantly increase in females until 3 weeks after SCI. On average, ICC-MP total primary arborization length increased significantly in male rats at 3-day, 3-week, and 6-week time points, whereas in females, this increase occurred most frequently at 6 weeks post-SCI. Conversely, circular muscle ICC (ICC-CM) did not demonstrate post-SCI changes. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES These data demonstrate resiliency of the ICC-MP in neurogenic bowel following SCI, unlike seen in other related disease states. This plasticity underscores the need to further understand neuromuscular changes driving colonic dysmotility after SCI in order to advance therapeutic targets for neurogenic bowel treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Werner
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa B Willing
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hannah J Goudsward
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda R McBride
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Salvatore L Stella
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Toti A, Ciampi C, Margiotta F, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C. Anti-Hyperalgesic Efficacy of Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Against Visceral Pain Induced by Colitis: Involvement of Glia in the Enteric and Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14841. [PMID: 37834289 PMCID: PMC10573187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914841] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of abdominal pain in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) still represents a problem because of the lack of effective treatments. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) has proved useful in the treatment of different types of chronic pain with excellent tolerability. The present work aimed at evaluating the anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of ALCAR in a model of persistent visceral pain associated with colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) injection. Two different protocols were applied. In the preventive protocol, ALCAR was administered daily starting 14 days to 24 h before the delivery of DNBS. In the interventive protocol, ALCAR was daily administered starting the same day of DNBS injection, and the treatment was continued for 14 days. In both cases, ALCAR significantly reduced the establishment of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals, though the interventive protocol showed a greater efficacy than the preventive one. The interventive protocol partially reduced colon damage in rats, counteracting enteric glia and spinal astrocyte activation resulting from colitis, as analyzed by immunofluorescence. On the other hand, the preventive protocol effectively protected enteric neurons from the inflammatory insult. These findings suggest the putative usefulness of ALCAR as a food supplement for patients suffering from IBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (L.M.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (L.D.C.M.); (C.G.)
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D'Antongiovanni V, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Antonioli L, Colucci R, Fornai M, Bernardini N, Pellegrini C. Pathological Remodeling of the Gut Barrier as a Prodromal Event of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100194. [PMID: 37290605 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100194] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal barrier alterations represent a primum movens in obesity and related intestinal dysfunctions. However, whether gut barrier remodeling represents prodromal events in obesity before weight gain, metabolic alterations, and systemic inflammation remains unclear. Herein, we examined morphologic changes in the gut barrier in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD) since the earliest phases of diet assumption. C57BL/6J mice were fed with standard diet (SD) or HFD for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Remodeling of intestinal epithelial barrier, inflammatory infiltrate, and collagen deposition in the colonic wall was assessed by histochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis. Obese mice displayed increased body and epididymal fat weight along with increased plasma resistin, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels after 8 weeks of HFD. Starting from 1 week of HFD, mice displayed (1) a decreased claudin-1 expression in lining epithelial cells, (2) an altered mucus in goblet cells, (3) an increase in proliferating epithelial cells in colonic crypts, (4) eosinophil infiltration along with an increase in vascular P-selectin, and (5) deposition of collagen fibers. HFD intake is associated with morphologic changes in the large bowel at mucosal and submucosal levels. In particular, the main changes include alterations in the mucous layer and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and activation of mucosal defense-enhanced fibrotic deposition. These changes represent early events occurring before the development of obesity condition that could contribute to compromising the intestinal mucosal barrier and functions, opening the way for systemic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa D'Antongiovanni
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health," University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Colucci R, Fornai M, Antonioli L, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Pellegrini C, Nericcio A, Zizzo MG, Serio R, Blandizzi C, Bernardini N. Role of cyclooxygenase pathways in bowel fibrotic remodelling in a murine model of experimental colitis. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:264-275. [PMID: 36477570 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac073] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gut fibrosis occurs under chronic inflammation. This study examined the effects of different cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors on fibrosis in the inflamed colon. METHODS Colitis was induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) in albino male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 6, 12 and 18 days, macroscopic and microscopic damage, collagen and elastic fibre content were examined. At day 6, pro-fibrotic factors (collagen I and III, hydroxyproline, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling [TGF-β, Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA), phosphorylated small mother against decapentaplegic (pSMAD)-2 and -6] and peristalsis were assessed, and the effects of indomethacin, SC-560 or celecoxib were tested. KEY FINDINGS Six days after DNBS administration, significant histopathological signs of fibrotic remodelling were observed in rats. At day 6, pro-fibrotic factors were up-regulated and colonic peristalsis was altered. COX inhibitors reversed the histochemical, molecular and functional changes in the fibrotic colon. COX inhibition reduced TGF-β expression, SMAD2 phosphorylation and RhoA, and increased SMAD6 expression. CONCLUSIONS Colonic fibrosis is associated with altered bowel motility and induction of profibrotic factors driven by TGF-β signalling. COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition counteracts this fibrotic remodelling by the modulation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling, mainly via SMAD6 induction and reduction in SMAD2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Nericcio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Zizzo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Serio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Pagnotta E, Toti A, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Margiotta F, Martelli A, Testai L, Calderone V, Matteo R, Suriano S, Troccoli A, Pecchioni N, Manera C, Mannelli LDC, Ghelardini C. The Efficacy of Camelina sativa Defatted Seed Meal against Colitis-Induced Persistent Visceral Hypersensitivity: The Relevance of PPAR α Receptor Activation in Pain Relief. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153137. [PMID: 35956313 PMCID: PMC9370738 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brassicaceae are natural sources of bioactive compounds able to promote gut health. Belonging to this plant family, Camelina sativa is an ancient oil crop rich in glucosinolates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants that is attracting renewed attention for its nutraceutical potential. This work aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of a defatted seed meal (DSM) of Camelina sativa on the colon damage and the persistent visceral hypersensitivity associated with colitis in rats. Inflammation was induced by the intrarectal injection of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). The acute administration of Camelina sativa DSM (0.1–1 g kg−1) showed a dose-dependent pain-relieving effect in DNBS-treated rats. The efficacy of the meal was slightly enhanced after bioactivation with myrosinase, which increased isothiocyanate availability, and drastically decreased by pre-treating the animals with the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR α) receptor antagonist GW6471. Repeated treatments with Camelina sativa DSM (1 g kg−1) meal counteracted the development, as well as the persistence, of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals by reducing the intestinal inflammatory damage and preventing enteric neuron damage. In conclusion, Camelina sativa meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool to manage persistent abdominal pain in patients and to promote gut healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Francesco Margiotta
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health—NUTRAFOOD, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Serafino Suriano
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Antonio Troccoli
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (S.S.); (A.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Clementina Manera
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.); (C.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research, and Child Health—NEUROFARBA—Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (F.M.); (C.G.)
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Baidoo N, Crawley E, Knowles CH, Sanger GJ, Belai A. Total collagen content and distribution is increased in human colon during advancing age. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269689. [PMID: 35714071 PMCID: PMC9205511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of ageing on total collagen content of human colon has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to determine if ageing altered total collagen content and distribution in the human colon. Methods Macroscopically normal ascending colon was obtained at surgery from cancer patients (n = 31) without diagnosis of diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Masson’s trichrome and Picrosirius red stains were employed to identify the total collagen content and distribution within the sublayers of the colonic wall for adult (22–60 years; 6 males, 6 females) and elderly (70 – 91years; 6 males, 4 female) patients. A hydroxyproline assay evaluated the total collagen concentration for adult (30–64 years; 9 male, 6 female) and elderly (66–91 years; 8 male, 8 female) patients. Key results Histological studies showed that the percentage mean intensity of total collagen staining in the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis externa was, respectively, 14(1.9) %, 74(3.2) % and 12(1.5) % in the adult ascending colon. Compared with the adults, the total collagen fibres content was increased in the submucosa (mean intensity; 163.1 ± 11.1 vs. 124.5 ± 7.8; P < 0.05) and muscularis externa (42.5 ± 8.0 vs. 20.6 ± 2.8; P < 0.01) of the elderly patients. There was no change in collagen content of the mucosa. The total collagen concentration was increased in the elderly by 16%. Sex-related differences were not found, and data were combined for analysis. Conclusions Greater total collagen content was found in the submucosa and muscularis externa of the elderly human male and female colon. These changes may contribute to a possible loss of function with ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Baidoo
- University of Roehampton, School of Life Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie Crawley
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles H. Knowles
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth J. Sanger
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abi Belai
- University of Roehampton, School of Life Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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9
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Xu Z, Zhang X, Wang W, Zhang D, Ma Y, Zhang D, Chen M. Fructus Mume (Wu Mei) Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Inflammatory Cytokine, Reactive Oxygen Species, and Neuropeptide Levels in Model Rats. J Med Food 2022; 25:389-401. [PMID: 35438553 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2021.k.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder of the large intestine. Fructus mume (FM), a natural food with nutritive and pharmaceutical value, has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against UC. In this study, we investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of FM against UC. We induced UC in rats with 4% (v/v) acetic acid (AA), orally administered 0.7 or 0.325 g/kg FM and 0.3 g/kg sulfasalazine (SASP) for 7 days, and explored the responses the drugs elicited in the rats. We assessed the general conditions of the rats by the disease active index. We evaluated colon tissue damage macroscopically and by Hematoxylin & Eosin, Alcian Blue-periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's staining, and explored the potential mechanisms of FM on inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuropeptides by measuring TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MMP9, CXCR-1, SOD, GSH-px, MDA, ROS, SIRT3, SP, VIP, ghrelin, and 5-HT. FM treatment significantly attenuated colon damage and submucosal fibrosis compared with the model. It lowered serum proinflammatory TNF-α, IL-8, and colonic MMP9 and CXCR-1, and raised serum anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. FM upregulated the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GSH-px, and SITR3 protein but inhibited ROS and MDA production. It downregulated colonic SP, VIP, ghrelin, and 5-HT. The beneficial effects of FM might be dose dependent. Around 0.7 g/kg FM and SASP displayed similar efficacy for treating AA-induced colitis in rats. Our results provide empirical evidence that FM protects against AA-induced UC in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and regulates neuropeptides; thus, FM may be a promising, safe, and efficacious alternative therapy for UC, if its efficacy can be confirmed in human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongying Xu
- Department of Clinical Foundation of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Department of Clinical Foundation of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenya Wang
- Department of Clinical Foundation of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Clinical Foundation of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Clinical Foundation of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Lucarini E, Micheli L, Pagnotta E, Matteo R, Parisio C, Toti A, Ferrara V, Ciampi C, Martelli A, Testai L, Calderone V, Savino M, Russo M, Pecchioni N, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Beneficial Effects of Eruca sativa Defatted Seed Meal on Visceral Pain and Intestinal Damage Resulting from Colitis in Rats. Foods 2022; 11:foods11040580. [PMID: 35206057 PMCID: PMC8870774 DOI: 10.3390/foods11040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most therapies used in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases are ineffective in preventing the development of chronic visceral hypersensitivity, mainly due to inflammation-induced enteric neuroplasticity. Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites mainly of Brassicaceae with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, are effective in treating both neuropathic and arthritis pain through H2S release and Kv7 potassium channel activation. The aim of this work was to investigate the protective and anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of a defatted seed meal from Eruca sativa Mill. (Brassicaceae), rich in glucosinolates, in a rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). The mechanisms of action were also investigated. Visceral pain was assessed by measuring the abdominal response to colorectal distension. Fifteen days after colitis induction, the acute administration of E. sativa defatted seed meal (0.1–1 g kg−1 p.o.) dose-dependently relieved pain. This effect was hampered by co-administering an H2S scavenger or a selective Kv7 blocker. Administering E. sativa (1 g kg−1) for 14 days, starting after DNBS injection, contributed to counteracting visceral pain persistence in the post-inflammatory phase of colitis by promoting colon healing from the damage and reducing enteric gliosis. E. sativa defatted seed meal might be employed as a nutraceutical tool for supporting abdominal pain relief in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Eleonora Pagnotta
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Matteo
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 40128 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Valentina Ferrara
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Clara Ciampi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (L.T.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Centre Nutraceuticals and Food for Health (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Ageing Biology and Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Savino
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Mario Russo
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- CREA-Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.S.); (M.R.); (N.P.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (L.M.); (C.P.); (A.T.); (V.F.); (C.C.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Esposito G, Corpetti C, Pesce M, Seguella L, Annunziata G, Del Re A, Vincenzi M, Lattanzi R, Lu J, Sanseverino W, Sarnelli G. A Palmitoylethanolamide Producing Lactobacillus paracasei Improves Clostridium difficile Toxin A-Induced Colitis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:639728. [PMID: 33986673 PMCID: PMC8111445 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.639728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered probiotics, able to in situ deliver therapeutically active compounds while restoring gut eubiosis, could represent an attractive therapeutic alternative in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Palmitoylethanolamide is an endogenous lipid able to exert immunomodulatory activities and restore epithelial barrier integrity in human models of colitis, by binding the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPARα). The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a newly designed PEA-producing probiotic (pNAPE-LP) in a mice model of C. difficile toxin A (TcdA)-induced colitis. The human N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of PEA, was cloned and expressed in a Lactobacillus paracasei that was intragastrically administered to mice 7 days prior the induction of the colitis. Bacteria carrying the empty vector served as negative controls (pLP).In the presence of palmitate, pNAPE-LP was able to significantly increase PEA production by 27,900%, in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Mice treated with pNAPE-LP showed a significant improvement of colitis in terms of histological damage score, macrophage count, and myeloperoxidase levels (−53, −82, and −70.4%, respectively). This was paralleled by a significant decrease both in the expression of toll-like receptor-4 (−71%), phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (−72%), hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha (−53%), p50 (−74%), and p65 (−60%) and in the plasmatic levels of interleukin-6 (−86%), nitric oxide (−59%), and vascular endothelial growth factor (−71%). Finally, tight junction protein expression was significantly improved by pNAPE-LP treatment as witnessed by the rescue of zonula occludens-1 (+304%), Ras homolog family member A-GTP (+649%), and occludin expression (+160%). These protective effects were mediated by the specific release of PEA by the engineered probiotic as they were abolished in PPARα knockout mice and in wild-type mice treated with pLP. Herein, we demonstrated that pNAPE-LP has therapeutic potential in CDI by inhibiting colonic inflammation and restoring tight junction protein expression in mice, paving the way to next generation probiotics as a promising strategy in CDI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Esposito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Nextbiomics S.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Corpetti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Pesce
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Annunziata
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Re
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Vincenzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Gastroenterology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Nextbiomics S.r.l., Naples, Italy.,UNESCO Chair Staff Member, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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12
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Lucarini E, Parisio C, Branca JJV, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Pellegrini C, Antonioli L, Fornai M, Micheli L, Pacini A, Bernardini N, Blandizzi C, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. Deepening the Mechanisms of Visceral Pain Persistence: An Evaluation of the Gut-Spinal Cord Relationship. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081772. [PMID: 32722246 PMCID: PMC7464824 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of visceral pain is a major clinical problem in patients affected by gastrointestinal disorders. The poor knowledge about pain chronicization mechanisms prompted us to study the functional and morphological alterations of the gut and nervous system in the animal model of persistent visceral pain caused by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). This agent, injected intrarectally, induced a colonic inflammation peaking on day 3 and remitting progressively from day 7. In concomitance with bowel inflammation, the animals developed visceral hypersensitivity, which persisted after colitis remission for up to three months. On day 14, the administration of pain-relieving drugs (injected intraperitoneally and intrathecally) revealed a mixed nociceptive, inflammatory and neuropathic pain originating from both the peripheral and central nervous system. At this time point, the colonic histological analysis highlighted a partial restitution of the tunica mucosa, transmural collagen deposition, infiltration of mast cells and eosinophils, and upregulation of substance P (SP)-positive nerve fibers, which were surrounded by eosinophils and MHC-II-positive macrophages. A significant activation of microglia and astrocytes was observed in the dorsal and ventral horns of spinal cord. These results suggest that the persistence of visceral pain induced by colitis results from maladaptive plasticity of the enteric, peripheral and central nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Jacopo J. V. Branca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine—DMSC, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, L. go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Histology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.I.); (N.B.)
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Histology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.I.); (N.B.)
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Pharmacy, Unit of Pharmacology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (C.B.)
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (C.B.)
| | - Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine—DMSC, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, L. go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (J.J.V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Histology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.I.); (N.B.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (C.B.)
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Neurofarba, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (E.L.); (C.P.); (L.M.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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D’Antongiovanni V, Pellegrini C, Fornai M, Colucci R, Blandizzi C, Antonioli L, Bernardini N. Intestinal epithelial barrier and neuromuscular compartment in health and disease. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1564-1579. [PMID: 32327906 PMCID: PMC7167418 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i14.1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of digestive and extra-digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal infections, metabolic syndrome and neuropsychiatric disorders, share a set of clinical features at gastrointestinal level, such as infrequent bowel movements, abdominal distension, constipation and secretory dysfunctions. Several lines of evidence indicate that morphological and molecular changes in intestinal epithelial barrier and enteric neuromuscular compartment contribute to alterations of both bowel motor and secretory functions in digestive and extra-digestive diseases. The present review has been conceived to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the available knowledge on the morphological and molecular changes occurring in intestinal epithelial barrier and enteric neuromuscular compartment in both digestive and extra-digestive diseases. In addition, our intent was to highlight whether these morphological and molecular alterations could represent a common path (or share some common features) driving the pathophysiology of bowel motor dysfunctions and related symptoms associated with digestive and extra-digestive disorders. This assessment might help to identify novel targets of potential usefulness to develop original pharmacological approaches for the therapeutic management of such disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa 56126, Italy
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14
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Pellegrini C, Ippolito C, Segnani C, Dolfi A, Errede M, Virgintino D, Fornai M, Antonioli L, Garelli F, Nericcio A, Colucci R, Cerri S, Blandini F, Blandizzi C, Bernardini N. Pathological remodelling of colonic wall following dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 139:104821. [PMID: 32088380 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are often characterized by functional gastrointestinal disorders. Such disturbances can occur at all stages of PD and precede the typical motor symptoms of the disease by many years. However, the morphological alterations associated with intestinal disturbances in PD are undetermined. This study examined the remodelling of colonic wall in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD rats. METHODS 8 weeks after 6-OHDA injection animals were sacrificed. Inflammatory infiltrates, collagen deposition and remodelling of intestinal epithelial barrier and tunica muscularis in the colonic wall were assessed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. RESULTS 6-OHDA rats displayed significant alterations of colonic tissues as compared with controls. Signs of mild inflammation (eosinophil infiltration) and a transmural deposition of collagen fibres were observed. Superficial colonic layers were characterized by severe morphological alterations. In particular, lining epithelial cells displayed a reduced claudin-1 and transmembrane 16A/Anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A/ANO1) expression; goblet cells increased their mucin expression; colonic crypts were characterized by an increase in proliferating epithelial cells; the density of S100-positive glial cells and vimentin-positive fibroblast-like cells was increased as well. Several changes were found in the tunica muscularis: downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin/desmin expression and increased proliferation of smooth muscle cells; increased vimentin expression and proliferative phenotype in myenteric ganglia; reduction of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) density. CONCLUSIONS A pathological remodelling occurs in the colon of 6-OHDA rats. The main changes include: enhanced fibrotic deposition; alterations of the epithelial barrier; activation of mucosal defense; reduction of ICCs. These results indicate that central nigrostriatal denervation is associated with histological changes in the large bowel at mucosal, submucosal and muscular level. These alterations might represent morphological correlates of digestive symptoms in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amelio Dolfi
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariella Errede
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Garelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Nericcio
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Cerri
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Blandini
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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15
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Holmes GM, Hubscher CH, Krassioukov A, Jakeman LB, Kleitman N. Recommendations for evaluation of bladder and bowel function in pre-clinical spinal cord injury research. J Spinal Cord Med 2019; 43:165-176. [PMID: 31556844 PMCID: PMC7054945 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1661697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In order to encourage the inclusion of bladder and bowel outcome measures in preclinical spinal cord injury (SCI) research, this paper identifies and categorizes 1) fundamental, 2) recommended, 3) supplemental and 4) exploratory sets of outcome measures for pre-clinical assessment of bladder and bowel function with broad applicability to animal models of SCI.Methods: Drawing upon the collective research experience of autonomic physiologists and informed in consultation with clinical experts, a critical assessment of currently available bladder and bowel outcome measures (histological, biochemical, in vivo functional, ex vivo physiological and electrophysiological tests) was made to identify the strengths, deficiencies and ease of inclusion for future studies of experimental SCI.Results: Based upon pre-established criteria generated by the Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Working Group that included history of use in experimental settings, citations in the literature by multiple independent groups, ease of general use, reproducibility and sensitivity to change, three fundamental measures each for bladder and bowel assessments were identified. Briefly defined, these assessments centered upon tissue morphology, voiding efficiency/volume and smooth muscle-mediated pressure studies. Additional assessment measures were categorized as recommended, supplemental or exploratory based upon the balance between technical requirements and potential mechanistic insights to be gained by the study.Conclusion: Several fundamental assessments share reasonable levels of technical and material investment, including some that could assess bladder and bowel function non-invasively and simultaneously. Such measures used more inclusively across SCI studies would advance progress in this high priority area. When complemented with a few additional investigator-selected study-relevant supplemental measures, they are highly recommended for research programs investigating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in preclinical animal models of SCI that have a bladder and/or bowel focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Holmes
- Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA,Correspondence to: Gregory M. Holmes, Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Dr., Hershey, PA 17036, USA. ;
| | - Charles H. Hubscher
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA,Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Andrei Krassioukov
- ICORD, University of British Columbia, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lyn B. Jakeman
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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T-Bet Is Dependent on Stat-4 Inhibiting Acute Colitis but Not Stat-1 Using L4 Somatic Antigen of Heligmosomoides polygyrus. ScientificWorldJournal 2018; 2018:8571920. [PMID: 29977172 PMCID: PMC6011060 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8571920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminths may alter the immunoinflammatory reactions of colitis. Proteins derived from H. polygyrus have prospective therapy for colitis. The goal of this study was to interpret the protective mechanisms of L4 somatic antigen (LSA) from Heligmosomoides polygyrus against an inflammatory response to the pathogenesis of DNBS-induced colitis. Colitis was actuated in mice by rectal instillation of DNBS. The mice were randomly divided into five groups containing control, DNBS alone, and three groups, with different doses of LSA (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL), respectively. Mice initiated colitis by rectal administration of DNBS and after that were immunized with LSA for 14 days. Mice treated with LSA inhibited wasting disease compared with DNBS only group. The percentages of cells producing IFN-γ were reduced by LSA treatment. The level of T lymphocytes CD4+IFN-γ+ cells in the LPL was significantly diminished by LSA at both 100 and 200 μg/mL groups (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of T-bet was significantly declined in LSA immunized mice, but not RORγ-T mRNA, whereas GATA-3 expression tended to increase. The activation of STAT-4 significantly reduced LSA-treated mice but not STAT-1. It can be concluded that T-bet is required for optimal production of IFN-γ in colitis.
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Gentile D, Fornai M, Colucci R, Pellegrini C, Tirotta E, Benvenuti L, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Duranti E, Virdis A, Carpi S, Nieri P, Németh ZH, Pistelli L, Bernardini N, Blandizzi C, Antonioli L. The flavonoid compound apigenin prevents colonic inflammation and motor dysfunctions associated with high fat diet-induced obesity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195502. [PMID: 29641549 PMCID: PMC5895026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Apigenin can exert beneficial actions in the prevention of obesity. However, its putative action on obesity-associated bowel motor dysfunctions is unknown. This study examined the effects of apigenin on colonic inflammatory and motor abnormalities in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Experimental approach Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD). SD or HFD mice were treated with apigenin (10 mg/Kg/day). After 8 weeks, body and epididymal fat weight, as well as cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β and IL-6 levels, and let-7f expression were also examined. Colonic infiltration by eosinophils, as well as substance P (SP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions were evaluated. Motor responses elicited under blockade of NOS and tachykininergic contractions were recorded in vitro from colonic longitudinal muscle preparations. Key results When compared to SD mice, HFD animals displayed increased body weight, epididymal fat weight and metabolic indexes. HFD mice showed increments in colonic MDA, IL-1β and IL-6 levels, as well as a decrease in let-7f expression in both colonic and epididymal tissues. HFD mice displayed an increase in colonic eosinophil infiltration. Immunohistochemistry revealed an increase in SP and iNOS expression in myenteric ganglia of HFD mice. In preparations from HFD mice, electrically evoked contractions upon NOS blockade or mediated by tachykininergic stimulation were enhanced. In HFD mice, Apigenin counteracted the increase in body and epididymal fat weight, as well as the alterations of metabolic indexes. Apigenin reduced also MDA, IL-1β and IL-6 colonic levels as well as eosinophil infiltration, SP and iNOS expression, along with a normalization of electrically evoked tachykininergic and nitrergic contractions. In addition, apigenin normalized let-7f expression in epididymal fat tissues, but not in colonic specimens. Conclusions and implications Apigenin prevents systemic metabolic alterations, counteracts enteric inflammation and normalizes colonic dysmotility associated with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gentile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Tirotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Benvenuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emiliano Duranti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Agostino Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Carpi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Nieri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Zoltán H. Németh
- Department of Surgery, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Laura Pistelli
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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White AR, Holmes GM. Anatomical and Functional Changes to the Colonic Neuromuscular Compartment after Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:1079-1090. [PMID: 29205096 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A profound reduction in colorectal transit time accompanies spinal cord injury (SCI), yet the colonic alterations after SCI have yet to be understood fully. The loss of descending supraspinal input to lumbosacral neural circuits innervating the colon is recognized as one causal mechanism. Remodeling of the colonic enteric nervous system/smooth muscle junction in response to inflammation, however, is recognized as one factor leading to colonic dysmotility in other pathophysiological models. We investigated the alterations to the neuromuscular junction in rats with experimental high-thoracic (T3) SCI. One day to three weeks post-injury, both injured and age-matched controls underwent in vivo experimentation followed by tissue harvest for histological evaluation. Spontaneous colonic contractions were reduced significantly in the proximal and distal colon of T3-SCI rats. Histological evaluation of proximal and distal colon demonstrated significant reductions of colonic mucosal crypt depth and width. Markers of intestinal inflammation were assayed by qRT-PCR. Specifically, Icam1, Ccl2 (MCP-1), and Ccl3 (MIP-1α) mRNA was acutely elevated after T3-SCI. Smooth muscle thickness and collagen content of the colon were increased significantly in T3-SCI rats. Colonic cross sections immunohistochemically processed for the pan-neuronal marker HuC/D displayed a significant decrease in colonic enteric neuron density that became more pronounced at three weeks after injury. Our data suggest that post-SCI inflammation and remodeling of the enteric neuromuscular compartment accompanies SCI. These morphological changes may provoke the diminished colonic motility that occurs during this same period, possibly through the disruption of intrinsic neuromuscular control of the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R White
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory M Holmes
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine , Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Filpa V, Bistoletti M, Caon I, Moro E, Grimaldi A, Moretto P, Baj A, Giron MC, Karousou E, Viola M, Crema F, Frigo G, Passi A, Giaroni C, Vigetti D. Changes in hyaluronan deposition in the rat myenteric plexus after experimentally-induced colitis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17644. [PMID: 29247178 PMCID: PMC5732300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Myenteric plexus alterations hamper gastrointestinal motor function during intestinal inflammation. Hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan involved in inflammatory responses, may play a role in this process. In the colon of control rats, HA-binding protein (HABP), was detected in myenteric neuron soma, perineuronal space and ganglia surfaces. Prominent hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) staining was found in myenteric neuron cytoplasm, suggesting that myenteric neurons produce HA. In the myenteric plexus of rats with 2, 4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic (DNBS)-induced colitis HABP staining was altered in the perineuronal space, while both HABP staining and HA levels increased in the muscularis propria. HAS2 immunopositive myenteric neurons and HAS2 mRNA and protein levels also increased. Overall, these observations suggest that inflammation alters HA distribution and levels in the gut neuromuscular compartment. Such changes may contribute to alterations in the myenteric plexus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Filpa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Michela Bistoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paola Moretto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Cecilia Giron
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Evgenia Karousou
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Manuela Viola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Crema
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianmario Frigo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
| | - Cristina Giaroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy.
| | - Davide Vigetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H. Dunant 5, Varese, Italy
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20
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Pellegrini C, Antonioli L, Colucci R, Tirotta E, Gentile D, Ippolito C, Segnani C, Levandis G, Cerri S, Blandini F, Barocelli E, Ballabeni V, Bernardini N, Blandizzi C, Fornai M. Effects of L-DOPA/benserazide co-treatment on colonic excitatory cholinergic motility and enteric inflammation following dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:22-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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21
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Ippolito C, Colucci R, Segnani C, Errede M, Girolamo F, Virgintino D, Dolfi A, Tirotta E, Buccianti P, Di Candio G, Campani D, Castagna M, Bassotti G, Villanacci V, Blandizzi C, Bernardini N. Fibrotic and Vascular Remodelling of Colonic Wall in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis. J Crohns Colitis 2016; 10:1194-204. [PMID: 26995183 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjw076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intestinal fibrosis is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Although fibrostenosis is a rare event in ulcerative colitis [UC], there is evidence that a fibrotic rearrangement of the colon occurs in the later stages. This is a retrospective study aimed at examining the histopathological features of the colonic wall in both short-lasting [SL] and long-lasting [LL] UC. METHODS Surgical samples of left colon from non-stenotic SL [≤ 3 years, n = 9] and LL [≥ 10 years, n = 10] UC patients with active disease were compared with control colonic tissues from cancer patients without UC [n = 12] to assess: collagen and elastic fibres by histochemistry; vascular networks [CD31/CD105/nestin] by immunofluorescence; parameters of fibrosis [types I and III collagen, fibronectin, RhoA, alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA], desmin, vimentin], and proliferation [proliferating nuclear antigen [PCNA]] by western blot and/or immunolabelling. RESULTS Colonic tissue from both SL-UC and LL-UC showed tunica muscularis thickening and transmural activated neovessels [displaying both proliferating CD105-positive endothelial cells and activated nestin-positive pericytes], as compared with controls. In LL-UC, the increased collagen deposition was associated with an up-regulation of tissue fibrotic markers [collagen I and III, fibronectin, vimentin, RhoA], an enhancement of proliferation [PCNA] and, along with a loss of elastic fibres, a rearrangement of the tunica muscularis towards a fibrotic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS A significant transmural fibrotic thickening occurs in colonic tissue from LL-UC, together with a cellular fibrotic switch in the tunica muscularis. A full-thickness angiogenesis is also evident in both SL- and LL-UC with active disease, as compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Mariella Errede
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Girolamo
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Erika Tirotta
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Gabrio Bassotti
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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The dual anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of natural honey promote cell proliferation and neural regeneration in a rat model of colitis. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:588-595. [PMID: 27378376 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A decreased antioxidant capacity and excessive inflammation are well-known features in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent evidence has suggested a role of honey in reducing colitis-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In this study, we examined whether the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of honey have a beneficial effect on the enteric innervation and cellular proliferation of UC in rat. The colitis was induced in rats by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). The effect of natural honey on induced colitis was assessed by the following parameters in colonic samples: tissue injury, inflammatory infiltration, interleukin-1β and -6, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione. In addition, the expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, inducible NO synthase, caspase-3, CD34, Ki67, S100, c-kit, and neuron-specific enolase were examined by immunohistochemistry. Compared to the DSS-induced colitis group, the honey-treated group had significantly improved macroscopic and microscopic scores and exhibited the down-regulation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers. In addition, up-regulation of intrinsic muscular innervation and epithelial cellular proliferation markers was detected. These results provide new insight into the beneficial role of natural honey in the treatment of DSS-induced colitis via the inhibition of colonic motor dysfunction and the inflammatory-oxidative-apoptotic cascade. In addition, the role of honey in epithelial regeneration was clarified.
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23
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Pellegrini C, Fornai M, Colucci R, Tirotta E, Blandini F, Levandis G, Cerri S, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Bernardini N, Cseri K, Blandizzi C, Haskó G, Antonioli L. Alteration of colonic excitatory tachykininergic motility and enteric inflammation following dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurodegeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:146. [PMID: 27295950 PMCID: PMC4907252 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including constipation and defecatory dysfunctions. The mechanisms underlying such disorders are still largely unknown, although the occurrence of a bowel inflammatory condition has been hypothesized. This study examined the impact of central dopaminergic degeneration, induced by intranigral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), on distal colonic excitatory tachykininergic motility in rats. METHODS Animals were euthanized 4 and 8 weeks after 6-OHDA injection. Tachykininergic contractions, elicited by electrical stimulation or exogenous substance P (SP), were recorded in vitro from longitudinal muscle colonic preparations. SP, tachykininergic NK1 receptor, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, as well as the density of eosinophils and mast cells in the colonic wall, were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA, colorimetric assay), TNF, and IL-1β (ELISA assay) levels were also examined. The polarization of peritoneal macrophages was evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS In colonic preparations, electrically and SP-evoked tachykininergic contractions were increased in 6-OHDA rats. Immunohistochemistry displayed an increase in SP and GFAP levels in the myenteric plexus, as well as NK1 receptor expression in the colonic muscle layer of 6-OHDA rats. MDA, TNF, and IL-1β levels were increased also in colonic tissues from 6-OHDA rats. In 6-OHDA rats, the number of eosinophils and mast cells was increased as compared with control animals, and peritoneal macrophages polarized towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the induction of central nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration is followed by bowel inflammation associated with increased oxidative stress, increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, activation of enteric glia and inflammatory cells, and enhancement of colonic excitatory tachykininergic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Tirotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Blandini
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Levandis
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Cerri
- Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Karolina Cseri
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - György Haskó
- Department of Surgery and Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, 07103, NJ, USA
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, 07103, NJ, USA
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Scirocco A, Matarrese P, Carabotti M, Ascione B, Malorni W, Severi C. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Phenotypic Switch in Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:295-302. [PMID: 26206426 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
As a general rule, smooth muscle cells (SMC) are able to switch from a contractile phenotype to a less mature synthetic phenotype. This switch is accompanied by a loss of differentiation with decreased expression of contractile markers, increased proliferation as well as the synthesis and the release of several signaling molecules such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemotaxis-associated molecules, and growth factors. This SMC phenotypic plasticity has extensively been investigated in vascular diseases, but interest is also emerging in the field of gastroenterology. It has in fact been postulated that altered microenvironmental conditions, including the composition of microbiota, could trigger the remodeling of the enteric SMC, with phenotype changes and consequent alterations of contraction and impairment of gut motility. Several molecular actors participate in this phenotype remodeling. These include extracellular molecules such as cytokines and extracellular matrix proteins, as well as intracellular proteins, for example, transcription factors. Epigenetic control mechanisms and miRNA have also been suggested to participate. In this review key roles and actors of smooth muscle phenotypic switch, mainly in GI tissue, are described and discussed in the light of literature data available so far. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 295-302, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata Scirocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University Sapienza Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Matarrese
- Department of Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanit, à, Rome, Italy
- Center of Metabolomics, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilia Carabotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University Sapienza Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Department of Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanit, à, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Department of Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanit, à, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Pisana Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Severi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University Sapienza Rome, Rome, Italy
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Modulating Ca²⁺ signals: a common theme for TMEM16, Ist2, and TMC. Pflugers Arch 2015; 468:475-90. [PMID: 26700940 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of TMEM16A (anoctamin 1, ANO1) as Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel, the protein was found to serve different physiological functions, depending on the type of tissue. Subsequent reports on other members of the anoctamin family demonstrated a broad range of yet poorly understood properties. Compromised anoctamin function is causing a wide range of diseases, such as hearing loss (ANO2), bleeding disorder (ANO6), ataxia and dystonia (ANO3, 10), persistent borrelia and mycobacteria infection (ANO10), skeletal syndromes like gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia and limb girdle muscle dystrophy (ANO5), and cancer (ANO1, 6, 7). Animal models demonstrate CF-like airway disease, asthma, and intestinal hyposecretion (ANO1). Although present data indicate that ANO1 is a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel, it remains unclear whether all anoctamins form plasma membrane-localized or intracellular chloride channels. We find Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) currents appearing by expression of most anoctamin paralogs, including the Nectria haematococca homologue nhTMEM16 and the yeast homologue Ist2. As recent studies show a role of anoctamins, Ist2, and the related transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins for intracellular Ca(2+) signaling, we will discuss the role of these proteins in generating compartmentalized Ca(2+) signals, which may give a hint as to the broad range of cellular functions of anoctamins.
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Segnani C, Ippolito C, Antonioli L, Pellegrini C, Blandizzi C, Dolfi A, Bernardini N. Histochemical Detection of Collagen Fibers by Sirius Red/Fast Green Is More Sensitive than van Gieson or Sirius Red Alone in Normal and Inflamed Rat Colon. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144630. [PMID: 26673752 PMCID: PMC4682672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen detection in histological sections and its quantitative estimation by computer-aided image analysis represent important procedures to assess tissue localization and distribution of connective fibers. Different histochemical approaches have been proposed to detect and quantify collagen deposition in paraffin slices with different degrees of satisfaction. The present study was performed to compare the qualitative and quantitative efficiency of three histochemical methods available for collagen staining in paraffin sections of colon. van Gieson, Sirius Red and Sirius Red/Fast Green stainings were carried out for collagen detection and quantitative estimation by morphometric image analysis in colonic specimens from normal rats or animals with 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS) induced colitis. Haematoxylin/eosin staining was carried out to assess tissue morphology and histopathological lesions. Among the three investigated methods, Sirius Red/Fast Green staining allowed to best highlight well-defined red-stained collagen fibers and to obtain the highest quantitative results by morphometric image analysis in both normal and inflamed colon. Collagen fibers, which stood out against the green-stained non-collagen components, could be clearly appreciated, even in their thinner networks, within all layers of normal or inflamed colonic wall. The present study provides evidence that, as compared with Sirius Red alone or van Gieson staining, the Sirius Red/Fast Green method is the most sensitive, in terms of both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of collagen fibers, in paraffin sections of both normal and inflamed colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Segnani
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amelio Dolfi
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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27
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Fornai M, Pellegrini C, Antonioli L, Segnani C, Ippolito C, Barocelli E, Ballabeni V, Vegezzi G, Al Harraq Z, Blandini F, Levandis G, Cerri S, Blandizzi C, Bernardini N, Colucci R. Enteric Dysfunctions in Experimental Parkinson's Disease: Alterations of Excitatory Cholinergic Neurotransmission Regulating Colonic Motility in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 356:434-44. [PMID: 26582732 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.228510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is frequently associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, mostly represented by constipation and defecatory dysfunctions. This study examined the impact of central dopaminergic denervation, induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle, on distal colonic excitatory cholinergic neuromotor activity in rats. Animals were euthanized 4 and 8 weeks after 6-OHDA injection. In vivo colonic transit was evaluated by radiologic assay. Electrically induced and carbachol-induced cholinergic contractions were recorded in vitro from longitudinal and circular muscle colonic preparations, whereas acetylcholine levels were assayed in the incubation media. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), HuC/D (pan-neuronal marker), muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors were assessed by immunohistochemistry or western blot assay. As compared with control rats, at week 4, 6-OHDA-treated animals displayed the following changes: decreased in vivo colonic transit rate, impaired electrically evoked neurogenic cholinergic contractions, enhanced carbachol-induced contractions, decreased basal and electrically stimulated acetylcholine release from colonic tissues, decreased ChAT immunopositivity in the neuromuscular layer, unchanged density of HuC/D immunoreactive myenteric neurons, and increased expression of colonic muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors. The majority of such alterations were also detected at week 8 post 6-OHDA injection. These findings indicate that central nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation is associated with an impaired excitatory neurotransmission characterized by a loss of myenteric neuronal ChAT positivity and decrease in acetylcholine release, resulting in a dysregulated smooth muscle motor activity, which likely contributes to the concomitant decrease in colonic transit rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Carolina Pellegrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Luca Antonioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Cristina Segnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Barocelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Vigilio Ballabeni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Gaia Vegezzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Zainab Al Harraq
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Fabio Blandini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Giovanna Levandis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Silvia Cerri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Nunzia Bernardini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
| | - Rocchina Colucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (M.F., C.P., L.A., C.S., C.I., C.B., N.B.); Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy (E.B., V.B., G.V., Z.A.H.); Laboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, "C. Mondino" National Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy (F.B., G.L., S.C.); and Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy (R.C.)
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