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Nuvoli B, Sacconi A, Bottillo G, Sciarra F, Libener R, Maconi A, Carosi M, Piperno G, Mastropasqua E, Papale M, Camera E, Galati R. DHEA-S, Androstenedione, 17-β-estradiol signature as novel biomarkers for early prediction of risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma linked to asbestos-exposure: A preliminary investigation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116662. [PMID: 38692064 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116662] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
17-β-estradiol, involved in mesothelioma pathogenesis, and its precursors were explored as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for 17-β-estradiol and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) for 19 17-β-estradiol precursors, a comprehensive analysis of 20steroid hormones was conducted in the serum of mesothelioma patients(n=67), asbestos-exposed healthy subjects(n=39), and non-asbestos-exposed healthy subjects(n=35). Bioinformatics analysis explored three potential serum biomarkers: 17-β-estradiol, DHEA-S, and androstenedione. The results revealed significant differences in 17-β-estradiol levels between mesothelioma patients and both non-asbestos-exposed and asbestos-exposed healthy subjects. No significant variations in serum 17-β-estradiol levels were observed among mesothelioma patients at different stages, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic marker. 17-β-estradiol levels were similar in mesothelioma patients with environmental and occupational asbestos exposure, while males with occupational asbestos exposure exhibited significantly higher levels of 17-β-estradiol compared to females. Significant reduction in androstenedione and an increase in DHEA-S were observed in asbestos-exposed individuals compared to non-asbestos-exposed individuals. The analysis of DHEA-S-androstenedione-17-β-estradiol signature score showed an increase in asbestos-exposed individuals and mesothelioma patients compared to non-asbestos-exposed individuals, and this score effectively distinguished between the groups. The Cancer Genome Atlas data was utilized to analyze the expression of 5-α-reductase1 and hydroxysteroid-17β-dehydrogenase2 genes. The findings indicated that mesothelioma patients with elevated gene values for 5-α-reductase1 and hydroxysteroid-17β-dehydrogenase2 have a worse or better prognosis on overall survival, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests 17-β-estradiol, DHEA-S, and androstenedione as biomarkers for mesothelioma risk and early diagnosis of mesothelioma in asbestos-exposed individuals, aiding timely intervention and improved care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nuvoli
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Grazia Bottillo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Centre for Metabolomics Research. San Gallicano Dermatological Institute - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Libener
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation, SS Antonio and Biagio and C. Arrigo General Hospital, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Antonio Maconi
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation, SS Antonio and Biagio and C. Arrigo General Hospital, Alessandria 15121, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Carosi
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Giorgio Piperno
- Respiratory physiology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Eliuccia Mastropasqua
- Respiratory physiology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Maria Papale
- Respiratory physiology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Centre for Metabolomics Research. San Gallicano Dermatological Institute - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Galati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
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Pina M, Fernandes R, Fonseca D, Oliveira C, Rodrigues A. A Case Report of Mesothelioma Response to Endocrine Therapy in Synchronous Breast Cancer and Pleural Epithelioid Mesothelioma: A Double Exemestane Effect. Cureus 2022; 14:e31579. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Shamseddin M, Obacz J, Garnett MJ, Rintoul RC, Francies HE, Marciniak SJ. Use of preclinical models for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thorax 2021; 76:1154-1162. [PMID: 33692175 PMCID: PMC8526879 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-216602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer most commonly caused by prior exposure to asbestos. Median survival is 12-18 months, since surgery is ineffective and chemotherapy offers minimal benefit. Preclinical models that faithfully recapitulate the genomic and histopathological features of cancer are critical for the development of new treatments. The most commonly used models of MPM are two-dimensional cell lines established from primary tumours or pleural fluid. While these have provided some important insights into MPM biology, these cell models have significant limitations. In order to address some of these limitations, spheroids and microfluidic chips have more recently been used to investigate the role of the three-dimensional environment in MPM. Efforts have also been made to develop animal models of MPM, including asbestos-induced murine tumour models, MPM-prone genetically modified mice and patient-derived xenografts. Here, we discuss the available in vitro and in vivo models of MPM and highlight their strengths and limitations. We discuss how newer technologies, such as the tumour-derived organoids, might allow us to address the limitations of existing models and aid in the identification of effective treatments for this challenging-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Shamseddin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Joanna Obacz
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Mathew J Garnett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Robert Campbell Rintoul
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | | | - Stefan John Marciniak
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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Nuvoli B, Antoniani B, Libener R, Maconi A, Sacconi A, Carosi M, Galati R. Identification of novel COX-2 / CYP19A1 axis involved in the mesothelioma pathogenesis opens new therapeutic opportunities. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:257. [PMID: 34404424 PMCID: PMC8369782 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on previous studies highlighting that the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and high prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels contribute to the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), and that aromatase (CYP19A1), an enzyme that plays a key role in estrogen biosynthesis, along with estradiol (E2) were expressed in MPM, this study aimed to investigate the possible interplay between COX-2 and CYP19A1 in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma, as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS The interaction between COX-2 and CYP19A1 was first investigated on different MPM lines upon PGE2, and COX-2 inhibitor (rofecoxib) treatment by western blot, RT-PCR. The key regulatory pathways involved in the COX-2 and CYP19A1 axis were further studied in MPM cells, after rofecoxib and exemestane (CYP19A1 inhibitor) treatment in monotherapy and in combination, by cell cycle distribution, western blot, and combination index analysis. To explore the role of COX-2/CYP19A1 axis in 3D preclinical models of MPM cells, we analyzed the effect of combination of COX-2 and CYP19A1 inhibitors in mesosphere formation. Immunohistochemical analysis of MPM mesosphere and specimens was utilized to evaluate the involvement of COX-2 on the CYP19A1 activity and the relationship between E2 and COX-2. RESULTS PGE2 or rofecoxib treatment caused in MPM cells an increased or decreased, respectively, CYP19A1 expression at mRNA and protein levels. The effect of rofecoxib and exemestane combination in MPM cell proliferation was synergistic. Activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP confirmed an apoptotic death for MPM cell lines. Increased expression levels of p53, p21, and p27, downregulation of cyclin D1 and inhibition of Akt activation (pAKT) were also found. The antagonistic effect of rofecoxib and exemestane combination found only in one cell line, was reverted by pretreatment with MK2206, a pAKT inhibitor, indicating pAKT as an actionable mediator in the COX-2-CYP19A1 axis. Reduction of size and sphere-forming efficiency in MPM spheres after treatment with both inhibitor and a decrease in COX-2 and E2 staining was found. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis of 46 MPM samples showed a significant positive correlation between COX-2 and E2. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the results highlighted a novel COX-2/CYP19A1 axis in the pathogenesis of MPM that can be pharmacologically targeted, consequently opening up new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nuvoli
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Antoniani
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Libener
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation, SS Antonio and Biagio General Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Antonio Maconi
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation, SS Antonio and Biagio General Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Carosi
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Galati
- grid.417520.50000 0004 1760 5276Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Nuvoli B, Amadio B, Cortese G, Benedetti S, Antoniani B, Soriani A, Carosi M, Strigari L, Galati R. The effect of CELLFOOD TM on radiotherapy or combined chemoradiotherapy: preclinical evidence. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919878347. [PMID: 31662796 PMCID: PMC6792276 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919878347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Based on previous observations that the nutraceutical CELLFOOD™ (CF), the 'physiological modulator' that aimed to make oxygen available 'on demand', inhibits the growth of cancer cells, this study was designed to investigate the role of CF in the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) and its correlated proteins, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Our idea was that CF, acting on HIF1α, in combination with current anticancer therapies could improve their effectiveness. Methods To evaluate the effect of CF in association with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, different human cancer cell lines and mice with mesothelioma were analysed by tumour growth, clonogenic assay, western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Results CF in combination with radiation with or without cisplatin increases the death rate of cancer cells. In vivo, 70% of mice treated with CF before the mesothelioma graft did not show any tumour growth, indicating a possible preventive effect of CF. Moreover, in mouse mesothelioma xenografts, CF improves the effect of radiotherapy also in combination with chemotherapy treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumour explants showed that HIF1α expression was reduced by the combination of CF and radiotherapy treatment and even more by the combination of CF and radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Mechanistically, CF increases the fraction of oxygenated cells, making the radiotherapy more effective with a greater production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that in turn, reduce the HIF1α expression. This effect is amplified by further increase in ROS from chemotherapy. Conclusions Collectively, results from preclinical trials suggest that CF could be a useful intervention to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy or combined treatment strategies and could be a promising treatment modality to counteract cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nuvoli
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agent Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Amadio
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Cortese
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - Barbara Antoniani
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Soriani
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Carosi
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lidia Strigari
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Expert Systems, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Galati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agent Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Chianesi, Rome 00144, Italy
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Zheng D, Williams C, Vold JA, Nguyen JH, Harnois DM, Bagaria SP, McLaughlin SA, Li Z. Regulation of sex hormone receptors in sexual dimorphism of human cancers. Cancer Lett 2018; 438:24-31. [PMID: 30223066 PMCID: PMC6287770 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gender differences in the incidences of cancers have been found in almost all human cancers. However, the mechanisms that underlie gender disparities in most human cancer types have been under-investigated. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of potential mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism of each cancer regarding sex hormone signaling. Fully addressing the mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in human cancers will greatly benefit current development of precision medicine. Our discussions of potential mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in each cancer will be instructive for future cancer research on gender disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoshan Zheng
- Department of Cancer Biology, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeremy A Vold
- Mayo Cancer Registry, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Justin H Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Denise M Harnois
- Department of Surgery, and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sanjay P Bagaria
- Department of Surgery, and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sarah A McLaughlin
- Department of Surgery, and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Zhaoyu Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Lepidiumuridine A: A New Natural Uridine Derivative as a Phytoestrogen Isolated from the Seeds of Lepidium apetalum Willd. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:2813465. [PMID: 30254685 PMCID: PMC6142764 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2813465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There has been great interest in phytoestrogens, which are polyhydric compounds that are derived from plants and have a structure similar to that of the mammalian steroid hormone 17β-estradiol. The present study examined the estrogenic effects of a new natural uridine derivative, lepidiumuridine A (LA), that was isolated from the seeds of Lepidium apetalum. The structure was clarified and determined via analysis of extensive spectroscopic data interpretation. The activity of LA was investigated by measuring the levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and the uterus growth in mice. The proliferation experiment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was also conducted. Western blot, in-cell western, and antagonist assays with methyl piperidino-pyrazole (MPP) were used for exploring the mechanism of the effects of LA. The results showed that LA elevated the uterine coefficient, the levels of E2, and FSH significantly. In addition, LA significantly elevated ERα expression in the uterus and MCF-7 cells. MPP inhibited the proliferation of LA-stimulated MCF-7 cell and ERα expression in MCF-7 cells. Taken together, LA had an estrogen-like effect, which was mainly mediated by the estrogen receptor ERα.
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Nuvoli B, Camera E, Mastrofrancesco A, Briganti S, Galati R. Modulation of reactive oxygen species via ERK and STAT3 dependent signalling are involved in the response of mesothelioma cells to exemestane. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 115:266-277. [PMID: 29229551 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer. The prognosis is extremely poor due to the limited treatment modalities. Uptake of asbestos fibres, the leading cause of mesothelioma, lead to the accumulation of reactive-oxygen-species (ROS). Interestingly, increasing ROS production by using ROS-generating drugs may offer a strategy to selectively trigger cell death. Exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, has previously shown anti-tumor properties in mesothelioma preclinical models suggesting a role of G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) in the drug response. As exemestane, in addition to blocking estrogen biosynthesis, generates ROS that are able to arrest the growth of breast cancer, we explored the role of ROS, antioxidant defense system, and ROS-induced signalling pathways in mesothelioma cells during exemestane response. Here we report that exemestane treatment reduced cell proliferation with an increase in ROS production and reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in MSTO-H211, Ist-Mes1, Ist-Mes2 and MPP89 exemestane-sensitive mesothelioma cell lines, but not in NCI-H2452 exemestane-insensitive mesothelioma cells. Exemestane induced a significant antioxidant response in NCI-H2452 cells, as highlighted by an increase in γ-glutamylcysteine levels, catalase (Cat), superoxide-dismutase and (SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation, responsible for drug insensitivity. Conversely, exemestane elevated ROS levels along with increased ERK phosphorylation and a reduction of p-STA3 in exemestane-sensitive mesothelioma cells. ROS generation was the crucial event of exemestane action because ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) abrogated p-ERK and p-STAT3 modulation and cellular death. Exemestane also modulates ERK and STAT3 signalling via GPR30. Results indicate an essential role of ROS in the antiproliferative action of exemestane in mesothelioma cells. It is likely that the additional oxidative insults induced by exemestane results in the lethal effects of mesothelioma cells by increasing ROS production. As such, manipulating ROS levels with exemestane seems to be a feasible strategy to selectively kill mesothelioma cells with less toxicity to normal cells by regulating ERK and STAT3 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nuvoli
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agent Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Skin Physiopathology and Integrated Centre for Metabolomics San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute (IRCCS), Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Arianna Mastrofrancesco
- Laboratory of Skin Physiopathology and Integrated Centre for Metabolomics San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute (IRCCS), Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Stefania Briganti
- Laboratory of Skin Physiopathology and Integrated Centre for Metabolomics San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute (IRCCS), Rome 00144, Italy
| | - Rossella Galati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agent Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00144, Italy.
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