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Di Martino P, Marcozzi V, Bibbò S, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A, Gaggi G, Di Credico A. Unraveling the Epigenetic Landscape: Insights into Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:553. [PMID: 38928553 PMCID: PMC11202179 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are examples of neurodegenerative movement disorders (NMDs), which are defined by a gradual loss of motor function that is frequently accompanied by cognitive decline. Although genetic abnormalities have long been acknowledged as significant factors, new research indicates that epigenetic alterations are crucial for the initiation and development of disease. This review delves into the complex interactions that exist between the pathophysiology of NMDs and epigenetic mechanisms such DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Here, we examine how these epigenetic changes could affect protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and gene expression patterns, thereby influencing the viability and functionality of neurons. Through the clarification of the epigenetic terrain underpinning neurodegenerative movement disorders, this review seeks to enhance comprehension of the underlying mechanisms of the illness and augment the creation of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Di Martino
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Valentina Marcozzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Sandra Bibbò
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (P.D.M.); (V.M.); (S.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.); (A.D.C.)
- Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA-Tech Lab, G. D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Di Credico A, Weiss A, Corsini M, Gaggi G, Ghinassi B, Wilbertz JH, Di Baldassarre A. Machine learning identifies phenotypic profile alterations of human dopaminergic neurons exposed to bisphenols and perfluoroalkyls. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21907. [PMID: 38081991 PMCID: PMC10713827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49364-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are active substances that interfere with hormonal signaling. Among EDCs, bisphenols (BPs) and perfluoroalkyls (PFs) are chemicals leached from plastics and other household products, and humans are unavoidably exposed to these xenobiotics. Data from animal studies suggest that EDCs exposure may play a role in PD, but data about the effect of BPs and PFs on human models of the nervous system are lacking. Previous studies demonstrated that machine learning (ML) applied to microscopy data can classify different cell phenotypes based on image features. In this study, the effect of BPs and PFs at different concentrations within the real-life exposure range (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 2 µM) on the phenotypic profile of human stem cell-derived midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs) was analyzed. Cells exposed for 72 h to the xenobiotics were stained with neuronal markers and evaluated using high content microscopy yielding 126 different phenotypic features. Three different ML models (LDA, XGBoost and LightGBM) were trained to classify EDC-treated versus control mDANs. EDC treated mDANs were identified with high accuracies (0.88-0.96). Assessment of the phenotypic feature contribution to the classification showed that EDCs induced a significant increase of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining intensity within the neurons. Moreover, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) neurite length and branching were significantly diminished in treated neurons. Our study shows that human mDANs are adversely impacted by exposure to EDCs, causing their phenotype to shift and exhibit more characteristics of PD. Importantly, ML-supported high-content imaging can identify concrete but subtle subcellular phenotypic changes that can be easily overlooked by visual inspection alone and that define EDCs effects in mDANs, thus enabling further pathological characterization in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Corsini
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze Umane, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies, and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdATech Lab Center (UdATech), 66100, Chieti, Italy
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Kim EY, Kil TY, Kim MK. Case report: Amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a dog with a spinal cord injury. Vet Anim Sci 2023; 22:100318. [PMID: 38022720 PMCID: PMC10643525 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2023.100318] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) refers to complete or incomplete damage to the spinal cord, which comprises the central nervous system. SCI in dogs, like humans, is mostly caused by external trauma, and the degree of impact is dependent on the location of the injury in the spine. Stem cell therapy is a promising avenue for SCI research. In this report, we investigate the therapeutic potential of amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AF-MSCs) in dogs with spinal cord injuries. A 2-year-old male beagle dog presented with sensory and motor incomplete symptoms resulting in an inability to control the legs, hips, and genitourinary system due to an injury in the lumbar region of the spinal cord. In addition to the administration of surgical decompression, AF-MSCs were directly injected into the damaged spinal tissue. Approximately 15-16 weeks after stem cell transplantation, the dog's hind limb movement improved, and spinal cord regeneration was confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eventually, the dog was able to walk independently, although not perfectly. In conclusion, AF-MSC-based stem cell transplantation may be beneficial for SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Kim
- MKbiotech Co., Ltd. , 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Kil
- Department of Social Welfare, Joongbu University, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do 32713, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyu Kim
- MKbiotech Co., Ltd. , 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Barbagallo F, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. Bisphenols and perfluoroalkyls alter human stem cells integrity: A possible link with infertility. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116487. [PMID: 37419196 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls are chemical compounds widely used in industry known to be endocrine disruptors (EDs). Once ingested through contaminated aliments, they mimic the activity of endogenous hormones leading to a broad spectrum of diseases. Due to the extensive use of plastic in human life, particular attention should be paid to antenatal exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls since they cross the placental barrier and accumulates in developing embryo. Here we investigated the effects of Bisphenol-A (BPA), Bisphenol-S (BPS), perfluorooctane-sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic-acid (PFOA), alone or combined, on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that share several biological features with the stem cells of blastocysts. Our data show that these EDs affect hiPSC inducing a great mitotoxicity and dramatic changes in genes involved in the maintenance of pluripotency, germline specification, and epigenetic regulation. We also evidenced that these chemicals, when combined, may have additive, synergistic but also negative effects. All these data suggest that antenatal exposure to these EDs may affect the integrity of stem cells in the developing embryos, interfering with critical stages of early human development that might be determinant for fertility. The observation that the effects of exposure to a combination of these chemicals are not easily foreseeable further highlights the need for wider awareness of the complexity of the EDs effects on human health and of the social and economic burden attributable to these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100, Chieti, Italy; Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, "G. D'Annunzio" , University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy; UdA -TechLab, "G. D'Annunzio", University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Bucci I, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15018. [PMID: 37834465 PMCID: PMC10573528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ines Bucci
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.C.); (I.B.); (B.G.); (A.D.B.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab Center (UdATech), 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, Barbagallo F, Ballerini P, Ghinassi B, Di Baldassarre A. Antenatal Exposure to Plastic Pollutants: Study of the Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls Effects on Human Stem Cell Models. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12403-023-00586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
AbstractEndocrine disruptors (EDs), such as Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), are a class of plastic pollutants widely used in industrial applications. Human exposure to these molecules usually occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water. Once entered the human body they can interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, leading to a wide spectrum of diseases. It has been reported that BPs and PFs can cross the placental barrier accumulating in the fetal serum, but the detrimental consequences for human development remain to be clarified. Here we analyze the effects of different doses of bisphenol A and S (BPA, BPS) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on proliferation and mitochondrial health on different types of stem cells: through an integrated approach that combines data from pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with that from the “environment” in which the embryo develops (fetal annexes-derived perinatal stem cells) we verified the potential developmental toxicity of the in utero EDs exposure. Data obtained showed that overall, BPs, and PFs tended to increase the proliferation rate of perinatal stem cells; a similar response was observed in hiPSCs exposed to very low doses of BPs and PFs, while at higher concentrations these chemicals were toxic; in addition, both the BPs and the PFs exerted a mitotoxic effects hiPSCs at all the concentration studied. All these data suggest that antenatal exposure to BPs and PFs, also at very low concentrations, may modify the biological characteristics of stem cells present in both the developing fetus and the fetal annexes, thus perturbing normal human development.
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Gaggi G, Di Credico A, D'Addazio G, Ghinassi B, Argentieri G, Caputi S, Di Baldassarre A, Sinjari B. Impact on peri-implant connective tissue of laser treated versus traditional healing abutments: a human clinical trials. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:425. [PMID: 37370064 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03148-y] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental implant is the principal treatment for edentulism and the healthiness of the peri-implant tissue has a pivotal role for its longterm success. In addition, it has been shown that also the topography of the healing abutment can influence the outcome of the restoration. The objective of this human clinical trial was to assess the impact of a novel laser-treated healing abutment on peri-implant connective tissue and extracellular matrix proteins compared to the conventional machined surface, which served as the control group. METHODS During second surgical stage a customized healing abutment were inserted on 30 single dental implants. Healing abutments were realized with two alternated different surface (two side laser-treated surfaces and two side machined surfaces) in order to be considered both as test and control on the same implant and reduce positioning bias. Following the soft tissue healing period (30 ± 7 days) a 5 mm circular biopsy was retrieved. Immuno-histochemical and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analyses were performed on Collagen, Tenascin C, Fibrillin I, Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitor (TIMPs). 15 were processed for qPCR, while the other 15 were processed for immunohistochemical analysis. Paired t-test between the two groups were performed. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Results revealed that the connective tissue facing the laser-treated surface expressed statistically significant lower amount of MMPs (p < 0.05) and higher level of TIMPs 3 (p < 0.05), compared to the tissue surrounding the machined implant, which, in turn expressed also altered level of extracellular matrix protein (Tenascin C, Fibrillin I (p < 0.05)) and Collagen V, that are known to be altered also in peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the laser-treated surface holds promise in positively influencing wound healing of peri-implant connective tissue. Results demonstrated that topographic nature of the healing abutments can positively influence mucosal wound healing and molecular expression. Previous studies have been demonstrated how laser treatment can rightly influence integrity and functionality of the gingiva epithelium and cell adhesion. Regarding connective tissue different molecular expression demonstrated a different inflammatory pattern between laser treated or machined surfaces where laser treated showed better response. Targeted interventions and preventive measures on peri- implant topography could effectively minimize the risk of peri-implant diseases contributing to the long-term success and durability of restoration. However, new studies are mandatory to better understand this phenomenon and the role of this surface in the peri-implantitis process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (Registration Number: NCT05754970 ). Registered 06/03/2023, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gaggi
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Credico
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianmaria D'Addazio
- Unit of Prosthodontics, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulio Argentieri
- Unit of Prosthodontics, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sergio Caputi
- Unit of Prosthodontics, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Human Anatomy and Cell Differentiation Lab, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Bruna Sinjari
- Unit of Prosthodontics, Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
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Di Credico A, Gaggi G, Izzicupo P, Vitucci D, Buono P, Di Baldassarre A, Ghinassi B. Betaine Treatment Prevents TNF-α-Mediated Muscle Atrophy by Restoring Total Protein Synthesis Rate and Morphology in Cultured Myotubes. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:199-209. [PMID: 37013268 PMCID: PMC10149894 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231165326] [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] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy is represented by a dramatic decrease in muscle mass, and it is related to a lower life expectancy. Among the different causes, chronic inflammation and cancer promote protein loss through the effect of inflammatory cytokines, leading to muscle shrinkage. Thus, the availability of safe methods to counteract inflammation-derived atrophy is of high interest. Betaine is a methyl derivate of glycine and it is an important methyl group donor in transmethylation. Recently, some studies found that betaine could promote muscle growth, and it is also involved in anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Our hypothesis was that betaine would be able to prevent tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-mediated muscle atrophy in vitro. We treated differentiated C2C12 myotubes for 72 hr with either TNF-α, betaine, or a combination of them. After the treatment, we analyzed total protein synthesis, gene expression, and myotube morphology. Betaine treatment blunted the decrease in muscle protein synthesis rate exerted by TNF-α, and upregulated Mhy1 gene expression in both control and myotube treated with TNF-α. In addition, morphological analysis revealed that myotubes treated with both betaine and TNF-α did not show morphological features of TNF-α-mediated atrophy. We demonstrated that in vitro betaine supplementation counteracts the muscle atrophy led by inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Credico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Gaggi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Daniela Vitucci
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Napoli, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Buono
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Reprogramming and Cell Differentiation Lab, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, Chieti, Italy
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Effect of the Enrichment in c-Kit Stem Cell Potential of Foetal Human Amniotic Fluid Cells: Characterization from Single Cell Analysis to the Secretome Content. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020430. [PMID: 36830966 PMCID: PMC9953071 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human amniotic fluid cells (hAFSCs) are a fascinating foetal cell-type that have important stem cell characteristics; however, they are a heterogeneous population that ranges from totally differentiated or progenitor cells to highly multipotent stem cells. There is no single approach to isolating the stem cell component, but the selection of a subpopulation of hAFSCs expressing c-Kit is widely employed, while a deep characterization of the two populations is still lacking. Here we performed single-cell and bulk RNAseq analysis to compare the gene expression profiles of adherent amniotic fluid cells and their subpopulation c-Kit+. Information deriving from this high throughput technology on the transcriptome was then confirmed for specific targets with protein expression experiments and functional analysis. In particular, transcriptome profiling identified changes in cellular distribution among the different clusters that correlated with significant differential expression in pathways related to stemness, proliferation, and cell cycle checkpoints. These differences were validated by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, WB, and cell cycle assays. Interestingly, the two populations produced secretomes with different immune-modulating and pro-regenerative potentials. Indeed, the presence of TGFβ, HGF, IDO was higher in EVs deriving from c-Kit+ cells, unlike IL-6. These results suggest the existence of deep intra-population differences that can influence the stemness profile of hAFSCs. This study represents a proof-of-concept of the importance of selecting c-Kit positive fractions with higher potential in regenerative medicine applications.
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