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Han DS, Lee EO. Leptin Promotes Vasculogenic Mimicry in Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating Aquaporin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5215. [PMID: 38791252 PMCID: PMC11121373 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105215] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an obesity-related hormone that plays an important role in breast cancer progression. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the formation of vascular channels lined by tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between leptin and VM in human breast cancer cells. VM was measured by a 3D culture assay. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, aquaporin-1 (AQP1), and the expression of VM-related proteins, including vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), twist, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and laminin subunit 5 gamma-2 (LAMC2), were examined by Western blot. AQP1 mRNA was analyzed by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Leptin increased VM and upregulated phospho-STAT3, VE-cadherin, twist, MMP-2, and LAMC2. These effects were inhibited by the leptin receptor-blocking peptide, Ob-R BP, and the STAT3 inhibitor, AG490. A positive correlation between leptin and AQP1 mRNA was observed and was confirmed by RT-PCR. Leptin upregulated AQP1 expression, which was blocked by Ob-R BP and AG490. AQP1 overexpression increased VM and the expression of VM-related proteins. AQP1 silencing inhibited leptin-induced VM and the expression of VM-related proteins. Thus, these results showed that leptin facilitates VM in breast cancer cells via the Ob-R/STAT3 pathway and that AQP1 is a key mediator in leptin-induced VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deok-Soo Han
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun-Ok Lee
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, College of Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Shangzu Z, Dingxiong X, ChengJun M, Yan C, Yangyang L, Zhiwei L, Ting Z, Zhiming M, Yiming Z, Liying Z, Yongqi L. Aquaporins: Important players in the cardiovascular pathophysiology. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106363. [PMID: 35905892 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin is a membrane channel protein widely expressed in body tissues, which can control the input and output of water in cells. AQPs are differentially expressed in different cardiovascular tissues and participate in water transmembrane transport, cell migration, metabolism, inflammatory response, etc. The aberrant expression of AQPs highly correlates with the onset of ischemic heart disease, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, etc. Despite much attention to the regulatory role of AQPs in the cardiovascular system, the translation of AQPs into clinical application still faces many challenges, including clarification of the localization of AQPs in the cardiovascular system and mechanisms mediating cardiovascular pathophysiology, as well as the development of cardiovascular-specific AQPs modulators.Therefore, in this study, we comprehensively reviewed the critical roles of AQP family proteins in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and described the underlying mechanisms by which AQPs mediated the outcomes of cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, AQPs serve as important therapeutic targets, which provide a wide range of opportunities to investigate the mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and the treatment of those diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Shangzu
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Xie Dingxiong
- Gansu Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, LanZhou,China
| | - Ma ChengJun
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Chen Yan
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Li Yangyang
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Liu Zhiwei
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Zhou Ting
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Miao Zhiming
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Zhang Yiming
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China
| | - Zhang Liying
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China; Gansu Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, LanZhou,China.
| | - Liu Yongqi
- Gansu University of traditional Chinese Medicine, LanZhou, China; Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and the Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and Universities Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation at Provincial and Ministerial Level, Lanzhou, China.
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Yadav E, Yadav N, Hus A, Yadav JS. Aquaporins in lung health and disease: Emerging roles, regulation, and clinical implications. Respir Med 2020; 174:106193. [PMID: 33096317 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) aka water channels are a family of conserved transmembrane proteins (~30 kDa monomers) expressed in various organ systems. Of the 13 AQPs (AQP0 through AQP12) in the human body, four (AQPs 1, 3, 4, and 5) are expressed in the respiratory system. These channels are conventionally known for mediating transcellular fluid movements. Certain AQPs (aquaglyceroporins) have the capability to transport glycerol and potentially other solutes. There is an emerging body of literature unveiling the non-conventional roles of AQPs such as in cell proliferation and migration, gas permeation, signal potentiation, etc. Initial gene knock-out studies established a physiological role for lung AQPs, particularly AQP5, in maintaining homeostasis, by mediating fluid secretion from submucosal glands onto the airway surface liquid (ASL) lining. Subsequent studies have highlighted the functional significance of AQPs, particularly AQP1 and AQP5 in lung pathophysiology and diseases, including but not limited to chronic and acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other inflammatory lung conditions, and lung cancer. AQP1 has been suggested as a potential prognostic marker for malignant mesothelioma. Recent efforts are directed toward exploiting AQPs as targets for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and/or treatment of various lung conditions. Emerging information on regulatory pathways and directed mechanistic research are posited to unravel novel strategies for these clinical implications. Future considerations should focus on development of AQP inhibitors, blockers, and modulators for therapeutic needs, and better understanding the role of lung-specific AQPs in inter-individual susceptibility to chronic lung diseases such as COPD and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Yadav
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Niket Yadav
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0738, USA
| | - Ariel Hus
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA
| | - Jagjit S Yadav
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Zhang Z, Nong L, Chen M, Gu X, Zhao W, Liu M, Cheng W. Baicalein suppresses vasculogenic mimicry through inhibiting RhoA/ROCK expression in lung cancer A549 cell line. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:1007-1015. [PMID: 32672788 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to a new tubular network of the blood supply system with abundant extracellular matrix. VM is similar to capillaries but does not involve endothelial cells. As a traditional herbal medicine commonly used in China, baicalein possesses anti-inflammatory and lipoxygenase activities. However, the effects of baicalein on the process of VM formation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanisms have remained poorly understood. In this study, baicalein was found to inhibit the viability and motility of A549 cells and induced the breakage of the cytoskeletal actin filament network. In addition, baicalein significantly decreased the formation of VM and downregulated the expressions of VM-associated factors, such as VE-cadherin, EphA2, MMP14, MMP2, MMP9, PI3K and LAMC2, similar to the effects of ROCK inhibitors. Indeed, baicalein inhibited RhoA/ROCK expression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of reduced VM formation. Collectively, baicalein suppressed the formation of VM in NSCLC by targeting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, indicating that baicalein might serve as an emerging drug for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Li Nong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Menglei Chen
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Xiaoli Gu
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Minghui Liu
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Wenwu Cheng
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
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Zhang Y, Qu H. Expression and clinical significance of aquaporin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density in gastric cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e21883. [PMID: 32899018 PMCID: PMC7478653 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000021883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the expression and clinical significance of aquaporin-1 (AQP1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in gastric cancer.A total of 79 gastric cancer patients who were admitted into Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from January, 2018 to December, 2019 were involved in this study. Tumor specimens and para-cancerous normal tissues (> 2 cm away from the tumor) of all the enrolled patients were collected. Immunohistochemistry were performed to identify the expression of AQP1, VEGF, and MVD and the correlation between AQP1, VEGF, MVD, and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed.The expression of AQP1, VEGF and MVD in gastric cancer tissue was increased significantly compared with those in para-cancerous tissue (P < .05). AQP1, VEGF, and MVD were closely correlated with gastric cancer differentiation, lymph node metastasis, vascular tumor thrombosis and clinical stage (P < .05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that AQP1 was positively associated with VEGF expression (r = 0.497, P < .05). MVD was enhanced in VEGF or AQP1 positive cancer tissues compared with that in VEGF or AQP1 negative tissue (P < .05).Synergistic effect among AQP1, VEGF, and MVD is involved in occurrence and development of gastric cancer.
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Chow PH, Bowen J, Yool AJ. Combined Systematic Review and Transcriptomic Analyses of Mammalian Aquaporin Classes 1 to 10 as Biomarkers and Prognostic Indicators in Diverse Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1911. [PMID: 32679804 PMCID: PMC7409285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer therapies. Patterns of AQP expression and survival rates for patients were evaluated by systematic review (PubMed and Embase) and transcriptomic analyses of RNAseq data (Human Protein Atlas database). Meta-analyses confirmed predominantly negative associations between AQP protein and RNA expression levels and patient survival times, most notably for AQP1 in lung, breast and prostate cancers; AQP3 in esophageal, liver and breast cancers; and AQP9 in liver cancer. Patterns of AQP expression were clustered for groups of cancers and associated with risk of death. A quantitative transcriptomic analysis of AQP1-10 in human cancer biopsies similarly showed that increased transcript levels of AQPs 1, 3, 5 and 9 were most frequently associated with poor survival. Unexpectedly, increased AQP7 and AQP8 levels were associated with better survival times in glioma, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and increased AQP11 with better survival in colorectal and breast cancers. Although molecular mechanisms of aquaporins in pathology or protection remain to be fully defined, results here support the hypothesis that overexpression of selected classes of AQPs differentially augments cancer progression. Beyond fluid homeostasis, potential roles for AQPs in cancers (suggested from an expanding appreciation of their functions in normal tissues) include cell motility, membrane process extension, transport of signaling molecules, control of proliferation and apoptosis, increased mechanical compliance, and gas exchange. AQP expression also has been linked to differences in sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments, suggesting possible roles as biomarkers for personalized treatments. Development of AQP pharmacological modulators, administered in cancer-specific combinations, might inspire new interventions for controlling malignant carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea J Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia; (P.H.C.); (J.B.)
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Shu C, Shu Y, Gao Y, Chi H, Han J. Inhibitory effect of AQP1 silencing on adhesion and angiogenesis in ectopic endometrial cells of mice with endometriosis through activating the Wnt signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2026-2039. [PMID: 31251110 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1637202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development mechanism of endometriosis remains unknown. Water channel aquaporin-1 (AQP1) enhances water flux across cell membranes, which is highly expressed and associated with cell migration, metastasis and angiogenesis in some human cancers. In this study, the role of the Wnt signaling pathway mediated by AQP1 in endometriosis was investigated, in a bid to provide new therapeutic targets for endometriosis. Microarray expression profiles were screened to acquired differentially expressed genes related to endometriosis. Mouse models with endometriosis were established and grouped. The level of endometriosis was evaluated by measurement of the volume of ectopic region. The expression of AQP1, pathway-related factors (Wnt1 and Wnt4), adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1), invasive factors (MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), angiogenic factors (VEGF-A, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) and apoptotic factors (Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and BcL-2) was measured by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Furthermore, the role of AQP1 in adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of ectopic endometrial cells was determined by transfection of si-AQP1 plasmid. AQP1 was robustly expressed in endometriosis. AQP1 gene silencing alleviated the progression of endometriosis by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in mice with endometriosis. Specifically, silencing of AQP1 gene inhibited ectopic endometrial cell adhesion and invasion abilities, suppressed angiogenesis while promoted apoptosis. Collectively, the present study highlights the role of AQP1 in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway in endometriosis mouse models, suggesting that AQP1 could represent a new target aimed at improving the survival of patients with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , P.R. China
| | - Yang Shu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , P.R. China
| | - Yongmei Gao
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , P.R. China
| | - Hui Chi
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , P.R. China
| | - Jun Han
- b Department of Neonatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun , P.R. China
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Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: The Quest Goes on. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10060203. [PMID: 29914087 PMCID: PMC6025035 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor characterized by a poor prognosis. Although its carcinogenesis mechanism has not been strictly understood, about 80% of MM can be attributed to occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos fibers. The identification of non-invasive molecular markers for an early diagnosis of MM has been the subject of several studies aimed at diagnosing the disease at an early stage. The most studied biomarker is mesothelin, characterized by a good specificity, but it has low sensitivity, especially for non-epithelioid MM. Other protein markers are Fibulin-3 and osteopontin which have not, however, showed a superior diagnostic performance. Recently, interesting results have been reported for the HMGB1 protein in a small but limited series. An increase in channel proteins involved in water transport, aquaporins, have been identified as positive prognostic factors in MM, high levels of expression of aquaporins in tumor cells predict an increase in survival. MicroRNAs and protein panels are among the new indicators of interest. None of the markers available today are sufficiently reliable to be used in the surveillance of subjects exposed to asbestos or in the early detection of MM. Our aim is to give a detailed account of biomarkers available for MM.
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Angelico G, Caltabiano R, Loreto C, Ieni A, Tuccari G, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Immunohistochemical Expression of Aquaporin-1 in Fluoro-Edenite-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma: A Preliminary Report. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E685. [PMID: 29495596 PMCID: PMC5877546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunohistochemical expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is emerging as a useful prognostic indicator of improved survival. A significantly increased incidence of MPM in a small town in southern Italy was ascribed to exposure to fluoro-edenite (FE), a naturally occurring asbestos fiber. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of AQP1 in patients affected by FE-related MPM; taking into consideration its suggested independent prognostic role, its possible correlation with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome was also evaluated. METHODS Ten patients were selected for this study, as neoplastic tissue blocks, clinical and follow-up data were available. The immunohistochemical overexpression of AQP1 was defined as ≥50% of tumor cells showing membranous staining. RESULTS Six cases showed AQP1 expression in ≥50% of tumor cells; in this group, a significant association of AQP1 overexpression with an increased median overall survival (OS) of 26.3 months was observed. By contrast, four patients exhibited an AQP1 score of <50% of stained cells, with a shorter median OS of 8.9 months. CONCLUSIONS The present study represents further confirmation of the hypothesized prognostic role of AQP1, which seems a reliable prognostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Angelico
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
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