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Inguscio CR, Carton F, Cisterna B, Rizzi M, Boccafoschi F, Tabaracci G, Malatesta M. Low ozone concentrations do not exert cytoprotective effects on tamoxifen-treated breast cancer cells in vitro. Eur J Histochem 2024; 68. [PMID: 39252536 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2024.4106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Medical treatment with low ozone concentrations proved to exert therapeutic effects in various diseases by inducing a cytoprotective antioxidant response through the nuclear factor erythroid derived-like 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor pathway. Low ozone doses are increasingly administered to oncological patients as a complementary treatment to mitigate some adverse side-effects of antitumor treatments. However, a widespread concern exists about the possibility that the cytoprotective effect of Nrf2 activation may confer drug resistance to cancer cells or at least reduce the efficacy of antitumor agents. In this study, the effect of low ozone concentrations on tamoxifen-treated MCF7 human breast cancer cells has been investigated in vitro by histochemical and molecular techniques. Results demonstrated that cell viability, proliferation and migration were generally similar in tamoxifen-treated cells as in cells concomitantly treated with tamoxifen and ozone. Notably, low ozone concentrations were unable to overstimulate the antioxidant response through the Nfr2 pathway, thus excluding a possible ozone-driven cytoprotective effect that would lead to increased tumor cell survival during the antineoplastic treatment. These findings, though obtained in an in vitro model, support the hypothesis that low ozone concentrations do not interfere with the tamoxifen-induced effects on breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rita Inguscio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona.
| | - Flavia Carton
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona.
| | - Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona.
| | - Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara.
| | - Francesca Boccafoschi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara.
| | | | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona.
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2
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Oliveira MM, Correia S, Peirone C, Magalhães M, Oliveira P, Peixoto F. Impact of ozone therapy on mouse liver mitochondrial function and antioxidant system. Biochimie 2024; 223:116-124. [PMID: 38548043 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.03.014] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Ozone therapy's efficacy might stem from the regulated and mild oxidative stress resulting from ozone's interactions with various biological elements. The present work aimed to characterize the hepatic mitochondrial response to ozone treatment and its relationship with the antioxidant system response. Two groups of mice were used: one control group and another injected intraperitoneally with an O3/O2 mixture (80 ml/kg) for 5 days. Mitochondrial respiration supported by different substrates was significantly inhibited, as well as complexes I and II/III, but not complex IV. The analysis of the electron transport chain complex activity showed significant inhibitions in complexes I and II/III but not in complex IV. These inhibitions can prevent mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, there was a decline in glutathione content, unaccompanied by a rise in its oxidized form. The ozone-treated groups showed a significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while catalase and glutathione reductase experienced no significant alterations. Adenine nucleotides increased in the ozone group, but only the increase in adenosine diphosphate is significant, so the cell's energy charge is unaffected. This study shows that mitochondria may play a crucial role in ozone treatment. However, it also highlights the need for further studies to understand the molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Oliveira
- Chemistry Center of Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Correia
- Chemistry Center of Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Cecilia Peirone
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Serviços Farmacêuticos Do CHTMAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Marques Magalhães
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Braga, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Paula Oliveira
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Francisco Peixoto
- Chemistry Center of Vila Real, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
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Inguscio CR, Cisterna B, Carton F, Barberis E, Manfredi M, Malatesta M. Modifications of Blood Molecular Components after Treatment with Low Ozone Concentrations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17175. [PMID: 38139004 PMCID: PMC10742958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417175] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ex vivo treatment of a limited volume of blood with gaseous oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) mixtures and its rapid reinfusion into the patient is a widespread medical procedure. O3 instantly reacts with the blood's antioxidant systems, disappearing before reinfusion, although the molecules formed act as messengers in the organism, inducing multiple antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. An appropriate dose of O3 is obviously essential to ensure both safety and therapeutic efficacy, and in recent years, the low-dose O3 concept has led to a significant reduction in the administered O3 concentrations. However, the molecular events triggered by such low concentrations in the blood still need to be fully elucidated. In this basic study, we analysed the molecular modifications induced ex vivo in sheep blood by 5 and 10 µg O3/mL O2 by means of a powerful metabolomics analysis in association with haemogas, light microscopy and bioanalytical assays. This combined approach revealed increased oxygenation and an increased antioxidant capacity in the O3-treated blood, which accorded with the literature. Moreover, original information was obtained on the impact of these low O3 concentrations on the metabolic pathways of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleotides, with the modified metabolites being mostly involved in the preservation of the oxidant-antioxidant balance and in energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rita Inguscio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.R.I.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.R.I.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Flavia Carton
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.R.I.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Elettra Barberis
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Viale T. Michel 11, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Trieste 15/A, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, Corso Trieste 15/A, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy; (C.R.I.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
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Inguscio CR, Cisterna B, Lacavalla MA, Donati F, Angelini O, Tabaracci G, Malatesta M. Ozone and procaine increase secretion of platelet-derived factors in platelet-rich plasma. Eur J Histochem 2023; 67:3879. [PMID: 37817677 PMCID: PMC10644046 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2023.3879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is gaining more and more attention in regenerative medicine as an innovative and efficient therapeutic approach. The regenerative properties of PRP rely on the numerous bioactive molecules released by the platelets: growth factors are involved in proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells and fibroblasts, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix formation, while cytokines are mainly involved in immune cell recruitment and inflammation modulation. Attempts are ongoing to improve the therapeutic potential of PRP by combining it with agents able to promote regenerative processes. Two interesting candidates are ozone, administered at low doses as gaseous oxygen-ozone mixtures, and procaine. In the present study, we investigated the effects induced on platelets by the in vitro treatment of PRP with ozone or procaine, or both. We combined transmission electron microscopy to obtain information on platelet modifications and bioanalytical assays to quantify the secreted factors. The results demonstrate that, although platelets were already activated by the procedure to prepare PRP, both ozone and procaine induced differential morpho-functional modifications in platelets resulting in an increased release of factors. In detail, ozone induced an increase in surface protrusions and open canalicular system dilation suggestive of a marked α-granule release, while procaine caused a decrease in surface protrusions and open canalicular system dilation but a remarkable increase in microvesicle release suggestive of high secretory activity. Consistently, nine of the thirteen platelet-derived factors analysed in the PRP serum significantly increased after treatment with ozone and/or procaine. Therefore, ozone and procaine proved to have a remarkable stimulating potential without causing any damage to platelets, probably because they act through physiological, although different, secretory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rita Inguscio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona.
| | - Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona.
| | - Maria Assunta Lacavalla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona.
| | | | | | | | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona.
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Inguscio CR, Dalla Pozza E, Dando I, Boschi F, Tabaracci G, Angelini O, Picotti PM, Malatesta M, Cisterna B. Mitochondrial Features of Mouse Myoblasts Are Finely Tuned by Low Doses of Ozone: The Evidence In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108900. [PMID: 37240245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mild oxidative stress induced by low doses of gaseous ozone (O3) activates the antioxidant cell response through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thus inducing beneficial effects without cell damage. Mitochondria are sensitive to mild oxidative stress and represent a susceptible O3 target. In this in vitro study, we investigated the mitochondrial response to low O3 doses in the immortalized, non-tumoral muscle C2C12 cells; a multimodal approach including fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and biochemistry was used. Results demonstrated that mitochondrial features are finely tuned by low O3 doses. The O3 concentration of 10 μg maintained normal levels of mitochondria-associated Nrf2, promoted the mitochondrial increase of size and cristae extension, reduced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevented cell death. Conversely, in 20 μg O3-treated cells, where the association of Nrf2 with the mitochondria drastically dropped, mitochondria underwent more significant swelling, and ROS and cell death increased. This study, therefore, adds original evidence for the involvement of Nrf2 in the dose-dependent response to low O3 concentrations not only as an Antioxidant Response Elements (ARE) gene activator but also as a regulatory/protective factor of mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rita Inguscio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Boschi
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, I-37134 Verona, Italy
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Lacavalla MA, Inguscio CR, Cisterna B, Bernardi P, Costanzo M, Galiè M, Scambi I, Angelini O, Tabaracci G, Malatesta M. Ozone at low concentration modulates microglial activity in vitro: A multimodal microscopy and biomolecular study. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:3777-3792. [PMID: 36131631 PMCID: PMC9826497 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen-ozone (O2 -O3 ) therapy is an adjuvant/complementary treatment based on the activation of antioxidant and cytoprotective pathways driven by the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Many drugs, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF), that are used to reduce inflammation in oxidative-stress-related neurodegenerative diseases, act through the Nrf2-pathway. The scope of the present investigation was to get a deeper insight into the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial result of O2 -O3 treatment in some neurodegenerative diseases. To do this, we used an integrated approach of multimodal microscopy (bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy) and biomolecular techniques to investigate the effects of the low O3 concentrations currently used in clinical practice in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglial cells human microglial clone 3 (HMC3) and in DMF-treated LPS-activated (LPS + DMF) HMC3 cells. The results at light and electron microscopy showed that LPS-activation induced morphological modifications of HMC3 cells from elongated/branched to larger roundish shape, cytoplasmic accumulation of lipid droplets, decreased electron density of the cytoplasm and mitochondria, decreased amount of Nrf2 and increased migration rate, while biomolecular data demonstrated that Heme oxygenase 1 gene expression and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α augmented. O3 treatment did not affect cell viability, proliferation, and morphological features of both LPS-activated and LPS + DMF cells, whereas the cell motility and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly decreased. This evidence suggests that modulation of microglia activity may contribute to the beneficial effects of the O2 -O3 therapy in patients with neurodegenerative disorders characterized by chronic inflammation. HIGHLIGHTS: Low-dose ozone (O3 ) does not damage activated microglial cells in vitro Low-dose O3 decreases cell motility and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in activated microglial cells in vitro Low-dose O3 potentiates the effect of an anti-inflammatory drug on activated microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Lacavalla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Chiara Rita Inguscio
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Manuela Costanzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Mirco Galiè
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | | | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology SectionUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
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7
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Cisterna B, Costanzo M, Lacavalla MA, Galiè M, Angelini O, Tabaracci G, Malatesta M. Low Ozone Concentrations Differentially Affect the Structural and Functional Features of Non-Activated and Activated Fibroblasts In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10133. [PMID: 34576295 PMCID: PMC8466365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) therapy is increasingly applied as a complementary/adjuvant treatment for several diseases; however, the biological mechanisms accounting for the efficacy of low O3 concentrations need further investigations to understand the possibly multiple effects on the different cell types. In this work, we focused our attention on fibroblasts as ubiquitous connective cells playing roles in the body architecture, in the homeostasis of tissue-resident cells, and in many physiological and pathological processes. Using an established human fibroblast cell line as an in vitro model, we adopted a multimodal approach to explore a panel of cell structural and functional features, combining light and electron microscopy, Western blot analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and multiplex assays for cytokines. The administration of O2-O3 gas mixtures induced multiple effects on fibroblasts, depending on their activation state: in non-activated fibroblasts, O3 stimulated proliferation, formation of cell surface protrusions, antioxidant response, and IL-6 and TGF-β1 secretion, while in LPS-activated fibroblasts, O3 stimulated only antioxidant response and cytokines secretion. Therefore, the low O3 concentrations used in this study induced activation-like responses in non-activated fibroblasts, whereas in already activated fibroblasts, the cell protective capability was potentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cisterna
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (B.C.); (M.C.); (M.A.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Manuela Costanzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (B.C.); (M.C.); (M.A.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Assunta Lacavalla
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (B.C.); (M.C.); (M.A.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Mirco Galiè
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (B.C.); (M.C.); (M.A.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Osvaldo Angelini
- San Rocco Clinic, Via Monsignor G.V. Moreni 95, I-25018 Montichari, Italy; (O.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Gabriele Tabaracci
- San Rocco Clinic, Via Monsignor G.V. Moreni 95, I-25018 Montichari, Italy; (O.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Manuela Malatesta
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, I-37134 Verona, Italy; (B.C.); (M.C.); (M.A.L.); (M.G.)
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