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Lombardo C, Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Filetti V, Matera S, D'Agata V, Loreto C. Pleural mesothelioma from fluoro-edenite exposure: PACAP and PAC1 receptor. A preliminary report. Eur J Histochem 2024; 68:3994. [PMID: 38699968 PMCID: PMC11110723 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2024.3994] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma is a devastating malignancy primarily associated with asbestos exposure. However, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to fluoro-edenite fibers, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, can also lead to the development of pleural mesothelioma. In this study, based on the hypothesis that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and PACAP-preferring receptor (PAC1R) expressions could be dysregulated in pleural mesothelioma samples and that they could potentially act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, we aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PACAP and PAC1R in pleural biopsies from patients with pleural mesothelioma exposed to fluoro-edenite fibers. A total of 12 patients were included in this study, and their biopsies were processed for immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the expression of PACAP and its receptor. The study revealed a correlation between the overexpression of PACAP and PAC1R and shorter overall survival in patients with malignant mesothelioma. These findings suggest that PACAP and PAC1R expression levels could serve as potential prognostic biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical analysis of PACAP and PAC1R may provide valuable information for clinicians to guide therapeutic decisions and identify patients with poorer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania.
| | - Veronica Filetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Serena Matera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
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Essogmo FE, Zhilenkova AV, Tchawe YSN, Owoicho AM, Rusanov AS, Boroda A, Pirogova YN, Sangadzhieva ZD, Sanikovich VD, Bagmet NN, Sekacheva MI. Cytokine Profile in Lung Cancer Patients: Anti-Tumor and Oncogenic Cytokines. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5383. [PMID: 38001643 PMCID: PMC10670546 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In recent years, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (ICI) has emerged as a new treatment. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TMJ) or the immune system surrounding the tumor is needed. Cytokines are small proteins that carry messages between cells and are known to play an important role in the body's response to inflammation and infection. Cytokines are important for immunity in lung cancer. They promote tumor growth (oncogenic cytokines) or inhibit tumor growth (anti-tumour cytokines) by controlling signaling pathways for growth, proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. The immune system relies heavily on cytokines. They can also be produced in the laboratory for therapeutic use. Cytokine therapy helps the immune system to stop the growth or kill cancer cells. Interleukins and interferons are the two types of cytokines used to treat cancer. This article begins by addressing the role of the TMJ and its components in lung cancer. This review also highlights the functions of various cytokines such as interleukins (IL), transforming growth factor (TGF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Elad Essogmo
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
- Cameroon Oncology Center (COC), Douala P.O. Box 1864, Cameroon
| | - Angelina V. Zhilenkova
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Yvan Sinclair Ngaha Tchawe
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Abah Moses Owoicho
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Alexander S. Rusanov
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Alexander Boroda
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Yuliya N. Pirogova
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Zaiana D. Sangadzhieva
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Varvara D. Sanikovich
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
| | - Nikolay N. Bagmet
- Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow 117418, Russia;
| | - Marina I. Sekacheva
- Institute for Personalized Oncology, Center for Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; (F.E.E.); (A.V.Z.); (Y.S.N.T.); (A.M.O.); (A.S.R.); (A.B.); (Y.N.P.); (Z.D.S.); (V.D.S.)
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Lombardo C, Broggi G, Vitale E, Ledda C, Loreto C, Matera S, Hagnas M, Caltabiano R, Filetti V. Expression of stathmin in asbestos-like fibers-induced mesothelioma: A preliminary report. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1249-1256. [PMID: 37466108 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesothelioma is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, however, recent studies have also linked exposure to "naturally occurring asbestos" fibers with this disease. Fluoro-edenite, a silicate mineral found in the southeast of Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), has been identified as a potential risk factor for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer often has a poor prognosis, and current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are inadequate. Histological subtype, gender, and age at diagnosis are the most significant parameters for mesothelioma. Stathmin, a cytosolic protein that regulates cell growth and migration and is overexpressed in many human malignancies, has not yet been linked to mesothelioma survival or clinical-pathological variables. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of stathmin in ten mesothelioma tissue samples with available clinical and follow-up data. MATERIAL AND METHODS Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from ten mesothelioma patients were processed for immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate stathmin expression. RESULTS Our findings suggest that stathmin overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with mesothelioma. Furthermore, stathmin expression was significantly correlated with the survival time of mesothelioma patients. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that stathmin expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for mesothelioma. This biomarker could be used to promptly identify patients with poor prognosis and to guide clinicians in the selection of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Hagnas
- Rovaniemi Health Center, Rovaniemi, Finland
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Veronica Filetti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Urzì AG, Tropea E, Gattuso G, Spoto G, Marsala G, Calina D, Libra M, Falzone L. Ketogenic Diet and Breast Cancer: Recent Findings and Therapeutic Approaches. Nutrients 2023; 15:4357. [PMID: 37892432 PMCID: PMC10609494 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204357] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), a complex disease with several influencing factors, is significantly impacted by dietary habits. The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic approach, but its effects on BC remain unclear. This review seeks to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of the KD, its metabolic influence on BC cells, and the findings of recent clinical trials, in order to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of the KD in BC management. For these purposes, a comprehensive literature review was conducted selecting preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the relationship between the KD and BC. The selection criteria prioritized studies exploring the KD's metabolic effects on BC cells and current clinical trials involving the KD in BC management. The reviewed studies provide a diverse range of findings, with some suggesting potential benefits of the KD in inhibiting tumor growth and improving treatment response. However, robust clinical trials providing clear evidence of the KD's efficacy as a standalone therapeutic approach in BC are still lacking. There are also significant concerns regarding the safety and long-term effects of sustained ketosis in cancer patients. The therapeutic potential of the KD in BC remains an area of active research and debate. While preliminary findings are promising, definitive conclusions are hindered by inconsistent results and limited human trial data. Future research, specifically well-structured, large-scale clinical trials, is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the KD in BC treatment. Until then, caution should be exercised in its application, and patients should continue prioritizing evidence-based, standard-of-care treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfio Giuseppe Urzì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Gabriella Marsala
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, U.O.C. di Farmaceutica Convenzionata, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Broggi G, Failla M, Russo A, Longo A, Palicelli A, Zanelli M, Lombardo C, Loreto C, Merolla F, Di Crescenzo RM, Ilardi G, Varricchio S, Staibano S, Caltabiano R. Immunohistochemical expression of PRAME is a marker of poor prognosis in uveal melanoma: A clinico-pathologic and immunohistochemical study on a series of 85 cases. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154543. [PMID: 37210771 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen, first isolated in tumor-reactive T-cell clones from a metastatic melanoma patient. It has been widely studied in skin pathology as an immunohistochemical marker capable of distinguishing between benign nevi and malignant melanomas. PRAME has been found to be also expressed in non-melanocytic tumors, including lung, breast, kidney and ovarian cancer. However, less is known about the diagnostic and/or prognostic role of this protein in uveal melanoma (UM); few studies have reported that PRAME expression seems to give to UM patients an additional metastatic risk beyond the other already-known prognostic parameters. In the present retrospective study, we aimed to correlate PRAME immunoreactivity to other clinico-pathologic features and follow-up data on a large series of 85 cases (45 non-metastasizing and 40 metastasizing tumors) of primary UM. A statistically significant correlation was found between PRAME expression and higher metastatic risk and lower metastasis-free survival. We propose to include PRAME in the immunohistochemical panel of UM as an easily usable marker capable of predicting higher metastatic risk and stratifying patients' outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Maria Failla
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Palicelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Magda Zanelli
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Human Anatomy, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Human Anatomy, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Merolla
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Di Crescenzo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ilardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Varricchio
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Staibano
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Pathology Section, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Filetti V, Lombardo C, Loreto C, Dounias G, Bracci M, Matera S, Rapisarda L, Rapisarda V, Ledda C, Vitale E. Small RNA-Seq Transcriptome Profiling of Mesothelial and Mesothelioma Cell Lines Revealed microRNA Dysregulation after Exposure to Asbestos-like Fibers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020538. [PMID: 36831074 PMCID: PMC9953340 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020538] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposure to fibers of respirable size has been identified as a risk for public health. Experimental evidence has revealed that a variety of fibers, including fluoro-edenite, can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects in humans. Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a silicate mineral first found in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy) in 1997. Environmental exposure to its fibers has been correlated with a cluster of malignant pleural mesotheliomas. This neoplasm represents a public health problem due to its long latency and to its aggression not alerted by specific symptoms. Having several biomarkers providing us with data on the health state of those exposed to FE fibers or allowing an early diagnosis on malignant pleural mesothelioma, still asymptomatic patients, would be a remarkable goal. To these purposes, we reported the miRNA transcriptome in human normal mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A) and in the human malignant mesothelioma cell line (JU77) exposed and not exposed to FE fibers. The results showed a difference in the number of deregulated miRNAs between tumor and nontumor samples both exposed and not exposed to FE fibers. As a matter of fact, the effect of exposure to FE fibers is more evident in the expression of miRNA in the tumor samples than in the nontumor samples. In the present paper, several pathways involved in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma have been analyzed. We especially noticed the involvement of pathways that have important functions in inflammatory processes, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and necrosis. Besides this amount of data, further studies will be designed for the selection of the most significant miRNAs to test and validate their diagnostic potential, alone or in combination with other protein biomarkers, in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsy to have a noninvasive tool of diagnosis for this neoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - George Dounias
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of West Attica, 10563 Athens, Greece
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Filetti V, La Ferlita A, Di Maria A, Cardile V, Graziano ACE, Rapisarda V, Ledda C, Pulvirenti A, Loreto C. Dysregulation of microRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in mesothelial and mesothelioma cell lines after asbestiform fiber exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9181. [PMID: 35654808 PMCID: PMC9163335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence demonstrated that fluoro-edenite (FE) can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects. Environmental exposure to FE fibers is correlated with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). An early diagnosis of MPM, and a comprehensive health monitoring of the patients exposed to FE fibers are two clinical issues that may be solved by the identification of specific biomarkers. We reported the microRNA (miRNA) and transfer RNA-derived non coding RNA (tRNA-derived ncRNA) transcriptome in human normal mesothelial and malignant mesothelioma cell lines exposed or not exposed to several concentration FE fibers. Furthermore, an interactive mesothelioma-based network was derived by using NetME tool. In untreated condition, the expression of miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in tumor cells was significantly different with respect to non-tumor samples. Moreover, interesting and significant changes were found after the exposure of both cells lines to FE fibers. The network-based pathway analysis showed several signaling and metabolic pathways potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MPM. From papers analyzed by NetME, it is clear that many miRNAs can positively or negatively influence various pathways involved in MPM. For the first time, the analysis of tRNA-derived ncRNAs molecules in the context of mesothelioma has been made by using in vitro systems. Further studies will be designed to test and validate their diagnostic potential in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro La Ferlita
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, James Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Antonio Di Maria
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Physiology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana C E Graziano
- Physiology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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8
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Rapisarda V, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Lombardo C, Castorina S, Trovato A, Ledda C, Filetti V, Loreto C. ATG7 immunohistochemical expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma. A preliminary report. Histol Histopathol 2021; 36:1301-1308. [PMID: 34761371 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Literature evidence has demonstrated a high incidence of asbestos-related malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in a Sicilian town (Biancavilla, Italy), where fluoro-edenite (FE) fibers were discovered some decades ago. As ATG7 immunohistochemical analysis has been ascribed as a prognostic tool of improved survival, we decided to investigate, in MPM patients, exposed and not exposed to FE fibers, the immunohistochemical expression of this autophagy-related protein named ATG7. We analyzed the correlation between ATG7 immunohistochemical level and clinicopathological parameters. Twenty MPM tissue samples, from patients with available clinical and follow-up data, were included in paraffin and processed for immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical results confirmed activation of the autophagic process in MPM. Densitometric and morphometric expressions of ATG7 were significantly increased in MPMs when compared to the control tissues. A significant association of a high level of ATG7 with increased survival was demonstrated, with a mean overall survival (OS) of 12.5 months for patients with high expression vs. a mean OS of 4.5 months for patients with low ATG7 expression. In addition, a significant correlation between ATG7 expression and the survival time of MPM patients was observed. This study represents a starting point to hypothesize the prognostic role of ATG7 which could be a reliable prognostic indicator in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Trovato
- Department of Prevention, Provincial Health Authority of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Protection and Prevention Service, Health Surveillance, Provincial Health Authority of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Veronica Filetti
- Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Filetti V, Loreto C, Falzone L, Lombardo C, Cannizzaro E, Castorina S, Ledda C, Rapisarda V. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Three microRNAs in Environmental Asbestiform Fibers-Associated Malignant Mesothelioma. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111205. [PMID: 34834557 PMCID: PMC8618926 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoro-edenite (FE) is an asbestiform fiber identified in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy). Environmental exposure to FE has been associated with a higher incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM). The present study aimed to validate the predicted diagnostic significance of hsa-miR-323a-3p, hsa-miR-101-3p, and hsa-miR-20b-5p on a subset of MM patients exposed to FE and matched with healthy controls. For this purpose, MM tissues vs. nonmalignant pleura tissues were analyzed through droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to evaluate differences in the expression levels of the selected miRNAs and their MM diagnostic potential. In addition, further computational analysis has been performed to establish the correlation of these miRNAs with the available online asbestos exposure data and clinic-pathological parameters to verify the potential role of these miRNAs as prognostic tools. ddPCR results showed that the three analyzed miRNAs were significantly down-regulated in MM cases vs. controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed high specificity and sensitivity rates for both hsa-miR-323a-3p and hsa-miR-20b-5p, which thus acquire a diagnostic value for MM. In silico results showed a potential prognostic role of hsa-miR-101-3p due to a significant association of its higher expression and increased overall survival (OS) of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Filetti
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (V.F.); (C.L.)
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Human Anatomy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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10
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Pellicciari C. Twenty years of histochemistry in the third millennium, browsing the scientific literature. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 33478199 PMCID: PMC7789425 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last twenty years, about 240,000 articles where histochemical techniques were used have been published in indexed journals, and their yearly number has progressively increased. The histochemical approach was selected by researchers with very different scientific interests, as the journals in which these articles were published fall within 140 subject categories. The relative proportion of articles in some of these journal categories did change over the years, and browsing the table of contents of the European Journal of Histochemistry, as an example of a strictly histochemical journal, it appeared that in recent years histochemical techniques were preferentially used to mechanistically investigate natural or experimentally induced dynamic processes, with reduced attention to purely descriptive works. It may be foreseen that, in the future, histochemistry will be increasingly focused on studying the molecular pathways responsible for cell differentiation, the maintenance or loss of the differentiated state, and tissue regeneration.
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