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Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L. Potential Benefits of Antioxidant Phytochemicals on Endogenous Antioxidants Defences in Chronic Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040890. [PMID: 37107265 PMCID: PMC10135316 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases and cancer are worldwide health problems which result in death and disability for millions of people [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine D, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine D, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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Fratta Pasini AM, Stranieri C, Busti F, Di Leo EG, Girelli D, Cominacini L. New Insights into the Role of Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060867. [PMID: 36980208 PMCID: PMC10047059 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the principal cause of disease burden and death worldwide. Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death mainly characterized by altered iron metabolism, increased polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species, depletion of glutathione and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Recently, a series of studies have indicated that ferroptosis is involved in the death of cardiac and vascular cells and has a key impact on the mechanisms leading to CVDs such as ischemic heart disease, ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathies, and heart failure. In this article, we reviewed the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis and the current understanding of the pathophysiological role of ferroptosis in ischemic heart disease and in some cardiomyopathies. Moreover, the comprehension of the machinery governing ferroptosis in vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may provide new insights into preventive and therapeutic strategies in CVDs.
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Stranieri C, Guzzo F, Gambini S, Cominacini L, Fratta Pasini AM. Intracellular Polyphenol Wine Metabolites Oppose Oxidative Stress and Upregulate Nrf2/ARE Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102055. [PMID: 36290778 PMCID: PMC9598741 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Moderate wine consumption has been associated with several benefits to human health due to its high polyphenol content. In this study, we investigated whether polyphenols contained in a particular red wine, rich in polyphenols, can pass the cell membrane and switch the oxidant/antioxidant balance toward an antioxidant pattern of THP-1 cells and human cardiomyocytes through a gene regulatory system. First, we identified which metabolite polyphenols present in red wine extract cross cell membranes and may be responsible for antioxidant effects. The results showed that the wine metabolites in treated cells belonged mainly to stilbenes, flavan-3-ols derivatives, and flavonoids. Other metabolites present in cells were not typical wine metabolites. Then, we found that red wine extract dose-dependently lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) up to 50 ± 7% in both cell lines (p < 0.01). Furthermore, wine extract increased nuclear Nrf2 of about 35 ± 5% in both cell lines (p < 0.01) and counteracted its reduction induced by TBHP (p < 0.01). The rise in Nrf2 was paralleled by the increase in hemeoxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene expression (both mRNA and protein) (p < 0.01). These results could help explain the healthful activity of wine polyphenols within cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Stranieri
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine D, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Flavia Guzzo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Sofia Gambini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine D, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine D, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Marchi G, Bozzini C, Bertolone L, Dima F, Busti F, Castagna A, Stranieri C, Fratta Pasini AM, Friso S, Lippi G, Girelli D, Vianello A. Red Blood Cell Morphologic Abnormalities in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19. Front Physiol 2022; 13:932013. [PMID: 35860651 PMCID: PMC9289213 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.932013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral blood smear is a simple laboratory tool, which remains of invaluable help for diagnosing primary and secondary abnormalities of blood cells despite advances in automated and molecular techniques. Red blood cells (RBCs) abnormalities are known to occur in many viral infections, typically in the form of mild normo-microcytic anemia. While several hematological alterations at automated complete blood count (including neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and increased red cell distribution width—RDW) have been consistently associated with severity of COVID-19, there is scarce information on RBCs morphological abnormalities, mainly as case-reports or small series of patients, which are hardly comparable due to heterogeneity in sampling times and definition of illness severity. We report here a systematic evaluation of RBCs morphology at peripheral blood smear in COVID-19 patients within the first 72 h from hospital admission. One hundred and fifteen patients were included, with detailed collection of other clinical variables and follow-up. A certain degree of abnormalities in RBCs morphology was observed in 75 (65%) patients. Heterogenous alterations were noted, with spiculated cells being the more frequent morphology. The group with >10% RBCs abnormalities had more consistent lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia compared to those without abnormalities or <10% RBCs abnormalities (p < 0.018, and p < 0.021, respectively), thus underpinning a possible association with an overall more sustained immune-inflammatory “stress” hematopoiesis. Follow-up analysis showed a different mortality rate across groups, with the highest rate in those with more frequent RBCs morphological alterations compared to those with <10% or no abnormalities (41.9%, vs. 20.5%, vs. 12.5%, respectively, p = 0.012). Despite the inherent limitations of such simple association, our results point out towards further studies on erythropoiesis alterations in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Marchi
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Bozzini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bertolone
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Dima
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabiana Busti
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Castagna
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Stranieri
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta Friso
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Domenico Girelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alice Vianello
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- EuroBloodNet Referral Center for Rare Hematological Disorders, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alice Vianello, , orcid.org/0000-0002-2428-4760
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Fratta Pasini AM, Stranieri C, Girelli D, Busti F, Cominacini L. Is Ferroptosis a Key Component of the Process Leading to Multiorgan Damage in COVID-19? Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111677. [PMID: 34829548 PMCID: PMC8615234 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though COVID-19 is mostly well-known for affecting respiratory pathology, it can also result in several extrapulmonary manifestations, leading to multiorgan damage. A recent reported case of SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis with cardiogenic shock showed a signature of myocardial and kidney ferroptosis, a novel, iron-dependent programmed cell death. The term ferroptosis was coined in the last decade to describe the form of cell death induced by the small molecule erastin. As a specific inducer of ferroptosis, erastin inhibits cystine-glutamate antiporter system Xc-, blocking transportation into the cytoplasm of cystine, a precursor of glutathione (GSH) in exchange with glutamate and the consequent malfunction of GPX4. Ferroptosis is also promoted by intracellular iron overload and by the iron-dependent accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)-derived lipid peroxides. Since depletion of GSH, inactivation of GPX4, altered iron metabolism, and upregulation of PUFA peroxidation by reactive oxygen species are peculiar signs of COVID-19, there is the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may trigger ferroptosis in the cells of multiple organs, thus contributing to multiorgan damage. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and its possible relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection and multiorgan damage. Finally, we analyze the potential interventions that may combat ferroptosis and, therefore, reduce multiorgan damage.
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Pasini AMF, Cominacini L. Effect of Antioxidant Therapy on Oxidative Stress In Vivo. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10030344. [PMID: 33669036 PMCID: PMC7996551 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Mozzini C, Garbin U, Stranieri C, Salandini G, Pesce G, Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L. Nuclear factor kappa B in patients with a history of unstable angina: case re-opened. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:699-707. [PMID: 29858968 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-018-1885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at assessing NF-kB activity in unstable angina (UA) patients free of symptoms after a 1 year follow-up (1YFU). Plasma oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), circulating NF-kB, Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and plasma double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), as marker of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), were measured in 23 of the previously enrolled 27 UA patients. These measurements were compared to the UA data at baseline, and then compared to the data derived from the stable angina (SA) and controls (C) enrolled in our previous study (we demonstrated that UA had higher levels of NF-kB compared to SA and C). After a 1YFU, UA patients show a significant decrease in NF-kB, IL-6, hs-CRP, oxLDL, and ds-DNA plasma levels (p < 0.001) and in IL-1β and White Blood Cells (WBC) (p < 0.005), without differences in lipid and glucose assessment. If compared to SA and C, UA after a 1YFU have higher levels of NF-kB, IL-6, ds-DNA, WBC, and oxLDL compared to C (p < 0.001), but only IL-6 is higher than SA (p < 0.001). No differences are found in lipid and glucose assessment. After a 1YFU, patients with a history of UA improve their oxidative and inflammatory status, such as the levels of circulating ds-DNA, without achieving the status of C. They become comparable to SA subjects. This study provides new insight on the multiple and apparently contradictory facets of NF-kB in UA and on its possible role as mediator in NETs' formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mozzini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Ulisse Garbin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Stranieri
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Salandini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pesce
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 - 37134, Verona, Italy
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Fratta Pasini AM, Stranieri C, Rigoni AM, De Marchi S, Peserico D, Mozzini C, Cominacini L, Garbin U. Physical Exercise Reduces Cytotoxicity and Up-Regulates Nrf2 and UPR Expression in Circulating Cells of Peripheral Artery Disease Patients: An Hypoxic Adaptation? J Atheroscler Thromb 2018. [PMID: 29540636 PMCID: PMC6143780 DOI: 10.5551/jat.42432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells and favour cytotoxicity and apoptosis in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. Since brief episodes of I-R (ischemic conditioning) protect cells against ischemic harms, we evaluated whether a short-course of supervised treadmill training, characterized by repeated episodes of I-R, makes peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PAD patients with intermittent claudication more resistant to I-R injuries by reducing oxidative stress and by inducing an adaptative response of unfolded protein response (UPR) and nuclear factor-E2-related factor (Nrf2) pathway expression. Methods: 24 PAD patients underwent 21 sessions of treadmill training and a treadmill test as indicator of acute response to I-R. Results: Maximal and pain free walking distance improved (p < 0.01), whereas LDH leakage and apoptosis of PBMCs decreased (p < 0.01); plasma malondialdehyde and ROS generation in PBMCs declined, while plasma glutathione augmented (p < 0.01). Moreover we demonstrated an up-regulation of UPR and Nrf2 expression in PBMCs (p < 0.01). To understand whether treadmill training may act as a trigger of ischemic conditioning, we examined the effect of repeated episodes of I-R on adaptative response in PBMCs derived from the patients. We showed an up-regulation of UPR and Nrf2 gene expression (p < 0.01), while oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, after an initial increase, declined (p < 0.01). This positive effect on cytotoxicity was reduced after inhibition of UPR and Nrf2 pathways. Conclusions: Treadmill training in PAD patients through UPR and Nrf2 up-regulation may trigger hypoxic adaptation similar to conditioning, thus modifying cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
| | - Chiara Stranieri
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
| | | | - Sergio De Marchi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Angiology, University of Verona
| | - Denise Peserico
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
| | - Chiara Mozzini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
| | - Ulisse Garbin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Atherothrombotic and Degenerative Diseases, University of Verona
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Calciano L, Portas L, Corsico AG, Olivieri M, Degan P, Ferrari M, Fois A, Pasini AMF, Pasini A, Zanolin ME, de Marco R, Accordini S. Biomarkers related to respiratory symptoms and lung function in adults with asthma. J Breath Res 2018; 12:026012. [PMID: 29167414 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7163/aa9c86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for easily measurable biomarkers that are able to identify different levels of asthma severity. AIM To assess the association between peripheral blood cell counts, fractional nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO), urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane), and asthma severity in adult patients from the general population. METHODS In the Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases study, 287 subjects with asthma (aged 20-64) were identified from the general population in Verona (Italy) (2008-2010). Self-reported asthma attacks, asthma-like symptoms and the use of hospital services in the past year were synthesized in a score of respiratory symptoms (SRS). The association of biomarkers with SRS and lung function measures (pre-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted and FEV1/FVC) was assessed using quasi-Poisson and Gaussian regression models, respectively. RESULTS Eosinophils (ratio of expected scores: RES[95%CI] = 1.19[1.09,1.30]), basophils (RES[95%CI] = 1.24[1.10,1.40]), lymphocytes (RES[95%CI] = 1.27[1.12,1.45]) and FeNO (RES[95%CI] = 1.18[1.02,1.37]) were positively associated with SRS. However, only eosinophils (RES[95%CI] = 1.15[1.02,1.30]) and lymphocytes (RES[95%CI] = 1.25[1.06,1.47]) showed an independent association. Furthermore, eosinophils (change in the expected outcome for 1-SD increase: CEO[95%CI] = -1.18[-2.09, -0.27]%), basophils (CEO[95%CI] = -1.24[-2.16, -0.33]%) and lymphocytes (CEO[95%CI] = -1.07[-1.99, -0.14]%) were individually, but not independently, associated with FEV1/FVC. Finally, neutrophils were negatively associated with FEV1% predicted (CEO[95%CI] = -2.22[-4.00, -0.44]%). CONCLUSIONS We identified a pattern of association between a set of biomarkers and asthma endotypes in adult patients from the general population, which could improve understanding of the heterogeneity and severity of the disease and could be useful in defining targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Calciano
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Mozzini C, Di Dio Perna M, Pesce G, Garbin U, Fratta Pasini AM, Ticinesi A, Nouvenne A, Meschi T, Casadei A, Soresi M, Cominacini L. Lung ultrasound in internal medicine efficiently drives the management of patients with heart failure and speeds up the discharge time. Intern Emerg Med 2018; 13:27-33. [PMID: 28803375 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1738-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a valid tool for the assessment of heart failure (HF) through the quantification of the B-lines. This study in HF patients aims to evaluate if LUS: (1) can accelerate the discharge time; (2) can efficiently drive diuretic therapy dosage; and (3) may have better performance compared to the amino-terminal portion of B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in monitoring HF recovery. A consecutive sample of 120 HF patients was admitted from the Emergency Department (ED) to the Internal Medicine Department (Verona University Hospital). The Chest X-ray (CXR) group underwent standard CXR examination on admission and discharge. The LUS group underwent LUS on admission, 24, 48 and 72 h later, and on discharge. The Inferior Cava Vein Collapsibility Index, ICVCI, and the NT-proBNP were assessed. LUS discharge time was significantly shorter if compared to CXR group (p < 0.01). During hospitalization, the LUS group underwent an increased number of diuretic dosage modulations compared to the CXR group (p < 0.001). There was a stronger association between partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) and B-lines compared to the association between PaO2 and NT-proBNP both on admission and on discharge (p < 0.001). The B-lines numbers were significantly higher on admission in patients with more severe HF, and the ICVCI was inversely associated with B-lines number (p < 0.001). The potential of LUS in tailoring diuretic therapy and accelerating the discharge time in HF patients is confirmed. Until the technique comes into common use in different departments, it is plausible that LUS will evolve with different facets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mozzini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Dio Perna
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pesce
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Ulisse Garbin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Geriatric/Rehabilitation Department, University of Parma, Via A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio Nouvenne
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Geriatric/Rehabilitation Department, University of Parma, Via A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Geriatric/Rehabilitation Department, University of Parma, Via A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Alder Casadei
- Ultrasound Association of South-Tyrol, Bolzano Health, District, Piazza W.A.Loew-Cadonna 12, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 141-90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Mozzini C, Xotta G, Garbin U, Pasini AMF, Cominacini L. Non-Exertional Heatstroke: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Am J Case Rep 2017; 18:1058-1065. [PMID: 28974669 PMCID: PMC5637572 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.905701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heatstroke (HS) is a life-threatening condition characterized by an elevation of the core body temperature above 40°C, central nervous system dysfunction, and possible multi-organ failure. HS can trigger systemic inflammation, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), rhabdomyolysis, cerebral edema and seizures, pulmonary edema, heart dysfunctions, and renal and hepatic failure. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 41-year-old Romanian woman with a history of alcoholism who developed HS after arriving by bus in Verona, Italy in June 2016. The patient developed consecutive multi-organ dysfunction, including liver and renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, DIC, and arrhythmia. The patient was successfully treated with conservative measures. After 17 days, she recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS The exact mechanism of HS-related multiple organ dysfunction is not completely understood and its pathogenesis is complex. It involves inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Development of a model in which chronic alcohol abuse alters oxidative, inflammatory, and ER stress response could also be a conceivable solution to the positive prognosis of severe HS patients, in which liver failure has a prominent role.
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Abstract
Current evidence suggests the likelihood of a link between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atherosclerosis, although they have been traditionally considered as different pathological entities. The contribution of neutrophils to human atherogenesis has been underestimated, if compared to their contribution established in VTE. This is due to the major importance attributed to macrophages in plaque destabilization. Nevertheless, the role of neutrophils in atherogenesis deserves increasing attention. In particular, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are net-like chromatin fibres that are released from dying neutrophils. The death of neutrophils with NETs formation is called NETosis. During activation, neutrophils produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), through the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The main function of NETs is trapping and killing pathogens. Nevertheless, NETs formation has been observed in various chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, lung diseases, cancer and VTE. Recent studies suggest that NETs formation might contribute also to atherosclerosis progression. New data report the presence of NETs in the luminal portion of human atherosclerotic vessels and coronary specimens obtained from patients after acute myocardial infarction. Programmed death mechanisms in atherosclerosis such as apoptosis, efferocytosis and also NETosis, share common features and triggers. If defective, they can lead the cells to a switch from programmed death to necrosis, resulting in the release of pro-atherogenic factors, accumulation of cell debris and progression of the disease. This review provides evidence on the emerging role of neutrophils focusing on NETosis and oxidative stress burden in orchestrating common mechanisms in atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mozzini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 10, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Ulisse Garbin
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 10, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 10, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 10, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Mozzini C, Fratta Pasini AM, Garbin U, Cominacini L. Lung ultrasound in internal medicine: training and clinical practice. Crit Ultrasound J 2016; 8:10. [PMID: 27501700 PMCID: PMC4977240 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-016-0048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lung ultrasound (LUS) represents an emerging technique for bedside chest imaging in different clinical settings. A standardized approach allows the diagnosis, the quantification, and the follow-up of different conditions for which acute respiratory failure is the main clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to test what skill targets could be achieved in LUS, with a short-training course offered to 19 Medical Doctors attending the certification board school in Internal Medicine at the University of Verona, Italy. Methods The training course (theoretical and practical) consisted of 9 h subdivided in 4 days. Each trainee examined three healthy volunteers during the first day that was also the day of the theoretical lessons. Moreover, they examined nine patients per day (a total of 27 patients). Trainees were tested in the recognition of the basic signs in LUS, the managing of the Bedside Lung Ultrasound Evaluation (the BLUE protocol), and the recognition of the broad clinical scenarios recognized by the LUS. Kappa statistic was used to calculate the inter-observer agreement (trainees/tutor). Results Twenty-seven patients were examined by the 19 trainees (ten trainees had previous limited experience in general ultrasound). The agreement among the trainees and the tutor in the recognition of the LUS basic signs and in the recognition of the BLUE protocol profiles ranged from “fair” to “excellent”. In particular, the agreement among the trainees and the tutor in the final LUS diagnosis was “excellent” for the recognition of the interstitial syndrome and the pleural effusion, “substantial” for the recognition of the normal lung, and “moderate” for the recognition of consolidation and pneumothorax. LUS outcome gave useful information and drove change in therapy in 16 patients. It affected immediate management in nine patients. The concordance between the previous X chest ray and LUS was observed in 21 patients. Conclusions A short training in LUS provided good proficiency in the recognition only of the main signs of the BLUE protocol, but allowed a correct LUS diagnosis in the Internal Medicine most frequent clinical settings of acute respiratory failure. This study supports incorporating LUS into Internal Medicine fellowship training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mozzini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Fratta Pasini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Ulisse Garbin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Luciano Cominacini
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Fratta Pasini AM, Ferrari M, Stranieri C, Vallerio P, Mozzini C, Garbin U, Zambon G, Cominacini L. Nrf2 expression is increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from mild-moderate ex-smoker COPD patients with persistent oxidative stress. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2016; 11:1733-43. [PMID: 27555763 PMCID: PMC4968670 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inadequacy of antioxidant nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated unfolded protein response has been implicated in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cigarette smoking-induced emphysema. As evidence suggests that the ability to upregulate Nrf2 expression may influence the progression of COPD and no data exist up to now in ex-smokers with mild-moderate COPD, this study was first aimed to evaluate Nrf2 and unfolded protein response expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of mild-moderate ex-smokers with COPD compared to smoking habit-matched non-COPD subjects. Then, we tested whether oxidative stress persists after cigarette smoking cessation and whether the concentrations of oxidized phospholipids (oxidation products of the phospholipid 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine [oxPAPC]) in the PBMC of the same subjects may have a causative role in determining the upregulation of Nrf2. The expression (mRNA and protein) of Nrf2 and of its related gene heme oxygenase-1 was significantly increased in COPD group without differences in the unfolded protein response. Plasma malondialdehyde, the circulating marker of oxidative stress, and oxPAPC in PBMC were significantly higher in COPD than in non-COPD subjects. The fact that the expression of p47phox, a subunit of NADPH oxidase, was increased in PBMC of COPD patients and that it was directly correlated with oxPAPC may indicate that oxPAPC may be one of the determinants of oxidative stress-induced Nrf2 upregulation. Finally, we also demonstrated that lung function inversely correlated with plasma malondialdehyde and with Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 mRNA expression in all subjects. Our results indicate that mild-moderate ex-smokers with COPD may be able to counteract oxidative stress by increasing the expression of Nrf2/antioxidant-response elements. Because Nrf2 failure significantly contributes to the development of COPD, our findings suggest that the possibility to prevent Nrf2 reduction may open a new scenario in helping to prevent the oxidative stress-associated lung function decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcello Ferrari
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ulisse Garbin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine
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15
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Radu BM, Radu M, Tognoli C, Benati D, Merigo F, Assfalg M, Solani E, Stranieri C, Ceccon A, Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Bertini G, Fabene PF. Are they in or out? The elusive interaction between Qtracker®800 vascular labels and brain endothelial cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:3329-42. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Qtracker®800 Vascular labels (Qtracker®800) are promising biomedical tools for high-resolution vasculature imaging; their effects on mouse and human endothelia, however, are still unknown. Materials & methods: Qtracker®800 were injected in Balb/c mice, and brain endothelium uptake was investigated by transmission electron microscopy 3-h post injection. We then investigated, in vitro, the effects of Qtracker®800 exposure on mouse and human endothelial cells by calcium imaging. Results: Transmission electron microscopy images showed nanoparticle accumulation in mouse brain endothelia. A subset of mouse and human endothelial cells generated intracellular calcium transients in response to Qtracker®800. Conclusion: Qtracker®800 nanoparticles elicit endothelial functional responses, which prompts biomedical safety evaluations and may bias the interpretation of experimental studies involving vascular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology & Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Mihai Radu
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- Department of Life & Environmental Physics, ‘Horia Hulubei’ National Institute for Physics & Nuclear Engineering, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Cristina Tognoli
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Donatella Benati
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Flavia Merigo
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Erika Solani
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Chiara Stranieri
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Alberto Ceccon
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Cominacini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Osculati
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi ‘Bonino Pulejo’, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertini
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Paolo Francesco Fabene
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Department of Neurological & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona 37134, Italy
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Mozzini C, Garbin U, Fratta Pasini AM, Cominacini L. Short training in focused cardiac ultrasound in an Internal Medicine department: what realistic skill targets could be achieved? Intern Emerg Med 2015; 10:73-80. [PMID: 25492052 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-014-1167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) in Internal Medicine care has been recognized by the American Society of Echocardiography. The aim of this study was to test what realistic skill targets could be achieved in FCU, with a relatively short training (theoretical and practical) of 9 h offered to Internal Medicine certification board attending students, and if the addition of further 9 h of training could significantly improve the level of competence. Kappa statistic was used to calculate the inter-observer agreement (trainees/tutor). The agreement between the trainees (who completed the entire training) and the tutor was, respectively, "substantial" (k = 0.71) for the identification of pericardial effusion, "moderate" (k = 0.56-0.54) for the identification of marked right ventricular and left ventricular enlargement, "substantial" (k = 0.77) for the assessment of global cardiac systolic function by visual inspection and "fair" (k = 0.35) for the assessment of size and respiratory change in the diameter of the inferior cave vein (IVC). 18 h training in FCU provided proficiency in obtaining adequate images from the parasternal window without providing the ability to correctly master the apical and subcostal windows. As concerns the interpretative skills, only pericardial effusion and visual estimation of global systolic function could be correctly identified, while ventricular enlargement and IVC prove to be more difficult to evaluate. This study supports incorporating FCU into Internal Medicine fellowship training programs, and should facilitate the design of other similar training courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mozzini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 10, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy,
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Garbin U, Stranieri C, Pasini A, Baggio E, Lipari G, Solani E, Mozzini C, Vallerio P, Cominacini L, Fratta Pasini AM. Do oxidized polyunsaturated Fatty acids affect endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in human carotid plaques? Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 21:850-8. [PMID: 24597951 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.5870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage apoptosis is involved in atherosclerotic plaque development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelationship between macrophage apoptosis and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the tissue around the necrotic core (TANC) and in the periphery (P) of the same carotid plaques derived from patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Apoptosis was significantly higher in TANC than in P (p<0.001). mRNA and protein expression of the protein kinase-like ER kinase (Perk) and the nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-related survival genes was significantly higher in P than in TANC (p<0.01), while CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (Chop) and the apoptosis-related genes were higher in TANC than in P (p<0.01). The TANC extract was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of oxidized derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than the P extract (p<0.01). When THP-1 cells were incubated with P or TANC extracts there was a dose-dependent increase of Perk and Nrf2 or of Chop and of the apoptosis-related genes, respectively (p<0.01). Our observations lead to the hypothesis that ER stress induced by oxidized derivatives of PUFAs may promote macrophage apoptosis in TANC and favor the expansion of the necrotic core of the plaques, a major feature responsible for its disruption and acute luminal thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulisse Garbin
- 1 Section of Internal Medicine D, Department of Medicine, University of Verona , Verona, Italy
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Zoico E, Garbin U, Olioso D, Mazzali G, Fratta Pasini AM, Di Francesco V, Sepe A, Cominacini L, Zamboni M. The effects of adiponectin on interleukin-6 and MCP-1 secretion in lipopolysaccharide-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes: role of the NF-kappaB pathway. Int J Mol Med 2010; 24:847-51. [PMID: 19885628 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm_00000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently suggested that the transcription nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) plays an important role in controlling the inflammation and metabolic alterations associated with obesity. In endothelial and monocytic cells, adiponectin acts as a modulator of the inflammatory response, suppressing NF-kappaB activation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of different forms of adiponectin to modulate the inflammatory response in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured according to standard conditions. Fully differentiated adipocytes were stimulated with 1 microg/ml lipopolysaccharides (LPS) for 16 h, with or without pre-treatment with 10 microg/ml of globular (AdG) or full-length (AdFl) adiponectin. Both AdG and AdFl significantly suppressed LPS-induced expression of IL-6 mRNA in adipocytes and reduced the concentration of IL-6 in culture media. Adiponectin pre-treatment significantly reduced the increase in MCP-1 mRNA in adipocytes exposed to LPS. In culture media, the increase in MCP-1 detected after LPS stimulation was significantly attenuated after pre-treatment with AdG. In 3T3-L1, AdG and AdFl reduced NF-kappaB activity by 50 and 40%, respectively compared to the NF-kappaB activation induced by LPS alone. Moreover, both forms of adiponectin significantly attenuated IkappaB-alpha as well as IKK gene expression. Pre-treatment of adipocytes with AdG or AdFl significantly increased PPARgamma mRNA levels, taking its expression back to the basal level. Both AdG and AdFl exert anti-inflammatory activity suppressing IL-6 and MCP-1 production from inflamed adipocytes. This anti-inflammatory action may be mediated through inhibition of NF-kappaB activity as well as through increased PPARgamma expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zoico
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Verona, I-37126 Verona, Italy.
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Zoico E, Di Francesco V, Olioso D, Fratta Pasini AM, Sepe A, Bosello O, Cinti S, Cominacini L, Zamboni M. In vitro aging of 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes leads to altered metabolism and response to inflammation. Biogerontology 2009; 11:111-22. [PMID: 19526322 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-009-9236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zoico
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Verona, Ospedale Maggiore-Piazzale Stefani 1, Verona, Italy.
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