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Massimo G, Khambata RS, Chapman T, Birchall K, Raimondi C, Shabbir A, Dyson N, Rathod K, Borghi C, Ahluwalia A. Corrigendum to "Natural mutations of human XDH promote the nitrite (NO 2-)-reductase capacity of xanthine oxidoreductase: A novel mechanism to promote redox health?" [Redox Biol. 4 (67) (2023) 102864]. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102925. [PMID: 37867029 PMCID: PMC10638451 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G Massimo
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - R S Khambata
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - T Chapman
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - K Birchall
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - C Raimondi
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - A Shabbir
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Nicki Dyson
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - K Rathod
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - C Borghi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, N.9, 40138, Italy
| | - A Ahluwalia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Massimo G, Khambata RS, Chapman T, Birchall K, Raimondi C, Shabbir A, Dyson N, Rathod KS, Borghi C, Ahluwalia A. Natural mutations of human XDH promote the nitrite (NO 2-)-reductase capacity of xanthine oxidoreductase: A novel mechanism to promote redox health? Redox Biol 2023; 67:102864. [PMID: 37713777 PMCID: PMC10511815 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102864] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several rare genetic variations of human XDH have been shown to alter xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity leading to impaired purine catabolism. However, XOR is a multi-functional enzyme that depending upon the environmental conditions also expresses oxidase activity leading to both O2·- and H2O2 and nitrite (NO2-) reductase activity leading to nitric oxide (·NO). Since these products express important, and often diametrically opposite, biological activity, consideration of the impact of XOR mutations in the context of each aspect of the biochemical activity of the enzyme is needed to determine the potential full impact of these variants. Herein, we show that known naturally occurring hXDH mutations do not have a uniform impact upon the biochemical activity of the enzyme in terms of uric acid (UA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide ·NO formation. We show that the His1221Arg mutant, in the presence of xanthine, increases UA, O2·- and NO generation compared to the WT, whilst the Ile703Val increases UA and ·NO formation, but not O2·-. We speculate that this change in the balance of activity of the enzyme is likely to endow those carrying these mutations with a harmful or protective influence over health that may explain the current equipoise underlying the perceived importance of XDH mutations. We also show that, in presence of inorganic NO2-, XOR-driven O2·- production is substantially reduced. We suggest that targeting enzyme activity to enhance the NO2--reductase profile in those carrying such mutations may provide novel therapeutic options, particularly in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Massimo
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - R S Khambata
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - T Chapman
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - K Birchall
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, SG1 2FX, UK
| | - C Raimondi
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - A Shabbir
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Nicki Dyson
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - K S Rathod
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & the London Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - C Borghi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, N.9, 40138, Italy
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, N.9, 40138, Italy.
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Viti F, De Giorgio R, Ceccherini I, Ahluwalia A, Alves MM, Baldo C, Baldussi G, Bonora E, Borrelli O, Dall'Oglio L, De Coppi P, De Filippo C, de Santa Barbara P, Diamanti A, Di Lorenzo C, Di Maulo R, Galeone A, Gandullia P, Hashmi SK, Lacaille F, Lancon L, Leone S, Mahé MM, Molnar MJ, Palmitelli A, Perin S, Prato AP, Thapar N, Vassalli M, Heuckeroth RO. Multi-disciplinary Insights from the First European Forum on Visceral Myopathy 2022 Meeting. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:3857-3871. [PMID: 37650948 PMCID: PMC10517037 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08066-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Visceral myopathy is a rare, life-threatening disease linked to identified genetic mutations in 60% of cases. Mostly due to the dearth of knowledge regarding its pathogenesis, effective treatments are lacking. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in children with recurrent or persistent disabling episodes of functional intestinal obstruction, which can be life threatening, often requiring long-term parenteral or specialized enteral nutritional support. Although these interventions are undisputedly life-saving as they allow affected individuals to avoid malnutrition and related complications, they also seriously compromise their quality of life and can carry the risk of sepsis and thrombosis. Animal models for visceral myopathy, which could be crucial for advancing the scientific knowledge of this condition, are scarce. Clearly, a collaborative network is needed to develop research plans to clarify genotype-phenotype correlations and unravel molecular mechanisms to provide targeted therapeutic strategies. This paper represents a summary report of the first 'European Forum on Visceral Myopathy'. This forum was attended by an international interdisciplinary working group that met to better understand visceral myopathy and foster interaction among scientists actively involved in the field and clinicians who specialize in care of people with visceral myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Viti
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Via De Marini, 6, 16149, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro di Ricerca 'E. Piaggio' and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria M Alves
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Baldo
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giannina Baldussi
- 'Uniti per la P.I.P.O.' Patient Advocacy Organization, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Bonora
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Department of Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luigi Dall'Oglio
- Digestive Surgery and Endoscopy, Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- Pediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Carlotta De Filippo
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology of the National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pascal de Santa Barbara
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine of the Heart and Muscles (PhyMedExp), University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Carlo Di Lorenzo
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Paolo Gandullia
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sohaib K Hashmi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Florence Lacaille
- Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology-Nutrition, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Lancon
- 'Association des POIC' Patient Advocacy Organization, Marseille, France
| | - Salvatore Leone
- AMICI ETS, Associazione Nazionale per le Malattie Infiammatorie Croniche dell'Intestino, Milan, Italy
| | - Maxime M Mahé
- Nantes Université, INSERM, TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, IMAD, Nantes, France
| | | | | | - Silvia Perin
- Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women and Child Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessio Pini Prato
- Unit of Pediatric Surgery, 'St. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo' Hospital, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Woolworths Centre for Child Nutrition Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Massimo Vassalli
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Botte E, Mancini P, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. A sense of proximity: Cell packing modulates oxygen consumption. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036111. [PMID: 37664826 PMCID: PMC10468216 DOI: 10.1063/5.0160422] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately modeling oxygen transport and consumption is crucial to predict metabolic dynamics in cell cultures and optimize the design of tissue and organ models. We present a methodology to characterize the Michaelis-Menten oxygen consumption parameters in vitro, integrating novel experimental techniques and computational tools. The parameters were derived for hepatic cell cultures with different dimensionality (i.e., 2D and 3D) and with different surface and volumetric densities. To quantify cell packing regardless of the dimensionality of cultures, we devised an image-based metric, referred to as the proximity index. The Michaelis-Menten parameters were related to the proximity index through an uptake coefficient, analogous to a diffusion constant, enabling the quantitative analysis of oxygen dynamics across dimensions. Our results show that Michaelis-Menten parameters are not constant for a given cell type but change with dimensionality and cell density. The maximum consumption rate per cell decreases significantly with cell surface and volumetric density, while the Michaelis-Menten constant tends to increase. In addition, the dependency of the uptake coefficient on the proximity index suggests that the oxygen consumption rate of hepatic cells is superadaptive, as they modulate their oxygen utilization according to its local availability and to the proximity of other cells. We describe, for the first time, how cells consume oxygen as a function of cell proximity, through a quantitative index, which combines cell density and dimensionality. This study enhances our understanding of how cell-cell interaction affects oxygen dynamics and enables better prediction of aerobic metabolism in tissue models, improving their translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +39 0502217062
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Guazzelli N, Cacopardo L, Corti A, Ahluwalia A. An integrated in silico- in vitro approach for bioprinting core-shell bioarchitectures. Int J Bioprint 2023; 9:771. [PMID: 37457929 PMCID: PMC10339450 DOI: 10.18063/ijb.771] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological tissues possess a high degree of structural complexity characterized by curvature and stratification of different tissue layers. Despite recent advances in in vitro technology, current engineering solutions do not comprise both of these features. In this paper, we present an integrated in silico-in vitro strategy for the design and fabrication of biological barriers with controlled curvature and architecture. Analytical and computational tools combined with advanced bioprinting methods are employed to optimize living inks for bioprinting-structured core-shell constructs based on alginate. A finite element model is used to compute the hindered diffusion and crosslinking phenomena involved in the formation of core-shell structures and to predict the width of the shell as a function of material parameters. Constructs with a solid alginate-based shell and a solid, liquid, or air core can be reproducibly printed using the workflow. As a proof of concept, epithelial cells and fibroblasts were bioprinted respectively in a liquid core (10 mg/mL Pluronic) and in a solid shell (20 mg/mL alginate plus 20 mg/mL gelatin, used for providing the cells with adhesive moieties). These constructs had a roundness of 97.6% and an average diameter of 1500 ±136 μm. Moreover, their viability was close to monolayer controls (74.12% ± 22.07%) after a week in culture, and the paracellular transport was twice that of cell-free constructs, indicating cell polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Guazzelli
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- 3R Centre, Inter-University Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Education and Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- 3R Centre, Inter-University Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Education and Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corti
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- 3R Centre, Inter-University Centre for the Promotion of the 3R Principles in Education and Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Fabbri R, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A, Magliaro C. Advanced 3D Models of Human Brain Tissue Using Neural Cell Lines: State-of-the-Art and Future Prospects. Cells 2023; 12:1181. [PMID: 37190089 PMCID: PMC10136913 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081181] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-relevant three-dimensional (3D) models of cerebral tissue can be invaluable tools to boost our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying brain pathophysiology. Nowadays, the accessibility, isolation and harvesting of human neural cells represents a bottleneck for obtaining reproducible and accurate models and gaining insights in the fields of oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and toxicology. In this scenario, given their low cost, ease of culture and reproducibility, neural cell lines constitute a key tool for developing usable and reliable models of the human brain. Here, we review the most recent advances in 3D constructs laden with neural cell lines, highlighting their advantages and limitations and their possible future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Fabbri
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering (DII), University of Pisa, Via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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Hikin LJ, Ho J, Morley SR, Ahluwalia A, Smith PR. Sodium nitrite poisoning: A series of 20 fatalities in which post-mortem blood nitrite and nitrate concentrations are reported. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 345:111610. [PMID: 36848754 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Sodium nitrite has several industrial applications however its accidental or intentional ingestion has been associated with severe toxicity and death. We present a series of 20 cases over 2 years in which evidence of sodium nitrite ingestion was found at the scene and supported by biochemical analysis of post-mortem blood nitrite and nitrate levels. Routine toxicological screening was performed on post-mortem blood samples received at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL) NHS Trust, including ethanol analysis by headspace gas chromatography-flame ionisation detection (HS GC-FID), drug screening by high resolution accurate mass-mass spectrometry (HRAM-MS) and confirmatory drug quantitation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cases in which the history indicated the possibility of nitrite salts present at the scene, purchase of a suicide kit or a dusky-ash appearance of skin on post-mortem were referred to a specialist laboratory for nitrite and nitrate analysis. Analysis was based upon the gas-phase chemiluminescent reaction between nitric oxide (NO) and ozone; NO levels were determined using an NOA 280A, Sievers NO analyser. Twenty post-mortem cases in which sodium nitrite ingestion was the most probable cause of death were reported between January 2020 and February 2022; mean age was 31 years (range 14-49) with 9/20 (45%) female. 16/20 (80%) of cases had a history of depression and / or mental health issues. In half of the cases, anti-depressant / anti-psychotic drugs were prescribed; these drugs were detected in 8/20 (40%) cases. Ethanol was detected in 4/20 (20%) cases and anti-emetic drugs in 7/20 (35%) cases; anti-emetic drugs may be used to aid retention of sodium nitrite. Illicit drugs (amphetamine, cannabis and cocaine) were present in 3/20 cases (15%). Nitrite was found to be elevated in all but one case (95%), and nitrate was elevated in 17/20 (85%) cases. This paper highlights a surge in numbers of deaths across England and Wales due to sodium nitrite toxicity. Although, nitrite poisoning remains a rare cause of death, it is worthwhile considering its use in individuals with suicidal ideation given its unregulated availability online. The detection and quantitation of nitrite and nitrate requires specialised, highly reliable methodology currently only available in research laboratories. Implication of sodium nitrite ingestion also relies heavily upon circumstantial evidence combined with quantification. The provision of a quantitative nitrite / nitrate analytical service greatly assists in determining the cause of death in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Hikin
- Forensic Toxicology Service, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK.
| | - J Ho
- Centre for Cardiovascular Medicines & Devices, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - S R Morley
- Forensic Toxicology Service, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Medicines & Devices, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - P R Smith
- Forensic Toxicology Service, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
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8
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Neuhaus W, Reininger-Gutmann B, Rinner B, Plasenzotti R, Wilflingseder D, De Kock J, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V, Jírová D, Kejlová K, Knudsen LE, Nielsen RN, Kleuser B, Kral V, Thöne-Reineke C, Hartung T, Pallocca G, Rovida C, Leist M, Hippenstiel S, Lang A, Retter I, Krämer S, Jedlicka P, Ameli K, Fritsche E, Tigges J, Kuchovská E, Buettner M, Bleich A, Baumgart N, Baumgart J, Meinhardt MW, Spanagel R, Chourbaji S, Kränzlin B, Seeger B, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Sánchez-Morgado JM, Galligioni V, Ruiz-Pérez D, Movia D, Prina-Mello A, Ahluwalia A, Chiono V, Gutleb AC, Schmit M, van Golen B, van Weereld L, Kienhuis A, van Oort E, van der Valk J, Smith A, Roszak J, Stępnik M, Sobańska Z, Reszka E, Olsson IAS, Franco NH, Sevastre B, Kandarova H, Capdevila S, Johansson J, Svensk E, Cederroth CR, Sandström J, Ragan I, Bubalo N, Kurreck J, Spielmann H. The Current Status and Work of Three Rs Centres and Platforms in Europe. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:381-413. [PMID: 36458800 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221140909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes has given a major push to the formation of Three Rs initiatives in the form of centres and platforms. These centres and platforms are dedicated to the so-called Three Rs, which are the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use in experiments. ATLA's 50th Anniversary year has seen the publication of two articles on European Three Rs centres and platforms. The first of these was about the progressive rise in their numbers and about their founding history; this second part focuses on their current status and activities. This article takes a closer look at their financial and organisational structures, describes their Three Rs focus and core activities (dissemination, education, implementation, scientific quality/translatability, ethics), and presents their areas of responsibility and projects in detail. This overview of the work and diverse structures of the Three Rs centres and platforms is not only intended to bring them closer to the reader, but also to provide role models and show examples of how such Three Rs centres and platforms could be made sustainable. The Three Rs centres and platforms are very important focal points and play an immense role as facilitators of Directive 2010/63/EU 'on the ground' in their respective countries. They are also invaluable for the wide dissemination of information and for promoting the implementation of the Three Rs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Neuhaus
- EUSAAT, 31189Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Centre for Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria, and Danube Private University, Department of Medicine, Krems, Austria
| | | | - Beate Rinner
- Biomedical Research, 31475Medical University Graz, Austria
| | - Roberto Plasenzotti
- Department of Biomedical Research, 27271Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- 27255Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joery De Kock
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dagmar Jírová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kejlová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Burkhard Kleuser
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Kral
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Costanza Rovida
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annemarie Lang
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ida Retter
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Krämer
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Jedlicka
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ameli
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eliška Kuchovská
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manuela Buettner
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Baumgart
- TARC force 3R, Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Baumgart
- Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus W Meinhardt
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Chourbaji
- Interfaculty Biomedical Research Facility (IBF), University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Kränzlin
- Core Facility Preclinical Models, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Seeger
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternatives/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Department of Biochemistry & Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Viola Galligioni
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Ruiz-Pérez
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dania Movia
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity (ARTT) and Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Department of Information Engineering, Università di Pisa and Centro 3R, Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Marthe Schmit
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 19032Politecnico di Torino, Torino and Centro 3R, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Bea van Golen
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | | | - Anne Kienhuis
- 2890Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Erica van Oort
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Jan van der Valk
- Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (NCad), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Smith
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment-RIVM, BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Roszak
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maciej Stępnik
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Norecopa, Ås, Norway
| | - Zuzanna Sobańska
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edyta Reszka
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I Anna S Olsson
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
- QSAR Lab Ltd, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Nuno Henrique Franco
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
- QSAR Lab Ltd, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bogdan Sevastre
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Kandarova
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Capdevila
- Romanian Center for Alternative Test Methods (ROCAM) hosted by the 162275University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jessica Johansson
- Slovak National Platform for 3Rs-SNP3Rs, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Department of Tissue Cultures and Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 87171Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emma Svensk
- Slovak National Platform for 3Rs-SNP3Rs, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Department of Tissue Cultures and Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 87171Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Christopher R Cederroth
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Jenny Sandström
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Ian Ragan
- Swedish 3Rs Center, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Jönköping, Sweden
| | | | - Jens Kurreck
- National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Horst Spielmann
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. Biomedical Research on Substances of Abuse: The Italian Case Study. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:423-436. [PMID: 36222242 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221132215] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Substances of abuse have the potential to cause addiction, habituation or altered consciousness. Most of the research on these substances focuses on addiction, and is carried out through observational and clinical studies on humans, or experimental studies on animals. The transposition of the EU Directive 2010/63 into Italian law in 2014 (IT Law 2014/26) includes a ban on the use of animals for research on substances of abuse. Since then, in Italy, public debate has continued on the topic, while the application of the Article prohibiting animal research in this area has been postponed every couple of years. In the light of this debate, we briefly review a range of methodologies - including animal and non-animal, as well as patient or population-based studies - that have been employed to address the biochemical, neurobiological, toxicological, clinical and behavioural effects of substances of abuse and their dependency. We then discuss the implications of the Italian ban on the use of animals for such research, proposing concrete and evidence-based solutions to allow scientists to pursue high-quality basic and translational studies within the boundaries of the regulatory and legislative framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3R Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Pisa, Italy
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10
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Neuhaus W, Reininger-Gutmann B, Rinner B, Plasenzotti R, Wilflingseder D, De Kock J, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V, Jírová D, Kejlová K, Knudsen LE, Nielsen RN, Kleuser B, Kral V, Thöne-Reineke C, Hartung T, Pallocca G, Leist M, Hippenstiel S, Lang A, Retter I, Krämer S, Jedlicka P, Ameli K, Fritsche E, Tigges J, Buettner M, Bleich A, Baumgart N, Baumgart J, Meinhardt MW, Spanagel R, Chourbaji S, Kränzlin B, Seeger B, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Sánchez-Morgado JM, Galligioni V, Ruiz-Pérez D, Movia D, Prina-Mello A, Ahluwalia A, Chiono V, Gutleb AC, Schmit M, van Golen B, van Weereld L, Kienhuis A, van Oort E, van der Valk J, Smith A, Roszak J, Stępnik M, Sobańska Z, Olsson IAS, Franco NH, Sevastre B, Kandarova H, Capdevila S, Johansson J, Cederroth CR, Sandström J, Ragan I, Bubalo N, Spielmann H. The Rise of Three Rs Centres and Platforms in Europe. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:90-120. [PMID: 35578444 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221099165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Public awareness and discussion about animal experiments and replacement methods has greatly increased in recent years. The term 'the Three Rs', which stands for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments, is inseparably linked in this context. A common goal within the Three Rs scientific community is to develop predictive non-animal models and to better integrate all available data from in vitro, in silico and omics technologies into regulatory decision-making processes regarding, for example, the toxicity of chemicals, drugs or food ingredients. In addition, it is a general concern to implement (human) non-animal methods in basic research. Toward these efforts, there has been an ever-increasing number of Three Rs centres and platforms established over recent years - not only to develop novel methods, but also to disseminate knowledge and help to implement the Three Rs principles in policies and education. The adoption of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes gave a strong impetus to the creation of Three Rs initiatives, in the form of centres and platforms. As the first of a series of papers, this article gives an overview of the European Three Rs centres and platforms, and their historical development. The subsequent articles, to be published over the course of ATLA's 50th Anniversary year, will summarise the current focus and tasks as well as the future and the plans of the Three Rs centres and platforms. The Three Rs centres and platforms are very important points of contact and play an immense role in their respective countries as 'on the ground' facilitators of Directive 2010/63/EU. They are also invaluable for the widespread dissemination of information and for promoting implementation of the Three Rs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Neuhaus
- EUSAAT and Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Centre for Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Beate Rinner
- Biomedical Research, 31475Medical University Graz, Austria
| | - Roberto Plasenzotti
- Department of Biomedical Research, 27271Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, 27280Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joery De Kock
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dagmar Jírová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kejlová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Burkhard Kleuser
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Kral
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annemarie Lang
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ida Retter
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Krämer
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Jedlicka
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ameli
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manuela Buettner
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Baumgart
- TARC force 3R, Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Baumgart
- Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus W Meinhardt
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Chourbaji
- Interfaculty Biomedical Research Facility (IBF), University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Kränzlin
- Medical Research Centre, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Seeger
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternatives/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Department of Biochemistry & Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Viola Galligioni
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel Ruiz-Pérez
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dania Movia
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 460510Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 460510Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, Universita' di Pisa and Centro 3R, Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 19032Politecnico di Torino, Torino and Centro 3R, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Marthe Schmit
- 81872University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Bea van Golen
- 2890Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Leane van Weereld
- Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (NCad), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Kienhuis
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment-RIVM, BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erica van Oort
- 2890Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Valk
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 8125Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Smith
- Norecopa ℅ Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Ås, Norway
| | - Joanna Roszak
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
| | - Maciej Stępnik
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland.,QSAR Lab Ltd, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Sobańska
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
| | - I Anna S Olsson
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Henrique Franco
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bogdan Sevastre
- Romanian Center for Alternative Test Methods (ROCAM) hosted by the 162275University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Helena Kandarova
- Slovak National Platform for 3Rs-SNP3Rs, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Department of Tissue Cultures and Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 87171Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sara Capdevila
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Ian Ragan
- National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nataliia Bubalo
- 243563The National University of Food Technologies, Department of Fats, Perfumery and Cosmetic Products Technology, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Horst Spielmann
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Sonawane A, Vadloori B, Poosala S, Kandarova H, Kulkarni M, Olayanju A, Dey T, Saxena U, Smirnova L, Kanda Y, Reddy J, Dravida S, Biswas S, Vinken M, Gettayacamin M, Ahluwalia A, Mondini F, Bhattacharya S, Kulkarni P, Jacobsen KR, Vangala S, Millás AL. Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Second International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Hyderabad, 2021. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:156-171. [PMID: 35410493 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221089216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The fact that animal models fail to replicate human disease faithfully is now being widely accepted by researchers across the globe. As a result, they are exploring the use of alternatives to animal models. The time has come to refine our experimental practices, reduce the numbers and eventually replace the animals used in research with human-derived and human-relevant 3-D disease models. Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, which is an innovative biotechnology start-up company based in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam, India, organises an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. In 2021, this conference was on 'Advances in Research Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives'. This annual conference is a platform that brings together eminent scientists and researchers from various parts of the world, to share recent advances from their research in the field of alternatives to animals including new approach methodologies, and to promote practices to help refine animal experiments where alternatives are not available. This report presents the proceedings of the conference, which was held in hybrid mode (i.e. virtual and in-person) in November 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helena Kandarova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Science, Slovakia
| | | | | | - Tuli Dey
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | | | - Lena Smirnova
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Montip Gettayacamin
- Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC international), USA
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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12
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Hussain SA, Walters S, Ahluwalia A, Trompeter A. Diagnosis and management of arterial injuries associated with limb fracture or dislocation. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2022; 83:1-8. [DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2021.0454] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
An arterial injury is a time-critical emergency and, when associated with a fracture or dislocation, its management requires joint specialist input from orthopaedic and vascular or plastic surgeons. Initial management involves haemorrhage control and stabilisation of the patient, reduction and splinting of the limb and careful reassessment. With ongoing vascular compromise, urgent surgery is indicated to restore arterial flow and stabilise the skeleton, and this should be performed at a centre with appropriate expertise. This article provides an evidence-based review of the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma for the diagnosis and management of arterial injuries associated with extremity fractures and dislocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- SA Hussain
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Walters
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Trompeter
- Orthopaedic Trauma/Limb Reconstruction Unit, St George's University Hospital, London, UK
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13
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Lau C, Shabbir A, Rathod KS, Chhetri I, Ono M, Hamers AJP, Amarin JJ, Ibrahim A, Nuredini G, Godec T, Kapil V, Ahluwalia A. Inorganic nitrate attenuates endothelial dysfunction consequent to systemic inflammation. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.3008] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Chronic cardiovascular diseases are characterised by low-grade systemic inflammation and attenuated nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Inorganic nitrate augments NO bioavailability and improves markers of vascular dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. However, the exact mechanism of this effect is uncertain.
Purpose
To determine whether inorganic nitrate supplementation alters systemic inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Methods
62 healthy male volunteers were randomised 1:1 to receive ∼8–10 mmol of dietary inorganic nitrate in beetroot juice or nitrate-free beetroot juice (placebo) once daily for 6 days. Measures of brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), brachial blood pressure (BP), pulse wave analysis and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) by Vicorder were taken prior to and at 8 hours after a typhoid vaccine (to induce mild systemic inflammation). Plasma, urine and saliva samples were also collected. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02715635.
Results
Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Inorganic nitrate significantly elevated plasma nitrite (placebo = Δ0.02±0.5 μM, inorganic nitrate = Δ0.63±1.2 μM; p=0.01) and nitrate levels (p<0.0001) compared to placebo. There were significant increases in urine nitrite (p<0.0001) and nitrate (p<0.0001) in addition to salivary nitrite (p<0.0001) and nitrate (p<0.0001) compared to placebo. After 8 hours, typhoid vaccine induced an increase in circulating white cells (placebo = Δ3.34±3.37x109/L, inorganic nitrate = Δ2.9±2.78x109/L; p=0.58) that was similar in in both arms. However, there was a significant reduction in the FMD response in the placebo group at 8-hours post vaccine; an effect that was absent in volunteers treated with inorganic nitrate (placebo = Δ−1.33±1.53%, inorganic nitrate = Δ−0.07±1.84%, p=0.005). Importantly, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline vessel diameter (p=0.78), time to peak diameter in response to flow (p=0.87) and peak shear rate (p=0.57) between the groups. When comparing change from baseline to 8 hours after the vaccine, there were no significant differences in brachial systolic BP (p=0.12), central systolic BP (p=0.12) and PWV (p=0.60) between groups, but a significant reduction in brachial diastolic BP in the inorganic nitrate group (p=0.048).
Conclusions
Inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction was prevented in those receiving dietary inorganic nitrate suggesting that elevating circulating nitrite and delivering NO to the blood vessel wall, through dietary approaches may offer potential therapeutic benefit in those cardiovascular diseases which typically exhibit low grade inflammation and deficiencies in bioavailable NO.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lau
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Shabbir
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - K S Rathod
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - I Chhetri
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Ono
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A J P Hamers
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J J Amarin
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ibrahim
- University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - G Nuredini
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Godec
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Kapil
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ahluwalia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Primus C, Masucci M, Whitear C, Montalvo Moreira SA, Ajit Kumar N, Chhetri I, Rathod KS, Khambata R, Kapil V, Ahluwalia A. A pro-resolving phenotype underpins the anti-inflammatory effects of inorganic nitrate. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.3352] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Increasing evidence highlights the critical role of chronic inflammation in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Targeting inflammatory pathways in patients with CVD has been associated with improved CV function in pre-clinical (Gee, 2017), early clinical (Yndestad, 2006; Velmurugan 2013; Jones, 2016) and large phase III studies (Ridker, 2017).
The resolution of inflammation is an active process and its failure has also been proposed to contribute to CVD progression. At least one mechanism thought to underlie this failure is dysfunction of the canonical pathway for anti-inflammatory nitric oxide (NO) production. Restoring NO through provision of inorganic nitrate (NO3-) and subsequent bioactivation via the non-canonical pathway may offer therapeutic benefit.
Aim
To test whether dietary NO3–derived NO accelerates resolution of inflammation.
Methods
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel limb study of 8–10mmol dietary NO3- supplementation versus NO3–deplete placebo beetroot juice in 36 healthy male volunteers (NCT03183830). Using a cantharadin-induced skin blister model (Day, 2001), acute (24h) and chronic (72h)-phase blisters were harvested pre- and post-treatment. Blister exudate was analysed for leucocyte activation state (CD11b, CD62L, CD162) by flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine composition by ELISA. Ozone chemiluminescence established NO3-/NO2- levels in key biological matrices: plasma, urine and saliva.
Results
9.3mmol inorganic NO3- led to a significant rise (versus placebo, p<0.001) of NO3-/NO2- in plasma, saliva and urine NO2- (p<0.02). No differences were seen in blister volumes, cell counts or markers of systemic inflammation. Whilst no differences were seen in the proportions of cellular infiltrate in 24h blisters, there were significant reductions of neutrophil (p=0.017) and intermediate monocyte proportions (p=0.001) and cellular adhesion molecules across inflammatory, intermediate and resolving monocytes at 72h (Figure 1). Generally, no differences in blister cytokine/chemokine profile was evident except for borderline significant suppression of TNFα at 24hrs with dietary NO3- treatment (P=0.057).
Conclusion
Whilst dietary inorganic NO3- does not impair the essential host defence response it does accelerate resolution: enhanced pro- to anti-inflammatory monocyte subtype switching and curtailed neutrophil recruitment, likely via attenuated TNFα production. These actions offer a novel, easy to administer, approach to influence inflammatory responses without impairing host defence.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Derek Willoughby Trust and British Heart Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- C Primus
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Masucci
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Whitear
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - S A Montalvo Moreira
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - N Ajit Kumar
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - I Chhetri
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - K S Rathod
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - R Khambata
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Kapil
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Queen Mary University of London, William Harvey Research Institute, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Shabbir A, Lau C, Rathod KS, Chhetri I, Haque A, Godec T, Khambata RS, Kapil V, Ahluwalia A. Inorganic nitrate attenuates the systemic inflammatory response in typhoid vaccine-induced endothelial dysfunction in healthy volunteers. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.3009] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Inflammatory responses underlie the development of endothelial dysfunction in CVD, however, therapeutics that might target this pathway have not been forthcoming. A key pathogenic mechanism mediating endothelial dysfunction is a reduction in bioavailable (eNOS-derived) nitric oxide (NO). Activation of the non-canonical pathway for in-vivo NO generation might offer an approach to improve NO levels and recover vascular function in pre-clinical models of CVD. Whether this might occur in humans is unknown.
Purpose
We hypothesize that consumption of inorganic nitrate will lead to increases in bioavailable NO and thus attenuate the inflammatory pathways leading to typhoid vaccine-induced endothelial dysfunction in healthy volunteers.
Methods
Healthy male volunteers were recruited (n=78) and randomized to receive either beetroot juice containing 8–10mmol nitrate or placebo (nitrate-deplete) juice once daily for 6 days. Participants underwent serial measurements of BP, FMD and GTN-induced brachial artery dilatation, and haematology and biochemistry, before and after typhoid vaccination. Blood, urine and saliva nitrite and nitrate were quantified using ozone chemiluminescence, and leukocyte flow cytometry analysis was conducted.
Results
8-hours post-vaccine endothelial function was depressed in placebo-treated volunteers, however this was prevented in nitrate-treated volunteers. This dysfunction was due to impaired endothelial function since responses to GTN were unaffected either by vaccination or dietary intervention (p=0.981). Dietary nitrate resulted in an increase in plasma (p<0.0001), urine (p=0.0006) and saliva (p<0.0001) nitrate, and urine (p=0.0354) and saliva (p<0.0001) nitrite levels. There was a reduction in the proportions of CD14++/CD16+intermediate monocytes in nitrate-treated participants after vaccine (p=0.016, change from baseline between groups). In the nitrate-treated group, less CD14++/CD16+ intermediate monocyte CD62L expression was identified post-vaccine (p=0.0122), compared to placebo, with no difference in soluble plasma CD62L between groups (p=0.875). CD11b median fluorescence intensity was increased in CD3+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes in nitrate-treated volunteers (p=0.0095).
Conclusions
Dietary nitrate reduced BP, as previously shown, indicating efficacy of the intervention. Importantly, we also now show for the first time that inorganic nitrate suppresses the systemic inflammatory response, specifically by reducing the numbers and activation state of CD14++/CD16+ intermediate monocytes. Furthermore, an increased expression of CD3+/CD4+ T-cell CD11b and preserved FMD in healthy volunteers treated with nitrate, suggests an anti-inflammatory phenotype, induced by the intervention, leading to improved endothelial function. Inorganic dietary nitrate modulates endothelial function through the attenuation of inflammatory responses and may be of potential therapeutic benefit in patients with established CAD.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Shabbir
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Lau
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - K S Rathod
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - I Chhetri
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Haque
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Godec
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - R S Khambata
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - V Kapil
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ahluwalia
- St Bartholomews and Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Cacopardo L, Guazzelli N, Ahluwalia A. Characterising and engineering biomimetic materials for viscoelastic mechanotransduction studies. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2021; 28:912-925. [PMID: 34555953 PMCID: PMC9419958 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical behavior of soft tissue extracellular matrix is time dependent. Moreover, it evolves over time due to physiological processes as well as aging and disease. Measuring and quantifying the time-dependent mechanical behavior of soft tissues and materials pose a challenge, not only because of their labile and hydrated nature but also because of the lack of a common definition of terms and understanding of models for characterizing viscoelasticity. Here, we review the most important measurement techniques and models used to determine the viscoelastic properties of soft hydrated materials—or hydrogels—underlining the difference between viscoelastic behavior and the properties and descriptors used to quantify viscoelasticity. We then discuss the principal factors, which determine tissue viscoelasticity in vivo and summarize what we currently know about cell response to time-dependent materials, outlining fundamental factors that have to be considered when interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the different time scales involved (mechanical, cellular and observation time scales), as well as scaling principles, all of which must be considered when designing viscoelastic materials and performing experiments for biomechanics or mechanobiology applications. From this overview, key considerations and directions for furthering insights and applications in the emergent field of cell viscoelastic mechanotransduction are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Guazzelli
- University of Pisa, 9310, Research Center 'E.Piaggio', Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- University of Pisa, 9310, Pisa, Italy.,University of Pisa, 9310, Information Engineering Department, Pisa, Toscana, Italy.,Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Pisa, Italy;
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17
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Costa J, Mackay R, de Aguiar Greca SC, Corti A, Silva E, Karteris E, Ahluwalia A. The Role of the 3Rs for Understanding and Modeling the Human Placenta. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10153444. [PMID: 34362227 PMCID: PMC8347836 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Modeling the physiology of the human placenta is still a challenge, despite the great number of scientific advancements made in the field. Animal models cannot fully replicate the structure and function of the human placenta and pose ethical and financial hurdles. In addition, increasingly stricter animal welfare legislation worldwide is incentivizing the use of 3R (reduction, refinement, replacement) practices. What efforts have been made to develop alternative models for the placenta so far? How effective are they? How can we improve them to make them more predictive of human pathophysiology? To address these questions, this review aims at presenting and discussing the current models used to study phenomena at the placenta level: in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro and in silico. We describe the main achievements and opportunities for improvement of each type of model and critically assess their individual and collective impact on the pursuit of predictive studies of the placenta in line with the 3Rs and European legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Ruth Mackay
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK;
| | | | - Alessandro Corti
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabete Silva
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.-C.d.A.G.); (E.S.); (E.K.)
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK; (S.-C.d.A.G.); (E.S.); (E.K.)
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro di Ricerca E.Piaggio, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.)
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Centro for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro3R), Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- K Saggar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dyanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana - 141001, India
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dyanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana - 141001, India
| | - P Sandhu
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dyanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana - 141001, India
| | - V Kalia
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dyanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana - 141001, India
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19
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Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A. Engineering and Monitoring 3D Cell Constructs with Time-Evolving Viscoelasticity for the Study of Liver Fibrosis In Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:106. [PMID: 34436109 PMCID: PMC8389340 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8080106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is generally associated with an over-production and crosslinking of extracellular matrix proteins, causing a progressive increase in both the elastic and viscous properties of the hepatic tissue. We describe a strategy for mimicking and monitoring the mechano-dynamics of the 3D microenvironment associated with liver fibrosis. Cell-laden gelatin hydrogels were crosslinked with microbial transglutaminase using a purpose-designed cytocompatible two-step protocol, which allows for the exposure of cells to a mechanically changing environment during culturing. A bioreactor was re-engineered to monitor the mechanical properties of cell constructs over time. The results showed a shift towards a more elastic (i.e., solid-like) behaviour, which is likely related to an increase in cell stress. The method effectively mimics the time-evolving mechanical microenvironment associated with liver fibrosis and could provide novel insights into pathophysiological processes in which both elastic and viscous properties of tissues change over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center ‘E. Piaggio’, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), Italy
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20
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Nossa R, Costa J, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A. Breathing in vitro: Designs and applications of engineered lung models. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211008696. [PMID: 33996022 PMCID: PMC8107677 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211008696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide a systematic design guideline to users, particularly engineers interested in developing and deploying lung models, and biologists seeking to identify a suitable platform for conducting in vitro experiments involving pulmonary cells or tissues. We first discuss the state of the art on lung in vitro models, describing the most simplistic and traditional ones. Then, we analyze in further detail the more complex dynamic engineered systems that either provide mechanical cues, or allow for more predictive exposure studies, or in some cases even both. This is followed by a dedicated section on microchips of the lung. Lastly, we present a critical discussion of the different characteristics of each type of system and the criteria which may help researchers select the most appropriate technology according to their specific requirements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the tables accompanying the different sections where comprehensive and quantitative information on the operating parameters and performance of the different systems reported in the literature is provided.
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21
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Liput M, Magliaro C, Kuczynska Z, Zayat V, Ahluwalia A, Buzanska L. Tools and approaches for analyzing the role of mitochondria in health, development and disease using human cerebral organoids. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:591-607. [PMID: 33725382 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles involved in generating energy to power various processes in the cell. Although the pivotal role of mitochondria in neurogenesis was demonstrated (first in animal models), very little is known about their role in human embryonic neurodevelopment and its pathology. In this respect human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived cerebral organoids provide a tractable, alternative model system of the early neural development and disease that is responsive to pharmacological and genetic manipulations, not possible to apply in humans. Although the involvement of mitochondria in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and brain dysfunction has been demonstrated, the precise role they play in cell life and death remains unknown, compromising the development of new mitochondria-targeted approaches to treat human diseases. The cerebral organoid model of neurogenesis and disease in vitro provides an unprecedented opportunity to answer some of the most fundamental questions about mitochondrial function in early human neurodevelopment and neural pathology. Largely an unexplored territory due to the lack of tools and approaches, this review focuses on recent technological advancements in fluorescent and molecular tools, imaging systems, and computational approaches for quantitative and qualitative analyses of mitochondrial structure and function in three-dimensional cellular assemblies-cerebral organoids. Future developments in this direction will further facilitate our understanding of the important role or mitochondrial dynamics and energy requirements during early embryonic development. This in turn will provide a further understanding of how dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Liput
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Zuzanna Kuczynska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Valery Zayat
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonora Buzanska
- Department of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Doryab A, Taskin MB, Stahlhut P, Schröppel A, Orak S, Voss C, Ahluwalia A, Rehberg M, Hilgendorff A, Stöger T, Groll J, Schmid O. A Bioinspired in vitro Lung Model to Study Particokinetics of Nano-/Microparticles Under Cyclic Stretch and Air-Liquid Interface Conditions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:616830. [PMID: 33634087 PMCID: PMC7902031 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.616830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolution has endowed the lung with exceptional design providing a large surface area for gas exchange area (ca. 100 m2) in a relatively small tissue volume (ca. 6 L). This is possible due to a complex tissue architecture that has resulted in one of the most challenging organs to be recreated in the lab. The need for realistic and robust in vitro lung models becomes even more evident as causal therapies, especially for chronic respiratory diseases, are lacking. Here, we describe the Cyclic InVItroCell-stretch (CIVIC) “breathing” lung bioreactor for pulmonary epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) experiencing cyclic stretch while monitoring stretch-related parameters (amplitude, frequency, and membrane elastic modulus) under real-time conditions. The previously described biomimetic copolymeric BETA membrane (5 μm thick, bioactive, porous, and elastic) was attempted to be improved for even more biomimetic permeability, elasticity (elastic modulus and stretchability), and bioactivity by changing its chemical composition. This biphasic membrane supports both the initial formation of a tight monolayer of pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 and 16HBE14o−) under submerged conditions and the subsequent cell-stretch experiments at the ALI without preconditioning of the membrane. The newly manufactured versions of the BETA membrane did not improve the characteristics of the previously determined optimum BETA membrane (9.35% PCL and 6.34% gelatin [w/v solvent]). Hence, the optimum BETA membrane was used to investigate quantitatively the role of physiologic cyclic mechanical stretch (10% linear stretch; 0.33 Hz: light exercise conditions) on size-dependent cellular uptake and transepithelial transport of nanoparticles (100 nm) and microparticles (1,000 nm) for alveolar epithelial cells (A549) under ALI conditions. Our results show that physiologic stretch enhances cellular uptake of 100 nm nanoparticles across the epithelial cell barrier, but the barrier becomes permeable for both nano- and micron-sized particles (100 and 1,000 nm). This suggests that currently used static in vitro assays may underestimate cellular uptake and transbarrier transport of nanoparticles in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Doryab
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Mehmet Berat Taskin
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Stahlhut
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schröppel
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Sezer Orak
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Carola Voss
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Markus Rehberg
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hilgendorff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany.,Center for Comprehensive Developmental Care (CDeCLMU), Dr. von Haunersches Children's Hospital University, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Stöger
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Groll
- Department of Functional Materials in Medicine and Dentistry, Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Otmar Schmid
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Munich, Germany
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23
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Cei D, Doryab A, Lenz AG, Schröppel A, Mayer P, Burgstaller G, Nossa R, Ahluwalia A, Schmid O. Development of a dynamic in vitro stretch model of the alveolar interface with aerosol delivery. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 118:690-702. [PMID: 33058147 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We describe the engineering design, computational modeling, and empirical performance of a moving air-liquid interface (MALI) bioreactor for the study of aerosol deposition on cells cultured on an elastic, porous membrane which mimics both air-liquid interface exposure conditions and mechanoelastic motion of lung tissue during breathing. The device consists of two chambers separated by a cell layer cultured on a porous, flexible membrane. The lower (basolateral) chamber is perfused with cell culture medium simulating blood circulation. The upper (apical) chamber representing the air compartment of the lung is interfaced to an aerosol generator and a pressure actuation system. By cycling the pressure in the apical chamber between 0 and 7 kPa, the membrane can mimic the periodic mechanical strain of the alveolar wall. Focusing on the engineering aspects of the system, we show that membrane strain can be monitored by measuring changes in pressure resulting from the movement of media in the basolateral chamber. Moreover, liquid aerosol deposition at a high dose delivery rate (>1 µl cm-2 min-1 ) is highly efficient (ca. 51.5%) and can be accurately modeled using finite element methods. Finally, we show that lung epithelial cells can be mechanically stimulated under air-liquid interface and stretch-conditions without loss of viability. The MALI bioreactor could be used to study the effects of aerosol on alveolar cells cultured at the air-liquid interface in a biodynamic environment or for toxicological or therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cei
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Doryab
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anke-Gabriele Lenz
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schröppel
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Paula Mayer
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gerald Burgstaller
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Roberta Nossa
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Otmar Schmid
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, Neuherberg, Germany
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24
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Martino NA, Fanelli D, Camillo F, Ciani E, Roelen BAJ, Ahluwalia A, Dell’Aquila ME. One-step automated bioprinting-based method for cumulus-oocyte complex microencapsulation for 3D in vitro maturation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238812. [PMID: 32915922 PMCID: PMC7485809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional in vitro maturation (3D IVM) is a promising approach to improve IVM efficiency as it could prevent cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) flattening and preserve its structural and functional integrity. Methods reported to date have low reproducibility and validation studies are limited. In this study, a bioprinting based production process for generating microbeads containing a COC (COC-microbeads) was optimized and its validity tested in a large animal model (sheep). Alginate microbeads were produced and characterized for size, shape and stability under culture conditions. COC encapsulation had high efficiency and reproducibility and cumulus integrity was preserved. COC-microbeads underwent IVM, with COCs cultured in standard 2D IVM as controls. After IVM, oocytes were analyzed for nuclear chromatin configuration, bioenergetic/oxidative status and transcriptional activity of genes biomarker of mitochondrial activity (TFAM, ATP6, ATP8) and oocyte developmental competence (KHDC3, NLRP5, OOEP and TLE6). The 3D system supported oocyte nuclear maturation more efficiently than the 2D control (P<0.05). Ooplasmic mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability were increased (P<0.05). Up-regulation of TFAM, ATP6 and ATP8 and down-regulation of KHDC3, NLRP5 expression were observed in 3D IVM. In conclusion, the new bioprinting method for producing COC-microbeads has high reproducibility and efficiency. Moreover, 3D IVM improves oocyte nuclear maturation and relevant parameters of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and could be used for clinical and toxicological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diana Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Bernard A. J. Roelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Embryology, Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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25
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Costa J, Almonti V, Cacopardo L, Poli D, Rapposelli S, Ahluwalia A. Investigating Curcumin/Intestinal Epithelium Interaction in a Millifluidic Bioreactor. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:bioengineering7030100. [PMID: 32858899 PMCID: PMC7552770 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is still an obstacle for chemotherapeutic treatments. One of the proteins involved in this phenomenon is the P-glycoprotein, P-gp, which is known to be responsible for the efflux of therapeutic substances from the cell cytoplasm. To date, the identification of a drug that can efficiently inhibit P-gp activity remains a challenge, nevertheless some studies have identified natural compounds suitable for that purpose. Amongst them, curcumin has shown an inhibitory effect on the protein in in vitro studies using Caco-2 cells. To understand if flow can modulate the influence of curcumin on the protein's activity, we studied the uptake of a P-gp substrate under static and dynamic conditions. Caco-2 cells were cultured in bioreactors and in Transwells and the basolateral transport of rhodamine-123 was assessed in the two systems as a function of the P-gp activity. Experiments were performed with and without pre-treatment of the cells with an extract of curcumin or an arylmethyloxy-phenyl derivative to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the natural substance with respect to a synthetic compound. The results indicated that the P-gp activity of the cells cultured in the bioreactors was intrinsically lower, and that the effect of both natural and synthetic inhibitors was up modulated by the presence of flow. Our study underlies the fact that the use of more sophisticated and physiologically relevant in vitro models can bring new insights on the therapeutic effects of natural substances such as curcumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanessa Almonti
- LARF-DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy;
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Daniele Poli
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Simona Rapposelli
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.C.); (D.P.); (A.A.)
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), 56122 Pisa, Italy;
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Di Pietro L, Piaggio D, Oronti I, Maccaro A, Houessouvo RC, Medenou D, De Maria C, Pecchia L, Ahluwalia A. A Framework for Assessing Healthcare Facilities in Low-Resource Settings: Field Studies in Benin and Uganda. J Med Biol Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-020-00546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to present and validate a framework for assessing healthcare facilities in low-resource settings to collect evidence and inform policies on the harmonisation, regulation and contextualised design of medical devices.
Methods
A literature review and focus groups with several experts of medical device design, clinical engineering, health technology assessment and management, allowed the creation of a protocol, comprising two parts: a semi-structured interview and electrical safety measures.
Results
Three hospitals were assessed in Benin and three in Uganda. All the health centres resulted to be facing typical challenges for low-resource settings, including the lack of funding, expertise, a well-established maintenance program, spare parts and consumables, and unreliable power supplies.
Conclusion
As there is a paucity of information regarding low-resource settings, the proposed framework can be used by clinical or biomedical engineers to assess and thereby propose actions for improving the conditions of healthcare settings.
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Kapil V, Khambata RS, Jones DA, Rathod K, Primus C, Massimo G, Fukuto JM, Ahluwalia A. The Noncanonical Pathway for In Vivo Nitric Oxide Generation: The Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:692-766. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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28
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Tirella A, Mattei G, La Marca M, Ahluwalia A, Tirelli N. Functionalized Enzyme-Responsive Biomaterials to Model Tissue Stiffening in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:208. [PMID: 32322576 PMCID: PMC7156543 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment play a crucial role in modulating cell function, and many pathophysiological processes are accompanied by variations in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness. Lysyl oxidase (LOx) is one of the enzymes involved in several ECM-stiffening processes. Here, we engineered poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels with controlled mechanical properties in the range typical of soft tissues. These hydrogels were functionalized featuring free primary amines, which allows an additional chemical LOx-responsive behavior with increase in crosslinks and hydrogel elastic modulus, mimicking biological ECM-stiffening mechanisms. Hydrogels with elastic moduli in the range of 0.5-4 kPa were obtained after a first photopolymerization step. The increase in elastic modulus of the functionalized and enzyme-responsive hydrogels was also characterized after the second-step enzymatic reaction, recording an increase in hydrogel stiffness up to 0.5 kPa after incubation with LOx. Finally, hydrogel precursors containing HepG2 (bioinks) were used to form three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models to mimic hepatic tissue and test PEG-based hydrogel biocompatibility. Hepatic functional markers were measured up to 7 days of culture, suggesting further use of such 3D models to study cell mechanobiology and response to dynamic variation of hydrogels stiffness. The results show that the functionalized hydrogels presented in this work match the mechanical properties of soft tissues, allow dynamic variations of hydrogel stiffness, and can be used to mimic changes in the microenvironment properties of soft tissues typical of inflammation and pathological changes at early stages (e.g., fibrosis, cancer).
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tirella
- BioEngineered Systems Lab, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- North West Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Tirelli
- North West Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Polymers and Biomaterials, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Poli D, Mattei G, Ucciferri N, Ahluwalia A. An Integrated In Vitro-In Silico Approach for Silver Nanoparticle Dosimetry in Cell Cultures. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:1271-1280. [PMID: 31933000 PMCID: PMC7089903 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Potential human and environmental hazards resulting from the exposure of living organisms to silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been the subject of intensive discussion in the last decade. Despite the growing use of Ag NPs in biomedical applications, a quantification of the toxic effects as a function of the total silver mass reaching cells (namely, target cell dose) is still needed. To provide a more accurate dose-response analysis, we propose a novel integrated approach combining well-established computational and experimental methodologies. We first used a particokinetic model (ISD3) for providing experimental validation of computed Ag NP sedimentation in static-cuvette experiments. After validation, ISD3 was employed to predict the total mass of silver reaching human endothelial cells and hepatocytes cultured in 96 well plates. Cell viability measured after 24 h of culture was then related to this target cell dose. Our results show that the dose perceived by the cell monolayer after 24 h of exposure is around 85% lower than the administered nominal media concentration. Therefore, accurate dosimetry considering particle characteristics and experimental conditions (e.g., time, size and shape of wells) should be employed for better interpreting effects induced by the amount of silver reaching cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Poli
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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30
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Callara AL, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A, Vanello N. A Smart Region-Growing Algorithm for Single-Neuron Segmentation From Confocal and 2-Photon Datasets. Front Neuroinform 2020; 14:9. [PMID: 32256332 PMCID: PMC7090132 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2020.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurately digitizing the brain at the micro-scale is crucial for investigating brain structure-function relationships and documenting morphological alterations due to neuropathies. Here we present a new Smart Region Growing algorithm (SmRG) for the segmentation of single neurons in their intricate 3D arrangement within the brain. Its Region Growing procedure is based on a homogeneity predicate determined by describing the pixel intensity statistics of confocal acquisitions with a mixture model, enabling an accurate reconstruction of complex 3D cellular structures from high-resolution images of neural tissue. The algorithm's outcome is a 3D matrix of logical values identifying the voxels belonging to the segmented structure, thus providing additional useful volumetric information on neurons. To highlight the algorithm's full potential, we compared its performance in terms of accuracy, reproducibility, precision and robustness of 3D neuron reconstructions based on microscopic data from different brain locations and imaging protocols against both manual and state-of-the-art reconstruction tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center “E. Piaggio” - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio” - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanello
- Research Center “E. Piaggio” - University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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31
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Costa J, Ghilardi M, Mamone V, Ferrari V, Busfield JJC, Ahluwalia A, Carpi F. Bioreactor With Electrically Deformable Curved Membranes for Mechanical Stimulation of Cell Cultures. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:22. [PMID: 32047746 PMCID: PMC6997204 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiologically relevant in vitro models of stretchable biological tissues, such as muscle, lung, cardiac and gastro-intestinal tissues, should mimic the mechanical cues which cells are exposed to in their dynamic microenvironment in vivo. In particular, in order to mimic the mechanical stimulation of tissues in a physiologically relevant manner, cell stretching is often desirable on surfaces with dynamically controllable curvature. Here, we present a device that can deform cell culture membranes without the current need for external pneumatic/fluidic or electrical motors, which typically make the systems bulky and difficult to operate. We describe a modular device that uses elastomeric membranes, which can intrinsically be deformed by electrical means, producing a dynamically tuneable curvature. This approach leads to compact, self-contained, lightweight and versatile bioreactors, not requiring any additional mechanical equipment. This was obtained via a special type of dielectric elastomer actuator. The structure, operation and performance of early prototypes are described, showing preliminary evidence on their ability to induce changes on the spatial arrangement of the cytoskeleton of fibroblasts dynamically stretched for 8 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Costa
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Ghilardi
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Materials Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia Mamone
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, EndoCAS Center for Computer Assisted Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ferrari
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, EndoCAS Center for Computer Assisted Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - James J C Busfield
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Materials Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Carpi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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32
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Pietro LD, De Maria C, Ravizza A, Ahluwalia A. Co-design open-source medical devices: how to minimize the human error using UBORA e-infrastructure .. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2020; 2019:3730-3733. [PMID: 31946685 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2019.8856891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the complex context of the medical device industry and healthcare systems, the reduction in cost may increase access to medical technologies moving towards global health equity. This paper is focused on the description of UBORA, an e-infrastructure based on a new concept of biomedical engineering which promotes the open-source approach for co-designing medical devices, fostering innovative ideas, needs-based, low-cost and safe technology. UBORA structures the entire design process using EN ISO 13485:2016, standard related to medical technology for inspiration. As a proof of concept, this paper shows an example of the development of an open source medical device for hand rehabilitation, designed using UBORA. We demonstrate the straightforward pathway to gather information on safety requirements. Finally, we describe a usability test of the e-infrastructure performed during the 4th WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices in India.
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Mattei G, Cacopardo L, Ahluwalia A. Engineering Gels with Time-Evolving Viscoelasticity. Materials (Basel) 2020; 13:E438. [PMID: 31963333 PMCID: PMC7014018 DOI: 10.3390/ma13020438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
From a mechanical point of view, a native extracellular matrix (ECM) is viscoelastic. It also possesses time-evolving or dynamic behaviour, since pathophysiological processes such as ageing alter their mechanical properties over time. On the other hand, biomaterial research on mechanobiology has focused mainly on the development of substrates with varying stiffness, with a few recent contributions on time- or space-dependent substrate mechanics. This work reports on a new method for engineering dynamic viscoelastic substrates, i.e., substrates in which viscoelastic parameters can change or evolve with time, providing a tool for investigating cell response to the mechanical microenvironment. In particular, a two-step (chemical and enzymatic) crosslinking strategy was implemented to modulate the viscoelastic properties of gelatin hydrogels. First, gels with different glutaraldehyde concentrations were developed to mimic a wide range of soft tissue viscoelastic behaviours. Then their mechanical behaviour was modulated over time using microbial transglutaminase. Typically, enzymatically induced mechanical alterations occurred within the first 24 h of reaction and then the characteristic time constant decreased although the elastic properties were maintained almost constant for up to seven days. Preliminary cell culture tests showed that cells adhered to the gels, and their viability was similar to that of controls. Thus, the strategy proposed in this work is suitable for studying cell response and adaptation to temporal variations of substrate mechanics during culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
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Bassi AM, Ahluwalia A, Penco S, Chiono V, Fiore GB, Visai L. 2nd Centro3R Annual Meeting: 3Rs in Italian universities. ALTEX 2020; 37:493-495. [PMID: 32686839 DOI: 10.14573/altex.2001171] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Bassi
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,LARF-DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,Research Center E. Piaggio, and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Penco
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,LARF-DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianfranco B Fiore
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Visai
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research), Italy.,Molecular Medicine Department (DMM), Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM, University of Pavia, and Department of Occupational Medicine, Toxicology and Environmental Risks, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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35
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Bassi AM, Ahluwalia A. Give meaning to alternative methods to animal testing. ALTEX 2019; 36:669-670. [PMID: 31665538 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1907051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Bassi
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Italy.,LARF-DIMES, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro 3R (Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), Italy.,Research Center E. Piaggio and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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36
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Ingram JR, Ahluwalia A. The pharmacology of itch. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:4419-4420. [PMID: 31612462 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14865] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The article has been co-published with permission in British Journal of Dermatology and British Journal of Pharmacology. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal's style. Either citation can be used when citing this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Ingram
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - A Ahluwalia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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37
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Magliaro C, Mattei G, Iacoangeli F, Corti A, Piemonte V, Ahluwalia A. Oxygen Consumption Characteristics in 3D Constructs Depend on Cell Density. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:251. [PMID: 31649925 PMCID: PMC6796794 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is not only crucial for cell survival but also a determinant for cell fate and function. However, the supply of oxygen and other nutrients as well as the removal of toxic waste products often limit cell viability in 3-dimensional (3D) engineered tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the oxygen consumption characteristics of 3D constructs as a function of their cell density. The oxygen concentration was measured at the base of hepatocyte laden constructs and a tightly controlled experimental and analytical framework was used to reduce the system geometry to a single coordinate and enable the precise identification of initial and boundary conditions. Then dynamic process modeling was used to fit the measured oxygen vs. time profiles to a reaction and diffusion model. We show that oxygen consumption rates are well-described by Michaelis-Menten kinetics. However, the reaction parameters are not literature constants but depend on the cell density. Moreover, the average cellular oxygen consumption rate (or OCR) also varies with density. We discuss why the OCR of cells is often misinterpreted and erroneously reported, particularly in the case of 3D tissues and scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Flavio Iacoangeli
- Department of Engineering, University "Campus Bio-medico" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corti
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piemonte
- Department of Engineering, University "Campus Bio-medico" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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38
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Ingram JR, Ahluwalia A. The pharmacology of itch. Br J Dermatol 2019; 184:e1-e2. [PMID: 31578709 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J R Ingram
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, U.K
| | - A Ahluwalia
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, U.K
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Magliaro C, Callara AL, Vanello N, Ahluwalia A. Gotta Trace 'em All: A Mini-Review on Tools and Procedures for Segmenting Single Neurons Toward Deciphering the Structural Connectome. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:202. [PMID: 31555642 PMCID: PMC6727034 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decoding the morphology and physical connections of all the neurons populating a brain is necessary for predicting and studying the relationships between its form and function, as well as for documenting structural abnormalities in neuropathies. Digitizing a complete and high-fidelity map of the mammalian brain at the micro-scale will allow neuroscientists to understand disease, consciousness, and ultimately what it is that makes us humans. The critical obstacle for reaching this goal is the lack of robust and accurate tools able to deal with 3D datasets representing dense-packed cells in their native arrangement within the brain. This obliges neuroscientist to manually identify the neurons populating an acquired digital image stack, a notably time-consuming procedure prone to human bias. Here we review the automatic and semi-automatic algorithms and software for neuron segmentation available in the literature, as well as the metrics purposely designed for their validation, highlighting their strengths and limitations. In this direction, we also briefly introduce the recent advances in tissue clarification that enable significant improvements in both optical access of neural tissue and image stack quality, and which could enable more efficient segmentation approaches. Finally, we discuss new methods and tools for processing tissues and acquiring images at sub-cellular scales, which will require new robust algorithms for identifying neurons and their sub-structures (e.g., spines, thin neurites). This will lead to a more detailed structural map of the brain, taking twenty-first century cellular neuroscience to the next level, i.e., the Structural Connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Vanello
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
The functional and structural resemblance of organoids to mammalian organs suggests that they might follow the same allometric scaling rules. However, despite their remarkable likeness to downscaled organs, non-luminal organoids are often reported to possess necrotic cores due to oxygen diffusion limits. To assess their potential as physiologically relevant in vitro models, we determined the range of organoid masses in which quarter power scaling as well as a minimum threshold oxygen concentration is maintained. Using data on brain organoids as a reference, computational models were developed to estimate oxygen consumption and diffusion at different stages of growth. The results show that mature brain (or other non-luminal) organoids generated using current protocols must lie within a narrow range of masses to maintain both quarter power scaling and viable cores. However, micro-fluidic oxygen delivery methods could be designed to widen this range, ensuring a minimum viable oxygen threshold throughout the constructs and mass dependent metabolic scaling. The results provide new insights into the significance of the allometric exponent in systems without a resource-supplying network and may be used to guide the design of more predictive and physiologically relevant in vitro models, providing an effective alternative to animals in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Magliaro
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Rinaldo
- Laboratory of Ecohydrology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland.,Dipartimento ICEA, University of Padova, via Loredan 30, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 1, 56122, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Caruso, 16, 56122, Pisa, Italy.
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41
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Costa J, Ahluwalia A. Advances and Current Challenges in Intestinal in vitro Model Engineering: A Digest. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:144. [PMID: 31275931 PMCID: PMC6591368 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [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: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological environment of the intestine is characterized by its variegated composition, numerous functions and unique dynamic conditions, making it challenging to recreate the organ in vitro. This review outlines the requirements for engineering physiologically relevant intestinal in vitro models, mainly focusing on the importance of the mechano-structural cues that are often neglected in classic cell culture systems. More precisely: the topography, motility and flow present in the intestinal epithelium. After defining quantitative descriptors for these features, we describe the current state of the art, citing relevant approaches used to address one (or more) of the elements in question, pursuing a progressive conceptual construction of an "ideal" biomimetic intestinal model. The review concludes with a critical assessment of the currently available methods to summarize the important features of the intestinal tissue in the light of their different applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center “E. Piaggio” and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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42
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Cacopardo L, Costa J, Giusti S, Buoncompagni L, Meucci S, Corti A, Mattei G, Ahluwalia A. Real-time cellular impedance monitoring and imaging of biological barriers in a dual-flow membrane bioreactor. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 140:111340. [PMID: 31154254 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The generation of physiologically relevant in-vitro models of biological barriers can play a key role in understanding human diseases and in the development of more predictive methods for assessing toxicity and drug or nutrient absorption. Here, we present an advanced cell culture system able to mimic the dynamic environment of biological barriers while monitoring cell behaviour through real-time impedance measurements and imaging. It consists of a fluidic device with an apical and a basal flow compartment separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The main features of the device are the integration of sensing through transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI) measurements and transparent windows for optical monitoring within a dual flow system. Caco-2 cells were cultured in the TEEI bioreactor under both flow and static conditions. Although no differences in the expression of peripheral actin and occludin were visible, the cells in dynamic conditions developed higher impedance values at low frequencies, indicative of a higher paracellular electrical impedance with respect to the static cultures. TEEI measurements at high frequency also enabled monitoring monolayer formation, which can be correlated with the observation of an RC behaviour in the impedance spectra. In particular, the cells subject to flow showed accelerated barrier formation and increased vitality with respect to the static controls, again highlighting the importance of dynamic conditions for epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Cacopardo
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - J Costa
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - S Giusti
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Italy; IVTech S.r.l, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - S Meucci
- Micronit Microtechnologies, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - A Corti
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', University of Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy.
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43
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Poli D, Magliaro C, Ahluwalia A. Experimental and Computational Methods for the Study of Cerebral Organoids: A Review. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:162. [PMID: 30890910 PMCID: PMC6411764 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral (or brain) organoids derived from human cells have enormous potential as physiologically relevant downscaled in vitro models of the human brain. In fact, these stem cell-derived neural aggregates resemble the three-dimensional (3D) cytoarchitectural arrangement of the brain overcoming not only the unrealistic somatic flatness but also the planar neuritic outgrowth of the two-dimensional (2D) in vitro cultures. Despite the growing use of cerebral organoids in scientific research, a more critical evaluation of their reliability and reproducibility in terms of cellular diversity, mature traits, and neuronal dynamics is still required. Specifically, a quantitative framework for generating and investigating these in vitro models of the human brain is lacking. To this end, the aim of this review is to inspire new computational and technology driven ideas for methodological improvements and novel applications of brain organoids. After an overview of the organoid generation protocols described in the literature, we review the computational models employed to assess their formation, organization and resource uptake. The experimental approaches currently provided to structurally and functionally characterize brain organoid networks for studying single neuron morphology and their connections at cellular and sub-cellular resolution are also discussed. Well-established techniques based on current/voltage clamp, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs) are proposed for monitoring intra- and extra-cellular responses underlying neuronal dynamics and functional connections. Finally, we consider critical aspects of the established procedures and the physiological limitations of these models, suggesting how a complement of engineering tools could improve the current approaches and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Poli
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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44
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Berger E, Magliaro C, Paczia N, Monzel AS, Antony P, Linster CL, Bolognin S, Ahluwalia A, Schwamborn JC. Millifluidic culture improves human midbrain organoid vitality and differentiation. Lab Chip 2018; 18:3172-3183. [PMID: 30204191 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00206a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Human midbrain-specific organoids (hMOs) serve as an experimental in vitro model for studying the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). In hMOs, neuroepithelial stem cells (NESCs) give rise to functional midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons that are selectively degenerating during PD. A limitation of the hMO model is an under-supply of oxygen and nutrients to the densely packed core region, which leads eventually to a "dead core". To reduce this phenomenon, we applied a millifluidic culture system that ensures media supply by continuous laminar flow. We developed a computational model of oxygen transport and consumption in order to predict oxygen levels within the hMOs. The modelling predicts higher oxygen levels in the hMO core region under millifluidic conditions. In agreement with the computational model, a significantly smaller "dead core" was observed in hMOs cultured in a bioreactor system compared to those ones kept under conventional shaking conditions. Comparing the necrotic core regions in the organoids with those obtained from the model allowed an estimation of the critical oxygen concentration necessary for ensuring cell vitality. Besides the reduced "dead core" size, the differentiation efficiency from NESCs to mDA neurons was elevated in hMOs exposed to medium flow. Increased differentiation involved a metabolic maturation process that was further developed in the millifluidic culture. Overall, bioreactor conditions that improve hMO quality are worth considering in the context of advanced PD modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Berger
- University of Luxembourg (UL), Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) - Developmental and Cellular Biology group, Luxembourg.
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45
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Cacopardo L, Guazzelli N, Nossa R, Mattei G, Ahluwalia A. Engineering hydrogel viscoelasticity. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 89:162-167. [PMID: 30286375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify a method for modifying the time-dependent viscoelastic properties of gels without altering the elastic component. To this end, two hydrogels commonly used in biomedical applications, agarose and acrylamide, were prepared in aqueous solutions of dextran with increasing concentrations (0%, 2% and 5% w/v) and hence increasing viscosities. Commercial polyurethane sponges soaked in the same solutions were used as controls, since, unlike in hydrogels, the liquid in these sponge systems is poorly bound to the polymer network. Sample viscoelastic properties were characterised using the epsilon-dot method, based on compression tests at different constant strain-rates. Experimental data were fitted to a standard linear solid model. While increasing the liquid viscosity in the controls resulted in a significant increase of the characteristic relaxation time (τ), both the instantaneous (Einst) and the equilibrium (Eeq) elastic moduli remained almost constant. However, in the hydrogels a significant reduction of both Einst and τ was observed. On the other hand, as expected, Eeq - an indicator of the equilibrium elastic behaviour after the occurrence of viscoelastic relaxation dynamics - was found to be independent of the liquid phase viscosity. Therefore, although the elastic and viscous components of hydrogels cannot be completely decoupled due to the interaction of the liquid and solid phases, we show that their viscoelastic behaviour can be modulated by varying the viscosity of the aqueous phase. This simple-yet-effective strategy could be useful in the field of mechanobiology, particularly for studying cell response to substrate viscoelasticity while keeping the elastic cue (i.e. equilibrium modulus, or quasi-static stiffness) constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicole Guazzelli
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Nossa
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy; Optics11 B.V., De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and LaserLaB, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Girolamo Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
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46
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Mattei G, Magliaro C, Pirone A, Ahluwalia A. Bioinspired liver scaffold design criteria. Organogenesis 2018; 14:129-146. [PMID: 30156955 PMCID: PMC6300109 DOI: 10.1080/15476278.2018.1505137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining hepatic functional characteristics in-vitro is considered one of the main challenges in engineering liver tissue. As hepatocytes cultured ex-vivo are deprived of their native extracellular matrix (ECM) milieu, developing scaffolds that mimic the biomechanical and physicochemical properties of the native ECM is thought to be a promising approach for successful tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. On the basis that the decellularized liver matrix represents the ideal design template for engineering bioinspired hepatic scaffolds, to derive quantitative descriptors of liver ECM architecture, we characterised decellularised liver matrices in terms of their biochemical, viscoelastic and structural features along with porosity, permeability and wettability. Together, these data provide a unique set of quantitative design criteria which can be used to generate guidelines for fabricating biomaterial scaffolds for liver tissue engineering. As proof-of-concept, we investigated hepatic cell response to substrate viscoelasticity. On collagen hydrogels mimicking decellularised liver mechanics, cells showed superior morphology, higher viability and albumin secretion than on stiffer and less viscous substrates. Although scaffold properties are generally inspired by those of native tissues, our results indicate significant differences between the mechano-structural characteristics of untreated and decellularised hepatic tissue. Therefore, we suggest that design rules - such as mechanical properties and swelling behaviour - for engineering biomimetic scaffolds be re-examined through further studies on substrates matching the features of decellularized liver matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Mattei
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Optics11 B.V, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biophotonics & Medical Imaging and Laser LaB, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Research Centre “E. Piaggio”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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47
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Jones DA, Whittaker P, Rathod KS, Richards AJ, Andiapen M, Antoniou S, Mathur A, Ahluwalia A. P2564Sodium nitrite-mediated cardioprotection in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy565.p2564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D A Jones
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Whittaker
- Wayne State University, Detroit, United States of America
| | - K S Rathod
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - M Andiapen
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Antoniou
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Mathur
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - A Ahluwalia
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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48
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De Maria C, Di Pietro L, Díaz Lantada A, Madete J, Makobore PN, Mridha M, Ravizza A, Torop J, Ahluwalia A. Safe innovation: On medical device legislation in Europe and Africa. Health Policy and Technology 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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49
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Ahluwalia A, Bassi AM, Milazzo P. Inauguration of the Centro 3R for the promotion of 3Rs principles in teaching and research. ALTEX 2018; 35:260-261. [PMID: 29677695 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1803201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arti Ahluwalia
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Italy.,Research Center E. Piaggio and Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Bassi
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Milazzo
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Italy.,Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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50
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Ahluwalia A, Jones MK, Brzozowska I, Tarnawski AS. In vitro model of vasculo-angiogenesis: demonstration that bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells form new hybrid capillary blood vessels jointly with gastric endothelial cells. J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 68:841-846. [PMID: 29550796] [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] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regeneration of blood vessels (neovascularization) is critical for tissue injury healing. The contribution of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMD-EPCs) to neovascularization during tissue injury healing is not fully elucidated and it is not clear whether BMD-EPCs can form new capillary blood vessels independently or jointly with fully differentiated endothelial cells (ECs). The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis by co-culture of BMD-EPCs and gastric endothelial cells (GECs) on Matrigel, examine direct interactions of these cells; and, identify the mechanisms involved. We isolated BMD-EPCs and GECs from bone marrow and stomach of rats, respectively. In these cells, we examined the expression of CD34, CD133, CD31, VEGF-R2, stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and CXCR4, and, their ability to form capillary-like tubes when cultured separately or when co-cultured (1:5 ratio) on growth factor-reduced Matrigel. Fluorescence-labeled BMD-EPCs seeded alone on Matrigel formed capillary-like tubes reflecting in vitro vasculogenesis, and when co-cultured with GECs on Matrigel, formed 'hybrid' tubes containing BMD-EPCs nested between GECs thus reflecting in vitro angio-vasculogenesis. These 'hybrid' tubes were 1.5-fold wider (P < 0.001) and had more extensive (5.1-fold increase) loops (P < 0.01) at the junctions of BMD-EPCs and GECs versus tubes formed by GECs alone. GECs expressed SDF-1 that likely mediated homing of BMD-EPCs (which expressed the SDF-1 receptor, CXCR4) and their incorporation during neovascularization. BMD-EPCs can independently form capillary-like tubes on Matrigel, and when co-cultured with fully differentiated ECs on Matrigel, form capillary-like 'hybrid' tubes comprised of both cell types. Both BMD-EPCs and GECs express SDF-1 and CXCR4, which indicate direct paracrine interactions between these cells during neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahluwalia
- Medical and Research Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - M K Jones
- Medical and Research Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - I Brzozowska
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - A S Tarnawski
- Medical and Research Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA. ;
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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