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De Santa F, Strimpakos G, Marchetti N, Gargari G, Torcinaro A, Arioli S, Mora D, Petrella C, Farioli-Vecchioli S. Effect of a multi-strain probiotic mixture consumption on anxiety and depression symptoms induced in adult mice by postnatal maternal separation. Microbiome 2024; 12:29. [PMID: 38369490 PMCID: PMC10875865 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01752-w] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal microbial composition not only affects the health of the gut but also influences centrally mediated systems involved in mood, through the "gut-brain" axis, a bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the brain. In this context, the modulation of intestinal microbiota and its metabolites through the administration of probiotics seems to represent a very promising approach in the treatment of the central nervous system alterations. Early postnatal life is a critical period during which the brain undergoes profound and essential modulations in terms of maturation and plasticity. Maternal separation (MS), i.e., the disruption of the mother-pup interaction, represents a pivotal paradigm in the study of stress-related mood disorders, by inducing persistent changes in the immune system, inflammatory processes, and emotional behavior in adult mammals. RESULTS We conducted experiments to investigate whether sustained consumption of a multi-strain probiotic formulation by adult male mice could mitigate the effects of maternal separation. Our data demonstrated that the treatment with probiotics was able to totally reverse the anxiety- and depressive-like behavior; normalize the neuro-inflammatory state, by restoring the resting state of microglia; and finally induce a proneurogenic effect. Mice subjected to maternal separation showed changes in microbiota composition compared to the control group that resulted in permissive colonization by the administered multi-strain probiotic product. As a consequence, the probiotic treatment also significantly affected the production of SCFA and in particular the level of butyrate. CONCLUSION Gut microbiota and its metabolites mediate the therapeutic action of the probiotic mix on MS-induced brain dysfunctions. Our findings extend the knowledge on the use of probiotics as a therapeutic tool in the presence of alterations of the emotional sphere that significantly impact on gut microbiota composition. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Santa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, Italy
| | - Nicole Marchetti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, Italy
- Sciences of Nutrition, Aging, Metabolism and Gender Pathologies, Catholic University of Roma, Rome, 00100, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gargari
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Torcinaro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, Italy
| | - Stefania Arioli
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Mora
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Farioli-Vecchioli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Via E. Ramarini, 32, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, Italy.
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Paparella R, Ferraguti G, Fiore M, Menghi M, Micangeli G, Tarani F, Ligotino A, Messina MP, Ceccanti M, Minni A, Barbato C, Lucarelli M, Tarani L, Petrella C. Serum Lipocalin-2 Levels as a Biomarker in Pre- and Post-Pubertal Klinefelter Syndrome Patients: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2214. [PMID: 38396890 PMCID: PMC10889401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042214] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a male genetic disease caused by the presence of an extra X chromosome, causing endocrine disorders mainly responsible for a high rate of infertility and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Scientific research is interested in identifying new biomarkers that can be predictive or prognostic of alterations strictly connected to KS. Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2, also known as NGAL) is a small protein initially identified within neutrophils as a protein related to innate immunity. Serum LCN-2 estimation seems to be a useful tool in predicting the metabolic complications caused by several pathological conditions. However, little is known about its potential role in infertility conditions. The present pilot study aims to investigate the presence of LCN-2 in the serum of a group of pre-pubertal and post-pubertal children affected by KS, compared to healthy controls. We demonstrated for the first time the presence of elevated levels of LCN-2 in the serum of KS patients, compared to controls. This increase was accompanied, in pre-pubertal KS patients, by the loss of correlation with LH and HDL, which instead was present in the healthy individuals. Moreover, in all KS individuals, a positive correlation between LCN-2 and inhibin B serum concentration was found. Despite the limited size of the sample analyzed, our preliminary data encourage further studies to confirm the findings and to extend the study to KS adult patients, to verify the predictive/prognostic value of LCN-2 as new biomarker for metabolic diseases and infertility associated with the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (M.L.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.)
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Aurora Ligotino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Marisa Patrizia Messina
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento Dell’alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy;
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.)
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (M.L.)
- Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (M.M.); (G.M.); (F.T.); (M.P.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.F.); (C.B.)
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Micangeli G, Menghi M, Profeta G, Paparella R, Tarani F, Petrella C, Barbato C, Minni A, Greco A, Ferraguti G, Tarani L, Fiore M. Malignant and Benign Head and Neck Tumors of the Pediatric Age: A Narrative Review. Curr Pediatr Rev 2024; 20:CPR-EPUB-137392. [PMID: 38310547 DOI: 10.2174/0115733963258575231123043807] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Malignant tumors of the head and neck are rare in children, but it is important to know these lesions and identify them early in order to have a good outcome for these patients. Benign lesions of the head and neck are much more frequent and have an excellent prognosis. For this reason, it is necessary to recognize the warning signs and symptoms and understand when to refer the patient to a reference center for the treatment of these pathologies. The clinical presentation of both benign and malignant lesions in children may be similar as usually, both categories have compressive effects. This confirms the fact that the clinical diagnosis is not sufficient and always requires instrumental investigations and biopsies. In this narrative review, we analyzed both malignant lesions such as lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, thyroid tumors, salivary gland tumors, neuroblastoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and benign ones such as cystic dermoid teratoma, hemangioma, juvenile angiofibroma and fibrosis dysplasia. Indeed, we set out to discuss the most common lesions of this site by evaluating their characteristics to highlight the differentiation of malignant tumors from benign lesions and their correct clinical-therapeutic management. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify all narrative reviews addressing malignant and benign head and neck tumors of the pediatric age. In conclusion, the care of children affected by head and neck benign lesions and malignancy must be combined and multidisciplinary. It is essential to recognize the diseases early in order to differentiate and intervene as soon as possible for the correct clinical-therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Profeta
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Roma, Italy
- ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Roma, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Roma, Italy
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Fanfarillo F, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Francati S, Barbato C, Minni A, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Petrella C, Fiore M. The Impact of ROS and NGF in the Gliomagenesis and their Emerging Implications in the Glioma Treatment. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2024; 23:449-462. [PMID: 37016521 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230403105438] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen (O2). ROS sources can be endogenous, such as cellular organelles and inflammatory cells, or exogenous, such as ionizing radiation, alcohol, food, tobacco, chemotherapeutical agents and infectious agents. Oxidative stress results in damage of several cellular structures (lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA) and is implicated in various disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. A large body of studies showed that ROS plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, increased production of ROS causes accumulation in DNA damage leading to tumorigenesis. Various investigations demonstrated the involvement of ROS in gliomagenesis. The most common type of primary intracranial tumor in adults is represented by glioma. Furthermore, there is growing attention on the role of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in brain tumor pathogenesis. NGF is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. It is involved in neuronal differentiation, proliferation and survival. Studies were conducted to investigate NGF pathogenesis's role as a pro- or anti-tumoral factor in brain tumors. It has been observed that NGF can induce both differentiation and proliferation in cells. The involvement of NGF in the pathogenesis of brain tumors leads to the hypothesis of a possible implication of NGF in new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the role of neurotrophin receptors as potential targets in glioma therapy. This review provides an updated overview of the role of ROS and NGF in gliomagenesis and their emerging role in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
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Meliante PG, Petrella C, Fiore M, Minni A, Barbato C. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Vaccine: Current Landscape and Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9215-9233. [PMID: 37998754 PMCID: PMC10670496 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110577] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of unresectable or metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) has traditionally relied on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, yielding suboptimal outcomes. The introduction of immunotherapy has significantly improved HNSCC treatment, even if the long-term results cannot be defined as satisfactory. Its mechanism of action aims to counteract the blockade of tumor immune escape. This result can also be obtained by stimulating the immune system with vaccines. This review scope is to comprehensively gather existing evidence and summarize ongoing clinical trials focused on therapeutic vaccines for HNSCC treatment. The current landscape reveals numerous promising drugs in the early stages of experimentation, along with a multitude of trials that have been suspended or abandoned for years. Nonetheless, there are encouraging results and ongoing experiments that instill hope for potential paradigm shifts in HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Giuseppe Meliante
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy 1, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Zingaropoli MA, Pasculli P, Barbato C, Petrella C, Fiore M, Dominelli F, Latronico T, Ciccone F, Antonacci M, Liuzzi GM, Talarico G, Bruno G, Galardo G, Pugliese F, Lichtner M, Mastroianni CM, Minni A, Ciardi MR. Biomarkers of Neurological Damage: From Acute Stage to Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Cells 2023; 12:2270. [PMID: 37759493 PMCID: PMC10526816 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182270] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurological symptoms (NS) in COVID-19 are related to both acute stage and long-COVID. We explored levels of brain injury biomarkers (NfL and GFAP) and myeloid activation marker (sCD163) and their implications on the CNS. Materials and Methods: In hospitalized COVID-19 patients plasma samples were collected at two time points: on hospital admission (baseline) and three months after hospital discharge (Tpost). Patients were stratified according to COVID-19 severity based on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) onset (severe and non-severe groups). A further stratification according to the presence of NS (with and without groups) at baseline (requiring a puncture lumbar for diagnostic purposes) and according to NS self-referred at Tpost was performed. Finally, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from patients with NS present at baseline. Results: We enrolled 144 COVID-19 patients (62 female/82 male; median age [interquartile range, IQR]): 64 [55-77]) and 53 heathy donors (HD, 30 female/23 male; median age [IQR]: 64 [59-69]). At baseline, higher plasma levels of NfL, GFAP and sCD163 in COVID-19 patients compared to HD were observed (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively), especially in those with severe COVID-19 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Patients with NS showed higher plasma levels of NfL, GFAP and sCD163 compared to those without (p = 0.0023, p < 0.0001 and 0.0370, respectively). At baseline, in COVID-19 patients with NS, positive correlations between CSF levels of sCD163 and CSF levels of NfL (ρ = 0.7536, p = 0.0017) and GFAP were observed (ρ = 0.7036, p = 0.0045). At Tpost, the longitudinal evaluation performed on 77 COVID-19 patients showed a significant reduction in plasma levels of NfL, GFAP and sCD163 compared to baseline (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0413, respectively). Finally, at Tpost, in the severe group, higher plasma levels of sCD163 in patients with NS compared to those without were reported (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: High plasma levels of NfL, GFAP and sCD163 could be due to a proinflammatory systemic and brain response involving microglial activation and subsequent CNS damage. Our data highlight the association between myeloid activation and CNS perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonella Zingaropoli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Department of Sense Organs, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- Department of Sense Organs, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Department of Sense Organs, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Federica Dominelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Tiziana Latronico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (T.L.); (G.M.L.)
| | - Federica Ciccone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Michele Antonacci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Grazia Maria Liuzzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (T.L.); (G.M.L.)
| | - Giuseppina Talarico
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Bruno
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.T.); (G.B.)
| | - Gioacchino Galardo
- Medical Emergency Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Pugliese
- Department of Specialist Surgery and Organ Transplantation “Paride Stefanini”, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Miriam Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, SM Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Latina, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.P.); (F.D.); (F.C.); (M.A.); (C.M.M.); (M.R.C.)
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Meliante PG, Petrella C, Fiore M, Minni A, Barbato C. Antioxidant Use after Diagnosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): A Systematic Review of Application during Radiotherapy and in Second Primary Cancer Prevention. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1753. [PMID: 37760056 PMCID: PMC10525582 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091753] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 5-20% of HNSCC patients experience second primary cancers within the first 5 years of treatment, contributing to high mortality rates. Epidemiological evidence has linked a low dietary intake of antioxidants to an increased risk of cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, prompting research into their potential in neoplasm chemoprevention. Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for HNSCC, and a diet rich in antioxidants offers protective effects against head and neck cancer. Paradoxically, smokers, who are at the highest risk, tend to consume fewer antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This has led to the hypothesis that integrating antioxidants into the diet could play a role in both primary and secondary prevention for at-risk individuals. Furthermore, some HNSCC patients use antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to manage side effects, but their impact on cancer outcomes remains uncertain. This systematic review explores the evidence for the potential use of antioxidants in preventing second primary cancers in HNSCC patients. In conclusion, none of the antioxidants tested so far (α-tocopherol, β-carotene, JP, Isotretinoin, interferon α-2a, vitamin E, retinyl palmitate, N-acetylcysteine) was effective in preventing second primary tumors in HNSCC patients, and they could only be used in reducing the side effects of radiotherapy. Further research is needed to better understand the interplay between antioxidants and cancer outcomes in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Giuseppe Meliante
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy;
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (M.F.)
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Mastino P, Rosati D, de Soccio G, Romeo M, Pentangelo D, Venarubea S, Fiore M, Meliante PG, Petrella C, Barbato C, Minni A. Oxidative Stress in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Putative Pathways to Hearing System Impairment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1430. [PMID: 37507968 PMCID: PMC10376727 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071430] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION OSAS is a disease that affects 2% of men and 4% of women of middle age. It is a major health public problem because untreated OSAS could lead to cardiovascular, metabolic, and cerebrovascular complications. The more accepted theory relates to oxidative stress due to intermittent hypoxia, which leads, after an intense inflammatory response through multiple pathways, to endothelial damage. The objective of this study is to demonstrate a correlation between OSAS and hearing loss, the effect of the CPAP on hearing function, and if oxidative stress is also involved in the damaging of the hearing system. METHODS A review of the literature has been executed. Eight articles have been found, where seven were about the correlation between OSAS and the hearing system, and only one was about the CPAP effects. It is noted that two of the eight articles explored the theory of oxidative stress due to intermittent hypoxia. RESULTS All studies showed a significant correlation between OSAS and hearing function (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Untreated OSAS affects the hearing system at multiple levels. Oxidative stress due to intermittent hypoxia is the main pathogenetic mechanism of damage. CPAP has no effects (positive or negative) on hearing function. More studies are needed, with the evaluation of extended high frequencies, the execution of vocal audiometry in noisy environments, and the evaluation of potential biomarkers due to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Mastino
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Davide Rosati
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Giulia de Soccio
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Martina Romeo
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Daniele Pentangelo
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Venarubea
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Director of analysis Laboratory of De Lellis Hospital, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Piero Giuseppe Meliante
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Clinical Pathology Physician, Director of Analysis Laboratory of De Lellis Hospital, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
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Zoccali F, Petrella C, Zingaropoli MA, Fiore M, Ralli M, Minni A, Barbato C. Neurofilament Expression as a Biomarker of Post-COVID-19 Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Diseases 2023; 11:92. [PMID: 37489444 PMCID: PMC10366716 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030092] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) affects a patient's quality of life and requires rapid treatment. The etiology is viral, vascular, and autoimmune, even though, in most cases, it remains idiopathic SSHL. Since 2019, several different complications have been identified following COVID-19 infection. The post-COVID-19 ENT manifestations reported in the literature are sore throat, headache, pharyngeal erythema, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and tonsil enlargement. Cases of SSHL, vestibular neuronitis, and audio-vestibular disorders (such as tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo) have also been reported, albeit in a smaller percentage of patients. We reported our experience of a case of post-COVID-19 SSHL in the absence of any other type of post-COVID symptoms or brain and internal auditory canal magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography modifications. We aimed to identify a serological biomarker of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and we also dosed and monitored the value of the serum neurofilament light (NfL). the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that associates SSHL and the serological increase in NfL as a potential biomarker of neuronal-disease-related damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zoccali
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Zingaropoli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs DOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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10
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Fiore M, Minni A, Cavalcanti L, Raponi G, Puggioni G, Mattia A, Gariglio S, Colizza A, Meliante PG, Zoccali F, Tarani L, Barbato C, Lucarelli M, Ceci FM, Francati S, Ferraguti G, Ceccanti M, Petrella C. The Impact of Alcohol Consumption and Oral Microbiota on Upper Aerodigestive Tract Carcinomas: A Pilot Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1233. [PMID: 37371963 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061233] [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] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is associated with oxidative stress and an increased risk of carcinoma of the upper aero-digestive tract (UADT). Recently, it has been found that some microorganisms in the human oral cavity may locally metabolize ethanol, forming acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic metabolite of alcohol. In a cohort of patients first visited for UADT cancers, we estimated their alcohol consumption by measuring Ethyl Glucuronide/EtG (a long-lasting metabolite of ethanol) in the hair and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin/CDT (short-term index of alcohol intake) in the serum. Moreover, we analyzed, by culture-based methods, the presence of Neisseria subflava, Streptococcus mitis, Candida albicans, and glabrata (microorganisms generating acetaldehyde) in the oral cavity. According to the EtG values, we correlated drinking alcohol with endogenous oxidative stress and the investigated microorganism's presence. We found that 55% of heavy drinkers presented microorganisms generating acetaldehyde locally. Moreover, we found that the presence of oral acetaldehyde-producing bacteria correlates with increased oxidative stress compared to patients without such bacteria. As for the study of alcohol dehydrogenase gene polymorphisms (the enzyme that transforms alcohol to acetaldehyde), we found that only the "CGTCGTCCC" haplotype was more frequent in the general population than in carcinoma patients. This pilot study suggests the importance of estimating alcohol consumption (EtG), the presence of bacteria producing acetaldehyde, and oxidative stress as risk factors for the onset of oral carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Luca Cavalcanti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Giammarco Raponi
- Laboratory for Clinical Microbiology, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Puggioni
- Laboratory for Clinical Microbiology, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mattia
- Dipartimento della Pubblica Sicurezza, Direzione Centrale di Sanità, Centro di Ricerche e Laboratorio di Tossicologia Forense, Ministero dell'Interno, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Gariglio
- DIFAR-Department of Pharmacy, Università di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Federica Zoccali
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Pasteur Institute Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- ASL Roma1, SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, 00100 Roma, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy
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11
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Derme M, Piccioni MG, Brunelli R, Crognale A, Denotti M, Ciolli P, Scomparin D, Tarani L, Paparella R, Terrin G, Di Chiara M, Mattia A, Nicotera S, Salomone A, Ceccanti M, Messina MP, Maida NL, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Fiore M. Oxidative Stress in a Mother Consuming Alcohol during Pregnancy and in Her Newborn: A Case Report. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1216. [PMID: 37371946 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061216] [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] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a set of conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). FASD is estimated to affect between 2% and 5% of people in the United States and Western Europe. The exact teratogenic mechanism of alcohol on fetal development is still unclear. Ethanol (EtOH) contributes to the malfunctioning of the neurological system in children exposed in utero by decreasing glutathione peroxidase action, with an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes oxidative stress. We report a case of a mother with declared alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking during pregnancy. By analyzing the ethyl glucuronide (EtG, a metabolite of alcohol) and the nicotine/cotinine in the mother's hair and meconium, we confirmed the alcohol and smoking abuse magnitude. We also found that the mother during pregnancy was a cocaine abuser. As a result, her newborn was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). At the time of the delivery, the mother, but not the newborn, had an elevation in oxidative stress. However, the infant, a few days later, displayed marked potentiation in oxidative stress. The clinical complexity of the events involving the infant was presented and discussed, underlining also the importance that for cases of FASD, it is crucial to have more intensive hospital monitoring and controls during the initial days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Derme
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Piccioni
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alba Crognale
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marika Denotti
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Ciolli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Debora Scomparin
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Terrin
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Di Chiara
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mattia
- Dipartimento Della Pubblica Sicurezza, Direzione Centrale di Sanità, Centro di Ricerche e Laboratorio di Tossicologia Forense, Ministero dell'Interno, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Nicotera
- Dipartimento Della Pubblica Sicurezza, Direzione Centrale di Sanità, Centro di Ricerche e Laboratorio di Tossicologia Forense, Ministero dell'Interno, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento Dell'alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marisa Patrizia Messina
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Nunzia La Maida
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
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12
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Spaziani M, Carlomagno F, Tenuta M, Sesti F, Angelini F, Bonaventura I, Ferrari D, Tarantino C, Fiore M, Petrella C, Tarani L, Gianfrilli D, Pozza C. Extra-Gonadal and Non-Canonical Effects of FSH in Males. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:813. [PMID: 37375761 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060813] [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] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is commonly used for the treatment of female infertility and is increasingly being used in males as well, as recommended by notable guidelines. FSH is composed of an α subunit, shared with other hormones, and a β subunit, which confers specificity of biological action by interacting with its surface receptor (FSHR), predominantly located in granulosa and Sertoli cells. However, FSHRs also exist in extra-gonadal tissues, indicating potential effects beyond male fertility. Emerging evidence suggests that FSH may have extra-gonadal effects, including on bone metabolism, where it appears to stimulate bone resorption by binding to specific receptors on osteoclasts. Additionally, higher FSH levels have been associated with worse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting a possible impact on the cardiovascular system. FSH has also been implicated in immune response modulation, as FSHRs are expressed on immune cells and may influence inflammatory response. Furthermore, there is growing interest in the role of FSH in prostate cancer progression. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the extra-gonadal effects of FSH in men, with a focus on the often-conflicting results reported in this field. Despite the contradictory findings, the potential for future development in this area is substantial, and further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bonaventura
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Paparella R, Menghi M, Micangeli G, Leonardi L, Profeta G, Tarani F, Petrella C, Ferraguti G, Fiore M, Tarani L. Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndromes in the Pediatric Age. Children 2023; 10:children10030588. [PMID: 36980146 PMCID: PMC10047132 DOI: 10.3390/children10030588] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APSs) encompass a heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by autoimmune activity against two or more endocrine or non-endocrine organs. Three types of APSs are reported, including both monogenic and multifactorial, heterogeneous disorders. The aim of this manuscript is to present the main clinical and epidemiological characteristics of APS-1, APS-2, and IPEX syndrome in the pediatric age, describing the mechanisms of autoimmunity and the currently available treatments for these rare conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leonardi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Profeta
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (L.T.)
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Angeloni A, Bonci E, Petrella C, Francati S, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Gavaruzzi F, Mastroianni CM, Minni A, Greco A, Ralli M, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Fiore M. Investigating Biomarkers for COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality. Curr Top Med Chem 2023:CTMC-EPUB-129692. [PMID: 36815637 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666230222094517] [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] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This retrospective study aims to disclose further early parameters of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. METHODS Three hundred and eighty-two COVID-19 patients, recruited between March and April 2020, were divided into three groups according to their outcome: (1) hospital ward group (patients who entered the hospital wards and survived); (2) intensive care unit (ICU) group (patients who attended the ICU and survived); (3) the deceased group (patients admitted to ICU with a fatal outcome). We investigated routine laboratory parameters such as albumin, glycemia, hemoglobin amylase, lipase, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, CK, MGB, TnT-hs, IL-6, ferritin, CRP, PCT, WBC, RBC, PLT, PT, INR, APTT, FBG, and D-dimer. Blood withdrawal was carried out at the beginning of the hospitalization period. RESULTS ANOVA and ROC data evidenced that the concomitant presence of alterations in albumin, lipase, AST, ALT, LDH, MGB, CK, IL-6, ferritin in women, CRP and D-dimer is an early sign of fatal outcomes. CONCLUSION The present study confirms and extends the validity of routine laboratory biomarkers (i.e., lipase, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, IL-6, ferritin in women, CRP and D-dimer) as indicators of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the investigation suggests that both gross changes in albumin and MGB, markers of liver and heart damage, may early disclose COVID-19 fatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Gavaruzzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze (SITAC), Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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15
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Petrella C, Zingaropoli MA, Ceci FM, Pasculli P, Latronico T, Liuzzi GM, Ciardi MR, Angeloni A, Ettorre E, Menghi M, Barbato C, Ferraguti G, Minni A, Fiore M. COVID-19 Affects Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurofilament Light Chain in Aged Men: Implications for Morbidity and Mortality. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040655. [PMID: 36831321 PMCID: PMC9954454 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040655] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Severe COVID-19 is known to induce neurological damage (NeuroCOVID), mostly in aged individuals, by affecting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 and the neurofilament light chain (NFL) pathways. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate BDNF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and NFL in the serum of aged men affected by COVID-19 at the beginning of the hospitalization period and characterized by different outcomes, i.e., attending a hospital ward or an intensive care unit (ICU) or with a fatal outcome. As a control group, we used a novelty of the study, unexposed age-matched men. We also correlated these findings with the routine blood parameters of the recruited individuals. RESULTS We found in COVID-19 individuals with severe or lethal outcomes disrupted serum BDNF, NFL, and MMP-2 presence and gross changes in ALT, GGT, LDH, IL-6, ferritin, and CRP. We also confirmed and extended previous data, using ROC analyses, showing that the ratio MMPs (2 and 9) versus BDNF and NFL might be a useful tool to predict a fatal COVID-19 outcome. CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF and NFL and/or their ratios with MMP-2 and MMP-9 could represent early predictors of NeuroCOVID in aged men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Maria Antonella Zingaropoli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Latronico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Liuzzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Evaristo Ettorre
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.F.)
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16
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Ferraguti G, Terracina S, Micangeli G, Lucarelli M, Tarani L, Ceccanti M, Spaziani M, D'Orazi V, Petrella C, Fiore M. NGF and BDNF in pediatrics syndromes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 145:105015. [PMID: 36563920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play multiple roles in different settings including neuronal development, function and survival in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems from early stages. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of evidences on the role of NTs in rare and non-common pediatric human diseases associated with changes in neurodevelopment. A variety of diseases has been analyzed and many have been linked to NTs neurobiological effects, including chronic granulomatous disease, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Angelman syndrome, fragile X syndrome, trisomy 16, Williams-Beuren syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, WAGR syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome. NTs alterations have been associated with numerous pathologic manifestations including cognitive defects, behavioral abnormalities, epilepsy, obesity, tumorigenesis as well as muscle-skeletal, immunity, bowel, pain sensibility and cilia diseases. In this report, we discuss that further studies are needed to clear a possible therapeutic role of NTs in these still often uncurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio D'Orazi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Gabanella F, Colizza A, Mottola MC, Francati S, Blaconà G, Petrella C, Barbato C, Greco A, Ralli M, Fiore M, Corbi N, Ferraguti G, Corsi A, Minni A, de Vincentiis M, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. The RNA-Binding Protein SMN as a Novel Player in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021794. [PMID: 36675308 PMCID: PMC9864193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arises from the mucosal epithelium in the oral cavity, pharynx, sino-nasal region, and larynx. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) represents one-third of all head and neck cancers. Dysregulated RNA-related pathways define an important molecular signature in this aggressive carcinoma. The Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein regulates fundamental aspects of the RNA metabolism but, curiously, its role in cancer is virtually unknown. For the first time, here, we focus on the SMN in the cancer context. We conducted a pilot study in a total of 20 patients with LSCC where the SMN was found overexpressed at both the protein and transcript levels. By a cellular model of human laryngeal carcinoma, we demonstrated that the SMN impacts cancer-relevant behaviors and perturbs key players of cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. Furthermore, in LSCC we showed a physical interaction between the SMN and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), whose overexpression is an important feature in these tumors. This study proposes the SMN protein as a novel therapeutic target in LSSC and likely in the whole spectrum of HNSCC. Overall, we provide the first analysis of the SMN in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mottola
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.)
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18
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Tarani L, Ceci FM, Carito V, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Minni A, Spaziani M, Isidori AM, Certo MGD, Barbato C, Putotto C, Fiore M. Neuroimmune Dysregulation in Prepubertal and Adolescent Individuals Affected by Klinefelter Syndrome. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:105-114. [PMID: 35794745 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220704101310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The syndrome Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder due to an extra X chromosome in males. Many cases remain undiagnosed until the onset of major manifestations, which include hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility. This condition is associated with many comorbidities that involve the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. Last but not the least, individuals with KS show a high risk of developing psychiatric and mood disorders in adult age. OBJECTIVE While many studies are accessible on KS in adult individuals, the neuroinflammatory condition in adolescent and prepubertal KS individuals is not fully known. METHODS Our study aims to evaluate in prepubertal and adolescent KS individuals, for the first time, the levels of the serum of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), cytokines having subtle roles in oxidative processes, and neuroinflammation with respect to the levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, MCP-1, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 and oxidative stress by employing free oxygen radicals defense and free oxygen radicals test. RESULTS We found no changes in NGF and oxidative stress parameters, but BDNF decreased compared to healthy children. Quite interestingly, our data showed reduced levels of IL-2, IL-1α, IL- 12, IL-10, and IL-6 in prepubertal KS children. CONCLUSION The present study discloses disrupted immune system and neurotrophin pathways in KS children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Carito
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Putotto
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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19
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Terracina S, Petrella C, Francati S, Lucarelli M, Barbato C, Minni A, Ralli M, Greco A, Tarani L, Fiore M, Ferraguti G. Antioxidant Intervention to Improve Cognition in the Aging Brain: The Example of Hydroxytyrosol and Resveratrol. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415674. [PMID: 36555317 PMCID: PMC9778814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Both physiological and pathological aging processes induce brain alterations especially affecting the speed of processing, working memory, conceptual reasoning and executive functions. Many therapeutic approaches to reduce the impact of brain aging on cognitive functioning have been tested; unfortunately, there are no satisfactory results as a single therapy. As aging is partly contributed by free radical reactions, it has been proposed that exogenous antioxidants could have a positive impact on both aging and its associated manifestations. The aim of this report is to provide a summary and a subsequent review of the literature evidence on the role of antioxidants in preventing and improving cognition in the aging brain. Manipulation of endogenous cellular defense mechanisms through nutritional antioxidants or pharmacological compounds represents an innovative approach to therapeutic intervention in diseases causing brain tissue damage, such as neurodegeneration. Coherently with this notion, antioxidants, especially those derived from the Mediterranean diet such as hydroxytyrosol and resveratrol, seem to be able to delay and modulate the cognitive brain aging processes and decrease the occurrence of its effects on the brain. The potential preventive activity of antioxidants should be evaluated in long-term exposure clinical trials, using preparations with high bioavailability, able to bypass the blood-brain barrier limitation, and that are well standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC—CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC—CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC—CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (G.F.)
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20
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De Nardo MC, Petrella C, Di Chiara M, Di Mario C, Deli G, Travaglia E, Baldini L, Russo A, Parisi P, Fiore M, Terrin G. Early nutritional intake influences the serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in preterm newborns. Front Neurol 2022; 13:988101. [PMID: 36324384 PMCID: PMC9620475 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.988101] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parenteral nutrition (PN) may have detrimental effects on neurodevelopment in preterm newborns. Moreover, enteral nutrition (EN) seems to be protective. To understand the mechanisms of how neurological development can be influenced by the route of administration of nutritional intake, we investigated the relationship between the serum levels of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nutritional intake received in early life by preterm newborns. Materials and methods Specimens of blood were obtained at 28 days of life (DOL) for NGF/BDNF determination in neonates <32 weeks of gestation and/or with birth weight <1,500 g, consecutively observed in the neonatal intensive care unit. We analyzed the relation between amino acid content and energy intake and NGF/BDNF measurements at 28 DOL. PN protein intake was referred to as the total amounts of amino acid intake received daily. Results We enrolled 20 newborns (gestational age 30.45 ± 1.76 weeks, birth weight 1,340 ± 352.63 g). Serum NGF value at 28 DOL was positively correlated with enteral protein and energy intake (r = 0.767; r = 0.746, p < 0.001), whereas, negatively correlated with parenteral amino acid and energy intake (r = −0.652, p < 0.001; r = −0.466, p < 0.05). Similar significant correlations were described between BDNF level at 28 DOL and enteral energy intake (r = 0.493, p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that NGF level at 28 DOL depends on enteral protein and energy intake administrated in the 1st week of life. Conclusion Neurotrophin values varied according to the route of nutrition administration in preterm newborns. NGF/BDNF serum levels are influenced positively and negatively by EN and PN, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara De Nardo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBB) of the National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Di Chiara
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Mario
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Deli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Travaglia
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Baldini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Russo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBB) of the National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Terrin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gianluca Terrin
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Zoccali F, Cambria F, Colizza A, Ralli M, Greco A, de Vincentiis M, Petrella C, Fiore M, Minni A, Barbato C. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Third Dose Booster of COVID-19 Vaccine Administration. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092039. [PMID: 36140441 PMCID: PMC9498132 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092039] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic due to its rapid spread worldwide, and its vaccination campaign is considered one of the most historic public hygiene measures in modern medicine. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a common emergency that affects patient’s quality of life and requires rapid treatment with steroids. The etiology could be viral or vascular even though in most cases it remains unknown (idiopathic SSHL). During the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign, several rare but serious adverse events have been reported including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, myocarditis, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome. ENT adverse events after vaccination were reported too, including cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), vestibular neuronitis and audio vestibular disorders (such as tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo). For the first time here, we reported two cases of SSHL after third administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Even if there is not clear evidence of an association between SSHL and vaccination, adverse effects should be kept in mind since viral infection could be the etiology of SSHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zoccali
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (A.M.); (C.B.)
| | - Francesca Cambria
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Colizza
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (A.M.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (A.M.); (C.B.)
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22
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Terracina S, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Bruno SM, Blaconà G, Di Certo MG, Minni A, Greco A, Musacchio A, Ralli M, Tarani L, Ceccanti M, Polimeni A, Triaca V, Fiore M. Characteristic Hallmarks of Aging and the Impact on Carcinogenesis. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 23:87-102. [PMID: 35975845 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220816120353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence shows that there is a synergistic, bidirectional association between cancer and aging with many shared traits. Age itself is a risk factor for the onset of most cancers, while evidence suggests that cancer and its treatments might accelerate aging by causing genotoxic and cytotoxic insults. Aging has been associated with a series of alterations that can be linked to cancer: i) genomic instability caused by DNA damage or epigenetic alterations coupled with repair errors, which lead to progressive accumulation of mutations; ii) telomere attrition with possible impairment of telomerase, shelterin complex, or the trimeric complex (Cdc13, Stn1 and Ten1 - CST) activities associated with abnormalities in DNA replication and repair; iii) altered proteostasis, especially when leading to an augmented proteasome, chaperon and autophagy-lysosome activity; iv) mitochondrial dysfunction causing oxidative stress; v) cellular senescence; vi) stem cells exhaustion, intercellular altered communication and deregulated nutrient sensing which are associated with microenvironmental modifications which may facilitate the subsequential role of cancer stem cells. Nowadays, anti-growth factor agents and epigenetic therapies seem to assume an increasing role in fighting aging-related diseases, especially cancer. This report aims to discuss the impact of age on cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Musacchio
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy.,Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
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23
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D'Angelo A, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Vitali M, Giovagnoli R, De Persis S, Fiore M, Ceccanti M, Messina MP. Acute alcohol intoxication: a clinical overview. Clin Ter 2022; 173:280-291. [PMID: 35612344 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2022.2432] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Alcohol is a legal and yet detrimental psychoactive substance, capable of establishing addiction and impacting the physical, mental, social, and economic health of people. Alcohol intake causes a large variety of tissue damages severely impacting the nervous system, digestive and cardiovascular systems and causing oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, esophageal, colon-rectal, laryngeal, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, and breast cancers. Alcohol can also play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy and hemorrhagic strokes. When drunk during pregnancy it is proved to be responsible for serious damage to fetuses causing a wide range of pathological conditions from miscarriage to Fetal Alcoholic Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Acute ethanol intoxication happens when the amount of alcohol consumed is greater than the disposal capacity of the liver, causing an accumulation of its metabolites displayed by initial dysphoria and disinhibition. Nausea, vomiting, memory loss could happen. Although, it can lead to more serious conditions like impaired speaking, impaired coordination, unstable gait, nystagmus, stupor, or coma. Respiratory depression and death could also happen in such cases. Unfortunately, diagnosis of acute alcohol intoxication is difficult because most of the drinkers deny or minimize their assumption. It is dramatically important to assess when the last intake happened to avoid withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol acute intoxication can be considered a serious harm to health and a relevant issue for healthcare provid-ers working in emergency rooms. Differential diagnosis is crucial to avoid serious outcomes. There is no consensus about therapies for acute intoxication, but supportive and symptomatic treatments were proved effective. The repercussions of alcohol misuse over drinkers' social, familiar, economical and working life enhance the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - C Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - A Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - R Giovagnoli
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - M Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - M Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - M P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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24
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Terracina S, Ferraguti G, Tarani L, Messina MP, Lucarelli M, Vitali M, De Persis S, Greco A, Minni A, Polimeni A, Ceccanti M, Petrella C, Fiore M. Transgenerational Abnormalities Induced by Paternal Preconceptual Alcohol Drinking: Findings from Humans and Animal Models. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1158-1173. [PMID: 34720083 PMCID: PMC9886817 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211101111430] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy and lactation is a widespread preventable cause of neurodevelopmental impairment in newborns. While the harmful effects of gestational alcohol use have been well documented, only recently, the role of paternal preconceptual alcohol consumption (PPAC) prior to copulating has drawn specific epigenetic considerations. Data from human and animal models have demonstrated that PPAC may affect sperm function, eliciting oxidative stress. In newborns, PPAC may induce changes in behavior, cognitive functions, and emotional responses. Furthermore, PPAC may elicit neurobiological disruptions, visuospatial impairments, hyperactivity disorders, motor skill disruptions, hearing loss, endocrine, and immune alterations, reduced physical growth, placental disruptions, and metabolic alterations. Neurobiological studies on PPAC have also disclosed changes in brain function and structure by disrupting the growth factors pathways. In particular, as shown in animal model studies, PPAC alters brain nerve growth factor (NGF) and brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis and release. This review shows that the crucial topic of lifelong disabilities induced by PPAC and/or gestational alcohol drinking is quite challenging at the individual, societal, and familial levels. Since a nontoxic drinking behavior before pregnancy (for both men and women), during pregnancy, and lactation cannot be established, the only suggestion for couples planning pregnancies is to completely avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, RomeItaly
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, RomeItaly
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, RomeItaly
| | | | | | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell’Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy,Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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25
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Petrella C, Nenna R, Petrarca L, Tarani F, Paparella R, Mancino E, Di Mattia G, Conti MG, Matera L, Bonci E, Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Gabanella F, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Cavalcanti L, Minni A, Midulla F, Tarani L, Fiore M. Serum NGF and BDNF in Long-COVID-19 Adolescents: A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051162. [PMID: 35626317 PMCID: PMC9140550 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19) is an infectious disease also known as an acute respiratory syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Although in children and adolescents SARS-CoV-2 infection produces mostly mild or moderate symptoms, in a certain percentage of recovered young people a condition of malaise, defined as long-COVID-19, remains. To date, the risk factors for the development of long-COVID-19 are not completely elucidated. Neurotrophins such as NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) and BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) are known to regulate not only neuronal growth, survival and plasticity, but also to influence cardiovascular, immune, and endocrine systems in physiological and/or pathological conditions; to date only a few papers have discussed their potential role in COVID-19. In the present pilot study, we aimed to identify NGF and BDNF changes in the serum of a small cohort of male and female adolescents that contracted the infection during the second wave of the pandemic (between September and October 2020), notably in the absence of available vaccines. Blood withdrawal was carried out when the recruited adolescents tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 (“post-infected COVID-19”), 30 to 35 days after the last molecular test. According to their COVID-19 related outcomes, the recruited individuals were divided into three groups: asymptomatics, acute symptomatics and symptomatics that over time developed long-COVID-19 symptoms (“future long-COVID-19”). As a control group, we analyzed the serum of age-matched healthy controls that did not contract the infection. Inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, TGF-β), MCP-1, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12) were also analyzed with the free oxygen radicals’ presence as an oxidative stress index. We showed that NGF serum content was lower in post-infected-COVID-19 individuals when compared to healthy controls; BDNF levels were found to be higher compared to healthy individuals only in post-infected-COVID-19 symptomatic and future long-COVID-19 girls, leaving the BDNF levels unchanged in asymptomatic individuals if compared to controls. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were unchanged in male and female adolescents, except for TGF-β that, similarly to BDNF, was higher in post-infected-COVID-19 symptomatic and future long-COVID-19 girls. We predicted that NGF and/or BDNF could be used as early biomarkers of COVID-19 morbidity in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Greta Di Mattia
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria Giulia Conti
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (E.B.); (F.M.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Luca Cavalcanti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (R.N.); (L.P.); (F.T.); (R.P.); (E.M.); (G.D.M.); (M.G.C.); (L.M.); (F.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.P.); (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.G.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Gabanella F, Barbato C, Corbi N, Fiore M, Petrella C, de Vincentiis M, Greco A, Ferraguti G, Corsi A, Ralli M, Pecorella I, Di Gioia C, Pecorini F, Brunelli R, Passananti C, Minni A, Di Certo MG. Exploring Mitochondrial Localization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Padlock Assay: A Pilot Study in Human Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042100. [PMID: 35216211 PMCID: PMC8875563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic dictated new priorities in biomedicine research. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. In this pilot study, we optimized our padlock assay to visualize genomic and subgenomic regions using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placental samples obtained from a confirmed case of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was localized in trophoblastic cells. We also checked the presence of the virion by immunolocalization of its glycoprotein spike. In addition, we imaged mitochondria of placental villi keeping in mind that the mitochondrion has been suggested as a potential residence of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. We observed a substantial overlapping of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and mitochondria in trophoblastic cells. This intriguing linkage correlated with an aberrant mitochondrial network. Overall, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides evidence of colocalization of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infected tissue. These findings also support the notion that SARS-CoV-2 infection can reprogram mitochondrial activity in the highly specialized maternal–fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
| | - Irene Pecorella
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Cira Di Gioia
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (C.D.G.)
| | - Francesco Pecorini
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (R.B.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.G.); (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.M.); (M.G.D.C.)
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Ceci FM, Fiore M, Gavaruzzi F, Angeloni A, Lucarelli M, Scagnolari C, Bonci E, Gabanella F, Di Certo MG, Barbato C, Petrella C, Greco A, Vincentiis MD, Ralli M, Passananti C, Poscia R, Minni A, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Ferraguti G. Early Routine Biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 Morbidity and Mortality: Outcomes from an Emergency Section. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010176. [PMID: 35054342 PMCID: PMC8774587 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. This disease has spread rapidly around the world and soon became an international public health emergency leading to an unpredicted pressure on the hospital emergency units. Early routine blood biomarkers could be key predicting factors of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality as suggested for C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, prothrombin and D-dimer. This study aims to identify other early routine blood biomarkers for COVID-19 severity prediction disclosed directly into the emergency section. Methods. Our research was conducted on 156 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at the Sapienza University Hospital “Policlinico Umberto I” of Rome, Italy, between March 2020 and April 2020 during the paroxysm’s initial phase of the pandemic. In this retrospective study, patients were divided into three groups according to their outcome: (1) emergency group (patients who entered the emergency room and were discharged shortly after because they did not show severe symptoms); (2) intensive care unit (ICU) group (patients who attended the ICU after admission to the emergency unit); (3) the deceased group (patients with a fatal outcome who attended the emergency and, afterward, the ICU units). Routine laboratory tests from medical records were collected when patients were admitted to the emergency unit. We focused on Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine kinase (CK), Myoglobin (MGB), Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer. Results. As expected, ANOVA data show an age morbidity increase in both ICU and deceased groups compared with the emergency group. A main effect of morbidity was revealed by ANOVA for all the analyzed parameters with an elevation between the emergency group and the deceased group. Furthermore, a significant increase in LDH, Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer was also observed between the ICU group and the emergency group and between the deceased group and ICU group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed and extended these findings. Conclusions. This study suggests that the contemporaneous presence of high levels of LDH, Ferritin, and as expected, CRP, and D-dimer could be considered as potential predictors of COVID-19 severity and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesca Gavaruzzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Enea Bonci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.G.); (M.G.D.C.); (C.B.); (C.P.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Marco De Vincentiis
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Poscia
- Unita di Ricerca Clinica e Clinical Competence-Direzione Generale, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (A.G.); (M.D.V.); (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell’Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze (SITAC), 00184 Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.M.C.); (A.A.); (M.L.); (E.B.); (G.F.)
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Fiore M, Petrella C, Coriale G, Rosso P, Fico E, Ralli M, Greco A, De Vincentiis M, Minni A, Polimeni A, Vitali M, Messina MP, Ferraguti G, Tarani F, de Persis S, Ceccanti M, Tarani L. Markers of Neuroinflammation in the Serum of Prepubertal Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2022; 21:854-868. [PMID: 34852752 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666211201154839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are the manifestation of the damage caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), the extreme FASD manifestation, show both facial dysmorphology and mental retardation. Alcohol consumed during gestational age prejudices brain development by reducing, among others, the synthesis and release of neurotrophic factors and neuroinflammatory markers. Alcohol drinking also induces oxidative stress. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between neurotrophins, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in 12 prepubertal male and female FASD children diagnosed as FAS or partial FAS (pFAS). METHODS Accordingly, we analyzed, in the serum, the level of BDNF and NGF and the oxidative stress, as Free Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT) and Free Oxygen Radicals Defense (FORD). Moreover, serum levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, MCP-1, TGF-β, and TNF-α) involved in neuroinflammatory and oxidative processes have been investigated. RESULTS We demonstrated low serum levels of NGF and BDNF in pre-pubertal FASD children with respect to healthy controls. These changes were associated with higher serum presence of TNF- α and IL-1α. Quite interestingly, an elevation in the FORD was also found despite normal FORT levels. Moreover, we found a potentiation of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-1α1 in the analyzed female compared to male children. CONCLUSION The present investigation shows an imbalance in the peripheral neuroimmune pathways that could be used in children as early biomarkers of the deficits observed in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Coriale
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Societa' Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo, Roma Italy SIFASD, Società Italiana Sindrome Feto-Alcolica, Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
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Ceci FM, Fiore M, Agostinelli E, Tahara T, Greco A, Ralli M, Polimeni A, Lucarelli M, Colletti R, Angeloni A, Tirassa P, Ceccanti M, Messina MP, Vitali M, Petrella C, Ferraguti G. Urinary ethyl glucuronide for the assessment of alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Comparison between biochemical data and screening questionnaires. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3125-3141. [PMID: 34823457 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211125100329] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a metabolite of ethanol used as a marker of alcohol drinking and is identified in urine. Gestational alcohol drinking harms the fetus, so, disclosing any form of use and abuse of this substance during pregnancy is crucial. Many discovery methods have been planned to overcome this question, including that of using screening questionnaires as the AUDIT-C, T-ACE/TACER-3, and TWEAK. AIM The aim and novelties of this study were to compare biochemical data from urinary EtG assays (cut-off 100 ng/mL for risking drinking behavior) with the outcome of questionnaires and of a food diary routinely used in our hospital; moreover, for the first time, we analyzed in pregnant women the EtG values normalized by the amount of creatinine excreted according to methods previously established [1]. METHODS Random urine samples were collected from 309 pregnant women immediately after being interviewed. EtG was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay and urinary creatinine was assessed using an enzymatic colorimetric method. Women that had not exhaustively answered one of the questionnaires, or that refused to provide urine samples were excluded. In the end, 309 women had a complete set of data and were considered for this study. Urine creatinine measurements were performed to determine if urine dilution might have resulted in false negatives in the challenge study. In order to accomplish this objective, as urinary creatinine concentrations are, on average, approximately 1 mg/mL, we used a normalized value of 100 ng EtG/mg Creatinine [1]. RESULTS Our data show that 20.4% of the pregnant women in the study were over the established normalized cut-off value. Poor to null concordance (unweighted k < 0.2) was found between EtG data and the screening interviews, that show, on average, lower levels of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the assessment of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, only indirectly estimated with questionnaires and food diary, can produce misleading ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Tomoaki Tahara
- Department of Sensory Organs, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | | | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Colletti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Medical Faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Sitac, Societa' Italiana per lo Studio delle Patologie Alcool Derivate. Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | | | | | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
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D'Angelo A, Giacomin L, Murabito M, Ciceroni V, Petrella C, Fiore M, Ceccanti M, De Persis S, Messina MP. Caesarean Section in Preventing Stillbirths in Pregnancy Complicated with COVID-19: a Narrative Review. Clin Ter 2021; 172:570-576. [PMID: 34821354 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2021.2380] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is a complex syndrome caused by SARS-Cov-2. It mainly affects the respiratory system, but it could cause serious harm during pregnancy. An increase in stillbirths and preterm births has been highlighted by many authors. Although WHO and Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology don't recommend elective cesarean section in women with confirmed infection, cesarean sections were performed by many clinicians. This short narrative review aims to analyze pieces of evidence found in literature about the effectiveness of cesarean section in preventing stillbirths in COVID-19 positive mothers. METHODS Studies included in the present review were retrieved searching MEDLINE (last access August 5th, 2021) with the following keywords: "pregnant woman with covid-19", "Caesarean section", "Ab-dominal Delivery" and "Stillbirth". Studies regarding the mode of delive-ry in pregnant women infected with COVID-19 and neonatal outcomes were included. Studies about biology, anesthesiology and necroscopy were excluded. Filters for "human" and "English" were applied. RESULTS Searching MEDLINE, 24 references were found. Other 103 articles were found searching bibliography. Two references were excluded after duplicate removal, 77 references after the title screen and 27 after the abstract screen. The final number of references included was 23. Most of the included studies were case reports. Most of them were from China. DISCUSSION Many authors highlighted the increased risk of fetal death in pregnancies complicated with SARS-Cov-2 infection, but it is not clear if Caesarean Section could reduce this risk. Pieces of evidence show that most clinicians choose to perform an elective cesarean section mostly because of maternal conditions or the fear of possible vertical transmission. Data show that mode of delivery doesn't affect the neonatal outcome and Caesarean Section doesn't reduce the positivity rate among neonates. Different opinions were found about the possible infection of amniotic fluid, cord blood and placenta. The risk of vertical transmission is considered moderate or low by most of the authors. Positivity to SARS-Cov-2 isn't an indication of elective cesarean section by itself, but this mode of delivery should be optioned in patients with other obstetrical indications or with severe conditions due to COVID. The recent increase in stillbirths could be related to the overall deterioration of maternal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - L Giacomin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - M Murabito
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - V Ciceroni
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - C Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biol-ogy, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biol-ogy, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - M Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | - M P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Gabanella F, Barbato C, Fiore M, Petrella C, de Vincentiis M, Greco A, Minni A, Corbi N, Passananti C, Di Certo MG. Fine-Tuning of mTOR mRNA and Nucleolin Complexes by SMN. Cells 2021; 10:3015. [PMID: 34831238 PMCID: PMC8616268 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein as a key determinant of translation pathway. Besides its role in RNA processing and sorting, several works support a critical implication of SMN in ribosome biogenesis. We previously showed that SMN binds ribosomal proteins (RPs) as well as their encoding transcripts, ensuring an appropriate level of locally synthesized RPs. SMN impacts the translation machinery in both neural and non-neural cells, in agreement with the concept that SMN is an essential protein in all cell types. Here, we further assessed the relationship between SMN and translation-related factors in immortalized human fibroblasts. We focused on SMN-nucleolin interaction, keeping in mind that nucleolin is an RNA-binding protein, highly abundant within the nucleolus, that exhibits a central role in ribosomes production. Nucleolin may also affects translation network by binding the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mRNA and promoting its local synthesis. In this regard, for the first time we provided evidence that SMN protein itself associates with mTOR transcript. Collectively, we found that: (1) SMN coexists with nucleolin-mTOR mRNA complexes at subcellular level; (2) SMN deficiency impairs nucleolar compartmentalization of nucleolin, and (3) this event correlates with the nuclear retention of mTOR mRNA. These findings suggest that SMN may regulate not only structural components of translation machinery, but also their upstream regulating factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gabanella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Christian Barbato
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco Fiore
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Petrella
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (M.d.V.); (A.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Claudio Passananti
- CNR-Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 291-00161 Rome, Italy; (N.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (M.F.); (C.P.)
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Fiore M, Tarani L, Radicioni A, Spaziani M, Ferraguti G, Putotto C, Gabanella F, Maftei D, Lattanzi R, Minni A, Greco A, Tarani F, Petrella C. Serum Prokineticin-2 in Prepubertal and Adult Klinefelter Individuals. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 100:151-157. [PMID: 34614364 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The prokineticin-2 (PROK2) is a small peptide belonging to the prokineticin family. In humans and rodents this chemokine is primarily involved in the control of central and peripheral reproductive processes. Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is the first cause of male genetic infertility, due to an extra X chromosome, which may occur with a classical karyotype (47, XXY) or mosaic forms (46, XY/47, XXY). In affected subjects, pubertal maturation usually begins at an adequate chronological age, but when development is almost complete, they display a primary gonadal failure, with early spermatogenesis damage, and later onset of testosterone insufficiency. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of PROK2 in prepubertal and adult KS patients, comparing them with healthy subjects. We showed for the first time the presence of PROK2 in the children serum but with significant changes in KS individuals. Indeed, compared to healthy subjects characterized by PROK2 serum elevation during the growth, KS individuals showed constant serum levels during the sexual maturation phase (higher during the prepubertal phase but lower during the adult age). In conclusion, these data indicate that in KS individuals PROK2 may be considered a biomarker for investigating the SK infertility process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiore
- IBCN-CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Roma, Italy;
| | - Luigi Tarani
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Radicioni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy;
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Rome, Italy;
| | - Carolina Putotto
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniela Maftei
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberta Lattanzi
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Minni
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Sense Organs, Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Greco
- University of Rome La Sapienza, 9311, Rome, Lazio, Italy;
| | - Francesca Tarani
- "Sapienza" University of Rome, Department of Pediatrics, rome, Italy;
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Petrella C, Strimpakos G, Torcinaro A, Middei S, Ricci V, Gargari G, Mora D, De Santa F, Farioli-Vecchioli S. Proneurogenic and neuroprotective effect of a multi strain probiotic mixture in a mouse model of acute inflammation: Involvement of the gut-brain axis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105795. [PMID: 34339837 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation can severely affect brain homeostasis and adult hippocampal neurogenesis with detrimental effects on cognitive processes. Brain and gut are intimately connected via the "gut-brain axis", a bidirectional communication system, and the administration of live bacteria (probiotics) has been shown to represent an intriguing approach for the prevention or even the cure of several diseases. In the present study we evaluated the putative neuroprotective effect of 15-days consumption of a multi-strain probiotic formulation based on food-associated strains and human gut bacteria at the dose of 109 CFU/mouse/day in a mouse model of acute inflammation, induced by an intraperitoneal single injection of LPS (0.1 mg/kg) at the end of probiotic administration. The results indicate that the prolonged administration of the multi-strain probiotic formulation not only prevents the LPS-dependent increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in specific regions of the brain (hippocampus and cortex) and in the gastrointestinal district but also triggers a potent proneurogenic response capable of enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis. This effect is accompanied by a potentiation of intestinal barrier, as documented by the increased epithelial junction expression in the colon. Our hypothesis is that pre-treatment with the multi-strain probiotic formulation helps to create a systemic protection able to counteract or alleviate the effects of LPS-dependent acute pro-inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Torcinaro
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Middei
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy; European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Ricci
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gargari
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Mora
- Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca De Santa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
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Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Petrella C, Fiore M, Passananti C, Colizza A, Cavalcanti L, Ralli M, Greco A, De Vincentiis M, Minni A. Staying tuned for post-COVID-19 syndrome: looking for new research to sniff out. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5318-5321. [PMID: 34486708 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 syndrome was defined as a persistent and protracted illness, which follows acute COVID-19 infection. This condition continues for more than 12 weeks and cannot be attributed to other clinical situations. Researchers and clinicians are allied in unraveling the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical development of this unexpected SARS-CoV-2 infectious evolution. Anosmia, dysgeusia, fatigue, dyspnea, and 'brain fog' are common symptoms observed in the Post-COVID-19 syndrome, depicting a multiorgan involvement associated with injuries involving mainly cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric systems. This commentary analyzes the state of the art of Post-COVID-19 interdisciplinary studies, confirming that we are facing a truly intricate biomedicine story.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Ceci FM, Ceccanti M, Petrella C, Vitali M, Messina MP, Chaldakov GN, Greco A, Ralli M, Lucarelli M, Angeloni A, Fiore M, Ferraguti G. Alcohol Drinking, Apolipoprotein Polymorphisms and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Neurovasc Res 2021; 18:150-161. [PMID: 33823779 PMCID: PMC8778646 DOI: 10.2174/1567202618666210406123503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein disorders are a major risk factor for atherosclerotic neuro-cardiovascular disease (ACVD) and are heavily influenced by lifestyle, including alcohol drinking. Moderate drinkers have a lower ACVD risk than abstainers due to their higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, an important protective factor against ACVD. On the contrary, heavy drinking increases ACVD risk. According to an extensive literature body, ethanol intoxication modifies lipid serum profile and induces endothelial dysfunction. Single nucleotide polymorphisms may influence the relationship between alcohol drinking, HDL cholesterol level, and atherosclerotic risk. The risk of ACVD in heavy drinkers seems enhanced in patients with apolipoprotein E4 allele, interleukin- 6-174 polymorphism, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein TaqIB polymorphism. Apolipoprotein E4 is a known risk factor for ACVD, while apolipoprotein E2 has mixed effects. Therefore, even if a "protective role" may be attributed to moderate drinking, this effect cannot be extended to everyone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio M Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Sitac, Societa' Italiana per lo Studio delle Patologie Alcool Derivate. Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marisa P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric, and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, and Institute for Advanced Study, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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36
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Tirassa P, Iannitelli A, Ralli M, Vitali M, Ceccanti M, Chaldakov GN, Versacci P, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor, Stress and Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2943-2959. [PMID: 32811396 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200818111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a constant threat for homeostasis and is represented by different extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli (stressors, Hans Selye's "noxious agents"), such as aggressive behavior, fear, diseases, physical activity, drugs, surgical injury, and environmental and physiological changes. Our organisms respond to stress by activating the adaptive stress system to activate compensatory responses for restoring homeostasis. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was discovered as a signaling molecule involved in survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons. NGF mediates stress with an important role in translating environmental stimuli into physiological and pathological feedbacks since NGF levels undergo important variations after exposure to stressful events. Psychological stress, lifestyle stress, and oxidative stress are well known to increase the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorders and metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome. This review reports recent works describing the activity of NGF in mental and metabolic disorders related to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, and Institute for Advanced Study, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Paolo Versacci
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
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Messina MP, D'Angelo A, Giovagnoli R, Napolitano M, Petrella C, Ralli M, Greco A, Ricchi A, Neri I, Fiore M, Ceccanti M. Cancer screenings among sexual and gender minorities by midwives' point of view. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 74:522-529. [PMID: 33944526 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although women belonging to sexual and gender minorities are more at risk of gynecological and breast cancer, pieces of evidence have been provided that this population finds hardships getting involved in cancer screening programs. This happens because they tend to avoid clinical settings because of fear of discrimination, heteronormative assumptions, heterosexism, classism and homophobic slurs by healthcare professionals. On the other hand, medical programs that allow healthcare providers to have experience with LGBTQ people are scarce and there are no specific tools to assess sexual cancer risks in this population. METHODS Studies included were obtained searching MEDLINE with keywords "lesbians", "queer women", "trans women", "LGBTQ women", "cervical cancer screening", "pap test", "oncology screening", "mammogram" and "prevention". 1577 papers were found. After filtering for species, sex, language and time range, 820 papers were left. The number of works included was 24 after title screening and 20 after abstract screening and full-text screening. CONCLUSIONS More research will be needed to develop tools with an inclusive, non-judgmental and open language capable of engaging the LGBTQ community. Cancer screening programs involve a large variety of healthcare providers including midwives. Midwives are multifaceted healthcare professionals whose large competence spectrum includes a variety of knowledge and skills going from antenatal care to education and research and they may efficiently provide cancer screenings. Midwives have been asking for more specialistic roles and calling for specific instruction to face the complex and ever-changing reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rebecca Giovagnoli
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Napolitano
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Azienda Universitaria della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alba Ricchi
- Department of Gynecology, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Isabella Neri
- Department of Gynecology, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy -
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo Rome, Rome, Italy
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Petrella C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Barbato C, Ceci FM, Greco A, Ralli M, Polimeni A, Angeloni A, Severini C, Vitali M, Ferraguti G, Ceccanti M, Lucarelli M, Severi C, Fiore M. Mediterranean Diet, Brain and Muscle: Olive Polyphenols and Resveratrol Protection in Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:7595-7613. [PMID: 33949928 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210504113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean diet is worldwide recognized as a good prototype of nutrition due to the conspicuous intake of olive oil, nuts, red wine, legumes, fruit, and vegetables, all fundamental elements rich in antioxidant substances and polyphenols. Polyphenols are a wide range of phytochemicals and/or synthetic chemical compounds with proven beneficial properties for human health. In the present review, we critically summarize the well-characterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols contained in the olives and extra virgin olive oil and of resveratrol, a non-flavonoid phenolic compound. We discussed the potential use of these polyphenols as pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of human diseases. We also show the emerging importance of their consumption in the prevention and management of crucial neurodegenerative conditions (alcohol-related brain disorders and aging) and in neuromuscular disorders (Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), where oxidative stress plays a predominant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome. Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
| | | | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Sitac, Societa' Italiana per lo Studio delle Patologie Alcool Derivate. Rome. Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Carola Severi
- Dept of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, (IBBC-CNR), Rome. Italy
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Petrella C, Farioli-Vecchioli S, Cisale GY, Strimpakos G, Borg JJ, Ceccanti M, Fiore M, Monteleone G, Nisticò R. A Healthy Gut for a Healthy Brain: Preclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Aspects. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:610-628. [PMID: 32744976 PMCID: PMC8573748 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200730111528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of research has shown the presence of a complex pathway of communications between the gut and the brain. It is now recognized that, through this pathway, the microbiota can influence brain homeostasis and plasticity under normal and pathological conditions. This review aims at providing an overview of preclinical and clinical pieces of evidence supporting the possible role of gut-brain axis modulation in physiological aging, in a neurodevelopmental disorder, the autism spectrum disorders and in a substance abuse disorder, the alcohol addiction. Since the normalization of gut flora can prevent changes in the behavior, we postulate that the gut-brain axis might represent a possible target for pharmacological and dietary strategies aimed at improving not only intestinal but also mental health. The present review also reports some regulatory considerations regarding the use of probiotics, illustrating the most debated issues about the possibility of considering probiotics not only as a food supplement but also as a “full” medicinal product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Ylenia Cisale
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - John Joseph Borg
- Malta Medicines Authority, Malta Life Sciences Park, San Gwann SGN 3000, Malta; School of Pharmacy, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL ROMA 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC, CNR, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, Fondazione EBRI Rita Levi Montalcini, Rome, Italy
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Messina MP, Piccioni MG, Petrella C, Vitali M, Greco A, Ralli M, Ceccanti M, Ferraguti G, Neri I, Ricchi A, Fiore M, D'Angelo A. Advanced midwifery practice: intrapartum ultrasonography to assess fetal head station and comparison with vaginal digital examination. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:253-260. [PMID: 33851805 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginal digital examination is considered the gold standard to evaluate patients during labor and delivery. However, transperineal ultrasound has been suggested as an effective tool in determining fetal head station during labor. Angle of progression (AOP), head-perineal distance (HPD) and head-symphysis distance (HSD) are reliable parameters to assess fetal head station during labor. The study aims were to evaluate how midwives can use AOP, HSD, HPD to assess the accuracy of digital vaginal exploration limited to the fetal head station. METHODS Trained midwives for ultrasound analyses performed transperineal ultrasounds during the first stage of labor with 2D-convex probe in 62 pregnant women at term with a single fetus in cephalic presentation. Immediately before the intrapartum ultrasound, the birth attendant performed a digital examination to assess cervical dilatation and head station. The ultrasound scans were compared to the digital vaginal examination through the Tutschek's formula. RESULTS AOP was wider in women who delivered vaginally without any complication if compared to "complicated delivery" group. HPD and HSD were greater in women who underwent an operative vaginal delivery or caesarean section. The vaginal exploration accuracy was 34%, but when ±1 cm was considered as tolerated, the overall accuracy was 74.19%. CONCLUSIONS Midwives may include ultrasounds in their clinical practice after adequate training or under the supervision of an ultrasound professional as an adjunct tool during labor to evaluate its progress and prevent any deviation from physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Piccioni
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SIFASD - Italian Society for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Neri
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alba Ricchi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy - marcofiore.roma @gmail.com.,Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Messina MP, D'Angelo A, Battagliese G, Coriale G, Tarani L, Pichini S, Rasio D, Parlapiano G, Fiore M, Petrella C, Vitali M, Ferraguti G, Ceccanti M. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders awareness in health professionals: implications for psychiatry. Riv Psichiatr 2021; 55:79-89. [PMID: 32202545 DOI: 10.1708/3333.33022] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a plethora of malformative conditions leading to mental retardation that affect newborns and children who have been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. FASD is a relevant topic for public health in Europe: European area is first in ranking for alcohol use during pregnancy with a prevalence of 25.2%. Italy ranked third among European countries with higher prevalence of FASD (45.0 per 1000 population). Furthermore, FASD could still be underestimated because of numerous undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases. Aims of the study were to briefly summarize existing evidences about FASD and its psychiatric aspects to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice towards alcohol drinking during pregnancy in an Italian sample of health care professionals in order to provide information about FASD prevention. An anonymous online questionnaire containing the AUDIT-C, T-ACE model and the Drinking Motive Questionnaire was sent to 400 Italian healthcare professionals and students. The survey included socio-demographic information, questions about drinking habits and about knowledge, attitude and practice towards alcohol assumption during pregnancy. Among 320 respondents, 96.3% were women. AUDIT-C revealed that 52.4% were low risk drinkers but 27.6% were hazardous drinkers. The 90.6% of participants denied to ever attended a course about the fetus damage induced by alcohol consumption during pregnancy but 91.3% were willing to participate to professional update initiatives on the topic. Only 19.1% of participants talk regularly about the deleterious effects for the fetus of prenatal alcohol drinking to women and only 51.1% advise the 'zero alcohol' policy. Around 41% of participants tolerates the assumption of low-alcohol beverages. No differences were found between no drinkers and low and hazardous drinkers. In conclusion, data show that only specific and continuing updating for health care professionals about drinking habits may have impactful actions to prevent gestational alcohol intake in order to prevent the main cause of mental retardation in western countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Patrizia Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per Il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e delle sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
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Severini C, Barbato C, Di Certo MG, Gabanella F, Petrella C, Di Stadio A, de Vincentiis M, Polimeni A, Ralli M, Greco A. Alzheimer's Disease: New Concepts on the Role of Autoimmunity and NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Pathogenesis of the Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:498-512. [PMID: 32564756 PMCID: PMC8206463 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200621204546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), recognized as the most common neurodegenerative disorder, is clinically characterized by the presence of extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and by intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles, accompanied by glial activation and neuroinflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that self-misfolded proteins stimulate an immune response mediated by glial cells, inducing the release of inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of peripheral macrophages into the brain, which in turn aggravate AD pathology. The present review aims to update the current knowledge on the role of autoimmunity and neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of the disease, indicating a new target for therapeutic intervention. We mainly focused on the NLRP3 microglial inflammasome as a critical factor in stimulating innate immune responses, thus sustaining chronic inflammation. Additionally, we discussed the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the gut-brain axis. Direct targeting of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the associated receptors could be a potential pharmacological strategy since its inhibition would selectively reduce AD neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Severini
- Address correspondence to this author at the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council of Italy, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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Petrella C. A Healthy Gut for a Healthy Brain: Preclinical, Clinical and Regulatory Aspects. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/18756190mta49njgh5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Iannitelli A, Carito V, Tirassa P, Chaldakov GN, Messina MP, Ceccanti M, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor in Alcohol Use Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 19:45-60. [PMID: 32348226 PMCID: PMC7903493 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200429003239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the family of neurotrophic factors. Initially discovered as a signaling molecule involved in the survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons, it also participates in the regulation of the immune system and endocrine system. NGF biological activity is due to the binding of two classes of receptors: the tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA) and the low-affinity NGF pan-neurotrophin receptor p75. Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) are one of the most frequent mental disorders in developed countries, characterized by heavy drinking, despite the negative effects of alcohol on brain development and cognitive functions that cause individual’s work, medical, legal, educational, and social life problems. In addition, alcohol consumption during pregnancy disrupts the development of the fetal brain causing a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The rationale of this review is to describe crucial findings on the role of NGF in humans and animals, when exposed to prenatal, chronic alcohol consumption, and on binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Valentina Carito
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Section of Neurobiology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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D'Angelo A, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Vitali M, Framarino Dei Malatesta M, Fiore M, Ceccanti M, Messina MP. Challenges for Midwives' Healthcare Practice in the Next Decade: COVID-19 - Global Climate Changes - Aging and Pregnancy - Gestational Alcohol Abuse. Clin Ter 2020; 171:e30-e36. [PMID: 33346323 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2021.2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Midwives are multifaceted healthcare professionals whose competence spectrum includes a large variety of knowledge and skills going from antenatal care to education and research. The aim of this review is to suggest the future challenges midwives are going to face in the upcoming decade of this Century. COVID-19 and other infections will reasonably impact healthcare workers all over the world. Midwives are frontline healthcare professionals who are constantly at risk of contagion as their job implies close contact with women, physical support and hand touch. Also, menstruation waste plays a large role in the pollution of waters, severely impacting hygiene in the developing countries and fueling climate change. Appropriate disposal of used menstrual material is still insufficient in many countries of the world especially because of lack of sanitary education on girls. As educators, midwives will be more involved into preventing inappropriate disposal of menstrual hygiene devices by educating girls around the world about the green alternatives to the commercial ones. Despite the evidences about the fertility decrement that occurs with aging, women keep postponing reproduction and increasing their chance being childless or suffering complications related to the advanced maternal age. Teen pregnancies are as well an important issue for midwives who will be called to face more age-related issues and use a tailored case to case approach, enhancing their family planning skills. Another crucial role of midwifery regards the information about the risk of drinking alcohol during gestation. Alcohol assumption during pregnancy is responsible for serious damage to the fetus causing a wide range of pathological conditions related to Fetal Alcoholic Spectrum Disorder, leading cause of mental retardation in children of western countries. On the whole, midwives have demonstrated their willingness to expand their practice through continuing professional development, and through specialist and advanced roles especially in preventive and educational positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - G Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - C Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome
| | - A Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Medical faculty, Sapienza University of Rome
| | | | | | - M Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome
| | - M Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - M P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome
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Petrella C, Ciotti MT, Nisticò R, Piccinin S, Calissano P, Capsoni S, Mercanti D, Cavallaro S, Possenti R, Severini C. Involvement of Bradykinin Receptor 2 in Nerve Growth Factor Neuroprotective Activity. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122651. [PMID: 33321704 PMCID: PMC7763563 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) has been demonstrated to upregulate the gene expression of bradykinin receptor 2 (B2R) on sensory neurons, thus facilitating nociceptive signals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the involvement of B2R in the NGF mechanism of action in nonsensory neurons in vitro by using rat mixed cortical primary cultures (CNs) and mouse hippocampal slices, and in vivo in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) transgenic mice (5xFAD) chronically treated with NGF. A significant NGF-mediated upregulation of B2R was demonstrated by microarray, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis in CNs, indicating microglial cells as the target of this modulation. The B2R involvement in the NGF mechanism of action was also demonstrated by using a selective B2R antagonist which was able to reverse the neuroprotective effect of NGF in CNs, as revealed by viability assay, and the NGF-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices. To confirm in vitro observations, B2R upregulation was observed in 5xFAD mouse brain following chronic intranasal NGF treatment. This study demonstrates for the first time that B2R is a key element in the neuroprotective activity and synaptic plasticity mediated by NGF in brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa Ciotti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Robert Nisticò
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.N.); (S.P.)
- Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sonia Piccinin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.N.); (S.P.)
| | - Pietro Calissano
- Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Delio Mercanti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department Medicine of Systems, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155-00161 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (M.T.C.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Martellucci S, Ralli M, Attanasio G, Russo FY, Marcelli V, Greco A, Gallo A, Fiore M, Petrella C, Ferraguti G, Ceccanti M, de Vincentiis M. Alcohol binge-drinking damage on the vestibulo-oculomotor reflex. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 278:41-48. [PMID: 32449024 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Binge drinking is associated with several adverse effects in multiple organs. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of a binge-like-drinking on the vestibulo-oculomotor reflex (VOR) using the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) and the functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT). METHODS Eleven healthy men (age range 32-35 years) with moderate drinking habits and no history of vestibular dysfunction were enrolled. A preliminary assessment of breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) to check for zero alcohol value and a pre-intake evaluation of VOR using the vHIT and the fHIT were carried on. Then, the subjects were asked to take drinks with different alcohol content (8-40% ethanol by volume) according to their choice, consuming at least 5 standard drinks. Volunteers stopped drinking after 3 h. After a further 30 min, post-intake BrAC measurements and VOR analysis were repeated. RESULTS After alcohol intake, vHIT recorded an overall significant reduction of VOR gain (0.82 ± 0.07 on both sides) although the outcomes were below the normal range only in the four subjects with the highest blood alcohol levels. The post-intake fHIT outcomes were substandard in 9 participants, with a significant deterioration in performance (% of exact answers = 84.54 ± 11.05% on the left, 83.18 ± 14.53 on the right). CONCLUSIONS Binge drinking severely affects VOR; fHIT seems more sensitive than vHIT in the assessment of VOR function for complex vestibular lesions, such as those determined by ethanol, suggesting that fHIT could support vHIT in vestibular dysfunction assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Martellucci
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Attanasio
- Head and Neck Department, ENT Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Yoshie Russo
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallo
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00100, Rome, Italy. .,Section of Neurobiology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy.
| | - Carla Petrella
- Section of Neurobiology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio, Asl Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Coriale G, Gencarelli S, Battagliese G, Delfino D, Fiorentino D, Petrella C, Greco A, Ralli M, Attilia ML, Messina MP, Ferraguti G, Fiore M, Ceccanti M, Messina MP. Physiological Responses to Induced Stress in Individuals Affected by Alcohol Use Disorder with Dual Diagnosis and Alexithymia. Clin Ter 2020; 171:e120-e129. [PMID: 32141483 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2020.2201] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are among the most common and undertreated mental disorders in developed countries. The co-occurrence of psychiatric comorbidity and AUD has already been well documented. Moreover, alexithymia was found associated with heavy drinking and alcohol dependence. A large part of AUD individuals, between 45 and 67%, have been identified as alexithymics. Both psychiatric comorbidity and alexithymia can negatively impact the course of recovery from alcohol. Alcohol consumption has also been shown to significantly influence autonomic responses. Chronic use of alcohol may induce significant changes in heart rate variability, respiratory frequency, electrodermal activity and skin temperature. To date, only a few studies have comprehensively investigated the comorbidity of alexithymia in AUD individuals with dual diagnosis. Thus, the aim and also the novelty of the present investigation were to disclose in individuals with AUD the emotional and cognitive stress responses to selected physiological parameters measured by ProComp5 Infiniti™ encoder in AUD patients suffering alexithymia with or without concomitant dual diagnosis. Quite interestingly, in AUD subjects with concomitant dual diagnosis we found that the alexithymia elevated skin temperature, heart rate variability and decreased respiratory frequency. Alexithymia, if associated with the dual diagnosis condition in AUD individuals, can be considered as a further vulnerability factor to stressing factors, impacting psychosomatic processing and inducing alterations in physiological parameters. In this paper, we discuss the implications of these findings in the early treatment of alexithymic AUD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Coriale
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - S Gencarelli
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - G Battagliese
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - D Delfino
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - D Fiorentino
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - C Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. IBBC-CNR, Rome
| | - A Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M L Attilia
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M P Messina
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome
| | - G Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome , Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. IBBC-CNR, Rome
| | - M Ceccanti
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
| | - M P Messina
- Centro Alcologico della Regione Lazio (CRARL), Sapienza University of Rome
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49
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D'Angelo A, Ceccanti M, Petrella C, Greco A, Tirassa P, Rosso P, Ralli M, Ferraguti G, Fiore M, Messina MP. Role of neurotrophins in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 247:32-41. [PMID: 32058187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.01.046] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a family of polypeptides whose functions have been extensively studied in the past two decades. In particular, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) play a major role in the development, nutrition and growth of the central and peripheral nervous system and in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, cardiometabolic and (auto)immune diseases. However, NGF and BDNF have subtle functions for follicular development, implantation, and placentation. This short narrative review summarizes the existing evidence, published between 2000 and 2019, about the role of NTs in many different conditions that might affect women during and after pregnancy such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, smoking and alcohol abuse. Literature suggests that the dysregulation of synthesis and release of NTs may lead to decisive effects on both maternal and fetal health. Some piece of evidences was found about a possible association between NGF/BDNF and breastfeeding. Additional studies on human models are necessary to further characterize the role of NTs in life-changing experiences like labor and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric, and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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50
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Petrella C, Di Certo MG, Barbato C, Gabanella F, Ralli M, Greco A, Possenti R, Severini C. Neuropeptides in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update. Curr Alzheimer Res 2019; 16:544-558. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190503152555] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small proteins broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system, which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuroregulators. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of many neuropeptides in both neurophysiological functions and neuropathological conditions, among which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role exerted by neuropeptides in AD is endorsed by the evidence that they are mainly neuroprotective and widely distributed in brain areas responsible for learning and memory processes. Confirming this point, it has been demonstrated that numerous neuropeptide-containing neurons are pathologically altered in brain areas of both AD patients and AD animal models. Furthermore, the levels of various neuropeptides have been found altered in both Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and blood of AD patients, getting insights into their potential role in the pathophysiology of AD and offering the possibility to identify novel additional biomarkers for this pathology. We summarized the available information about brain distribution, neuroprotective and cognitive functions of some neuropeptides involved in AD. The main focus of the current review was directed towards the description of clinical data reporting alterations in neuropeptides content in both AD patients and AD pre-clinical animal models. In particular, we explored the involvement in the AD of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), Cholecystokinin (CCK), bradykinin and chromogranin/secretogranin family, discussing their potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target, leaving the dissertation of other neuropeptides to previous reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gabanella
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Possenti
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- Department of Sense Organs, CNR, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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