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Calcabrini C, Maffei F, Turrini E, Fimognari C. Sulforaphane Potentiates Anticancer Effects of Doxorubicin and Cisplatin and Mitigates Their Toxic Effects. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:567. [PMID: 32425794 PMCID: PMC7207042 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of cancer therapy is often compromised by the narrow therapeutic index of many anticancer drugs and the occurrence of drug resistance. The association of anticancer therapies with natural compounds is an emerging strategy to improve the pharmaco-toxicological profile of cancer chemotherapy. Sulforaphane, a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, targets multiple pathways involved in cancer development, as recorded in different cancers such as breast, brain, blood, colon, lung, prostate, and so forth. As examples to make the potentialities of the association chemotherapy raise, here we highlight and critically analyze the information available for two associations, each composed by a paradigmatic anticancer drug (cisplatin or doxorubicin) and sulforaphane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Francesca Maffei
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Rimini, Italy
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Saltarelli R, Palma F, Gioacchini AM, Calcabrini C, Mancini U, De Bellis R, Stocchi V, Potenza L. Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities and effects on nuclear DNA of ethanolic extract from an Italian mycelial isolate of Ganoderma lucidum. J Ethnopharmacol 2019; 231:464-473. [PMID: 30513345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. (also known as Linghzhi and Reishi) is the most appreciated and revered medicinal mushroom across many Asian countries, but its properties have also attracted interest in Western countries. Indeed, in the West, it is now commercially available as a dietary supplement in preparations mainly made from spores, fruiting bodies and mycelia. It is employed in both nutraceutical and pharmacological formulations either for its immuno-modulating anti-inflammatory properties or as an effective adjuvant therapy in the treatment of several chronic diseases as well as in cancer treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this investigation was to show the phytochemical composition and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of an ethanolic extract from an Italian mycelial isolate of Ganoderma lucidum and to assess its effects on nuclear DNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS LC/ESI-MS and tandem mass spectrometry MSMS were used to obtain structural identification of ethanolic G. lucidum extract constituents. Antioxidant activities were determined by the DPPH method, chelating effect on Fe2+ and lipoxygenase inhibition while cytotoxic activities using the MTT assay. Effects on nuclear DNA were evaluated using the DNA nicking assay in a cell-free system and the fast halo assay performed on oxidatively injured human U937 cells; apoptosis induction was investigated using the non-denaturing fast halo assay and DNA laddering detection. RESULTS This extract was rich in several bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic and triterpenic acids. It showed antioxidant activity and protective effects in oxidatively injured DNA in cell-free analyses and antiproliferative, genotoxic, and proapoptotic effects in the cell model. CONCLUSIONS Italian G. lucidum mycelium isolate appears to be a source of various natural compounds that may have applications as chemopreventive agents or functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Saltarelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Francesco Palma
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Gioacchini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, RN, Italy.
| | - Umberto Mancini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
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Berberi E, Sestili P, Vallorani L, Guescini M, Calcabrini C, Gioacchini A, Annibalini G, Lucertini F, Piccoli G, Stocchi V. Mitohormesis in muscle cells: a morphological, molecular, and proteomic approach. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2019. [DOI: 10.32098/mltj.04.2013.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Berberi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - P. Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - L. Vallorani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - M. Guescini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - C. Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - A.M. Gioacchini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - G. Annibalini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - F. Lucertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - G. Piccoli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - V. Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Amicucci A, Barbieri E, Sparvoli V, Gioacchini AM, Calcabrini C, Palma F, Stocchi V, Zambonelli A. Microbial and pigment profile of the reddish patch occurring within Tuber magnatum ascomata. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:1134-1141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Calcabrini C, Mancini U, De Bellis R, Frati A, Mastrogiacomo AR, Annibalini G, Sestili P, Cucchiarini L, Stocchi V, Potenza L. Protective Role of Italian Juglans regia L. nut Ethanolic Extract in Human Keratinocytes under Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2018; 18:925-934. [PMID: 29332575 DOI: 10.2174/1389201019666180112145717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this research, fatty acid profile and polyphenolic content of an ethanolic extract of walnut from Juglans regia L. collected in Central Italy, were characterized. The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were investigated in the human keratinocytes cell line. METHODS Fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis, total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for determination of total flavonoids. Kertatinocytes were exposed to t-butyl hydroperoxide or Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa in the absence or presence of extract. Reduced glutathione was determined by Sedlak method; lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. t-butyl hydroperoxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species were monitored by fluorescent probes. The expression of some genes related to the inflammatory process (IL-6, IL-8, ikB, and ICAM) were analysed by Real-time PCR. RESULTS JRE contains a favourable fatty acid profile with low saturated fats (19%) and high-unsaturated fats (81%) with a prevalence of the omega-6 linoleic acid (48%). Also a significant amount of polyphenols was found (5,0052 mg gallic acid equivalent/gdw). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of JRE were observed on analysed cellular model. JRE antioxidants counteracted ROS production, GSH depletion and lipid peroxidation as well downregulated the expression of some genes related to the inflammatory process. Moreover, polyunsaturated fatty acids exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. CONCLUSION The obtained results uphold walnut as dietary adjunct in health promotion and drive towards its development in drug therapy against chronic inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, (RN), I
47921, Italy
| | - Umberto Mancini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Alessandra Frati
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Mastrogiacomo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Giosue Annibalini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Luigi Cucchiarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi, 2, Urbino (PU) I-61029, Italy
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Sestili P, Ismail T, Calcabrini C, Guescini M, Catanzaro E, Turrini E, Layla A, Akhtar S, Fimognari C. The potential effects of Ocimum basilicum on health: a review of pharmacological and toxicological studies. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2018; 14:679-692. [PMID: 29865879 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2018.1484450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Basil (Ocimum basilicum L., OB) is a plant world widely used as a spice and a typical ingredient of the healthy Mediterranean diet. In traditional medicine, OB is indicated for many maladies and conditions; OB-containing nutritional supplements are increasingly sold. Conversely, safety concerns have been raised about the promutagens and procarcinogens alkenylbenzenes contained in OB. Areas covered: A critical review of the current status of OB as a nutraceutical, the pharmacology of its bioactive components, the rationale for its indications, and its safety. Expert opinion: Due to the polyphenolic and flavonoidic content, OB can be considered as an important ingredient in healthy diets; OB preparations may be effective as chemopreventive agents or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of different clinical conditions. From a toxicological perspective, since the tumorigenic potential of alkenylbenzenes is counteracted by other OB constituents such as nevadensin, it can be concluded that OB consumption in food and preparations is safe. The only concern relates to OB essential oils: in this case, a concentration limit for alkenylbenzenes should be precautionary defined, and the use of plant chemotypes with no or low levels of these alkylbenzenes for the preparation of essential oils should be made compulsory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Sestili
- a Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino (PU) , Italy
| | - Tariq Ismail
- b Institute of Food Science & Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology , Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan , Punjab , Pakistan
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- c Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini (RN) , Italy
| | - Michele Guescini
- a Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino (PU) , Italy
| | - Elena Catanzaro
- c Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini (RN) , Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- c Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini (RN) , Italy
| | - Anam Layla
- b Institute of Food Science & Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology , Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan , Punjab , Pakistan
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- b Institute of Food Science & Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology , Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan , Punjab , Pakistan
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- c Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini (RN) , Italy
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Turrini E, Catanzaro E, Muraro MG, Governa V, Trella E, Mele V, Calcabrini C, Morroni F, Sita G, Hrelia P, Tacchini M, Fimognari C. Hemidesmus indicus induces immunogenic death in human colorectal cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24443-24456. [PMID: 29849952 PMCID: PMC5966270 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of anticancer treatments to promote the activation of tumor-reactive adaptive immune responses is emerging as a critical requirement underlying their clinical effectiveness. We investigated the ability of Hemidesmus indicus, a promising anticancer botanical drug, to stimulate immunogenic cell death in a human colorectal cancer cell line (DLD1). Here we show that Hemidesmus treatment induces tumor cell cytotoxicity characterized by surface expression of calreticulin, increased HSP70 expression and release of ATP and HMGB1. Remarkably, the exposure to released ICD-inducer factors from Hemidesmus-treated DLD1 cells caused a modest induction of CD14-derived dendritic cells maturation, as demonstrated by the increased expression of CD83. Moreover, at sub-toxic concentrations, H.i. treatment of monocytes and dendritic cells induced their mild activation, suggesting its additional direct immunostimulatory activity. These data indicate that Hemidesmus indicus induces immunogenic cell death in human tumor cells and suggest its potential relevance in innovative cancer immunotherapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Elena Catanzaro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Manuele G Muraro
- Oncology Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, ZLF, Basel-Switzerland
| | - Valeria Governa
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, ZLF, Basel-Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Trella
- Oncology Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, ZLF, Basel-Switzerland
| | - Valentina Mele
- Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, ZLF, Basel-Switzerland
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Sita
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Tacchini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
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Turrini E, Laurita R, Stancampiano A, Catanzaro E, Calcabrini C, Maffei F, Gherardi M, Colombo V, Fimognari C. Cold Atmospheric Plasma Induces Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress Pathway Regulation in T-Lymphoblastoid Leukemia Cells. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2017; 2017:4271065. [PMID: 28947928 PMCID: PMC5602509 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4271065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown its antitumor activity in both in vitro and in vivo systems. However, the mechanisms at the basis of CAP-cell interaction are not yet completely understood. The aim of this study is to investigate CAP proapoptotic effect and identify some of the molecular mechanisms triggered by CAP in human T-lymphoblastoid leukemia cells. CAP treatment was performed by means of a wand electrode DBD source driven by nanosecond high-voltage pulses under different operating conditions. The biological endpoints were assessed through flow cytometry and real-time PCR. CAP caused apoptosis in Jurkat cells mediated by p53 upregulation. To test the involvement of intrinsic and/or extrinsic pathway, the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-8 was analyzed. The activation of caspase-8 and the upregulation of Bax and Bcl-2 were observed. Moreover, CAP treatment increased ROS intracellular level. The situation reverts after a longer time of treatment. This is probably due to compensatory cellular mechanisms such as the posttranscriptional upregulation of SOD1, CAT, and GSR2. According to ROS increase, CAP induced a significant increase in DNA damage at all treatment conditions. In conclusion, our results provide a deeper understanding of CAP potential in the oncological field and pose the basis for the evaluation of its toxicological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, C.so D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Romolo Laurita
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| | - Augusto Stancampiano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Catanzaro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, C.so D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, C.so D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Francesca Maffei
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, C.so D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Matteo Gherardi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Colombo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, C.so D'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy
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Catanzaro E, Calcabrini C, Turrini E, Sestili P, Fimognari C. Nrf2: a potential therapeutic target for naturally occurring anticancer drugs? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:781-793. [PMID: 28675319 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1351549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-like 2 is one of the most efficient cytoprotective rheostats against exogenous or endogenous oxidative insults. At present, the modulation of the Nrf2 pathway represents an interesting and highly explored strategy in the oncological area. Area covered: In this review, we present and discuss the different modulation of the Nrf2 pathway by some natural compounds with a well demonstrated anticancer activity, and critically analyze the challenges associated with the development of an Nrf2-based anticancer strategy. Expert opinion: Many natural compounds with a well-defined anticancer activity are able to modulate this pathway. Both Nrf2 inducers and inhibitors can be useful as anticancer strategy. However, since Nrf2 modulates many networks potentially involved in the detoxification process of anticancer drugs, its activation in cancer cells could lead to chemoresistance. The switch between a beneficial or detrimental role of Nrf2 in cancer cells essentially depends on the tight control of its activity, the specific conditions of tumor microenvironment, and cell type. In line with the paucity of clear data related to the mechanisms underpinning the role of Nrf2 in cancer development and chemoresistance, discovery and development of Nrf2-based strategies is one of the most critical and challenging assignments for fighting cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Catanzaro
- a Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini , Italy
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- a Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini , Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- a Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini , Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- b Department of Biomolecular Sciences , University of Urbino Carlo Bo , Urbino , Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- a Department for Life Quality Studies , Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna , Rimini , Italy
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Gervasi M, Sisti D, Benelli P, Fernández-Peña E, Calcabrini C, Rocchi MB, Lanata L, Bagnasco M, Tonti A, Vilberto S, Sestili P. The effect of topical thiocolchicoside in preventing and reducing the increase of muscle tone, stiffness, and soreness: A real-life study on top-level road cyclists during stage competition. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e7659. [PMID: 28746232 PMCID: PMC5627858 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000007659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In professional road cyclists, the majority of overuse injuries affect the lower limbs and are mostly represented by contractures or muscle shortening, characterized by an increase of tone and stiffness and a variation of elasticity. Treatment and prevention of these specific conditions may include physical, supplementary, and pharmacologic support. The aim of this real-life study was to determine: first, the alterations of tone, stiffness, elasticity, and soreness of rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in top class cyclists engaged in 3 multistage races, and second, whether any variable in the management of the athletes may affect the prevention and/or reduction of such alterations.Twenty-three professional cyclists competing in 3 international, cycling stage races were assessed. Athletes could receive, upon the approval of the medical staff, physical, dietary, and/or pharmacological management which could include treatments with topical over-the-counter myorelaxants to prevent and/or reduce muscle contractures. MyotonPro was used to daily measure tone, stiffness, and elasticity in RF and BF in relaxed and contracted state after every stage. In parallel, BF and RF soreness was also assessed with a Likert scale.All athletes received the same general massage management; none of them received dietary supplements; some of the athletes were treated with a topical myorelaxant thiocolchicoside (TCC 0.25%) foam 3 times daily. TCC was identified as the only variable able to affect these muscle parameters in the cyclists. Tone, stiffness (regardless of the state), and soreness significantly increased over time either in BF or RF in all athletes. In the group of athletes that used TCC (n = 11; TCC+) the increase in tone, stiffness, and soreness was significantly lower than in the group not receiving TCC (n = 12; No-TCC). Elasticity varied coherently with tone and stiffness.A very intense and protracted sport activity increases muscular tone, stiffness, and soreness over time. Topical TCC foam significantly attenuates these alterations and might represent an efficient strategy both to prevent and manage contractures and their consequences in professional cyclists as well in athletes from other disciplines involving similar workloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gervasi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Benelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Eneko Fernández-Peña
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marco B.L. Rocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigi Lanata
- Medical Department, Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.a., Milano
| | | | - Andrea Tonti
- Technical Committee of LCP Cycling Professional League, Rome, Italy
| | - Stocchi Vilberto
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Calcabrini C, De Bellis R, Mancini U, Cucchiarini L, Stocchi V, Potenza L. Protective Effect of Juglans regia L. Walnut Extract Against Oxidative DNA Damage. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2017; 72:192-197. [PMID: 28401378 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-017-0609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are relevant components of the Mediterranean diet providing important macronutrients, micronutrients and other bioactive constituents including unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and polyphenols. Although the walnut beneficial effects in human health are widely recognized by a lot of epidemiologic studies very little is known regarding its effect on damaged DNA. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Juglans regia L. ethanolic extract from kernel on the induction of DNA strand breaks by thiol/Fe3+/O2 mixed function oxidase, tert-butyl hydroperoxide or UVC radiations in acellular and cellular models. Plasmid DNA cleavage and fast Halo assay were used to monitor oxidative damage to DNA. Both approaches showed protection of oxidatively injured DNA. These results agree with a lot of scientific proofs which recommend walnut as dietary adjunct in health promotion and prevention as well as in treatment of lifestyle-related oxidative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, I 47921, Rimini, RN, Italy
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Umberto Mancini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Luigi Cucchiarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via A. Saffi 2, I-61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
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Abstract
The need for express screening of the DNA damaging potential of chemicals has progressively increased over the past 20 years due to the wide number of new synthetic molecules to be evaluated, as well as the adoption of more stringent chemical regulations such as the EU REACH and risk reduction politics. In this regard, DNA diffusion assays such as the microelectrophoretic comet assay paved the way for rapid genotoxicity testing. A more significant simplification and speeding up of the experimental processes was achieved with the fast halo assay (FHA) described in the present chapter. FHA operates at the single cell level and relies on radial dispersion of the fragments of damaged DNA from intact nuclear DNA. The fragmented DNA is separated by diffusion in an alkaline solvent and is stained, visualized, and finally quantified using computer-assisted image analysis programs. This permits the rapid assessment of the extent of DNA breakage caused by different types of DNA lesions. FHA has proven to be sensitive, reliable, and flexible. This is currently one of the simplest, cheapest, and quickest assays for studying DNA damage and repair in living cells. It does not need expensive reagents or electrophoretic equipment and requires only 40 min to prepare samples for computer-based quantification. This technique can be particularly useful in rapid genotoxicity assessments and in high-throughput genotoxicity screenings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Sestili
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Saffi, 2, 61029, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Saffi, 2, 61029, Urbino, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Corso D'Augusto 237, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Diaz
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Saffi, 2, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Corso D'Augusto 237, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Saffi, 2, 61029, Urbino, Italy
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13
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Calcabrini C, Mancini U, De Bellis R, Diaz AR, Martinelli M, Cucchiarini L, Sestili P, Stocchi V, Potenza L. Effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on antioxidant activity in the human keratinocyte cell line NCTC 2544. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2016; 64:415-422. [PMID: 27001710 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Some epidemiological studies have suggested possible associations between exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) and various diseases. Recently, ELF-EMF has been considered as a therapeutic agent. To support ELF-EMF use in regenerative medicine, in particular in the treatment of skin injuries, we investigated whether significant cell damage occurs after ELF-EMF exposure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated in the human keratinocyte exposed for 1 H to 50 Hz ELF-EMF in a range of field strengths from 0.25 to 2 G. Significant ROS increases resulted at 0.5 and 1 G and under these flux densities ROS production, glutathione content, antioxidant defense activity, and lipid peroxidation markers were assessed for different lengths of time. Analyzed parameters of antioxidant defense and membrane integrity showed a different trend at two selected magnetic fluxes, with a greater sensitivity of the cells exposed to 0.5 G, especially after 1 H. All significant alterations observed in the first 4 H of exposure reverted to controls 24 H after suggesting that under these conditions, ELF-EMF induces a slight oxidative stress that does not overwhelm the metabolic capacity of the cells or have a cytotoxic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Umberto Mancini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Diaz
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Maddalena Martinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigi Cucchiarini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
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Ismail T, Calcabrini C, Diaz AR, Fimognari C, Turrini E, Catanzaro E, Akhtar S, Sestili P. Ellagitannins in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8050151. [PMID: 27187472 PMCID: PMC4885066 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8050151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is universally accepted that diets rich in fruit and vegetables lead to reduction in the risk of common forms of cancer and are useful in cancer prevention. Indeed edible vegetables and fruits contain a wide variety of phytochemicals with proven antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and chemopreventive activity; moreover, some of these phytochemicals also display direct antiproliferative activity towards tumor cells, with the additional advantage of high tolerability and low toxicity. The most important dietary phytochemicals are isothiocyanates, ellagitannins (ET), polyphenols, indoles, flavonoids, retinoids, tocopherols. Among this very wide panel of compounds, ET represent an important class of phytochemicals which are being increasingly investigated for their chemopreventive and anticancer activities. This article reviews the chemistry, the dietary sources, the pharmacokinetics, the evidence on chemopreventive efficacy and the anticancer activity of ET with regard to the most sensitive tumors, as well as the mechanisms underlying their clinically-valuable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Ismail
- Institute of Food Science & Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bosan Road, Multan 60800, Punjab, Pakistan; (T.I.); (S.A.)
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via I Maggetti 26, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy;
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini (RN), Italy; (C.C.); (C.F.); (E.T.); (E.C.)
| | - Anna Rita Diaz
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via I Maggetti 26, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy;
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini (RN), Italy; (C.C.); (C.F.); (E.T.); (E.C.)
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini (RN), Italy; (C.C.); (C.F.); (E.T.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Catanzaro
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini (RN), Italy; (C.C.); (C.F.); (E.T.); (E.C.)
| | - Saeed Akhtar
- Institute of Food Science & Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bosan Road, Multan 60800, Punjab, Pakistan; (T.I.); (S.A.)
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via I Maggetti 26, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-722-303-414
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15
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Sartini S, Lattanzi D, Ambrogini P, Di Palma M, Galati C, Savelli D, Polidori E, Calcabrini C, Rocchi MBL, Sestili P, Cuppini R. Maternal creatine supplementation affects the morpho-functional development of hippocampal neurons in rat offspring. Neuroscience 2015; 312:120-9. [PMID: 26592720 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Creatine supplementation has been shown to protect neurons from oxidative damage due to its antioxidant and ergogenic functions. These features have led to the hypothesis of creatine supplementation use during pregnancy as prophylactic treatment to prevent CNS damage, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Unfortunately, very little is known on the effects of creatine supplementation during neuron differentiation, while in vitro studies revealed an influence on neuron excitability, leaving the possibility of creatine supplementation during the CNS development an open question. Using a multiple approach, we studied the hippocampal neuron morphological and functional development in neonatal rats born by dams supplemented with 1% creatine in drinking water during pregnancy. CA1 pyramidal neurons of supplemented newborn rats showed enhanced dendritic tree development, increased LTP maintenance, larger evoked-synaptic responses, and higher intrinsic excitability in comparison to controls. Moreover, a faster repolarizing phase of action potential with the appearance of a hyperpolarization were recorded in neurons of the creatine-treated group. Consistently, CA1 neurons of creatine exposed pups exhibited a higher maximum firing frequency than controls. In summary, we found that creatine supplementation during pregnancy positively affects morphological and electrophysiological development of CA1 neurons in offspring rats, increasing neuronal excitability. Altogether, these findings emphasize the need to evaluate the benefits and the safety of maternal intake of creatine in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sartini
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
| | - D Lattanzi
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - P Ambrogini
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - M Di Palma
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - C Galati
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - D Savelli
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - E Polidori
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Biomolecular Sciences, via I Maggetti, 26, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - C Calcabrini
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Biomolecular Sciences, via I Maggetti, 26, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - M B L Rocchi
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Biomolecular Sciences, via I Maggetti, 26, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - P Sestili
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Biomolecular Sciences, via I Maggetti, 26, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - R Cuppini
- University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Dept. of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, Campus Scientifico "Enrico Mattei", via Ca' le Suore, 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy
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16
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Stocchi L, Polidori E, Potenza L, Rocchi MBL, Calcabrini C, Busacca P, Capalbo M, Potenza D, Amati F, Mango R, Romeo F, Novelli G, Stocchi V. Mutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA in Brugada syndrome. Cardiovasc Pathol 2015; 25:47-54. [PMID: 26549652 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a primary electrical disease associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. This pathology has nuclear heterogeneous genetic origins, and at present, molecular diagnostic tests on nuclear DNA cover only 30% of BrS patients. The aim of this study was to assess the possible involvement of mitochondrial (mt) DNA variants in BrS since their etiological role in several cardiomyopathies has already been described. METHODS AND RESULTS The whole mt genome of BrS patients was sequenced and analyzed. A specific mtDNA mutation responsible for BrS can be excluded, but BrS patient d-loop was found to be more polymorphic than that of control cases (P=0.003). Moreover, there appears to be an association between patients with the highest number of variants (n>20) and four mt Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) (T4216C, A11251G, C15452A, T16126C) and the most severe BrS phenotype (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The high substitution rate found in BrS patient mtDNA is unlikely to be the primary cause of the disease, but it could represent an important cofactor in the manifestation of the BrS phenotype. Evidence suggesting that a specific mtDNA allelic combination and a high number of mtDNA SNPs may be associated with more severe cases of BrS represents the starting point for further cohort studies aiming to test whether this mt genetic condition could be a genetic modulator of the BrS clinical phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stocchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Polidori
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy
| | - Lucia Potenza
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy.
| | | | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy
| | - Paolo Busacca
- Complex Operative Unit of Cardiology (UOC),Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Potenza
- Complex Operative Unit of Cardiology (UOC), IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesca Amati
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Mango
- Complex Operative Unit of Cardiology (UOC), Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Romeo
- Complex Operative Unit of Cardiology (UOC), Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of System Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; St. Peter Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Vilberto Stocchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy
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17
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Annibalini G, Agostini D, Calcabrini C, Martinelli C, Colombo E, Guescini M, Tibollo P, Stocchi V, Sestili P. Effects of sex hormones on inflammatory response in male and female vascular endothelial cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:861-9. [PMID: 24947177 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender-related differences in sex hormones might have a key role in the development of atherosclerosis though direct vascular effects of sex hormones are not yet well understood. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sex hormones on inflammatory response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) obtained from both male and female donors. METHODS We analyzed the expression of receptors and enzymes relevant to the action of androgens (AR, 5α-reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2) and estrogens (ERα, ERβ, and aromatase) in male and female HUVECs. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of testosterone (T), 17β-estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and several androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) on VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin gene expression and on adhesion of U937 cells to TNF-α-stimulated male and female HUVECs. RESULTS Our results reveal that in HUVECs, regardless of gender, the components involved in the androgen action pathway are predominant as compared to those of estrogen action pathway. In both HUVEC genders, the inflammatory effect of TNF-α was amplified by co-administration of T or DHT and several AAS frequently used in doping, while E2 had no effect. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study analyzing, under identical culture conditions, the key components of sex hormone response in male and female HUVECs and the possible role of sex hormones in regulating the endothelial inflammatory response. The data obtained in our experimental system showed a pro-inflammatory effect of androgens, while conclusively excluding any protective effect for all the tested hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giosuè Annibalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo, Via I. Maggetti 26, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy,
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18
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Fimognari C, Turrini E, Sestili P, Calcabrini C, Carulli G, Fontanelli G, Rousseau M, Cantelli-Forti G, Hrelia P. Antileukemic activity of sulforaphane in primary blasts from patients affected by myelo- and lympho-proliferative disorders and in hypoxic conditions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101991. [PMID: 25019218 PMCID: PMC4096754 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulforaphane is a dietary isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables showing antileukemic activity. With the purpose of extending the potential clinical impact of sulforaphane in the oncological field, we investigated the antileukemic effect of sulforaphane on blasts from patients affected by different types of leukemia and, taking into account the intrinsically hypoxic nature of bone marrow, on a leukemia cell line (REH) maintained in hypoxic conditions. In particular, we tested sulforaphane on patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and blastic NK cell leukemia. Sulforaphane caused a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis in blasts from patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic or myeloid leukemia. Moreover, it was able to cause apoptosis and to inhibit proliferation in hypoxic conditions on REH cells. As to its cytotoxic mechanism, we found that sulforaphane creates an oxidative cellular environment that induces DNA damage and Bax and p53 gene activation, which in turn helps trigger apoptosis. On the whole, our results raise hopes that sulforaphane might set the stage for a novel therapeutic principle complementing our growing armature against malignancies and advocate the exploration of sulforaphane in a broader population of leukemic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Eleonora Turrini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Carulli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Fontanelli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Rousseau
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Cantelli-Forti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Fraternale D, Ricci D, Calcabrini C, Guescini M, Martinelli C, Sestili P. Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils of Aerial Parts and Ripe Fruits of Echinophora spinosa (Apiaceae). Nat Prod Commun 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1300801137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxic effects of the essential oils obtained from the flowering aerial parts (APO) and ripe fruits (RFO) of Echinophora spinosa L. (Apiaceae) from central Italy toward human U937 promonocytoid cells were studied; the contribution of each of the major constituents to the whole cytotoxic activity of either APO or RFO was also characterized. The major components of APO were β-phellandrene (34.7%), myristicin (16.5%), p-cymene (16.3%), δ3-carene (12.6%), α-pinene (6.7%) and α-phellandrene (6.2%); those of RFO p-cymene (50.2%), myristicin (15.3%), α-pinene (15.1%) and α-phellandrene (8.1%). Both oils tested were toxic to U937 cells, but RFO was much more cytotoxic: indeed, the IC50 values calculated from the linear regression curves of RFO and APO were 14.5 ± 0.85 and 43.4 ± 2.81 μg/mL, respectively. α-Pinene and α-phellandrene were identified as the most toxically relevant constituents: however, they did not completely account for the toxic effects of genuine APO and RFO. Interestingly, we found that p-cymene, although per se devoid of toxicity within the tested range of concentrations, was capable of significantly sensitizing U937 cells to the cytotoxic activity of α-pinene and α-phellandrene, and that specific mixtures of these three terpenes were as toxic as genuine APO and RFO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fraternale
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
| | - Donata Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Guescini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
| | - Chiara Martinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Urbino, Italy
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20
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Fraternale D, Ricci D, Calcabrini C, Guescini M, Martinelli C, Sestili P. Cytotoxic activity of essential oils of aerial parts and ripe fruits of Echinophora spinosa (Apiaceae). Nat Prod Commun 2013; 8:1645-1649. [PMID: 24427963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytotoxic effects of the essential oils obtained from the flowering aerial parts (APO) and ripe fruits (RFO) of Echinophora spinosa L. (Apiaceae) from central Italy toward human U937 promonocytoid cells were studied; the contribution of each of the major constituents to the whole cytotoxic activity of either APO or RFO was also characterized. The major components of APO were beta-phellandrene (34.7%), myristicin (16.5%), p-cymene (16.3%), delta3-carene (12.6%), alpha-pinene (6.7%) and alpha-phellandrene (6.2%); those of RFO p-cymene (50.2%), myristicin (15.3%), alpha-pinene (15.1%) and alpha-phellandrene (8.1%). Both oils tested were toxic to U937 cells, but RFO was much more cytotoxic: indeed, the IC50 values calculated from the linear regression curves of RFO and APO were 14.5 +/- 0.85 and 43.4 +/- 2.81 microg/mL, respectively. alpha-Pinene and alpha-phellandrene were identified as the most toxically relevant constituents: however, they did not completely account for the toxic effects of genuine APO and RFO. Interestingly, we found that p-cymene, although per se devoid of toxicity within the tested range of concentrations, was capable of significantly sensitizing U937 cells to the cytotoxic activity of alpha-pinene and alpha-phellandrene, and that specific mixtures of these three terpenes were as toxic as genuine APO and RFO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fraternale
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Donata Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Cinzia Calcabrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Michele Guescini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Chiara Martinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Piero Sestili
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Barbieri E, Sestili P, Vallorani L, Guescini M, Calcabrini C, Gioacchini AM, Annibalini G, Lucertini F, Piccoli G, Stocchi V. Mitohormesis in muscle cells: a morphological, molecular, and proteomic approach. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2013; 3:254-266. [PMID: 24596688 PMCID: PMC3940498] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Low-level oxidative stress induces an adaptive response commonly defined as hormesis; this type of stress is often related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) originating from the mitochondrial respiratory chain (mitochondrial hormesis or mitohormesis). The accumulation of transient low doses of ROS either through chronic physical activity or caloric restriction influences signaling from the mitochondrial compartment to the cell, reduces glucose metabolism, induces mitochondrial metabolism, increases stress resistance and ultimately, increases lifespan. Mitochondrial formation of presumably harmful levels (chronic and/or excessive) of ROS within skeletal muscle has been observed in insulin resistance of obese subjects, type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in impaired muscle function associated with normal aging. Advances in mitochondrial bioimaging combined with mitochondrial biochemistry and proteome research have broadened our knowledge of specific cellular signaling and other related functions of the mitochondrial behavior. In this review, we describe mitochondrial remodeling in response to different degrees of oxidative insults induced in vitro in myocytes and in vivo in skeletal muscle, focusing on the potential application of a combined morphological and biochemical approach. The use of such technologies could yield benefits for our overall understanding of physiology for biotechnological research related to drug design, physical activity prescription and significant lifestyle changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Barbieri
- Corresponding author: Elena Barbieri, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Via I Maggetti, 26, 61029 Urbino, Italy, E-mail:
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22
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Minarini A, Milelli A, Tumiatti V, Rosini M, Lenzi M, Ferruzzi L, Turrini E, Hrelia P, Sestili P, Calcabrini C, Fimognari C. Exploiting RNA as a new biomolecular target for synthetic polyamines. Gene 2013; 524:232-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Potenza L, Calcabrini C, Bellis RD, Mancini U, Polidori E, Zeppa S, Alloni R, Cucchiarini L, Dacha M. Effect of surgical stress on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from healthy sections of colon and rectum of patients with colorectal cancer. J Biosci 2011; 36:243-51. [PMID: 21654079 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-011-9064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection at any location in the body leads to stress response with cellular and subcellular change, leading to tissue damage. The intestine is extremely sensitive to surgical stress with consequent postoperative complications. It has been suggested that the increase of reactive oxygen species as subcellular changes plays an important role in this process. This article focuses on the effect of surgical stress on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from healthy sections of colon and rectum of patients with colorectal cancer. Mitochondrial DNA copy number, mitochondrial common deletion and nuclear and mitochondrial 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine content were measured. Both the colon and rectal tissue were significantly damaged either at the nuclear or mitochondrial level. In particular, mitochondrial DNA was more damaged in rectum than in colon. The present investigation found an association between surgical stress and nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage, suggesting that surgery may generate an increase in free radicals, which trigger a cascade of molecular changes, including alterations in DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Universita degli Studi di Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy.
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Fraternale D, De Bellis R, Calcabrini C, Potenza L, Cucchiarini L, Mancini U, Dachà M, Ricci D. Aqueous extract from Vitis vinifera tendrils is able to enrich keratinocyte antioxidant defences. Nat Prod Commun 2011; 6:1315-1319. [PMID: 21941905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
An aqueous extract of V. vinifera L. tendrils was evaluated for its ability to enrich the antioxidant capacity of cultured cells. The long-time antioxidant capability of the extract was measured by in vitro chemical methods, and its influence on reduced glutathione levels and plasma membrane oxido reductase activity was determined in cultured human keratinocytes (NCTC 2544). Keratinocytes are cells normally exposed to oxidative stress, and for this reason adequately equipped with antioxidant defences. However, it has long been suggested that exogenous antioxidants may play an important role in minimizing the adverse effects of oxidative stress on skin.We demonstrated that V. vinifera tendril aqueous extract was able to increase, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, the reduced glutathione concentration and activity of trans plasma membrane oxido reductase as an indirect evaluation of the intracellular redox status of the cells demonstrating a relevant antioxidant activity of this phytocomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fraternale
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, della Vitae dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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Fraternale D, De Bellis R, Calcabrini C, Potenza L, Cucchiarini L, Mancini U, Dachà M, Ricci D. Aqueous Extract from Vitis vinifera Tendrils is Able to Enrich Keratinocyte Antioxidant Defences. Nat Prod Commun 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1100600925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An aqueous extract of V. vinifera L. tendrils was evaluated for its ability to enrich the antioxidant capacity of cultured cells. The long-time antioxidant capability of the extract was measured by in vitro chemical methods, and its influence on reduced glutathione levels and plasma membrane oxido reductase activity was determined in cultured human keratinocytes (NCTC 2544). Keratinocytes are cells normally exposed to oxidative stress, and for this reason adequately equipped with antioxidant defences. However, it has long been suggested that exogenous antioxidants may play an important role in minimizing the adverse effects of oxidative stress on skin. We demonstrated that V. vinifera tendril aqueous extract was able to increase, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, the reduced glutathione concentration and activity of trans plasma membrane oxido reductase as an indirect evaluation of the intracellular redox status of the cells demonstrating a relevant antioxidant activity of this phytocomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Fraternale
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigi Cucchiarini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
| | - Umberto Mancini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
| | - Marina Dachà
- Centro Integrato di Ricerche, Università Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Donata Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Urbino “Carlo Bo “, Urbino, Italy
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Potenza L, Martinelli C, Polidori E, Zeppa S, Calcabrini C, Stocchi L, Sestili P, Stocchi V. Effects of a 300 mT static magnetic field on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2011; 31:630-9. [PMID: 20623760 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the effects of a static magnetic field (SMF) on cell growth and DNA integrity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Fast halo assay was used to investigate nuclear damage; quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), standard PCR, and real-time PCR were used to evaluate mitochondrial DNA integrity, content, and gene expression. HUVECs were continually exposed to a 300 mT SMF for 4, 24, 48, and 72 h. Compared to control samples (unexposed cultures) the SMF-exposed cells did not show a statistically significant change in their viability. Conversely, the static field was shown to be significant after 4 h of exposure, inducing damage on both the nuclear and mitochondrial levels, reducing mitochondrial content and increasing reactive oxygen species. Twenty-four hours of exposure increased mitochondrial DNA content as well as expression of one of the main genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis. No significant differences between exposed and sham cultures were found after 48 and 72 h of exposure. The results suggest that a 300 mT SMF does not cause permanent DNA damage in HUVECs and stimulates a transient mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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Abstract
Quercetin is a well-investigated antioxidant known to protect cells against oxidative nuclear DNA damage. There is no knowledge regarding its effect on oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage. In this study we investigated the effect of quercetin on oxidatively-injured DNA. Cell-free and cell studies were performed. Cell-free analyses carried out on plasmidic DNA showed that quercetin protects from all oxidative challenges used. Cellular studies were carried out on NCTC 2544 cells which were insulted with hydrogen peroxide and UVC radiations. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNAs were analysed by measuring DNA damage with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Quercetin supplementation showed significant genoprotective activity on mitochondrial DNA when hydroperoxide was used. The evidence of the protection afforded by quercetin suggests that this flavonoid may play an important role on mitochondrial genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Potenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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