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Montano V, Gruosso F, Simoncini C, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Clinical features of mtDNA-related syndromes in adulthood. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 697:108689. [PMID: 33227288 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108689] [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] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are the most common inheritable metabolic diseases, due to defects in oxidative phosphorylation. They are caused by mutations of nuclear or mitochondrial DNA in genes involved in mitochondrial function. The peculiarity of "mitochondrial DNA genetics rules" in part explains the marked phenotypic variability, the complexity of genotype-phenotype correlations and the challenge of genetic counseling. The new massive genetic sequencing technologies have changed the diagnostic approach, enhancing mitochondrial DNA-related syndromes diagnosis and often avoiding the need of a tissue biopsy. Here we present the most common phenotypes associated with a mitochondrial DNA mutation with the recent advances in diagnosis and in therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Montano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F Gruosso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - C Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy.
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2
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Salvi C, Simoncini C, Grafman J, Beeman M. Oculometric signature of switch into awareness? Pupil size predicts sudden insight whereas microsaccades predict problem-solving via analysis. Neuroimage 2020; 217:116933. [PMID: 32413459 PMCID: PMC7440842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the Gestalt theorists, restructuring is an essential component of insight problem-solving, contributes to the "Aha!" experience, and is similar to the perceptual switch experienced when reinterpreting ambiguous figures. Previous research has demonstrated that pupil diameter increases during the perceptual switch of ambiguous figures, and indexes norepeinephrine functioning mediated by the locus coeruleus. In this study, we investigated if pupil diameter similarly predicts the switch into awareness people experience when solving a problem via insight. Additionally, we explored eye movement dynamics during the same task to investigate if the problem-solving strategies used are linked to specific oculomotor behaviors. In 38 participants, pupil diameter increased about 500 msec prior to solution only in trials for which subjects report having an insight. In contrast, participants increased their microsaccade rate only prior to non-insight solutions. Pupil dilation and microsaccades were not reliably related, but both appear to be robust markers of how people solve problems (with or without insight). The pupil size change seen when people have an "Aha!" moment represents an indicator of the switch into awareness of unconscious processes humans depend upon for insight, and suggests important involvement of norepinephrine, via the locus coeruleus, in sudden insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Salvi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Claudio Simoncini
- Institut de Neurosciences de La Timone, UMR 7289, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Jordan Grafman
- Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark Beeman
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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3
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Montano V, Simoncini C, LoGerfo A, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Catatonia as prominent feature of stroke-like episode in MELAS. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:383-385. [PMID: 32761397 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Montano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A LoGerfo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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4
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Simoncini C, Torri S, Montano V, Chico L, Gruosso F, Tuttolomondo A, Pinto A, Simonetta I, Cianci V, Salviati A, Vicenzi V, Marchi G, Girelli D, Concolino D, Sestito S, Zedde M, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Oxidative stress biomarkers in Fabry disease: is there a room for them? J Neurol 2020; 267:3741-3752. [PMID: 32719972 PMCID: PMC7674365 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10044-w] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, caused by deficient activity of the alpha-galactosidase A enzyme leading to progressive and multisystemic accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Recent data point toward oxidative stress signalling which could play an important role in both pathophysiology and disease progression. METHODS We have examined oxidative stress biomarkers [Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), thiolic groups] in blood samples from 60 patients and 77 healthy controls. RESULTS AOPP levels were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.00001) and patients presented decreased levels of antioxidant defences (FRAP and thiols) with respect to controls (p < 0.00001). In a small group of eight treatment-naïve subjects with FD-related mutations, we found altered levels of oxidative stress parameters and incipient signs of organ damage despite normal lyso-Gb3 levels. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress occurs in FD in both treated and naïve patients, highlighting the need of further research in oxidative stress-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we found that oxidative stress biomarkers may represent early markers of disease in treatment-naïve patients with a potential role in helping interpretation of FD-related mutations and time to treatment decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simoncini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Torri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Montano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Gruosso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Tuttolomondo
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Pinto
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - I Simonetta
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant, Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (Promise) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - V Cianci
- Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - A Salviati
- Lab Functional Genomics, Department of Biotechnology, Univ Verona, Genartis srl, Verona, Italy
| | - V Vicenzi
- Medical Genetics Unit, ASL 9, Verona, Italy
| | - G Marchi
- Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D Girelli
- Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - D Concolino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Sestito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M Zedde
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Mancuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Institute, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Masson GS, Gekas N, Meso AI, Simoncini C, Mamassian P. Dynamic non-linear interactions serving speed estimation inferred from channel interactions during ocular following. J Vis 2019. [DOI: 10.1167/19.10.167b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume S Masson
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Nikos Gekas
- Laboratoire des Systèmes Perceptifs, CNRS & Ecole Normale Supérieure, France
- Department of Psychology, University of Notthingham, UK
| | - Andrew I Meso
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, France
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - Claudio Simoncini
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, CNRS & Aix-Marseille Université, France
| | - Pascal Mamassian
- Laboratoire des Systèmes Perceptifs, CNRS & Ecole Normale Supérieure, France
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Baldanzi S, Ricci G, Bottari M, Chico L, Simoncini C, Siciliano G. The proposal of a clinical protocol to assess central and peripheral fatigue in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Arch Ital Biol 2017; 155:43-53. [PMID: 28715597 DOI: 10.12871/000398292017125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
DM1 is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by muscle weakness, myotonia, and multisystemic involvement. According to current literature fatigue and daytime sleepiness are among the main symptoms of DM1. Oxidative stress has been proposed to be one of the pathogenic factors of fatigue consequent to DM1. In this study, we investigated the dimensions of experienced fatigue and physiological fatigue in a sample of 26 DM1 patients (17 males, 9 females, mean age 41.6 years, SD±12.7); experienced fatigue has been studied through Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and physiological fatigue was measured through an intermittent incremental exercise of the forearm muscles using a myometer; oxidative stress balance markers trend during aerobic exercise test have been collected. The occurrence of central fatigue in the sample means that central activation worsens during the motor contraction; interestingly FSS score was significantly correlated to MVC (before and after the effort, r-before=-0.583, p<0.01, r-after= -0.534, p<0.05), and to motor disability measured by MRC (r=-0.496, p<0.05); moreover we found a strong tendency towards significance in the association to lactate baseline (r=0.378, p=0.057).Results are discussed to define whether or not, based on clinical and laboratory grounds, such exercise training protocol may be suitable for proper management of DM1 patients; proper assessment of fatigue should be included in algorithms for data collection in DM1 patient registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Baldanzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy - Tel: +39 050 993046 -
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7
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Chico L, Ricci G, Cosci O Di Coscio M, Simoncini C, Siciliano G. Physical exercise and oxidative stress in muscular dystrophies: is there a good balance? Arch Ital Biol 2017; 155:11-24. [PMID: 28715594 DOI: 10.12871/000398292017122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The effect of oxidative stress on muscle damage inducted by physical exercise is widely debated. It is generally agreed that endurance and intense exercise can increase oxidative stress and generate changes in antioxidant power inducing muscle damage; however, regular and moderate exercise can be beneficial for the health improving the antioxidant defense mechanisms in the majority of cases. Growing evidences suggest that an increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of several muscular dystrophies (MDs). Notably, physical training has been considered useful for patients with these disorders. This review will focus on the involvement of oxidative stress in MDs and on the possible effects of physical activities to decrease oxidative damage and improve motor functions in MDs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy - Tel: +39 050 993191 -
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8
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Simoncini C, Rolland Y, Morgenthaler V, Jurczuk K, Saint-Jalmes H, Eliat PA, Kretowski M, Bezy-Wendling J. Blood Flow Simulation in Patient-Specific Segmented Hepatic Arterial Tree. Ing Rech Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Ricci G, Montano V, Simoncini C, Chico L, Servadio A, Dell'Osso G, Santorelli F, Savarese M, Papa V, Cenacchi G, Siciliano G. Myofibrillar myopathies with autophagic vacuoles: Report of a case series. Neuromuscul Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.378] [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: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Siciliano G, Baldanzi S, Cecchi P, Simoncini C, Ricci G, Fabbri S, Lorio R, Bevilacqua F, Cosottini M, Angelini C. NMR voxel-based morphometry and functional analysis as neural correlates of neuropsychological dysfunction in DM1. Neuromuscul Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.398] [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: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Simoncini C, Chico L, Concolino D, Sestito S, Fancellu L, Boadu W, Sechi GP, Feliciani C, Gnarra M, Zampetti A, Salviati A, Scarpelli M, Orsucci D, Bonuccelli U, Siciliano G, Mancuso M. Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups may influence Fabry disease phenotype. Neurosci Lett 2016; 629:58-61. [PMID: 27365132 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
While the genetic origin of Fabry disease (FD) is well known, it is still unclear why the disease presents a wide heterogeneity of clinical presentation and progression, even within the same family. Emerging observations reveal that mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathogenesis of FD. To investigate if specific genetic polymorphisms within the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) could act as susceptibility factors and contribute to the clinical expression of FD, we have genotyped European mtDNA haplogroups in 77 Italian FD patients and 151 healthy controls. Haplogroups H and I, and haplogroup cluster HV were significantly more frequent in patients than controls. However, no correlation with gender, age of onset, organ involvement was observed. Our study seems to provide some evidence of a contribution of mitochondrial variation in FD pathogenesis, at least in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simoncini
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - L Chico
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - D Concolino
- Department of Pediatrics University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - S Sestito
- Department of Pediatrics University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - L Fancellu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - W Boadu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - G P Sechi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - C Feliciani
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Parma Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - M Gnarra
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Parma Medical School, Parma, Italy
| | - A Zampetti
- Rare diseases and Periodic fevers Research Center, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - A Salviati
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - M Scarpelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - D Orsucci
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - U Bonuccelli
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mancuso
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Mancuso M, Orsucci D, Ienco EC, Brondi M, Simoncini C, Chiti A, Montano V, Terni E, Giannini N, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U. Common Genetic Conditions of Ischemic Stroke to Keep in Mind. Curr Mol Med 2014; 14:979-984. [PMID: 25323874 DOI: 10.2174/1566524014666141010132258] [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: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a complex disease resulting from the interplay of genetics and environment. In some instances (mainly in young adults) stroke is the direct result of a monogenic disease. Among the monogenic causes of stroke, the diseases which are most frequently encountered in the adult general neurological practice are CADASIL, Fabry and mitochondrial diseases. Brain MRI and clinical features may frequently lead to a correct molecular diagnosis. Here we review the single-gene causes of ischemic stroke, with special regard to the associated features which may help in the diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mancuso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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13
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Meso AI, Simoncini C. Towards an understanding of the roles of visual areas MT and MST in computing speed. Front Comput Neurosci 2014; 8:92. [PMID: 25152730 PMCID: PMC4126038 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2014.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Isaac Meso
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France
| | - Claudio Simoncini
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
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14
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Meso AI, Simoncini C, Perrinet L, Masson GS. Beyond simply faster and slower: exploring paradoxes in speed perception. J Vis 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/14.10.491] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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15
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Simoncini C, Montagnini A, Perrinet LU, Masson GS. The characteristics of microsaccadic eye movements varied with the change of strategy in a match-to-sample task. J Vis 2014. [DOI: 10.1167/14.10.110] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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16
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Simoncini C, Perrinet LU, Montagnini A, Masson GS. Different temporal integration for ocular following and speed perception. J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.385] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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17
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Meso A, Simoncini C, Perrinet L, Masson G. How and why do image frequency properties influence perceived speed? J Vis 2013. [DOI: 10.1167/13.9.354] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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18
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Chico L, Simoncini C, Lo Gerfo A, Rocchi A, Petrozzi L, Carlesi C, Volpi L, Tognoni G, Siciliano G, Bonuccelli U. Oxidative stress and APO E polymorphisms in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment. Free Radic Res 2013; 47:569-76. [PMID: 23668794 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2013.804622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A number of evidences indicates oxidative stress as a relevant pathogenic factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considering its recognized major genetic risk factors in AD, apolipoprotein (APO E) has been investigated in several experimental settings regarding its role in the process of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The aim of this work has been to evaluate possible relationships between APO E genotype and plasma levels of selected oxidative stress markers in both AD and MCI patients. APO E genotypes were determined using restriction enzyme analysis. Plasma levels of oxidative markers, advanced oxidation protein products, iron-reducing ability of plasma and, in MCI, activity of superoxide dismutases were evaluated using spectrophotometric analysis. We found, compared to controls, increased levels of oxidized proteins and decreased values of plasma-reducing capacity in both AD patients (p < 0.0001) and MCI patients (p < 0.001); the difference between AD and MCI patients was significant only for plasma-reducing capacity (p < 0.0001), the former showing the lowest values. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced, although not at statistical level, in MCI compared with that in controls. E4 allele was statistically associated (p < 0.05) with AD patients. When comparing different APO E genotype subgroups, no difference was present, as far as advanced oxidation protein products and iron-reducing ability of plasma levels were concerned, between E4 and non-E4 carriers, in both AD and MCI; on the contrary, E4 carriers MCI patients showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) superoxide dismutase activity with respect to non-E4 carriers. This study, in confirming the occurrence of oxidative stress in AD and MCI patients, shows how it can be related, at least for superoxide dismutase activity in MCI, to APO E4 allele risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Simoncini C, Perrinet LU, Montagnini A, Mamassian P, Masson GS. More is not always better: adaptive gain control explains dissociation between perception and action. Nat Neurosci 2012; 15:1596-603. [PMID: 23023292 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Moving objects generate motion information at different scales, which are processed in the visual system with a bank of spatiotemporal frequency channels. It is not known how the brain pools this information to reconstruct object speed and whether this pooling is generic or adaptive; that is, dependent on the behavioral task. We used rich textured motion stimuli of varying bandwidths to decipher how the human visual motion system computes object speed in different behavioral contexts. We found that, although a simple visuomotor behavior such as short-latency ocular following responses takes advantage of the full distribution of motion signals, perceptual speed discrimination is impaired for stimuli with large bandwidths. Such opposite dependencies can be explained by an adaptive gain control mechanism in which the divisive normalization pool is adjusted to meet the different constraints of perception and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Simoncini
- Team InViBe, Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Simoncini C, Montagnini A, Perrinet LU, Masson GS. Effect of image statistics on fixational eye movements. J Vis 2012. [DOI: 10.1167/12.9.1014] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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21
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Mancuso M, Orsucci D, Calsolaro V, LoGerfo A, Allegrini L, Petrozzi L, Simoncini C, Rocchi A, Trivella F, Murri L, Siciliano G. Tetracycline treatment in patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Acta Neurol Scand 2011; 124:417-23. [PMID: 21649612 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetracyclines could have neuroprotective effects in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. AIMS OF THE STUDY AND METHODS: Objective of this double-blind randomized pilot study (followed by an adjunctive open-label phase) was to evaluate whether tetracycline (500 mg/day × 14 days/month × 3 months) could be useful in patients (n = 16) with progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). RESULTS Our results do not formally support any effect of tetracycline on eye motility in PEO. However, some possible protective effects could not be completely ruled out, i.e. a further analysis suggests a possible difference between the tetracycline group and the placebo group, significant at least for oblique motility, when comparing the ratio between the end of the double-blind phase and baseline. Tetracycline could modify some oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with PEO. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to confirm such effects of tetracycline in patients with PEO, if any, and to clarify the mechanisms of action for antioxidant effects of tetracyclines in mitochondrial disorders and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mancuso
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Simoncini C, Montagnini A, Perrinet LU, Mamassian P, Masson GS. Pattern discrimination for moving random textures: Richer stimuli are more difficult to recognize. J Vis 2011. [DOI: 10.1167/11.11.749] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
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Volpi L, Ricci G, Orsucci D, Alessi R, Bertolucci F, Piazza S, Simoncini C, Mancuso M, Siciliano G. Metabolic myopathies: functional evaluation by different exercise testing approaches. Musculoskelet Surg 2011; 95:59-67. [PMID: 21373907 DOI: 10.1007/s12306-011-0096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic myopathies are a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous group of disorders due to defects in muscular energy metabolism. They include glycogen storage diseases, fatty acid oxidation defects, and mitochondrial disorders. The typical manifestations of a metabolic myopathy are exercise-induced myalgias, exercise intolerance, and cramps. Evaluating subjects with such symptoms is not easy because of the frequent lack of clinical features. Exercise tests are, therefore, reliable screening tools. Here, we discuss the possible role of such exercise testing techniques in the diagnostic approach of a patient with suspected metabolic myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Volpi
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
It has long been known that rewarding improves performance. However it is unclear whether this is due to high level modulations in the output modules of associated neural systems or due to low level mechanisms favoring more “generous” inputs? Some recent studies suggest that primary sensory areas, including V1 and A1, may form part of the circuitry of reward-based modulations, but there is no data indicating whether reward can be dissociated from attention or cross-trial forms of perceptual learning. Here we address this issue with a psychophysical dual task, to control attention, while perceptual performance on oriented targets associated with different levels of reward is assessed by measuring both orientation discrimination thresholds and behavioral tuning functions for tilt values near threshold. We found that reward, at any rate, improved performance. However, higher reward rates showed an improvement of orientation discrimination thresholds by about 50% across conditions and sharpened behavioral tuning functions. Data were unaffected by changing the attentional load and by dissociating the feature of the reward cue from the task-relevant feature. These results suggest that reward may act within the span of a single trial independently of attention by modulating the activity of early sensory stages through a improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio of task-relevant channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Baldassi
- Department of Psychology, University of Florence Florence, Italy
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Simoncini C, Perrinet LU, Montagnini A, Mamassian P, Masson GS. Different pooling of motion information for perceptual speed discrimination and behavioral speed estimation. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/10.7.834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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26
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Simonetti O, Lucarini G, Bernardini ML, Simoncini C, Biagini G, Offidani A. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, apoptosis inhibitors (survivin and p16) and CCL27 in alopecia areata before and after diphencyprone treatment: an immunohistochemical study. Br J Dermatol 2004; 150:940-8. [PMID: 15149507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05881.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia areata (AA) is a relatively common inflammatory form of nonscarring hair loss of unknown pathogenesis, but possibly of autoimmune origin. Topical immunotherapy, using a potent contact allergen such as diphencyprone (DPC), is currently considered the most effective mode of treatment. However, the way in which DPC operates on hair follicles in AA still remains to be elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), essential for angiogenesis and vascular permeability, may be responsible for maintaining proper vasculature around hair follicles, and several studies provide evidence that apoptosis is a central element in the regulation of hair follicle and vascular regression. The cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA) and the skin-associated chemokine CCL27 highlight an important role for epithelial cells in controlling homeostatic lymphocyte trafficking. OBJECTIVES To determine the expression pattern of VEGF, factor (F)VIII, survivin, p16, CD4, CD8, CLA and CCL27 in alopecic skin before and after treatment with DPC. Methods Immunohistochemical staining methods were applied to skin biopsy specimens obtained from alopecic areas of 14 patients before and after DPC treatment and from five healthy subjects. Sections were incubated with monoclonal antibodies against VEGF, FVIII, survivin, p16, CCL27, CLA, CD4 and CD8, and their immunohistochemical expression was evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS The intensity of VEGF staining in alopecic human hair follicles was significantly lower than in healthy scalp tissue. FVIII immunostaining showed a significantly reduced development of the microvasculature in AA in comparison with healthy scalp tissue. After DPC therapy, cells of alopecic hair follicles showed a significant increase of VEGF immunopositivity, and the number of capillary vessels expressing FVIII was markedly increased in comparison with untreated scalp tissue. The increase in microvessels was associated with strong survivin expression in endothelial cells after treatment. All alopecic specimens showed expression of p16 in the hair follicle outer root sheath (ORS), with a significant increase after therapy. After treatment we observed a significantly decreased number of CD4+ cells and an increase of CD8+ cells (CD4/CD8 ratio 0.85) in alopecic skin compared with untreated scalp tissue (CD4/CD8 ratio 3.45). Most of the T lymphocytes found in inflammatory skin lesions expressed CLA antigen and after therapy we observed a significantly higher CLA positivity in hair follicles (50% or more) in comparison with untreated alopecic scalp tissue. Alopecic patients showed a CCL27 immunopositivity significantly lower than in normal scalp tissue. After DPC therapy the labelling intensity for CCL27 showed a significant increase both in the ORS and in the inner root sheath; similarly, in the basal interfollicular keratinocytes we observed a moderate increase in CCL27 expression. CONCLUSIONS Topical immunotherapy exerts an important role in angiogenesis, upregulating VEGF in human hair follicle keratinocytes and upregulating survivin to preserve endothelial cell viability. Moreover, it considerably alters the peribulbar CD4/CD8 ratio, restoring a condition close to normal scalp skin. Our study could contribute to explaining some aspects of AA pathogenesis that are still unknown and aid understanding of how DPC could act in this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Simonetti
- Clinica Dermatologica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ospedale Regionale, Via Conca 20, 60020 Torrette, Ancona, Italy.
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Offidani A, Bernardini ML, Simonetti O, Simoncini C, Giangiacomi M, Bossi G. Hypereosinophilic dermatosis: skin lesions as the only manifestation of the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome? Br J Dermatol 2000; 143:675-7. [PMID: 10971369 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03750.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Offidani A, Bernardini M, Simonetti O, Simoncini C, Giangiacomi M, Bossi G. Hypereosinophilic dermatosis: skin lesions as the only manifestation of the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome? Br J Dermatol 2000. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03750.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Troiano JC, Vidal JC, Uriarte E, Gould EF, Gould JA, Heker J, Simoncini C, Tapia G. Osmotic Fragility and Erythrocyte Size in Iguana iguana (Sauria - Iguanidae) in Captivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2000. [DOI: 10.1007/s005800070022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
A case of tinea capitis due to Microsporum gypseum in an adult is described. An otherwise healthy 69-year-old woman presented two large patches of slightly erythematous scaling alopecia localized on the vertex and on the left parietal region of the scalp. The only subjective sign was itching. A mycological culture was positive for Microsporum gypseum. Tinea capitis is uncommon in adults; furthermore, isolation of Microsporum gypseum from this type of lesion is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Offidani
- Clinica Dermatologica, Università degli Studi di Ancona, Italy
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Johow V, Simoncini C, Fiorenza M, Tatonetti M, Bredart A, Didier F, Costa A. Hospital closed-circuit TV as an educational strategy to meet the learning needs of cancer patient. Eur J Cancer 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(97)86295-8] [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: 10/18/2022]
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