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Di Francesco AM, Verrecchia E, Sicignano LL, Massaro MG, Antuzzi D, Covino M, Pasciuto G, Richeldi L, Manna R. The Use of Chitotriosidase as a Marker of Active Sarcoidosis and in the Diagnosis of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO). J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225283. [PMID: 34830565 PMCID: PMC8619698 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ inflammatory granulomatosis with a lung-predominant involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of serum chitotriosidase (CHIT1) in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO); the patients with confirmed diagnosis of active sarcoidosis were compared with ones affected by inactive or treated sarcoidosis. CHIT1 activity was evaluated in 110 patients initially admitted at the hospital as FUOs. The overall performance of CHIT1 for active sarcoidosis diagnosis was assessed by performing an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUROC). The sarcoidosis patients were significantly older than the FUO patients not affected by sarcoidosis (p < 0.01). CHIT1 showed a good accuracy as a biomarker for active sarcoidosis in patients explored for FUO (AUROC 0.955; CI 95% 0.895–0.986; p < 0.001). A CHIT1 value >90.86 showed 96.8% sensitivity (84.2–99.9) and 85.5% specificity (75–92.8) in discriminating active sarcoidosis from other causes of FUO. CHIT1 significantly discriminated active versus inactive/under treatment sarcoidosis patients (with lower enzyme activity) (ROC analysis, sensitivity: 96.9%, specificity: 94.7%, value >83.01 nmol/mL/h, AUROC: 0.958, 0.862–0.994, p < 0.001) compared to ACE (ROC analysis, sensitivity: 25.8%, specificity: 93.7%, value >65 UI/L). In conclusion, CHIT1 is a reliable/sensitive biomarker of active sarcoidosis, with values significantly decreasing in remitted/treated patients. It significantly discriminates active sarcoidosis from FUO patients, providing a useful tool in the diagnosis-assessing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Maria Di Francesco
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Periodic Fever and Rare Diseases Research Centre, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.D.F.); (E.V.); (L.L.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Elena Verrecchia
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Periodic Fever and Rare Diseases Research Centre, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.D.F.); (E.V.); (L.L.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Ludovico Luca Sicignano
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Periodic Fever and Rare Diseases Research Centre, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.D.F.); (E.V.); (L.L.S.); (M.G.M.)
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Maria Grazia Massaro
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Periodic Fever and Rare Diseases Research Centre, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.D.F.); (E.V.); (L.L.S.); (M.G.M.)
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Paediatric Clinic, Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, UCSC, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marcello Covino
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (L.R.)
- Emergency Medicine, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pasciuto
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luca Richeldi
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (L.R.)
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Manna
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Periodic Fever and Rare Diseases Research Centre, Policlinico A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.D.F.); (E.V.); (L.L.S.); (M.G.M.)
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Caciotti A, Cellai L, Tonin R, Mei D, Procopio E, Di Rocco M, Andaloro A, Antuzzi D, Rampazzo A, Rigoldi M, Forni G, la Marca G, Guerrini R, Morrone A. Morquio B disease: From pathophysiology towards diagnosis. Mol Genet Metab 2021; 132:180-188. [PMID: 33558080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Morquio B disease is an attenuated phenotype within the spectrum of beta galactosidase (GLB1) deficiencies. It is characterised by dysostosis multiplex, ligament laxity, mildly coarse facies and heart valve defects due to keratan sulphate accumulation, predominantly in the cartilage. Morquio B patients have normal neurological development, setting them apart from those with the more severe GM1 gangliosidosis. Morquio B disease, with an incidence of 1:250.000 to 1:1.000.000 live births, is very rare. Here we report the clinical-biochemical data of nine patients. High amounts of keratan sulfate were detected using LC-MS/MS in the patients' urinary samples, while electrophoresis, the standard procedure of qualitative glycosaminoglycans analysis, failed to identify this metabolite in any of the patients' samples. We performed molecular analyses at gene, gene expression and protein expression levels, for both isoforms of the GLB1 gene, lysosomal GLB1, and the cell-surface expressed Elastin Binding Protein. We characterised three novel GLB1 mutations [c.75 + 2 T > G, c.575A > G (p.Tyr192Cys) and c.2030 T > G (p.Val677Gly)] identified in three heterozygous patients. We also set up a copy number variation assay by quantitative PCR to evaluate the presence of deletions/ insertions in the GLB1 gene. We propose a diagnostic plan, setting out the specific clinical- biochemical and molecular features of Morquio B, in order to avoid misdiagnoses and improve patients' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Caciotti
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Cellai
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Tonin
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neurogenetics, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Procopio
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Maja Di Rocco
- Unit of Rare Diseases, Dept of Pediatrics, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Andaloro
- Unit of Rare Diseases, Dept of Pediatrics, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Pediatric Clinic, Catholic University of "Sacro Cuore", Policlinico "Gemelli", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Miriam Rigoldi
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giulia Forni
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Italy.
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Ferri L, Malesci D, Fioravanti A, Bagordo G, Filippini A, Ficcadenti A, Manna R, Antuzzi D, Verrecchia E, Donati I, Mignani R, Cavicchi C, Guerrini R, Morrone A. Functional and pharmacological evaluation of novel GLA variants in Fabry disease identifies six (two de novo ) causative mutations and two amenable variants to the chaperone DGJ. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 481:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Graziani F, Ruggio A, Iaconelli A, Verrecchia E, Morrone A, Antuzzi D, Crea F, Manna R. Anderson-Fabry's Disease: A Rare but Treatable Case of Fever of Unknown Origin. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2017; 4:000645. [PMID: 30755957 PMCID: PMC6346910 DOI: 10.12890/2017_000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anderson-Fabry’s disease (AFD) is a rare, X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the complete deficiency or attenuated activity of the enzyme α-galactosidase A, leading to progressive systemic intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids and subsequent cellular dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis. Fever is a frequently misinterpreted symptom in the early stages of the disease, leading to diagnostic delay. We present the case of a 35-year-old man admitted to our Periodic Fever Research Centre for long-lasting recurrent episodes of fever of unknown origin. After extensive assessment, we diagnosed AFD associated with a novel GLA mutation. We started enzyme replacement therapy with clinical benefit and complete remission of fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Graziani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Aureliano Ruggio
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Iaconelli
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Verrecchia
- Periodic Fever Research Centre, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology of Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, Paediatric Neurology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Department of Paediatric Sciences, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Crea
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Manna
- Periodic Fever Research Centre, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Verrecchia E, Zampetti A, Antuzzi D, Ricci R, Ferri L, Morrone A, Feliciani C, Dagna L, Manna R. The impact of fever/hyperthermia in the diagnosis of Fabry: A retrospective analysis. Eur J Intern Med 2016; 32:26-30. [PMID: 27083555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A enzyme, which leads to the accumulation of its substrate, the globotriaosylceramide or Gb3, in many organs and tissues. Main clinical manifestations of FD are neuropathic pain, angiokeratomas, proteinuria and renal failure, left ventricular hypertrophy and stroke. Fever is also a possible symptom at the onset of the disease during childhood and adolescence, but it is frequently misdiagnosed, causing a delay in FD diagnosis. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the medical records in our series of 58 Fabry patients, focusing on the proportion of patients who exhibited fever as the main symptom at the onset of FD in order to evaluate the diagnostic delay in these patients. FINDINGS In our series, we found a significant proportion of patients with a history of fevers at the beginning of their medical history (20.7%; 12/58). 83% of patients with fever also exhibited acroparesthesias (10/12). Inflammatory markers were elevated in few of those cases (2/12). The mean diagnostic delay was 15.6±SD 12.8years. INTERPRETATION Fever emerged to be common as part of the FD clinical spectrum and it significantly contributed to the diagnostic delay encountered with this rare disease. Furthermore, our retrospective analysis indicated that FD patients commonly exhibit episodes of fever in association with other symptoms suggestive of FD (such as episodic pain crisis, acroparesthesias, hypo/anhydrosis, heat intolerance, fatigue and gastrointestinal distress). A careful analysis of the medical history in patients suffering fever could lead to an early and correct FD diagnosis. We believe that fever/hyperthermia, acroparesthesias and angiokeratoma should be considered for inclusion in the algorithm for Intermittent Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in order to improve the recognition of FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Verrecchia
- Periodic Fever Research Centre, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Zampetti
- Department of Dermatology Saint Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Department of Paediatric Sciences, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Ricci
- Department of Paediatric Sciences, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology of Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Amelia Morrone
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology of Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Manna
- Periodic Fever Research Centre, A. Gemelli Policlinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Bersani G, Guerriero C, Ricci F, Valentini P, Zampino G, Lazzareschi I, Antuzzi D, Rigante D. Ausgedehnte, unregelmäßige Mongolenflecken als Hinweis auf GM1-Gangliosidose Typ 1. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2016. [PMID: 26765271 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12755_g] [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: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bersani
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Cristina Guerriero
- Institute of Dermatology; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Institute of Dermatology; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Piero Valentini
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Ilaria Lazzareschi
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rom Italien
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Bersani G, Guerriero C, Ricci F, Valentini P, Zampino G, Lazzareschi I, Antuzzi D, Rigante D. Extensive irregular Mongolian blue spots as a clue for GM1 gangliosidosis type 1. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2016; 14:301-2. [PMID: 26765271 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bersani
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Guerriero
- Institute of Dermatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Institute of Dermatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Valentini
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Zampino
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lazzareschi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Plasma chitotriosidase activity (ChT) was previously proposed to quantify severity of sepsis. In a complex surgical case, with prolonged sepsis and consistently high ChT, we found that the least increased values occurred in stages of extreme illness, with profound hypocholesterolemia. ChT needs better characterization before becoming a reliable biomarker of septic evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Chiarla
- a a CNR-IASI Center for the Pathophysiology of Shock, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Ivo Giovannini
- a a CNR-IASI Center for the Pathophysiology of Shock, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Daniela Antuzzi
- b b Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Andrea Piras
- b b Institute of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesco Ardito
- c c Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit (Dept of Surgical Sciences), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Felice Giuliante
- c c Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit (Dept of Surgical Sciences), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
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Caciotti A, Tonin R, Rigoldi M, Ferri L, Catarzi S, Cavicchi C, Procopio E, Donati MA, Ficcadenti A, Fiumara A, Barone R, Garavelli L, Rocco MD, Filocamo M, Antuzzi D, Scarpa M, Mooney SD, Li B, Skouma A, Bianca S, Concolino D, Casalone R, Monti E, Pantaleo M, Giglio S, Guerrini R, Parini R, Morrone A. Optimizing the molecular diagnosis of GALNS: novel methods to define and characterize Morquio-A syndrome-associated mutations. Hum Mutat 2015; 36:357-68. [PMID: 25545067 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Morquio A syndrome (MPS IVA) is a systemic lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS), encoded by the GALNS gene. We studied 37 MPS IV A patients and defined genotype-phenotype correlations based on clinical data, biochemical assays, molecular analyses, and in silico structural analyses of associated mutations. We found that standard sequencing procedures, albeit identifying 14 novel small GALNS genetic lesions, failed to characterize the second disease-causing mutation in the 16% of the patients' cohort. To address this drawback and uncover potential gross GALNS rearrangements, we developed molecular procedures (CNV [copy-number variation] assays, QF-PCRs [quantitative fluorescent-PCRs]), endorsed by CGH-arrays. Using this approach, we characterized two new large deletions and their corresponding breakpoints. Both deletions were heterozygous and included the first exon of the PIEZO1 gene, which is associated with dehydrated hereditary stomatocitosis, an autosomal-dominant syndrome. In addition, we characterized the new GALNS intronic lesion c.245-11C>G causing m-RNA defects, although identified outside the GT/AG splice pair. We estimated the occurrence of the disease in the Italian population to be approximately 1:300,000 live births and defined a molecular testing algorithm designed to help diagnosing MPS IVA and foreseeing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Caciotti
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Paediatric Neurology Unit and Laboratories, Neuroscience Department, A. Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Castorina M, Antuzzi D, Richards S, Cox G, Xue Y. Successful pregnancy and breastfeeding in a woman with mucopolysaccharidosis type I while receiving laronidase enzyme replacement therapy. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2015. [DOI: 10.12891/ceog1845.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Castorina M, Antuzzi D, Richards SM, Cox GF, Xue Y. Successful pregnancy and breastfeeding in a woman with mucopolysaccharidosis type I while receiving laronidase enzyme replacement. therapy. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2015; 42:108-113. [PMID: 25864295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The authors describe the first mother-infant pair to complete an on-going, prospective, open-label, Phase 4 trial (ALIU) UU3, NCT00418821) determining the safety of laronidase enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in pregnant women with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) and their breastfed infants. The mother, a 32-year-old with attenuated MPS I (Scheie syndrome), received laronidase for three years and continued treatment throughout her second pregnancy and while lactating. A healthy 2.5 kg male was delivered by elective cesarean section at 37 weeks. He was breastfed for three months. No laronidase was detected in breast milk. The infant never developed anti-laronidase IgM antibodies, never had inhibitory antibody activity in a cellular uptake assay, and always had normal urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels. No drug-related adverse events were reported. At 2.5 years of age, the boy is healthy with normal growth and development. In this first prospectively monitored mother-infant pair, laronidase during pregnancy and breastfeeding was uneventful.
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Zampetti A, Gnarra M, Borsini W, Giurdanella F, Antuzzi D, Piras A, Smaldone C, Pieroni M, Cadeddu C, de Waure C, Feliciani C. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-a) in Fabry disease: association with cutaneous and systemic manifestations with vascular involvement. Cytokine 2013; 61:933-9. [PMID: 23332617 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of lysosomal α-galactosidase A enzyme. This leads to the accumulation, into lysosomes through the body, of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Skin involvement and progressive multi-organ failure are usually observed. Endothelium is the preferential target of the Gb3 storage that determines endothelial dysfunction and vasculopathy leading to the clinical manifestations of the disease. The serum levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A), a specific endothelial cell mitogen, were analyzed in Fabry patients to explore a possible association to the clinical manifestations with vascular involvement. METHODS Thirty-five patients with a biochemical and genetic diagnosis of Fabry disease, along with an age-gender-matched healthy control group, were enrolled. Serum samples were collected and analyzed by ELISA. The genetic mutations, the specific organ dysfunction, and the cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidaemia, diabetes, smoking habits and hypertension were evaluated in Fabry patients. RESULTS The mean serum level of VEGF-A in Fabry patients group was significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.006). A statistical significant association, between VEGF-A levels and the skin manifestation including angiokeratomas, sweating abnormalities and Fabry Facies was found. An association was also found between high VEGF-A and specific GLA mutations, the male gender, the renal and neurological manifestations, the presence of eye vessels tortuosity, smoking habit and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS We detected increased VEGF-A levels in patients with Fabry disease compared to the controls, and we hypothesized that this could be a response to the vascular damage characterising this lysosomal disorder. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the role of VEGF-A in Fabry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zampetti
- Dermatology Department, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica, Rome, Italy.
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Zampetti A, Fania L, Antuzzi D, Giurdanella F, Gnarra M, Bertola F, Lualdi S, Filocamo M, Morrone A, Feliciani C. Mutation identification of Fabry disease in families with other lysosomal storage disorders. Clin Genet 2012; 84:281-5. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - D Antuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences; Policlinico “A. Gemelli”, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; Rome; Italy
| | | | | | - F Bertola
- Consortium for Human Molecular Genetics; University of Milano-Bicocca; Monza; Italy
| | - S Lualdi
- Centro di Diagnostica Genetica e Biochimica delle Malattie Metaboliche; Istituto G. Gaslini; Genova; Italy
| | - M Filocamo
- Centro di Diagnostica Genetica e Biochimica delle Malattie Metaboliche; Istituto G. Gaslini; Genova; Italy
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Frustaci A, Morgante E, Antuzzi D, Russo MA, Chimenti C. Inhibition of cardiomyocyte lysosomal activity in hydroxychloroquine cardiomyopathy. Int J Cardiol 2012; 157:117-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Zampetti A, Orteu C, Antuzzi D, Bongiorno M, Manco S, Gnarra M, Morrone A, Cardinali G, Kovacs D, Aspite N, Linder D, Parini R, Feliciani C. Angiokeratoma: decision-making aid for the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Br J Dermatol 2012; 166:712-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2012.10742.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Chimenti C, Padua L, Pazzaglia C, Morgante E, Centurion C, Antuzzi D, Russo MA, Frustaci A. Cardiac and skeletal myopathy in Fabry disease: a clinicopathologic correlative study. Hum Pathol 2012; 43:1444-52. [PMID: 22406371 PMCID: PMC3423632 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle disturbances are commonly reported in patients with Fabry disease. Whether they derive from cardiac dysfunction or direct muscle involvement is still unclear. Clinical, noninvasive, and invasive cardiac and muscle studies, including an endomyocardial and muscle biopsy, were obtained in 12 patients (mean age, 42.1 ± 12.6 years; range, 24-58 years) with Fabry disease. In the youngest patients (group A, 4 men aged <35 years), results of cardiac and skeletal noninvasive studies were normal, except for reduced velocities in tissue Doppler imaging. Histologic examination indicated that muscle myocytes were unaffected, whereas muscle vessels showed the presence of mild glycosphingolipid accumulation in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In the heart, cardiomyocytes and endothelial and smooth muscle cells of intramural cardiac vessels were involved by the disease. The oldest patients (group B, 6 men and 2 women aged >35 years) showed ultrasound muscle disarray and electromyography signs of myopathy, increased left ventricular mass, and normal cardiac function. Histologic examination showed that muscle myocytes contained mild glycosphingolipid accumulation compared with severe engulfment of cardiomyocytes. Moreover, similar infiltration of myocardial and muscle intramural vessels, causing lumen narrowing and fibrofatty tissue replacement, was observed. Direct muscle involvement occurs in patients with Fabry disease. It is milder and delayed compared with that in the heart. The difference in organ function and the need of residual α-galactosidase A activity are the likely causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chimenti
- Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nefrologic and Geriatric Sciences Department, La Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy
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Zampetti A, Orteu C, Antuzzi D, Bongiorno M, Manco S, Gnarra M, Morrone A, Cardinali G, Kovacs D, Aspite N, Linder D, Parini R, Feliciani C. Angiokeratoma: Decision Making Methodology for the Diagnosis of Fabry Disease. Br J Dermatol 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10742.x] [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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Ferri L, Guido C, la Marca G, Malvagia S, Cavicchi C, Fiumara A, Barone R, Parini R, Antuzzi D, Feliciani C, Zampetti A, Manna R, Giglio S, Della Valle CM, Wu X, Valenzano KJ, Benjamin R, Donati MA, Guerrini R, Genuardi M, Morrone A. Fabry disease: polymorphic haplotypes and a novel missense mutation in the GLA gene. Clin Genet 2011; 81:224-33. [PMID: 21517827 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2011.01689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fabry disease: polymorphic haplotypes and a novel missense mutation in the GLA gene. Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder with a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical manifestations that are caused by the deficiency of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal-A) activity. Although useful for diagnosis in males, enzyme activity is not a reliable biochemical marker in heterozygous females due to random X-chromosome inactivation, thus rendering DNA sequencing of the α-Gal-A gene, alpha-galactosidase gene (GLA), the most reliable test for the confirmation of diagnosis in females. The spectrum of GLA mutations is highly heterogeneous. Many polymorphic GLA variants have been described, but it is unclear if haplotypes formed by combinations of such variants correlate with FD, thus complicating molecular diagnosis in females with normal α-Gal-A activity. We tested 67 female probands with clinical manifestations that may be associated with FD and 110 control males with normal α-Gal-A activity. Five different combinations of GLA polymorphic variants were identified in 14 of the 67 females, whereas clearcut pathogenetic alterations, p.Met51Ile and p.Met290Leu, were identified in two cases. The latter has not been reported so far, and both mutant forms were found to be responsive to the pharmacological chaperone deoxygalactonojirimycin (DGJ; migalastat hydrochloride). Analysis of the male control population, as well as male relatives of a suspected FD female proband, permitted the identification of seven different GLA gene haplotypes in strong linkage disequilibrium. The identification of haplotypes in control males provides evidence against their involvement in the development of FD phenotypic manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ferri
- Department of Sciences for Woman and Child's Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Rigante D, Zampetti A, Bersani G, Candelli M, Piras A, Rendeli C, Antuzzi D, Feliciani C, Stabile A. Serum Interleukin-18 in Children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A Promising Marker of Disease Activity? EUR J INFLAMM 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1100900209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSp) is the most common systemic vasculitis of childhood with typical skin involvement and concurrent signs involving joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney. HSp pathogenesis is still far from being completely understood, though a knotty cytokine complex is believed to contribute to its intimate processes. The aim of our evaluation is to establish the relationship between serum levels of interleukin (IL)-18 and disease outcome and establish its feasibility to provide a marker of disease activity or even a prognostic tool in clinical practice. We examined clinical/laboratory variables and serum IL-18 in 17 children hospitalized during a year for HSp, diagnosed by EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria; the same patients were re-evaluated after 6 months. All results were compared with 25 age-matched healthy controls. IL-12 and IL-6 were also evaluated in a cohort of the same patients and compared with controls. General and clinical variables (sex, edema of the extremities, gastrointestinal or renal complications, relapses and renal involvement at 6 months) had no relationship with cytokine levels. Serum IL-18 and IL-6 levels were found significantly increased at diagnosis in HSp patients when compared with healthy controls. After 6 months, serum IL-18 and IL-12 levels were significantly decreased in patients, while IL-12 and IL-6 levels were significantly increased compared to healthy controls. Though preliminary and expecting further confirmation on a larger sample, our data support the conclusion that serum IL-18 levels reflect HSp activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Rigante
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Zampetti
- Department of Dermatology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Bersani
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Candelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Piras
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Rendeli
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Antuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Feliciani
- Department of Dermatology, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - A. Stabile
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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20
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Bertola F, Filocamo M, Casati G, Mort M, Rosano C, Tylki-Szymanska A, Tüysüz B, Gabrielli O, Grossi S, Scarpa M, Parenti G, Antuzzi D, Dalmau J, Di Rocco M, Dionisi Vici C, Okur I, Rosell J, Rovelli A, Furlan F, Rigoldi M, Biondi A, Cooper DN, Parini R. IDUA mutational profiling of a cohort of 102 European patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I: identification and characterization of 35 novel α-L-iduronidase (IDUA) alleles. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:E2189-210. [PMID: 21394825 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mutational analysis of the IDUA gene was performed in a cohort of 102 European patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I. A total of 54 distinct mutant IDUA alleles were identified, 34 of which were novel including 12 missense mutations, 2 nonsense mutations, 12 splicing mutations, 5 micro-deletions, 1 micro-duplication 1 translational initiation site mutation, and 1 'no-stop' change (p.X654RextX62). Evidence for the pathological significance of all novel mutations identified was sought by means of a range of methodological approaches, including the assessment of evolutionary conservation, RT-PCR/in vitro splicing analysis, MutPred analysis and visual inspection of the 3D-model of the IDUA protein. Taken together, these data not only demonstrate the remarkable mutational heterogeneity characterizing type 1 mucopolysaccharidosis but also illustrate our increasing ability to make deductions pertaining to the genotype-phenotype relationship in disorders manifesting a high degree of allelic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bertola
- Consortium for Human Molecular Genetics, Milano Bicocca University, Monza, Italy.
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21
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Filoni C, Caciotti A, Carraresi L, Cavicchi C, Parini R, Antuzzi D, Zampetti A, Feriozzi S, Poisetti P, Garman SC, Guerrini R, Zammarchi E, Donati MA, Morrone A. Functional studies of new GLA gene mutations leading to conformational Fabry disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2009; 1802:247-52. [PMID: 19941952 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Revised: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fabry Disease (FD) is an X-linked multisystemic lysosomal disorder caused by mutations of alpha-galactosidase (GLA) gene. Only a few of the 450 genetic lesions identified so far have been characterised by in vitro expression studies. Thus the significance of newly identified GLA nucleotide variants in FD patients which lead to alpha-galactosidase (GAL-A) amino acid substitutions or intronic changes can be uncertain. We identified three GLA mutations, c.155G>A (p.C52Y), c.548G>C (p.G183A), c.647A>G (p.Y216C) in as many individuals (two male; one female) and performed in vitro expression studies and Western blot analysis in order to clarify their functional effects. Reduced GAL-A activity and normal or partially reduced mutant proteins were present in all overexpressed mutant systems in which three-dimensional structural analysis showed that the active site was not directly involved. We hypothesize that the three new mutations affect the GAL-A protein, leading to conformational FD. When mutant proteins overexpressed in COS-1 cells and in patients' lymphocytes were tested in the presence of the 1-deoxygalactonojirimicin (DGJ) chaperone, the p.G183A and p.Y216C systems showed increased GAL-A enzyme activities and protein stabilisation while p.C52Y was not responsive. We underline that genetic, biochemical and functional studies are helpful in clarifying the consequences of the missense genetic lesions detected in FD. ERT is the elective therapy for Fabry patients, but it is not always possible to issue the enzyme's active form in all involved organs. Our study endorses the hypothesis that an active site-specific chemical chaperone, which could be administered orally, might be effective in treating GAL-A conformational defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Filoni
- Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Clinic of Pediatric Neurology, A.O.U Meyer, Florence, Italy
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22
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Vitaioli L, Baldoni E, Indraccolo SR, Antuzzi D, Ricci R. Evaluation of sialic acid and α-neuraminidase activity in normal and pathological endometrium. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/01443619609020729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/13/2022]
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23
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Zampetti A, Barone A, Antuzzi D, Amerio P, Tulli A, Feliciani C, Amerio P. Topical preparations for the treatment of psoriasis: results of a retrospective study over 15 years. J DERMATOL TREAT 2008; 19:134-40. [PMID: 18569269 DOI: 10.1080/09546630701846087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis requires lifelong treatments that depend on the extent, clinical forms and associated conditions. OBJECTIVE To retrospectively analyze which topical treatments were used, their efficacy, and potential advantages and disadvantages. METHODS A total of 666 patients admitted for the first time over 15 years who were topically treated were retrospectively reviewed and subdivided using clinical forms and PASI into four groups and four subgroups for the applied treatments. For each treatment the mean PASI was calculated daily: on the first, third and sixth day. An X sample statistical analysis and Mann--Whitney U-test were performed. The hospitalization time and correlation with the response to treatment were analyzed. RESULTS A statistically significant response was recorded for every regimen. The best combination was clobetasol propionate plus eosin on alternate days with eosin plus cade oil. The highest score was recorded for the 'en plaques' psoriasis. The average length of treatment was of 7.5 days in the best combination. No statistically significant difference among the groups was recorded with respect to the length of hospitalization and PASI. CONCLUSION The statistically significant response for all the topical treatments analyzed and recorded in this study does not exclude a potential benefit due to hospitalization per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zampetti
- Department of Dermatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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24
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Merra G, Lago AD, Ricci R, Antuzzi D, Gasbarrini G, Gasbarrini A, Ghirlanda G. Splenomegaly as a primary manifestation of Gaucher disease in a young adult woman. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2008; 2:474-8. [PMID: 21897802 PMCID: PMC3166814 DOI: 10.1159/000178329] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gaucher disease is the most common lysosomal storage disease. It is caused by the defective activity of acid β-glucosidase, which results in the accumulation of lipid glucocerebroside in macrophages throughout the body. In this case report we describe the case of a young adult woman with splenomegaly as the primary manifestation of this pathology. This is a case of type 1 Gaucher disease because there is a lack of primary neurological involvement but we have, instead, an age-independent involvement of the visceral organs. It is very important to classify or characterize these patients in a precise manner and to make a complete diagnosis with the help of the many diagnostic resources now at our disposal, especially with genetics, radiology and new techniques of advanced microscopy, also because Gaucher disease requires a long and complex management from early life to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Merra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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25
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Castorina M, Rigante D, Antuzzi D, Sciascia Cannizzaro G, Ricci R. Different outcome in isovaleric acidemia might be related to unsatisfactory diet compliance. Scand J Gastroenterol 2008; 43:767-8. [PMID: 18569998 DOI: 10.1080/00365520801912128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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26
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Rendeli C, Ausili E, Castorina M, Antuzzi D, Tabacco F, Caldarelli M. Homocysteine, folate, lipid profile and MTHFR genotype and disability in children with myelomeningocele. Childs Nerv Syst 2006; 22:1316-21. [PMID: 16602021 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-006-0056-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 07/11/2005] [Revised: 09/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN We performed a cross-sectional study in myelomeningocele children. OBJECTIVE To investigate plasma total homocysteine, folate, lipid profile, 5,10- metylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype (MTHFR) and disability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty patients aged between 2 and 14 years with myelomeningocele (18 ambulatory and 42 non-ambulatory) and 150 healthy children of same age, are investigated for lipid profile, homocysteine concentration and for the determination of MTHFR genotype. RESULTS Plasma homocysteine concentrations were significantly higher in myelomeningocele children than in the control group. In myelomeningocele female group, there were higher levels of total cholesterol and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with respect to the control group. Myelomeningocele children walking with tutorial aid showed triglyceride levels significantly lower than those observed in myelomeningocele non-walking children. CONCLUSION Disability, insulin uptake, lipid, homocysteine, hormones plasma levels, and genetic factors such as allelic variants of MTHFR are possible for cardiovascular disease in myelomeningocele children. This study highlights the importance of a continuous surveillance of any changes in the lipid profile that should be corrected as soon as possible. Constant physical activity necessary to increase HDL levels should be planned in all susceptible children. Nonetheless, further investigations are necessary to identify new homocysteine susceptible genes for prevention of early atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rendeli
- Department of Paediatrics, Catholic University, Spina Bifida Center, Rome, Italy.
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27
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Arranz A, Rigante D, Antuzzi D, Riudor E. Gene symbol: FAH. Disease: tyrosinaemia 1. Hum Genet 2005; 118:537. [PMID: 16521249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Arranz
- Unitat de Malalties Neurometabóliques, Hospital Materno-Infantil Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
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Sbaragli M, Bibi L, Pittis MG, Balducci C, Heikinheimo P, Ricci R, Antuzzi D, Parini R, Spaccini L, Bembi B, Beccari T. Identification and characterization of five novel MAN2B1 mutations in Italian patients with alpha-mannosidosis. Hum Mutat 2005; 25:320. [PMID: 15712269 DOI: 10.1002/humu.9310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutation analysis performed on six Italian families with alpha-mannosidosis type II allowed the identification of five new mutations in the MAN2B1 gene: c.157G>T, c.562C>T, c.599A>T, c.293dupA, c.2402G>A (p.E53X, p.R188X, p.H200L, p.Y99VfsX61, p.G801D). Protein residues G801 and H200 are conserved among the four mammalian alpha-mannosidases cloned to date: human, cattle, cat and mouse. In vitro expression studies demonstrated that both missense mutations expressed no residual alpha-mannosidase activity indicating that they are disease-causing mutations. Modelling into the three-dimensional structure revealed that the p.H200L could involve the catalytic mechanism, whereas p.G801D would affect the correct folding of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Sbaragli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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29
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Lualdi S, Regis S, Di Rocco M, Corsolini F, Stroppiano M, Antuzzi D, Filocamo M. Characterization of iduronate-2-sulfatase gene-pseudogene recombinations in eight patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis type II revealed by a rapid PCR-based method. Hum Mutat 2005; 25:491-7. [PMID: 15832315 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Various types of complex genetic rearrangements involving the iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) and its homologous pseudogene (IDS2, IDSP1) have so far been reported as the cause of Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS2 or MPS II; Hunter syndrome). When using conventional mutational analyses, the occurrence in intronic regions of these rearrangements can be misleading. Here, we describe a rapid PCR-based method set up to detect possible gene/pseudogene recombinations among a series of Italian male patients who had negative results in the mutation analysis of the IDS gene. Our approach selected eight unrelated patients showing recombinations. The characterization of the proximal regions containing the breakpoints in the eight patients identified four different rearrangements due to both inversion and conversion events. Comparison of our data with previous publications confirmed that the recombinations between the IDS gene and the IDS2 pseudogene result from separate events, considering their occurrence at different positions within the same "hotspot" genomic region in unrelated patients. The RT-PCR analysis of the available cDNAs pointed out the different effects of similar rearrangements on the expression of the IDS gene. This method can be utilized effectively in the absence of the patients' cDNA, as well as for carrier detection among female family members. This advantageous approach reduces costs, is less time-consuming, and requires a smaller DNA quantity in comparison to the Southern blot hybridization technique often utilized for such complex rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Lualdi
- Laboratorio Diagnosi Pre-Postnatale Malattie Metaboliche, IRCCS G.Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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30
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Ricci R, Castorina M, Di Lillo M, Antuzzi D, Frustaci A, Parini R, Menni F, Furlan F, Burlina A, Burlina A, Catuogno S, Gabrielli O, Burattini I, Borsini W, Buchner S, Ferriozzi S, Spisni C, De Vito R, Di Rocco M, Aricò M, Pistone G, Bongiorno AM, Morrone A, Cavicchi C, Zammarchi E. [Fabry disease in Italy: first epidemiologic and collaborative study]. Ann Ital Med Int 2004; 19:269-75. [PMID: 15678707] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The authors sought to define the prevalence of Fabry disease and to establish the incidence and its natural history in Italy. The aim of this study was to point out the first clinical signs and symptoms to perform an early diagnosis and hence to start a specific therapeutic treatment. Fabry disease is an inborn error of metabolism caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. Fabry disease is a severe X-linked disorder presenting with a higher morbidity between the third and the fourth decade of life. Fabry disease may be confused with other diseases or completely misdiagnosed: its frequency is estimated worldwide to be 1:117000. In Italy, 65 patients have been identified by several specialized institutions; age, sex, onset of first clinical signs and symptoms were analyzed and reported. In conclusion, this is the first Italian collaborative study that allows to delineate and point out the clinical signs of Fabry disease to perform a correct and early diagnosis. Enzyme replacement therapy is now available and its early beginning can prevent renal and cardiac failure, improve the quality of life and life expectancy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ricci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma.
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31
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Chimenti C, Pieroni M, Morgante E, Antuzzi D, Russo A, Russo MA, Maseri A, Frustaci A. Prevalence of Fabry disease in female patients with late-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation 2004; 110:1047-53. [PMID: 15313943 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000139847.74101.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fabry disease (FD) has been recognized as the cause of left ventricular hypertrophy in 6% of men with late-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Although FD is considered a recessive X-linked disorder, affected women are increasingly reported. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of FD in female patients with HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-four consecutive women (mean age, 50+/-13.6 years) who received an ECG and echocardiographic diagnosis of HCM were submitted to an invasive cardiac study that included a biventricular endomyocardial biopsy. Tissue samples were analyzed for histology and electron microscopy. Peripheral blood activity of alpha-galactosidase (alpha-Gal) A was assessed in all patients. None of them had a family history of FD. Histology and electron microscopy showed in 4 patients (12%; mean age, 51.5+/-3.9 years) the presence of cell vacuoles characterized by the accumulation of glycolipid material organized in concentric lamellar structures, diagnostic for FD. In the remaining patients, histology was consistent with HCM. In all the female carriers, the heart was the only organ clinically involved in the disease, showing concentric hypertrophy in 2 patients, asymmetric hypertrophy in 1, and apical hypertrophy in 1. The alpha-Gal A enzymatic activity was 44+/-14% of control values. Genetic analysis showed the presence of alpha-Gal A gene mutation in all 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS FD may account for up to 12% of females with late-onset HCM. Those heterozygous for FD with left ventricular hypertrophy are potential candidates for enzyme enhancement/replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chimenti
- Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Giuliani M, Antuzzi D, Lajolo C, Mistura L, Ricci R. Influence of beta-carotene on lysosomal hydrolases and their natural substrates in major salivary glands of hamsters treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2004; 138:445-52. [PMID: 15536052 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2004.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2003] [Revised: 07/28/2004] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, on the activity of some lysosomal hydrolases and on the levels of their natural substrates in hamster major salivary glands during experimental oral 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) carcinogenesis. Sixty-four hamsters (Cricetus auratus) were divided into four groups--group 1: untreated control; group 2: DMBA was painted three times a week in the left buccal pouch; group 3: beta-carotene was painted three times a week in the left buccal pouch; group 4: DMBA and beta-carotene were painted alternatively in the left buccal pouch. After 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the activities of some lysosomal hydrolases and their natural substrates in the major salivary glands were measured. beta-Carotene when administered topically in DMBA treated animals (group 4) reduced the levels of the majority of enzymes and substrates closer to those of the untreated control group, thus outlining a mild protective effect of beta-carotene towards the DMBA carcinogenic stress. Nevertheless, the presence of some enzymes which responded negatively to the combined administration of DMBA and beta-carotene suggests the necessity for future studies on the effect of beta-carotene at different concentrations, the systemic administration and the possibility to combine the topical beta-carotene administration with other chemopreventive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Giuliani
- Dental School, Catholic University of Rome-Largo A. Gemelli 8, I-00168 Roma, Italy.
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Valeriani M, Mariotti P, Le Pera D, Restuccia D, De Armas L, Maiese T, Vigevano F, Antuzzi D, Zampino G, Ricci R, Tonali P. Functional assessment of A? and C fibers in patients with Fabry's disease. Muscle Nerve 2004; 30:708-13. [PMID: 15468314 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of neuropathic pain in Fabry's disease (FD) is still largely unknown. Seven FD patients were studied by laser evoked potentials (LEPs) to assess the function of the A delta and C fibers. Laser pulses were delivered on the skin of the hand and perioral region at painful intensity to record LEPs related to A delta-fiber inputs and at nonpainful intensity to obtain LEPs related to C-fiber inputs. When the perioral region was stimulated, a vertex positive component was recorded with a mean latency of 260.3 ms and 376 ms after A delta- and C-fiber stimulation, respectively. The mean A delta-LEP amplitude was significantly lower in FD patients (N1/P1 mean values were 2.8 microV and 4.5 microV after hand and face stimulation, respectively, compared to 4 microV and 8.9 microV for controls; N2/P2 mean values were 8.2 microV and 11.1 microV after hand and face stimulation, respectively, and 16.7 microV and 22.3 microV in controls). Unlike the healthy subjects, 6 FD patients, suffering from neuropathic pain, showed a late positive potential related to C-fiber function (mean latency, 377.1 ms) also after facial stimulation at painful intensity, suggesting a relative overflow of C-fiber input, which may be relevant in the pathophysiology of pain in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Valeriani
- Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
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Morrone A, Cavicchi C, Bardelli T, Antuzzi D, Parini R, Di Rocco M, Feriozzi S, Gabrielli O, Barone R, Pistone G, Spisni C, Ricci R, Zammarchi E. Fabry disease: molecular studies in Italian patients and X inactivation analysis in manifesting carriers. J Med Genet 2003; 40:e103. [PMID: 12920095 PMCID: PMC1735554 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.40.8.e103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Morrone
- Department of Paediatrics, Florence, Italy
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35
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Beccari T, Bibi L, Ricci R, Antuzzi D, Burgalossi A, Costanzi E, Orlacchio A. Two novel mutations in the gene for human alpha-mannosidase that cause alpha-mannosidosis. J Inherit Metab Dis 2003; 26:819-20. [PMID: 14765545 DOI: 10.1023/b:boli.0000010006.87571.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutation analysis performed on two Italian patients with alpha-mannosidosis allowed the identification of two new mutations, IVS20-2A>G and 322-323insA. The patients were both homozygous for these mutations. The first mutation causes skipping of exon 21, whereas the second causes a frameshift introducing a stop codon at position 160 of the amino acid sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Beccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche e Biotecnologie Molecolari, Universitá degli Studi di Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Gaspari R, Arcangeli A, Mensi S, Wismayer DS, Tartaglione T, Antuzzi D, Conti G, Proietti R. Late-onset presentation of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in a young woman with hyperammonemic coma. Ann Emerg Med 2003; 41:104-9. [PMID: 12514690 DOI: 10.1067/mem.2003.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is an X-linked inherited disease and the most common inborn error in urea synthesis in human patients. In adult heterozygous patients, OTCD can be responsible for life-threatening hyperammonemic coma. We report the case of a 32-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with seizures after a recent high protein load. Her parents related a history of recurrent episodes of vomiting, meat refusal, lethargy, and convulsions since childhood, and measurement of plasma ammonemia levels was the key to early diagnosis of OTCD. We report the pathophysiologic characteristics, clinical features, clinical course, and differential diagnosis of OTCD and discuss the therapeutic options, including continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration and pharmacologic therapy for reduction of plasma ammonemia levels. A diagnosis of OTCD should be considered in adult nonhepatic patients with hyperammonemic coma, particularly if they have a history of protein avoidance and neurologic symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are critical to avoid severe brain damage and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Gaspari
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Giuliani M, Antuzzi D, Lajolo C, Vitaioli L, Tommasoni D, Ricci R. Lysosomal glycosidases and their natural substrates in major salivary glands of hamsters treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 133:135-42. [PMID: 12223221 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(02)00120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oro-maxillofacial diseases may influence structure and function of salivary glands. In this study, 32 hamsters were treated with topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) on the buccal pouch. After 16 weeks, the animals were killed and the major salivary glands extracted. The activities of some lysosomal glycosidases and their natural substrates were measured to understand how the carcinogenetic stress and the inflammatory reaction could influence the physiology of the salivary glands. Large differences were observed in lysosomal activities among treated and untreated animals. Similarly, large differences were shown in the concentration of natural substrates, including sialic acids. These results suggest that inflammation and/or tumors induce profound changes in the biology of the salivary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Giuliani
- Dental School, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, School of Dentistry, Largo A Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.
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Salvaggio E, Antuzzi D, Ferrara P, Scanu M, Pulitanò S, Venuti L, Tarquini E, De Michele T, Ricci R. Glycosaminoglycans: urinary excretion in children with myelomeningocele. Urol Int 2001; 66:156-9. [PMID: 11316979 DOI: 10.1159/000056597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main consequences of neurogenic bladder dysfunction are renal damage related to high intravesical pressure, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Neurologic impairment, UTIs and VUR are known to be linked with a potential for renal scarring. Of paramount importance as predisposing conditions for UTIs in neurogenic bladder are poor bladder drainage and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergy which cause further abnormalities on the internal bladder surface and, consequently, a bladder wall rich in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between GAG excretion and bladder wall degeneration in 43 patients affected by spina bifida (SB) and 40 healthy age-matched control children. RESULTS The amounts of GAGs excreted vary greatly in SB patients aged from 0 to 5 years, and values are comparable to those observed in normal controls. They are significantly higher in children over 5 years of age. CONCLUSION The increased excretion of GAGs in older SB patients is an important parameter in the evaluation of the physiopathological condition of the bladder wall and hence may be considered a possible marker for monitoring the beginning of bladder damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Salvaggio
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Ferrara P, Rigante D, Lambert-Gardini S, Salvaggio E, Ricci R, Chiozza ML, Antuzzi D. Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans in patients with isolated nocturnal enuresis or combined with diurnal incontinence. BJU Int 2000; 86:824-5. [PMID: 11069407 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.2000.00905.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine variations in the amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) excreted by patients with nocturnal enuresis and/or diurnal incontinence. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study included 27 patients (aged 5-15 years) with nocturnal enuresis and/or diurnal incontinence, and 27 healthy age-matched children. Their urinary GAG excretion was assessed over 24 h using the sodium tetraborate-carbazole method. RESULTS Patients with nocturnal enuresis and/or diurnal incontinence had higher mean values of urinary GAG excretion than age-matched controls. There were significant differences in GAG excretion between those with nocturnal enuresis and diurnal incontinence and those with nocturnal enuresis alone. CONCLUSIONS GAG excretion in patients with nocturnal enuresis and/or diurnal incontinence was significantly higher than in normal children, suggesting that measuring urinary GAGs may be useful in evaluating physiopathological conditions of the bladder wall, and hence in monitoring potential damage in the bladder mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ferrara
- Department of Paediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
In this paper the possible application of an electronic nose to the analysis of urine is presented. In contrast with the conventional applications of sensors and biosensors operating in liquid, the approach discussed here makes use of gas sensors performing an analysis of the headspace. The application deals with urine samples from patients affected by kidney diseases; some of the samples contained traces of blood. Results show the possibility of distinguishing the samples containing blood from the others, and a linear correlation between the first three principal components and the blood content was found. Furthermore, the electronic nose matched with a suitable neural network showed good performance in measuring the pH and the specific weight of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Di Natale
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy.
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Abstract
We report a case of bladder obstruction in a patient with Hunter's syndrome, presenting with acute painful symptomatology, due to the impossibility of voiding, which was diagnosed with ultrasonography and cystometrography. Intermittent catheterization with intravesical oxybutynin chloride lead to successful functional resolution of the obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rigante
- Department of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Rigante D, Antuzzi D, Ricci R, Segni G. Cervical myelopathy in mucopolysaccharidosis type IV. Clin Neuropathol 1999; 18:84-6. [PMID: 10192703] [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: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe our experience with 8 Italian patients having mucopolysaccharidosis type IV, diagnosed between 1 and 10 years of life, who presented odontoid hypoplasia causing cervical myelopathy. We discuss the possibility of cranio-cervical stabilization in order to reduce the neurological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rigante
- Department of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Gamba PG, Zancan L, Midrio P, Antoniello L, Tommasoni N, Talenti E, Panadero E, Caro L, López-Herce J, Sancho L, Sánchez A, Carrillo A, Tota G, Messina M, Meucci D, Buonocore G, Nocentini S, Garcia RC, Schachner B, Giraudo N, Schnitzler E, Moreno A, Dornínguez C, Goñi C, Iglesias J, Castorina M, Antuzzi D, Ricci R, Rendeli C, Polidori G, Prekajski NB, Ilić S, Ljujić M, Janevski MR, Tafur MA, Kiet DP, Chanh HC, Hrnjak D. Nutrition/Metabolism. Intensive Care Med 1996. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03216409] [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: 11/29/2022]
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Ricci R, Aulisa L, Antuzzi D, Serra F, Segni G, Kozlowski K. Spondylo-epimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity and severe kyphoscoliosis in an Italian girl. Pediatr Radiol 1995; 25:303-5. [PMID: 7567245 DOI: 10.1007/bf02011108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [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] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A case of spondylo-epimetaphyseal dysplasia with joint laxity (SEMDJL) in an Italian girl is reported. This condition is mainly observed in the Afrikaans population of South Africa with an ancestral founder believed to be localized in West Germany. This case might support a link with the European origin of SEMDJL.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ricci
- Paediatric Clinic, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Ricci R, Antuzzi D, Baldoni E, Vitaioli L. Comparative analysis of lysosomal hydrolases and natural glycoprotein substrates in the rat major salivary glands. Comp Biochem Physiol B 1992; 101:427-31. [PMID: 1582181 DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(92)90023-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
1. The activities of some lysosomal hydrolases and the concentrations of their natural substrates were studied in the submandibular and sublingual glands of male and female rats using biochemical procedures. 2. In sublingual gland enzyme activities and substrate concentrations show the highest values. 3. The enzyme activities appear, in general, lower and the natural substrate concentrations higher in the females with respect to males. 4. In both glands beta-galactosidase shows the highest activity and beta-glucosidase the lowest. 5. These findings suggest that metabolic turnover of glycoproteins is slower in females than in males, probably because the oestrogens control the activity of lysosomal hydrolases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ricci
- Institute of Pediatric Clinic, U.C.S.C., Roma, Italy
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46
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Vitaioli L, Ricci R, Bellini L, Baldoni E, Antuzzi D, Bolognani L. Sialic acid and neuraminidase activity in the frog oviduct: comparative biochemical investigation in the different tracts during the reproductive cycle. Comp Biochem Physiol B 1990; 95:35-8. [PMID: 2331873 DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(90)90244-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
1. A biochemical study was carried out on the protein-bound and lipid-bound sialic acid, and neuraminidase activity in the different tracts of the oviduct of the frog Rana esculenta during the reproductive cycle. 2. Plasma sexual steroids were also investigated by RIA. 3. Fluctuations in neuraminidase activity are related to that of glycoprotein sialic acid and plasma estradiol. Glycolipid sialic acid does not have a close relationship either with neuraminidase or plasma estradiol. 4. Very high plasma concentration of progesterone before ovulation and, on the contrary, its drop after ovulation were observed. 5. The results are discussed and hypotheses advanced to explain fluctuations of the studied parameters during the reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vitaioli
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Camerino, Italy
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47
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Milano EG, Accordi F, Antuzzi D, Rapisarda R. Morphologic observations on the interrenal Stilling and intermediary cells in the adrenal gland of Rana esculenta complex. Riv Biol 1979; 72:49-69. [PMID: 317929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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