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Puxeddu S, Scano A, Scorciapino MA, Delogu I, Vascellari S, Ennas G, Manzin A, Angius F. Physico-Chemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozonated Oils: The Case Study of Commercial Ozonated Olive and Sunflower Seed Refined Oils. Molecules 2024; 29:679. [PMID: 38338423 PMCID: PMC10856119 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents one of the great plagues of our time worldwide. This largely limits the treatment of common infections and requires the development of new antibiotics or other alternative approaches. Noteworthy, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is mostly responsible for the selection of mutations that confer drug resistance to microbes. In this regard, recently, ozone has been raising interest for its unique biological properties when dissolved in natural oils. Ozonated oils have been reported to act in a non-specific way on microorganisms hindering the acquisition of advantageous mutations that result in resistance. Here, we focused on the antimicrobial effect of two commercial olive (OOO) and sunflower seeds (OSO) oils. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal analysis showed the change in the chemical composition of the oils after ozonation treatment. Different ozonated oil concentrations were then used to evaluate their antimicrobial profile against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli by agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Cytotoxicity was also evaluated in keratinocytes and epithelial cells. Overall, our results revealed that both OOO and OSO showed a potent microbicidal effect, especially against C. albicans (IC50 = OOO: 0.3 mg/mL and OSO: 0.2 mg/mL) and E. faecalis (IC50 = OOO: 0.4 mg/mL and OSO: 2.8 mg/mL) albeit exerting a certain effect also against S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, both OOO and OSO do not yield any relevant cytotoxic effect at the active concentrations in both cell lines. This indicates that the ozonated oils studied are not toxic for mammalian cells despite exerting a potent antimicrobial effect on specific microorganisms. Therefore, OOO and OSO may be considered to integrate standard therapies in the treatment of common infections, likely overcoming drug resistance issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Puxeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
- Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariano Andrea Scorciapino
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
| | - Ilenia Delogu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah Vascellari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (M.A.S.); (G.E.)
- Research Unit of the National Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Microbiology and Virology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.P.); (I.D.); (S.V.); (A.M.)
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Angius F, Mocci I, Ercoli T, Loy F, Fadda L, Palmas MF, Cannas G, Manzin A, Defazio G, Carta AR. Combined measure of salivary alpha-synuclein species as diagnostic biomarker for Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2023; 270:5613-5621. [PMID: 37552278 PMCID: PMC10576686 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis is still vulnerable to bias, and a definitive diagnosis often relies on post-mortem neuropathological diagnosis. In this regard, alpha-synuclein (αsyn)-specific in vivo biomarkers remain a critical unmet need, based on its relevance in the neuropathology. Specifically, content changes in αsyn species such as total (tot-αsyn), oligomeric (o-αsyn), and phosphorylated (p-αsyn) within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral fluids (i.e., blood and saliva) have been proposed as PD biomarkers possibly reflecting the neuropathological outcome. Here, we measured the p-αsyn levels in the saliva from 15 PD patients along with tot-αsyn, o-αsyn and their ratios, and compared the results with those from 23 healthy subjects (HS), matched per age and sex. We also calculated the optimal cutoff values for different αsyn species to provide information about their capability to discriminate PD from HS. We found that p-αsyn was the most abundant alpha-synuclein species in the saliva. While p-αsyn concentration did not differ between PD and HS when adjusted for total salivary proteins, the ratio p-αsyn/tot-αsyn was largely lower in PD patients than in HS. Moreover, the concentration of o-αsyn was increased in the saliva of PD patients, and tot-αsyn did not differ between PD and HS. The ROC curves indicated that no single αsyn form or ratio could provide an accurate diagnosis of PD. On the other hand, the ratio of different items, namely p-αsyn/tot-αsyn and o-αsyn, yielded more satisfactory diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that the combined measure of different species in the saliva may show more promises as a diagnostic means for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ignazia Mocci
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Unit of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ercoli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Loy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Fadda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giada Cannas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Vascellari S, Orrù CD, Groveman BR, Parveen S, Fenu G, Pisano G, Piga G, Serra G, Oppo V, Murgia D, Perra A, Angius F, Hughson AG, Haigh CL, Manzin A, Cossu G, Caughey B. α-Synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies from Parkinson's disease patients. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011456. [PMID: 37390080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal deposition of α-synuclein is a key feature and biomarker of Parkinson's disease. α-Synuclein aggregates can propagate themselves by a prion-like seeding-based mechanism within and between tissues and are hypothesized to move between the intestine and brain. α-Synuclein RT-QuIC seed amplification assays have detected Parkinson's-associated α-synuclein in multiple biospecimens including post-mortem colon samples. Here we show intra vitam detection of seeds in duodenum biopsies from 22/23 Parkinson's patients, but not in 6 healthy controls by RT-QuICR. In contrast, no tau seeding activity was detected in any of the biopsies. Our seed amplifications provide evidence that the upper intestine contains a form(s) of α-synuclein with self-propagating activity. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for PD in this biopsy panel were 95.7% and 100% respectively. End-point dilution analysis indicated up to 106 SD50 seeding units per mg of tissue with positivity in two contemporaneous biopsies from individual patients suggesting widespread distribution within the superior and descending parts of duodenum. Our detection of α-synuclein seeding activity in duodenum biopsies of Parkinson's disease patients suggests not only that such analyses may be useful in ante-mortem diagnosis, but also that the duodenum may be a source or a destination for pathological, self-propagating α-synuclein assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Vascellari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Christina D Orrù
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
| | - Sabiha Parveen
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giada Pisano
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piga
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Serra
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Oppo
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Murgia
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrew G Hughson
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cossu
- S. C. Neurology and Stroke Unit, AOBrotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII), Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Health (NIH), Hamilton, Montana, United States
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Sanna G, Marongiu A, Firinu D, Piras C, Franci G, Galdiero M, Pala G, Palmas V, Angius F, Littera R, Perra A, Orrù G, Campagna M, Costanzo G, Meloni F, Coghe F, Chessa L, Manzin A. Neutralizing Antibodies Responses against SARS-CoV-2 in a Sardinian Cohort Group Up to 9 Months after BNT162b2 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040531. [PMID: 35455280 PMCID: PMC9024419 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19, has caused over 460 million cases of infection and over 6 million deaths worldwide. The pandemic has called for science, technology, and innovation to provide solutions and, due to an incredible scientific and financial global effort, several prophylactic and therapeutic apparatuses such as monoclonal antibodies and vaccines were developed in less than one year to address this emergency. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, serum neutralizing antibodies are produced by B cells and studies on virus-neutralizing antibodies’ kinetics are pivotal. The process of protective immunity and the duration of this kind of protection against COVID-19 remain to be clarified. We tested 136 sera from 3 groups of individuals, some of them providing multiple sequential sera (1—healthy, no previous CoV2-infected, vaccinated; 2—healthy, previous CoV2 infected, vaccinated; 3—healed, previous CoV2-infected, not vaccinated) to assess the kinetics of antibodies (Abs) neutralizing activity. We found that SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits moderate neutralizing antibody activity in most individuals; neither age nor gender appear to have any influence on Abs responses. The BNT162b2 vaccine, when administered in two doses, induces high antibodies titre endowed with potent neutralizing activity against bare SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro neutralizing assay. The residual neutralization capability and the kinetic of waning immunity were also evaluated over 9 months after the second dose in a reference group of subjects. Neutralization titre showed a decline in all subjects and the median level of S-protein IgG, over 270 days after the second vaccination dose, was below 10 AU/mL in 53% of serum tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Sanna
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Alessandra Marongiu
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Cristina Piras
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Pala
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Vanessa Palmas
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Roberto Littera
- Department of Internal Medical Sciences, Medical Genetics, “R. Binaghi” Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy;
- Associazione per l’Avanzamento della Ricerca per i Trapianti O.d.V., Non Profit Organisation, 09100 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Marcello Campagna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Federico Meloni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemical Analysis and Microbiology, University Hospital of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Luchino Chessa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.O.); (M.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.); (V.P.); (F.A.); (A.M.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pala
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aldo Manzin
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
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Angius F, Ingianni A, Pompei R. Human Herpesvirus 8 and Host-Cell Interaction: Long-Lasting Physiological Modifications, Inflammation and Related Chronic Diseases. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E388. [PMID: 32168836 PMCID: PMC7143610 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030388] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic and latent-persistent viruses belonging to both DNA and RNA groups are known to cause serious metabolism alterations. Among these, the Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection induces stable modifications in biochemistry and cellular metabolism, which in turn affect its own pathological properties. HHV8 enhances the expression of insulin receptors, supports the accumulation of neutral lipids in cytoplasmic lipid droplets and induces alterations in both triglycerides and cholesterol metabolism in endothelial cells. In addition, HHV8 is also known to modify immune response and cytokine production with implications for cell oxidative status (i.e., reactive oxygen species activation). This review underlines the recent findings regarding the role of latent and persistent HHV8 viral infection in host physiology and pathogenesis.
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Incani A, Marras L, Serreli G, Ingianni A, Pompei R, Deiana M, Angius F. Human Herpesvirus 8 infection may contribute to oxidative stress in diabetes type 2 patients. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:75. [PMID: 32054515 PMCID: PMC7020602 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-4935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the link between Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection and plasma oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). RESULTS Blood samples collected from DM2 and control subjects were screened for the presence of antibodies against HHV8 and for biomarkers of oxidative stress. We determined the products of radical damage on the plasma lipid fraction, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), fatty acid hydroperoxides (HP) and 7-ketocholesterol (7-keto), the oxidation products of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and cholesterol, respectively. The level of plasma antioxidant α-tocopherol (α-toc) was also assessed. Relevant differences were observed in the redox status in DM2 and either HHV8-positive or -negative control subjects. The level of α-toc significantly decreased in both DM2 and HHV8-positive subjects. Levels of MDA, HP and 7-keto were much higher in HHV8-positive and DM2 subjects, indicating that plasma oxidative stress is a common feature in both DM2 and HHV8-infection. In addition, 7-keto was further increased in HHV8-positive DM2 patients. We hypothesized that the HHV8-infection may contribute to the production of ROS, and hence to the oxidative stress closely related to the pathogenesis and development of DM2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Incani
- Unit of Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luisa Marras
- Section of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Serreli
- Unit of Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angela Ingianni
- Section of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaello Pompei
- Section of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Deiana
- Unit of Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Section of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Lecca D, Janda E, Mulas G, Diana A, Martino C, Angius F, Spolitu S, Casu MA, Simbula G, Boi L, Batetta B, Spiga S, Carta AR. Boosting phagocytosis and anti-inflammatory phenotype in microglia mediates neuroprotection by PPARγ agonist MDG548 in Parkinson's disease models. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3298-3314. [PMID: 29570770 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Microglial phenotype and phagocytic activity are deregulated in Parkinson's disease (PD). PPARγ agonists are neuroprotective in experimental PD, but their role in regulating microglial phenotype and phagocytosis has been poorly investigated. We addressed it by using the PPARγ agonist MDG548. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Murine microglial cell line MMGT12 was stimulated with LPS and/or MDG548, and their effect on phagocytosis of fluorescent microspheres or necrotic neurons was investigated by flow cytometry. Cytokines and markers of microglia phenotype, such as mannose receptor C type 1; MRC1), Ym1 and CD68 were measured by elisa and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Levels of Beclin-1, which plays a role in microglial phagocytosis, were measured by Western blotting. In the in vivo MPTP-probenecid (MPTPp) model of PD in mice, MDG548 was tested on motor impairment, nigral neurodegeneration, microglial activation and phenotype. KEY RESULTS In LPS-stimulated microglia, MDG548 increased phagocytosis of both latex beads and necrotic cells, up-regulated the expression of MRC1, CD68 and to a lesser extent IL-10, while blocking the LPS-induced increase of TNF-α and iNOS. MDG548 also induced Beclin-1. Chronic MPTPp treatment in mice down-regulated MRC1 and TGF-β and up-regulated TNF-α and IL-1β immunoreactivity in activated CD11b-positive microglia, causing the death of nigral dopaminergic neurons. MDG548 arrested MPTPp-induced cell death, enhanced MRC1 and restored cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study adds a novel mechanism for PPARγ-mediated neuroprotection in PD and suggests that increasing phagocytic activity and anti-inflammatory markers may represent an effective disease-modifying approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lecca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elzbieta Janda
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Concetta Martino
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Spolitu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Simbula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Boi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Batetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Saturnino Spiga
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Angius F, Piras E, Spolitu S, Marras L, Armas SF, Ingianni A, Contini P, Pompei R. Anti-Human Herpesvirus 8 antibodies affect both insulin and glucose uptake by virus-infected human endothelial cells. J Infect Dev Ctries 2018; 12:485-491. [PMID: 31940301 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.10381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is known to be the cause of the malignant tumour named Kaposi's sarcoma. It is believed to induce an intense modification of cell metabolism in endothelial cells. In this work we analysed the role of anti-HHV8 antibodies in both the insulin and glucose uptake of HHV8-infected primary human endothelial cells (HUVEC). METHODOLOGY Western blotting, immunofluorescence and radiolabelled glucose were employed to assess the pPI3K expression, insulin binding and glucose-uptake by HUVEC cells, respectively. RESULTS We confirmed that HHV8-infection is able to enhance both insulin binding and glucose-uptake in HHV8-infected primary endothelial cells; in addition, we found that anti-HHV8 specific antibodies are able to further increase both insulin and glucose uptake during the late latent phase of HHV8-infection in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a specific immune response to HHV8-infection may cooperate in boosting the cell metabolism, further enhancing the already increased insulin binding and glucose-uptake in HHV8-infected cells, which is a peculiar property of several oncogenic viruses.
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Angius F, Madeddu MA, Pompei R. Commentary: High Glucose Induces Reactivation of Latent Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1796. [PMID: 28966613 PMCID: PMC5606166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Maria A Madeddu
- Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaello Pompei
- Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di CagliariCagliari, Italy
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11
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Angius F, Piras E, Uda S, Madeddu C, Serpe R, Bigi R, Chen W, Dittmer DP, Pompei R, Ingianni A. Antimicrobial sulfonamides clear latent Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus infection and impair MDM2-p53 complex formation. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2017; 70:962-966. [PMID: 28611469 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2017.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8, is the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma; this malignant angiosarcoma is usually treated with conventional antitumor agents that can control disease evolution, but do not clear the latent KSHV episome that binds to cellular DNA. Some commercial antibacterial sulfonamides were tested for the ability to suppress latent KSHV. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and cytofluorometry assays were used for detecting both viral DNA and the latency factor LANA (latency-associated nuclear antigen) in BC3 cells, respectively. The capacity of sulfonamides to impair MDM2-p53 complex formation was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The analysis of variance was performed according to one-way analysis of variance with Fisher as a post hoc test. Here we show that sulfonamide antibiotics are able to suppress the KSHV latent state in permanently infected BC3 lymphoma cells and interfere with the formation of the MDM2-p53 complex that KSHV seemingly needs to support latency and to trigger tumor cell transformation. These findings detected a new molecular target for the activity of sulfonamides and offer a new potential perspective for treating KSHV-induced lymphoproliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Uda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clelia Madeddu
- Department of Medical Sciences, 'Mario Aresu', University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Serpe
- Department of Medical Sciences, 'Mario Aresu', University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rachele Bigi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wuguo Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dirk P Dittmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Raffaello Pompei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angela Ingianni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Castangia I, Marongiu F, Manca ML, Pompei R, Angius F, Ardu A, Fadda AM, Manconi M, Ennas G. Combination of grape extract-silver nanoparticles and liposomes: A totally green approach. Eur J Pharm Sci 2016; 97:62-69. [PMID: 27825918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, silver nanoparticles were prepared using a totally green procedure combining silver nitrate and an extract of grape pomace as a green source. Additionally, nanoparticles were stabilized using phospholipid and water and/or a mixture of water and propylene glycol (PG). To the best of our knowledge, grape-silver nanoparticle stabilized liposomes or PG-liposomes were formulated, for the first time, combining the residual products of wine-made industry, silver nitrate and phospholipids, avoiding the addition of hazardous substances to human health and the environment, in an easy, scalable and reproducible method. The structure and morphology of grape-silver nanoparticle stabilized vesicles were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. Samples were designed as possible carrier for skin protection because of their double function: the grape extract acts as antioxidant and the colloidal silver as antimicrobial agent, which might be helpful in eliminating dangerous free radicals and many pathogenic microorganisms. Obtained nanoparticles were small in size and their combination with phospholipids did not hamper the vesicle formation, which were multilamellar and sized ~100nm. TEM images shows a heterogeneous distribution of nanoparticles, which were located both in the intervesicular medium and in the vesicular structure. Further, grape-silver nanoparticles, when stabilized by liposomes, were able to inhibit the proliferation of both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and provided a great protection of keratinocytes and fibroblasts against oxidative stress avoiding their damage and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Castangia
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Marongiu
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Manca
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaello Pompei
- Dipartimento Scienze Biomediche, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Dipartimento Scienze Biomediche, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardu
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari e Unità di Ricerca INSTM di Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy; Consorzio AUSI, Palazzo Bellavista Monteponi, Iglesias, Carbonia-Iglesias, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Manconi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Guido Ennas
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari e Unità di Ricerca INSTM di Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042, Monserrato, (CA), Italy
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Mulas G, Espa E, Fenu S, Spiga S, Cossu G, Pillai E, Carboni E, Simbula G, Jadžić D, Angius F, Spolitu S, Batetta B, Lecca D, Giuffrida A, Carta AR. Differential induction of dyskinesia and neuroinflammation by pulsatile versus continuous l-DOPA delivery in the 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2016; 286:83-92. [PMID: 27697481 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is associated with l-DOPA treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting a role in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), however it is unclear whether increased inflammation is specifically related to the dyskinetic outcome of l-DOPA treatment. Diversely from oral l-DOPA, continuous intrajejunal l-DOPA infusion is associated with very low dyskinetic outcome in PD patients. We reproduced these regimens of administration in 6-OHDA-lesioned hemiparkinsonian rats, where dyskinetic responses and striatal neuroinflammation induced by chronic pulsatile (DOPAp) or continuous (DOPAc) l-DOPA were compared. Moreover, we investigated the contribution of a peripheral inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to DOPAp-induced dyskinetic and neuroinflammatory responses. Rats 6-OHDA-infused in the medial forebrain bundle received two weeks treatment with DOPAp, DOPAc via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps, or DOPAp followed by DOPAc. l-DOPA plasma levels were measured in all experimental groups. An independent group of rats received one peripheral dose of LPS 24h before DOPAp treatment. Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) were evaluated as a rat model of LID. Immunoreactivity (IR) for OX-42, microglial and neuronal TNF-α, iNOS and GFAP was quantified in denervated and contralateral striatum. In addition, serum TNF-α was measured. The 6-OHDA denervation induced a mild microgliosis in the striatum two weeks after neurotoxin infusion, and increased TNF-α IR in microglia. Rats receiving the DOPAp treatment developed AIMs and displayed increased striatal OX-42, microglial TNF-α, iNOS and GFAP. Moreover, TNF-α IR was also increased in a subpopulation of striatal neurons. Conversely, DOPAc did not induce AIMs or inflammatory responses in either drug-naïve animals or rats that were previously dyskinetic when exposed to DOPAp. Serum TNF-α was not altered by any l-DOPA treatment. LPS pre-treatment increased the degree of DOPAp-induced AIMs and striatal IR for OX-42, TNF-α, iNOS and GFAP. Altogether the present findings indicate that in the 6-OHDA model, chronic l-DOPA induces striatal inflammatory responses, which however depend upon the administration regimen and the dyskinetic outcome of drug treatment. The potentiation of dyskinetic responses by LPS suggests a reciprocal causal link between neuroinflammation and LID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Mulas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Espa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sandro Fenu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Saturnino Spiga
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Fiorelli 1, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cossu
- Department of Neurology, AOB "G. Brotzu" General Hospital, via Peretti 2, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pillai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Simbula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dragana Jadžić
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Spolitu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Batetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Lecca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Giuffrida
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. N. 8, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Spolitu S, Uda S, Deligia S, Frau A, Collu M, Angius F, Batetta B. Multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein dampens SR-BI cholesteryl ester uptake from high density lipoproteins in human leukemia cells. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:615-627. [PMID: 27152239 PMCID: PMC4851841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells are characterised by a high content of cholesterol esters (CEs), while tumor-bearing patients show low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). The origin and significance of high CE levels in cancer cell biology has not been completely clarified. Recent evidence that lymphoblastic cells selectively acquire exogenous CE from HDL via the scavenger receptor SR-BI has drawn attention to the additional membrane proteins involved in this pathway. P-glycopotein-MDR1 (P-gp) is a product of the MDR1 gene and confers resistance to antitumor drugs. Its possible role in plasma membrane cholesterol trafficking and CE metabolism has been suggested. In the present study this aspect was investigated in a lymphoblastic cell line selected for MDR1 resistance. CEM were made resistant by stepwise exposure to low (LR) and high (HR) doses of vincristine (VCR). P-gp activity ((3)H-vinblastine), CE content, CE and triglycerides (TG) synthesis ((14)C-oleate), neutral lipids and Dil-HDL uptake (fluorescence), SR-BI, ABCA1 and P-gp protein expression (western blotting) were determined. To better evaluate the relationship between CE metabolism and P-gp activity, the ACAT inhibitor Sandoz-58035 and the P-gp inhibitors progesterone, cyclosporine and verapamil were used. CE content and synthesis were similar in the parental and resistant cells. However, in the latter population, SR-BI protein expression increased, whereas CE-HDL uptake decreased. These changes correlated with the degree of VCR-resistance. As well as reverting MDR1-resistance, the inhibitors of P-gp activity induced the CE-HDL/SR-BI pathway by reactivating membrane cholesterol trafficking. Indeed, CE-HDL uptake, SRBI expression and CE content increased, whereas there was a decrease in cholesterol esterification. These results demonstrated that P-gp overexpression impairs anticancer drug uptake as well as the SR-BI mediated selective CE-HDL uptake. This suggests that these membrane proteins act in an opposite manner on the same transport mechanism. Therefore, the dampening activity of P-gp in this pathway and its reversal by P-gp inhibitors open new strategies for antitumor therapy in drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Spolitu
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Uda
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Deligia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Frau
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Batetta
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariCagliari, Italy
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15
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Angius F, Spolitu S, Uda S, Deligia S, Frau A, Banni S, Collu M, Accossu S, Madeddu C, Serpe R, Batetta B. High-density lipoprotein contribute to G0-G1/S transition in Swiss NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17812. [PMID: 26640042 PMCID: PMC4671069 DOI: 10.1038/srep17812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
High density lipoproteins (HDLs) play a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Although their concentration is lower during conditions of high cell growth rate (cancer and infections), their involvement during cell proliferation is not known. To this aim, we investigated the replicative cycles in synchronised Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts in different experimental conditions: i) contact-inhibited fibroblasts re-entering cell cycle after dilution; ii) scratch-wound assay; iii) serum-deprived cells induced to re-enter G1 by FCS, HDL or PDGF. Analyses were performed during each cell cycle up to quiescence. Cholesterol synthesis increased remarkably during the replicative cycles, decreasing only after cells reached confluence. In contrast, cholesteryl ester (CE) synthesis and content were high at 24 h after dilution and then decreased steeply in the successive cycles. Flow cytometry analysis of DiO-HDL, as well as radiolabeled HDL pulse, demonstrated a significant uptake of CE-HDL in 24 h. DiI-HDL uptake, lipid droplets (LDs) and SR-BI immunostaining and expression followed the same trend. Addition of HDL or PDGF partially restore the proliferation rate and significantly increase SR-BI and pAKT expression in serum-deprived cells. In conclusion, cell transition from G0 to G1/S requires CE-HDL uptake, leading to CE-HDL/SR-BI pathway activation and CEs increase into LDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Spolitu
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Uda
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Deligia
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Frau
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- Divisions of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simonetta Accossu
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clelia Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences "Mario Aresu", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Serpe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences "Mario Aresu", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Batetta
- Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Lacroix C, Laconi S, Angius F, Coluccia A, Silvestri R, Pompei R, Neyts J, Leyssen P. In vitro characterisation of a pleconaril/pirodavir-like compound with potent activity against rhinoviruses. Virol J 2015; 12:106. [PMID: 26169596 PMCID: PMC4501209 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhinovirus infections do not only cause common colds, but may also trigger severe exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Even though rhinoviruses have been the focus of extensive drug development efforts in the past, an anti-rhinoviral drug still has to make it to the market. In the past, the viral capsid protein VP1 has been shown to be an important target for the development of antiviral molecules. Furthermore, many different chemical scaffolds appear to possess the properties that are required to inhibit virus replication by this mechanism of action. I-6602, an analogue of the rhinovirus inhibitor pirodavir, was previously identified as a potent inhibitor of rhinovirus infection. Here, we describe the antiviral activity of its analogue ca603, a molecule with a modified linker structure, and corroborate its mechanism of action as a capsid binder. FINDINGS The molecule ca603 shows antiviral activity against a panel of rhino-and enteroviruses. Cross-resistance is observed against viruses with mutations that render them resistant to the inhibitory effect of the capsid binder pleconaril and thermostability assays demonstrate that the compound binds and stabilizes the viral capsid. Binding of the molecule to the VP1 protein is corroborated by in silico modeling. CONCLUSIONS It is confirmed that ca603 inhibits rhinovirus replication by interaction with the VP1 protein and, by this, allows to further expand the chemical diversity of capsid-binding molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Lacroix
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory for Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Samuela Laconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaello Pompei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Johan Neyts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory for Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory for Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Angius F, Madeddu MA, Pompei R. Nutritionally Variant Streptococci Interfere with Streptococcus mutans Adhesion Properties and Biofilm Formation. New Microbiol 2015; 38:259-266. [PMID: 25938751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial species Streptococcus mutans is known as the main cause of dental caries in humans. Therefore, much effort has focused on preventing oral colonization by this strain or clearing it from oral tissues. The oral cavity is colonized by several bacterial species that constitute the commensal oral flora, but none of these is able to interfere with the cariogenic properties of S. mutans. This paper describes the interfering ability of some nutritionally variant streptococcal strains (NVS) with S. mutans adhesion to glass surfaces and also to hydroxylapatite. In mixed cultures, NVS induce a complete inhibition of S. mutans microcolony formation on cover glass slides. NVS can also block the adherence of radiolabeled S. mutans to hydroxylapatite in the presence of both saliva and sucrose. The analysis of the action mechanism of NVS demonstrated that NVS are more hydrophobic than S. mutans and adhere tightly to hard surfaces. In addition, a cell-free culture filtrate of NVS was also able to interfere with S. mutans adhesion to hydroxylapatite. Since NVS are known to secrete some important bacteriolytic enzymes, we conclude that NVS can be a natural antagonist to the cariogenic properties of S. mutans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Raffaello Pompei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay is commonly used to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of drugs vehicled by liposomes. However, liposome delivering drugs could produce inconsistent values of MTT absorbance. On the basis of previous experiments demonstrating the MTT affinity for lipid droplets, this paper aims to show that empty-liposomes interfere, per se, on MTT assay due to its lipidic nature. This brings into question the use of MTT testing cytotoxicity when liposomes are involved in delivering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Angius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Alice Floris
- Department of Life and Environment Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Marongiu F, Serra MP, Sini M, Angius F, Laconi E. Clearance of senescent hepatocytes in a neoplastic-prone microenvironment delays the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2014; 6:26-34. [PMID: 24464501 PMCID: PMC3927807 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that carcinogenesis is dependent on the tissue context in which it occurs, implying that the latter can be a target for preventive or therapeutic strategies. We tested the possibility that re-normalizing a senescent, neoplastic-prone tissue microenvironment would exert a modulatory effect on the emergence of neoplastic disease. Rats were exposed to a protocol for the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using an orthotopic and syngeneic system for cell transplantation, one group of animal was then delivered 8 million normal hepatocytes, via the portal circulation. Hepatocytes transplantation resulted in a prominent decrease in the incidence of both pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. At the end of 1 year 50% of control animals presented with HCC, while no HCC were observed in the transplanted group. Extensive hepatocyte senescence was induced by the carcinogenic protocol in the host liver; however, senescent cells were largely cleared following infusion of normal hepatocytes. Furthermore, levels of Il-6 increased in rats exposed to the carcinogenic protocol, while they returned to near control values in the group receiving hepatocyte transplantation. These results support the concept that strategies aimed at normalizing a neoplastic-prone tissue landscape can modulate progression of neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Angius F, Uda S, Spolitu S, Deligia S, Accossu S, Frau A, Batetta B. Inhibition of cholesterol esterification increases cholesteryl ester uptake from hdl in parental and mdr1 resistant ccrf-cem cells. Atherosclerosis 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.05.951] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Floris A, Sinico C, Fadda AM, Lai F, Marongiu F, Scano A, Pilloni M, Angius F, Vázquez-Vázquez C, Ennas G. Characterization and cytotoxicity studies on liposome-hydrophobic magnetite hybrid colloids. J Colloid Interface Sci 2014; 425:118-27. [PMID: 24776672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to highlight the main features of magnetoliposomes prepared by TLE, using hydrophobic magnetite, and stabilized with oleic acid, instead of using the usual hydrophilic magnetite surrounded by sodium citrate. These biocompatible magnetoliposomes (MLs) were prepared with the purpose of producing a magnetic carrier capable of loading either hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs. The effect of different liposome/magnetite weight ratios on the stability of magnetoliposomes was evaluated by monitoring the mean diameter of the particles, their polydispersity index, and zeta potential over time. The prepared magnetoliposomes showed a high liposome-magnetite association, with magnetoliposomes containing PEG (polyethylene glycol) showing the best magnetite loading values. To verify the position of magnetite nanoparticles in the vesicular structures, the morphological characteristics of the structures were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM studies showed a strong affinity between hydrophobic magnetite nanoparticles, the surrounding oleic acid molecules, and phospholipids. Furthermore, the concentration above which one would expect to find a cytotoxic effect on cells as well as morphological cell-nanoparticle interactions was studied in situ by using the trypan blue dye exclusion assay, and the Prussian Blue modified staining method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Floris
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Francesca Marongiu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Cagliari Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM), Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 bivio Sestu , 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Martina Pilloni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Cagliari Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM), Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 bivio Sestu , 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Angius
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Sezione Patologia, Università di Cagliari, Via Porcell 4, 09124 Cagliari (CA), Italy.
| | - Carlos Vázquez-Vázquez
- Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Galicia, Spain.
| | - Guido Ennas
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Cagliari Unità di Ricerca del Consorzio Nazionale di Scienze e Tecnologie dei Materiali (INSTM), Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 bivio Sestu , 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
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Uda S, Spolitu S, Angius F, Collu M, Accossu S, Banni S, Murru E, Sanna F, Batetta B. Role of HDL in cholesteryl ester metabolism of lipopolysaccharide-activated P388D1 macrophages. J Lipid Res 2013; 54:3158-69. [PMID: 23956443 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m042663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections share with atherosclerosis similar lipid alterations, with accumulation of cholesteryl esters (CEs) in activated macrophages and concomitant decrease of cholesterol-HDL (C-HDL). Yet the precise role of HDL during microbial infection has not been fully elucidated. Activation of P388D1 by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggered an increase of CEs and neutral lipid contents, along with a remarkable enhancement in 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate-HDL uptake. Similar results were found in human monocyte-derived macrophages and monocytes cocultured with phytohemagglutinin-activated lymphocytes. Inhibition of cholesterol esterification with Sandoz-58035 resulted in 80% suppression of CE biosynthesis in P388D1. However, only a 35% decrease of CE content, together with increased scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1) protein expression, was found after 72 h and thereafter up to 16 passages of continuous ACAT suppression. Chronic inhibition blunted the effect of LPS treatment on cholesterol metabolism, increased the ratio of free cholesterol/CE content and enhanced interleukin 6 secretion. These results imply that, besides de novo biosynthesis and acquisition by LDL, HDL contributes probably through SR-B1 to the increased CE content in macrophages, partly explaining the low levels of C-HDL during their activation. Our data suggest that in those conditions where more CEs are required, HDL rather than removing, may supply CEs to the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Uda
- Experimental Medicine Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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23
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Ingianni A, Piras E, Laconi S, Angius F, Batetta B, Pompei R. Latent Herpesvirus 8 infection improves both insulin and glucose uptake in primary endothelial cells. New Microbiol 2013; 36:257-265. [PMID: 23912867] [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] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma, induces a profound modification of infected cell behaviour, with reprogramming of gene expression and changes in physiological properties, over-expression of the insulin receptor, increased resistance to stress conditions and prolonged cell survival in conditions of serum deprivation. This paper shows that HHV8 infection induces a strong enhancement of both insulin and glucose uptake in primary endothelial cells (HUVEC). The increase in insulin uptake is already evident in the lytic phase of the viral infectious cycle, and reaches a maximum of up to 71% during the latent phase, whilst glucose uptake is slightly depressed during the lytic viral infection, but significantly enhanced compared with the control during the latent phase of viral infection, with an average increase of about 37% 25 days after cell infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ingianni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Uda S, Accossu S, Spolitu S, Collu M, Angius F, Sanna F, Banni S, Vacca C, Murru E, Mulas C, Diaz G, Batetta B. A lipoprotein source of cholesteryl esters is essential for proliferation of CEM-CCRF lymphoblastic cell line. Tumour Biol 2011; 33:443-53. [PMID: 22161086 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-011-0270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour are characterised by a high content of cholesteryl esters (CEs) stored in lipid droplets purported to be due to a high rate of intracellular esterification of cholesterol. To verify whether and which pathways involved in CE accumulation are essential in tumour proliferation, the effect of CE deprivation, from both exogenous and endogenous sources, on CEM-CCRF cells was investigated. Cholesterol synthesis, esterification and content, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binding and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-CE uptake were evaluated in cultured in both conventional and delipidated bovine serum with or without oleic or linoleic acids, cholesteryl oleate, LDL and HDL. High content of CEs in lipid droplets in this cell line was due to esterification of both newly synthesised cholesterol and that obtained from hydrolysis of LDL; moreover, a significant amount of CE was derived from HDL-CE uptake. Cell proliferation was slightly affected by either acute or chronic treatment up to 400 μM with Sz-58035, an acyl-cholesteryl cholesterol esterification inhibitor (ACAT); although when the enzyme activity was continuously inhibited, CE content in lipid droplets was significantly higher than those in control cells. In these cells, analysis of intracellular and medium CEs revealed a profile reflecting the characteristics of bovine serum, suggesting a plasma origin of CE molecules. Cell proliferation arrest in delipidated medium was almost completely prevented in the first 72 h by LDL or HDL, although in subsequent cultures with LDL, it manifested an increasing mortality rate. This study suggests that high content of CEs in CEM-CCRF is mainly derived from plasma lipoproteins and that part of CEs stored in lipid droplets are obtained after being taken up from HDL. This route appears to be up-regulated according to cell requirements and involved in low levels of c-HDL during cancer. Moreover, the dependence of tumour cells on a source of lipoprotein provides a novel impetus in developing therapeutic strategies for use in the treatment of some tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Uda
- Department of Science and Biomedical Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Lai ME, Vacquer S, Carta MP, Spiga A, Cocco P, Angius F, Mandas A, Dessì S. Thalassemia intermedia is associated with a proatherogenic biochemical phenotype. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2011; 46:294-9. [PMID: 21402483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2011.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unlike beta thalassemia major (β-TM) in which cardiac siderosis represents the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, in beta thalassemia intermedia (β-TI), pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and thrombosis seems to be the major cardiovascular complications. However, the mechanism underlying these complications in β-TI is still unclear. Endothelial dysfunction, the key early event in atherogenesis, is now emerging as an important cardiovascular risk determiner in β-TI patients. Among the factors known to affect endothelial function, iron and cholesterol merit particular consideration in β-TI patients. Therefore, with the aim to extend our knowledge on the mechanisms connecting atherosclerosis to β-TI, in this study, we compared lipid and iron metabolism in serum and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from β-TI and β-TM patients and controls. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study the iron status and the lipid profile in serum and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 22 adult β-TI patients were examined, and compared with 70 adult β-TM, and 50 age-matched controls. Despite the great variability, levels of serum iron and transferrin saturation were significantly higher in β-TI compared to both controls and β-TM. By contrast, transferrin and hepcidin levels were lower in β-TI patients. Changes in serum indicators in β-TI patients were associated with altered expressions in PBMCs of hepcidin and IL-1α, involved in some way in the regulation of iron homeostasis. In addition β-TI exhibited a reduction of total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum and of neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase in PBMCs, and an increase of cytoplasmic neutral lipids and mRNA levels of acetyl-coenzymeA:cholesterol acyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings provide experimental support for the idea that β-TI patients exhibit a proatherogenic biochemical phenotype which may contribute to enhance cardiovascular risk in these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eliana Lai
- Department of Internal Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
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26
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Pani A, Dessì S, Diaz G, La Colla P, Abete C, Mulas C, Angius F, Cannas MD, Orru CD, Cocco PL, Mandas A, Putzu P, Laurenzana A, Cellai C, Costanza AM, Bavazzano A, Mocali A, Paoletti F. Altered cholesterol ester cycle in skin fibroblasts from patients with Alzheimer's disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2010; 18:829-41. [PMID: 19749436 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular cholesterol metabolism was reported to modulate amyloid-beta (Abeta) generation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results presented herein demonstrated that, like brain cells, cultured skin fibroblasts from AD patients contained more cholesterol esters than fibroblasts from healthy subjects. Particularly, Oil Red-O, Nile Red, and filipin staining highlighted higher levels of neutral lipids which responded to inhibitors of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyl-transferase (ACAT-1), associated with an increase in free cholesterol. ACAT-1 mRNA levels increased significantly in AD fibroblasts, whereas those of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2, neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase, and ATP-binding cassette transporter member 1 were markedly down-regulated. Instead, mRNA levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor, hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, caveolin-1, and amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) were virtually unchanged. Notably, mRNA levels of both beta-site AbetaPP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and neprilysin were significantly down-regulated. An increase in Abeta(40) and Abeta(42) immunostaining and a decrease in BACE1 active form were also found in AD versus control fibroblasts. Altogether, these findings support the hypothesis that the derangement of cholesterol homeostasis is a systemic alteration involving central but also peripheral cells of AD patients, and point to cholesterol ester levels in AD fibroblasts as an additional metabolic hallmark useful in the laboratory and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy
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27
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Peiretti E, Mandas A, Cocco P, Norfo C, Abete C, Angius F, Pani A, Vascellari S, Del Fiacco G, Cannas D, Diaz G, Dessì S, Fossarello M. Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency as a risk factor for pterygium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2010; 51:2928-35. [PMID: 20484601 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-4426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an important site of metabolic control in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), providing reducing power (NADPH) and pentose phosphates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of G6PD deficiency (G6PD-) in the pathogenesis of pterygium. METHODS Erythrocyte G6PD activity was evaluated in 123 pterygium patients and in 112 age-matched control patients. Enzyme activity, mRNA, rate of growth, green autofluorescence, response to oxidative stress, and cholesterol metabolism were determined in pterygium fibroblasts (PFs) and in normal conjunctival fibroblasts (NCFs) isolated from G6PD normal (NCFs+ and PFs+) and G6PD- (NCFs- and PFs-) patients. RESULTS Higher prevalence of G6PD- was found in patients affected by primary pterygium than in control subjects, both men and women, suggesting that this enzymatic defect may be a predisposing factor for pterygium. G6PD activity was significantly lower in NCFs- than in NCFs+, but not in PFs- than in PFs+. In PFs-, G6PD mRNA levels were significantly higher than in PFs+. Growth-stimulated NCFs- grew at half the rate of NCFs+, although PFs- and PFs+ grew at the same rate. Increased green autofluorescence and susceptibility to oxidative stress were observed in PFs (+/-) and in NCFs-, but not in NCFs+. Moreover, ex vivo PFs (+/-) accumulated more lipids than corresponding NCFs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study, although restricted to a limited group of subjects (i.e., those of Sardinian ancestry), suggest that G6PD- not only does not protect against pterygium, but may even be considered a risk factor for the development of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Peiretti
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Odontoiatry, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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28
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Pani A, Mandas A, Diaz G, Abete C, Cocco PL, Angius F, Brundu A, Muçaka N, Pais ME, Saba A, Barberini L, Zaru C, Palmas M, Putzu PF, Mocali A, Paoletti F, La Colla P, Dessì S. Accumulation of neutral lipids in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a distinctive trait of Alzheimer patients and asymptomatic subjects at risk of disease. BMC Med 2009; 7:66. [PMID: 19883495 PMCID: PMC2777188 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-7-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, numerous progresses in the discovery of novel Alzheimer's disease molecular biomarkers in brain as well as in biological fluids have been made. Among them, those involving lipid metabolism are emerging as potential candidates. In particular, an accumulation of neutral lipids was recently found by us in skin fibroblasts from Alzheimer's disease patients. Therefore, with the aim to assess whether peripheral alterations in cholesterol homeostasis might be relevant in Alzheimer's disease development and progression, in the present study we analyzed lipid metabolism in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from Alzheimer's disease patients and from their first-degree relatives. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 93 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease and from 91 of their first-degree relatives. As controls we utilized 57, cognitively normal, over-65 year-old volunteers and 113 blood donors aged 21-66 years, respectively. Data are reported as mean +/- standard error. Statistical calculations were performed using the statistical analysis software Origin 8.0 version. Data analysis was done using the Student t-test and the Pearson test. RESULTS Data reported here show high neutral lipid levels and increased ACAT-1 protein in about 85% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells freshly isolated (ex vivo) from patients with probable sporadic Alzheimer's disease compared to about 7% of cognitively normal age-matched controls. A significant reduction in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in plasma from Alzheimer's disease blood samples was also observed. Additionally, correlation analyses reveal a negative correlation between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and cognitive capacity, as determined by Mini Mental State Examination, as well as between high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and neutral lipid accumulation. We observed great variability in the neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells data and in plasma lipid analysis of the subjects enrolled as Alzheimer's disease-first-degree relatives. However, about 30% of them tend to display a peripheral metabolic cholesterol pattern similar to that exhibited by Alzheimer's disease patients. CONCLUSION We suggest that neutral lipid-peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol determinations might be of interest to outline a distinctive metabolic profile applying to both Alzheimer's disease patients and asymptomatic subjects at higher risk of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pani
- Department of Internal Medical Science, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Diaz G, Melis M, Batetta B, Angius F, Falchi AM. Hydrophobic characterization of intracellular lipids in situ by Nile Red red/yellow emission ratio. Micron 2008; 39:819-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2008.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 01/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Nosadini R, Carboni A, Manconi A, Angius F, Caria S, Cherchi S, Satta A, Faedda R, Obinu D, Nieddu M, Carraro A, Tonolo GC. WITHDRAWN: The decline of glomerular function is not always associated with the development of micro- and macroalbuminuria in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia 2008. [PMID: 18607559 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-008-1079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Nosadini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Internal Medicine Department, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 8, 07100, Sassari, Italy,
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Diaz G, Batetta B, Sanna F, Uda S, Reali C, Angius F, Melis M, Falchi AM. Lipid droplet changes in proliferating and quiescent 3T3 fibroblasts. Histochem Cell Biol 2008; 129:611-21. [PMID: 18297300 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-008-0402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are fat-storing organelles present in virtually all eukaryotic cells and involved in many aspects of cell biology related to lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the presence of LDs in proliferating and quiescent (contact-inhibited) 3T3 fibroblasts to verify a correlation with cell growth. LDs were characterized by Nile red staining, positivity to adipophilin and negativity to perilipin. LDs were numerous in proliferating cells, but very few in quiescent cells. However, the fraction of quiescent cells, which resumed proliferation after scratch-wound assay, also resumed the formation of LDs. In proliferating cells, the number of LDs correlated with the DNA content, suggesting a continuous accumulation of LDs during cell growth. These findings were supported by biochemical data showing much higher rates of cholesterol esterification and triglyceride synthesis in proliferating cells. Both filipin staining and the fluorescent cholesterol analog dehydroergosterol revealed the presence of an intense traffic of free cholesterol, mediated by acidic vesicles, in proliferating cells. Nile red ratiometric measurements revealed a different lipid composition of LDs in proliferating and quiescent cells. Changes in the number and composition of LDs were also found in growing cells treated with inhibitors of cholesterol esterification (Sandoz 58-035), endosomal cholesterol efflux (U18666A) and V-ATPase (bafilomycin-A1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Diaz
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
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Fattore L, Spano MS, Altea S, Angius F, Fadda P, Fratta W. Cannabinoid self-administration in rats: sex differences and the influence of ovarian function. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:795-804. [PMID: 17891164 PMCID: PMC2190022 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [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: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We recently demonstrated the existence of strain differences in self-administration of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) by Long Evans (LE) and Lister Hooded (LH) but not Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats. This follow-up study is aimed at verifying whether sex and ovarian hormones might also be critical factors in the initiation, retention and extinction of WIN self-administration. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH LE, LH and SD male and female rats, the latter either intact or bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), were trained to self-administer WIN (12.5 microg kg(-1) per infusion) under a FR1 reinforcement schedule, using lever-pressing. KEY RESULTS Data showed that contrary to the findings in SD rats, LE and LH rats developed robust cannabinoid intake, with rates of responding for WIN being constantly higher in intact females than in males (+45 and +42% for LE and LH strains, respectively). In comparison with intact females, OVX females of both strains acquired self-administration at lower rates, displaying slower acquisition, lower drug intake (-42 and -52% for LE and LH, respectively) and longer extinction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings provide the first evidence of significant sex differences in cannabinoid self-administration, females acquiring stable WIN intake at higher rates and more rapidly than males. Moreover, when compared to intact females, a lower percentage of LE and LH OVX rats acquired and maintained stable drug intake, suggesting that ovarian hormones might represent a critical factor in modulating the reinforcing effect of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, c/o Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy.
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