1
|
Martinelli M, Giubbi C, Di Meo ML, Perdoni F, Musumeci R, Leone BE, Fruscio R, Landoni F, Cocuzza CE. Accuracy of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing on Urine and Vaginal Self-Samples Compared to Clinician-Collected Cervical Sample in Women Referred to Colposcopy. Viruses 2023; 15:1889. [PMID: 37766295 PMCID: PMC10537107 DOI: 10.3390/v15091889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the context of cervical cancer prevention, where human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is pivotal, HPV testing is replacing Pap Smear in primary screening. This transition offers an opportunity for integrating self-sampling to enhance coverage. We evaluated the accuracy of HPV testing using self-collected urine and vaginal samples, comparing them to physician-collected cervical swabs. From a cohort of 245 women with abnormal cytology, we collected self-sampled vaginal, urine, and clinician-administered cervical specimens. Employing Anyplex™II HPV28 assay, outcomes revealed HPV positivity rates of 75.1% (cervical), 78.4% (vaginal), and 77.1% (urine). Significant, hr-HPV detection concordance was observed between self-taken cervical samples and clinical counterparts (k = 0.898 for vaginal; k = 0.715 for urine). This study extends beyond accuracy, highlighting self-collected sample efficacy in detecting high-grade cervical lesions. The insight underscores self-sampling's role in bolstering participation and aligns with WHO's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
| | | | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Biagio Eugenio Leone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
- IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
- IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Fabio Landoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
- IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Clementina Elvezia Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (C.G.); (F.P.); (R.M.); (B.E.L.); (R.F.); (F.L.); (C.E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martinelli M, Giubbi C, Saderi L, Musumeci R, Perdoni F, Leone BE, Fruscio R, Landoni F, Piana A, Sotgiu G, Cocuzza CE. Evaluation of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Genotyping and Viral Load Determination as Diagnostic Biomarkers of Cervical Cancer Risk. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021320. [PMID: 36674835 PMCID: PMC9865838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HPV testing in cervical cancer screening programs offers the possibility of introducing molecular standardized biomarkers for the triage of HPV-positive women. This study aimed to evaluate the role of HPV genotyping and viral load as possible diagnostic biomarkers of high-grade cervical lesions (CIN2+) by performing a preliminary evaluation of a new HPV test. Cervical specimens were obtained from 200 women referred for a colposcopy. Samples were tested using both Anyplex™ II HR-HPV as well as OncoPredict HPV® Screening (SCR) and quantitative typing (QT). Using a cycle threshold cutoff (Ct) of 36.8 for the SCR assay and 1.27 log10 (viral copies/104 cells) for the QT assay, relative clinical sensitivity for CIN2+ and relative clinical specificity for CIN2- as compared to Anyplex™ II HR-HPV were, respectively, 0.92 and 1.00 for SCR and 1.35 and 1.24 for QT. The distribution of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes (p = 0.009) as well as the viral copy numbers (CIN2-: 3.7 log10 (viral copies/104 human cells); CIN2+: 4.3 log10 (viral copies/104 human cells); p = 0.047) were found to differ in women with high- and low-grade cervical lesions, suggesting a possible role of HPV genotyping and normalized viral load as potential biomarkers to identify women at increased risk of cervical lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Saderi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Biagio Eugenio Leone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Landoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Piana
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Clementina Elvezia Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0264488358
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martinelli M, Giubbi C, Sechi I, Bottari F, Iacobone AD, Musumeci R, Perdoni F, Muresu N, Piana A, Fruscio R, Landoni F, Cocuzza CE. Evaluation of BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay on Self-Collected Vaginal and First-Void Urine Samples as Compared to Clinician-Collected Cervical Samples: A Pilot Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123075. [PMID: 36553082 PMCID: PMC9776973 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123075] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The accuracy of available HPV molecular assays on self-samples needs to be evaluated as compared to clinician-collected samples. This pilot study aimed to investigate the BD Onclarity™ HPV assay on vaginal and first-void urine samples. Sixty-four women referred to colposcopy for cervical dysplasia performed a vaginal self-collection and provided a first-void urine sample, after informed consent. A cervical specimen was collected during the clinician examination. All samples were tested using BD Onclarity™ HPV assay on the BD Viper™ LT System. Overall positive agreement (OPA) between cervical and self-sample results was evaluated using Cohen's kappa value (κ). Using a clinical cut-off of 38.3 Ct for HPV 16 and 34.2 Ct for other HR genotypes, compared to cervical sample, the self-collected vaginal sample OPA was 85.9%, and κ = 0.699. Without a clinical cut-off, the OPA was 95.3%, and the κ = 0.890. Data obtained comparing cervical and urine samples showed an OPA of 87.5% with a κ = 0.79 using a clinical cut-off, and an OPA of 90.6% with a κ = 0.776 without a clinical cut-off. Data showed a substantial agreement between both self-collected and clinician-collected samples. A specific clinical cut-off analysis should be considered based on type of sample analysed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Illari Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabio Bottari
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Anna Daniela Iacobone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Preventive Gynecology Unit, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Narcisa Muresu
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Piana
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Landoni
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milan Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Clementina Elvezia Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-64488358
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rondanelli M, Gasparri C, Perdoni F, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Peroni G, Faliva MA, Naso M, Perna S. Bone Mineral Density Reference Values in 18- to 95-Year-Old Population in Lombardy Region, Italy. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221119363. [PMID: 36305327 PMCID: PMC9619280 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221119363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) and T-score reference values in a population from 18 to 95 years old in Lombardy region, Italy. This study also investigates the association between BMD values and body mass index (BMI) divided by gender and age. The evaluation of BMD was analyzed by T-score and BMD in each site, femur, and column. A total of 10,503 patients (9,627 females and 876 males, 65.04±12.18 years) have been enrolled in this study. The women hip femur reference values associated with a situation of osteopenia highlighted in-line with the class of age of 45 to 55 years were: mean values: -1.3132 T-score; 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.3600 to -1.2664 and of osteoporosis from the class of age 85 to 95 years, mean values: -2.6591 T-score, 95% CI: -2.7703 to -2.5479. The men hip femur reference values associated with a situation of osteopenia highlighted in-line with the class of age of 45 to 55 years were: mean values: 1.2986 T-score; 95% CI: -1.5454 to -1.0518. A positive association between BMI and the two sites of BMD was recorded (p > .05). This study provides an Italian overview of national and regional reference values about the BMD and T-score values divided by age and gender as reference values for clinicians for a correct assessment and monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Rondanelli
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clara Gasparri
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Clara Gasparri, Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, via emilia 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriella Peroni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Milena Anna Faliva
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Naso
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Perna
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giubbi C, Martinelli M, Vallini I, Paganoni S, Dafa'alla T, Perdoni F, Musumeci R, Wu W, Castriciano S, Romano P, Cocuzza CE. Human papillomavirus (HPV) detection in vaginal self-samples: evaluation of eNat® as an alternative suspension medium to ThinPrep®PreservCyt® for vaginal swabs. Open Res Eur 2022; 2:35. [PMID: 37645291 PMCID: PMC10446064 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.14344.2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing on self-collected samples allows for improved coverage rates of cervical cancer (CC) screening programs. ThinPrep®PreservCyt® (HOLOGIC®, USA) medium is widely used for the suspension of cervical and vaginal self-samples. However, this medium is costly, toxic, and flammable, involving special handling procedures which make its use difficult in screening programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of eNat ® (Copan SpA), an alternative non-alcohol-based suspension medium, compared to ThinPrep®PreservCyt® (HOLOGIC®) for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) detection in vaginal self-collected swabs using three different real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) HPV assays: Anyplex™II HPV28 (Seegene, Korea), Papilloplex® High Risk HPV (GeneFirst, UK), and HPV OncoPredict (Hiantis, Italy). 30 women, referred to colposcopy, were enrolled in this observational, prospective pilot study and asked to collect two vaginal self-taken samples, which were suspended in 5 mL of ThinPrep®PreservCyt® or eNat®. Nucleic acids were extracted from 200 μL using Microlab Nimbus platform (Seegene, Korea) and tested with the three different RT-PCR full-genotyping high-risk HPV assays. The HPV results of vaginal samples resuspended in the two different media were compared to those obtained from the reference clinician-collected cervical sample from the same woman. hrHPV detection in vaginal self-samples suspended in both media demonstrated a substantial agreement with cervical samples with the three assays under-investigation (0.667
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Winnie Wu
- GeneFirst Ltd., Abingdon, OX14 3DB, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cocuzza CE, Martinelli M, Perdoni F, Giubbi C, Vinetti MEA, Calaresu E, Frugoni S, Scaturro M, Ricci ML, Musumeci R. Antibiotic Susceptibility of Environmental Legionella pneumophila Strains Isolated in Northern Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18179352. [PMID: 34501942 PMCID: PMC8431511 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila is ubiquitous in aquatic environments and responsible for severe pneumonia in humans through inhalation of aerosol containing Legionella spp. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones are frequently used antimicrobials, but treatment failures are increasingly being reported. As susceptibility testing is not routinely performed, this study aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on 58 environmental Legionella pneumophila strains (24 of serogroup 1 and 34 of non-serogroup 1) isolated in Northern Italy. MICs of azithromycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and rifampicin were determined by the microdilution method using buffered yeast extract broth supplemented with α-ketoglutarate (BYEα). Seventy-five percent of Legionella pneumophila isolates showed MIC values below the tentative highest MICs indicated by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST); rifampicin was the most active agent with MIC90 values below 0.008 mg/L. Interestingly, one isolate was tested and found to be PCR-positive for the azithromycin LpeAB active efflux system, further confirmed by the reserpine/resazurin microtiter assay. In conclusion, this study has provided additional susceptibility data for environmental Legionella pneumophila isolates from Northern Italy demonstrating, in general, low MICs values for the tested antimicrobials, although one strain tested was shown to possess the LpeAB resistance determinant, indicating that future surveillance studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clementina Elvezia Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
- MicroMiB Biorepository, University of Milano-Bicocca, Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT, Via Cadore, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-335-627-2830
| | - Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
- MicroMiB Biorepository, University of Milano-Bicocca, Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT, Via Cadore, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
- MicroMiB Biorepository, University of Milano-Bicocca, Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT, Via Cadore, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Maria Erica Alessandra Vinetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Enrico Calaresu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Sergio Frugoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
| | - Maria Scaturro
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.S.); (M.L.R.)
| | - Maria Luisa Ricci
- National Reference Laboratory for Legionella, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.S.); (M.L.R.)
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (F.P.); (C.G.); (M.E.A.V.); (E.C.); (S.F.); (R.M.)
- MicroMiB Biorepository, University of Milano-Bicocca, Associated Member of the JRU MIRRI-IT, Via Cadore, 20900 Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Martinelli M, Calaresu E, Musumeci R, Giubbi C, Perdoni F, Frugoni S, Castriciano S, Scaturro M, Ricci ML, Cocuzza CE. Evaluation of an Environmental Transport Medium for Legionella pneumophila Recovery. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18168551. [PMID: 34444305 PMCID: PMC8394066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168551] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The collection and storage of water-related matrices such as biofilm from collection to processing are critical for the detection of Legionella pneumophila by cultural and molecular tests. SRK™ is a liquid medium that acts both as an antimicrobial neutralizing agent and a transport medium for bacterial culture enumeration and is useful to maintain the stability of the sample from collection to analysis. The aims of this study were to evaluate Legionella pneumophila viability and bacterial nucleic acids’ stability in SRK™ medium over time at different storage conditions. Artificial bacterial inoculates with an approximate concentration of 104, 103 and 102 CFU/mL were made using Legionella pneumophila certified reference material suspended in SRK™ medium. Bacteria recovery was analyzed by cultural and molecular methods at time 0, 24 and 48 h at room temperature and at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h at 2–8 °C, respectively. SRK™ medium supported Legionella pneumophila culture viability with CFU counts within the expected range. The recovery after 72 h at 2–8 °C was 83–100% and 75–95% after 48 h at room temperature. Real-time PCR appropriately detected Legionella pneumophila DNA at each temperature condition, dilution and time point. Results demonstrated a good performance of SRK™ medium for the reliable recovery of environmental Legionella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-6448-8359
| | - Enrico Calaresu
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Chiara Giubbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Sergio Frugoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| | | | - Maria Scaturro
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.S.); (M.L.R.)
| | | | - Clementina E. Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (E.C.); (R.M.); (C.G.); (F.P.); (S.F.); (C.E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rondanelli M, Perdoni F, Peroni G, Caporali R, Gasparri C, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Faliva MA, Infantino V, Naso M, Perna S, Rigon C. Ideal food pyramid for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A narrative review. Clin Nutr 2020; 40:661-689. [PMID: 32928578 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Emerging literature suggests that diet plays an important modulatory role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because diet is an environmental factor that affects inflammation, antigen presentation, antioxidant defense mechanisms and gut microbiota. Patients with RA frequently ask their doctors about which diets to follow, and even in the absence of advice from their physicians, many patients are undertaking various dietary interventions. Given this background, the aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence to date regarding the ideal dietary approach for management of RA in order to reduce the counteracting inflammation, and to construct a food pyramid for patients with RA. The pyramid shows that carbohydrates should be consumed every day (3 portions of whole grains, preferably gluten free), together with fruits and vegetables (5 portions; among which fruit, berries and citrus fruit are to be preferred, and among the vegetables, green leafy ones.), light yogurt (125 ml), skim milk (200 ml), 1 glass (125 ml) of wine and extra virgin olive oil; weekly, fish (3 portions), white meat (3 portions), legumes (2 portions) eggs (2 portions), seasoned cheeses (2 portions), and red or processed meats (once a week). At the top of the pyramid, there are two pennants: one green means that subjects with RA need some personalized supplementation (vitamin D and omega 3) and one red means that there are some foods that are banned (salt and sugar). The food pyramid allows patients to easily figure out what to eat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Rondanelli
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100 Italy; Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Gabriella Peroni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan 20122, Italy; Clinical Rheumatology Unit Gaetano Pini Hospital, Milan 20122, Italy.
| | - Clara Gasparri
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Antonella Riva
- Research and Development Department, Indena SpA, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Milena Anna Faliva
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Vittoria Infantino
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Maurizio Naso
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| | - Simone Perna
- Department of Biology, University of Bahrain, College of Science, Sakhir Campus P. O. Box 32038 Bahrain.
| | - Chiara Rigon
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona ''Istituto Santa Margherita'', University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100 Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rondanelli M, Perna S, Alalwan TA, Cazzola R, Gasparri C, Infantino V, Perdoni F, Iannello G, Pepe D, Guido D. A structural equation model to assess the pathways of body adiposity and inflammation status on dysmetabolic biomarkers via red cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume: a cross-sectional study in overweight and obese subjects. Lipids Health Dis 2020; 19:154. [PMID: 32590977 PMCID: PMC7320558 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A study has been performed in overweight and obese subjects to assess the effects of adiposity and inflammation indicators on dysmetabolic biomarkers via red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), taking into account pro-antioxidant balance. Methods Data from 166 overweight subjects were analyzed by a path analysis model using structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect pathway effects of adiposity, measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and inflammation status, measured by pro-antioxidant balance [reactive oxygen species (ROS)], lag-time and slope and C-reactive protein (CRP) values on dysmetabolic biomarkers, via RDW and MCV. Results BMI was strongly linked to CRP and ROS levels. Moreover, there was a significant negative decrease of MCV (1.546 femtoliters) linked to BMI indirectly via high CRP levels. Furthermore, WC affected RDW, indicating a possible mediatory role for RDW in relation to the relationship between WC and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), insulin and high density lipoprotein (HDL), respectively. This was evident by the elevated HOMA and insulin levels and the decreased levels of HDL. Finally, ROS-related markers did not affect directly RDW and MCV. Conclusion The reported outcomes suggest that RDW might play a mediatory role in the relationship between WC and the dysmetabolic outcomes in overweight and obese individuals. CRP seems to modulate the linkage between BMI and MCV. This study provides the backbone structure for future scenarios and lays the foundation for further research on the role of RDW and MCV as suitable biomarkers for the assessment of cardiovascular disease (HDL-cholesterol), inflammatory bowels and insulin resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Rondanelli
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Perna
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus, P. O. Box 32038, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Tariq A Alalwan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus, P. O. Box 32038, Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Roberta Cazzola
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Gasparri
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona "Istituto Santa Margherita", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Infantino
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70121, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona "Istituto Santa Margherita", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Iannello
- General Management, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona "Istituto Santa Margherita", 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Pepe
- Hasselt University, I-BioStat, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Davide Guido
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit, Scientific Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martinelli M, Musumeci R, Sechi I, Sotgiu G, Piana A, Perdoni F, Sina F, Fruscio R, Landoni F, Cocuzza CE. Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Italian Women Referred for a Colposcopy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16245000. [PMID: 31818033 PMCID: PMC6950209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a major cause of morbidity in women and men worldwide. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are among the most prevalent STIs and persistent infections with high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes can cause cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer. The association of other STIs with HPV cervical infection and/or dysplasia has however not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HPV and other STIs among women presenting with an abnormal cervical cytology. Cervical infections with 28 HPV genotypes and seven other sexually transmitted pathogens were evaluated in 177 women referred for a colposcopy after an abnormal Pap smear. Positivity for at least one hrHPV genotype was shown in 87% of women; HPV 16 was the most prevalent (25.0%), followed by HPV 31 and HPV 51. The overall positivity for other STIs was 49.2%, with Ureaplasma parvum being the most prevalent microrganism (39.0%). Co-infections between hrHPV and other STIs were demonstrated in 17.5% of women; no significant association was demonstrated between multiple infections and the colposcopy findings. This study provides new epidemiological data on the prevalence of cervical infections associated with HPV and seven other common sexually transmitted pathogens in a population of women presenting with an abnormal cervical cytology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Rosario Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Illari Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.S.); (G.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.S.); (G.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Piana
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (I.S.); (G.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Federica Sina
- ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Robert Fruscio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
- ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Fabio Landoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
- ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy;
| | - Clementina E. Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (R.F.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rondanelli M, Perdoni F, Infantino V, Faliva MA, Peroni G, Iannello G, Nichetti M, Alalwan TA, Perna S, Cocuzza C. Volatile Organic Compounds as Biomarkers of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Nutritional Status. J Anal Methods Chem 2019; 2019:7247802. [PMID: 31583160 PMCID: PMC6754926 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7247802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to identify the best solution for rapid and noninvasive diagnosis and long-term monitoring of patients affected by inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, colon and gastric cancer, obesity in correlation to diet, and breast milk to evaluate exposure to VOCs in women and infants. METHODS This review included 20 previously published eligible studies. VOC analysis has allowed us to highlight differences in lifestyles, intestinal microbiota, and metabolism. New innovative methods have been described that allow the detection and quantification of a broad spectrum of metabolites present in exhaled breath even at very low levels, some of which have been shown to be indicators of pathological conditions. RESULTS Five studies were analyzed that involved VOC analysis in relation to type of diet. All of them showed that the type of diet can have an impact on metabolites excreted and therefore can be a useful tool in the nutritional studies related to metabolism and health and disease status. Two studies concerned VOC analysis in inflammatory bowel diseases, and the results showed that VOCs can distinguish active disease from remission; VOC profile is clearly different in patients. In particular, C15H30 1-pentadecene, 3-methyl-1-butanal, octane, acetic acid, alpha-pinene, and m-cymene are elevated in active ulcerative colitis. Four studies examined VOCs in gastric and colorectal tumors showing a change in metabolic biomarkers of cancer patients compared to the control group. Finally, the study of VOCs in breast milk has improved the understanding of the potential health risks of exposure of children to chemical pollutants. CONCLUSIONS VOC analysis allowed to highlight differences in behavior, lifestyle, and metabolism of individuals. Analytical methods are continuously developed to allow for better detection and quantification of metabolites, thus enabling the detection of a broader spectrum of pathophysiology and disease biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Rondanelli
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Vittoria Infantino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70121, Italy
| | - Milena Anna Faliva
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Gabriella Peroni
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Iannello
- General Management, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Mara Nichetti
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Tariq A. Alalwan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus P.O. Box 32038, Zallaq, Bahrain
| | - Simone Perna
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus P.O. Box 32038, Zallaq, Bahrain
| | - Clementina Cocuzza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano 20126, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lovero G, Borghi E, Balbino S, Cirasola D, De Giglio O, Perdoni F, Caggiano G, Morace G, Montagna MT. Molecular Identification and Echinocandin Susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis Complex Bloodstream Isolates in Italy, 2007-2014. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150218. [PMID: 26919294 PMCID: PMC4769087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Candida parapsilosis group encompasses three species: C. parapsilosis, C. orthopsilosis, and C. metapsilosis. Here, we describe the incidence and echinocandin susceptibility profile of bloodstream isolates of these three species collected from patients admitted to an Italian university hospital from 2007 to 2014. Molecular identification of cryptic species of the C. parapsilosis complex was performed using polymerase chain reaction amplification of the gene encoding secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, followed by digestion with the restriction enzyme BanI. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using the broth microdilution method according to European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST EDef 7.2) and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M27-A3) guidelines, and the results were compared with those obtained using the E-test and Sensititre methods. Of the 163 C. parapsilosis complex isolates, 136 (83.4%) were identified as C. parapsilosis, and 27 (16.6%) as C. orthopsilosis. The species-specific incidences were 2.9/10,000 admissions for C. parapsilosis and 0.6/10,000 admissions for C. orthopsilosis. No resistance to echinocandins was detected with any of the methods. The percent essential agreement (EA) between the EUCAST and E-test/Sensititre methods for anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin susceptibility was, respectively, as follows: C. parapsilosis, 95.6/97.8, 98.5/88.2, and 93.4/96.3; C. orthopsilosis, 92.6/92.6, 96.3/77.8, and 63.0/66.7. The EA between the CLSI and E-test/Sensititre methods was, respectively, as follows: C. parapsilosis, 99.3/100, 98.5/89.0, and 96.3/98.5; C. orthopsilosis, 96.3/92.6, 100/81.5, and 92.6/88.9. Only minor discrepancies, ranging from 16.9% (C. parapsilosis) to 11.1% (C. orthopsilosis), were observed between the CLSI and E-test/Sensititre methods. In conclusion, this epidemiologic study shows a typical C. parapsilosis complex species distribution, no echinocandin resistance, and it reinforces the relevance of using commercially available microbiological methods to assess antifungal susceptibility. These data improve our knowledge of the national distribution of species of the psilosis group, as there are very few studies of these species in Italy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Lovero
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, Università degli Studi of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stella Balbino
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, Università degli Studi of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Cirasola
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, Università degli Studi of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Caggiano
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, Università degli Studi of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Morace
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Hygiene Section, Università degli Studi of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Perdoni F, Signorelli P, Cirasola D, Caretti A, Galimberti V, Biggiogera M, Gasco P, Musicanti C, Morace G, Borghi E. Antifungal activity of Myriocin on clinically relevant Aspergillus fumigatus strains producing biofilm. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:248. [PMID: 26519193 PMCID: PMC4628231 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus is able to form a complex biofilm embedded in extracellular matrix. Biofilms confer antimicrobial resistance and it is well known that aspergillosis is often refractory to the conventional antifungal therapy. The treatment of biofilm-related infections poses a significant clinical challenge on a daily basis, promoting the search for new therapeutic agents. Our aim was to exploit the modulation of sphingolipid mediators as new therapeutic target to overcome antifungal resistance in biofilm-related infections. RESULTS Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed on 20 clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus and one reference strain (A. fumigatus Af293) according the EUCAST protocol. Sessile MICs were assessed on 24-h preformed-biofilm by means of XTT-reduction assay. Myriocin (0.25-64 mg/L), a commercial sphingolipid synthesis inhibitor, was used. The MEC50 value (mg/L) of Myriocin was 8 (range 4-16) for both planktonic and sessile cells. Drug-induced morphological alterations were analyzed by optical and electron microscopy (TEM) on 24h preformed A. fumigatus Af293 biofilms. An evident hyphal damage, resulting in short, stubby, and highly branched hyphae was observed by optical microscopy. At 24h, TEM studies showed important morphological alterations, such as invaginations of the cell membrane, modification in the vacuolar system and presence of multilamellar bodies, in some cases within vacuoles. CONCLUSIONS The direct antifungal activity, observed on both planktonic and sessile fungi, suggests that inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis could represent a new target to fight biofilm-related A. fumigatus resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Perdoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Signorelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cirasola
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Caretti
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Galimberti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giulia Morace
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Polo Universitario San Paolo, Blocco C, ottavo piano, via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Borghi E, Romagnoli S, Fuchs BB, Cirasola D, Perdoni F, Tosi D, Braidotti P, Bulfamante G, Morace G, Mylonakis E. Correlation between Candida albicans biofilm formation and invasion of the invertebrate host Galleria mellonella. Future Microbiol 2014; 9:163-73. [PMID: 24571071 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.13.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of our study was to investigate whether biofilm production by Candida albicans clinical isolates could be a hallmark of virulence in vivo. MATERIALS & METHODS Twenty clinical isolates of C. albicans were examined via histological studies on larvae infected with various fungal doses (from 10(3) to 10(5) CFU/larva) of biofilm producer and nonproducer strains. RESULTS The poor prognostic role of infection due to a biofilm-producing isolate was confirmed by the Wald test (hazard ratio: 2.63; 95% CI: 2.03-3.41). Histological examinations at 24 h showed a strong innate immune response, with evidence of melanization for both infection groups. However, at 48 h, we found huge differences in filamentation and tissue invasion capability between biofilm nonproducing and producing isolates, the latter being highly organized into biofilm and invading the larval intestinal tract. Invasion corroborated survival data. CONCLUSION The histological results demonstrate that the production of biofilm could enhance the invasiveness of C. albicans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via di Rudinì, 8 - 20142 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Morace G, Perdoni F, Borghi E. Antifungal drug resistance in Candida species. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2014; 2:254-259. [PMID: 27873684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Candida infections are well established infectious entities of immunocompromised or critically ill patients and are characterised by high morbidity and mortality. Owing to the common eukaryotic structure of fungi and humans, a limited number of antifungal drugs is available for therapeutic purposes. In this unsatisfactory scenario, the emergence of drug resistance represents an important health problem. Failure of antifungal treatment can be related to host factors, to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of the drug, or to morphological, reproductive modalities and biofilm production of the fungus itself. Innate or acquired antifungal resistance derives from the presence or onset of molecular mechanisms related to the toxic activity of the drug itself. The resulting resistance can thus be extended to different molecules of the same class according to a greater or lesser affinity of the molecules for the target. In addition, non-specific cellular mechanisms of extrusion of toxic substances, such as overexpression of efflux pumps, can play a role involving different antifungal classes. Here we briefly review the current antifungal susceptibility testing methods and their usefulness as predictors of antifungal resistance in Candida spp., focusing on assessment of the involved molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Morace
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Blocco C, via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Perdoni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Blocco C, via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Blocco C, via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Perdoni F, Falleni M, Tosi D, Cirasola D, Romagnoli S, Braidotti P, Clementi E, Bulfamante G, Borghi E. A histological procedure to study fungal infection in the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2428. [PMID: 25308852 PMCID: PMC4194400 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The invertebrate model Galleria mellonella is a widely used factitious host to study the microbial pathogenesis in vivo. However, a specific procedure for the recovery and the processing of the infected tissues, important for a better understanding of the host-pathogen interactions, has not been reported to our knowledge. In the present study we describe a new procedure of fixation and processing of larval tissue that allows studying the larval topographic anatomy and assessing the morphological changes due to the fungal infection. Lepidopteran larvae were infected with Candida albicans strains displaying various biofilm-forming abilities. The whole larvae were then examined for tissue changes by histological techniques. We show that comparing cutting planes, serial transversal sections of paraffin-embedded larva result in better accuracy and information recovering. Using this technique, it was possible to preserve the integrity of G. mellonella internal structures allowing the detailed analysis of morphological differences in different experimental groups (i.e., healthy vs infected larvae). We were also able to study strain-related differences in the pathogenesis of C. albicans by observing the immune response elicited and the invasiveness of two isolates within the larval tissues. In general, by processing the whole larva and optimizing routinely histochemical stainings, it is possible to visualize and analyse infected tissues. Various degrees of pathogenicity (strain- or inoculum-related), and the infection time course can be described in details. Moreover, the host immune response events can be followed throughout the infectious process leading to a comprehensive picture of the studied phenomenon.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sherry L, Rajendran R, Lappin DF, Borghi E, Perdoni F, Falleni M, Tosi D, Smith K, Williams C, Jones B, Nile CJ, Ramage G. Biofilms formed by Candida albicans bloodstream isolates display phenotypic and transcriptional heterogeneity that are associated with resistance and pathogenicity. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:182. [PMID: 24996549 PMCID: PMC4105547 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans infections have become increasingly recognised as being biofilm related. Recent studies have shown that there is a relationship between biofilm formation and poor clinical outcomes in patients infected with biofilm proficient strains. Here we have investigated a panel of clinical isolates in an attempt to evaluate their phenotypic and transcriptional properties in an attempt to differentiate and define levels of biofilm formation. RESULTS Biofilm formation was shown to be heterogeneous; with isolates being defined as either high or low biofilm formers (LBF and HBF) based on different biomass quantification. These categories could also be differentiated using a cell surface hydrophobicity assay with 24 h biofilms. HBF isolates were more resistance to amphotericin B (AMB) treatment than LBF, but not voriconazole (VRZ). In a Galleria mellonella model of infection HBF mortality was significantly increased in comparison to LBF. Histological analysis of the HBF showed hyphal elements intertwined indicative of the biofilm phenotype. Transcriptional analysis of 23 genes implicated in biofilm formation showed no significant differential expression profiles between LBF and HBF, except for Cdr1 at 4 and 24 h. Cluster analysis showed similar patterns of expression for different functional classes of genes, though correlation analysis of the 4 h biofilms with overall biomass at 24 h showed that 7 genes were correlated with high levels of biofilm, including Als3, Eap1, Cph1, Sap5, Plb1, Cdr1 and Zap1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that biofilm formation is variable amongst C. albicans isolates, and categorising isolates depending on this can be used to predict how pathogenic the isolate will behave clinically. We have shown that looking at individual genes in less informative than looking at multiple genes when trying to categorise isolates at LBF or HBF. These findings are important when developing biofilm-specific diagnostics as these could be used to predict how best to treat patients infected with C. albicans. Further studies are required to evaluate this clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gordon Ramage
- Infection and Immunity Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Perdoni F, Malatesta M, Cardani R, Giagnacovo M, Mancinelli E, Meola G, Pellicciari C. RNA/MBNL1-containing foci in myoblast nuclei from patients affected by myotonic dystrophy type 2: an immunocytochemical study. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:e18. [PMID: 30256871 PMCID: PMC3168229 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a dominantly inherited autosomal disease with multi-systemic clinical features and it is caused by expansion of a CCTG tetranucleotide repeat in the first intron of the zinc finger protein 9 (ZNF9) gene in 3q21.The expanded-CCUG-containing transcripts are retained in the cell nucleus and accumulate in the form of focal aggregates which specifically sequester the muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) protein, a RNA binding factor involved in the regulation of alternative splicing. The structural organization and composition of the foci are still incompletely known. In this study, the nuclear foci occurring in cultured myoblasts from DM2 patients were characterised at fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy by using a panel of antibodies recognizing transcription and processing factors of pre-mRNAs. MBNL1 proved to co-locate in the nuclear foci with snRNPs and hnRNPs, whereas no co-location was observed with RNA polymerase II, the non-RNP splicing factor SC35, the cleavage factor CStF and the PML protein. At electron microscopy the MBNL1-containing nuclear foci appeared as roundish domains showing a rather homogeneous structure and proved to contain snRNPs and hnRNPs. The sequestration of splicing factors involved in early phases of pre-mRNA processing supports the hypothesis of a general alteration in the maturation of several mRNAs, which could lead to the multiple pathological dysfunctions observed in dystrophic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Perdoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Laboratorio di Biologia cellulare e Neurobiologia, Università di Pavia, Italy
| | - M Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, Università di Verona, Italy
| | - R Cardani
- Dipartimento di Biologia molecolare e Biotecnologie.,Centro per lo studio delle Malattie Neuromuscolari-CMN, and
| | - M Giagnacovo
- Dipartimento di Biologia molecolare e Biotecnologie
| | - E Mancinelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia molecolare e Biotecnologie
| | - G Meola
- Dipartimento di Neurologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - C Pellicciari
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Laboratorio di Biologia cellulare e Neurobiologia, Università di Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perdoni F, Malatesta M, Cardani R, Giagnacovo M, Mancinelli E, Meola G, Pellicciari C. RNA/MBNL1-containing foci in myoblast nuclei from patients affected by myotonic dystrophy type 2: an immunocytochemical study. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:151-8. [PMID: 19864209 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a dominantly inherited autosomal disease with multi-systemic clinical features and it is caused by expansion of a CCTG tetranucleotide repeat in the first intron of the zinc finger protein 9 (ZNF9) gene in 3q21.The expanded-CCUG-containing transcripts are retained in the cell nucleus and accumulate in the form of focal aggregates which specifically sequester the muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) protein, a RNA binding factor involved in the regulation of alternative splicing. The structural organization and composition of the foci are still incompletely known. In this study, the nuclear foci occurring in cultured myoblasts from DM2 patients were characterised at fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy by using a panel of antibodies recognizing transcription and processing factors of pre-mRNAs. MBNL1 proved to co-locate in the nuclear foci with snRNPs and hnRNPs, whereas no co-location was observed with RNA polymerase II, the non-RNP splicing factor SC35, the cleavage factor CStF and the PML protein. At electron microscopy the MBNL1-containing nuclear foci appeared as roundish domains showing a rather homogeneous structure and proved to contain snRNPs and hnRNPs. The sequestration of splicing factors involved in early phases of pre-mRNA processing supports the hypothesis of a general alteration in the maturation of several mRNAs, which could lead to the multiple pathological dysfunctions observed in dystrophic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Perdoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Laboratorio di Biologia cellulare e Neurobiologia, Università di Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Perdoni F, Bottone MG, Soldani C, Veneroni P, Alpini C, Pellicciari C, Scovassi AI. Distribution of centromeric proteins and PARP-1 during mitosis and apoptosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1171:32-7. [PMID: 19723035 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04729.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A large complex of proteins, called CENPs, are associated with centromeric DNA. Some of them exhibit a cell cycle-related expression (e.g., CENP-E and -F) and are required for the transition from interphase to mitosis, whereas constitutive proteins (e.g., CENP-A, -B, -C, -G, and -H) reside permanently at the centromere and are essential for the correct kinetochore assembly. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which plays an active role in many basic processes, was described as a possible regulator of CENPs. By multicolor immunofluorescence we therefore analyzed the distribution of PARP-1 and its interaction with CENP-B, -E, and -F during mitosis and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Perdoni
- Department of Animal Biology, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Malatesta M, Perdoni F, Muller S, Zancanaro C, Pellicciari C. Nuclei of aged myofibres undergo structural and functional changes suggesting impairment in RNA processing. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:97-106. [PMID: 19683983 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancing adult age is associated with a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength and quality known as sarcopenia. The mechanisms underlying age-related skeletal muscle wasting and weakness are manifold and still remain to be fully elucidated. Despite the increasing evidence that the progress of muscle diseases leading to muscle atrophy/dystrophy may be related to defective RNA processing, no data on the morpho-functional features of skeletal muscle nuclei in sarcopenia are available at present. In this view, we have investigated, by combining morphometry and immunocytochemistry at light and electron microscopy, the fine structure of myonuclei as well as the distribution and amount of RNA processing factors in skeletal myofibres of biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris from adult and old rats. Results demonstrate that the myonuclei of aged type II fibres show an increased amount of condensed chromatin and lower amounts of phosphorylated polymerase II and DNA/RNA hybrid molecules, clearly indicating a decrease in pre-mRNA transcription rate compared to adult animals. In addition, myonuclei of aged fibres show decreased amounts of nucleoplasmic splicing factors and an accumulation of cleavage factors, polyadenilated RNA and perichromatin granules, suggesting a reduction in the processing and transport rate of premRNA. During ageing, it seems therefore that in rat myonuclei the entire production chain of mRNA, from synthesis to cytoplasmic export, is less efficient. This failure likely contributes to the reduced responsiveness of muscle cells to anabolic stimuli in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, University of Verona, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Malatesta M, Perdoni F, Muller S, Zancanaro C, Pellicciari C. Nuclei of aged myofibres undergo structural and functional changes suggesting impairment in RNA processing. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:e12. [PMID: 30256859 PMCID: PMC3167280 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e12] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancing adult age is associated with a progressive decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength and quality known as sarcopenia. The mechanisms underlying age-related skeletal muscle wasting and weakness are manifold and still remain to be fully elucidated. Despite the increasing evidence that the progress of muscle diseases leading to muscle atrophy/dystrophy may be related to defective RNA processing, no data on the morpho-functional features of skeletal muscle nuclei in sarcopenia are available at present. In this view, we have investigated, by combining morphometry and immunocytochemistry at light and electron microscopy, the fine structure of myonuclei as well as the distribution and amount of RNA processing factors in skeletal myofibres of biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris from adult and old rats. Results demonstrate that the myonuclei of aged type II fibres show an increased amount of condensed chromatin and lower amounts of phosphorylated polymerase II and DNA/RNA hybrid molecules, clearly indicating a decrease in pre-mRNA transcription rate compared to adult animals. In addition, myonuclei of aged fibres show decreased amounts of nucleoplasmic splicing factors and an accumulation of cleavage factors, polyadenilated RNA and perichromatin granules, suggesting a reduction in the processing and transport rate of pre-mRNA. During ageing, it seems therefore that in rat myonuclei the entire production chain of mRNA, from synthesis to cytoplasmic export, is less efficient. This failure likely contributes to the reduced responsiveness of muscle cells to anabolic stimuli in the elderly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, University of Verona, Italy
| | - F Perdoni
- Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Muller
- CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Immunologie et Chimie Thérapeutiques, Strasbourg, France
| | - C Zancanaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, University of Verona, Italy
| | - C Pellicciari
- Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare, Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Malatesta M, Perdoni F, Battistelli S, Muller S, Zancanaro C. The cell nuclei of skeletal muscle cells are transcriptionally active in hibernating edible dormice. BMC Cell Biol 2009; 10:19. [PMID: 19284674 PMCID: PMC2663540 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-10-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 03/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Skeletal muscle is able to react in a rapid, dynamic way to metabolic and mechanical stimuli. In particular, exposure to either prolonged starvation or disuse results in muscle atrophy. At variance, in hibernating animals muscle atrophy may be scarce or absent after bouts of hibernation i.e., periods of prolonged (months) inactivity and food deprivation, and muscle function is fully preserved at arousal. In this study, myocytes from the quadriceps muscle of euthermic and hibernating edible dormice were investigated by a combination of morphological, morphometrical and immunocytochemical analyses at the light and electron microscopy level. The focus was on cell nuclei and mitochondria, which are highly sensitive markers of changing metabolic rate. Results Findings presented herein demonstrate that: 1) the general histology of the muscle, inclusive of muscle fibre shape and size, and the ratio of fast and slow fibre types are not affected by hibernation; 2) the fine structure of cytoplasmic and nuclear constituents is similar in euthermia and hibernation but for lipid droplets, which accumulate during lethargy; 3) during hibernation, mitochondria are larger in size with longer cristae, and 4) myonuclei maintain the same amount and distribution of transcripts and transcription factors as in euthermia. Conclusion In this study we demonstrate that skeletal muscle cells of the hibernating edible dormouse maintain their structural and functional integrity in full, even after months in the nest. A twofold explanation for that is envisaged: 1) the maintenance, during hibernation, of low-rate nuclear and mitochondrial activity counterbalancing myofibre wasting, 2) the intensive muscle stimulation (shivering) during periodic arousals in the nest, which would mimic physical exercise. These two factors would prevent muscle atrophy usually occurring in mammals after prolonged starvation and/or inactivity as a consequence of prevailing catabolism. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for skeletal muscle preservation in hibernators could pave the way to prevention and treatment of muscle wasting associated with pathological conditions or ageing as well as life in extreme environments, such as ocean deeps or spaceflights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, University of Verona, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Malatesta M, Perdoni F, Santin G, Battistelli S, Muller S, Biggiogera M. Hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells as a model for investigating the effects of low concentrations of herbicide on cell structure and function. Toxicol In Vitro 2008; 22:1853-60. [PMID: 18835430 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies on mice fed genetically modified (GM) soybean demonstrated modifications of the mitochondrial functions and of the transcription/splicing pathways in hepatocytes. The cause(s) of these alterations could not be conclusively established but, since the GM soybean used is tolerant to glyphosate and was treated with the glyphosate-containing herbicide Roundup , the possibility exists that the effects observed may be due to herbicide residues. In order to verify this hypothesis, we treated HTC cells with 1-10mM Roundup and analysed cellular features by flow cytometry, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Under these experimental conditions, the death rate and the general morphology of HTC cells were not affected, as well as most of the cytoplasmic organelles. However, in HTC-treated cells, lysosome density increased and mitochondrial membranes modified indicating a decline in the respiratory activity. Moreover, nuclei underwent morpho-functional modifications suggestive of a decreased transcriptional/splicing activity. Although we cannot exclude that other factors than the presence of the herbicide residues could be responsible for the cellular modifications described in GM-fed mice, the concordance of the effects induced by low concentrations of Roundup on HTC cells suggests that the presence of Roundup residues could be one of the factors interfering with multiple metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Malatesta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Sezione di Anatomia e Istologia, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zancanaro C, Mariotti R, Perdoni F, Nicolato E, Malatesta M. Physical training is associated with changes in nuclear magnetic resonance and morphometrical parameters of the skeletal muscle in senescent mice. Eur J Histochem 2008; 51:305-10. [PMID: 18162461 DOI: 10.4081/1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of a three-month training period on T2 relaxation time as well as on myofibre size and type was investigated in the lower limbs of senescent mice. After training, T2 (which is a magnetic resonance imaging parameter known to increase during acute exercise) was significantly higher in trained mice (36.37+/-1.27 vs 37.76+/-2.06 ms, p=0.003, n=8), whereas no change was found in non-trained animals (36.35+/-1.02 vs 36.24+/-1.15 ms, p=0.278, n=8). The percentage of muscle limb area evaluated in vivo on magnetic resonance images before and after the experimental period was unchanged in trained mice (69.84+/-2.50 vs 70.29+/-2.29, p=0.896, n=3) and decreased in non-trained animals (72.98+/-1.68 vs 64.62+/-2.34, p=0.006, n=3). Cross-sectional area of fast and slow myofibres, evaluated on paraffin-embedded samples after immunolabelling for skeletal fast fibre myosin, was lower in non-trained than in trained mice in both gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle, but no change in slow/fast fibre ratio nor in apoptotic rate was found. These data show that training can prevent sarcopenia in senescent mice by affecting muscle status and inducing myofibre hypertrophy in the absence of significant muscle damage.
Collapse
|