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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Lepre CC, Russo M, Ferraraccio F, Panarese I, Marano E, Grieco P, Petrillo F, Hermenean A, Simonelli F, D’Amico M, Bucolo C, Lazzara F, De Nigris F, Rossi S, Platania CBM. Ocular pharmacological and biochemical profiles of 6-thioguanine: a drug repurposing study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1375805. [PMID: 38590636 PMCID: PMC10999531 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1375805] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purine analog 6-thioguanine (6TG), an old drug approved in the 60s to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), was tested in the diabetic retinopathy (DR) experimental in vivo setting along with a molecular modeling approach. Methods A computational analysis was performed to investigate the interaction of 6TG with MC1R and MC5R. This was confirmed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to high glucose (25 mM) for 24 h. Cell viability in HUVECs exposed to high glucose and treated with 6TG (0.05-0.5-5 µM) was performed. To assess tube formation, HUVECs were treated for 24 h with 6TG 5 µM and AGRP (0.5-1-5 µM) or PG20N (0.5-1-5-10 µM), which are MC1R and MC5R antagonists, respectively. For the in vivo DR setting, diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice through a single streptozotocin (STZ) injection. After 2, 6, and 10 weeks, diabetic and control mice received 6TG intravitreally (0.5-1-2.5 mg/kg) alone or in combination with AGRP or PG20N. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed after 4 and 14 weeks after the onset of diabetes. After 14 weeks, mice were euthanized, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess retinal levels of CD34, a marker of endothelial progenitor cell formation during neo-angiogenesis. Results The computational analysis evidenced a more stable binding of 6TG binding at MC5R than MC1R. This was confirmed by the tube formation assay in HUVECs exposed to high glucose. Indeed, the anti-angiogenic activity of 6TG was eradicated by a higher dose of the MC5R antagonist PG20N (10 µM) compared to the MC1R antagonist AGRP (5 µM). The retinal anti-angiogenic effect of 6TG was evident also in diabetic mice, showing a reduction in retinal vascular alterations by FA analysis. This effect was not observed in diabetic mice receiving 6TG in combination with AGRP or PG20N. Accordingly, retinal CD34 staining was reduced in diabetic mice treated with 6TG. Conversely, it was not decreased in diabetic mice receiving 6TG combined with AGRP or PG20N. Conclusion 6TG evidenced a marked anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs exposed to high glucose and in mice with DR. This seems to be mediated by MC1R and MC5R retinal receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Franca Ferraraccio
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Iacopo Panarese
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ernesto Marano
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filomena De Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Lazzara F, Conti F, Giuffrida E, Eandi CM, Drago F, Platania CBM, Bucolo C. Integrating network pharmacology: The next-generation approach in ocular drug discovery. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2024; 74:102425. [PMID: 38183849 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102425] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
With the spread of the "omics" sciences, the approaches of systems biology can be considered as new paradigms of pharmacological research for discovery of novel targets and/or treatments for complex multifactorial diseases. Data from omics sciences can be used for the design of biologic networks, that in turn can be quantitatively analyzed to identify new pharmacological targets. In this review, we will introduce the concept of network pharmacology, particularly the application of this innovative approach in the field of ocular pharmacology, with a focus on retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Erika Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Surgical Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Caruso G, Fresta CG, Fidilio A, Lazzara F, Musso N, Cardaci V, Drago F, Caraci F, Bucolo C. Carnosine Counteracts the Molecular Alterations Aβ Oligomers-Induced in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083324. [PMID: 37110558 PMCID: PMC10146178 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083324] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been described as a progressive eye disease characterized by irreversible impairment of central vision, and unfortunately, an effective treatment is still not available. It is well-known that amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide is one of the major culprits in causing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The extracellular accumulation of this peptide has also been found in drusen which lies under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and represents one of the early signs of AMD pathology. Aβ aggregates, especially in the form of oligomers, are able to induce pro-oxidant (oxidative stress) and pro-inflammatory phenomena in RPE cells. ARPE-19 is a spontaneously arising human RPE cell line validated for drug discovery processes in AMD. In the present study, we employed ARPE-19 treated with Aβ oligomers, representing an in vitro model of AMD. We used a combination of methods, including ATPlite, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, as well as a fluorescent probe for reactive oxygen species to investigate the molecular alterations induced by Aβ oligomers. In particular, we found that Aβ exposure decreased the cell viability of ARPE-19 cells which was paralleled by increased inflammation (increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators) and oxidative stress (increased expression of NADPH oxidase and ROS production) along with the destruction of ZO-1 tight junction protein. Once the damage was clarified, we investigated the therapeutic potential of carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide that is known to be reduced in AMD patients. Our findings demonstrate that carnosine was able to counteract most of the molecular alterations induced by the challenge of ARPE-19 with Aβ oligomers. These new findings obtained with ARPE-19 cells challenged with Aβ1-42 oligomers, along with the well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action of carnosine both in vitro and in vivo, able to prevent and/or counteract the dysfunctions elicited by Aβ oligomers, substantiate the neuroprotective potential of this dipeptide in the context of AMD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Claudia G Fresta
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Bio-Nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardaci
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milano, Italy
- Scuola Superiore di Catania, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Lazzara F, Conti F, Ferrara M, Lippera M, Coppola M, Rossi S, Drago F, Bucolo C, Romano MR. Safety Profile of Lutein- Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide-Based Vitreous Staining. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:5. [PMID: 36598459 PMCID: PMC9832719 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.1.5] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the safety profile of a new lutein-based vitreous dye (LB-VD) formulation compared with various triamcinolone acetonide (TA) formulations with and without subsequent exposure to perfluorodecalin (PFD) in vitro. Methods Human adult retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were treated with the following formulations: undiluted preserved TA (TA-BA), diluted preserved TA (D-TA-BA), preservative-free TA (TA-PF), and LB-VD. First, cell tolerability was evaluated with MTT, LDH, and ATPlite assays after 1, 5, and 30 minutes of exposure to each tested formulation. Then, cells were sequentially exposed to formulations and PFD. After 24 hours of exposure to PFD, cell tolerability was evaluated through MTT and ATPlite assays. Results Among the formulations tested, LB-VD showed the highest levels of cell viability, cell metabolism, and cell proliferation and induced the lowest release of LDH, whereas the TA-based formulations demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on ARPE-19 cells in vitro. After subsequent 24-hour exposure to PFD, a greater reduction of cell viability was noted for all the formulations; however, this reduction was not significant only for the combination LB-VD-PFD, which was the best tolerated condition. Conclusions LB-VD showed a better safety profile compared with all TA-based formulations, even when used in combination with PFD. Translational Relevance In surgical practice, LB-VD may be preferred to TA-based formulations for vitreous staining in the light of its more favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Ferrara
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Myrta Lippera
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Michele Coppola
- Department of Ophthalmology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario R. Romano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy,Eye Center, Humanitas Gavazzeni-Castelli, Bergamo, Italy
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Lazzara F, Longo AM, Giurdanella G, Lupo G, Platania CBM, Rossi S, Drago F, Anfuso CD, Bucolo C. Vitamin D3 preserves blood retinal barrier integrity in an in vitro model of diabetic retinopathy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:971164. [PMID: 36091806 PMCID: PMC9458952 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.971164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The impairment of the blood retinal barrier (BRB) represents one of the main features of diabetic retinopathy, a secondary microvascular complication of diabetes. Hyperglycemia is a triggering factor of vascular cells damage in diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin D3 on BRB protection, and to investigate its regulatory role on inflammatory pathways. We challenged human retinal endothelial cells with high glucose (HG) levels. We found that vitamin D3 attenuates cell damage elicited by HG, maintaining cell viability and reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and ICAM-1. Furthermore, we showed that vitamin D3 preserved the BRB integrity as demonstrated by trans-endothelial electrical resistance, permeability assay, and cell junction morphology and quantification (ZO-1 and VE-cadherin). In conclusion this in vitro study provided new insights on the retinal protective role of vitamin D3, particularly as regard as the early phase of diabetic retinopathy, characterized by BRB breakdown and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Enna, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology–CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Claudio Bucolo,
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Conti F, Lazzara F, Romano GL, Platania CBM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Caffeine Protects Against Retinal Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:824885. [PMID: 35069225 PMCID: PMC8773454 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.824885] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Caffeine, one of the most consumed central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, is an antagonist of A1 and A2A adenosine receptors. In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of this methylxanthine in the retinal tissue. We tested caffeine by using in vitro and in vivo paradigms of retinal inflammation. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without caffeine. This latter was able to reduce the inflammatory response in ARPE-19 cells exposed to LPS, attenuating the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and the nuclear translocation of p-NFκB. Additionally, caffeine treatment restored the integrity of the ARPE-19 monolayer assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the sodium fluorescein permeability test. Finally, the ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury model was used in C57BL/6J mice to induce retinal inflammation and investigate the effects of caffeine treatment. Mouse eyes were treated topically with caffeine, and a pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was used to assess the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function; furthermore, we evaluated the levels of IL-6 and BDNF in the retina. Retinal BDNF dropped significantly (p < 0.05) in the I/R group compared to the control group (normal mice); on the contrary, caffeine treatment maintained physiological levels of BDNF in the retina of I/R eyes. Caffeine was also able to reduce IL-6 mRNA levels in the retina of I/R eyes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that caffeine is a good candidate to counteract inflammation in retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Lazzara F, Conti F, Platania CBM, Eandi CM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Effects of Vitamin D 3 and Meso-Zeaxanthin on Human Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells in Three Integrated in vitro Paradigms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778165. [PMID: 34803719 PMCID: PMC8602342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative retinal disease and one of major causes of irreversible vision loss. AMD has been linked to several pathological factors, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, Aβ (1-42) oligomers have been found in drusen, the extracellular deposits that accumulate beneath the retinal pigmented epithelium in AMD patients. Hereby, we investigated the hypothesis that treatment with 1,25(OH) 2D3 (vitamin D3) and meso-zeaxathin, physiologically present in the eye, would counteract the toxic effects of three different insults on immortalized human retinal pigmented epithelial cells (ARPE-19). Specifically, ARPE-19 cells have been challenged with Aβ (1-42) oligomers, H2O2, LPS, and TNF-α, respectively. In the present study, we demonstrated that the combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and meso-zeaxanthin significantly counteracted the cell damage induced by the three insults, at least in these in vitro integrated paradigms of AMD. These results suggest that combination of 1,25(OH)2D3 and meso-zeaxathin could be a useful approach to contrast pathological features of AMD, such as retinal inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara M Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Lazzara F, Amato R, Platania CBM, Conti F, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Drago F, Bucolo C. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 protects retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:206. [PMID: 34530842 PMCID: PMC8444391 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by loss of function and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to irreversible vision loss. Neuroinflammation is recognized as one of the causes of glaucoma, and currently no treatment is addressing this mechanism. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcitriol), in a genetic model of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration (DBA/2J mice). METHODS DBA/2J mice were randomized to 1,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle treatment groups. Pattern electroretinogram, flash electroretinogram, and intraocular pressure were recorded weekly. Immunostaining for RBPMS, Iba-1, and GFAP was carried out on retinal flat mounts to assess retinal ganglion cell density and quantify microglial and astrocyte activation, respectively. Molecular biology analyses were carried out to evaluate retinal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, pNFκB-p65, and neuroprotective factors. Investigators that analysed the data were blind to experimental groups, which were unveiled after graph design and statistical analysis, that were carried out with GraphPad Prism. Several statistical tests and approaches were used: the generalized estimated equations (GEE) analysis, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS DBA/2J mice treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 5 weeks showed improved PERG and FERG amplitudes and reduced RGCs death, compared to vehicle-treated age-matched controls. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment decreased microglial and astrocyte activation, as well as expression of inflammatory cytokines and pNF-κB-p65 (p < 0.05). Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated DBA/2J mice displayed increased mRNA levels of neuroprotective factors (p < 0.05), such as BDNF. CONCLUSIONS 1,25(OH)2D3 protected RGCs preserving retinal function, reducing inflammatory cytokines, and increasing expression of neuroprotective factors. Therefore, 1,25(OH)2D3 could attenuate the retinal damage in glaucomatous patients and warrants further clinical evaluation for the treatment of optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Conti F, Romano GL, Eandi CM, Toro MD, Rejdak R, Di Benedetto G, Lazzara F, Bernardini R, Drago F, Cantarella G, Bucolo C. Brimonidine is Neuroprotective in Animal Paradigm of Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:705405. [PMID: 34366858 PMCID: PMC8333612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.705405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the neuroprotective effect of brimonidine after retinal ischemia damage on mouse eye. Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) death, irreversible peripheral and central visual field loss, and high intraocular pressure. Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury model was used in C57BL/6J mice to mimic conditions of glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Mouse eyes were treated topically with brimonidine and pattern electroretinogram were used to assess the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) function. A wide range of inflammatory markers, as well as anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic molecules, were investigated to figure out the potential protective effects of brimonidine in mouse retina. In particular, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its death receptor DR-5, TNF-α, GFAP, Iba-1, NOS, IL-1β and IL-10 were assessed in mouse retina that underwent to I/R insult with or without brimonidine treatment. Brimonidine provided remarkable RGCs protection in our paradigm. PERG amplitude values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in brimonidine-treated eyes in comparison to I/R retinas. Retinal BDNF mRNA levels in the I/R group dropped significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control group (normal mice); brimonidine treatment counteracted the downregulation of retinal BDNF mRNA in I/R eyes. Retinal inflammatory markers increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the I/R group and brimonidine treatment was able to revert that. The anti-inflammatory IL-10 decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after retinal I/R insult and increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the group treated with brimonidine. In conclusion, brimonidine was effective in preventing loss of function of RGCs and in regulating inflammatory biomarkers elicited by retinal I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Eandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mario Damiano Toro
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Chair and Department of General and Pediatric Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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10
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Amato R, Lazzara F, Chou TH, Romano GL, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Casini G, Porciatti V. Diabetes Exacerbates the Intraocular Pressure-Independent Retinal Ganglion Cells Degeneration in the DBA/2J Model of Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 34232257 PMCID: PMC8267218 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease, causing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve degeneration. The role of diabetes as a risk factor for glaucoma has been postulated but still not unequivocally demonstrated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of diabetes in the early progression of glaucomatous RGC dysfunction preceding intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, using the DBA/2J mouse (D2) model of glaucoma. Methods D2 mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) obtaining a combined model of diabetes and glaucoma (D2 + STZ). D2 and D2 + STZ mice were monitored for weight, glycemia, and IOP from 3.5 to 6 months of age. In addition, the activity of RGC and outer retina were assessed using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and flash electroretinogram (FERG), respectively. At the end point, RGC density and astrogliosis were evaluated in flat mounted retinas. In addition, Müller cell reactivity was evaluated in retinal cross-sections. Finally, the expression of inflammation and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results IOP was not influenced by time or diabetes. In contrast, RGC activity resulted progressively decreased in the D2 group independently from IOP elevation and outer retinal dysfunction. Diabetes exacerbated RGC dysfunction, which resulted independent from variation in IOP and outer retinal activity. Diabetic retinas displayed decreased RGC density and increased glial reactivity given by an increment in oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions Diabetes can act as an IOP-independent risk factor for the early progression of glaucoma promoting oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated RGC dysfunction, glial reactivity, and cellular death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.,Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.,Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
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11
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Bonfiglio V, Platania CBM, Lazzara F, Conti F, Pizzo C, Reibaldi M, Russo A, Fallico M, Ortisi E, Pignatelli F, Longo A, Avitabile T, Drago F, Bucolo C. TGF-β Serum Levels in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients and the Role of Anti-VEGF Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249558. [PMID: 33334029 PMCID: PMC7765505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), particularly in the late phase of disease. The aim of the present study was to validate serum TGFβ1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of DR stages. Thirty-eight subjects were enrolled and, after diagnosis and evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, were assigned to six groups: (1) healthy age-matched control, (2) diabetic without DR, (3) non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) naïve to treatment, (4) NPDR treated with intravitreal (IVT) aflibercept, (5) proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) naïve to treatment and (6) PDR treated with IVT aflibercept. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PlGF) and TGFβ1 were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Foveal macular thickness (FMT) in enrolled subjects was evaluated by means of structural-optical coherence tomography (S-OCT). VEGF-A serum levels decreased in NPDR and PDR patients treated with aflibercept, compared to naïve DR patients. PlGF serum levels were modulated only in aflibercept-treated NPDR patients. Particularly, TGFβ1 serum levels were predictive of disease progression from NPDR to PDR. A Multivariate ANOVA analysis (M-ANOVA) was also carried out to assess the effects of fixed factors on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, TGFβ1, and diabetes duration. In conclusion, our data have strengthened the hypothesis that TGFβ1 would be a biomarker and pharmacological target of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Section, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.L.); (F.C.); (F.D.)
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.L.); (F.C.); (F.D.)
| | - Federica Conti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.L.); (F.C.); (F.D.)
| | - Corrado Pizzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Science, Eye Clinic, University of Torino, 10124 Torino, Italy;
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | - Elina Ortisi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | | | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (M.F.); (E.O.); (A.L.); (T.A.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.L.); (F.C.); (F.D.)
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.L.); (F.C.); (F.D.)
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Romano GL, Amato R, Lazzara F, Porciatti V, Chou TH, Drago F, Bucolo C. P2X7 receptor antagonism preserves retinal ganglion cells in glaucomatous mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114199. [PMID: 32798466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of P2X7 receptor to preserve retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) structure and function in a genetic mouse model (DBA/2J mouse) of age-related glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Chronic treatment with P2X7 receptor antagonist eye drops was carried out in order to assess RGCs function and density by pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and RBPMS immunostaining, respectively. Further, microglia activation was assessed in flat-mounted retina by using Iba-1 immunostaining. Untreated glaucomatous eyes displayed significant microglia activation, alteration of PERG signal, and RGCs loss. In the P2X7 receptor antagonist-treated eyes, the PERG signal was significantly (p < 0.05) improved compared to controls, along with a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in terms of retinal microglial activation, and remarkable preservation of RGCs density. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that topical treatment with a P2X7 receptor antagonist has a neuroprotective effect on RGCs in glaucomatous mice, suggesting an appealing pharmacological approach to prevent retinal degenerative damage in optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Romano
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rosario Amato
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States; Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Filippo Drago
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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13
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Platania CBM, Ronchetti S, Riccardi C, Migliorati G, Marchetti MC, Di Paola L, Lazzara F, Drago F, Salomone S, Bucolo C. Effects of protein-protein interface disruptors at the ligand of the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related gene (GITR). Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Lazzara F, Trotta MC, Platania CBM, D'Amico M, Petrillo F, Galdiero M, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Drago F, Bucolo C. Stabilization of HIF-1α in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells Modulates Expression of miRNAs and Proangiogenic Growth Factors. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1063. [PMID: 32848728 PMCID: PMC7396674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal hypoxia is one of the causative factors of diabetic retinopathy and is also one of the triggers of VEGF release. We hypothesized that specific dysregulated miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy could be linked to hypoxia-induced damage in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). We investigated in HRECs the effects of chemical (CoCl2) hypoxia on the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, PlGF, and of a focused set of miRNAs. We found that miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-381-3p correlated also with expression of TGFβ signaling pathway genes in HRECs, challenged with chemical hypoxic stimuli. In conclusion, our data suggest that retinal angiogenesis would be promoted, at least under HIF-1α activation, by upregulation of PlGF and other factors such as miRNAs, VEGFA, and TGFβ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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15
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Platania CBM, Pittalà V, Pascale A, Marchesi N, Anfuso CD, Lupo G, Cristaldi M, Olivieri M, Lazzara F, Di Paola L, Drago F, Bucolo C. Novel indole derivatives targeting HuR-mRNA complex to counteract high glucose damage in retinal endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113908. [PMID: 32171729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ELAVL1 (or human antigen R - HuR) RNA binding protein stabilizes the mRNA, with an AU-rich element, of several genes such as growth factors (i.e. VEGF) and inflammatory cytokines (i.e. TNFα). We hereby carried out a virtual screening campaign in order to identify and test novel HuR-mRNA disruptors. Best-scored compounds were tested in an in-vitro model of diabetic retinopathy, namely human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) challenged with high-glucose levels (25 mM). HuR, VEGF and TNFα protein contents were evaluated by western-blot analysis in total cell lysates. VEGF and TNFα released from HRECs were measured in cell medium by ELISA. We found that two derivatives bearing indole moiety, VP12/14 and VP12/110, modulated HuR expression and decreased VEGF and TNF-α release by HREC exposed to high glucose (HG) levels. VP12/14 and VP12/110 inhibited VEGF and TNF-α release in HRECs challenged with high glucose levels, similarly to dihydrotanshinone (DHTS), a small molecule known to interfere with HuR- TNFα mRNA binding. The present findings demonstrated that VP12/14 and VP12/110 are innovative molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, suggesting their potential use as novel candidates for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Departement of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Cristaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luisa Di Paola
- Unit of Chemical-Physics Fundamentals in Chemical Engineering, Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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16
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Amato R, Lazzara F, Chou TH, Porciatti V, Dal Monte M, Casini G. Diabetes exacerbates the early RGCs loss of function in the DBA/2J inherited mouse model of Glaucoma. Acta Ophthalmol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.5288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology Univesity of Pisa Pisa Italy
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Miami USA
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Miami USA
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences School of Medicine University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Tsung Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Miami USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miller School of Medicine University of Miami Miami USA
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17
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Bucolo C, Fidilio A, Fresta CG, Lazzara F, Platania CBM, Cantarella G, Di Benedetto G, Burgaletto C, Bernardini R, Piazza C, Barabino S, Drago F. Ocular Pharmacological Profile of Hydrocortisone in Dry Eye Disease. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1240. [PMID: 31680988 PMCID: PMC6813655 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the ocular pharmacological profile of hydrocortisone (HC) using in vitro and in vivo models of dry eye disease. Rabbit corneal epithelial cells (SIRCs) were used to assess the effect of HC in two paradigms of corneal damage: hyperosmotic stress and scratch-wound assay. Dry eye was induced in albino rabbits by topical administration of atropine sulfate or by injection of concanavalin A (ConA) into the lacrimal gland. TNFα, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), IL-1β, and IL-8 were determined by ELISA or western blot in a corneal damage hyperosmotic in vitro model, with or without HC treatment. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as TNFα, IL-8, and MMP-9, were evaluated in tears of rabbit eye injected with ConA and treated with HC. Tear volume and tear film integrity, in both in vivo models, were evaluated by the Schirmer test and tear break-up time (TBUT). Ocular distribution of four formulations containing HC (0.001%, 0.003%, 0.005%, and 0.33%) was performed in the rabbit eye. Aqueous humor samples were collected after 15, 30, 60, and 90 min from instillation and then detected by LC-MS/MS. Hyperosmotic insult significantly activated protein expression of inflammatory biomarkers, which were significantly modulated by HC treatment. HC significantly enhanced the re-epithelialization of scratched SIRCs. Treatment with HC eye drops significantly reduced the tear concentrations of TNF-α, IL-8, and MMP-9 vs. vehicle in the ConA dry eye model. Moreover, HC significantly restored the tear volume and tear film integrity to levels of the control eyes, both in ConA- and atropine-induced dry eye paradigms. Finally, we demonstrated that HC crossed, in a dose-dependent manner, the corneal barrier when the eyes were topically treated with HC formulations (dose range 0.003-0.33%). No trace of HC was detected in the aqueous humor after ocular administration of eye drops containing the lowest dose of the drug (0.001%), indicating that, at this very low concentration, the drug did not pass the corneal barrier avoiding potential side effects such as intraocular pressure rise. Altogether, these data suggest that HC, at very low concentrations, has an important anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo dry eye paradigms and a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Giuseppina Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Benedetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cateno Piazza
- Analytical Department, University of Catania Consortium Unifarm, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Barabino
- Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Center, Ospedale L. Sacco, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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18
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Lazzara F, Fidilio A, Platania CBM, Giurdanella G, Salomone S, Leggio GM, Tarallo V, Cicatiello V, De Falco S, Eandi CM, Drago F, Bucolo C. Aflibercept regulates retinal inflammation elicited by high glucose via the PlGF/ERK pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:341-351. [PMID: 31351870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [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: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a secondary complication of diabetes. DR can cause irreversible blindness, and its pathogenesis is considered multifactorial. DR can progress from non-proliferative DR to proliferative DR, characterized by retinal neovascularization. The main cause of vision loss in diabetic patients is diabetic macular edema, caused by vessel leakage and blood retinal barrier breakdown. Currently, aflibercept is an anti-VEGF approved for diabetic macular edema. Aflibercept can bind several members of vascular permeability factors, namely VEGF-A, B, and PlGF. We analyzed the aflibercept-PlGF complex at molecular level, through an in silico approach. In order to explore the role of PlGF in DR, we treated primary human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) and mouse retinal epithelial cells (RPEs) with aflibercept and an anti-PlGF antibody. We explored the hypothesis that aflibercept has anti-inflammatory action through blocking of PlGF signaling and the ERK axis in an in vitro and in vivo model of DR. Both aflibercept and the anti-PlGF antibody exerted protective effects on retinal cells, by inhibition of the ERK pathway. Moreover, aflibercept significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of TNF-α in an in vitro and in vivo model of DR. Therefore, our data suggest that inhibition of PlGF signaling, or a selective blocking, may be useful in the management of early phases of DR when the inflammatory process is largely involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Tarallo
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Cicatiello
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis LAB, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", CNR, Naples, Italy; ANBITION s.r.l, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Eandi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Platania CBM, Dei Cas M, Cianciolo S, Fidilio A, Lazzara F, Paroni R, Pignatello R, Strettoi E, Ghidoni R, Drago F, Bucolo C. Novel ophthalmic formulation of myriocin: implications in retinitis pigmentosa. Drug Deliv 2019; 26:237-243. [PMID: 30883241 PMCID: PMC6419690 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2019.1574936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Myriocin is an antibiotic derived from Mycelia sterilia, and is a potent inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase, the enzyme involved in the first step of sphingosine synthesis. Myriocin, inhibiting ceramide synthesis, has a great potential for treatment of diseases characterized by high ceramide levels in affected tissues, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Drug delivery to the retina is a challenging task, which is generally by-passed through intravitreal injection, that represents a risky invasive procedure. We, therefore, developed and characterized an ophthalmic topical nanotechnological formulation based on a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) and containing myriocin. The ocular distribution of myriocin in the back of the eye was assessed both in rabbits and mice using LC-MS/MS. Moreover, rabbit retinal sphingolipid and ceramides levels, after myriocin-NLC (Myr-NLC) eye drops treatment, were assessed. The results demonstrated that Myr-NLC formulation is well tolerated and provided effective levels of myriocin in the back of the eye both in rabbits and mice. We found that Myr-NLC eye drops treatment was able to significantly decrease retinal sphingolipid levels. In conclusion, these data suggest that the Myr-NLC ophthalmic formulation is suitable for pharmaceutical development and warrants further clinical evaluation of this eye drops for the treatment of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- a Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Michele Dei Cas
- b Department of Health Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Simona Cianciolo
- c Drug Sciences Department , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- a Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- a Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Rita Paroni
- b Department of Health Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- c Drug Sciences Department , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.,d NANO-i - Research Center on Ocular Nanotechnology University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ghidoni
- b Department of Health Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- a Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.,f Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- a Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy.,f Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
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20
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà D, Federico C, Saccone S, Lazzara F, Fidilio A, Drago F, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. NAP modulates hyperglycemic-inflammatory event of diabetic retina by counteracting outer blood retinal barrier damage. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:5230-5240. [PMID: 30374973 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. Prolonged hyperglycemia stimulates inflammatory pathway characterized by the release of some cytokines leading to the impairment of blood retinal barrier (BRB). NAP exerts a protective effect in various eye diseases, including DR. So far, the role of NAP in the modulation of inflammatory event during early phase of this pathology has not been investigated yet. In the current study, we have studied the retinal protective effect of NAP, injected into the eye, in diabetic rats. NAP treatment exerts a dual effect downregulating interleukin (IL)-1β and its related receptors and upregulating IL-1Ra expression. We have also tested the role of this peptide in human retinal epithelial cells (ARPE19) cultured on a semipermeable support and exposed to hyperglycemic-inflammatory insult, representing a in vitro model of diabetic macular edema, a clinical manifestation of DR. The results have shown that NAP prevents outer BRB impairment by upregulating the tight junctions. In conclusion, deepened characterization of NAP action mechanism on hyperglycemic-inflammatory damage may be useful to develop a new strategy to prevent retinal damage during DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Rasà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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21
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Platania CBM, Fidilio A, Lazzara F, Piazza C, Geraci F, Giurdanella G, Leggio GM, Salomone S, Drago F, Bucolo C. Retinal Protection and Distribution of Curcumin in Vitro and in Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:670. [PMID: 30013474 PMCID: PMC6036289 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a secondary complication of diabetes, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness accounting for 5% of world blindness cases in working age. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered causes of DR. Curcumin, a product with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is currently proposed as oral supplementation therapy for retinal degenerative diseases, including DR. In this study we predicted the pharmacodynamic profile of curcumin through an in silico approach. Furthermore, we tested the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin on human retinal pigmented epithelial cells exposed to oxidative stress, human retinal endothelial and human retinal pericytes (HRPCs) cultured with high glucose. Because currently marketed curcumin nutraceutical products have not been so far evaluated for their ocular bioavailability; we assessed retinal distribution of curcumin, following oral administration, in rabbit eye. Curcumin (10 μM) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) ROS concentration and TNF-α release in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and retinal endothelial cells, respectively. The same curcumin concentration significantly (p < 0.01) protected retinal pericytes from high glucose damage as assessed by cell viability and LDH release. Among the tested formulations, only that containing a hydrophilic carrier provided therapeutic levels of curcumin in rabbit retina. In conclusion, our data suggest that curcumin, when properly formulated, may be of value in clinical practice to manage retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara B M Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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22
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Bucolo C, Fidilio A, Platania CBM, Geraci F, Lazzara F, Drago F. Antioxidant and Osmoprotecting Activity of Taurine in Dry Eye Models. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2018; 34:188-194. [DOI: 10.1089/jop.2017.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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23
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Razzuoli E, Mignone G, Lazzara F, Vencia W, Ferraris M, Masiello L, Vivaldi B, Ferrari A, Bozzetta E, Amadori M. Impact of cadmium exposure on swine enterocytes. Toxicol Lett 2018; 287:92-99. [PMID: 29421334 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We tested cadmium (Cd2+) effects on porcine IPEC-J2 cells, which represent an in vitro model of the interaction between intestinal cells and both infectious and non-infectious stressors. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of low (2 μM) to moderate (20 μM) concentrations of Cd2+, in terms of pro-inflammatory gene expression and protein release, as well as of infectivity in a Salmonella typhimurium penetration model. Our data showed a significant (P < .001) increase of intracellular Cd2+ after 3, 6 and 24 h of exposure with respect to levels at 1 h. These data showed the ability of IPEC-J2 to absorb Cd2+ as a function of both time and concentration. Also, the absorption of this heavy metal was related to a significant modulation of important pro-inflammatory messengers. In particular, down-regulation of IL-8 was associated with a significant decrease of Salmonella typhimurium ability to penetrate into IPEC-J2 cells, in agreement with a previous study in which an anti-IL 8 antibody could significantly inhibit Salmonella penetration into the same cells (Razzuoli et al., 2017). This finding demonstrates the ability of Cd2+ to affect the outcome of an important host-pathogen relationship. In conclusion, our study highlighted the ability of an environmental pollutant like Cd2+ to modulate innate immune responses in terms of chemokine release and gene expression, and susceptibility to microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Razzuoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy.
| | - G Mignone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - F Lazzara
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - W Vencia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - M Ferraris
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - L Masiello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - B Vivaldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - A Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - E Bozzetta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e valle d'Aosta, piazza BorgoPila 24-39, 16129 Genova, Italy
| | - M Amadori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, via A. Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
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Sanfilippo C, Longo A, Lazzara F, Cambria D, Distefano G, Palumbo M, Cantarella A, Malaguarnera L, Di Rosa M. CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 overexpression in motor cortex and spinal cord of sALS patients. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 85:162-169. [PMID: 28989002 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration and death of upper (UMN) and lower (LMN) motor neurons. In the last decade, it has been shown that Chitinases are an important prognostic indicator of neuro-inflammatory damage induced by microglia and astrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed microarray datasets obtained from the Array Express in order to verify the expression levels of CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 in motor cortex biopsies of sALS patients with different survival times. We also divided the sALS patients into smokers and non-smokers. In order to extend our analysis, we explored two additional microarray datasets, GSE833 and GSE26927, of post-mortem spinal cord biopsies from sALS patients. RESULTS The analysis showed that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 expression levels were significantly upregulated in the motor cortex of sALS patients, compared to the healthy controls. Moreover, their expression levels were negatively correlated with survival time. Interesting results were obtained when we compared the expression levels of Chitinases among smokers. We showed that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 were significantly upregulated in sALS smokers compared to non-smokers. Furthermore, we found that four genes belonging to the Chitinases network (SERPINA3, C1s, RRAD, HLA-DQA1) were significantly upregulated in the motor cortex of sALS patients and positively correlated with Chitinases expression levels. Similar results were obtained during the exploration of the two-microarray dataset. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that CHI3L1 and CHI3L2 are associated with the progression of neurodegeneration in motor cortex and spinal cord of sALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sanfilippo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - F Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - D Cambria
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Palumbo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - L Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Italy.
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Platania CBM, Fisichella V, Fidilio A, Geraci F, Lazzara F, Leggio GM, Salomone S, Drago F, Pignatello R, Caraci F, Bucolo C. Topical Ocular Delivery of TGF-β1 to the Back of the Eye: Implications in Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102076. [PMID: 28973964 PMCID: PMC5666758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/selected small mother against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway can be implicated in development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the delivery of TGF-β1 could be beneficial for AMD. We developed a new ophthalmic formulation of TGF-β1 assessing the ocular pharmacokinetic profile of TGF-β1 in the rabbit eye. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) loaded with TGF-β1 were complemented with Annexin V and Ca2+, and the vitreous bioavailability of TGF-β1 was assessed after topical ocular administration by a commercial ELISA kit. We detected high levels of TGF-β1 (Cmax 114.7 ± 12.40 pg/mL) in the vitreous after 60 min (Tmax) from the topical application of the liposomal suspension. Ocular tolerability was also assessed by a modified Draize’s test. The new formulation was well tolerated. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the novel formulation was able to deliver remarkable levels of TGF-β1 into the back of the eye after topical administration. Indeed, this TGF-β1 delivery system may be useful in clinical practice to manage ophthalmic conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, skipping invasive intraocular injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Fisichella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Federica Geraci
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Drago
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosario Pignatello
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- NANO-i-Research Center on Ocular Nanotechnology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- IRCSS Associazione Oasi Maria S.S., Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Giurdanella G, Lazzara F, Caporarello N, Lupo G, Anfuso CD, Eandi CM, Leggio GM, Drago F, Bucolo C, Salomone S. Sulodexide prevents activation of the PLA2/COX-2/VEGF inflammatory pathway in human retinal endothelial cells by blocking the effect of AGE/RAGE. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 142:145-154. [PMID: 28651842 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.06.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the breakdown of endothelial blood-retinal barrier. We tested the hypothesis that sulodexide (SDX), a highly purified glycosaminoglycan composed of 80% iduronylglycosaminoglycan sulfate and 20% dermatan sulfate, protects human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) from high glucose (HG)-induced damage, through the suppression of inflammatory ERK/cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 pathway, by blocking the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). HREC were treated with HG (25mM) or AGEs (glycated-BSA, 2mg/ml) for 48h, with or without SDX (60μg/ml) or aflibercept (AFL, 40μg/ml), a VEGF-trap. SDX protected HREC from HG-induced damage (MTT and LDH release) and preserved their blood-retinal barrier-like properties (Trans Endothelial Electrical Resistance and junction proteins, claudin-5, VE-cadherin and occludin, immunofluorescence and immunoblot) as well as their angiogenic potential (Tube Formation Assay). Both HG and AGEs increased phosphoERK and phospho-cPLA2, an effect counteracted by SDX and, less efficiently, by AFL. Both HG and exogenous VEGF (80ng/ml) increased PGE2 release, an effect partially reverted by SDX for HG and by AFL for VEGF. Analysis of NFκB activity revealed that HG increased the abundance of p65 in the nuclear fraction (nuclear translocation), an effect entirely reverted by SDX, but only partially by AFL. SDX, AFL and SDX+AFL protected HREC even when added 24h after HG. These data show that SDX protects HREC from HG damage and suggest that it counteracts the activation of ERK/cPLA2/COX-2/PGE2 pathway by reducing AGE-related signaling and downstream NFκB activity. This mechanism, partially distinct from VEGF blockade, may contribute to the therapeutic effect of SDX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Giurdanella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Chiara M Eandi
- Institut de la Vision, UMRS_968 Inserm/Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Equipe 14, Paris, France; Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Nunnari G, Fagone P, Lazzara F, Longo A, Cambria D, Di Stefano G, Palumbo M, Malaguarnera L, Di Rosa M. Vitamin D3 inhibits TNFα-induced latent HIV reactivation in J-LAT cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 418:49-57. [PMID: 27295094 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is known to suppress NF-kB activity by interfering with its pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of 1,25(OH)2D3 in reducing the reactivation of the HIV virus J-LAT cells, an established model of latently infected cells, which were treated with TNFalpha (100 ng/ml) for 2 h with or without 24 h 1,25(OH)2D3 (100 nM) pretreatment. Reactivation of HIV RNA in J-LAT was evaluated in terms of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. The same experimental setting was repeated on T cells from HIV-infected patients. Treatment with TNFalpha was associated with a 16 % increase in GFP+ cells and a five-fold increase in unspliced HIV RNA expression (p < 0.04). Pretreatment of J-LAT cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 24 h followed by TNFalpha (100 ng/ml) for 2 h reduced the percentage of GFP+ cells by 8 %; moreover, a 2.4-fold decrease in unspliced HIV RNA expression was observed (p < 0.002). In T cells from patients, treatment with TNFalpha significantly increased unspliced HIV RNA expression (sixfold increase, p < 0.02), whereas prestimulation with 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced its expression (2.5-fold decrease, p < 0.02) compared to controls.1,25(OH)2D3 is able to reduce the ability of TNFalpha to upregulate the transcription of HIV RNA from latently infected cells. These data provide further understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms regulating viral reactivation from latent reservoirs, along with new insight in viral internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nunnari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - D Cambria
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Palumbo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - L Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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28
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Fagone P, Nunnari G, Lazzara F, Longo A, Cambria D, Distefano G, Palumbo M, Nicoletti F, Malaguarnera L, Di Rosa M. Induction of OAS gene family in HIV monocyte infected patients with high and low viral load. Antiviral Res 2016; 131:66-73. [PMID: 27107898 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The innate immunity plays a predominant role in the early control of HIV infection, before the induction of adaptive immune responses. The cytokine secretion operated by the CD4(+) T helper cells is able to induce a response in the innate immunity cells and significantly affect HIV-1 persistence and replication. One of the pathways activated by monocytes to restrain viral infection is the 2' -5' -oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)/RNase L pathway. OAS is activated by dsRNA and IFNs to produce 2' -5' oligoadenylates, which are activators of RNase L. This enzyme degrades viral and cellular RNAs, thus restricting viral infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed a microarray dataset obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) databank (accession number GSE18464) in order to verify the modulation of the OAS gene family in CD14 (+) monocytes isolated from 55 subjects, 22 with HIV-1 HVL (high viral load), and 22 with HIV-1 LVL (low viral load), as well as in 11 HIV-1 seronegative controls. We have validated the data on the expression levels of the OAS genes by performing real-time PCR on monocyte from a cohort of HIV infected patients (n = 20), with clinical characteristics similar to those of the patients recruited in the study present in the microarray. RESULTS Microarray analysis showed that OAS gene family are significantly upregulated in monocyte of HIV-1 patients with HVL, as compared to LVL patients and to healthy donors. Furthermore, we showed a significant correlation between the OAS gene family and the log2 viral load and CD4 count. These results were confirmed by the in vitro validation. CONCLUSIONS Data from this study suggest an involvement for the OAS gene family in the control of HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Nunnari
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - A Longo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - D Cambria
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - G Distefano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Palumbo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - F Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - L Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - M Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
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Bracale U, Lazzara F, Merola G, Andreuccetti J, Barone M, Pignata G. Single access laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with or without inferior mesenteric artery preservation: our preliminary experience. MINERVA CHIR 2013; 68:315-320. [PMID: 23774097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM We report our preliminary experience in single access laparoscopic left hemicolectomy (SALLH) with or without inferior mesenteric artery preservation, showing the results of a selected group of patients. METHODS This retrospective case series enclosed all patients operated between October 2009 and June 2012 of a left hemicolectomy with single laparoscopic access for benign and malignant diseases. The mean follow-up was 18 months. Intraoperative and postoperative results were recorded. RESULTS This retrospective case series enclosed 24 patients. Mean operative time was 157.8 min. The mean final skin incision length was 3.65 cm. All operations were completed by a single access laparoscopic approach. There were no conversion or intraoperative mortality. There were no required any intraoperative blood transfusion. Only three cases of postoperative complication were registered. The mean flatus canalization was two days. The mean discharge time was seven days. At a mean 18-month follow-up there were no incisional hernia or deaths. CONCLUSION As best of our knowledge, we report one of the largest experience gained in Italy about SALLH. We think that although SALC could be safe and feasible, it cannot be considered as a "new standard" procedure used by anyone. In contrast we retain that it is mandatory that SALC continued to be evaluated into larger multicentric RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Bracale
- Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy -
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30
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Frascio M, Lazzara F, Stabilini C, Fornaro R, De Salvo L, Mandolfino F, Ricci B, Gianetta E. Pseudodiverticular defecographic image after STARR procedure for outlet obstruction syndrome. Int J Colorectal Dis 2009; 24:1115-6. [PMID: 19214538 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-009-0666-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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