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Abstract
The timing of life on Earth is remarkable: between individuals of the same species, a highly similar temporal pattern is observed, with shared periods of activity and inactivity each day. At the individual level, this means that over the course of a single day, a person alternates between two states. They are either upright, active, and communicative or they lie down in a state of (un)consciousness called sleep where even the characteristic of neuronal signals in the brain shows distinctive properties. The circadian clock governs both of these time stamps-activity and (apparent) inactivity-making them come and go consistently at the same approximate time each day. This behavior thus represents the meeting of two pervasive systems: the circadian clock and metabolism. In this article, we will describe what is known about how the circadian clock anticipates daily changes in oxygen usage, how circadian clock regulation may relate to normal physiology, and to hypoxia and ischemia that can result from pathologies such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sartor
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany (F.S., B.F.-B., M.M.)
| | - Borja Ferrero-Bordera
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany (F.S., B.F.-B., M.M.)
| | - Jeffrey Haspel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (J.H.)
| | - Markus Sperandio
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Walter Brendel Center for Experimental Medicine, and the Biomedical Center (BMC), Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany (M.S.)
| | - Paul M Holloway
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom (P.M.H.)
| | - Martha Merrow
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Germany (F.S., B.F.-B., M.M.)
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Sartor F, Xu X, Popp T, Dodd AN, Kovács ÁT, Merrow M. The circadian clock of the bacterium B. subtilis evokes properties of complex, multicellular circadian systems. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadh1308. [PMID: 37540742 PMCID: PMC10403212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh1308] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks are pervasive throughout nature, yet only recently has this adaptive regulatory program been described in nonphotosynthetic bacteria. Here, we describe an inherent complexity in the Bacillus subtilis circadian clock. We find that B. subtilis entrains to blue and red light and that circadian entrainment is separable from masking through fluence titration and frequency demultiplication protocols. We identify circadian rhythmicity in constant light, consistent with the Aschoff's rule, and entrainment aftereffects, both of which are properties described for eukaryotic circadian clocks. We report that circadian rhythms occur in wild isolates of this prokaryote, thus establishing them as a general property of this species, and that its circadian system responds to the environment in a complex fashion that is consistent with multicellular eukaryotic circadian systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sartor
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Xinming Xu
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tanja Popp
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antony N. Dodd
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Ákos T. Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Martha Merrow
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Bignucolo A, De Mattia E, Roncato R, Peruzzi E, Scarabel L, D’Andrea M, Sartor F, Toffoli G, Cecchin E. Ten-year experience with pharmacogenetic testing for DPYD in a national cancer center in Italy: Lessons learned on the path to implementation. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1199462. [PMID: 37256229 PMCID: PMC10225682 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1199462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Awareness about the importance of implementing DPYD pharmacogenetics in clinical practice to prevent severe side effects related to the use of fluoropyrimidines has been raised over the years. Since 2012 at the National Cancer Institute, CRO-Aviano (Italy), a diagnostic DPYD genotyping service was set up. Purpose: This study aims to describe the evolution of DPYD diagnostic activity at our center over the last 10 years as a case example of a successful introduction of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice. Methods: Data related to the diagnostic activity of in-and out-patients referred to our service between January 2012 and December 2022 were retrieved from the hospital database. Results: DPYD diagnostic activity at our center has greatly evolved over the years, shifting gradually from a post-toxicity to a pre-treatment approach. Development of pharmacogenetic guidelines by national and international consortia, genotyping, and IT technology evolution have impacted DPYD testing uptake in the clinics. Our participation in a large prospective implementation study (Ubiquitous Pharmacogenomics) increased health practitioners' and patients' awareness of pharmacogenetic matters and provided additional standardized infrastructures for genotyping and reporting. Nationwide test reimbursement together with recommendations by regulatory agencies in Europe and Italy in 2020 definitely changed the clinical practice guidelines of fluoropyrimidines prescription. A dramatic increase in the number of pre-treatment DPYD genotyping and in the coverage of new fluoropyrimidine prescriptions was noticed by the last year of observation (2022). Conclusion: The long path to a successful DPYD testing implementation in the clinical practice of a National Cancer Center in Italy demonstrated that the development of pharmacogenetic guidelines and genotyping infrastructure standardization as well as capillary training and education activity for all the potential stakeholders are fundamental. However, only national health politics of test reimbursement and clear recommendations by drug regulatory agencies will definitely move the field forward.
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Cavoretto PI, Farina A, Miglio R, Zamagni G, Girardelli S, Vanni VS, Morano D, Spinillo S, Sartor F, Candiani M. Prospective longitudinal cohort study of uterine arteries Doppler in singleton pregnancies obtained by IVF/ICSI with oocyte donation or natural conception. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2428-2438. [PMID: 33099621 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do uterine arteries Doppler studies show different pulsatility index (UtA-PI) measurements in IVF/ICSI pregnancies with oocyte donation (OD) as compared to natural conceptions? SUMMARY ANSWER In IVF/ICSI pregnancies with OD, UtA-PI is reduced by an average of about 40% as compared to pregnancies with natural conception. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY OD pregnancies present worse pregnancy outcomes as compared to natural conception, particularly for increased incidence of pre-eclampsia (PE). Recent evidence shows that IVF/ICSI pregnancies with frozen blastocyst transfer also present higher prevalence of PE and 15% lower UtA-PI as compared to pregnancies after fresh blastocyst transfers. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective, longitudinal matched cohort study performed in the Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Departments of San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, between 2013 and 2018. The analysis is based on 584 Doppler observations collected from 296 women with different method of conception (OD n = 122; natural conception n = 174). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS IVF/ICSI viable singleton pregnancies with OD and natural conception control pregnancies matched for BMI and smoking, performing repeated UtA-PI measurements at 11-34 weeks. Miscarriages, abnormalities, twins, significant maternal diseases and other types of ARTs were excluded. Log mean left-right UtA-PI was used for analysis with linear mixed model (LMM) and correction for significant confounders. Pregnancy outcome was also analyzed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Participants after OD were older and more frequently nulliparous (mean age: OD 43.4, 95% CI from 42.3 to 44.6; natural conception 35.1, 95% CI from 34.5 to 35.7; P-value < 0.001; nulliparous: OD 96.6%; natural conception 56.2%; P-value < 0.001). Mean pulsatility index was lower in OD (UtA-PI: natural conception 1.22; 95% CI from 1.11 to 1.28; OD 1.04; 95% CI from 0.96 to 1.12; P-value < 0.001). A significant effect of parity, gestational age (GA) modeled with a cubic polynomial and BMI was described in the LMM. The mean Log UtA-PI was on average 37% lower in OD as compared to natural conception pregnancies at LMM (P-value < 0.001). We also found a significant interaction between longitudinal UtA-PI Doppler and GA. Therefore, at 11 weeks' gestation the Log UtA-PI was 42% lower and, at 34 weeks, the differences reduced to 32%. GA at delivery and birth weight were statistically lower in OD group; however, birthweight centile was not statistically different. Preeclampsia was 11-fold more common in the OD group (0.6% and 6.6%, P-value = 0.003). No other significant difference in pregnancy outcome was shown in the study groups (gestational diabetes mellitus, small or large for GA). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It was not possible to properly match for maternal age and to blind the assessment given the major differences between cohorts; however, we did not find significant within-groups effects related to maternal age. Future research is needed to reassess outcomes and correct them for maternal characteristics (e.g. cardiovascular function). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This finding reproduces our previous discovery of lower UtA-PI in frozen as compared to fresh blastocyst transfer. The vast majority of OD is obtained by the use of cryopreservation. We speculate that increased uterine perfusion may be the physiological response to compensate dysfunctions both in the mother and in the placenta. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This is a non-funded study. The authors do not declare competing interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Cavoretto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Farina
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DIMEC) Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - R Miglio
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Zamagni
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Girardelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - V S Vanni
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - D Morano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sant'Anna University Hospital, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Spinillo
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - F Sartor
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Candiani
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Circadian rhythms are evolutionarily conserved anticipatory systems that
allow the host to prepare and respond to threats in its environment.
This article summarizes a European Biological Rhythms Society (EBRS)
workshop held in July 2020 to review current knowledge of the
interplay between the circadian clock and viral infections to inform
therapeutic strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. A large body
of work supports the role of the circadian clock in regulating various
aspects of viral replication, host responses, and associated
pathogenesis. We review the evidence describing the multifaceted role
of the circadian clock, spanning host susceptibility, antiviral
mechanisms, and host resilience. Finally, we define the most pressing
research questions and how our knowledge of chronobiology can inform
key translational research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaon Sengupta
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Louise Ince
- Departement de Pathologie et Immunologie, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Sartor
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helene Borrmann
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amruta Naik
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Annie Curtis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Tissue Engineering Research Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Eelderink-Chen Z, Bosman J, Sartor F, Dodd AN, Kovács ÁT, Merrow M. A circadian clock in a nonphotosynthetic prokaryote. Sci Adv 2021; 7:eabe2086. [PMID: 33523996 PMCID: PMC7793578 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks create a 24-hour temporal structure, which allows organisms to occupy a niche formed by time rather than space. They are pervasive throughout nature, yet they remain unexpectedly unexplored and uncharacterized in nonphotosynthetic bacteria. Here, we identify in Bacillus subtilis circadian rhythms sharing the canonical properties of circadian clocks: free-running period, entrainment, and temperature compensation. We show that gene expression in B. subtilis can be synchronized in 24-hour light or temperature cycles and exhibit phase-specific characteristics of entrainment. Upon release to constant dark and temperature conditions, bacterial biofilm populations have temperature-compensated free-running oscillations with a period close to 24 hours. Our work opens the field of circadian clocks in the free-living, nonphotosynthetic prokaryotes, bringing considerable potential for impact upon biomedicine, ecology, and industrial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Eelderink-Chen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Jasper Bosman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Zernikeplein 11, 9747 AS Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Sartor
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Antony N Dodd
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martha Merrow
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Goethestrasse 31, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Sartor F, Eelderink-Chen Z, Aronson B, Bosman J, Hibbert LE, Dodd AN, Kovács ÁT, Merrow M. Are There Circadian Clocks in Non-Photosynthetic Bacteria? Biology (Basel) 2019; 8:E41. [PMID: 31121908 PMCID: PMC6627678 DOI: 10.3390/biology8020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks in plants, animals, fungi, and in photosynthetic bacteria have been well-described. Observations of circadian rhythms in non-photosynthetic Eubacteria have been sporadic, and the molecular basis for these potential rhythms remains unclear. Here, we present the published experimental and bioinformatical evidence for circadian rhythms in these non-photosynthetic Eubacteria. From this, we suggest that the timekeeping functions of these organisms will be best observed and studied in their appropriate complex environments. Given the rich temporal changes that exist in these environments, it is proposed that microorganisms both adapt to and contribute to these daily dynamics through the process of temporal mutualism. Understanding the timekeeping and temporal interactions within these systems will enable a deeper understanding of circadian clocks and temporal programs and provide valuable insights for medicine and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Sartor
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Zheng Eelderink-Chen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ben Aronson
- Department of Biology, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 92373, USA.
| | - Jasper Bosman
- Bioinformatics, Hanzehogeschool Groningen, 9747 AS Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lauren E Hibbert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.
| | - Antony N Dodd
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.
| | - Ákos T Kovács
- Bacterial Interactions and Evolution Group, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Martha Merrow
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Boiocchi M, Tumiotto L, Giannini F, Viel A, Biscontin G, Sartor F, Toffoli G. P-Glycoprotein but not Topoisomerase II and Glutathione-S-Transferase-Pi Accounts for Enhanced Intracellular Drug-Resistance in LoVo MDR Human Cell Lines. Tumori 2018; 78:159-66. [PMID: 1359686 DOI: 10.1177/030089169207800303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical bases of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype were investigated in drug-resistant sublines derived from LoVo human colon carcinoma cell lines by doxorubicin (DOX) and teniposide (VM26) selection. In addition to P-glycoprotein-mediated drug extrusion through the plasma-membrane, LoVo MDR cells display a further drug-resistance mechanism. That is, to achieve equitoxic effects, LoVo MDR sublines require much higher intracellular drug concentrations than those required by LoVo drug-sensitive parent cell line. Involvement of mdr1, topoisomerase Il and glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GST-π) drug-resistance systems in intracellular drug resistance was investigated. Pharmacologic and biochemical data indicated that intracellular drug resistance in LoVo MDR sublines is uniquely consequent to the drug-transporting property of intracytoplasmic membrane-bound P-glycoprotein molecules which compartment drugs in vacuolelike structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boiocchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
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Morosi C, La Torre A, Sartor F. Heart rate responses to twelve laps Supermoto race simulation in motorcyclists. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2015; 55:1565-1570. [PMID: 24998613] [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: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to characterize Supermoto performance by correlating the fastest lap (best performance) with heart rate (HR), anthropometric characteristics, racing experience and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of riders. METHODS Twenty Supermoto riders - data are shown as mean value±standard deviation (SD), age: 29±9 years, BMI: 23.0±2.4, riding experience: 4±3 years - performed 12 laps on a circuit 1167 m long, without off-road part, but data were available for 16 riders. The HR was monitored throughout all laps, RPE was asked at the end of the race. The fastest rider wore a portable metabolic unit to assess the aerobic load of Supermoto riding. RESULTS The HRmean was related to the best performance (r=0.747, P<0.001). The correlation between HR and the best performance was not mediated by racing experience, even though the latter correlated negatively with lap times (r=-0.548, P<0.050). The RPE and anthropometric characteristics did not correlate with best performance. Average-to-slow riders showed a higher HR than fastest riders (delta-HRmean: 20 beats·min(-1), P=0.010). The aerobic load during Supermoto riding was 4.29±1.50 METs (at 60% of HRmax) and a mean VO2 1142±398 mL·min-1. During the race simulation the rider had a HR 15% higher than during the lap with the metabolic unit, hence a mean MET around 5.3 was estimated during the race. CONCLUSION In conclusion, HR reflects performance in Supermoto racing independently from racing experience and it is lower in faster riders. Elevated HR seems not to be explained entirely by the aerobic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morosi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Milan University, Milan, Italy -
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Alrahbeni T, Sartor F, Anderson J, Miedzybrodzka Z, McCaig C, Müller B. Full UPF3B function is critical for neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells. Mol Brain 2015; 8:33. [PMID: 26012578 PMCID: PMC4445987 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutation in the UPF3B gene on chromosome X is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders including X-linked intellectual disability, autism and schizophrenia. The protein UPF3B is involved in the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) that controls mRNA stability and functions in the prevention of the synthesis of truncated proteins. Results Here we show that NMD pathway components UPF3B and UPF1 are down-regulated during differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. Using tethered function assays we found that UPF3B missense mutations described in families with neurodevelopmental disorders reduced the activity of UPF3B protein in NMD. In neural stem cells, UPF3B protein was detected in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Similarly in neurons, UPF3B protein was detected in neurites, the somatic cytoplasm and in the nucleus. In both cell types nuclear UPF3B protein was enriched in the nucleolus. Using GFP tagged UPF3B proteins we found that the missense mutations did not affect the cellular localisation. Expression of missense mutant UPF3B disturbed neuronal differentiation and reduced the complexity of the branching of neurites. Neuronal differentiation was similarly affected in the presence of the NMD inhibitor Amlexanox. The expression of mutant UPF3B proteins lead to a subtle increase in mRNA levels of selected NMD targets. Conclusions Together our findings indicate that, despite the down-regulation of NMD factors, functional NMD is critical for neuronal differentiation. We propose that the neurodevelopmental phenotype of UPF3B missense mutation is caused by impairment of NMD function altering neuronal differentiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0122-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Alrahbeni
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK. .,Current address: Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Olaya Campus, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Francesca Sartor
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Jihan Anderson
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Zosia Miedzybrodzka
- Medical Genetics, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Colin McCaig
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Berndt Müller
- University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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11
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Toffoli G, Corona G, Tolusso B, Sartor F, Sorio R, Mini E, Boiocchi M. Resistance to methotrexate in SKOV-3 cell lines after chronic exposure to carbamazepine is associated with a decreased expression of folate receptor. Int J Cancer 2000; 85:683-90. [PMID: 10699949 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(20000301)85:5<683::aid-ijc14>3.0.co;2-u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The detrimental effect of chronic administration of carbamazepine (CBZ) on serum and erythrocyte folates of patients has been extensively analyzed. However, at present, no data have been reported on the effect of CBZ on the intracellular content and activity of antimetabolite cytotoxic agents that can be used together with CBZ in the treatment of cancer patients. To investigate this issue, we chronically exposed in vitro the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 (grown under physiological folate concentrations) to CBZ, thus selecting SKOV-CBZ clones (SKOV-CBZ-50-2, SKOV-CBZ-50-5 and SKOV-CBZ-100-2) able to grow in the continuous presence of the antiepileptic drug. All of the SKOV-CBZ clones were more resistant to methotrexate (MTX) than the parental cells. MTX resistance index, as determined by the ratio between MTX concentrations inhibiting cell growth by 50% (MTX IC(50)) in SKOV-CBZ clones and in the parental cells, ranged between 3- and 5-fold. This resistance was related to a reduced intracellular content of MTX. No alteration activity of the cellular enzymes directly involved in MTX cytotoxicity (dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase [TS] and folylpolyglutamate synthetase) was observed. SKOV-CBZ clones were cross-resistant to the TS inhibitors tomudex and CB3717, but not to the TS inhibitor 5-fluoro-deoxy uridine and other antineoplastic drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, vincristine and taxol), whose cellular uptake is derived from transmembrane transport mechanisms different from folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) or reduced folate carrier (RFC). FRalpha mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in SKOV-CBZ clones than in the parental cells. The reduced level of FRalpha in SKOV-CBZ clones was associated with a decreased binding capacity of folic acid. No variation of mRNA RFC expression in the SKOV-CBZ clones as compared to the parental cells was observed. Thus, after chronic exposure to CBZ, SKOV-CBZ clones develop resistance towards MTX due to defective MTX uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Toffoli
- Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
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12
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Corona G, Aita P, Sorio R, Colussi AM, Bearz A, Sartor F, Boiocchi M, Toffoli G. Pharmacokinetic interaction between etoposide and tamoxifen in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 1999; 10:815-9. [PMID: 10587291 DOI: 10.1097/00001813-199910000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The effect of tamoxifen (TAM) on the pharmacokinetics of oral administration of etoposide (VP-16) in patients with nonoperable hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated. The pharmacokinetics of VP-16 was studied by using a validated limited sampling strategy. The pharmacokinetic parameters of VP-16, such as area under curve (AUC), free AUC and protein binding, were determined from drug plasma concentrations at 1 and 4 h after VP-16 administration on the first day (day -1) and at the end of the chemotherapy cycle (day -21) for VP-16 alone and VP-16+TAM, respectively. When VP-16 was administered in association with TAM, the median total systemic exposure was not significantly (p = NS) different from that observed when VP-16 was administered alone [33.74 (range 11.19-56.58) versus 32.97 (range 20.23-119.28) mg/l/h]. Moreover, TAM did not affect significantly (p = NS) the levels of protein binding of VP-16 [median 94.6 (range 87.7-98.2) versus median 94.9 (range 91.6-98.0)% for VP-16+TAM and VP-16 alone, respectively] and the systemic exposure of the free drug (free AUC) [1.86 (range 0.21-4.57) versus median 1.78 (range 0.59-3.73) mg/l/h for VP-16+TAM and VP = 16 alone, respectively]. These results indicate a lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between VP-16 and TAM, and suggest that the increased hematological toxicity observed when TAM is given in combination with VP-16 could be related to pharmacodynamic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Corona
- Division of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
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Sartor F, Demuth C, Snacken R, Walckiers D. Mortality in the elderly and ambient ozone concentration during the hot summer, 1994, in Belgium. Environ Res 1997; 72:109-117. [PMID: 9177653 DOI: 10.1006/enrs.1996.3694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Extensive investigations were carried out to study the relationship between daily mortality in the elderly, outdoor air temperature, and ozone concentration observed in Belgium during the hot summer, 1994. The two environmental variables were assessed through mean daily temperature and 24-hr ozone concentration, both measured the day before and averaged over the country. Data were stratified by terciles of mean daily temperature in order to reduce the degree of collinearity between the investigated environmental variables. In the first stratum, which ranged from 9.9 to 15.4 degrees C (41 days), mean daily temperature and 24-hr ozone concentration were not correlated while the mean number of daily deaths was higher when 24-hr ozone concentration increased from 45 to 55 micrograms/m3 (P < 0.05). In the second stratum, which ranged from 15.6 to 20.3 degrees C (42 days), mean daily temperature and 24-hr ozone concentration were strongly correlated (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001). In this stratum, the number of daily deaths did not depend on the mean daily temperature but increased linearly with 24-hr ozone concentration within the range 25 to 85.5 micrograms/m3 (P < 0.001). After having examined the possible confounding effect of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulates, and humidity, ozone was found to be the only investigated variable contributing to the increased daily mortality. In the third stratum, which ranged from 20.4 to 27.6 degrees C (40 days), mean daily temperature and 24-hr ozone concentration were also strongly correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001). Daily mortality, in this stratum, was correlated more with mean daily temperature (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) than with 24-hr ozone concentration (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). Nonparametric regression analyses were performed to model the number of daily deaths in the whole range of temperatures. These analyses confirmed the effect of 24-hr ozone concentration on daily mortality already uncovered by the least-squares regression analysis in the second stratum of mean daily temperature. In addition, at levels exceeding 20 degrees C, the effect of ozone concentration on daily mortality was enhanced by temperature owing to a positive interaction between these two variables. The present study thus demonstrated a statistical association between daily mortality, observed in the elderly during the hot summer, 1994, in Belgium, and ambient ozone concentration. This relationship was dependent on the range of temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sartor
- Department of Epidemiology and Toxicology, Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Abstract
Some epidemiological aspects of drug-treated intraocular hypertension in Belgium were established in 1992 from questionnaires filled in by 1513 patients who attended a sample of 209 pharmacies open to the public. The mean age of the patients was 67 years (range: 3-95). After standardization for age, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients was found to be 1.7 times higher than in the general population. Family history of glaucoma and/or blindness was reported by 28% of the patients. Beta-blocker eye drops were used by 96% of the sample. An ophthalmologist was consulted more than four times a year by 24% of the patients who had been drug-treated for less than one year; the proportion, however, decreases to 11% for those treated for at least five years. The annual consumed dose of eye drops containing parasympathomimetics, beta-blockers, and epinephrine or dipivefrine was 12.4, 13.6, and 12.3 bottles, respectively, and that of ointments containing parasympathomimetics was 9.9 tubes. From these results and using sales figures, the prevalence of drug-treated intraocular hypertension was found to be 77 per 10,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 31-123).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Walckiers
- Department of Epidemiology and Toxicology, Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Abstract
The number of daily deaths, temperature, relative humidity, and 24-hr concentrations of main air pollutants observed during a heat wave (June 27-August 7, 1994) in Belgium were compared with those recorded before and after this heat wave. All these variables were averaged over the country. Expected mortality was calculated from daily deaths observed during the summers of 1985-1993. The influence of meteorological and air pollution variables on daily mortality was analyzed using generalized least-squares method. Mortality recorded during the heat wave was higher than expected: it increased by 9.4% in the age group 0-64 years (236 excess deaths; P < 0.001) and by 13.2% in the elderly (1168 excess deaths; P < 0.001). After the heat wave, mortality in the elderly was lower than expected (178 deficit deaths; P< 0.05); the net excess of mortality in the whole population amounted to 1226 deaths when accounting for this deficit. This increased mortality was associated with unusually high outdoor temperatures (range of daily mean: 15.3-27.5 degrees C) and elevated ozone levels (range of 24-hr concentration: 34.5-111.5 microg/m3). The duration of the ozone overexposure during the heat wave was also uncommon: half-hour concentrations of ozone exceeded, on an average, 100 microg/m3 for 8 consecutive hr. The number of daily deaths was mostly correlated with the mean daily temperature and 24-hr ozone concentration, both measured the day before. A synergy between temperature and ozone in their effects on mortality was also highlighted in both age groups. The product of the logarithm of temperature by the logarithm of ozone concentration, both measured the day before, contributed to 39.5% of the variance of the logarithm of daily deaths in elderly and to 4.5% in the age group 0-64 years. In conclusion, elevated outdoor temperatures combined with high ozone concentrations were assumed to be the likely cause of the important excess mortality observed in Belgium during the summer, 1994.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sartor
- Department of Epidemiology and Toxicology, Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Abstract
A simple method is presented to estimate the prevalence for chronic diseases treated with drugs that are specific to the disease and must be taken continuously. Data required for the computations involve the total amount of drugs sold in a given region and the mean intake of these drugs, which can be based on the defined daily doses, the prescribed daily doses, or the consumed daily doses. The prevalence of the studied disease is the most accurate using the consumed daily doses estimated in a sample of patients with the disease of interest. Data on diabetes mellitus and intraocular hypertension collected in Belgium in 1990 and 1992, respectively, were used to illustrate the applicability of this quick and inexpensive method. For these two diseases, the precision of the prevalence estimated with the present method is comparable to that achieved with conventional cross-sectional studies, but at a lower cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sartor
- Department of Epidemiology and Toxicology, Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
During the time period from 1984 to 1988, blood cadmium concentration decreased by 56% in 31 males who were not occupationally exposed to cadmium and who lived in a Belgian urban area where there existed nonferrous industries. A 40% decrease in blood cadmium concentration was also observed in an independent cross-sectional survey conducted in 1985 and 1988 among 412 subjects who lived in a rural area. This latter decrease persisted when the main determinants of blood cadmium concentration--gender, age, and tobacco--were allowed for. The results presented are consistent with a decrease in environmental cadmium exposure in Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ducoffre
- Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Toxicology and Epidemiology, Brussels, Belgium
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Staessen J, Sartor F, Roels H, Bulpitt CJ, Claeys F, Ducoffre G, Fagard R, Lauwerijs R, Lijnen P, Rondia D. The association between blood pressure, calcium and other divalent cations: a population study. J Hum Hypertens 1991; 5:485-94. [PMID: 1791607] [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: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This report investigated the associations between blood pressure and the levels of various divalent cations in blood and urine in the population at large. The 1,982 participants (963 men and 1019 women; mean age 48 years) constituted a stratified random sample of the population of 4 Belgian districts. Systolic/diastolic pressure averaged 133/78 mmHg in men, and 128/76 mmHg in women. Serum total calcium (2.37 mmol/l), serum magnesium (1.00 mmol/l) and blood cadmium (10.0 nmol/l) were on average similar in the two sexes. By contrast, serum zinc (13.1 and 12.6 mumol/l, respectively), blood lead (0.56 and 0.36 mumol/l) and the urinary excretions of calcium (4.86 and 3.95 mmol/24h), copper (0.16 and 0.13 mumol/24h), and cadmium (9.4 and 7.2 nmol/24h) were significantly higher in men than in women. After adjustment for significant blood pressure covariates (age, body mass index, pulse rate, log gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, smoking habits, and in women the contraceptive pill), serum total calcium was independently and positively correlated with systolic pressure in both sexes, and with diastolic pressure in women. After similar adjustments systolic pressure was positively correlated with urinary copper in men and women. In addition, systolic pressure and blood lead, and diastolic pressure and urinary cadmium were negatively correlated in men. In conclusion, this population study demonstrated a positive relationship between systolic blood pressure and both serum total calcium and urinary copper.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Staessen
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Leuven, Belgium
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Staessen J, Bruaux P, Claeys-Thoreau F, DePlaen P, Ducoffre G, Lauwerys R, Roels H, Rondia D, Sartor F, Amery A. The relationship between blood pressure and environmental exposure to lead and cadmium in Belgium. Environ Health Perspect 1988; 78:127-9. [PMID: 3203631 PMCID: PMC1474599 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8878127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The question whether in the general population environmental exposure to lead and cadmium influences blood pressure after controlling for confounding factors remains debated. The environmental exposure of the Belgian population to both lead and cadmium is high as compared with other countries. The Cadmibel Cooperative Study was therefore designed to elucidate whether environmental exposure to lead and cadmium has any effect on blood pressure and renal function in the population at large. Before embarking on the large Cadmibel project, a small study was conducted. Blood pressure and the 24-hr urinary excretion of cadmium (CdU) and lead (PbU) were determined in a random 4% sample of the population of a small Belgian town. CdU averaged 0.27 micrograms/24 hr in 46 youths (mean age 14 +/- 3 years, +/- SD), increased with age, and was higher in 57 adult men (age 41 +/- 14 years), as compared with 59 adult women (age 39 +/- 14 years) (1.05 vs. 0.81 micrograms/24 hr; p less than 0.01). PbU averaged 5.8 micrograms/24 hr in youths and similarly increased with age; adult men excreted more lead than women (13.3 vs. 8.3 micrograms/24 hr; p less than 0.001). Among men, manual workers excreted more cadmium (1.4 vs. 0.8 micrograms/24 hr; p less than 0.05) but a similar amount of lead (7.0 vs. 6.9 micrograms/24 hr) as compared with office workers. In simple regression analysis, CdU was positively correlated with both systolic (r = 0.30; p less than 0.05) and diastolic (r = 0.38; p less than 0.01) blood pressure in women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- J Staessen
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Unit, Katholieke Universiteit van Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
The existence of an association between aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity in erythrocytes (ALA-d) and blood lead level (Pb-B) has been investigated in a male urban population not occupationally exposed to lead. The data show a decrease of the mean ALA-d activity when Pb-B rises but the association is not statistically ascertained in every case when the data are examined by two different procedures. It appears first that the statistical significance depends on an adequate choice of the distribution function of the ALA-d. Secondly, factors such as interindividual variability of this biological index, lack of precision in the analytical measurements of the Pb-B and the range of the environmental exposure under observation may influence the statistical significance and induce misleading statements. The data aggregation allows the avoidance of some inconsistencies. Furthermore, the estimation of mean ALA-d for the different Pb-B may also be biased by confounding risk factors (such as smoking habits). As such factors are not presently taken into consideration in public health surveys, the no-threshold Pb-B hypothesis, suggested by the observed dose-effect relationship, cannot be strongly supported.
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Sartor F, Rondia D. Blood lead levels and age: a study in two male urban populations not occupationally exposed. Arch Environ Health 1980; 35:110-6. [PMID: 7369791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Blood lead was measured in two adult male populations who were submitted to different environmental lead exposures. Their differential variations in mean blood lead vs. age result from the difference between the external lead concentrations. It is inferred that a homeostasis phenomena plays a significant role and that the blood compartment is unable to adapt to some extent to a high environmental lead exposure.
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Sartor F, Rondia D. [Significance of urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid determination in the evaluation of individual exposure to lead]. Arch Belg Med Soc 1978; 36:283-95. [PMID: 736553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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