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Viant MR, Amstalden E, Athersuch T, Bouhifd M, Camuzeaux S, Crizer DM, Driemert P, Ebbels T, Ekman D, Flick B, Giri V, Gómez-Romero M, Haake V, Herold M, Kende A, Lai F, Leonards PEG, Lim PP, Lloyd GR, Mosley J, Namini C, Rice JR, Romano S, Sands C, Smith MJ, Sobanski T, Southam AD, Swindale L, van Ravenzwaay B, Walk T, Weber RJM, Zickgraf FM, Kamp H. Demonstrating the reliability of in vivo metabolomics based chemical grouping: towards best practice. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1111-1123. [PMID: 38368582 PMCID: PMC10944399 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03680-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
While grouping/read-across is widely used to fill data gaps, chemical registration dossiers are often rejected due to weak category justifications based on structural similarity only. Metabolomics provides a route to robust chemical categories via evidence of shared molecular effects across source and target substances. To gain international acceptance, this approach must demonstrate high reliability, and best-practice guidance is required. The MetAbolomics ring Trial for CHemical groupING (MATCHING), comprising six industrial, government and academic ring-trial partners, evaluated inter-laboratory reproducibility and worked towards best-practice. An independent team selected eight substances (WY-14643, 4-chloro-3-nitroaniline, 17α-methyl-testosterone, trenbolone, aniline, dichlorprop-p, 2-chloroaniline, fenofibrate); ring-trial partners were blinded to their identities and modes-of-action. Plasma samples were derived from 28-day rat tests (two doses per substance), aliquoted, and distributed to partners. Each partner applied their preferred liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics workflows to acquire, process, quality assess, statistically analyze and report their grouping results to the European Chemicals Agency, to ensure the blinding conditions of the ring trial. Five of six partners, whose metabolomics datasets passed quality control, correctly identified the grouping of eight test substances into three categories, for both male and female rats. Strikingly, this was achieved even though a range of metabolomics approaches were used. Through assessing intrastudy quality-control samples, the sixth partner observed high technical variation and was unable to group the substances. By comparing workflows, we conclude that some heterogeneity in metabolomics methods is not detrimental to consistent grouping, and that assessing data quality prior to grouping is essential. We recommend development of international guidance for quality-control acceptance criteria. This study demonstrates the reliability of metabolomics for chemical grouping and works towards best-practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Viant
- Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - E Amstalden
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Athersuch
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - M Bouhifd
- European Chemicals Agency, Telakkakatu 6, FI-00121, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Camuzeaux
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, National Phenome Centre, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - D M Crizer
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - P Driemert
- BASF Metabolome Solutions GmbH, Tegeler Weg 33, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - T Ebbels
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - D Ekman
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - B Flick
- BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str 38, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany
- NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Toxicology, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - V Giri
- BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str 38, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - M Gómez-Romero
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, National Phenome Centre, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - V Haake
- BASF Metabolome Solutions GmbH, Tegeler Weg 33, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Herold
- BASF Metabolome Solutions GmbH, Tegeler Weg 33, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kende
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - F Lai
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - P E G Leonards
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P P Lim
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - G R Lloyd
- Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - J Mosley
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - C Namini
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - J R Rice
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - S Romano
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605, USA
| | - C Sands
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, National Phenome Centre, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - M J Smith
- Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - T Sobanski
- European Chemicals Agency, Telakkakatu 6, FI-00121, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A D Southam
- Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - L Swindale
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK
| | - B van Ravenzwaay
- BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str 38, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Environmental Sciences Consulting, 67122, Altrip, Germany
| | - T Walk
- BASF Metabolome Solutions GmbH, Tegeler Weg 33, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - R J M Weber
- Phenome Centre Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - F M Zickgraf
- BASF SE, Carl-Bosch-Str 38, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - H Kamp
- BASF Metabolome Solutions GmbH, Tegeler Weg 33, 10589, Berlin, Germany
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de Guimaraes TAC, Lai F, Colombatti R, Sato G, Rizzo R, Kalitzeos A, Michaelides M. Structural and functional characterization of an individual with the M285R KCNV2 hypomorphic allele. Ophthalmic Genet 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38454848 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2024.2324046] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease-causing variants in the KCNV2 gene are associated with "cone dystrophy with supernormal rod responses," a rare autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy. There is no previous report of hypomorphic variants in the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical history, genetic testing, ocular examination, high-resolution retinal imaging including adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and functional assessments. RESULTS A 16-year-old male with mild cone-rod dystrophy presented with reduced central vision and photophobia. Genetic testing showed two variants in KCNV2, c.614_617dupAGCG (p.207AlafsTer166) and c.854T>G (p.Met285Arg), the latter which was previously considered benign. Electrophysiological assessment revealed the pathognomic electroretinogram waveforms associated with KCNV2-retinopathy. Optical coherence tomography showed discrete focal ellipsoid zone disruption, while fundus autofluorescence was normal. Non-waveguiding cones corresponding to areas of loss of photoreceptor integrity were visible on adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Retinal sensitivity and fixation were relatively preserved, with a demonstrable deterioration after 14 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS We provide functional and structural evidence that the variant M285R is disease-causing if associated with a loss-of-function variant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first hypomorphic allele reported in KCNV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thales A C de Guimaraes
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Francesco Lai
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Sato
- Unit of Low Vision Rehabilitation, Sant'Antonio Hospital, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Unit of Low Vision Rehabilitation, Sant'Antonio Hospital, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelos Kalitzeos
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michel Michaelides
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Craparo EF, Cabibbo M, Scialabba C, Casula L, Lai F, Cavallaro G. Rapamycin-based inhaled therapy for potential treatment of COPD-related inflammation: production and characterization of aerosolizable nano into micro (NiM) particles. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:387-401. [PMID: 37997957 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01210g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Our paper describes the production and characterization of inhalable microparticles loaded with nanoparticles for the lung administration of rapamycin (Rapa). In detail, core-shell lipid/polymer hybrid nanoparticles loaded with Rapa (Rapa@Man-LPHNPs) were produced with mean size of about 128 nm and slightly negative ζ potential (-13.8 mV). A fluorescent graft polyaspartamide-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer (PHEA-g-RhB-g-PLGA) for use as the polymeric core was obtained by nanoprecipitation, while an appropriate mixture of DPPC and mannosylated phospholipid (DSPE-PEG2000-Man) was used to provide the macrophage-targeting lipid shell. The successful formation of Rapa@Man-LPHNPs was confirmed by TEM and DSC analyses. The loaded drug (4.3 wt% of the total weight) was slowly released from the polymeric core and protected from hydrolysis, with the amount of intact drug after 24 h of incubation in the medium being equal to 74 wt% (compared to 40% when the drug is freely incubated at the same concentration). To obtain a formulation administrable by inhalation, Rapa@Man-LPHNPs were entrapped inside PVA : LEU microparticles by using the nano into micro (NiM) strategy, specifically by spray drying (SD) in the presence of a pore-forming agent. In this way, NiM particles with geometric and theoretical aerodynamic diameters equal to 4.52 μm and 3.26 μm, respectively, were obtained. Furthermore, these particles showed optimal nebulization performance, having an FPF and an MMAD equal to 27.5% and 4.3 μm, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy.
| | - Marta Cabibbo
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Scialabba
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy.
| | - Luca Casula
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, 90123, Italy.
- Advanced Technology and Network Center (ATeN Center), University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Zhou G, Xie D, Fan R, Yang Z, Du J, Mai S, Xie L, Wang Q, Mai T, Han Y, Lai F. Comparison of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Models of Sepsis-Associated Acute Lung Injury. Physiol Res 2023; 72:741-752. [PMID: 38215061 PMCID: PMC10805253] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
To compare different rat models of sepsis at different time points, based on pulmonary or extrapulmonary injury mechanisms, to identify a model which is more stable and reproducible to cause sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to (1) cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with single (CLP1 group) or two repeated through-and-through punctures (CLP2 group); (2) tail vein injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of 10mg/kg (IV-LPS10 group) or 20 mg/kg (IV-LPS20 group); (3) intratracheal instillation with LPS of 10mg/kg (IT-LPS10 group) or 20mg/kg (IT-LPS20 group). Each of the model groups had a sham group. 7-day survival rates of each group were observed (n=15 for each group). Moreover, three time points were set for additional experimental studying in each model group: 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after modeling (every time point, n=8 for each group). Rats were sacrificed to collect BALF and lung tissue samples at different time points for detection of IL-6, TNF-alpha, total protein concentration in BALF and MPO activity, HMGB1 protein expression in lung tissues, as well as the histopathological changes of lung tissues. More than 50 % of the rats died within 7 days in each model group, except for the IT-LPS10 group. In contrast, the mortality rates in the two IV-LPS groups as well as the IT-LPS20 group were significantly higher than that in IT-LPS10 group. Rats received LPS by intratracheal instillation exhibited evident histopathological changes and inflammatory exudation in the lung, but there was no evidence of lung injury in CLP and IV-LPS groups. Rat model of intratracheal instillation with LPS proved to be a more stable and reproducible animal model to cause sepsis-associated ALI than the extrapulmonary models of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zhou
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Casula L, Pireddu R, Cardia MC, Pini E, Valenti D, Schlich M, Sinico C, Marceddu S, Dragićević N, Fadda AM, Lai F. Nanosuspension-Based Dissolvable Microneedle Arrays to Enhance Diclofenac Skin Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2308. [PMID: 37765277 PMCID: PMC10536216 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092308] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Applying a formulation on the skin represents a patient-acceptable and therapeutically effective way to administer drugs locally and systemically. However, the stratum corneum stands as an impermeable barrier that only allows a very limited number of drugs to be distributed in the underlying tissues, limiting the feasibility of this administration route. Microneedle arrays are minimally invasive platforms that allow the delivery of drugs within/across the skin through the temporary mechanical disruption of the stratum corneum. In this work, microneedle arrays were combined with nanosuspensions, a technology for solubility enhancement of water insoluble molecules, for the skin delivery of diclofenac. Nanosuspensions were prepared using a top-down method and loaded in the tips of 500 µm or 800 µm high microneedles. The quality of the combined platform was assessed using electron microscopy and spectroscopic and calorimetry techniques, demonstrating the ability to load high amounts of the hydrophobic drug and the compatibility between excipients. Lastly, the application of nanosuspension-loaded microneedles on the skin in vitro allowed the delivery of diclofenac within and across the stratum corneum, proving the potential of this combination to enhance skin delivery of scarcely soluble drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Casula
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, General and Organic Chemistry Section "Alessandro Marchesini", University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Marceddu
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA)-CNR, Sez. di Sassari, 07040 Baldinca, Italy
| | - Nina Dragićević
- Department of Pharmacy, Singidunum University, 11107 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Pasella M, Pisano F, Cannas B, Fanni A, Cocco E, Frau J, Lai F, Mocci S, Littera R, Giglio SR. Decision trees to evaluate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Front Neuroinform 2023; 17:1248632. [PMID: 37649987 PMCID: PMC10465164 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2023.1248632] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a persistent neurological condition impacting the central nervous system (CNS). The precise cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain; however, it is thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS diagnosis includes assessing medical history, conducting neurological exams, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and analyzing cerebrospinal fluid. While there is currently no cure for MS, numerous treatments exist to address symptoms, decelerate disease progression, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with MS. Methods This paper introduces a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm utilizing decision trees to address a key objective: creating a predictive tool for assessing the likelihood of MS development. It achieves this by combining prevalent demographic risk factors, specifically gender, with crucial immunogenetic risk markers, such as the alleles responsible for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes responsible for natural killer lymphocyte receptors. Results The study included 619 healthy controls and 299 patients affected by MS, all of whom originated from Sardinia. The gender feature has been disregarded due to its substantial bias in influencing the classification outcomes. By solely considering immunogenetic risk markers, the algorithm demonstrates an ability to accurately identify 73.24% of MS patients and 66.07% of individuals without the disease. Discussion Given its notable performance, this system has the potential to support clinicians in monitoring the relatives of MS patients and identifying individuals who are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pasella
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio Pisano
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Cannas
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fanni
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Centro Sclerosi Multipla, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Centro Sclerosi Multipla, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Unit of Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Mocci
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre for Research University Services, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Littera
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rita Giglio
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre for Research University Services, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
- AART-ODV (Association for the Advancement of Research on Transplantation), Cagliari, Italy
- Medical Genetics, R. Binaghi Hospital, ASSL Cagliari, ATS Sardegna, Cagliari, Italy
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Milandri A, Lai F, Tortorici G. [If your heart stops beating, don't stop at the first diagnosis]. G Ital Cardiol (Rome) 2023; 24:596. [PMID: 37492865 DOI: 10.1714/4068.40526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Milandri
- U.O. Cardiologia della Pianura, Azienda USL di Bologna, Bentivoglio (BO)
| | - Francesco Lai
- U.O. Cardiologia della Pianura, Azienda USL di Bologna, Bentivoglio (BO)
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Cristiano E, Lai F, Deidda R, Viola F. Management strategies for maximizing the ecohydrological benefits of multilayer blue-green roofs in mediterranean urban areas. J Environ Manage 2023; 343:118248. [PMID: 37244101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Multilayer Blue-Green Roofs are powerful nature-based solutions that can contribute to the creation of smart and resilient cities. These tools combine the retention capacity of traditional green roofs with the water storage of a rainwater harvesting tank. The additional storage layer enables to accumulate the rainwater percolating from the soil layer, that, if properly treated, can be reused for domestic purposes. Here, we explore the behavior of a Multilayer Blue-Green Roof prototype installed in Cagliari (Italy) in 2019, that have been equipped with a remotely controlled gate to regulate the storage capacity of the system. The gate installation allows to manage the Multilayer Blue-Green Roof in order to increase the flood mitigation capacity, minimizing the water stress for vegetation and limiting the roof load with adequate management practices. In this work, 10 rules for the management of the Multilayer Blue-Green Roof gate have been investigated and their performances in achieving different management goals (i.e., mitigating urban flood, increasing water storage and limiting roof load on the building) have been evaluated, with the aim to identify the most efficient approach to maximize the benefits of this nature based solution. An ecohydrological model have been calibrated based on field measurements carried out for 6 months. The model has been used to simulate the system performance in achieving the proposed goals, using as input nowdays and future rainfall and temperature time series. The analysis reveled the importance of the correct management of the gate, highthing how choosing and applying a specific management rule helps increasing the performance in reaching the desired goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cristiano
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Lai
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Deidda
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123, Cagliari, Italy
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Kende A, Lai F, Lim PP, Swindale L, Hofstra A, Zhang F, McInnes E, Currie R, Cowie D. Mode of Action Hypothesis Testing in Chemical Safety Assessments Using Metabolomics as Supporting Evidence: Phenobarbital and Cyclobutrifluram Metabolomics Profile Comparison. Toxicol Lett 2023; 382:13-21. [PMID: 37164126 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.04.008] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In long term rodent studies administering Cyclobutrifluram (TYMIRIUM® Technology), a new agrochemical, there was a slight elevation of incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas in male CD-1 mice that was within the historical control range but appeared to be dose responsive. Cyclobutrifluram's ability to activate mouse constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) mediated gene transcription was confirmed in vitro, therefore a 28-day dietary toxicity study was conducted in vivo in male CD-1 mice to assess the CAR activation mode of action hypothesis of Cyclobutrifluram along with phenobarbital, a known CAR activator. In addition to other end points comprehensive (polar and lipidomic) hybrid metabolomics analyses were performed on terminal plasma and liver samples following 2-, 7- and 28-days dietary exposure to cyclobutrifluram and phenobarbital. The data generation and quality assessments were performed in line with the principles of the MEtabolomics standaRds Initiative in Toxicology (MERIT). First the full annotated feature set was used to compare the metabolomic changes induced by the administration of the two test substances using Shared and Unique Structures plots. This gave a comprehensive overview of the similarity of the two effect profiles showing good correlation and demonstrated that no other, alternative effect signatures were detected. Then the phenobarbital induced differentially abundant metabolites were selected, compared to the literature and their direction of change was assessed in cyclobutrifluram profiles, finding good agreement. Both approaches concluded that the metabolomics data supports the CAR activation hypothesis. Comparison of the metabolomic effect profiles can be a line of evidence in mode of action hypothesis testing in the chemical risk assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kende
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - F Lai
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada.
| | - P P Lim
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - L Swindale
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - A Hofstra
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - F Zhang
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - E McInnes
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - R Currie
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
| | - D Cowie
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta Canada Inc, Guelph, Canada
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10
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Ruggeri M, Sánchez-Espejo R, Casula L, Sandri G, Perioli L, Cardia MC, Lai F, Viseras C. Bentonite- and Palygorskite-Based Gels for Topical Drug Delivery Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041253. [PMID: 37111738 PMCID: PMC10141350 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bentonite or palygorskite-based hydrogels have recently been suggested as a strategy to increase bioavailability and control the retention and release of therapeutic candidates. In this work, clay-based hydrogels loaded with diclofenac acid nanocrystals have been successfully designed and developed. The aim was to improve diclofenac solubility, its dissolution rate and to enhance its local bioavailability after topical application. For this purpose, diclofenac acid nanocrystals were prepared by wet media milling technology and then loaded into inorganic hydrogels based on bentonite and/or palygorskite. Diclofenac acid nanocrystals were characterized by morphology, size, and zeta potential. Moreover, rheological behavior, morphology, solid state, release studies, and in vitro skin penetration/permeation of diclofenac acid nanocrystals-loaded hydrogels were performed. The hydrogels were characterized by a crystalline structure, and demonstrated that the inclusion of diclofenac in clay-based hydrogels resulted in an increased thermal stability. The presence of both palygorskite and bentonite reduced nanocrystal mobility, and consequently its release and penetration into the skin. On the other hand, bentonite- or palygorskite-based hydrogels revealed great potential as an alternative strategy to enhance topical bioavailability of DCF nanocrystals, enhancing their penetration to the deeper skin layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ruggeri
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rita Sánchez-Espejo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Luca Casula
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sandri
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Luana Perioli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - César Viseras
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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11
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Rosa A, Nieddu M, Pitzanti G, Pireddu R, Lai F, Cardia MC. Impact of solid lipid nanoparticles on 3T3 fibroblasts viability and lipid profile: The effect of curcumin and resveratrol loading. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:272-286. [PMID: 35978497 PMCID: PMC10087382 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on the impact in 3T3 fibroblasts of several types of empty and curcumin- and resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on cell viability and lipid metabolism in relation to their lipid content and encapsulated drug. SLN, prepared by hot homogenization/ultrasonication, were characterized with respect to size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Compritol® 888 ATO at different concentrations (4%, 5%, and 6% wt/wt) was chosen as lipid matrix while Poloxamer 188 (from 2.2% to 3.3% wt/wt) and Transcutol (TRC; 2% or 4%) were added as nanoparticle excipients. Prepared SLN were able to encapsulate high drug amount (encapsulation efficiency percentage of about 97-99%). All empty SLN did not show cytotoxicity (by MTT assay, at 24 h of incubation) in 3T3 cells independently of the lipid and TRC amount, while a viability reduction in the range 5-11% and 12-27% was observed in 3T3 cells treated with curcumin-loaded and resveratrol-loaded SLN, respectively. SLN without TRC did not affect cell lipid metabolism, independently from the lipid content. Empty and loaded SLN formulated with 4% of Compritol and 4% of TRC significantly affected, after 24 h of incubation at the dose of 5 μl/ml, cell polar lipids (phospholipids and free cholesterol) and fatty acid profile, with respect to control cells. Loaded compounds significantly modulated the impact of the corresponding empty formulation on cell lipids. Therefore, the combined impact on lipid metabolism of SLN and loaded drug should be taken in consideration in the evaluation of the toxicity, potential application, and therapeutic effects of new formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Pitzanti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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12
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Ailuno G, Balboni A, Caviglioli G, Lai F, Barbieri F, Dellacasagrande I, Florio T, Baldassari S. Boron Vehiculating Nanosystems for Neutron Capture Therapy in Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244029. [PMID: 36552793 PMCID: PMC9776957 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Boron neutron capture therapy is a low-invasive cancer therapy based on the neutron fission process that occurs upon thermal neutron irradiation of 10B-containing compounds; this process causes the release of alpha particles that selectively damage cancer cells. Although several clinical studies involving mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate and the boronophenylalanine-fructose complex are currently ongoing, the success of this promising anticancer therapy is hampered by the lack of appropriate drug delivery systems to selectively carry therapeutic concentrations of boron atoms to cancer tissues, allowing prolonged boron retention therein and avoiding the damage of healthy tissues. To achieve these goals, numerous research groups have explored the possibility to formulate nanoparticulate systems for boron delivery. In this review. we report the newest developments on boron vehiculating drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles, distinguished on the basis of the type of carrier used, with a specific focus on the formulation aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Alice Balboni
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Barbieri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.A.); (T.F.)
| | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
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13
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Craparo EF, Cabibbo M, Emanuele Drago S, Casula L, Lai F, Cavallaro G. Inhalable polymeric microparticles as pharmaceutical porous powder for drug administration. Int J Pharm 2022; 628:122325. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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14
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Cristina Cardia M, Francesca Palmas M, Casula L, Pisanu A, Marceddu S, Valenti D, Sinico C, Pini E, Scerba MT, Tweedie D, Greig NH, Rosa Carta A, Lai F. Nanocrystals as an effective strategy to improve Pomalidomide bioavailability in rodent. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122079. [PMID: 35932932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122079] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Pomalidomide (POM) is an FDA-approved immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiDs) an it is effectively used in the treatment of multiple myeloma. IMiDs are analogs of the drug thalidomide and they have been repurposed for the treatment of several diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and Kaposi Sarcoma. In recent years, IMiDs have been also evaluated as a new treatment for neurological disorders with an inflammatory and neuroinflammatory component. POM draws particular interest for its potent anti-TNF-α activity at significantly lower concentrations than the parent compound thalidomide. However, POM's low water solubility underpins its low gastrointestinal permeability resulting in irregular and poor absorption. The purpose of this work was to prepare a POM nanocrystal-based formulation that could efficiently improve POM's plasma and brain concentration after intraperitoneal injection. POM nanocrystals prepared as a nanosuspension by the media milling method showed a mean diameter of 219 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.21. POM's nanocrystal solubility value (22.97 µg/mL) in phosphate buffer was about 1.58 folds higher than the POM raw powder. Finally, in vivo studies conducted in adult Male Sprague-Dawley rats indicated that POM nanocrystal ensured higher and longer-lasting drug levels in plasma and brain when compared with POM coarse suspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Casula
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Marceddu
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA-CNR), Baldinca (Sassari), Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Michael T Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anna Rosa Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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15
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Navarro Sánchez L, Ocali O, García Pascual C, Mamede Andrade G, Castelló Salom D, Lai F, Gross Dutra C, Rubio C, Simon C, Frantz N, Sakkas D. P-551 High concordance of the embryonic cell-free DNA with the inner cell mass: impact of blastocyst quality, patient age and mode of fertilization. Hum Reprod 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac107.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Does the embryonic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the culture medium represent the chromosomal content of the inner cell mass (ICM)? Which factors impact concordance rates?
Summary answer
There is high ploidy concordance between ICM biopsies and embryonic cfDNA. This value is independent of female age, insemination technique and embryo quality.
What is known already
The existence of embryonic cfDNA in spent blastocyst medium (SBM) has been confirmed in recent studies, opening a new era of possibilities for non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A). High concordance rates of cfDNA with trophectoderm (TE) biopsies and with whole blastocysts have been reported. However, the compartment(s) from where this DNA originates remain unclear. Both TE and ICM are potential sources, but, at the moment, the origin of this cfDNA is unknown as well as the mechanisms underlying its secretion into the medium.
Study design, size, duration
We carried out a prospective study to investigate the concordance of cfDNA with the corresponding TE and ICM biopsies. 141 day-6/7 blastocysts were donated for research after written informed consent signature for the project approved by the Ethics Committee. Embryos underwent TE biopsy and SBM collection in the same PGT-A cycle. ICM biopsy in thawed blastocysts was performed after TE biopsy diagnosis. cfDNA, TE and ICM biopsies were analyzed from January 2019 to November 2021.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
Embryos were cultured in routine conditions up to day 4. They were then washed and transferred to a new 10μl culture medium droplet. On day 6, SBM was collected and frozen at -20 °C; and blastocyst biopsy and vitrification were performed. Subsequently, blastocysts were thawed and ICM biopsy was conducted. All samples were analyzed by NGS (Ion ReproSeq PGS kit, ThermoFisher Scientific) and the results were analyzed with customized algorithms for TE, ICM and cfDNA.
Main results and the role of chance
In combination, the three sample types (cfDNA, ICM and TE) were informative in 81.6% of the blastocysts (115/141).
Considering the ICM as the reference, ploidy concordance (i.e. being both euploid or aneuploid) for cfDNA was 86.1% (99/115) and for TE was 89.6% (103/115), without statistical difference. False positive rates were similar for cfDNA and for TE biopsies (6.1% and 9.6%, respectively), and false negative rates were not significantly different, but higher in cfDNA (7.8%) than in TE (0.9%), due to potential contamination with maternal DNA. Ploidy concordance between embryo cfDNA and TE biopsies was 89.6% (103/115).
When the results were stratified by female age (≤37 or > 37 years), insemination technique (ICSI or IVF), blastocyst expansion degree (expanded, hatching or fully hatched), and ICM/TE quality (A or B), the informativity of the cfDNA was very similar between the different groups and ranged from 83.7% to 100%. Nevertheless, there were subtle differences for ICM-cfDNA ploidy concordance. It was slightly increased for the older female age group (88.3% vs 83.6% female age ≤37) as well as for ICSI (89.7% vs 82.5% in IVF) and for ICM quality B (88.4% vs 80.0% for ICM A). None of those differences reached statistical significance.
Limitations, reasons for caution
When stratifying according to the different criteria, the sample size analyzed was too small to draw strong conclusions. Therefore, more studies, with bigger sample size, are needed to replicate the results.
Wider implications of the findings
The embryonic cfDNA released to the culture medium provides information of the overall blastocyst chromosomal constitution, as suggested by the high ploidy concordance rates reported between ICM and cfDNA. This supports the use of niPGT-A as an alternative to other invasive aneuploidy detection methods that require a biopsy.
Trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov. ID NCT03520933
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Affiliation(s)
| | - O Ocali
- Boston IVF, Laboratory , Boston, U.S.A
| | | | - G Mamede Andrade
- Nilo Frantz Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory , Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - F Lai
- Boston IVF, Laboratory , Boston, U.S.A
| | - C Gross Dutra
- Nilo Frantz Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory , Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - C Rubio
- Igenomix, Embryo Research, Paterna- Valencia , Spain
| | - C Simon
- Igenomix Foundation- INCLIVA, Scientific Board , Valencia, Spain
| | - N Frantz
- Nilo Frantz Reproductive Medicine, Scientific Board , Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - D Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Laboratory , Boston, U.S.A
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16
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An X, Xiao L, Yang X, Tang X, Lai F, Liang XH. Economic burden of public health care and hospitalisation associated with COVID-19 in China. Public Health 2022; 203:65-74. [PMID: 35032917 PMCID: PMC8754688 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the socio-economic burden imposed on the Chinese healthcare system during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was used to investigate how COVID-19 impacted health and medical costs in China. Data were derived from a subdivision of the Centers for Disease control and Prevention of China. METHODS We prospectively collected information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the designated hospitals to determine the cost of public health care and hospitalisation due to COVID-19. We estimated the resource use and direct medical costs associated with public health. RESULTS The average costs, per case, for specimen collection and nucleic acid testing (NAT [specifically, polymerase chain reaction {PCR}]) in low-risk populations were $29.49 and $53.44, respectively; however, the average cost of NAT in high-risk populations was $297.94 per capita. The average costs per 1000 population for epidemiological surveys, disinfectant, health education and centralised isolation were $49.54, $247.01, $90.22 and $543.72, respectively. A single hospitalisation for COVID-19 in China cost a median of $2158.06 ($1961.13-$2325.65) in direct medical costs incurred only during hospitalisation, whereas the total costs associated with hospitalisation of patients with COVID-19 were estimated to have reached nearly $373.20 million in China as of 20, May, 2020. The cost of public health care associated with COVID-19 as of 20, May, 2020 ($6.83 billion) was 18.31 times that of hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the magnitude of resources needed to treat patients with COVID-19 and control the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures implemented by the Chinese government have been valuable in reducing the infection rate and may be cost-effective ways to control emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- X An
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - L Xiao
- Disease Control and Prevention Center of Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, China
| | - X Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - X Tang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - F Lai
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Liang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China.
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17
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Palmas MF, Ena A, Burgaletto C, Casu MA, Cantarella G, Carboni E, Etzi M, De Simone A, Fusco G, Cardia MC, Lai F, Picci L, Tweedie D, Scerba MT, Coroneo V, Bernardini R, Greig NH, Pisanu A, Carta AR. Repurposing Pomalidomide as a Neuroprotective Drug: Efficacy in an Alpha-Synuclein-Based Model of Parkinson's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:305-324. [PMID: 35072912 PMCID: PMC9130415 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01182-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Marketed drugs for Parkinson's disease (PD) treat disease motor symptoms but are ineffective in stopping or slowing disease progression. In the quest of novel pharmacological approaches that may target disease progression, drug-repurposing provides a strategy to accelerate the preclinical and clinical testing of drugs already approved for other medical indications. Here, we targeted the inflammatory component of PD pathology, by testing for the first time the disease-modifying properties of the immunomodulatory imide drug (IMiD) pomalidomide in a translational rat model of PD neuropathology based on the intranigral bilateral infusion of toxic preformed oligomers of human α-synuclein (H-αSynOs). The neuroprotective effect of pomalidomide (20 mg/kg; i.p. three times/week 48 h apart) was tested in the first stage of disease progression by means of a chronic two-month administration, starting 1 month after H-αSynOs infusion, when an already ongoing neuroinflammation is observed. The intracerebral infusion of H-αSynOs induced an impairment in motor and coordination performance that was fully rescued by pomalidomide, as assessed via a battery of motor tests three months after infusion. Moreover, H-αSynOs-infused rats displayed a 40-45% cell loss within the bilateral substantia nigra, as measured by stereological counting of TH + and Nissl-stained neurons, that was largely abolished by pomalidomide. The inflammatory response to H-αSynOs infusion and the pomalidomide treatment was evaluated both in CNS affected areas and peripherally in the serum. A reactive microgliosis, measured as the volume occupied by the microglial marker Iba-1, was present in the substantia nigra three months after H-αSynOs infusion as well as after H-αSynOs plus pomalidomide treatment. However, microglia differed for their phenotype among experimental groups. After H-αSynOs infusion, microglia displayed a proinflammatory profile, producing a large amount of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. In contrast, pomalidomide inhibited the TNF-α overproduction and elevated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, the H-αSynOs infusion induced a systemic inflammation with overproduction of serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, that was largely mitigated by pomalidomide. Results provide evidence of the disease modifying potential of pomalidomide in a neuropathological rodent model of PD and support the repurposing of this drug for clinical testing in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Burgaletto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Cantarella
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Etzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Picci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Scerba
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Valentina Coroneo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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18
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Schlich M, Musazzi UM, Campani V, Biondi M, Franzé S, Lai F, De Rosa G, Sinico C, Cilurzo F. Design and development of topical liposomal formulations in a regulatory perspective. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 12:1811-1828. [PMID: 34755281 PMCID: PMC8577404 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-01089-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The skin is the absorption site for drug substances intended to treat loco-regional diseases, although its barrier properties limit the permeation of drug molecules. The growing knowledge of the skin structure and its physiology have supported the design of innovative nanosystems (e.g. liposomal systems) to improve the absorption of poorly skin-permeable drugs. However, despite the dozens of clinical trials started, few topically applied liposomal systems have been authorized both in the EU and the USA. Indeed, the intrinsic complexity of the topically applied liposomal systems, the higher production costs, the lack of standardized methods and the more stringent guidelines for assessing their benefit/risk balance can be seen as causes of such inefficient translation. The present work aimed to provide an overview of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization methods that can be applied to topical liposomal systems intended to be marketed as medicinal products, and the current regulatory provisions. The discussion highlights how such methodologies can be relevant for defining the critical quality attributes of the final product, and they can be usefully applied based on the phase of the life cycle of a liposomal product: to guide the formulation studies in the early stages of development, to rationally design preclinical and clinical trials, to support the pharmaceutical quality control system and to sustain post-marketing variations. The provided information can help define harmonized quality standards able to overcome the case-by-case approach currently applied by regulatory agencies in assessing the benefit/risk of the topically applied liposomal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Schlich
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Vita E Dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università Di Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.,Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Umberto M Musazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Campani
- Dipartimento Di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Biondi
- Dipartimento Di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Franzé
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Vita E Dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università Di Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Dipartimento Di Farmacia, Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Della Vita E Dell'Ambiente, Sezione Scienze del Farmaco, Università Di Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Cilurzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Casula L, Lai F, Pini E, Valenti D, Sinico C, Cardia MC, Marceddu S, Ailuno G, Fadda AM. Pulmonary Delivery of Curcumin and Beclomethasone Dipropionate in a Multicomponent Nanosuspension for the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13081300. [PMID: 34452261 PMCID: PMC8401312 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin has shown a potential extraordinary activity as an add-on ingredient in asthma treatment, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. However, its low water solubility and bioavailability lead to a poor therapeutic effect, which can be overcome by its formulation as nanocrystals. The aim of this study was to prepare a multicomponent formulation for the delivery of curcumin (CUR) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) into the lungs as water-based nanosuspensions (NS). Single component formulations (CUR-NS, BDP-NS) and a multicomponent formulation (CUR+BDP-NS) were prepared through a wet ball media milling technique, using P188 as a non-toxic stabilizer. Characterization was carried out in terms of size, size distribution, zeta potential, nanocrystals morphology, and solid-state properties. Moreover, the inhalation delivery efficiency was studied with Next Generation Impactor (NGI, Apparatus E Ph. Eu). CUR-NS was optimized and showed a long-term stability and improved nanocrystals apparent solubility. The three formulations exhibited a nanocrystal mean diameter in the range of 200-240 nm and a homogenous particle size distribution. Aggregation or sedimentation phenomena were not observed in the multicomponent formulation on 90 days storage at room temperature. Finally, the nebulization tests of the three samples showed optimal aerodynamic parameters and MMAD < 5 µm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Casula
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Elena Pini
- DISFARM, Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica “A. Marchesini”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Venezian 21, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Salvatore Marceddu
- Istituto di Scienze delle Produzioni Alimentari (ISPA)-CNR, Sez. di Sassari, 07040 Baldinca, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.L.); (D.V.); (C.S.); (M.C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-675-8565
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20
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Esiso F, Lai F, Cunningham D, Garcia D, Barrett B, Sakkas D. P–225 The effect of rapid and delayed insemination on reproductive outcome in conventional insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection invitro-fertilization cycles. Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
Does rapid or delayed insemination after egg retrieval affect fertilization, blastocyst development and live birth rates in CI and ICSI cycles?
Summary answer
When performing CI or ICSI <1.5h and >6.5h after retrieval, detrimental effects are moderate on fertilization but do not impact blastocyst usage and birth rates.
What is known already
Several studies have shown that CIor ICSI performed between 3 to 5 h after oocyte retrieval has improved laboratory outcomes. However, some studies indicate that insemination of oocytes, by either CI or ICSI, within 2 hours or more than 8 hours after oocyte retrieval has a detrimental effect on the reproductive outcome. With some ART centres experiencing an increase in workload, respecting these exact time intervals is frequently challenging.
Study design, size, duration
A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 6559 patients (9575 retrievals and insemination cycles) between January 1st2017 to July 31st2019. The main outcome measures were live-birth rates. Secondary outcomes included analysis of fertilization per all oocytes retrieved, blastocyst utilization, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. All analyses used time of insemination categorized in both CI and ICSI cycles. Fertilization rates across categories was analyzed by ANOVA and pregnancy outcomes compared using Chi-square tests.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
As part of laboratory protocol, oocyte retrieval was performed 36 h post-trigger. Cycles involving injection with testicular/epidydimal sperm, donor or frozen oocytes were excluded. The time interval between oocyte retrieval and insemination was analyzed in eight categories: 0 (0- <0.5h), 1 (0.5-<1.5h), 2 (1.5-<2.5h), 3 (2.5-<3.5h), 4 (3.5-<4.5), 5 (4.5-<5.5), 6 (5.5-<6.5) and 7 (6.5-<8h). The number of retrievals in each group (0–7) was 586, 1594, 1644, 1796, 1836, 1351, 641 and 127 respectively.
Main results and the role of chance
This study had a mean patient age of 36.0 years and mean of 12.2 oocytes per retrieval in each category. There were 4,955 CI and 4,620 ICSI retrievals. The smallest groups were time category 7 and 0 for CI and ICSI respectively. The results showed that the mean fertilization rate per egg retrieved for CI ranged from 54.1 to 64.9% with a significant difference between time category 0 and 5 (p < 0.001) and category 1 and 5 (p < 0.0.001). Mean fertilization rate for ICSI per egg retrieved ranged from 52.8 to 67.3% with no significant difference between time categories compared to category 5. Blastocyst utilization rate for CI and ICSI were not significantly different for all time categories. In the CI and ICSI groups there were 6,540 and 6,178 total fresh and frozen transfers. The miscarriage and clinical pregnancy rate in CI and ICSI were not significantly different across time categories. The overall mean live birth rate for CI was 32.4% (range: 23.1 to 35.5%). Live-birth rates differed significantly (p = 0.04) in CI with time categories 0 and 7 the lowest. In the ICSI group, the overall mean live birth rate was 30.8% (range: 29.1 to 35.7%),with no significant differences between time categories.
Limitations, reasons for caution
As this is a retrospective study, the influence of uncontrolled variables cannot be excluded. The group spread was uneven with the early and late time categories having the lowest number of representative retrievals and this could have affected the results obtained.
Wider implications of the findings: Our results indicate that both CI and ICSI are optimal when performed between 1.5–6.5 hours after oocyte retrieval. Further prospective studies on reproductive outcomes related to time of insemination are warranted. This data indicates a minimal detrimental effect when it is untenable to follow strict insemination time intervals.
Trial registration number
2015P000122
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Affiliation(s)
- F Esiso
- BSM-University Pompeo Fabrau, Masters in Human Assisted Reproduction Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - F Lai
- Boston IVF, Embryology, Waltham, USA
| | | | - D Garcia
- Clínica Eugin, Department of Research and Development, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Barrett
- Boston IVF, Embryology, Waltham, USA
| | - D Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Embryology, Waltham, USA
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21
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Corrias F, Melis A, Atzei A, Marceddu S, Dedola F, Sirigu A, Pireddu R, Lai F, Angioni A. Zoxamide accumulation and retention evaluation after nanosuspension technology application in tomato plant. Pest Manag Sci 2021; 77:3508-3518. [PMID: 33837628 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low water solubility of pesticide requires formulations with high levels of stabilizers and organic solvents. Moreover, only 0.1% of the applied pesticides formulation reaches the target, while 99.9% spreads in the surrounding environment. Therefore, there is the need for more efficient and environmentally sustainable alternatives. RESULTS Zoxamide (ZO) nanosuspension was prepared through a media milling technique by using the stabilizer polysorbate 80. The thin and acicular crystals obtained, showed particle size of 227 nm, polydispersion index of 0.247 and zeta potential of -28 mV. Dimensional data and morphology of ZO nanocrystals alone, on tomato leaves and berries, were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The reduction in size for ZO crystals obtained after the milling process increased pesticide water solubility till 39.6 mg L-1 , about 1.6 the solubility obtained with a conventional commercial formulation. Field and dip contamination trials performed on tomato plants showed the nanosuspension's ability to increase ZO deposition and accumulation versus a coarse ZO suspension and commercial formulation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The nanoformulation proposed, resulted in low cost and was easy to make. Moreover, the organic solvent-free composition together with a low surfactant addition assured a minor environmental impact. Finally, the increased retention and deposition of the fungicide can reduce the amounts of ZO formulation applied to tomatoes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Corrias
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Melis
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Atzei
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Marceddu
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA-CNR), Baldinca (Sassari), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dedola
- Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia (AGRIS), Service of Environmental Studies, Crop Protection and Production Quality, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Sirigu
- Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia (AGRIS), Service of Environmental Studies, Crop Protection and Production Quality, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Angioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, Food Toxicology Unit, University of Cagliari, University Campus of Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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22
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Ailuno G, Zuccari G, Baldassari S, Lai F, Caviglioli G. Anti-Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Nanosystems: A Promising Strategy Against Inflammatory Based Diseases. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2793-2807. [PMID: 33653444 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation underlays the onset and supports the development of several worldwide diffused pathologies, therefore in the last decades inflammatory markers have attracted a great deal of interest as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Adhesion molecules are membrane proteins expressed by endotheliocytes and leukocytes, acting as mediators in the process of tethering, rolling, firm adhesion and diapedesis that leads the immune cells to reach an inflamed tissue. Among them, the adhesion molecule VCAM-1 has been investigated as a potential target because of its low constitutive expression and easy accessibility on the endothelium. Moreover, VCAM-1 is involved in the early stages of development of several pathologies like, among others, atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, so a diagnostic or therapeutic tool directed to this protein would allow specific detection and efficacious intervention. The availability of monoclonal antibodies against VCAM-1 has recently fostered the development of various targeting technologies potentially suitable for imaging and drug delivery in VCAM-1 overexpressing pathologies. In this review we initially focus on the structure and functions of VCAM-1, giving also a brief overview of antibodies origin, structure and function; then, we summarize some of the VCAM-1 targeting nanosystems based on antibodies, gathered according to the carrier used, for diagnosis or therapeutic treatment of different inflammatory based pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Ailuno
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Sara Baldassari
- Department of Pharmacy, Università di Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (DiSVA), Università di Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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23
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Sinico C, Maria Fadda A, Valenti D, Pireddu R, Corrias F, Schlich M, Pitzanti G, Lai F. Nanoliposomes@Transcutol for In Vitro Skin Delivery of 8-Methoxypsoralen. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2901-2906. [PMID: 33653456 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
8-methoxypsoralen is the most common drug in psoralen plus ultraviolet light irradiation therapy for the treatment of severe psoriasis. Despite of the efficacy, its classic oral administration leads to several serious adverse effects. However, the topical psoralen application produces a drug skin accumulation lower than that obtained by oral administration, due to the drug low skin permeability. In this paper, 8-methoxypsoralen loaded Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles were prepared using soy phosphatidylcholine and the penetration enhancer Transcutol® (5% or 10%) and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency. No statistically significant differences in both size (~135 nm) and encapsulation efficiency (~65%) were found for different Transcutol® concentration. Transdermal delivery study assessed by Franz diffusion cells, showed that the 8-methoxypsoralen mainly accumulated into the stratum corneum. Moreover, after Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles application, the drug recovered in this layer is almost double of that delivered by conventional liposomes, while no significant difference was found from the different Transcutol® concentrations. Finally, biocompatibility checked by an MTT assay, demonstrated that the incubation of human keratinocytes for 24 h with 8-methoxypsoralen loaded Penetration Enhancer-containing Vesicles did not significantly reduce cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Corrias
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Giulia Pitzanti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
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Ennas G, Scano A, Sinico C, Lai F. A Special Section on Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2703-2704. [PMID: 33653439 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Ennas
- Chemical and Geological Science Department National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) Unit University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Chemical and Geological Science Department National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) Unit University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio per Sestu Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Life and Environment Science Department University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Life and Environment Science Department University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72 Cagliari, Italy
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Schlich M, Lai F, Maria Fadda A, Sinico C, Pini E. Drug-Excipients Compatibility Studies in Proniosomal Formulation: A Case Study with Resveratrol. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2917-2921. [PMID: 33653458 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Proniosomal drug delivery system is one of the advancements in nanotechnology. Similarly to traditional dosage forms, chemical and physical compatibility of proniosomes components with the active ingredient(s) is a key step in the preformulation process of such systems. In this work, the compatibility of resveratrol with selected excipients in the development of proniosomal formulation was investigated by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. To evaluate the drug-excipient compatibility, different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetric study, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study and powder X-ray diffraction were adopted. The results showed that the excipients used in the formulation were compatible with resveratrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Schlich
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
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26
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Pireddu R, Sinico C, Ennas G, Valenti D, Marongiu F, Maria Fadda A, Schlich M, Lai F. Nanocrystals as Tool to Enhance Stigmasterol Oral Bioavailability. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2946-2948. [PMID: 33653464 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phytosterols are sterols naturally occurring in plant cells and well known for their cholesterollowering activity, as witnessed by the large number of food supplements based on these functional ingredients available on the market. However, the marked hydrophobic character of phytosterols makes their solubility in biological fluids extremely low, with disadvantageous consequences on the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In this work, we explore the effect of particle size reduction on the water solubility of stigmasterol, one of the most abundant phytosterols, through the formulation of nanocystals. A robust, top-down production process was employed to prepare stigmasterol nanocrystals, subsequently characterized by thermal and spectroscopic techniques. When formulated as nanocrystals, the solubility of stigmasterol in water and in simulated gastro-intestinal fluids was boosted compared to the raw material. The increased solubility of stigmasterol nanocrystals makes such formulation a promising candidate for the development of medicinal/nutraceutical products with enhanced bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pireddu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Guido Ennas
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Cagliari, s.s. 554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Francesca Marongiu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
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27
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Scano A, Lai F, Marongiu F, Ennas G. Effect of Manual Grinding on Diclofenac Acid Nanocrystals: A Chemico-Physical Investigation. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2808-2815. [PMID: 33653445 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
X-ray Powder Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimeter were used to study the effect of the manual grinding in an agate mortar of the diclofenac acid polymorphs HD1 and HD2. In particular, we have tried to highlight how the HD2 form is more sensitive than the HD1 to the grinding process to achieve a nanometric crystal size. HD1 shows no change, while in the case of the HD2, changes in the molecular conformation and the formation of a new metastable form of the polymorph are observed after grinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Scano
- Chemical and Geological Science Department, National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) Unit, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Life and Environment Science Department, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Marongiu
- Life and Environment Science Department, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Guido Ennas
- Chemical and Geological Science Department, National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM) Unit, University of Cagliari, SS 554 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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28
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Shaghayegh Alavi S, Hadi Razavi S, Khodaiyan F, Cristina Cardia M, Lai F, Valenti D, Pini E, Rosa A, Nieddu M, Fadda AM. Proniosomal Formulation Encapsulating Pomegranate Peel Extract for Nutraceutical Applications. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2021; 21:2907-2916. [PMID: 33653457 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, pomegranate peel as a traditional natural remedy was extracted and encapsulated in proniosomal systems in order to improve its stability against harsh environmental conditions. Pomegranate peel was extracted by using sonication as a green extraction technology and the antioxidant activity of the obtained extract was evaluated to be 85.37% by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Proniosomal powder was prepared based on the slurry method with a mixture of non-ionic surfactants namely span 60 and tween 20 in combination with cholesterol as a bilayer stabilizer. Proniosome-derived niosomes were achieved by hydration of the powder with water. The obtained vesicles were evaluated for their particle size, morphological observations, entrapment efficiency, cytotoxicity assay, DPPH antioxidant activity and, physical stability at 4 °C for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the proniosome-derived niosomes were of small size (198.16 nm for unloaded and 411.3 for extract loaded), quite homogeneous (PDI = 0.188 for unloaded and 0.216 for loaded) with highly negative charged spherical vesicles and showed appropriate physical stability during the time of storage. The encapsulation efficiency was 68.43±0.24% and the cytotoxicity assay proved that the formulations were not toxic against 3T3 fibroblast cells in the applied concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Shaghayegh Alavi
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Seyed Hadi Razavi
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Faramarz Khodaiyan
- Department of Food Science, Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj 3158777871, Iran
| | - Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science-Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini," Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Mariella Nieddu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
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Casula L, Sinico C, Valenti D, Pini E, Pireddu R, Schlich M, Lai F, Maria Fadda A. Delivery of beclomethasone dipropionate nanosuspensions with an electronic cigarette. Int J Pharm 2021; 596:120293. [PMID: 33497704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120293] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to ascertain the ability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) to deliver drug nanocrystals through the produced aerosol. A nanocrystal nanosuspension of beclomethasone dipropionate, a synthetic chlorinated corticosteroid diester commonly used by inhalation in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was prepared with a wet media milling technique using Poloxamer 188 as stabilizer. The obtained nanosuspension was thoroughly characterized by different techniques: transmission electron microscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanosuspension was then loaded in the cartomizer of the electronic cigarette and the produced aerosol was collected and analysed, confirming the presence of drug nanocrystals. The results of this study suggested the possible alternative use of ENDS as medical device for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Casula
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- DISFARM, Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Venezian 21, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy; Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, CNBS, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari 09124, Italy
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Lai F, Caddeo C, Manca ML, Manconi M, Sinico C, Fadda AM. What's new in the field of phospholipid vesicular nanocarriers for skin drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2020; 583:119398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Cardia MC, Carta AR, Caboni P, Maccioni AM, Erbì S, Boi L, Meloni MC, Lai F, Sinico C. Trimethyl Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Progesterone Delivery in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:pharmaceutics11120657. [PMID: 31817711 PMCID: PMC6956284 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11120657] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is a sex hormone which shows neuroprotective effects in different neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the pharmacokinetic limitations associated with the peripheral administration of this molecule highlight the need for more efficient delivery approaches to increase brain progesterone levels. Since the nose-to-brain administration of mucoadhesive hydrogel nanoparticles is a non-invasive and convenient strategy for the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system, in this work, progesterone-loaded hydrogel nanoparticle formulations have been prepared, characterized, and tested in vivo. Nanoparticles, loaded with different progesterone concentrations, have been obtained by polyelectrolyte complex formation between trimethyl chitosan and sodium alginate, followed by ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linking agent. All formulations showed a mean diameter ranging from 200 nm to 236 nm, a polydispersity index smaller than 0.23, and a high progesterone encapsulation efficiency (83–95%). The zeta potential values were all positive and greater than 28 mV, thus ensuring nanoparticles stability against aggregation phenomena as well as interaction with negative sialic residues of the nasal mucosa. Finally, in vivo studies on Sprague–Dawley male rats demonstrated a 5-fold increase in brain progesterone concentrations compared to basal progesterone level after 30 min of hydrogel nanoparticle inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cardia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Rosa Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.R.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Maria Maccioni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Sara Erbì
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Boi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.R.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina Meloni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758514
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Drug Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (M.C.C.); (P.C.); (A.M.M.); (S.E.); (M.C.M.); (C.S.)
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Schlich M, Lai F, Pireddu R, Pini E, Ailuno G, Fadda AM, Valenti D, Sinico C. Resveratrol proniosomes as a convenient nanoingredient for functional food. Food Chem 2019; 310:125950. [PMID: 31830712 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proniosomes are free-flowing powders composed of water-soluble carriers blended with surfactants, which form niosomes upon hydration. In this work, proniosomal formulations containing the natural antioxidant resveratrol (RSV) were prepared and fully characterized. A pre-formulation study on RSV-loaded niosomes was carried out to determine the most promising ratio between the two surfactants, Tween 20 and Span 60, in terms of entrapment efficiency and antioxidant activity. The optimized formulae were subsequently adapted to be prepared as proniosomes by the slurry method, including lactose or maltodextrin as carriers. The impact of surfactants and carriers properties on size, entrapment efficiency and release kinetics of proniosomes were evaluated. In vitro release of RSV in simulated gastric and intestinal media was determined, as well as the vesicular stability. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the formulations was determined on intestinal cells in vitro. Overall, the developed proniosomes provide promising nanoingredient for functional food, improving resveratrol stability and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schlich
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - F Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - R Pireddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - E Pini
- DISMAB-Sezione di Chimica Organica ''A.Marchesini'', Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ailuno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia (DIFAR), University of Genova, Genova 16148, Italy
| | - A M Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - D Valenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Cardia MC, Caddeo C, Lai F, Fadda AM, Sinico C, Luhmer M. 1H NMR study of the interaction of trans-resveratrol with soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17736. [PMID: 31780702 PMCID: PMC6883048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) is a well-known natural derivative with a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities. Despite of these demonstrated properties, it exhibits low both aqueous solubility and chemical stability and therefore low bioavailability. Consequently, the major concern of the technological research is to exploit delivery systems able to overcome bioavailability problems. In the recent past liposomes have been successfully studied for these purposes. In this paper, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY) as well as Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancements (PRE) experiments have been carried out to quantitatively investigate the incorporation of resveratrol, at both the liposome preparation stage and by preformed liposomes, also with the aim to characterize resveratrol- soybean phosphatidylcholine (P90G) lipid bilayer interactions. Overall results of 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis suggest that RSV is located nearby the phosphocholine headgroups and also provide quantitative data on the incorporation of RSV (5% w/w), which corresponds to a 150-fold increase with respect to the solubility of RSV in water. Beside, considering that the same level of RSV incorporation was obtained via spontaneous uptake by preformed P90G liposomes, it can be concluded that RSV easily diffuses through the lipid bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Cardia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Caddeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, CNBS, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Michel Luhmer
- Laboratoire de Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire Haute Résolution, Service de Chimie et PhysicoChimie Organiques, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Avenue F. D. Roosevelt 50, CP160/08, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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Lai F, Schlich M, Pireddu R, Fadda AM, Sinico C. Nanocrystals as Effective Delivery Systems of Poorly Water-soluble Natural Molecules. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4657-4680. [PMID: 30543163 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181213095809] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are an important source of therapeutically effective compounds throughout the world. Since ancient times, a huge amount of both plant extracts and isolated compounds have been largely employed in treatment and prevention of human disorders and, currently, more than 60% of the world's population trusts on plant medicaments as demonstrated by the increasing quantity of herbal therapeutics in the market. Unfortunately, several promising natural molecules for the treatment of the most diverse ailments are characterized by extremely unfavourable features, such as low water solubility and poor/irregular bioavailability, which hinder their clinical use. To overcome these limitations and to make herbal therapy more effective, different formulative approaches have been employed. Among the different strategies for increasing drug solubility, nanocrystals can be considered one of the most interesting and successful approaches. Drug nanocrystals are nanosized drug particles usually formulated as nanosuspensions, namely submicron dispersions in liquid media where surfactants, polymers, or a mixture of both act as stabilisers. In this review, we described the most significant results and progresses concerning drug nanocrystal formulations for the delivery of natural compounds with a significant pharmacological activity. The text is organized in nine sections, each focusing on a specific poorly water- soluble natural compound (apigenin, quercetin, rutin, curcumin, baicalin and baicalein, hesperetin and hesperidin, resveratrol, lutein, silybin). To foster the clinical translation of these natural nanomedicines, our opinion is that future research should pair the essential pharmacokinetic studies with carefully designed pre-clinical experiments, able to prove the formulation efficacy in relevant animal models in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lai
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Phan M, Krishnan R, El Sayes N, Mathieu J, Selman M, Macklin A, Dornan M, Groom H, Patten D, Davis C, Lai F, Lichty B, Harper M, Arulanandam R, Bell J, Alain T, Josephy D, Smith J, Boddy C, Diallo J. Viral sensitizers potential infection of cancer cells via NF-kappaB. Eur J Cancer 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.01.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ho TW, Wu JM, Yang CY, Tien YW, Lai F. Mortality, malignancy, and comorbidities associated with chronic pancreatitis: a Nationwide Database study in Taiwan. Int J Infect Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Roman M, Monaghan A, Serraino GF, Miller D, Pathak S, Lai F, Zaccardi F, Ghanchi A, Khunti K, Davies MJ, Murphy GJ. Meta-analysis of the influence of lifestyle changes for preoperative weight loss on surgical outcomes. Br J Surg 2018; 106:181-189. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The aim was to investigate whether preoperative weight loss results in improved clinical outcomes in surgical patients with clinically significant obesity.
Methods
This was a systematic review and aggregate data meta-analysis of RCTs and cohort studies. PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL Plus databases were searched from inception to February 2018. Eligibility criteria were: studies assessing the effect of weight loss interventions (low-energy diets with or without an exercise component) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing any surgical procedure. Data on 30-day or all-cause in-hospital mortality were extracted and synthesized in meta-analyses. Postoperative thromboembolic complications, duration of surgery, infection and duration of hospital stay were also assessed.
Results
A total of 6060 patients in four RCTs and 12 cohort studies, all from European and North American centres, were identified. Most were in the field of bariatric surgery and all had some methodological limitations. The pooled effect estimate suggested that preoperative weight loss programmes were effective, leading to significant weight reduction compared with controls: mean difference –7·42 (95 per cent c.i. –10·09 to –4·74) kg (P < 0·001). Preoperative weight loss interventions were not associated with a reduction in perioperative mortality (odds ratio 1·41, 95 per cent c.i. 0·24 to 8·40; I2 = 0 per cent, P = 0·66) but the event rate was low. The weight loss groups had shorter hospital stay (by 27 per cent). No differences were found for morbidity.
Conclusion
This limited preoperative weight loss has advantages but may not alter the postoperative morbidity or mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Roman
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - A Monaghan
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - G F Serraino
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - D Miller
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - S Pathak
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - F Lai
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - F Zaccardi
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - A Ghanchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - K Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - M J Davies
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - G J Murphy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Unit in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
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Fu J, Lai F, Chen Y, Wan X, Wei G, Li Y, Xiao H, Cao X. A novel splice site mutation of the PRKAR1A gene, C.440+5 G>C, in a Chinese family with Carney complex. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:909-917. [PMID: 29318463 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carney complex (CNC) is an extremely rare, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome that occurs in an autosomal dominant manner. Mutations in PRKAR1A have been reported to be a common genetic cause of CNC. METHODS In this study, we reported a Chinese pedigree of CNC that manifests mainly as spotty skin pigmentation and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Whole blood samples of this pedigree were collected for DNA/RNA analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed to amplify the 11 exons and adjacent introns of PRKAR1A. Direct sequencing was used to detect the mutation, and DNA from 70 Han Chinese people was extracted and sequenced as a control to estimate the frequency of the identified mutation. RESULTS Within the pedigree, ten patients with CNC were identified, and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.440+5 G>C in intron 4a) was identified in the PRKAR1A gene. PCR amplification of cDNA from the control subjects and patients was performed. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed only one wild-type band in the cDNA corresponding to the former group, whereas an extra band was present in samples from the latter group corresponding to the skipping of exon 4a; this confirms that the variant affects PRKAR1A splicing. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the c.440+5 G>C mutation is a new splice site mutation that has not been reported and has the potential to broaden the mutational spectrum of PRKAR1A that is associated with CNC, which would facilitate genetic diagnosis and counseling for CNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - F Lai
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - X Wan
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - G Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Y Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - H Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - X Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Rd., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Huang
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TAIWAN
| | - P Lee
- Center of Sleep Disorder, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, TAIWAN
| | - Y Liu
- MediaTek Inc., Hsinchu, TAIWAN
| | - F Lai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TAIWAN
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Pireddu R, Pibiri M, Valenti D, Sinico C, Fadda AM, Simbula G, Lai F. A novel lactoferrin-modified stealth liposome for hepatoma-delivery of triiodothyronine. Int J Pharm 2018; 537:257-267. [PMID: 29294323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Triiodothyronine (T3), a thyroid hormone synthesized and secreted by the thyroid gland, plays an essential role in morphogenesis and differentiation through interaction with its nuclear receptors (TRs). However, there are increasing evidences for its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) suppression. The aim of this work was to develop an effective hepatocellular carcinoma targeting drug delivery system to improve T3 delivery to hepatic cancer cells as well as to reduce toxic side effects. Three different liposomal systems, such as unmodified, Stealth (PEGylated) and Lactoferrin (Lf)-modified-Stealth liposomes were successfully prepared by the film hydration method, and fully characterized. Liposome cell interactions and cellular uptake were evaluated in three different HCC target cells (FaO, HepG2 and SKHep) by confocal microscopy. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity studies were carried out by using MTT assay to evaluate toxicity of the liposome delivery system and to test the effect of T3 when incorporated into liposomes. Internalization studies, performed using Lf-modified-liposomes labeled with the lipophilic marker Rho-PE and loaded with the hydrophilic probe CF, clearly demonstrated the effective internalization of both hydrophilic and lipophilic markers. Lf-liposomes might markedly enhance the specific cell binding and cellular uptake in hepatoma cells due to the mediating of Lf that could bind with high affinity to multiple receptors on cell surface, such as ASGP-R. Results obtained from this study highlight that the Lf- modified-liposomal delivery system may ensure a specific and sustained T3 delivery, thus, allowing reduced therapeutic doses and deleterious side effects of T3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pireddu
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Pibiri
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Porcell 4, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Simbula
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Porcell 4, Cagliari, 09124, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
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Pireddu R, Sinico C, Ennas G, Schlich M, Valenti D, Murgia S, Marongiu F, Fadda AM, Lai F. The effect of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether on skin penetration ability of diclofenac acid nanosuspensions. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 162:8-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Lai F, Cucca F, Frau R, Corrias F, Schlich M, Caboni P, Fadda AM, Bassareo V. Systemic Administration of Orexin a Loaded Liposomes Potentiates Nucleus Accumbens Shell Dopamine Release by Sucrose Feeding. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:640. [PMID: 30559683 PMCID: PMC6287025 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexin neurons originate in the lateral and dorsomedial hypothalamus and perifornical area and produce two different neuropeptides: orexin A (OxA) and orexin B (OxB), which activate OxR1 and OxR2 receptors. In the lateral hypothalamus (LH) orexin neurons are involved in behavior motivated by natural rewards such as palatable food (sugar, high-fat food) and it has been demonstrated similarly that the orexin signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is implicated in the intake of high-fat food. The VTA is an important area involved in reward processing. Given the involvement of nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell dopamine (DA) in motivation for food, we intended to investigate the effect of OxA on the basal and feeding-activated DA transmission in the NAc shell. OxA is a large peptide and does not cross the blood-brain barrier and for this reason was loaded on two kinds of liposomes: anti-transferrin-monoclonal antibodies (OX26-mAb) and lactoferrin-modified stealth liposomes. The effect of IV administration of both OxA liposomes on NAc shell DA was studied by microdialysis in freely moving rats. OxA, administered using both kinds of liposomes, produced a delayed and transitory increase in dialysate DA in the NAc shell, strongly and lastingly potentiated the increase in dialysate DA elicited by sucrose pellet consumption and increased the number of eaten pellets. These effects of OxA on DA transmission and feeding were prevented by the OxR1 antagonist SB 334867. Hence, OxA acting on VTA OxR1 can facilitate sucrose-stimulated NAc shell DA transmission directly by increasing the basal activity of VTA DA neurons that send their projections to the NAc shell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNBS, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Flavia Cucca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Francesco Corrias
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Schlich
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNBS, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Cagliari Section, National Institute of Neuroscience, Monserrato, Italy
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Schlich M, Lai F, Murgia S, Valenti D, Fadda AM, Sinico C. Needle-free jet injection of intact phospholipid vesicles across the skin: a feasibility study. Biomed Microdevices 2017; 18:67. [PMID: 27422107 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-016-0098-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Needle-free liquid jet injectors are devices developed for the delivery of pharmaceutical solutions through the skin. In this paper, we investigated for the first time the ability of these devices to deliver intact lipid vesicles. Diclofenac sodium loaded phospholipid vesicles of two types, namely liposomes and transfersomes, were prepared and fully characterized. The lipid vesicles were delivered through a skin specimen using a jet injector and the collected samples were analyzed to assess vesicle structural integrity, drug retention and release kinetics after the injection. In this regard, data concerning size, size distribution, surface charge of vesicles and bilayer integrity and thickness, before and after the injections, were measured by dynamic light scattering experiments, cryo-electron microscopy, and X-ray scattering techniques. Finally, the effect of vesicle fast jet injection through the skin on drug release kinetics was checked by in vitro experiments. The retention of the morphological, physico-chemical, and technological features after injection, proved the integrity of vesicles after skin crossing as a high-speed liquid jet. The delivery of undamaged vesicular carriers beneath the skin is of utmost importance to create a controlled release drug depot in the hypoderm, which may be beneficial for several localized therapies. Overall results reported in this paper may broaden the range of application of liquid jet injectors to lipid vesicle based formulations thus combining beneficial performance of painless devices with those of liposomal drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Schlich
- Department Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Department Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sergio Murgia
- Department Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, University of Cagliari, S.S. 554 Bivio Sestu, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Sinico
- Department Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
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Boggian G, Sacca S, Serafini F, Vandelli R, Parlangeli R, Lai F. P995Short time antibiotic prophylaxis positively affects infection rates after CIED Implantation. Europace 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/eux151.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Fanni D, Angotzi F, Lai F, Gerosa C, Senes G, Fanos V, Faa G. Four stages of hepatic hematopoiesis in human embryos and fetuses. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 31:701-707. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1297400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Fanni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - F. Angotzi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - F. Lai
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C. Gerosa
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G. Senes
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - V. Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Pathology, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G. Faa
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Sinico C, Pireddu R, Pini E, Valenti D, Caddeo C, Fadda AM, Lai F. Enhancing Topical Delivery of Resveratrol through a Nanosizing Approach. Planta Med 2017; 83:476-481. [PMID: 27220078 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-103688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol with strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, recently proposed as a therapeutic agent for skin diseases. In this study, we investigated the possibility of improving the dermal bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble drug resveratrol by nanocrystal technology. To this purpose, nanosuspensions were prepared by the wet media milling technique, using Poloxamer 188 or Tween 80 as stabilizers, and characterized by means of both solid state and morphological and dimensional studies. All analytical data demonstrated that neither a modification of the drug crystalline pattern nor the isomerization of the trans double bond were observed after the wet media milling particle size reduction process, which produced rounded and smooth nanocrystals with a mean diameter ranging between 0.2-0.3 µm. Resveratrol skin delivery from nanosuspension formulations was evaluated by the pig ear skin model via tape stripping. Results of the experiments showed that after application of nanosuspension formulations, higher amounts of resveratrol could penetrate the skin at deeper levels compared to drug coarse suspensions. The antioxidant activity of resveratrol in nanocrystals was assessed by the DPPH assay, which demonstrated that the size reduction process as well as the formulation compositions did not modify the drug antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sinico
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosa Pireddu
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Dept. Scienze Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica Generale e Organica "A. Marchesini", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Caddeo
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Lai
- Dept. Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Meli V, Caltagirone C, Sinico C, Lai F, Falchi AM, Monduzzi M, Obiols-Rabasa M, Picci G, Rosa A, Schmidt J, Talmon Y, Murgia S. Theranostic hexosomes for cancer treatments: an in vitro study. NEW J CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6nj03232j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted liquid crystalline nanoparticles with a reverse hexagonal inner structure as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in oncology.
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Cheng G, Liu F, Asai T, Lai F, Man N, Xu H, Chen S, Greenblatt S, Hamard PJ, Ando K, Chen X, Wang L, Martinez C, Tadi M, Wang L, Xu M, Yang FC, Shiekhattar R, Nimer SD. Loss of p300 accelerates MDS-associated leukemogenesis. Leukemia 2016; 31:1382-1390. [PMID: 27881875 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The role that changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications have in human malignancies is poorly understood. p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP), two distinct but highly homologous lysine acetyltransferases, are mutated in several cancers, suggesting their role as tumor suppressors. In the current study, we found that deletion of p300, but not CBP, markedly accelerated the leukemogenesis ofNup98-HoxD13 (NHD13) transgenic mice, an animal model that phenotypically copies human myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). p300 deletion restored the ability of NHD13 expressing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to self-renew in vitro, and to expand in vivo, with an increase in stem cell symmetric self-renewal divisions and a decrease in apoptosis. Furthermore, loss of p300, but not CBP, promoted cytokine signaling, including enhanced activation of the MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways in the HSPC compartment. Altogether, our data indicate that p300 has a pivotal role in blocking the transformation of MDS to acute myeloid leukemia, a role distinct from that of CBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - F Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - T Asai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - F Lai
- Department of Human Genetics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - N Man
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - H Xu
- Department of Medicine, Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York,NY,USA
| | - S Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - S Greenblatt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - P-J Hamard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - K Ando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - X Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - L Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - C Martinez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - M Tadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - L Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - M Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - F-C Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
| | - R Shiekhattar
- Department of Human Genetics, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - S D Nimer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA.,Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL,USA
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Biagini E, Pazzi C, Olivotto I, Musumeci B, Limongelli G, Boriani G, Pacileo G, Mastromarino V, Bacchi Reggiani ML, Lorenzini M, Lai F, Berardini A, Mingardi F, Rosmini S, Resciniti E, Borghi C, Autore C, Cecchi F, Rapezzi C. Usefulness of Electrocardiographic Patterns at Presentation to Predict Long-term Risk of Cardiac Death in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 2016; 118:432-9. [PMID: 27289293 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns in a large multicenter cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; 1,004 consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a recorded standard ECG (64% men, mean age 50 ± 16 years) were evaluated at 4 Italian centers. The study end points were sudden cardiac death (SCD) or surrogates, including appropriate implanted cardiac defibrillator discharge and resuscitated cardiac arrest and major cardiovascular events (including SCD or surrogates and death due to heart failure, cardioembolic stroke, or heart transplantation). Prevalence of baseline electrocardiographic characteristics was: normal ECG 4%, ST-segment depression 56%, pseudonecrosis waves 33%, "pseudo-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)" pattern 17%, QRS duration ≥120 ms 17%, giant inverted T waves 6%, and low QRS voltages 3%. During a mean follow-up of 7.4 ± 6.8 years, 77 patients experienced SCD or surrogates and 154 patients experienced major cardiovascular events. Independent predictors of SCD or surrogates were unexplained syncope (hazard ratio [HR] 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4 to 4.5, p = 0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 6.7, p = 0.0001), nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6, p = 0.027), pseudo-STEMI pattern (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.8, p = 0.001), QRS duration ≥120 ms (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.0, p = 0.033), and low QRS voltages (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.1, p = 0.048). Independent predictors of major cardiovascular events were age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03, p = 0.0001), LV ejection fraction <50% (HR 3.73, 95% CI 2.39 to 5.83, p = 0.0001), pseudo-STEMI pattern (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.45, p = 0.010), QRS duration ≥120 ms (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47, p = 0.007), and prolonged QTc interval (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.34, p = 0.002). In conclusion, a detailed qualitative and quantitative electrocardiographic analyses provide independent predictors of prognosis that could be integrated with the available score systems to improve the power of the current model.
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Fanni D, Manchia M, Lai F, Gerosa C, Ambu R, Faa G. Immunohistochemical markers of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7: a new tool towards personalized pharmacotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2614. [PMID: 27349315 PMCID: PMC4933826 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major global health problem, since more than 90% of primary liver cancers worldwide are HCC. Most cases of HCC are secondary to viral hepatitis infection (hepatitis B or C), alcoholism and cirrhosis. Sorafenib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that suppresses tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, emerged as the first effective systemic treatment for HCC after 30 years of research, and is currently the standard-of-care for patients with advanced HCC. Sorafenib is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450), particularly from the 3A4 isoform, producing two main metabolites: the N-oxide and the N-hydroxymethyl metabolite. We studied 11 HCC sample showing the presence of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 in most of the samples analysed. Specifically, the immunoreactivity of CYP3A4 was stronger and more widespread than that of CYP3A7. The CYP3A4 immunoreactivity was observed in surrounding hepatocytes in 8 out of 11 cases; while the CYP3A7 immunostaining was found in normal liver cells, in 7 out of 11 cases. These results suggest the existence of a marked inter-individual variability regarding the presence of the isoforms of CYP3A. In addition, since sorafenib is metabolized by CYP3A4, but not by CYP3A7, an overexpression of CYP3A4 may lead to an increase in the degradation of the drug and then to clinical ineffectiveness. These results might implicate the necessity of an individualized approach in the treatment of HCC as positivity to CYP3A4 in HCC liver samples might predict a scarce response to sorafenib.
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