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Tatullo M, Nor J, Orrù G, Piattelli A, Cascardi E, Spagnuolo G. Oral-Gut-Estrobolome Axis May Exert a Selective Impact on Oral Cancer. J Dent Res 2024:220345241236125. [PMID: 38584298 DOI: 10.1177/00220345241236125] [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] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A subset of bacterial species that holds genes encoding for β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase, enzymes involved in the metabolism of conjugated estrogens, is called the "estrobolome." There is an emerging interest embracing this concept, as it may exert a selective impact on a number of pathologies, including oral cancer. Although the estrobolome bacteria are typically part of the gut microbiota, recent experimental pieces of evidence have suggested a crosstalk among oral and gut microbiota. In fact, several oral bacterial species are well represented also in the gut microbiota, and these microbes can effectively induce the estrobolome activation. The main pathways used for activating the estrobolome are based on the induction of the expression patterns for 2 bacterial enzymes: β-glucuronidase and aromatase, both involved in the increase of estrogen released in the bloodstream and consequently in the salivary compartment. Mechanistically, high estrogen availability in saliva is responsible for an increase in oral cancer risk for different reasons: briefly, 1) estrogens directly exert biological and metabolic effects on oral mucosa cells; 2) they can modulate the pathological profile of some bacteria, somewhere associated with neoplastic processes (i.e., Fusobacterium spp., Parvimonas ssp.); and 3) some oral bacteria are able to convert estrogens into carcinogenic metabolites, such as 4-hydroxyestrone and 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE), and can also promote local and systemic inflammation. Nowadays, only a small number of scientific studies have taken into consideration the potential correlations among oral dysbiosis, alterations of the gut estrobolome, and some hormone-dependent cancers: this lack of attention on such a promising topic could be a bias affecting the full understanding of the pathogenesis of several estrogen-related oral pathologies. In our article, we have speculated on the activity of an oral-gut-estrobolome axis, capable of synergizing these 2 important microbiotas, shedding light on a pilot hypothesis requiring further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tatullo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
- School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - J Nor
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - G Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Piattelli
- School of Dentistry, Saint Camillus International University for Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - E Cascardi
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - G Spagnuolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II" Naples, Italy
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Piras M, Coni P, Piludu M, Coni S, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Cau F, Scano A, Orrù G, Murru R, Pichiri G. Human breast milk cells are positive for the pioneer transcription factor ISL1. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:8842-8849. [PMID: 37782193 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ISL1 is a pioneer transcription factor that plays important roles in cell lineage specification and differentiation, by programming the epigenome and recruiting additional regulatory factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether the human breastmilk contains ISL1-positive stem cells, and, if so, to describe the subcellular localization of ISL1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast milk was obtained from fourteen healthy females during the first 2-6 months of lactation. Cell morphology was examined in the breast milk with the automatic ThinPrep® processor (Hologic® Inc.) in commercial Cytological ThinPrep® solution (Hologic® Inc.), followed by standard immunohistochemical staining of ISL1. RESULTS ISL1 had a granular diffuse cytoplasmic localization, with varying intensity of staining in both single and grouped cells. Nuclear staining was also present, as was staining of intracellular and extracellular vesicles with ISL1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that ISL1 could distinguish a readily available source of putative stem cells in human breast milk. These stem cells may complete the network created between the mother and the newborn during gestation, thereby improving the efficiency of programming and reprogramming postnatal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Carta MG, Orrù G, Littera R, Firinu D, Chessa L, Cossu G, Primavera D, Del Giacco S, Tramontano E, Manocchio N, Buonomo C, Scano A. Comparing the responses of countries and National Health Systems to the COVID-19 pandemic: a critical analysis with a case-report series. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:7868-7880. [PMID: 37667964 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202308_33442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
This review aimed to compare the different responses of countries to the pandemic, their National Health Systems, and their impact on citizens' health. This work aimed to create a narrative plot that connects different discussion points and suggests organizational solutions and strategic choices in the face of the pandemic. In particular, this work focused on public health organizations, specifically the European Union and vaccination politics. It is also based on a case report series (about the United States, Germany, Vietnam, New Zealand, Cuba, and Italy), where each country has responded differently to the pandemic in terms of political decisions such as vaccination type, information to citizens, dealings with independent experts, and other specific country factors. In comparing the various models of care systems response to the pandemic, it emerges that: we have found some (few) good practices, but without global coordination, and this is obviously not enough. It is now quite clear that there cannot be a "good answer" in a single nation. Uncoordinated local responses cannot counter a global phenomenon. The second point is that the general context must be considered from a strategic point of view. With the threat of new pandemics (but also of health disasters linked to climate change, pollution, and wars), humanity finds itself at the crossroads between investing in a "democratic" management of international bodies but without power (and at the mercy of the need for funds with consequent conflicts) or in some new leadership proposals that advocate efficiency and problem-solving (and that would probably be able to implement it) but that would place processes totally outside of the public's control.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Gerosa C, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Aimola V, Cau F, Coni P, Piras M, Cau R, Balestrieri A, Scano A, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Fanni D, Saba L. The human carotid atherosclerotic plaque: an observational review of histological scoring systems. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:3784-3792. [PMID: 37140327 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202304_32179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The atherosclerotic plaque is a complex dynamic pathological lesion of the arterial wall, characterized by multiple elementary lesions of different diagnostic and prognostic significance. Fibrous cap thickness, lipid necrotic core dimension, inflammation, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque neovascularization and endothelial dysfunction (erosions) are generally considered the most relevant morphological details of plaque morphology. In this review, the most relevant features able to discriminate between stable and vulnerable plaques at histological level are discussed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Retrospectively, we have evaluated the laboratory results from one hundred old histological samples from patients treated with carotid endarterectomy. These results were analyzed to assess elementary lesions that characterize stable and unstable plaques. RESULTS A thin fibrous cap (<65 micron), loss of smooth muscle cells, collagen depletion, a large lipid-rich necrotic core, infiltrating macrophages, IPH and intra-plaque vascularization are identified as the most important risk factors associated with plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin (smooth muscle cell marker) and for CD68 (marker of monocytes/macrophages) and glycophorin (marker of red blood cells) are suggested as useful tools for an in deep characterization of any carotid plaque and for distinguishing plaque phenotypes at histology. Since patients with a carotid vulnerable plaque are at higher risk of developing vulnerable plaques in other arteries as well, the definition of the vulnerability index is underlined, in order to stratify patients at higher risk for undergoing cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Casu C, Orrù G, Scano A. Curcumin/H2O2 photodynamically activated: an antimicrobial time-response assessment against an MDR strain of Candida albicans. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8841-8851. [PMID: 36524503 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202212_30556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Human candidiasis is typically treated with antifungal drugs, but the rise of drug-resistant strains of Candida spp. poses a serious problem, making treatment difficult. At the same time, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn increasing attention from researchers for its potential to effectively inhibit multidrug-resistant pathogenic fungi and for its low tendency to induce drug resistance. This study's goal was to examine how a multidrug-resistant oral isolate of Candida albicans responded to a PDT that used a curcumin/H202 formulation as a photosensitizer and was exposed to various light sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS A commercial product containing curcumin/H2O2 3% was used as a photosensitizer and evaluated in a PDT treatment that can use two different light sources: traditional irradiation with 7 W light at λ = 460 nm or a new, never evaluated, polarized light source of 25 W with a wavelength range of λ = 380-3,400 nm. The antimicrobial activity of these procedures was assessed on a clinical oral isolate of Candida albicans, in terms of agar susceptibility test, growth curve behavior, and biofilm inhibition. RESULTS Both light sources were able to activate the photosensitizer formulation, suggesting a fungistatic activity vs. this C. albicans MDR strain. An interesting difference was observed in the cell-generation-time (CGTOD) after PDT treatment, where the polarized light was more active compared to the source of 460 nm. In fact, CGTOD was 16 and 8 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The PDT evaluated here presented an inhibition window time, a crucial point for clinicians, who could activate an additional prophylactic treatment to resolve the clinical management of Candida infections in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Casu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Fanni D, Congiu T, Cau F, Piludu M, Coni S, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orgerie J, Scano A, Orrù G, Gerosa C, Faa G. CD44 is highly expressed in stem/progenitor cells originating the intervertebral discs in the human notochord. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8502-8507. [PMID: 36459031 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202211_30385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The notochord acts as a patterning structure, playing a key role in the formation of the vertebral column, both indirectly by inducing sclerotome cell differentiation and directly by forming the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs. The abnormal development of the notochord results in an easy equation with a variety of birth defects. Therefore, we focused our attention on the analysis of the early stages of human notochord development by highlighting the role of progenitor stem cells involved in the origin of intervertebral discs (IVDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight human fetuses, ranging from 8 up to 21 weeks of gestational age, were obtained from spontaneous abortion or voluntary interruption of gestation. Samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed, and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-tick paraffin sections were obtained from each sample. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. Tissue samples were immunostained with a commercial anti-human CD44 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for CD44 was detected in six out of eight notochords examined in this study. Reactivity for CD44 was restricted to progenitor cells giving rise to the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the developing IVDs. Positive cells showed a membranous and/or cytoplasmic immunostaining, no reactivity was observed in the nuclear compartment. CD44 expression was always restricted to IVD precursor cells, whereas cartilage precursors were devoid of labelling. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows, for the first time, that the stem cell marker CD44 selectively marks intervertebral disc progenitor cells, paralleling their differentiation toward a discogenic phenotype. Therefore, our results suggest that CD44 plays a key role in IVD development, allowing its differentiation from surrounding undifferentiated notochordal cells toward a IVD phenotype. Given the role of CD44 in IVD development, we may hypothesize that low CD44 levels might be associated with changes in IVD development and with susceptibility to develop back pain later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Scano A, Casu C, Orrù G, Coni P. Editorial - Epigenetic mechanisms in oral cancer: new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:7318-7320. [PMID: 36314301 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_30000] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Scano
- Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cau F, Fanni D, Manchia M, Gerosa C, Piras M, Murru R, Paribello P, Congiu T, Coni P, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, Orrù G, Scano A, Coghe F, Saba L, Castagnola M, Faa G. Expression of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) in extracellular vesicles in the human spinal cord during development. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6273-6282. [PMID: 36111928 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a glycoprotein characterized by three components: an extracellular region, a transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic tail. L1CAM is expressed in multiple human cells, including neurons. The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 has been implicated in a variety of neurologic processes, including neuritogenesis and cerebellar cell migration. The presence of L1CAM on the surface of nerve cells allows the adhesion of neurons among them. Furthermore, when it is bound to itself or to other proteins, L1-CAM induces signals inside the cell. The aim of this work was to study L1CAM expression in the human spinal cord during development, at different gestational ages, through immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in five human spinal cord samples, including three embryos and two fetuses of different gestational ages, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. RESULTS L1CAM expression was detected in all 5 spinal cords examined in this study. The adhesion molecule was found in the vast majority of cells. The highest levels of immunoreactivity for L1CAM were detected at the periphery of the developing organs, in the spinal cord zones occupied by sensory and motor fibers. In the alar and basal columns, immunoreactivity for L1CAM was characterized by a reticular pattern, being mainly expressed in axons. Strong reactivity of L1CAM was also found in extracellular vesicles. This extracellular localization might indicate the ability of L1CAM to mediate the transduction of extracellular signals that support axon outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS The high reactivity of L1cam in the axons of developing neurons in the fetal spinal cord confirms previous studies on the ability of L1CAM to promote axon sprouting and branching in the developing nervous system. In this work, a new actor is reported to have a role in the complex field of human spinal cord development: L1CAM, whose expression is highly found in the developing neuronal and glial precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cau F, Gerosa C, Murru R, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Fanni D, Faa G. Interindividual variability in L1CAM expression in the human kidney during development: are there implications for fetal programming of kidney diseases presenting in adulthood? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4346-4353. [PMID: 35776035 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. The present study investigated the expression of L1CAM during the development in the fetal human kidney at different gestational ages, to reach a better knowledge on the role of L1CAM in renal morphogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in 24 fetal kidneys of different gestational ages, ranging from 10 to 38 weeks. L1CAM expression was observed in all 24 kidneys examined. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for L1CAM was restricted to the collecting tubules, of the developing fetal kidneys. Moreover, L1CAM was detected in the ureteric bud tips, near the subcapsular metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. L1CAM was also expressed in the collecting tubules undergoing fusion with the distal tubules of the developing nephrons. L1CAM was mainly expressed along the cell membrane. In fetal kidneys in which the renal pelvis was observed, epithelial cells of the renal pelvis showed strong membranous reactivity for L1CAM. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that L1CAM is expressed in all stages of human kidney nephrogenesis, being restricted to the renal structures derived from the ureteric bud. The expression of L1CAM in the cells of the ureteric bud tips suggests a major role for this adhesion molecule in the induction of metanephric mesenchymal cells to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and differentiation into new nephrons. The interindividual variability in L1CAM expression observed in this study might be related to different levels of nephrogenesis, suggesting L1CAM involvement in the fetal programming of adult kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Coghe F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Ravarino A, Mureddu M, Cerrone G, Coni P, Pichiri G, Congiu T, Piras M, Cau F, Aimola V, Balestrieri A, Lai E, Manchia M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Scartozzi M, Castagnola M, Faa G. The role of fetal programming in human carcinogenesis - May the Barker hypothesis explain interindividual variability in susceptibility to cancer insurgence and progression? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3585-3592. [PMID: 35647840 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing incidence of cancers is pushing oncologists to find out new explanations other than the somatic mutation theory, based on the accumulation of DNA mutations. In particular, the embryo-fetal exposure to an increasing number of environmental factors during gestation might represent a trigger able to influence the susceptibility of the newborn to develop cancer later in life. This idea agrees with the fetal programming theory, also known as the Barker hypothesis. Here the role of insulin-like growth factors, thymosin beta-4, and epigenome are discussed as mediators of cancer in prenatal human development. The role of epigenetic factors that during gestation increase the predisposition to develop cancer and the similarities in the gene expression (like MMP9, OPN, TP53 and CDKN2A) between embryonic development and cancer are key factors. Likewise, maternal obesity might be able to re-program embryo-fetal development with long-term changes, including an increased risk to develop neuroblastoma and acute leukemia. Birth weight alone and birth weight corrected for gestational age are proposed as important variables capable of predicting the vulnerability to develop cancers. According to the findings here reported, we hypothesize that cancer prevention should start during gestation by improving the quality of maternal diet. In conclusion, the Barker hypothesis should be applied to cancer as well. Therefore, the identification of the epigenetic factors of cancer appears mandatory, so that the cancer prevention might start in the womb before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Coghe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Coni P, Murru R, Denotti G, Orrù G, Scano A, Ledda F, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Faa G, Castagnola M. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is highly expressed in the developing human kidney. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3301-3309. [PMID: 35587082 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), is a small phylogenetically conserved protein. This ancestral peptide is multifunctional, performing intracellular activities as ACBP protein or extracellular roles as DBI. Several studies showed its endless facets, including a relevant activity as appetite stimulator and as anabolic factor. High levels of ACBP have been described in erythrocytes, liver, kidney, and gut cells. The aim of this study was to analyze, at immunohistochemical level, the expression of ACBP in fetal human tissues during development, focusing on the developing kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for ACBP was performed on 30 human fetal kidneys, from 15 fetuses of gestational age ranging from 13 to 19 weeks. At autopsy, all kidney samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-thick paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. RESULTS ACBP was detected in all 30 kidneys analyzed in this study. No significant changes in ACBP expression were observed at different gestational ages. Immunostaining for ACBP was restricted to the epithelium covering the renal pelvis, the papillae, the collecting tubules, and the proximal and distal tubules. On the other hand, medullary regions and in the metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells did not show any reactivity for ACBP. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, ACBP should be considered as a new player in the complex field of human nephrogenesis, given that it was detected in all fetal kidneys immunostained. Its preferential localization in the renal structures derived from the Wolf duct, such as pelvis epithelium and collecting ducts, suggests a major role for ACBP in the induction of the metanephric mesenchymal cells toward the differentiation into glomerular structures. ACBP expression in proximal and distal tubules, two structures originating from the metanephric mesenchyme, indicates a further role of this protein in nephron development. In conclusion, ACBP should be added to the multiple molecules involved in human nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Cau F, Manchia M, Paribello P, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Pichiri G, Cerrone G, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Fanni D, Gerosa C. Strong ACE-2 expression in the choroidal vessels: do high choroid plexuses serve as a gateway for SARS-CoV-2 infection on the human brain? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3025-3029. [PMID: 35503602 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202204_28633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have confirmed the key mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. It is well established that ACE2 is the receptor that can mark the beginning of the infection. In light of this, the organs that express higher levels of ACE2 are generally considered at higher risk, while those with lower levels should be somehow more protected. This - if related to the scarcity of ace2-expressing cells in the brain - seems to contrast with the presence of a variety of neurological symptoms that follow infection with ace2. The aim of this work was to analyze ACE2 expression in the human brain, focusing on the choroid plexuses. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty brain samples were obtained at autopsy from ten human fetuses and from ten adult subjects. All samples were selected to contain the choroid plexus. Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin, routinely processed and paraffin embedded. 5-micron sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunostained with a commercial anti-human ACE2 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS We analyzed 20 samples by immunohistochemistry, and we noted that, as far as fetal samples are concerned, a strong reactivity for ACE2 was detected in the myxoid stroma of the choroid plexuses and in the endothelial cells in fetuses. The complete absence of the ACE2 marker was detected in epithelial cells, neurons and glial cells of the cerebral cortex, both in fetuses and in adults. Whereas a strong but selective reactivity for ACE2 was also detected in adult choroid plexuses, mainly localized in the endothelial cells of the choroid capillaries. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows a strong expression of ACE in the fetal and adult brain choroid plexuses. This new histopathological finding may clarify the susceptibility of the human brain to SARS-COV-2 infection. Our data indicate the choroid plexus as the entry gate of virus for in the human brain; therefore, the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into the cerebrospinal fluid through the choroid plexuses might represent the mechanism utilized by this coronavirus to cause direct injury to brain cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Congiu T, Demontis R, Cau F, Piras M, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Botta C, Scano A, Chighine A, Faedda E, Cau R, Van Eyken P, Marongiu F, Barcellona D, Saba L, Orrù G, Coghe F, Suri JS, Faa G, d'Aloja E. Scanning electron microscopy of lung disease due to COVID-19 - a case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 25:7997-8003. [PMID: 34982463 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) showed similar characteristics with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In the most compromised cases, COVID-19 infection leads to death due to severe respiratory complications. COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the primary cause of death in these patients. In the present study, we show an ultrastructural analysis on the lungs of a patient affected by COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS Lung specimens obtained at autopsy from a 63-years old patient affected by COVID-19 were fixed in 1% paraformaldehyde. Slices of 300 µm thickness were dehydrated and dried by Critical Point Drying in CO2. Slices were covered with a conductive gold film approximately 30 nm thick and observed at a Zeiss Sigma 300 SEM FEG in the secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) modes. As case control a lung biopsy from a 60-year-old man was considered. RESULTS At low power in all COVID-19 lung specimens severe changes in the pulmonary architecture were found, due to the collapse of air spaces. Moreover, alveolar cavities were covered by large membranes. At high power, alveolar membranes showed a fibrillar structure, suggestive of a loose network of fibrin. It has been also found that intra-alveolar red blood cells were frequently present in the alveolar spaces, surrounded by a reticular fibrin network, suggestive for fibrin-hemorrhagic alveolitis. Alveolar changes were constantly associated with pathological features related to the pulmonary vessels. Vascular changes were prominent, including endothelial damage and thrombosis of large pulmonary vessels. Fibrinous microthrombi were frequently detected in the inter-alveolar septal capillaries. In addition, it has been frequently detected capillary proliferation in the alveolar septa with finding suggestive for intussusceptive neo-angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our electron microscopy analysis showed that COVID-19-related lung disease is characterized by a substantial architectural distortion, with the interactions between alveolar and vascular changes. Intra-alveolar hyaline membranes are associated with macro- and micro-thrombotic angiopathy, ending with capillary proliferation. The new blood vessel formation originates from the septa and extends into the surrounding parenchyma. Our findings confirm previous reports on the specificity of the multiple and complex morphological pattern typical, and apparently specific, of COVID-19-related lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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14
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Congiu T, Fanni D, Piras M, Gerosa C, Cau F, Barcellona D, D'Aloja E, Demontis R, Chighine A, Nioi M, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Aimola V, Botta C, Scano A, Orrù G, Coghe F, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Marongiu F. Ultrastructural findings of lung injury due to Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombo- cytopenia (VITT) following COVID-19 vaccination: a scanning electron microscopic study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:270-277. [PMID: 35049004 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare new syndrome occurring after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine immunization. Patients with VITT are characterized by a variable clinical presentation, likewise also the outcome of these patients is very variable. Here we report the lung ultrastructural findings in the course of VITT of a 58-year-old male patient. Alveoli were mainly dilated, irregular in shape, and occupied by a reticular network of fibrin, while interalveolar septa appeared thickened. The proliferation of small capillaries gave rise to plexiform structures and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis-like features. Near the alveoli occupied by a dense fibrin network, the medium-sized arteries showed a modified wall and an intraluminal thrombus. This scenario looks quite similar to that found during COVID-19, where the lungs suffer from the attack of the antigen-antibodies complexes and the virus respectively. In both diseases, the final outcome is a severe inflammation, activation of the haemostatic system and fibrinolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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15
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Olianas A, Serrao S, Piras V, Manconi B, Contini C, Iavarone F, Pichiri G, Coni P, Zorcolo L, Orrù G, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M, Fanni D, Cabras T. Thymosin β4 and β10 are highly expressed at the deep infiltrative margins of colorectal cancer - A mass spectrometry analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:7285-7296. [PMID: 34919228 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complicated tumor, involving several oncogenic signaling pathways, and with a molecular mechanism not fully understood yet. The implication of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) with tumor insurgence and in migration of CRC cells was evidenced in the past with different methodologies, while Tβ10 connection with CRC has been sporadically investigated. This study focused on the implication of both types of thymosin in CRC progression and invasion by analyzing the changes in their levels according to different zones of the tumor, and to Dukes stage and budding index. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tβ4 and Tβ10 were analyzed in deep and superficial tumor samples, and normal mucosa from 18 patients. Concentrations of Tβ4 and Tβ10 have been measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS). MS data were compared by t-test and ANOVA statistical analysis. Identification of thymosin and their proteoforms has been performed by HPLC-high resolution-ESI-IT-MSMS. RESULTS Both Tβ4 and Tβ10, exhibited intra-tumoral quantitative differences, being upregulated in the deep part of the CRC. They exhibited, moreover, strong association with the Dukes stage and the budding grade, being more concentrated in patients at Dukes stage B and with budding index "2". CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present investigation encouraged the hypothesis that the two thymosin are involved in colorectal cancer progression, and in promoting cancer invasion. Thus, they are good candidates to be diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Olianas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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16
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Faa G, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Barcellona D, Cerrone G, Orrù G, Scano A, Marongiu F, Suri J, Demontis R, Nioi M, D'Aloja E, La Nasa G, Saba L. Aortic vulnerability to COVID-19: is the microvasculature of vasa vasorum a key factor? A case report and a review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6439-6442. [PMID: 34730226 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_27018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Arterial thromboembolic complications reported in patients with COVID-19 infection suggested that SARS-CoV-2 can trigger atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. While endothelial cells in healthy subjects protect against thrombus formation, after injury they show prothrombotic activity. In addition, it has been hypothesized that "cytokine storm" might stimulate the production of neo-platelets triggering an abnormal "immunothrombosis" responsible for the hypercoagulable state induced in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study is to report a case of severe COVID-19 infection characterized by the occurrence of microthrombosis in the vasa vasorum of the aorta. A 67-year-old male patient, in good health status and without comorbidities, who underwent a severe COVID-19 infection with fatal outcome, showed scattered aortic atherosclerotic plaques, characterized by multiple occlusive micro-thromboses in the vasa vasorum, spread out lymphocytic infiltrates and foci of endotheliitis and endothelial detachment. This case report confirms the previously described thrombotic involvement of vasa vasorum in COVID-19. The occurrence of the synchronous damage involving both the lumen surface (endothelial dysfunction, endotheliitis and endothelial detachment) and the adventitia (inflammation and occlusive thrombosis of vasa vasorum) could be the key points related to the fatal outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 patients. In our opinion, vasa vasorum thrombosis may thus initiate an atherogenic process that could be characterized by a much more rapid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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17
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Fanni D, Cerrone G, Saba L, Demontis R, Congiu T, Piras M, Gerosa C, Suri J, Coni P, Caddori A, Piga M, Mancosu G, Barcellona D, Ravarino A, Chighine A, Cau F, Scano A, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, D'Aloia E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Thrombotic sinusoiditis and local diffuse intrasinusoidal coagulation in the liver of subjects affected by COVID-19: the evidence from histology and scanning electron microscopy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5904-5912. [PMID: 34661248 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver injury has been reported in patients with COVID-19. This condition is characterized by severe outcome and could be related with the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to activate cytotoxic T cells. The purpose of this study is to show the histological and scanning electron microscopy features of liver involvement in COVID-19 to characterize the liver changes caused by the activation of multiple molecular pathways following this infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Liver biopsies from 4 patients (3 post-mortems and 1 in vivo) with COVID-19 were analyzed with histology and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The liver changes showed significant heterogeneity. The first case showed ground glass hepatocytes and scattered fibrin aggregates in the sinusoidal lumen. The second evidenced intra-sinusoidal thrombi. The third was characterized by sinusoidal dilatation, atrophy of hepatocytes, Disse's spaces dilatation and intra-sinusoidal aggregates of fibrin and red blood cells. The fourth case exhibited diffuse fibrin aggregates in the dilated Disse spaces and microthrombi in the sinusoidal lumen. CONCLUSIONS In COVID-19-related liver injury, a large spectrum of pathological changes was observed. The most peculiar features were very mild inflammation, intra-sinusoidal changes, including sinusoidal dilatation, thrombotic sinusoiditis and diffuse intra-sinusoidal fibrin deposition. These findings suggested that a thrombotic sinusoiditis followed by a local diffuse intra-vascular (intra-sinusoidal) coagulation could be the typical features of the SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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18
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Kalcev G, Preti A, Scano A, Orrù G, Carta MG. Insight into susceptibility genes associated with bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5701-5724. [PMID: 34604962 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26789] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe disorder, and it is associated with an increased risk of mortality. About 25% of patients with BD have attempted and 11% have died by suicide. All these characteristics suggest that the disorders within the bipolar spectrum are a crucial public health problem. With the development of molecular genetics in recent decades, it was possible to more easily detect risk genes associated with this disorder. This study aimed at summarizing the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the topic and assessing the quality of the available evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed/Medline and Web of Science were searched to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published during 2013-2019. Standard methodology was applied to synthesize and assess the retrieved literature. RESULTS This systematic review identifies a number of potential risk genes associated with bipolar disorder whose mechanism of action has yet to be confirmed. They are divided into several groups: 1) a list of the most significant susceptibility genetic factors associated with BD; 2) the implication of the ZNF804A gene in BD; 3) the role of genes involved in calcium signaling in BD; 4) DNA methylation in BD; 5) BD and risk suicide genes; 6) susceptibility genes for early-onset BD; 7) candidate genes common to both BD and schizophrenia; 8) genes involved in cognitive status in BD cases; 9) genes involved in structural alteration in BD brain tissue; 10) genes involved in lithium response in BD. CONCLUSIONS Future research should concentrate on molecular mechanisms by which genetic variants play a major role in BD. Supplemental research is needed to replicate the applicable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kalcev
- Innovation Sciences and Technologies, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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19
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Ruberto MF, Piras MS, Sorbello O, Civolani A, Usai P, Fanni D, Orrù G, Faa G, Marongiu F, Barcellona D. Chronic intravascular coagulation in liver cirrhosis predicts a high hemorrhagic risk. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5518-5524. [PMID: 34533802 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In liver cirrhosis, a complex coagulopathy does exist. The aim was to investigate whether a possible chronic consumption coagulopathy is the underlying phenomenon of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured endogenous thrombin generation with and without thrombomodulin (ETP ratio) along with D-Dimer in a group of consecutive 282 cirrhotic patients. Fibrinogen, Platelet count and the Hemorrhagic score were previously computed in the same patients. The ETP ratio represents the resistance to the anticoagulant activity of TM and should be considered as an index of a procoagulant imbalance. RESULTS ETP ratio and D-Dimer showed higher values in the cirrhotic patients when compared to controls thus showing a hypercoagulable state. When the patients were divided based on the Hemorrhagic score >7, we found that Fibrinogen, ETP ratio, D-Dimer and the platelet count were significantly different between the two groups. Again, when we considered ETP ratio >0.88, the median value of the cirrhotic patients, all parameters, were statistically different between the two groups. D-Dimer were higher while fibrinogen and platelet count were statistically lower in cirrhotic patients with higher ETP ratio values. Even when the same patients were divided based on their platelet count (</> 100 x 109/L) the results showed a similar behavior. ROC curves showed significant AUCs when the hemorrhagic score was challenged against Fibrinogen, D-Dimer, Platelet count and ETP ratio. CONCLUSIONS In liver cirrhosis hypercoagulable state is associated with an increase in D-Dimer levels along with a decrease in fibrinogen and platelet count thus indicating a low-grade intravascular coagulation which predicts a high hemorrhagic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Ruberto
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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20
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Fanni D, Saba L, Demontis R, Gerosa C, Chighine A, Nioi M, Suri JS, Ravarino A, Cau F, Barcellona D, Botta MC, Porcu M, Scano A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, D'aloja E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Vaccine-induced severe thrombotic thrombocytopenia following COVID-19 vaccination: a report of an autoptic case and review of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5063-5069. [PMID: 34355379 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202108_26464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a new syndrome occurring primarily in healthy young adults, with a female predominance, after receiving the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. We describe VITT syndrome characterized by severe thrombosis and thrombocytopenia found in our patient, with fatal outcome. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old man, after 13 days from the first administration of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca), presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomitus. Laboratory tests revealed a severe thrombocytopenia, low fibrinogen serum levels and marked increase of D-dimer serum levels. The patient quickly developed a multiple organ failure, till death, three days after the hospital admission. RESULTS At histology, in the lungs, interalveolar septa appeared thickened with microthrombi in the capillaries and veins. Interalveolar septa appeared thickened and showed vascular proliferation. Thrombi were detected in the capillaries of glomerular tufts. In the hearth, thrombi were observed in veins and capillaries. In the liver, voluminous fibrin thrombi were diffusely observed in the branches of the portal vein. Microthrombi were also found in the vasa vasorum of the wall of abdominal aorta. In the brain, microthrombi were observed in the capillaries of the choroid plexuses. Diffuse hemorrhagic necrosis was observed in the intestinal wall with marked congestion of the venous vessels. CONCLUSIONS In our patient, the majority of data necessary for a VITT final diagnosis were present: thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in pulmonary, portal, hepatic, renal and mesenteric veins, associated with a marked increase of D-dimer serum levels. The finding of cerebral thrombosis in choroid plexuses, is a new finding in VITT. These features are suggestive for a very aggressive form of VITT.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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21
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Dessì A, Bosco A, Pintus R, Orrù G, Fanos V. Fusobacterium nucleatum and alteration of the oral microbiome: from pregnancy to SARS-COV-2 infection. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:4579-4596. [PMID: 34286500 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202107_26251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The human being has evolved in close symbiosis with its own ecological community of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria. After the intestinal microbiome, that of the oral cavity is the largest and most diversified. Its importance is reflected not only in local and systemic diseases, but also in pregnancy since it would seem to influence the placental microbiome. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a literature review of articles published in PubMed about Fusobacterium Nucleatum and both its implications with systemic and oral health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, flavors perception and its interference in the oral-nasal mucosal immunity. RESULTS It is in maintaining the microbiome's homeostasis that the Fusobacterium nucleatum, an opportunistic periodontal pathogen of the oral cavity, plays a crucial role both as a bridge microorganism of the tongue biofilm, and in maintaining the balance between the different species in the oral-nasal mucosal immunity also by taste receptors interaction. It is also involved in the flavor perception and its detection in the oral microbiome of children from the first days of life suggests a possible physiological role. However, the dysbiosis can determine its pathogenicity with local and systemic consequences, including the pathogenesis of respiratory infections. CONCLUSIONS It is interesting to evaluate its possible correlation with Sars-CoV-2 and the consequences on the microflora of the oral cavity, both to promote a possible broad-spectrum preventive action, in favor of all subjects for whom, by promoting the eubiosis of the oral microbiome, a defensive action could be envisaged by the commensals themselves but, above all, for patients with specific comorbidities and therefore already prone to oral dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dessì
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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22
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Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Ravarino A, Senes G, Demontis R, Coni P, Piras M, Orrù G, Coghe F, Congiu T, La Nasa G, D'Aloja E, Saba L, Faa G. Immunohistochemical findings in the lungs of COVID-19 subjects: evidence of surfactant dysregulation. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:4639-4643. [PMID: 34286505 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202107_26257] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in surfactant composition, leading to surfactant dysregulation with alveolar collapse and acute respiratory hypoxic failure. Recently, surfactant has been hypothesized to play a relevant role in COVID-19, representing a strong defender against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of our work was the study of immunohistochemical surfactant expression in the lungs of patients died following SARS-CoV-2 ARDS, in order to shed light on a possible therapeutic surfactant administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated four patients who died due to ARDS following SARS-COV-2 infection and four patients submitted to lung biopsy, in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In all 8 cases, lung specimens were immunostained with anti-surfactant protein A (SP-A) and B (SP-B). RESULTS In control subjects, reactivity for SP-B was restricted to type II alveolar cells. Immunostaining for SP-A was observed on the surface of alveolar spaces. In the COVID-19 positive lungs, immunoreactivity for SP-B was similar to that observed in control lungs; SP-A was strongly expressed along the alveolar wall. Moreover, dense aggregates of SP-A positive material were observed in the alveolar spaces. CONCLUSIONS Our immunohistochemical data show the dysregulation of surfactant production in COVID-19 patients, particularly regarding SP-A expression. The increased presence of SP-A in condensed masses inside alveolar spaces could invalidate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment with exogenous surfactant.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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23
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Faa G, Piras M, Mancuso L, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orrù G, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Cao G, Taibi R, Pavone P, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta-4 prenatal administration improves fetal development and halts side effects due to preterm delivery. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:431-437. [PMID: 33506933 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202101_24411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) is the most abundant member of the beta-thymosin family in humans. The main physiological role of TB4 is the regulation of actin polymerization. TB4 is also involved in angiogenesis, cell survival, cell migration and fetal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of TB4 as a fetal growth promoter when administered during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our protocols have been carried out in full conformity with the rules and guidelines expected for this kind of trial. 10 pregnant mice received the same injection regimen. Only 6 of these 10 are part of this experiment because they were pregnant. At 10:00 a.m. on day E14 and E17 of gestation mice were weighed and treated with an intraperitoneal injection of TB4 (Regene RX, Rockville, MD, USA; 6 mg/kg in PBS). RESULTS The mothers treated with TB4 for two days precisely E14 and E17, showed a higher cranio-caudal length when compared to control newborns. At histology, maternal TB4 treatment was associated with more advanced development of lungs, heart, kidney, cerebral cortex and notochord. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that TB4 administration during gestation may act as a powerful fetal growth promoter, by accelerating the development of newborn organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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24
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Fanni D, Gerosa C, Nurchi VM, Suri JS, Nardi V, Congiu T, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Piras M, Cau F, Kounis NG, Balestrieri A, Gibo Y, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Venanzi Rullo E, Taibi R, Orrù G, Faa G, Saba L. Trace elements and the carotid plaque: the GOOD (Mg, Zn, Se), the UGLY (Fe, Cu), and the BAD (P, Ca)? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3772-3790. [PMID: 34109586 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple epidemiological studies have suggested that industrialization and progressive urbanization should be considered one of the main factors responsible for the rising of atherosclerosis in the developing world. In this scenario, the role of trace metals in the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis has not been clarified yet. In this paper, the specific role of selected trace elements (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and calcium) is described by focusing on the atherosclerotic prevention and pathogenesis plaque. For each element, the following data are reported: daily intake, serum levels, intra/extracellular distribution, major roles in physiology, main effects of high and low levels, specific roles in atherosclerosis, possible interactions with other trace elements, and possible influences on plaque development. For each trace element, the correlations between its levels and clinical severity and outcome of COVID-19 are discussed. Moreover, the role of matrix metalloproteinases, a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, as a new medical therapeutical approach to atherosclerosis is discussed. Data suggest that trace element status may influence both atherosclerosis insurgence and plaque evolution toward a stable or an unstable status. However, significant variability in the action of these traces is evident: some - including magnesium, zinc, and selenium - may have a protective role, whereas others, including iron and copper, probably have a multi-faceted and more complex role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, calcium and phosphorus are implicated in the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and in the progression of the plaque toward rupture and severe clinical complications. In particular, the role of calcium is debated. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemia, optimized magnesium and zinc levels are indicated as important protective tools against a severe clinical course of the disease, often related to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to cause a systemic inflammatory response, able to transform a stable plaque into an unstable one, with severe clinical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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25
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Marongiu F, Grandone E, Scano A, Orrù G, Marongiu S, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Faa G, Barcellona D. Infectious agents including COVID-19 and the involvement of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. A narrative review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3886-3897. [PMID: 34109597 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Platelets, blood coagulation along with fibrinolysis are greatly involved in the pathophysiology of infectious diseases induced by bacteria, parasites and virus. This phenomenon is not surprising since both the innate immunity and the hemostatic systems are two ancestral mechanisms which closely cooperate favoring host's defense against foreign invaders. However, the excessive response of these systems may be dangerous for the host itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched and retrieved the articles, using the following electronic database: MedLine and Embase. We limited our search to articles published in English, but no restrictions in terms of article type, publication year, and geography were adopted. RESULTS The hemostatic phenotype of the infectious diseases is variable depending on the points of attack of the different involved pathogens. Infectious diseases which show a prothrombotic phenotype are bacterial sepsis, SARS-CoV-2 and malaria. However, among the bacterial sepsis, Yersinia Pestis is characterized by a profibrinolytic behavior. On the contrary, the hemorrhagic fevers, due to Dengue and Ebola virus, mainly exploit the activation of fibrinolysis secondary to a huge endothelial damage which can release a large amount of t-PA in the early phase of the diseases. CONCLUSIONS Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are greatly activated based on the strategy of the different infectious agents which exploit the excess of response of both systems to achieve the greatest possible virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marongiu
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Barcellona D, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Congiu T, Orrù G, Faa G, Marongiu F. Heparins and 2019-nCoV infection: a narrative review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3594-3606. [PMID: 34002834 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with 2019-nCoV infection have a high risk to develop venous thrombotic events. Several guidelines recommend the use of either unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins in preventing thrombotic events in these patients. However, results from clinical studies, so far published, reached controversial conclusions on heparin efficacy in this kind of patients since the incidence of venous thromboembolism remains high despite prophylaxis. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of heparins and their efficacy and safety in SARS-CoV-2 medical ward-patients. Moreover, anatomical findings and ongoing trials are also reported. Finally, this narrative review tries to explain why heparins fail to prevent venous thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched for the most relevant published studies on heparins and 2019-nCoV infected patients using the MEDLINE electronic database in the period between January and December 2020. Articles were preliminarily defined as eligible if they: a) were in English language, b) enrolled 250 or more medical ward-patients and 100 or more ICU-patients, c) reported results on patients treated with heparins in a percentage of at least 70% and d) performed an objectively confirmed diagnosis of VTE. RESULTS Data from medium to large scientific studies show that the incidence of venous thrombotic events in medical ward-patients with SARS-CoV-2 vary between 0% and 8.3%, while this rate is higher, from 6.2% to 49%, in Intensive Care Unit-patients. However, heparins reduce the mortality rate in these patients of about 50%. Histological findings show that thrombosis could affect capillaries, main and small-mid-sized vessels, and it is associated with diffuse alveolar damage. CONCLUSIONS Heparins have anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, which may be of help in reducing mortality in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Failure of heparins at prophylactic dosages in preventing VTE, especially in ICU-patients, could be due to the severity of the disease. Data on the use of heparins in an early phase of the 2019-nCoV infection are still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Barcellona
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Orrù G, Storari M, Scano A, Piras V, Taibi R, Viscuso D. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction-An overview of predictive laboratory biomarkers. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 24:6939-6948. [PMID: 32633387 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202006_21685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) represents an emerging public health concern with great impact on cardiovascular state. Oxidative stress (OS), inflammation and altered Nitric Oxide (NO) production are recognized as prominent mechanisms of many acute and chronic diseases and even of the normal aging process. They are investigated as major pathophysiological processes in OSA through the analysis and comparison of significative and validated biomarkers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The review is developed using as key terms "sleep apnea", "oxidative stress", "inflammation", and "endothelial dysfunction". Included studies must have followed the American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines according to the diagnosis and classification of OSA. Lipid, protein and DNA oxidation products, PCR, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NO and nitrosative stress compounds, and endothelial functioning tests have been detected for their contribution in OSA along the last 3 decades. RESULTS Nocturnal intermittent hypoxia has emerged to be significantly associated to oxidative/nitrosative stress, increase in pro-inflammatory markers, imbalance in NO production, and endothelium impairment. Body Mass Index (BMI) contribution needs further clarifications. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has demonstrated beneficial effects on vascular function and pro-inflammatory milieu in OSA. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress and Inflammation significantly correlate with OSA; similarly, vascular functioning is impaired in accordance to unregulated levels of NO and derived compounds. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure markedly improves oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service (MBS), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Pirisi M, Rigamonti C, D'Alfonso S, Nebuloni M, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Orrù G, Venanzi Rullo E, Pavone P, Faa G, Saba L, Boldorini R. Liver infection and COVID-19: the electron microscopy proof and revision of the literature. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:2146-2151. [PMID: 33660834 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202102_25120] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19, the newly emerging infectious disease, has been associated with acute liver injury, often related to progression to severe pneumonia. The association between moderate-severe liver injury and more severe clinical course of COVID-19 has suggested that liver injury is prevalent in severe than in mild cases of COVID-19, while no difference in liver involvement has been reported between survivors and non-survivors. The spectrum of liver involvement during COVID-19 ranges from an asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes to severe hepatitis. Only rarely, cases with acute hepatitis have been reported in the absence of respiratory symptoms. Both epithelial and biliary cells possess the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors that SARS-CoV-2 uses to be internalized. However, to our knowledge, no ultrastructural identification of the virus in liver cells has been reported to date. Here we provide evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the liver of two patients, a 34-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated two patients with COVID-19 showing several virions within cytoplasmic vacuoles of cholangiocytes and in endothelial cells of hepatic sinusoids. In both patients, we performed histological and ultrastructural examinations by liver biopsy. After two months, both patients were free of symptoms, and the SARS-CoV-2 infection had resolved. RESULTS Liver biopsy histological and ultrastructural examination showed liver injury and several virions within cytoplasmic vacuoles of cholangiocytes and in endothelial cells of hepatic sinusoids. CONCLUSIONS Although most studies in COVID-19 have been focused on the lungs, recently, cholestatic liver pathology has been introduced in the spectrum of pathological changes related to COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, those presented in this paper are the first images of hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infected liver cells. Our findings suggest a role for cholangiocytes and biliary structures in the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
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Orrù G, Mameli A, Demontis C, Rossi P, Ratto D, Occhinegro A, Piras V, Kuqi L, Berretta M, Taibi R, Scano A, Coni P. Oral human papilloma virus infection: an overview of clinical-laboratory diagnosis and treatment. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:8148-8157. [PMID: 31599444 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201909_19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to describe the "hot points" of current clinical governance for oral HPV comprising the use of new diagnostic molecular procedures, namely, Pyrosequencing and Next Generation Sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data on oral HPV was collected through two levels of research. First for all, we used the canonical medical search engines, PubMed, and Medline, followed by the study of current commercial tools for HPV diagnosis, particularly within commercial companies involved in the molecular procedures for HPV detecting and genotyping. RESULTS Different medical procedures are now described and used throughout the world in HPV diagnosis and treatment. However, the laboratory methods are often validated and used for genital infections, and, in these cases, data are missing in the literature as regards the clinical approach for oral lesions. CONCLUSIONS Dental care units are often the front line for a clinical evaluation of a possible HPV lesion in the oral cavity, which means that correct clinical governance could avoid a viral neoplastic progression of this disease with great advantages for the patient. In this case, the problem is due to the difficulty in lesion recognition but also and more especially the absence of correct laboratory diagnosis and subsequent treatment in the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service (MBS), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Carta MG, Scano A, Lindert J, Bonanno S, Rinaldi L, Fais S, Orrù G. Association between the spread of COVID-19 and weather-climatic parameters. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24:8226-8231. [PMID: 32767354 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202008_22512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the climate has played a role in the COVID-19 outbreak, we compared virus lethality in countries closer to the Equator with others. Lethality in European territories and in territories of some nations with a non-temperate climate was also compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lethality was calculated as the rate of deaths in a determinate moment from the outbreak of the pandemic out of the total of identified positives for COVID-19 in a given area/nation, based on the COVID-John Hopkins University website. Lethality of countries located within the 5th parallels North/South on 6 April and 6 May 2020, was compared with that of all the other countries. Lethality in the European areas of The Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom was also compared to the territories of the same nations in areas with a non-temperate climate. RESULTS A lower lethality rate of COVID-19 was found in Equatorial countries both on April 6 (OR=0.72 CI 95% 0.66-0.80) and on May 6 (OR=0.48, CI 95% 0.47-0.51), with a strengthening over time of the protective effect. A trend of higher risk in European vs. non-temperate areas was found on April 6, but a clear difference was evident one month later: France (OR=0.13, CI 95% 0.10-0.18), The Netherlands (OR=0.5, CI 95% 0.3-0.9) and the UK (OR=0.2, CI 95% 0.01-0.51). This result does not seem to be totally related to the differences in age distribution of different sites. CONCLUSIONS The study does not seem to exclude that the lethality of COVID-19 may be climate sensitive. Future studies will have to confirm these clues, due to potential confounding factors, such as pollution, population age, and exposure to malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Carta MG, Orrù G, Scano A, Coghe F, Nunnari G, Facchini G, Numis FG, Berretta M. In the face of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, do people suffering from oncological disease need specific attention? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24:3434-3436. [PMID: 32329810 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202004_20794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M G Carta
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Orrù G, Baroni M, Cesari V, Conversano C, Hitchcott PK, Gemignani A. The effect of single and repeated tDCS sessions on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review. Arch Ital Biol 2020; 157:89-101. [PMID: 31821532 DOI: 10.12871/00039829201925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to update understanding of the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, since the last review was published in 2016. METHODS in order to identify suitable publications for inclusion, an online search of the Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane databases was carried out. Searches of relevant full-text articles were performed through specific keywords. The final database check was performed in July 2019. Papers were restricted to studies investigating motor rehabilitative effects of tDCS in adult patients with Parkinson's disease. Studies involving either single or repeated tDCS sessions with a sham or controlled trial type design (which incorporated outcomes on motor performance measures) were considered. As studies varied widely in terms of methodology, a qualitative analysis of the selected studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale or the Delphi list (depending on the study design). RESULTS twenty-nine studies were retained in this systematic review. Of the studies included, fifteen involved single tDCS session (patients = 256) and fourteen involved repeated tDCS sessions (patients = 294). Eight investigations of single tDCS and ten investigations of repeated tDCS demonstrated significant results. Studies involving multi- target stimulation demonstrated significant improvements on mobility (p=0.006), balance (by 50.9%), gait velocity (by 29%), fall reduction (p0.05) compared to mono-target stimulations. CONCLUSIONS despite increasing evidence that tDCS may improve motor symptoms, the results showed that fully optimized tDCS protocols are not yet established.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy - E-mail:
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Ceccarelli F, Orrù G, Pilloni A, Bartosiewicz I, Perricone C, Martino E, Lucchetti R, Fais S, Vomero M, Olivieri M, di Franco M, Priori R, Riccieri V, Scrivo R, Shoenfeld Y, Alessandri C, Conti F, Polimeni A, Valesini G. Porphyromonas gingivalis in the tongue biofilm is associated with clinical outcome in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2018; 194:244-252. [PMID: 30009382 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have suggested a link between human microbiome and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. Porphyromonas gingivalis seems involved in RA initiation and progression, as supported by the high occurrence of periodontitis. In this case-control study, we analysed tongue P. gingivalis presence and quantification in a large healthy and RA cohort. We enrolled 143 RA patients [male/female (M/F) 32/111, mean ± standard deviation (s.d.), age 57·5 ± 19·8 years, mean ± s.d. disease duration 155·9 ± 114·7 months); 36 periodontitis patients (M/F 11/25, mean ± s.d., age 56 ± 9·9 years, mean ± s.d. disease duration 25·5 ± 20·9 months); and 57 patients (M/F 12/45, mean ± s.d., age 61·4 ± 10·9 years, mean ± s.d. disease duration 62·3 ± 66·9 months) with knee osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. All subjects underwent a standard cytological swab to identify the rate of P. gingivalis/total bacteria by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of P. gingivalis resulted similarly in RA and periodontitis patients (48·9 versus 52·7%, P = not significant). Moreover, the prevalence of this pathogen was significantly higher in RA and periodontitis patients in comparison with control subjects (P = 0·01 and P = 0·003, respectively). We found a significant correlation between P. gingivalis rate in total bacteria genomes and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) (r = 0·4, P = 0·01). RA patients in remission showed a significantly lower prevalence of P. gingivalis in comparison with non-remission (P = 0·02). We demonstrated a significant association between the percentage of P. gingivalis on the total tongue biofilm and RA disease activity (DAS28), suggesting that the oral cavity microbiological status could play a role in the pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation, leading to more active disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccarelli
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service, University of Cagliari 'Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio', Cagliari, Italy
| | - A Pilloni
- Odontoiatria, Dipartimento di Scienze Odontostomatologiche e Maxillo Facciali, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - I Bartosiewicz
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - C Perricone
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - E Martino
- Odontoiatria, Dipartimento di Scienze Odontostomatologiche e Maxillo Facciali, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - R Lucchetti
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - S Fais
- Molecular Biology Service, University of Cagliari 'Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio', Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - M Olivieri
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - M di Franco
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - R Priori
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - V Riccieri
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - R Scrivo
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Y Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center (affiliated to Tel-Aviv University), Tel-Hashomer, Israel.,Incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-Kipp Chair for Research of Autoimmune Diseases, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - C Alessandri
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - F Conti
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - A Polimeni
- Odontoiatria, Dipartimento di Scienze Odontostomatologiche e Maxillo Facciali, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Valesini
- Reumatologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Medica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Scano A, Orrù G, Serafi G, Occhinegro A, Ratto D, Girometta C, Rossi P. Long non-coding RNAs: possible parallel paths by E-cadherin expression in colon cancer development as well as in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22:5053-5055. [PMID: 30178821 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201808_15696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Erriu M, Abbate GM, Pili FMG, Novara F, Orrù G, Montaldo C, Piras V, Levrini L. Oral Signs and HLA-DQB1∗02 Haplotypes in the Celiac Paediatric Patient: A Preliminary Study. Autoimmune Dis 2013; 2013:389590. [PMID: 24198965 PMCID: PMC3808710 DOI: 10.1155/2013/389590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) diagnosis can be extremely challenging in the case of atypical patterns. In this context, oral signs seem to play a decisive role in arousing suspicion of these forms of the disease. At the same time, the different expressions of the HLA-DQB1∗02 allele apparently seem to facilitate the interpretation of signs and highlighted symptoms. The aim of this work was to verify whether it is possible to identify a correlation between the development of oral signs and different DQ2 haplotypes in celiac pediatric patients. 44 celiac patients with a medium age of 9.9 were studied. Oral examinations were performed in order to identify recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and dental enamel defects (DED). The diagnosis of DED resulted as being related to allele expression (P value = 0.042) while it was impossible to find a similar correlation with RAS. When both oral signs were considered, there was an increase in correlation with HLA-DQB1∗02 expression (P value = 0.018). The obtained results identified both the fundamental role that dentists can play in early diagnosis of CD, as well as the possible role of HLA haplotype analysis in arousing suspicion of atypical forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Erriu
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cagliari University, Via Binaghi 4, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - G. M. Abbate
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Oral Hygiene, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - F. M. G. Pili
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cagliari University, Via Binaghi 4, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - F. Novara
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Oral Hygiene, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - G. Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cagliari University, Via Binaghi 4, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - C. Montaldo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cagliari University, Via Binaghi 4, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - V. Piras
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cagliari University, Via Binaghi 4, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - L. Levrini
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Oral Hygiene, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Giantin V, Falci C, De Luca E, Valentini E, Lasevoli M, Siviero P, Maggi S, Martella B, Orrù G, Crepaldi G, Monfardini S, Terranova O, Manzato E. The Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) predicts mortality in elderly cancer patients (ECP) better than the traditional Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Eur Geriatr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2013.07.715] [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: 12/01/2022]
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Giantin V, Falci C, De Luca E, Valentini E, Iasevoli M, Siviero P, Maggi S, Martella B, Orrù G, Crepaldi G, Monfardini S, Terranova O, Manzato E. The Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) predicts mortality in elderly cancer patients (ECP) better than the traditional Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Eur Geriatr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2013.07.035] [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: 11/24/2022]
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Falci⁎ C, Giantin V, Valentini E, Lasevoli M, De Luca E, Siviero P, Maggi S, Martella B, Orrù G, Crepaldi G, Monfardini S, Terranova O, Manzato E. The multidimensional prognostic index (MPI), based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), predicts mortality in elderly cancer patients (ECP). J Geriatr Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2012.10.079] [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: 11/26/2022]
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Finco G, Pintor M, Sanna D, Orrù G, Musu M, De Conno F, Marchi A, Paribello F, D'Aloja E. Is target opioid therapy within sight? Minerva Anestesiol 2012; 78:462-472. [PMID: 22310188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Control of pain has a central role in patients treatment either in advanced cancer or other terminal illnesses and in acute postsurgical or chronic non-malignant diseases. Hospitals should promote programs of research on genetic mechanism, and also biochemical and physiological aspects of pain through highly specialized labs. Opioids are the first choice drugs for moderate to severe chronic pain, especially at the end of life, and among them oral morphine is worldwide recognized by the World Health Organization and by the European Association for Palliative Care as the conventional therapy. Although this general agreement, administration of this class of drugs may be a major medical challenge due to the high effects' variability related to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, such as absorption, distribution and metabolism, as well as intrinsic efficacy at the receptors involved. For such a reason, optimization of the management regime is not always reached in all the patients. Up to now no one can easily predict which patient will experience side effects or an inadequate pain control. The growing body of evidence concerning a sound genetic background of this human intervariability has prompted research on the field of a personalized therapy, focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), being the most common and diffuse form of genetic variation. This review has the main goal to report the most promising human genetic polymorphisms involved in opioid treatment, and address the relationship between these polymorphisms and the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Finco
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Pain Therapy Service, Cagliari University, Italy.
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Del Nero S, Marchese G, Mandas D, Liciardi M, Denotti G, Orrù G. Attività antibatterica di formulati a base di perossido di idrogeno e sali d’argento. Dental Cadmos 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cadmos.2011.09.007] [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: 11/30/2022]
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Erriu M, Boscarelli F, Peluffo C, Orrù G, Nucaro A, Zorco S, Santini N, Montaldo C. A rapid sample method for HLA haplotype typization. A preliminary study on celiac patients. Minerva Stomatol 2010; 59:477-487. [PMID: 20940687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present work was to determine the human leukocyte (HLA) haplotype in 64 Sardinian patients affected with celiac disease, using a rapid and easy to apply sampling method that permits samples from blood drawing to be stored more easily. Numerous studies have demonstrated how the HLA system plays a very important role in immune system regulation, determining a link between this gene and a high number of pathologies including celiac disease. In fact a genetic susceptibility exists in celiac sprue, linked to HLA-DQB1*0201 and -DQB1*0302 genes which represent sierologic groups -DQ2 and -DQ8 whose early identification could be fundamental in obtaining a diagnosis of celiac disease. METHODS To realize this study a collecting method of samples was developed through the brushing of oral mucosa, which is extremely less traumatic than the classic sampling method using blood drawing, and which also allows a long conservation period before sample analysis. Samples were later analyzed with Van Embden's DNA extraction method to extract the patient's DNA, on which we executed the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). To obtain the HLA haplotype from each patient we used 8 specific primers that amplified the HLA-DQB1 allele in low-resolution. RESULTS Out of the 64 patients we found 26 HLA-DQB1*02 homozygotes, 28 HLA-DQB1*02 heterozygotes and 10 negative samples for the HLA-DQB1*02 allele, thus confirming what had emerged from previous blood draws. CONCLUSION These results show how the method we developed using oral brushing is a sure method to obtain samples for determining the HLA haplotype in extra-hospital areas. This could allow the use of this method to obtain early diagnosis for chronic pathologies linked to the HLA groups and for recognizing this genotype in extensive population studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Erriu
- Department of Surgery and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Salati F, Meloni M, Fenza A, Angelucci G, Colorni A, Orrù G. A sensitive FRET probe assay for the selective detection of Mycobacterium marinum in fish. J Fish Dis 2010; 33:47-56. [PMID: 19912457 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2761.2009.01112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium marinum is the causative agent of mycobacteriosis in wild and cultured fish and of atypical infection in humans. For the diagnosis of M. marinum, cultural and traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods are currently used. However, these protocols, although able to discriminate within Mycobacterium spp., have proved to be time-consuming or difficult to carry out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to obtain a rapid and specific diagnostic tool to quantify fish Mycobacterium spp. or to discriminate M. marinum from other mycobacteria. A primary PCR amplification with SYBR Green had a detection limit (dl) of 10(2)Mycobacterium DNA copies with a log-linear quantification range up to 10(4) (R(2) = 0.99). The second PCR using FRET probes, flanking a region containing species specific nucleotide variations, was designed and validated with synthetic erp gene fragments corresponding to different mycobacterial species, different whole mycobacteria suspensions, experimentally infected fish tissues, tissues from experimentally infected fish, and samples of cultured fish. The results show that the FRET probes demonstrate a high specificity as the melting curve analysis allowed efficient discrimination of M. marinum from Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii, Mycobacterium shottsii and Mycobacterium ulcerans. The kidney is the organ with the strongest detection signal and using fish tissues the method has a mean sensitivity of 50 DNA copies/PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Salati
- Fish Disease and Aquaculture Centre, IZS of Sardinia, State Veterinary Institute, 09170 Oristano, Italy.
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Masia G, Orrù G, Liciardi M, Desogus G, Coppola RC, Murru V, Argiolas M, Orrù G. Evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in human and pigs in Sardinia, Italy. J Prev Med Hyg 2009; 50:227-231. [PMID: 20812518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in humans sera and to study HEV prevalence in swine from different Sardinian farms, testing viral HEV-RNA in bile samples. METHODS In the first six months of 2008, 532 subjects of whom 402 blood donors and 130 workers at zoonotic risk, were enrolled. Anti-HEV were determined with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In positive subjects, RNA was extracted and tested by RT-Nested-PCR. From July 2006 to March 2007, 95 bile samples were collected from randomly selected pigs. RNA was extracted from 250 microl of bile and tested by RT-Nested-PCR. RESULTS The overall prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies was 4.3%; 5.0% among blood donors and 2.3% among workers at zoonotic risk, with no statistically significant differences between sex, age classes and occupation. The search for HEV-RNA in the subjects positive for antibodies, gave negative results. HEV genome was detected in 6 of the 95 swine bile samples tested. Sequences were clustered within the genotype 3 and are edited on GenBank under accession number: from FJ850960 to FJ850962 and from FJ883000 to FJ883002. DISCUSSION The overall prevalence of anti-HEV shows that the virus circulates without giving origin to cases of acute hepatitis. The low prevalence value found in workers at zoonotic risk do not apparently support the hypothesis of professional risk. In this study, HEV-RNA was isolated from pigs in Sardinia for the first time confirming the role of swine as HEV reservoir and the possibility of virus transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Masia
- Department of Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Zamengo L, Barbiero N, Gregio M, Orrù G. Combined scanning electron microscopy and image analysis to investigate airborne submicron particles: a comparison between personal samplers. Chemosphere 2009; 76:313-323. [PMID: 19398120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 03/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The main objectives of this study were: (i) to compare commonly used personal samplers and verify their collection efficiency with regards to submicron particles; (ii) to investigate how the submicron particles deposit onto the filter surface in order to assess the homogeneity of the deposition; (iii) to estimate the biases which could affect results when number concentration values have to be determined by particle counting. A method based on image analysis (IA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is developed and adopted to investigate a large numbers of particles. Four different personal samplers were tested: the IOM sampler, the Button sampler and the German GSP for the inhalable aerosol fraction; the PEM sampler for the thoracic aerosol fraction. In order to investigate how particles distribute on the filters surface, the area of each filter was virtually divided into circular concentric areas or deposition zones (DZ). Results from different DZ of the same filter were compared. Uniformity of deposition was mostly observed for three of the four tested samplers. A significant radial distribution was observed only for the GSP sampler. The major homogeneity was found for the Button sampler. In order to estimate the relative collection efficiency between samplers, particles number concentrations determined by particle counting were compared. The GSP sampler provided the greatest concentrations but also the greatest variability. The PEM sampler provided the lowest concentrations. The homogeneity of particle deposition on the filter surface mostly affected results when counting is performed on localized areas of the filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zamengo
- AULSS12 Veneziana, Regione Veneto - Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology Laboratory, P. le San Lorenzo Giustinian 11e/2, 30174 Mestre - Venezia, Italy.
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Troupioti P, Zara F, D’Amato V, Meacci F, Sarassi A, Brerra R, Pardini M, Orrù G, Ciusa M, Pagani L, Orefici G, Fattorini L, Oggioni M. STUDIO MOLECOLARE DELLE FARMACORESISTENZE DI Mycobacterium tuberculosis IN CAMPIONI RESPIRATORI. Microbiol Med 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2846] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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Zara F, Meacci F, D’Amato V, Troupioti P, Sarassi A, Brerra R, Pardini M, Orrù G, Ciusa M, Pagani L, Orefici G, Fattorini L, Oggioni M. RILEVAZIONE MOLECOLARE DELLE RESISTENZE DI MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN CAMPIONI CLINICI. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3382] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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D’Amato V, Meacci F, Costa C, Pardini M, Fattorini L, Orefici G, Varaine F, Bonnet M, Jarosz T, Orrù G, Isola D, Niemann S, Rüsch-Gerdes S, Rinder H, Yesilkaya H, Barer M, Andrew P, Oggioni M. INFEZIONE DA MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS IN ABKAZIA: STUDIO SULL’INSORGENZA DELLE FARMACO RESISTENZE. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3360] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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de Santis P, Orrù G, Solinas F, Piras V, Savini G, Caporale V. Molecular differentiation of field and vaccine strains of bluetongue virus serotype 2 using the real-time polymerase chain reaction and fluorescene resonance energy transfer hybridisation probes. Vet Ital 2004; 40:572-576. [PMID: 20422589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
As a consequence of the recent outbreaks of bluetongue (BT) disease amongst sheep in the Mediterranean Basin, and following the subsequent vaccination campaign to control further spread of the disease and its long-term maintenance, it has become most important to develop rapid and sensitive methods that can reliably differentiate between field and vaccine strains of the causative virus. The authors describe a new method to differentiate bluetongue virus serotype 2 (BTV-2) field and vaccine strains, using the VP2 gene sequence differences between the South African vaccine and the Italian field wild-type strains. The method is based on the principle that the melting temperature of a DNA duplex gives information on the sequence, which enables the identification of even single-base alterations in the amplicon. The real-time polymerase chain reaction the generation of melting curves and fluorescence detection were all performed using the light cycler system (Roche). Primers and probes were designed using VP2 gene sequences. After RT-PCR, the melting curves analysis, derived by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) real-time PCR, was performed using the light cycler data analysis program (Roche). To assess the diagnostic value of the method, a BTV-2 vaccine strain (Onderstepoort Biological Products, South Africa) was first compared against a field strain of BTV-2 (isolated during an outbreak in 2000 in Sardinia). The ability of the method to reliably identify all the BTV-2 strains was tested using an array of eleven BTV-2 field strains isolated during outbreaks in various Italian regions between 2000 and 2002 and other serotypes (BTV-1, BTV-4, BTV-9 and BTV-16) that had been isolated during recent outbreaks of BT in the Mediterranean Basin. The method was clearly able to differentiate BTV-2 strains of vaccine virus from all wild-type strains of the same serotype tested. The resultant melting curves distinctly reveal the two strains to have differing peak values of 47.8 degrees C-/+0.6 degrees C and 60.5 degrees C-/+0.6 degrees C, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- P de Santis
- Centro Studi Malattie Esotiche (CESME), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Abruzzo e Molise G. Caporale, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Isola D, Pardini M, Varaine F, Fattorini L, Orefici G, Meacci F, Trappetti C, Oggioni M, Orrù G. DETECTION OF ETHAMBUTOL-RESISTANT MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS STRAINS BY A PYROSEQUENCING METHOD TARGETING EMBB CODON 306 VARIATIONS. Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3932] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
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Orrù G, Pusceddu G, Concas D, Ciusa M, Meroni E, Montaldo C, Piras V. IDENTIFICAZIONE RAPIDA DEI BATTERI ANAEROBI DEL PARODONTO MEDIANTE PYROSEQUENCING. Microbiol Med 2004. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2004.3897] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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