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Vivekananda K, Jayawardene JS, O’Connor M, Watts KJ, Leonard AD, Keesing S, Halkett G, Shaw J, Colgan V, Yuen K, Jolly R, Towler SC, Chauhan A, Nicoletti M, Johnson CE. Family Carers' Experiences of Goals of Care Conversations in Acute Hospital Settings. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:2304-2312. [PMID: 37728282 PMCID: PMC10666475 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231198973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
End-of-life Goals of Care (GoC) discussions aim to support care that is consistent with patients' preferences and values. This study uses an exploratory qualitative design drawing upon a social constructivist epistemology to examine family carers' perspectives on GoC within acute Australian hospital settings. Twenty-five family carers of aging inpatients were recruited from six Australian hospitals to participate in recorded, semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes were developed. Theme 1 explored carers' experiences of GoC discussions-identifying varying levels of preparedness and carers' hopes for open, two-way discussions initiated by empathic Health Care Professionals (HCPs). Theme 2 examined carers' unmet needs for time, space, consistency, and support to make careful decisions. Theme 3 identified carers advocating for patients' needs when they could not do it themselves. Preparing carers and normalizing GoC discussions relating to end-of-life care maximizes benefits for patients, carers, and HCPs involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Vivekananda
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jayamini S. Jayawardene
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Moira O’Connor
- WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kaaren J. Watts
- WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anton D. Leonard
- Critical Care and Intensive Care, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sharon Keesing
- School of Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Social Work, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Georgia Halkett
- Curtin School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Josephine Shaw
- Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Valerie Colgan
- WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, WA Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kevin Yuen
- Palliative Care Department, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Renate Jolly
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Simon C. Towler
- Staff Specialist, Intensive Care Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
- Acting State Medical Director, DonateLife, WA, MHPHDS Division, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
- Clinical Lead, End-of-Life Care, WA Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anupam Chauhan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Rockingham Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Margherita Nicoletti
- Palliative Care, Rockingham Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Claire E. Johnson
- Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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2
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O'Connor M, Watts KJ, Kilburn WD, Vivekananda K, Johnson CE, Keesing S, Halkett GKB, Shaw J, Colgan V, Yuen K, Jolly R, Towler SC, Chauhan A, Nicoletti M, Leonard AD. A Qualitative Exploration of Seriously Ill Patients' Experiences of Goals of Care Discussions in Australian Hospital Settings. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:3572-3580. [PMID: 33037591 PMCID: PMC7546390 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Goals of care (GOC) is a communication and decision-making process that occurs between a clinician and a patient (or surrogate decision-maker) during an episode of care to facilitate a plan of care that is consistent with the patient's preferences and values. Little is known about patients' experiences of these discussions. OBJECTIVE This study explored patients' perspectives of the GOC discussion in the hospital setting. DESIGN An explorative qualitative design was used within a social constructionist framework. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients were recruited from six Australian hospitals across two states. Eligible patients had had a GOC discussion and they were identified by the senior nurse or their doctor for informed consent and interview. APPROACH Semi-structured individual or dyadic interviews (with the carer/family member present) were conducted at the bedside or at the patient's home (for recently discharged patients). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed for themes. KEY RESULTS Thirty-eight patient interviews were completed. The key themes identified were (1) values and expectations, and (2) communication (sub-themes: (i) facilitators of the conversation, (ii) barriers to the conversation, and (iii) influence of the environment). Most patients viewed the conversation as necessary and valued having their preferences heard. Effective communication strategies and a safe, private setting were facilitators of the GOC discussion. Deficits in any of these key elements functioned as a barrier to the process. CONCLUSIONS Effective communication, and patients' values and expectations set the stage for goals of care discussions; however, the environment plays a significant role. Communication skills training and education designed to equip clinicians to negotiate GOC interactions effectively are essential. These interventions must also be accompanied by systemic changes including building a culture supportive of GOC, clear policies and guidelines, and champions who facilitate uptake of GOC discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira O'Connor
- WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Kaaren J Watts
- WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Warren D Kilburn
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kitty Vivekananda
- Counselling & Psychology Programs, Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claire E Johnson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Sharon Keesing
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Josephine Shaw
- WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Valerie Colgan
- WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, WA Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kevin Yuen
- Palliative Care Department, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Renate Jolly
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Simon C Towler
- Intensive Care Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
- DonateLife, WA, MHPHDS Division, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
- End-of-Life Care, WA Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anupam Chauhan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Rockingham Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Margherita Nicoletti
- Palliative Care, Rockingham Hospital, South Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Anton D Leonard
- Intensive Care, Royal Perth Bentley Group, East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, Australia
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3
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Romano S, Fratini S, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Nicoletti M, Chiarotti F, Del Piano M, Penco M, Sessa R. Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Clinical and Serological 1-Year Follow-Up. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2017; 17:209-18. [PMID: 15171822 DOI: 10.1177/039463200401700213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in pathogenesis and prognostic stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes is still unclear. However, a limitation of many studies is the evaluation of the long-term prognostic role of a sample obtained during the acute phase, whereas the assessment of the temporal trend of antibody titers could be more useful. One-hundred and fourteen consecutive patients with acute coronary syndromes (71 with acute myocardial infarction and 43 with unstable angina) were studied. Blood samples were obtained immediately after hospital admission and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the acute event. The microimmunofluorescence test was used to detect C. pneumoniae specific antibodies. The incidence of new coronary events (death, myocardial infarction, recurrent angina) was recorded during the 1-year follow-up period. No significant difference was found between patients with (n = 35) or without (n = 79) new coronary events (N.C.E.) regarding baseline and serial values of C. pneumoniae antibodies. The rate of high titers at any time of follow-up was also similar in the two groups: IgG ≥1:512 were present in 52%, 64%, 55% and 32% of N.C.E.+ patients, and in 48%, 54%, 52% and 36% of N.C.E.- patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months respectively; IgA ≥ 1:256 were present in 26%, 23%, 30% and 23% of N.C.E.+ patients and in 20%, 30%, 25% and 19% of N.C.E.- patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Our data indicate that elevated titers of C. pneumoniae antibodies, even with a serial 1-year evaluation, are not a predictor of future coronary events in patients with acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Romano
- Dept Internal Medicine, Cardiology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Greco R, von Hunolstein C, Orefici G, Donnarumma G, Polidoro M, Modica F, Nicoletti M, Valenti P. Protein M and Fibronectin-Binding Proteins are Not Sufficient to Promote Internalization of Group a Streptococci into Hela Cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/039463209801100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by group A streptococci is often associated with highly invasive diseases resulting in sepsis and shock. Recently, this species has renewed interest in the mechanism by which some strains are better able to invade mucosal epithelia and to penetrate into the bloodstream than are others. In this work we have evaluated the invasive ability of eight group A Streptococcus pyogenes strains isolated either from patients with severe invasive diseases, or with pharyngitis, or from healthy carrier. Five out of the eight strains studied were efficiently internalized within HeLa cells and, of these, four produced the M6 protein. A recombinant S.gordonii strain constitutively expressing the M6 protein failed to invade HeLa cell monolayers, suggesting that the expression of the M6 protein is not sufficient to allow the non-invasive S.gordonii to be internalized within Hela cells. As fibronectin-binding proteins have been implicated as primary adhesins in host-parasite interactions, we assayed the adhesiveness and the invasiveness of five invasive GAS strains in competition experiments where HeLa cells were infected with bacteria in the presence of purified fibronectin. The results obtained indicated that fibronectin moderately inhibits bacterial adhesion, while it does not affect internalization. These results indicate that other factors, together with fibronectin-binding proteins, participate in the adhesion of streptococci, and that fibronectin-mediated adhesion does not seem to be important in the internalization process of streptococci within HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Greco
- Istituto di Microbiologia, II Università di Napoli 80138 Naples
| | - C. von Hunolstein
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, laboratorio di Batteriologia e Micologia Medica, 00185 Rome
| | - G. Orefici
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, laboratorio di Batteriologia e Micologia Medica, 00185 Rome
| | - G. Donnarumma
- Istituto di Microbiologia, II Università di Napoli 80138 Naples
| | - M. Polidoro
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome
| | - F. Modica
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome
| | - M. Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università “G.D'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti; Italy
| | - P. Valenti
- Istituto di Microbiologia, II Università di Napoli 80138 Naples
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Abstract
A re-examination of Scrophularia canina L. confirmed the presence of iridoid glucosides considered as chemotaxonomic markers for the Scrophulariaceae family, like aucubin, harpagide and 8-O-acetylharpagide, besides the further presence of 8-epiloganic acid, which is, indeed, considered the biogenetic precursor of iridoids normally found in Scrophulariaceae, and was recognised here for the first time in the studied species. Also verbascoside and (E)-phytol were evidenced for the first time in S. canina. The former compound is an almost ubiquitous glycosidic phenyl-ethanoid, which attains systematic importance when in co-occurrence with iridoids, and its taxonomical implications were discussed. The latter compound, even though it is omnipresent, is interestingly endowed with several biological activities, which may give an additional reason for the traditional uses of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Venditti
- a Dipartimento di Chimica Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy.,b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - C Frezza
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Riccardelli
- a Dipartimento di Chimica Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - S Foddai
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Nicoletti
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Serafini
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - A Bianco
- a Dipartimento di Chimica Piazzale Aldo Moro , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
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6
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Venditti A, Frezza C, Riccardelli M, Foddai S, Nicoletti M, Serafini M, Bianco A. Unusual molecular pattern in Ajugoideae subfamily: the case of Ajuga genevensis L. from Dolomites. Nat Prod Res 2015; 30:1098-102. [PMID: 26508158 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1102140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We analysed the ethanolic extract from Ajuga genevensis L. (Lamiaceae) growing in Dolomites, part of Italian Alps. Three new compounds for this species were identified: rosmarinic acid (1), oleanolic acid (2) and maslinic acid (3), representative of two different classes of chemical compounds (phenylpropanoids and pentacyclic triterpenes). A. genevensis resulted to be a valuable source of these compounds endowed with interesting biological activities (i.e. antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative). The recognition of compounds (1), (2) and (3) may also confirm the ethnomedicinal uses of this plant. From a chemotaxonomical point of view, it is worth noting that iridoids were not evidenced in this accession. Iridoids are considered chemotaxonomic marker in Lamiales, and, in contrast with a previous study on this species, the presence of aucubin was not confirmed. In addition, the presence of large amounts of rosmarinic acid (1) was unexpected for a species that does not belong to subfamily Nepetoideae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Venditti
- a Dipartimento di Chimica , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - C Frezza
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Riccardelli
- a Dipartimento di Chimica , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - S Foddai
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Nicoletti
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - M Serafini
- b Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
| | - A Bianco
- a Dipartimento di Chimica , Università di Roma "La Sapienza" , Roma , Italy
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7
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Abstract
This paper reports the first phytochemical analysis of Linaria alpina (L.) Mill., collected in Dolomites (Italy), a species characteristic of mountain environment. Besides aucubin (4), which is rare in the subgenus Antirrhineae of Plantaginaceae, mainly acidic compounds were found, i.e. oleanolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2) maslinic acid (3) and shikimic acid (5). The pentacyclic triterpenes of L. alpina resulted in relatively high content, whereas flavonoids resulted in low content.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Venditti
- a Dipartimento di Chimica , "Sapienza" Università di Roma , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma , Italy
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8
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Del Serrone P, Failla S, Nicoletti M. Natural control of bacteria affecting meat quality by a neem (Azadirachta indicaA. Juss) cake extract. Nat Prod Res 2014; 29:985-7. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.964708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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9
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Menichini G, Alfano C, Marrelli M, Toniolo C, Provenzano E, Statti GA, Nicoletti M, Menichini F, Conforti F. Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum induces inhibition of free radicals and enhanced phototoxicity in human melanoma cells under ultraviolet light. Cell Prolif 2013; 46:193-202. [PMID: 23510474 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our interest continues in discovering phytocomplexes from medicinal plants with phototoxic activity against human melanoma cells; thus the aim of the present study was to assess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and phototoxic activity of Hypericum perforatum L. subsp. perforatum, and relate these properties to the plant's chemical composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS Components of H. perforatum subsp. perforatum were extracted by hydroalcoholic solution and chemical profiles of preparations (HyTE-3) performed by HPTLC. Linoleic acid peroxidation and DPPH tests were used to assess antioxidant activity, while MTT assay allowed evaluation of anti-proliferative activity with respect to A375 human melanoma cells after irradiation with UVA dose, 1.8 J/cm(2) . Inhibition of nitric oxide production of macrophages was also investigated. RESULTS HyTE-3 indicated better antioxidant activity with β-carotene bleaching test in comparison to DPPH assay (IC50 = 0.89 μg/ml); significant phototoxicity in A375 cells at 78 μg/ml concentration resulted in cell destruction of 50%. HyTE-3 caused significant dose-related inhibition of nitric oxide production in murine monocytic macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 with IC50 value of 342 μg/ml. CONCLUSIONS The H. perforatum subsp. perforatum-derived product was able to suppress proliferation of human malignant melanoma A375 cells; extract together with UVA irradiation enhanced phototoxicity. This biological activity of antioxidant effects was combined with inhibition of nitric oxide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Menichini
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Perugia University, Perugia, Italy
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10
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Calcaterra R, Pasquantonio G, Vitali LA, Nicoletti M, Di Girolamo M, Mirisola C, Prenna M, Condo R, Baggi L. Occurrence of Candida species colonization in a population of denture-wearing immigrants. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:239-46. [PMID: 23527728 DOI: 10.1177/039463201302600125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of the oral cavity and dentures by Candida species are frequent in denture wearers. C. albicans is the most common pathogen; however, other emerging Candida species are also responsible for this condition. Few data are available about the occurrence of Candida species in the oral cavities of denture-wearing immigrants to Italy. In this study, we compare the Candida species found in the oral mucosa and on dentures from a population of denture wearing immigrants to Italy to a matched Italian group. Oral swabs were collected from dentures and the underlying mucosa of patients enrolled in the study and were then cultured to test for the presence of Candida species in each sample. Out of 168 patients enrolled (73 Italians and 95 immigrants), 51 Italians (69.8 percent) and 75 immigrants (78.9 percent) tested positive for the presence of Candida. Candida albicans was the most frequently observed species overall; however, we found a higher occurrence of C. glabrata among immigrants than among Italians. In addition, immigrants displayed a higher incidence of Candida associated stomatitis and a lower mean age than Candida-positive individuals from the Italian group. Immigrants are more prone to longer colonization of the oral mucosa and dentures by Candida. In these patients, dentures must be checked periodically to prevent the presence of Candida.
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11
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Pasquantonio G, Condò S, Cerroni L, Bikiqu L, Nicoletti M, Prenna M, Ripa S. Antibacterial activity of various antibiotics against oral streptococci isolated in the oral cavity. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:805-9. [PMID: 23058035 DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 550 oral streptococci: 270 Streptococcus mitis, 110 Streptococcus sanguis, 90 Streptococcus anginosus, 50 Streptococcus mutans, 30 Streptococcus salivarius, were isolated from dental plaque and gengival crevices of patients and tested for their susceptibility to 12 β-lactam antibiotics and to 5 non-β-lactam antibiotics, using the microdiluition method. Overall, a reduced susceptibility to penicillin was recorded in 13.4% of cases. The percentage of strains resistant to penicillin appeared significantly higher in S. mitis (24%) than in S. sanguis (19%), in S. mutans (14%) and in S. salivarius (10%). No levels of penicillin resistance were shown by 90 strains of S. anginosus. In susceptibility test to antibiotics, imipenem was the most active molecule tested, confirming its general good activity against oral streptococci. Also third generation cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone and fourth generation cephalosporins such as cefepime, showed good activity. Chinolones, glycopeptides and rifampicin confirmed a good activity against oral streptococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pasquantonio
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontic Technologies University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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12
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Nicoletti M, Neri G, Maccauro G, Tripodi D, Varvara G, Saggini A, Potalivo G, Castellani M, Fulcheri M, Rosati M, Toniato E, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Cerulli G, Pandolfi F, Galzio R, Conti P, Theoharides T. Impact and Neuropeptide Substance Pan Inflammatory Compound on Arachidonic Acid Compound Generation. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:849-57. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is much evidence that neuropeptide substance P is involved in neurogenic inflammation and is an important neurotransmitter and neurmodulator compound. In addition, substance P plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. Macrophages can be activated by substance P which provokes the release of inflammatory compounds such as interleukins, chemokines and growth factors. Substance P is involved in the mechanism of pain through the trigeminal nerve which runs through the head, temporal and sinus cavity. Substance P also activates mast cells to release inflammatory mediators such as arachindonic acid compound, cytokines/chemokines and histamine. The release of these chemical mediators is crucial for inflammatory response. Among these mediators there are prostoglandins and leukotrines. Here we review the impact of substance P on inflammatory compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nicoletti
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Neri
- ENT Division, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Maccauro
- Orthopedics Division, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Tripodi
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - G. Varvara
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - A. Saggini
- Dermatology Department, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Potalivo
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - M. Fulcheri
- Department of Psychology, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - M. Rosati
- Gynecology Division, Santo Spirito Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - E. Toniato
- Immunology Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - A. Caraffa
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - P. Antinolfi
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - G. Cerulli
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - F. Pandolfi
- Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Galzio
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P. Conti
- Immunology Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - T.C. Theoharides
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Abstract
In recent years there have been increased rates of autoimmune diseases, possibly associated to altered intestinal microflora. In this brief review article, after a description of the structure and function of the gut microbiota organ and its cross-talk with the human host, we give a report on findings indicating how the host immune system responds to bacterial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. The disturbances in the bacterial microbiota will result in the deregulation of adaptive immune cells, which may underlie autoimmune disorders. The mammalian immune system, which seems to be designed to control microorganisms, could be instead influenced by microorganisms, as suggested in recent literature. Alterations in both the structure and function of intestinal microbiota could be one of the ‘common causative triggers’ of autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Iebba
- Public Health and Infectious Diseases Department, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - S. Schippa
- Public Health and Infectious Diseases Department, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Sabatino G, Nicoletti M, Neri G, Saggini A, Rosati M, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Toniato E, Fulcheri M, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Frydas S, Pandolfi F, Potalivo G, Galzio R, Conti P, Theoharides TC. Impact of IL -9 and IL-33 in mast cells. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2012; 26:577-586. [PMID: 23241108] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines serve as chemical communicators from one cell to another and most of them have pro-inflammatory activity. Mast cells have been recognised as important mediators of the pathogenesis of allergy and inflammation, suggesting a role for IL-33-mediated mast cell activation. IL-33 was recently identified as a ligand for the orphan IL-1 family receptor T1/ST2 and is mainly expressed by mast cells, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells, particularly in high endothelial venules. IL-33 is a potent inducer of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-13 and TNF, and chemokines (MCP-1), by mast cells. Substance P is capable to induce VEGF from mast cells, and IL-33, the newest pro-inflammatory member of the IL-1 cytokine family, augments the effect of SP in VEGF transcription and translation protein. IL-9 is a pleiotropic and is expressed by multiple T helper (TH) cell subsets. IL-9 promotes the expression of mast cell pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and is involved in Th2 responses. This article focuses on recent developments of mast cells, IL-9 and IL-33, and recent literature and investigations were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sabatino
- Neonatology Division, University of Chieti, Italy
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15
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Nicoletti M, Maccauro G, Tripodi D, Saggini A, Potalivo G, Castellani M, Conti F, Rosati M, Tomato E, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Conti P, Theoharides T. Impact of IL-33 on PGD2 Generation by Activated Human Cord Blood-Derived Mast Cell: Lack of Effect on Tryptase Release. EUR J INFLAMM 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1201000323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are important not only in allergic reactions, but also in inflammation and are involved in a variety of responses including the immediate release of potent inflammatory mediators after activation by cross-linking of FcεRI molecules. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is a major cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by mast cells and it is released following allergen challenge in allergic diseases. IL-33 is an iflammatory cytokine which is critically involved in the regulation of in vitro and in vivo cyclooxygenase production, providing a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory disorders. In this study, using human derived umbelical cord blood mast cells, we show that IL-33 (50 ng/ml), and calcium ionophore A 23187 (0.5 μg/ml), compound 48/80 (10−5 M) or anti-IgE (10 μg/ml), enhaced the production of PGD2 and this effect was inhibited by indomethacin. However, IL-33 was unable to induce tryptase release in these cells. These effects confirm the inflammatory property of IL-33 by stimulating PGD2 but not tryptase in human mast cells. The inhibitory effect of this new cytokine may have a potential therapeutic response in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nicoletti
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - G. Maccauro
- Orthopedics Division, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Tripodi
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A. Saggini
- Dermatology Department, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Potalivo
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - M.L. Castellani
- Immunology Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - F. Conti
- Gynecology Division, “Santo Spirito” Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - M. Rosati
- Gynecology Division, “Santo Spirito” Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - E. Tomato
- Immunology Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A. Caraffa
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - P. Antinolfi
- Orthopedics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - P. Conti
- Immunology Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - T.C. Theoharides
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Tete S, Saggini A, Maccauro G, Rosati M, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Tripodi D, Toniato E, Fulcheri M, Salini V, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Frydas S, Pandolfi F, Conti P, Potalivo G, Nicoletti M, Theoharides TC. Interleukin-9 and mast cells. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2012; 26:319-326. [PMID: 23034251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells are granulated hematopoietic cells derived from stem cells that reside in nearly all tissues and are involved in protection of a host from bacterial infection with a protective and pathogenic activity. Mast cells are important for both innate and adaptive immunity in tissues which are in close contact with the environment. These cells express proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor which are necessary for innate immunity. Mast cells also produce interleukin-9 and enhance mast cell expression of several cytokines including IL-1beta, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9 and IL-13. In addition, IL-9 can induce mast cell production of TGF-beta which can have proinflammatory downstream effects. IL-9 can function as either a positive or a negative regulator of immune responses and can have a detrimental role in allergy and autoimmunity. Furthermore, IL-9 contributes to disease by promoting mast cell expansion and production of IL-13 which in turn contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness. Here, in this editorial we review the interrelationship between IL-9 and mast cells.
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17
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Massoni F, Cassese M, Nicoletti M, Ricci S. [Rupture of the right ventricular wall closed with Daflon patching and biological glue]. Clin Ter 2012; 163:e177-e180. [PMID: 23007822] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we present a rare case of Dacron patch closure of tear in right ventricular myocardial at outflow level, caused by stroke of hypoplastic right coronary artery occlusion, in patient with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by hypertension and aortic stenosis, surgically treated by implantation of mechanical prostheses, and pericarditis postcardiotomy. Our purpose is to trace evidence from postmortem identification of pathogenic mechanisms occurring in causing fatal event. The severe myocardial hypertrophy observed is supposedly based on valvular or hypertensive, is compatible with a significant reduction of the diastolic function and with the genesis of acute pulmonary edema as a trigger: the latter case may result in death for the reduction of contractile reserve of the right ventricle, induced by the presence of the patch surgically implanted.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Massoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e dell'Apparato Locomotore, Università degli Studi "Sapienza" di Roma, Italia
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18
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Tetè S, Nicoletti M, Saggini A, Maccauro G, Rosati M, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Tripodi D, Toniato E, Fulcheri M, Salini V, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Frydas S, Pandolfi F, Conti P, Potalivo G, Theoharides T. Nutrition and Cancer Prevention. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:573-81. [DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites. Diet high in fat is a strong link to, and perhaps causes, a high incidence of tumours. Trans-fatty acid might impair the function and it could be involved in the development of cancer. Cholesterol is also strongly suspected to be involved in the development of tumours, therefore it is important for everyone to eat well, especially for people with cancer to prevent the body tissues from breaking down and helping to rebuild the normal tissue that may have been affected by the treatments. Factors secreted by adipocytes and macrophages such as TNF-alpha and other inflammatory proteins are involved in inflammation in cancer. In addition, MCSF which up-regulates adipocyte tissue is also important for the stimulation of fat cell proliferation and is expressed by human adipocytes. Many cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-32, IL-33 and MCP-1, are biomarkers for cancer and chronic diseases along with transcription factors NFkB and AP-1; these last two factors are important bioactive substances on the molecular mechanism of the control of genes which in turn affect cellular metabolism. In this paper we revisit the interrelationship between cancer and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Tetè
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - M. Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - A. Saggini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Maccauro
- Department of Orthopedics, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Rosati
- Gynecology Division, Pescara Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - F. Conti
- Gynecology Division, Pescara Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - E. Cianchetti
- Ortona Hospital, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - D. Tripodi
- Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - E. Toniato
- Immunology Division, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | | | - V. Salini
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - A. Caraffa
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
| | - P. Antinolfi
- Orthopeadics Division, University of Perugia, Perugia Italy
| | - S. Frydas
- Parasitology Department, Veterinary School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - F. Pandolfi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - P. Conti
- Immunology Division, Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | | | - T.C. Theoharides
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Cianciulli M, Monaco A, Caruso C, Chiostrini C, Nicoletti M, Crescenzi M, Donato V. 85P INOPERABLE NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER TREATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY AND SEQUENTIAL RADIOTHERAPY USING HELICAL TOMOTHERAPY. Lung Cancer 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(11)70222-7] [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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20
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Schiavoni G, Di Pietro M, Ronco C, De Cal M, Cazzavillan S, Rassu M, Nicoletti M, Del Piano M, Sessa R. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection as a risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2010; 24:367-375. [PMID: 20846485] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality for end-stage renal disease patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis (HD). Several studies in recent years have identified Chlamydia pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen, as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the general population. The aim of our study is to evaluate chlamydial load, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HD patients. Furthermore, the correlation between DNA chlamydial load and markers of inflammation was also examined. PBMC specimens isolated from 49 HD patients and 46 blood donors were analyzed for the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA by real-time PCR and ompA nested touchdown PCR. In HD patients, plasma levels of several inflammatory markers were also determined. A significantly higher rate of C. pneumoniae DNA was found in HD patients (44.9 percent) than in blood donors (19.6 percent) (p=0.016); HD patients were also more likely to have a significantly high chlamydial load (p=0.0004). HD patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases have a significantly greater chlamydial load than HD patients without cardiovascular diseases (p= 0.006). A significantly higher value of C-reactive protein, IL-6 and advanced oxidative protein products was found in HD patients with a greater chlamydial load (p less than 0.05). Likewise, a significantly lower monocyte HLA-DR percentage (p=0.011) as well as a lower monocyte HLA-DR expression were found in such patients (p= 0.007). In conclusion, our results show that HD patients are at high risk of C. pneumoniae infection correlated with chronic inflammatory response which in turn can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis and other long-term clinical complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Schiavoni
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome
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21
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Di Sotto A, Vitalone A, Nicoletti M, Piccin A, Mazzanti G. Pharmacological and phytochemical study on a Sisymbrium officinale Scop. extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2010; 127:731-736. [PMID: 19969059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The aerial parts of Sisymbrium officinale Scop. are commonly used to treat airway ailments, moreover in antiquity the herbal drug was reputed to possess anticancer properties. The results obtained in present work support the traditional use and the properties ascribed to Sisymbrium officinale. AIM OF THE STUDY In order to give a scientific basis to the traditional uses of Sisymbrium officinale, this study was aimed to evaluate in vitro the myorelaxant activity, the antimicrobial properties and the antimutagenic effect of an aqueous dry extract of the aerial parts of the plant. A phytochemical characterization of the extract was also performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The myorelaxant activity was studied against the contractions induced by carbachol, histamine and leukotriene C(4), in isolated guinea-pig trachea. The antimicrobial activity was tested against six bacteria and one yeast. The Ames test, performed by the preincubation method, was used to study the antimutagenic activity of the extract by its capability to inhibit the mutagenic effect of 2-nitrofluorene, sodium azide, methyl methanesulfonate and 2-aminoanthracene, in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA strains. The chemical composition of the extract was analyzed by TLC and HPLC. RESULTS Sisymbrium officinale showed to reduce the chemically-induced contractions of isolated guinea-pig trachea with major potency against leukotriene C(4) and histamine. The extract did not show any antibacterial activity. The Ames test showed a strong antimutagenic activity against 2-aminoanthracene, in Escherichia coli WP2uvrA and in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strains. The phytochemical study highlighted the presence of putranjivine, the glucosinolate marker of Sisymbrium officinale, and of proline. CONCLUSIONS The myorelaxant activity of Sisymbrium officinale offers a scientific basis to its use in traditional medicine. The strong antimutagenic effect suggests further studies to evaluate its possible chemopreventive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Macone A, Maras B, Fontana M, Zagaglia C, Nicoletti M, Del Piano M, Morrone S. Chlamydia pneumoniae induces T cell apoptosis through glutathione redox imbalance and secretion of TNF-alpha. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 22:659-68. [PMID: 19822082 DOI: 10.1177/039463200902200311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae persistent infection has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis, and we hypothesized that modulation of the apoptosis of macrophages and/or T cells by C. pneumoniae infection may contribute to the development of such diseases. We therefore evaluated apoptosis, cytokine response, and redox status in human primary T cells and macrophages infected with C. pneumoniae. In addition, co-cultures of T cells and macrophages infected with C. pneumoniae were also carried out. Apoptosis, and levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured by flow cytometry, high performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C. pneumoniae induced apoptosis in T cells as well as in co-cultures of T cells and infected macrophages by marked decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio and increased production of TNF-alpha, respectively. The results demonstrate that interaction of C. pneumoniae with T cells and/or macrophages characterized by interference with redox status, and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-alpha culminates in the induction of T cell apoptosis and survival of infected macrophages. In conclusion, the inappropriate T cell response against C. pneumoniae and survival of infected macrophages could explain the persistence of this intracellular obligate pathogen in the host-organism; it may contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, although further studies are needed to clarify such a complex mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sessa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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23
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Abstract
The phytochemical study of Euphrasia genargentea, a rare species only present in Sardinia, led to the identification of iridoid glucosides, i.e. aucubin, catalpol, mussaenosidic acid and melampyroside, which allowed chemotaxonomic considerations on the genus. On the basis of iridoid distribution in the genus, E. genargentea does not show any particular analogy with other Italian Euphrasia spp. This study is also important considering the severe risk of extinction of E. genargentea.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Petitto
- Dipartimento di Biologia Vegetale, Universita di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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24
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Sessa R, Nicoletti M, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Santino I, Zagaglia C, Del Piano M, Cipriani P. Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis: current state and future prospectives. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 22:9-14. [PMID: 19309547 DOI: 10.1177/039463200902200102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae, an intracellular bacterial pathogen, is known as a leading cause of human respiratory tract infections worldwide. Over the last decade, several reports in the literature have suggested that infection with C. pneumoniae may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In order to play a causative role in chronic disease, C. pneumoniae would need to persist within infected tissue for extended periods of time, thereby stimulating a chronic inflammatory response. C. pneumoniae has been shown to disseminate systemically from the lungs through infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells and to localize in arteries where it may infect endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, monocytes/macrophages and promote inflammatory atherogenous process. The involvement of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerosis was investigated by seroepidemiological and pathological studies, in vivo and in vitro studies, and in clinical antibiotic treatment trials. This review will provide an update on the role of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerosis focusing on the recent insights and suggesting areas for future research.
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25
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Santino I, Sessa R, Pantanella F, Tomao P, Di Renzi S, Martini A, Nicoletti M, Del Piano M. Detection of Different Borrelia Burgdorferi Genospecies in Serum of People with Different Occupational Risks: Short Report. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 22:537-41. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200902200232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at applying a previously described PCR-based method to detect B. burgdorferi sensu lato and different Borrelia genospecies in total DNA preparations of serum samples collected from people with different occupational risks for tick bite and with serological evidence of borreliosis. Among the seropositive samples, the PCR for B. burgdorferi confirmed the positivity in 65% of the forestry workers and in 60% of the subjects living in the same area. None of the seronegative subjects belonging to the control group showed the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato DNA. Results on genospecies distribution show that B. afzelii was the predominant species, followed by B. garinii and finally by B. valaisiana.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P. Tomao
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome
| | - S. Di Renzi
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome
| | - A. Martini
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Istituto Superiore per la Prevenzione e la Sicurezza del Lavoro, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome
| | - M. Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Università “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
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26
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Gallo A, Gasbarrini G, Nicoletti M, Montalto M, Addolorato G. Evaluation of symptoms and palatability in healthy volunteers after ingestion of an iced dessert by using different flavours. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2009; 23:127-131. [PMID: 19589295] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
It is well-known that digestion has a pivotal role in maintaining a state of wellbeing. The influence of certain foods and some herbal drugs has been ascertained. Epidemiological data show that the Mediterranean diet, with a high consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit, mainly citrus, has a beneficial effect and plays a protective gastrointestinal role. Previously, we assessed the influence on the eventual occurrence of symptoms during digestion of an iced dessert containing a mixture of digestive plant extracts, citrus juices and liquors, showing that its ingestion does not cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy volunteers. Taking into consideration that sensory properties of food may also influence digestion, we also evaluated the palatability of the product. In order to evaluate the effect of different tastes on the digestive processes, we performed a further similar evaluation with two new flavours. The ingestion of these iced desserts at the end of the meal does not cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, palatability median score shows a good appreciation of the products. Therefore, the combination of digestive herbs, citrus juice and liquors in different flavours gives rise to a product with a positive mix of good palatability, favourable acceptance and herbal constituents, able to maintain a good digestive condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gallo
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University, Rome
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27
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Tinari A, Superti F, Ammendolia MG, Chiozzini C, Hohenadl C, Leone P, Nappi F, Nicoletti M, Borsetti A, Marchetti M, Ensoli B, Monini P. Primary effusion lymphoma cells undergoing human herpesvirus type 8 productive infection produce C-type retroviral particles. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2009; 21:999-1006. [PMID: 19144286 DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphomas (PELs) are invariably infected by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)that is present in most PEL cells as latent virus but replicates in a subset of permissive cells to produce infectious progeny. Here we show that productively infected PEL cells release C-type retrovirus-like particles encoding an Mn++-dependent RT activity, which is typical of endogenous retroviruses. Strikingly, C-type particles are produced only in cells showing advanced HHV8 morphogenesis. Phorbol esters, which induce productive HHV8 replication and morphogenesis in PEL cells, increase RLP production. Phosphonoacetic acid, a blocker of HHV8 late gene expression, inhibits the production of C-type particles, whereas neutralizing anti-alphaIFN antibodies, which are known to increase HHV8 assembly, increases C-type particle production. These data suggest that factors expressed in advanced stages of HHV8 reactivation support endogenous C-type particle morphogenesis in PEL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tinari
- Department of Technology and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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28
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Putignani L, Sessa R, Petrucca A, Manfredini C, Coltella L, Menichella D, Nicoletti M, Russo C, Cipriani P. Genotyping of Different Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Morphotypes Arising from the Lower Respiratory Tract of a Patient Taken to an Intensive Care Unit. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:941-7. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and an ubiquitous environmental bacterium. Fifty-seven days after hospitalization, we isolated three distinct P. aeruginosa morphotypes (smooth, rough and mucoid) from the lower respiratory tract of a patient admitted to a Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Moreover, a group of nine colony variants, arising from the three P. aeruginosa isolates growing in laboratory growth media, were also isolated. The resulting 12 isolates were characterised for antibiotic resistance profile and subjected to genotypic analysis by fluorescent-Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (f-AFLP) and automated repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (rep-PCR) fingerprinting. The three smooth, rough and mucoid morphotypes presented different antibiotic resistance profiles and genotyping analysis showed that they belonged to distinct clones, indicating that at day 57 after the admission the patient was simultaneously colonized by three distinct P. aeruginosa isolates. On the other hand, the nine colony variants presented heterogeneous antibiotic resistance profiles and clustered together with the three parental isolates. The understanding of the link between genotype plasticity and antibiotic resistance may contribute to improving our knowledge of this life-threatening pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Sessa
- Department of Public Health, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - A. Petrucca
- Laboratory of Microbiology, “Sant'Andrea” Hospital, Rome
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University “G. D'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | | | - M. Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University “G. D'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - P. Cipriani
- Laboratory of Microbiology, “Sant'Andrea” Hospital, Rome
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Gasbarrini G, Gallo A, Nicoletti M, Montalto M, Addolorato G. Evaluation of effects (symptoms and palatability) after ingestion of "Gran Soleil" in healthy volunteers. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2008; 22:201-205. [PMID: 18842174] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A good digestion is essential to maintain a healthy status. It is known that physiological digestive processes could be improved by the ingestion of some medicinal plants, while specific foods can facilitate the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, sensory properties of food seem to also influence digestion. We assessed the influence on physiological digestive processes of two Gran Soleil (GS) products containing a mixture of digestive plant extracts, citrus juices and liquors. We evaluated, in 10 healthy volunteers, the eventual occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms after their ingestion and measured their palatability. Ingestion of GS did not cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, the palatability median score shows a good appreciation of the products. In conclusion, it is possible to suppose that a product with a good palatability, able to support and maintain a good digestive condition, derives from the mixture of digestive herbs, citrus juices, liquor and other ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gasbarrini
- Institute of Internal Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Nicoletti M, Santino I, Petrucca A, Del Chierico F, Cannavacciuolo S, Casalino M, Sessa R, Cipriani P. Evaluation by Real-Time PCR of the Expression of S. Flexneri Virulence-Associated Genes ospB and phoN2 under Different Genetical Backgrounds. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:707-14. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Under conditions of activated type III secretion Shigella flexneri up-regulates the expression of numerous genes, including the virulence plasmid (pINV)-encoded ospB and phoN2 genes. ospB and phoN2 are virulence-associated genes which are part of a bicistronic transcriptional unit encoding OspB, a protein (effector) of unknown function secreted by the type III secretion (TTS) apparatus, and PhoN2 (apyrase or ATP-diphosphohydrolase), a periplasmic protein involved in polar IcsA localization on the surface of S. flexneri. In this work we used real-time PCR to measure transcription of ospB and phoN2 of wild-type S. flexneri strain M90T as well as of derivative mutants impaired in definite virulence traits. The results obtained confirmed and extended previous reports indicating that the expression of ospB and phoN2 genes is modulated in a virB-dependent, mxiE-independent manner under conditions of non-activated secretion, while their expression is considerably induced in a mxiE-dependent manner under conditions of activated secretion. That the expression of the ospB-phoN2 operon is up-regulated in condition of activated secretion, indicates that probably the expression of these two genes might be important, especially during the later stages of infection of S. flexneri.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti
| | - I. Santino
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Rome
| | - A. Petrucca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Clinica, II Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ospedale “Sant'Andrea”, Rome
| | - F. Del Chierico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti
| | - S. Cannavacciuolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Rome
| | - M. Casalino
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Sessa
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Rome
| | - P. Cipriani
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Rome
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Clinica, II Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ospedale “Sant'Andrea”, Rome
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31
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Cardelli P, Ferraironi M, Amodeo R, Tabacco F, De Blasi RA, Nicoletti M, Sessa R, Petrucca A, Costante A, Cipriani P. Evaluation of neutrophil CD64 expression and procalcitonin as useful markers in early diagnosis of sepsis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:43-9. [PMID: 18336730 DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitation of neutrophil CD64 expression and procalcitonin (PCT) levels in blood samples have been recently proposed as useful tools for early detection of sepsis. To determine the usefulness of these tests, we analyzed blood samples of 112 patients, admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), presenting clinical symptoms of sepsis, as well as of 50 healthy controls. At the end of the study, a retrospective analysis showed that only 52 of the 112 ICU-patients presented a real sepsis (positive blood culture). The results obtained indicated that of the 52 patients with sepsis, 50 and 49 presented levels of neutrophil CD64 expression >or= 2398 molecules per cell (cut-off determined by receiver operator characteristic analysis) and PCT levels >0.5 ng/ml (cut-off suggested by the manufacturer), respectively. However, the neutrophil CD64 test showed higher specificity in detecting sepsis since 5 out of the 60 ICU-patients without sepsis (negative blood culture), presented CD64 expression levels >or= 2398 molecules per cell, PCT levels >or= 0.5 ng/ml were shown in 27 patients. Moreover, while none of the 50 healthy controls presented a neutrophil CD64 level higher than the cut-off value, 5 patients presented PCT levels >or= 0.5 ng/ml. In conclusion, our data seem to indicate that the quantitation of CD64 expression could be taken into consideration as a sensitive and specific test for early diagnosis of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cardelli
- UOC di Diagnostica di Laboratorio, IIo Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia della Sapienza University di Roma, Ospedale Sant' Andrea, Rome, Italy
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32
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Berlutti F, Superti F, Nicoletti M, Morea C, Frioni A, Ammendolia M, Battistoni A, Valenti P. Bovine Lactoferrin Inhibits the Efficiency of Invasion of Respiratory A549 Cells of Different Iron-Regulated Morphological Forms of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Burkholderia Cenocepacia. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2008; 21:51-9. [DOI: 10.1177/039463200802100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia are two important opportunistic respiratory pathogens of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Infections caused by these microorganisms are particularly difficult to eradicate because they are usually highly resistant to several currently available broad-spectrum antibiotics. Lactoferrin (Lf), a glycoprotein found in physiological fluids of mammals and present at high concentrations in infected and inflamed tissues, plays an important role in the natural defence mechanism against pathogens and in immune regulation. In the present study, we evaluate the ability of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) to influence P. aeruginosa PAO1 and B. cenocepacia PV1 adhesiveness and invasiveness, using the A549 human bronchial cell line. Three different iron-induced morphological forms of bacteria (free-living, aggregates and biofilm) were assayed. The addition of bLf to cells just before infection had little influence on adhesion efficiency for all three of the morphological forms of B. cenocepacia PV1, while a slight increase in adhesion efficiency by P. aeruginosa PAO1 was noticed. Conversely, invasion of all three morphological forms of both P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia was strongly inhibited by the presence of bLf, independently of its degree of iron-binding activity. This is the first report demonstrating an anti-invasive property of bLf for strains of P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - F. Superti
- Department of Technology and Health, National Institute of Health, Rome
| | - M. Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University “G d'Annunzio”, Chieti
| | | | | | - M.G. Ammendolia
- Department of Technology and Health, National Institute of Health, Rome
| | - A. Battistoni
- Department of Biology, University “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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33
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Di Bonaventura G, Prosseda G, Del Chierico F, Cannavacciuolo S, Cipriani P, Petrucca A, Superti F, Ammendolia MG, Concato C, Fiscarelli E, Casalino M, Piccolomini R, Nicoletti M, Colonna B. Molecular characterization of virulence determinants of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains isolated from patients affected by cystic fibrosis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2007; 20:529-37. [PMID: 17880766 DOI: 10.1177/039463200702000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging nosocomial bacterial pathogen which is currently isolated with increasing frequency from the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this study 13 S. maltophilia strains (11 isolated from the airways of independent CF patients, and two non-CF respiratory reference strains) have been characterized for the expression of several virulence-associated factors. In particular, the ability to form biofilm on abiotic surfaces has been determined and correlated with different features, such as motility, adherence and the ability to invade A549 respiratory epithelial cells. Moreover, the presence of a flagellum-associated gene as well as that of the StmPr1 gene, which encodes an extracellular protease, have been determined by Southern blot hybridization. Our data indicate that the different degree of biofilm formation exhibited by the 11 CF isolates does not correlate with motility, ability to adhere to and invade A549 cells, or with the presence of flagella. On the other hand, among the CF isolates the StmPr1 gene was found only in two strains, both able to establish chronic lung infections in CF patients. Moreover, only four of the strains analyzed show a temperature-independent antibiotic-resistance profile, suggesting either a different origin of these strains or an intervening adaptation to host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Di Bonaventura
- Department of Biological Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
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Fleitlich-Bilyk B, Pinzon V, Cobelo A, Gonzaga A, Belluzzo P, Nicoletti M, Scharff A, Sousa A, Carvalho L, Mangiacavalli M. A clinical sample of children and adolescents with eating disorders in Brazil: Comorbidities and socio-demographic characteristics. Eur Psychiatry 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.01.584] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Santapaola D, Del Chierico F, Petrucca A, Uzzau S, Casalino M, Colonna B, Sessa R, Berlutti F, Nicoletti M. Apyrase, the product of the virulence plasmid-encoded phoN2 (apy) gene of Shigella flexneri, is necessary for proper unipolar IcsA localization and for efficient intercellular spread. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:1620-7. [PMID: 16452446 PMCID: PMC1367242 DOI: 10.1128/jb.188.4.1620-1627.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role in virulence of the Shigella flexneri ospB-phoN2 operon has been evaluated. Here we confirm that OspB is an effector and show that apyrase, the product of phoN2, may be a virulence factor, since it is required for efficient intercellular spreading. Apyrase may be important in a deoxynucleoside triphosphate-hydrolyzing activity-independent manner, suggesting that it may act as an interaction partner in the process of IcsA localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Santapaola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università G. D'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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36
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Ramanitrahasimbola D, Rakotondramanana DA, Rasoanaivo P, Randriantsoa A, Ratsimamanga S, Palazzino G, Galeffi C, Nicoletti M. Bronchodilator activity of Phymatodes scolopendria (Burm.) Ching and its bioactive constituent. J Ethnopharmacol 2005; 102:400-7. [PMID: 16084046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2004] [Revised: 06/02/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Phymatodes scolopendria (Burm.) Ching (Polypodiaceae) is widely used in the Eastern coast of Madagascar to treat respiratory disorders. Bioassay-guided fractionation using guinea pig trachea pre-contracted with histamine to monitor the activity led to the isolation of 1,2-benzopyrone (coumarin) as the main active constituent. Effectively, it induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the histamine with a median effective concentration (EC(50)) of 35.03 microg/ml, or carbachol (EC(50) = 33.41 microg/ml) pre-contracted guinea pig trachea, and also provoked 100% relaxation at 72.10 microg/ml. It was less active either on KCl pre-contracted trachea (EC(50) = 130.78 microg/ml) or endothelium denuded trachea (153.4 +/- 22 microg/ml). It inhibited, in a non-competitive manner, the histamine and the external calcium spasm effect on the isolated trachea but it did not significantly modify the broncho-constrictive activity of KCl. When combined with theophylline, coumarin produced a significant additive relaxing effect on pre-contracted trachea. Furthermore, its bronchodilator effect was not blocked by propranolol. In vivo, pre-treated guinea pig with coumarin showed significant resistance to histamine inhalation, with an adequate dose protecting 50% of the tested animals (AD(50)) of 75 mg/kg. These results indicate that the bronchodilator effect of coumarin is partly due to the endothelium-dependent tracheal relaxation, and may be mediated through a non-specific tracheal relaxation.
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37
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Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Nicoletti M, Soda G, Nardoni S, Bosco D, Santino I, Cipriani P, Del Piano M. Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2005; 17:301-6. [PMID: 15461864 DOI: 10.1177/039463200401700310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae has recently been associated with the development of coronary heart diseases by sero-epidemiological studies and by direct detection of the organism in atherosclerotic tissues. The aim of our study was to employ a semi-nested PCR approach to investigate the presence of C. pneumoniae in both normal and atherosclerotic coronary arteries of humans obtained at autopsy. Moreover, we have evaluated the role of infection with C. pneumoniae in relation to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. One hundred and eighty coronary artery specimens were collected at autopsy from 60 consecutive subjects (three arterial segments from each subject). Atherosclerosis in each arterial segment was graded histologically by the Stary classification. Thirty normal coronary arteries were also taken at autopsy as control. PCR results evidenced the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic coronary arteries in 19 (31.7%) of 60 subjects examined, while none of the 30 subjects with non-atherosclerotic tissues was positive (p=0.001). Moreover, of the 180 atherosclerotic specimens examined, C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 3.4% (2/59) of mild atherosclerotic lesions, and in 14.0% (17/121) of advanced atherosclerotic lesions (p=0.05). Our results demonstrate that the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA may be associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sessa
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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Granata M, Ammendolea C, Nicoletti M, Martelletti P, Giacovazzo M. Headache Induced by Accidental Nitric Acid Inhalation. Cephalalgia 2004; 24:238. [PMID: 15009020 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2003.00650.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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39
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Brambilla P, Nicoletti M, Sassi RB, Mallinger AG, Frank E, Keshavan MS, Soares JC. Corpus callosum signal intensity in patients with bipolar and unipolar disorder. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2004; 75:221-5. [PMID: 14742592 PMCID: PMC1738899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anatomical abnormalities in the corpus callosum have been reported in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with bipolar but not unipolar disorder. MRI signal intensity can be used as a putative index of corpus callosum myelination. OBJECTIVES To measure MRI signal intensity in patients with bipolar and unipolar disorder to investigate abnormalities of corpus callosum myelination. METHODS The study involved 29 DSM-IV bipolar patients (mean (SD) age, 35 (11) years; 16 male, 13 female), 23 DSM-IV unipolar patients (41 (10) years; 4 male, 19 female), and 36 healthy controls (37 (10) years; 23 male, 13 female). A 1.5T GE Signa magnet was employed, with a fast spin echo sequence. Corpus callosum signal intensity was obtained blindly using the semiautomated software NIH Image 1.62. RESULTS Bipolar patients had lower corpus callosum signal intensity for all callosal subregions (genu, anterior and posterior body, isthmus, splenium) than healthy controls (ANCOVA, age and sex as covariates, p<0.05). No significant differences were found between unipolar and healthy subjects (ANCOVA, age and sex as covariates, p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest abnormalities in corpus callosum white matter in bipolar but not unipolar patients, possibly because of altered myelination. Such abnormalities could lead to impaired interhemispheric communication in bipolar disorder. Longitudinal MRI studies involving first episode and early onset bipolar patients will be necessary for a better understanding of the potential role of abnormalities of corpus callosum myelination in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brambilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA
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Abstract
The crude methanolic root extract of Myoschilos oblongum exhibited a significant cytotoxic activity against PZ-HPV-7 human prostate cells. Furthermore, two esters of docosanol were isolated from the CH(2)Cl(2) extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piovano
- Universidad Tecnica F Santa Maria, Av Espagna 1680, Casilla, Valparaiso 110-V, Chile
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41
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Santino I, Iori A, Nicoletti M, Valletta S, Cimmino C, Scoarughi GL, Santapaola D, Sessa R, Del Piano M. Prevalence of Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato genomospecies and of the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in the area of Monti Lepini, Italy. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2003; 16:105-8. [PMID: 12797900 DOI: 10.1177/039463200301600203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that are parasites in every class of vertebrates in most regions of the world. They are also considered to be important vectors for the transmission of human infectious diseases. In the present study we used polymer chain reaction (PCR) amplification analysis to determine the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila, the agents of, respectively, Lyme borreliosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, among ticks inhabiting the area of Monti Lepini, a wild area located in the Latium Region of Italy. A total of 141 I. ricinus ticks (125 nymphs and 16 adults) were collected in the studied area. Total DNAs were extracted from I. ricinus nymphs (pooled in groups of five) and from individual adults. The DNA samples were examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato and E. phagocytophila by PCR using two specific pairs of oligonucleotides that specifically amplify distinct DNA regions of the 16S rRNA genes of the two species. The prevalence of vectors infected with B. burgdorferi s. l. was 16% in pooled nymphs samples, and 12.5% in adult ticks, while E. phagocytophila was found only in pooled nymphs samples (8%). Three genomospecies were identified, namely Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia valaisiana, in samples found positive for B. burgdorferi s. l. No sample was found positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Santino
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, Università La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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42
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Santino I, Grillo R, Nicoletti M, Santapaola D, Speziale D, Sessa R, Fadda G, Del Piano M. Prevalence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia Burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia Phagocytophila in sera of patients presenting symptoms of Lyme disease in a central region of Italy. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2002; 15:245-248. [PMID: 12575927 DOI: 10.1177/039463200201500313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence (seroprevalence) of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and Ehrlichia phagocytophila among patients resident in Lazio, a region of central Italy. Of a sample of 1,050 patients, which presented clinical manifestations related to Lyme disease, 34 (3.2%) were Borrelia-seropositive (Lyme index value >/= 1.2). The sera of 25 out of the 34 patients that were Borrelia-positive were also analysed for the presence of antibodies against E. phagocytophila and 3 (12%) were found Ehrlichia-positive (titres >1:64). No Ehrlichia positive samples were found among sera of 250 Borrelia-negative patients. Since both B. burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia species share the same tick vector (Ixodes ricinus), our results indicate that concurrent transmission of these microbial pathogens might have been occurred among the patients included in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Santino
- Dip. Sanità Pubblica, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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43
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Caetano SC, Sassi R, Brambilla P, Harenski K, Nicoletti M, Mallinger AG, Frank E, Kupfer DJ, Keshavan MS, Soares JC. MRI study of thalamic volumes in bipolar and unipolar patients and healthy individuals. Psychiatry Res 2001; 108:161-8. [PMID: 11756014 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4927(01)00123-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The thalamus is a key structure in brain anatomic circuits potentially involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Available findings from studies that examined this brain region in mood disorder patients have been conflicting. To examine the hypothesis of anatomical abnormalities in the thalamus in patients with mood disorders, we conducted a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in 25 bipolar patients (mean age+/-S.D.=34.4+/-9.8 years), 17 unipolar patients (mean age+/-S.D.=42.8+/-9.2 years), and 39 healthy control subjects (mean age+/-S.D.=36.6+/-9.7 years). Thalamic volumes Gray Matter were measured blindly with a semi-automated technique. Multivariate analysis of variance, with age and gender as covariates, revealed no significant differences in left or right thalamic volumes among bipolar patients, unipolar patients and healthy individuals. There were no significant effects of gender, age at illness onset, episode type, number of episodes, length of illness, or family history of mood disorders on thalamic measurements. Although functional abnormalities in the thalamus are likely to be implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, no abnormalities in thalamic size appear present in bipolar or unipolar individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Caetano
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3282, USA
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44
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Brambilla P, Harenski K, Nicoletti M, Mallinger AG, Frank E, Kupfer DJ, Keshavan MS, Soares JC. MRI study of posterior fossa structures and brain ventricles in bipolar patients. J Psychiatr Res 2001; 35:313-22. [PMID: 11684138 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3956(01)00036-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous brain imaging studies have suggested anatomical abnormalities in posterior fossa structures and brain ventricles in bipolar patients. Such abnormalities could possibly be implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Twenty-two DSM-IV bipolar outpatients (mean age+/-S.D.=36+/-10 years) and 22 healthy controls (mean age+/-S.D.=38+/-10 years) underwent an 1.5T MRI (3D-gradient echo-imaging SPGR), performed in the coronal plane (TR=25 ms, TE=5 ms, slice thickness=1.5 mm). The brain structures of interest were traced blindly with a semi-automated software. No significant differences were found between bipolar patients and healthy controls for any posterior fossa measures, or for measures of third or lateral ventricles (MANOVA, age covariate, P>0.05). Age was directly correlated with 3rd ventricle volumes in bipolar patients (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.458, P=0.032), but not in healthy controls (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.313, P=0.155). There was a significant direct correlation between the number of prior illness episodes and right lateral ventricle volumes (Partial correlation coefficient=0.658, P=0.011). Familial patients had smaller left and right cerebellar hemispheres and total vermis volumes, and larger left lateral ventricle volumes compared with non-familial ones (MANOVA, age covariate, P<0.05). In this preliminary study, we were not able to replicate previous findings of abnormalities in cerebellum or brain ventricles in bipolar individuals. However, there were suggestions that abnormalities in cerebellum, vermis, and lateral ventricle sizes may be present in familial cases of the disorder, which should be further examined in future studies with larger patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brambilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroendocrinologic investigations in bipolar disorder have suggested abnormalities in pituitary function. However, few imaging studies have evaluated possible anatomical differences in this brain structure in mood disorder patients. Our aim was to examine potential abnormalities in pituitary volume in patients with bipolar and in a comparison group of patients with unipolar disorder. METHODS We measured the volumes of the pituitary gland in 23 patients with bipolar disorder (mean +/- s.d. = 34.3 +/- 9.9 years) and 13 patients with unipolar disorder (41.2 +/- 9.6 years), and 34 healthy control subjects (36.6 +/- 9.6 years) using 1.5 mm thick T1-weighted coronal 1.5 T MRI images. All measurements were done blindly by a trained rater. RESULTS Patients with bipolar disorder had significantly smaller pituitary volumes than healthy control subjects (mean volume +/- s.d. = 0.55 +/- 0.15 ml and 0.68 +/- 0.20 ml, respectively; ANCOVA, F = 8.66, p = 0.005), and than patients with unipolar disorder (0.70 +/- 0.12 ml, F = 5.98, p = 0.02). No differences were found between patients with unipolar disorder and healthy control subjects (F = 0.01, p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports smaller pituitary volumes in bipolar disorder. Our findings suggest that detectable abnormalities in pituitary size are present in patients with bipolar disorder, which may reflect a dysfunctional HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Sassi
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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46
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Brambilla P, Harenski K, Nicoletti M, Mallinger AG, Frank E, Kupfer DJ, Keshavan MS, Soares JC. Differential effects of age on brain gray matter in bipolar patients and healthy individuals. Neuropsychobiology 2001; 43:242-7. [PMID: 11340363 DOI: 10.1159/000054897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined possible differences in total gray and white matter brain content in bipolar patients and healthy individuals, and their relationship with age. 22 DSM-IV bipolar patients and 22 healthy controls underwent a 1.5-tesla Spoiled Gradient Recalled Acquisition (SPGR) MRI. Evaluators blind to patients' identities measured total brain, gray and white matter volumes using a semi-automated software. No differences were found for total brain volume, gray matter or white matter volumes between bipolar patients and healthy controls (MANCOVA, age as covariate, p > 0.05). Age was inversely correlated with total gray matter volume in patients (r = -0.576, p = 0.005), but not in controls (r = -0.193, p = 0.388). Our findings suggest that any existing gray matter deficits in bipolar disorder are likely to be localized to specific brain regions, rather than generalized. The inverse correlation between age and brain gray matter volumes in bipolar patients, not present in healthy controls, in this sample of mostly middle-aged adults, could possibly indicate more pronounced age-related gray matter decline in bipolar patients, and may be of potential relevance for the pathophysiology of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brambilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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47
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Lu M, Nicoletti M, Battinelli L, Mazzanti G. Isolation of praeruptorins A and B from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. and their general pharmacological evaluation in comparison with extracts of the drug. Farmaco 2001; 56:417-20. [PMID: 11482769 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-827x(01)01053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. was extracted with solvents at different polarity obtaining three chemical fractions: aqueous (H2O), n-butanol (BuOH) and ethyl acetate (AcOEt). From AcOEt praeruptorins A and B were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel, using toluene/ethyl acetate as eluent, and identified by 1H and 13C NMR analysis. The extracts and the praeruptorins were tested for gross behavioural effects and acute toxicity in mice; the cytotoxicity on Artemia salina Leach and the antimicrobial activity were also evaluated. None of the tested substances evoked behavioural effects or acute toxicity after oral administration in mice; delayed mortality was observed with AcOEt and praeruptorin A only after intraperitoneal administration of high doses (1 g/kg). In Artemia salina test AcOEt, and praeruptorins A and B had LC50 values of 40.2, 121.2 and 34.5 microg/ml, respectively. AcOEt and praeruptorin A showed antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus agalactiae; their MIC values were 250 and 100 microg/ml, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lu
- Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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48
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Seganti L, Di Biase AM, Rega B, De Giulio B, Nicoletti M, Antonini G, Valenti P. Involvement of bovine lactoferrin moieties in the inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2001; 14:71-79. [PMID: 12604021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin (BLf) is an iron binding protein folded in two lobes, N- and C-lobes. In this study we have reported the inhibitory activity towards herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro infection of BLf tryptic digested N- and C-lobes in comparison with the whole protein. The N-lobe and C-lobe exerted an anti-herpesvirus activity 50- and 10-fold lower than native BLf, respectively. In order to assess the phase of viral replication affected, lactoferrin-derived lobes were added to the cells at different non cytotoxic concentrations, during the whole cycle of viral infection or during viral attachment step, demonstrating that both lobes interfered with the early phases of infection. Among the BLf tryptic digested fragments, two negatively-charged small peptides deriving from N-lobe, previously shown effective towards HSV-1, have been further studied. We assessed that the net negative charge of these peptides was not responsible for the antiviral activity since their activity was not modified when the aspartic and glutamic acidic residues of these peptides were replaced with asparagine and glutamine, respectively. The experiments here reported confirm a pivotal role of N-lobe in inhibiting viral infection. However, the residual inhibiting activity of C-lobe and the similar efficacy shown by negatively or positively charged peptides strongly support the idea that the antiviral activity of bovine lactoferrin cannot be fully explained simply on the basis of competition between the protein and viral recognition sites for binding to glycosaminoglycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Seganti
- Microbiology Inst., University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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49
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Rasoanaivo P, Palazzino G, Nicoletti M, Galeffi C. The co-occurrence of C(3) epimer Nb,C(21)-secocuran alkaloids in Strychnos diplotricha and Strychnos myrtoides. Phytochemistry 2001; 56:863-867. [PMID: 11324919 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9422(00)00475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
From the stem bark of Strychnos diplotricha, three Nb,C(21)-secocuran alkaloids, viz., 3-epi-myrtoidine, 11-demethoxy-3-epi-myrtoidine and 11-demethoxy-12-hydroxy-3-epi-myrtoidine, were isolated together with the known myrtoidine and 11-demethoxymyrtoidine. They also occur in different parts of S. myrtoides.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rasoanaivo
- Institut Malgache de Recherches Appliquées, Laboratoire de Phytochime-Pharmacologie, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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50
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Ramanitrahasimbola D, Rasoanaivo P, Ratsimamanga-Urverg S, Federici E, Palazzino G, Galeffi C, Nicoletti M. Biological activities of the plant-derived bisindole voacamine with reference to malaria. Phytother Res 2001; 15:30-3. [PMID: 11180519 DOI: 10.1002/1099-1573(200102)15:1<30::aid-ptr680>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The in vivo antiplasmodial activity of voacamine was assessed in a 4-day test. It was shown to exhibit in vivo activity with 25.4% and 43.4% inhibition of parasitaemia with 2.5 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. In synchronized cultures, it was found to act on trophozoite and schizont stages of Plasmodium falciparum. Using the FMC29 strain of Plasmodium falciparum as parasite and the isobologram curve as a method to assess interaction in drug combination, it was shown to lack any chloroquine-enhancing activity and its in vitro antiplasmodial effect was not potentiated by the chemosensitizer malagashanine.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ramanitrahasimbola
- Laboratoire de Phytochimie et de Pharmacologie Cellulaire et Parasitaire, Institut Malgache de Recherches Appliquées, B. P. 3833, 101-Antananarivo, Madagascar
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