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Diociaiuti A, Angioni A, Pisaneschi E, Margollicci M, Boldrini R, Alesi V, Novelli A, Zambruno G, El Hachem M. Next Generation Sequencing Uncovers a Rare Case of X-linked Ichthyosis in an Adopted Girl Homozygous for a Novel Nonsense Mutation in the STS Gene. Acta Derm Venereol 2019; 99:828-830. [PMID: 30834456 DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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2
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Braconi D, Giustarini D, Marzocchi B, Peruzzi L, Margollicci M, Rossi R, Bernardini G, Millucci L, Gallagher JA, Le Quan Sang KH, Imrich R, Rovensky J, Al-Sbou M, Ranganath LR, Santucci A. Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in alkaptonuria: data from the DevelopAKUre project. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2018; 26:1078-1086. [PMID: 29852277 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to assess baseline serum levels of established biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress in samples from alkaptonuric subjects enrolled in SONIA1 (n = 40) and SONIA2 (n = 138) clinical trials (DevelopAKUre project). METHODS Baseline serum levels of Serum Amyloid A (SAA), IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, CRP, cathepsin D (CATD), IL-1ra, and MMP-3 were determined through commercial ELISA assays. Chitotriosidase activity was assessed through a fluorimetric method. Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) were determined by spectrophotometry. Thiols, S-thiolated proteins and Protein Thiolation Index (PTI) were determined by spectrophotometry and HPLC. Patients' quality of life was assessed through validated questionnaires. RESULTS We found that SAA serum levels were significantly increased compared to reference threshold in 57.5% and 86% of SONIA1 and SONIA2 samples, respectively. Similarly, chitotriosidase activity was above the reference threshold in half of SONIA2 samples, whereas CRP levels were increased only in a minority of samples. CATD, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, MMP-3, AOPP, thiols, S-thiolated protein and PTI showed no statistically significant differences from control population. We provided evidence that alkaptonuric patients presenting with significantly higher SAA, chitotriosidase activity and PTI reported more often a decreased quality of life. This suggests that worsening of symptoms in alkaptonuria (AKU) is paralleled by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which might play a role in disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of SAA may be suggested in AKU to evaluate inflammation. Though further evidence is needed, SAA, chitotriosidase activity and PTI might be proposed as disease activity markers in AKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Braconi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - D Giustarini
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - B Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy; UOC Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - L Peruzzi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy; UOC Medicina Molecolare e Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - M Margollicci
- UOC Medicina Molecolare e Genetica, Azienda Ospedaliera Senese, Siena, Italy.
| | - R Rossi
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - G Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - L Millucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - J A Gallagher
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - R Imrich
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - J Rovensky
- National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases, Piešťany, Slovakia.
| | - M Al-Sbou
- Department of Pharmacology, Alkaptonuria Research Office, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Mutah, Karak, Jordan.
| | - L R Ranganath
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
| | - A Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Africa L, Margollicci M, Salvatore S, Shalbafan B, Peruzzi L, Togha M, Sorrentino V, Federico A. Compound heterozygosity in the GALC gene in a late onset Iranian patient with spastic paraparesis, peripheral neuropathy and leukoencephalopathy. Neurol Sci 2017; 38:1721-1722. [PMID: 28547031 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-017-2986-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liana Africa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Margollicci
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Medical School, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Simona Salvatore
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Luana Peruzzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medical School, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mansoureh Togha
- Headache Department, Iranian Center for Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute and Neurology Department, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vincenzo Sorrentino
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Medical School, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, Medical School, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Diodato D, Melchionda L, Haack TB, Dallabona C, Baruffini E, Donnini C, Granata T, Ragona F, Balestri P, Margollicci M, Lamantea E, Nasca A, Powell CA, Minczuk M, Strom TM, Meitinger T, Prokisch H, Lamperti C, Zeviani M, Ghezzi D. VARS2 and TARS2 mutations in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. Hum Mutat 2014; 35:983-9. [PMID: 24827421 PMCID: PMC4140549 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
By way of whole-exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous missense mutation in VARS2 in one subject with microcephaly and epilepsy associated with isolated deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complex I and compound heterozygous mutations in TARS2 in two siblings presenting with axial hypotonia and severe psychomotor delay associated with multiple MRC defects. The nucleotide variants segregated within the families, were absent in Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) databases and are predicted to be deleterious. The amount of VARS2 and TARS2 proteins and valyl-tRNA and threonyl-tRNA levels were decreased in samples of afflicted patients according to the genetic defect. Expression of the corresponding wild-type transcripts in immortalized mutant fibroblasts rescued the biochemical impairment of mitochondrial respiration and yeast modeling of the VARS2 mutation confirmed its pathogenic role. Taken together, these data demonstrate the role of the identified mutations for these mitochondriopathies. Our study reports the first mutations in the VARS2 and TARS2 genes, which encode two mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, as causes of clinically distinct, early-onset mitochondrial encephalopathies.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Line
- Child
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
- Electron Transport Complex I/genetics
- Electron Transport Complex I/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/metabolism
- Heterozygote
- Homozygote
- Humans
- Infant
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- Isoenzymes/metabolism
- Male
- Mitochondria/enzymology
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Mitochondria/pathology
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/enzymology
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/genetics
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/pathology
- Mutation
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Thr/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Thr/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Val/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Val/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism
- Threonine-tRNA Ligase/genetics
- Threonine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism
- Valine-tRNA Ligase/genetics
- Valine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Diodato
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Melchionda
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenNeuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universitat MünchenMunich, Germany
| | | | | | - Claudia Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of ParmaParma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Unit of Child Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Unit of Child Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Balestri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of SienaSiena, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Lamantea
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Nasca
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Tim M Strom
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenNeuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universitat MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Thomas Meitinger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenNeuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universitat MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenNeuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universitat MünchenMunich, Germany
| | - Costanza Lamperti
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Zeviani
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
- MRC Mitochondrial Biology UnitCambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Ghezzi
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”Milan, Italy
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Bargagli E, Bennett D, Maggiorelli C, Di Sipio P, Margollicci M, Bianchi N, Rottoli P. Human chitotriosidase: a sensitive biomarker of sarcoidosis. J Clin Immunol 2012; 33:264-70. [PMID: 22878841 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-012-9754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. No suitable biomarkers are available to evaluate the evolution of this disease, which still has an unpredictable clinical course. Some years ago our research group proposed chitotriosidase as a potential biomarker with prognostic value, that however needed to be validated. AIMS AND METHODS The aims of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of chitotriosidase in a population of 232 sarcoidosis patients under the observation of our Sarcoidosis Regional Referral Centre in Siena and to analyse enzyme concentrations in different disease phenotypes (as defined by the recently published COS classification) to define its prognostic value. RESULTS Serum chitotriosidase concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p<0.0001) and were directly correlated with ACE levels (r=0.25, p<0.0001). ROC curve analysis revealed 88.6 % sensitivity and 92.8 % specificity. Enzyme concentrations were significantly higher in stage 3 sarcoidosis than in stage 0 (p=0.02). The lowest concentrations of chitotriosidase were found in untreated patients in remission (COS-1), while the highest enzyme concentrations were found in symptomatic patients with persistent disease on steroids and with functional deterioration in the last year (COS-9). In COS-9 subgroup, chitotriosidase decreased significantly after the increasing of steroid dose or the introduction of a new immunosuppressant therapy (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Chitotriosidase proved to be a biomarker with good sensitivity and specificity that is easily detected in serum. It can be proposed in clinical practice to identify progressive patients requiring close follow-up, to detect relapses and to evaluate the effects of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bargagli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Respiratory Disease Section, Siena, Italy.
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Bargagli E, Olivieri C, Margollicci M, Bennett D, Luddi A, Perrone M, Maggiorelli C, Prasse A, Rottoli P. Serum chitotriosidase levels in patients with allergic and non-allergic asthma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 79:437-8. [PMID: 20090309 DOI: 10.1159/000277664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Massa R, Tessa A, Margollicci M, Micheli V, Romigi A, Tozzi G, Terracciano C, Piemonte F, Bernardi G, Santorelli FM. Late-onset MNGIE without peripheral neuropathy due to incomplete loss of thymidine phosphorylase activity. Neuromuscul Disord 2009; 19:837-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bargagli E, Bianchi N, Margollicci M, Olivieri C, Luddi A, Coviello G, Grosso S, Rottoli P. Chitotriosidase and soluble IL‐2 receptor: Comparison of two markers of sarcoidosis severity. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2009; 68:479-83. [DOI: 10.1080/00365510701854975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Abstract
Deletions in the azoospermia factor region AZFa on the human Y chromosome and, more specifically, in the region that encompasses the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9, Y-linked gene USP9Y have been implicated in infertility associated with oligospermia and azoospermia. We have characterized in detail a deletion in AZFa that results in an absence of USP9Y in a normospermic man and his brother and father. The association of this large deletion with normal fertility shows that USP9Y, hitherto considered a candidate gene for infertility and azoospermia, does not have a key role in male reproduction. These results suggest that it may not be necessary to consider USP9Y when screening the Y chromosome of infertile or subfertile men for microdeletions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Luddi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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10
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Grosso S, Rocchi R, Margollicci M, Vatti G, Luddi A, Marchi F, Balestri P. Postictal serum nucleotidases activities in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2009; 84:15-20. [PMID: 19157784 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2008.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2008] [Revised: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine, a potent anticonvulsant, can be produced in the body by the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides through the action of ecto- or soluble nucleotidases. Changes in nucleotide hydrolysis occur after pentylenetetrazol-induced epileptic events. We evaluated serum ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis rates and soluble nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDEase) activity at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 min, and 12h following an epileptic event. Fifteen patients (seven female, eight male; mean age 15.5 years) were included in the study. The type of seizure was generalized in four patients and was localization related in the remaining 11. There were no differences in adenine nucleotide hydrolysis rates between patients and healthy subjects in the interictal stage. In comparison with controls, ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis rates were significantly increased at 5 min (53+/-1.4%, 79.2+/-2.8% and 37.0+/-2.6%, respectively) and up to 30 min following the epileptic event. In contrast to ADP and AMP, ATP hydrolysis remained significantly increased at 60 min (71.4+/-1.6%), returning to the basal level after 12h. Serum PDEase activity was also significantly higher in the patients than in healthy subjects, peaking at 15 min (61+/-2.9%) and remaining significantly increased up to 60 min (4.6+/-1.2%) following the epileptic episode. Globally, the variations in the postictal serum ADP hydrolysis rate almost overlapped those of AMP hydrolysis, whereas changes in the ATP hydrolysis rate overlapped those of PDEase activity. The clinical significance of this elevation in postictal soluble serum nucleotidase activity remains to be clarified. However, it is possible to hypothesize that the higher nucleotidase activity might play a role in the modulation of epileptic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Grosso
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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11
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Bargagli E, Margollicci M, Perrone A, Luddi A, Perari MG, Bianchi N, Refini RM, Grosso S, Volterrani L, Rottoli P. Chitotriosidase analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2008; 24:59-64. [PMID: 18069420 DOI: 10.1007/s11083-007-9059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease characterised by T-helper cell/macrophage alveolitis. Activated macrophages release mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, oxygen radicals, and enzymes. In a previous paper we found higher levels of chitotriosidase, a macrophage derived enzyme, in serum of patients with sarcoidosis than in controls. Serum chitotriosidase levels were correlated with sarcoidosis radiological stages. Human chitotriosidase is involved in the pathogenesis of many lysosomal storage disorders and is selectively expressed in chronically activated tissue macrophages. METHODS In the present study we determined chitotriosidase concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis (divided into two groups according to clinical parameters) and of controls with an ELISA test. RESULTS Significantly different chitotriosidase concentrations were found in BAL of patients than controls, especially in patients with progressing disease. CONCLUSION Chitotriosidase but not angiotensin converting enzyme concentrations correlated with sarcoidosis radiological stages, and also with the degree of lung infiltrate seen by CT-scan, suggesting that the former enzyme (detected locally and sistemically) may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to determine whether chitotriosidase may be a marker of the severity of sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases Section, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Le Scotte Hospital, Viale Bracci 53100-Siena, Italy.
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Bargagli E, Margollicci M, Luddi A, Nikiforakis N, Perari MG, Grosso S, Perrone A, Rottoli P. Chitotriosidase activity in patients with interstitial lung diseases. Respir Med 2007; 101:2176-81. [PMID: 17631992 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous papers, we found significantly higher activity of chitotriosidase, a macrophage derived enzyme, in serum and BAL of patients with sarcoidosis, especially in those with progressing disease and lung involvement, than in controls. Locally and systemically produced chitotriosidase activity was correlated with radiological stage and also with degree of lung infiltration, suggesting that this enzyme may play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and may be used as a marker of disease severity. AIM To analyse chitotriosidase activity in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis associated with systemic sclerosis and to compare it with chitotriosidase activity in controls and sarcoidosis patients. METHODS Chitotriosidase activity was determined by a fluorometric assay. RESULTS The results showed that serum chitotriosidase activity was only elevated in sarcoidosis patients; in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis associated with systemic sclerosis it was in the normal range. On the contrary, in BAL of sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients the activity was significantly higher than in controls. CONCLUSION Serum chitotriosidase is a potential marker of sarcoidosis severity; it increases in sarcoidosis in relation to radiological stage and degree of lung infiltration. The increase in chitotriosidase activity in BAL of sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients suggests that the enzyme could be involved in fibrogenesis in diffuse lung diseases. Further research is needed to understand the role of chitotriosidase in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and its involvement in fibrotic remodelling in certain diffuse lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases Section, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Siena University, Italy.
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Bargagli E, Margollicci M, Nikiforakis N, Luddi A, Perrone A, Grosso S, Rottoli P. Chitotriosidase activity in the serum of patients with sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Respiration 2007; 74:548-52. [PMID: 17347558 DOI: 10.1159/000100555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2006] [Accepted: 12/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human chitotriosidase is a chitinase selectively expressed by activated macrophages. An increase in chitotriosidase activity was previously described by us in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage of sarcoidosis patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to analyze serum chitotriosidase activity in a larger number of sarcoidosis patients to verify the reported increase with respect to controls and to compare serum chitotriosidase levels in patients with sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, two granulomatous disorders of different etiology. METHODS Chitotriosidase activity was measured in the serum of 96 sarcoidosis patients, 15 pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 30 healthy controls. RESULTS We found significantly higher serum chitotriosidase activity in sarcoidosis patients than controls (p < 0.01) and in sarcoidosis patients than tuberculosis patients (p < 0.01), confirming a striking elevation of chitotriosidase activity (>10 times greater than normal) in pulmonary sarcoidosis patients. This is the first time that chitotriosidase activity has been analyzed in the serum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis; it was found to be significantly lower than in sarcoidosis patients and not significantly greater than in controls. CONCLUSION Although the mechanisms leading to the increase in chitotriosidase activity in sarcoidosis are still unknown, this enzyme may be specifically involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to confirm these results and to determine whether chitotriosidase could be a marker with diagnostic or prognostic value in sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bargagli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunology, Respiratory Diseases Section, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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Grosso S, Farnetani MA, Berardi R, Margollicci M, Galluzzi P, Vivarelli R, Morgese G, Ballestri P. GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1 neuroradiological findings. J Neurol 2003; 250:17-21. [PMID: 12527987 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-003-0925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Variant B1 is a rare type of GM2 gangliosidosis. Clinically, it shows a wide spectrum of forms ranging from infantile to juvenile. We report the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings from three patients affected by GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1, two presenting with the infantile form and one with the juvenile form. The MRI appearances of the two patients with the infantile form disease are congruent with those reported for the early-onset type of both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases, and are characterized by early involvement of the basal ganglia and thalamus with cortical atrophy appearing later. In contrast, the patient with the juvenile form of variant B1 showed progressive cortical and white-matter atrophy of the supratentorial structures and, to a lesser extent, the infratentorial structures. No basal ganglia or thalamic anomalies were observed. Because in the adult forms of both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases a progressive cerebellar atrophy represents the only abnormality detectable, it appears that an MRI pattern peculiar to GM2 gangliosidosis can be defined. This pattern ranges from the basal ganglia injury associated with the early and severe demyelination process noted in the infantile form of the disease, to cerebellar atrophy with no supratentorial anomalies in the adult form. An "intermediate" MRI picture, with cortical atrophy and mild cerebellar atrophy, but without basal ganglia impairment, can be observed in the juvenile form. In addition, our investigations suggest that MRI abnormalities in GM2 gangliosidosis correlate with the clinical form of the disease rather than with the biochemical variant of the enzymatic defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Grosso
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Viale M. Bracci - Le scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Filippi L, Bagnoli F, Margollicci M, Zammarchi E, Tronchin M, Rubaltelli FF. Pathogenic mechanism, prophylaxis, and therapy of symptomatic acidosis induced by acetazolamide. J Investig Med 2002; 50:125-32. [PMID: 11928941 DOI: 10.2310/6650.2002.31297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetazolamide, a noncompetitive carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, can produce symptomatic acidosis and bone marrow suppression by a mechanism that is still unknown. This presentation occurs in the elderly, patients with renal or liver failure, people with diabetes, and newborns. The objective of this study was to understand the pathogenic mechanism of these adverse effects and to propose a possible prophylaxis and therapy. METHODS Four human clinical cases were studied, and one animal experiment was performed. Four preterm newborns with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation developed severe metabolic acidosis after treatment with acetazolamide. The acidosis suddenly disappeared after a packed red blood cell transfusion. Metabolic studies were performed in one patient and in newborn guinea pigs treated with 200 mg/kg acetazolamide. RESULTS Acetazolamide can produce severe lactic acidosis with an increased lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, ketosis with a low beta-hydroxybutyrate-to-acetoacetate ratio, and a urinary organic acid profile typical of pyruvate carboxylase deficiency. The acquired enzymatic injury resulting from the inhibition of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase V that provides bicarbonate to pyruvate carboxylase can produce tricarboxylic acid cycle damage. We demonstrate that the dramatic disappearance of metabolic acidosis and normalizing metabolism after blood transfusion were due to the citrate contained in the packed red blood cell bag. This hypothesis was confirmed by animal experimentation. We argue that the metabolic disorder and bone marrow suppression may be related. CONCLUSION We demonstrate how acetazolamide can lead to symptomatic metabolic acidosis and probably to bone marrow suppression. We suggest citrate as a possible prophylaxis and treatment for these adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Italy.
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16
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Abstract
Salla disease represents the slowly progressive adult form of the sialic acid storage diseases, a group of autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative disorders in which psychomotor development, ataxia, axial hypotonia, and spasticity in the lower limbs occur. No skeletal dysostosis or organomegaly is present, and life expectancy is normal. Short stature can also be observed. Progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy associated with dysmyelination and corpus callosum hypoplasia have been shown by magnetic resonance imaging studies. We report the first patient with Salla disease in whom combined growth hormone and gonadotropin deficiencies, hypothalamic pituitary in origin, have been demonstrated by neuroendocrine studies. We believe that the multiple neuroendocrine disorder may be the consequence of the abnormalities of common neuronal pathways regulating growth hormone and gonadotropin synthesis or secretion related to the brain storage of free sialic acid and/or to the neurodegenerative process occurring in Salla disease. Therefore, a complete endocrinologic evaluation of these patients is both warranted and useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Grosso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Siena, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Canavan disease (CD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by macrocephaly and progressive leukodystrophy. Up to now biopsy or necropsy were required to define the diagnosis. Recently the disease has been related to N-acetylaspartic aciduria and deficiency of aspartoacylase, an enzyme possibly involved in the myelin synthesis. These biochemical findings have provided a diagnostic marker for the disease. We report a new case of infantile CD in which the demonstration of N-acetylaspartic aciduria and a marked deficiency of aspartoacylase activity confirmed the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bartalini
- Istituto di Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Siena, Italy
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18
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Margollicci M, Bartalini G, Balestri P, Fois A. Direct transfer in vitro of alpha-D-mannosidase activity from normal lymphocytes to fibroblasts of a patient with alpha-mannosidosis. J Inherit Metab Dis 1990; 13:277-9. [PMID: 2122085 DOI: 10.1007/bf01799372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Margollicci
- Institute of Clinical Paediatrics, University of Siena, Italy
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