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Donnarumma D, Di Salle A, Micalizzi G, Vento F, La Tella R, Iannotta P, Trovato E, Melone MAB, Rigano F, Donato P, Mondello L, Peluso G. Human blood lipid profiles after dietary supplementation of different omega 3 ethyl esters formulations. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1231:123922. [PMID: 37976941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The validity of omega 3 fatty acids (ω3 FAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as dietary supplements has been widely proved. It's well known in fact, that they protect against cardiovascular diseases, reduce the levels of triacylglycerides (TAGs) and cholesteryl esters (CEs) in blood, and have anti-inflammatory activity. For these reasons, in the last few years the production of dietary supplement containing ω3 has increased significantly. In this context, the possibility to obtain ω3 and other high value molecules from alternative sources as fish waste, in accordance with the principles of circular economy, becomes an enormous attractive. In addition, the opportunity of creating new products, with greater health benefits, represents an interesting challenge. The current study was focused on the extraction of ω3 fatty acids and peptides from tuna waste industry, to realize a new dietary supplement. To this purpose, a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method was developed to separate, isolate, and enrich the different fractions subsequently used to produce an innovative formulate. The obtained supplement was characterized in terms of fatty acids esterified ester (FAEE) composition by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to both flame ionization detection (FID) and mass spectrometry (MS), and content of heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The effects of ω3 supplementation on metabolism and circulating lipid profiles was tested on 12 volunteers and assessed by GC-FID analysis of whole blood collected on paper support (Dried Blood Spot, DBS) at the beginning of the study and after thirty days. The results of plasma fatty acids levels after 30 days showed a significant decrease in the ω6/ω3 ratio, as well as the saturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFA/PUFA) ratio, compared to subjects who took the ω3 ethyl esters unformulated. The novel formulated supplements proved to be extremely interesting and promising products, due to a significant increase in bioavailability, that makes it highly competitive in the current panorama of the nutraceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Donnarumma
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Di Salle
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET) - CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Micalizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Vento
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta La Tella
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Trovato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA.
| | - Francesca Rigano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Donato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Mondello
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Chromaleont s.r.l., c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET) - CNR, Naples, Italy; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
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De Blasiis P, Fullin A, Mazzoli D, Bruno G, Napolitano F, De Luca A, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S. Sagittal kinematics and imbalance of the spine and whole-body during walking in Late Onset Pompe Disease. J Neurophysiol 2023. [PMID: 37380604 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00142.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD) is characterized by postural abnormalities mainly due to involvement of paraspinal lumbar and abdominal-pelvic muscles. Previous studies quantitatively analyzed static upright posture, spatial-temporal parameters and kinematics of the lower limbs and trunk, considered as single bone segment. Sagittal plane analysis of the spine and whole-body during walking have never been investigated in LOPD patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate sagittal kinematics and imbalance of the spine and whole-body in LOPD patients by 3D-Motion Analysis using an appropriate marker set protocol and introducing innovative kinematic parameters. Seven LOPD siblings were assessed by 3D-Stereophotogrammetry using the DB-Total protocol, which allows to analyze sagittal alignment of whole-body. Fourteen age and sex-matched healthy subjects were used as controls. LOPD group showed a flattening of the spinal curvatures, with a head and neck posteriorization respect to sacrum, a significant increase of concavity in Heel-S2-Nasion/C7 angles, a rear-position of upper limbs respect to pelvis, a shorter pendular activity and a trend of elbow extension during ambulation. Moreover, a significant increase of Excursion Range in most of sagittal parameters was found. The present study highlighted a specific pathological postural pattern, resembling "back falling man", which reveals a biomechanical compensation strategy of LOPD patients to maintain the balance against the instability of spinopelvic region, kinematically verified by increase of the Excursion Ranges. DB-Total kinematic parameters might be useful for functional evaluation and for monitoring response to Enzyme Replacement Therapy, rehabilitation project and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo De Blasiis
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Allegra Fullin
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide Mazzoli
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Sol et Salus Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bruno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Paterra R, Bettinaglio P, Borghi A, Mangano E, Tritto V, Cesaretti C, Schettino C, Bordoni R, Santoro C, Avignone S, Moscatelli M, Melone MAB, Saletti V, Piluso G, Natacci F, Riva P, Eoli M. A Translational Approach to Spinal Neurofibromatosis: Clinical and Molecular Insights from a Wide Italian Cohort. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010059. [PMID: 36612057 PMCID: PMC9817775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF), a phenotypic subclass of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), is characterized by bilateral neurofibromas involving all spinal roots. In order to deepen the understanding of SNF’s clinical and genetic features, we identified 81 patients with SNF, 55 from unrelated families, and 26 belonging to 19 families with at least 1 member affected by SNF, and 106 NF1 patients aged >30 years without spinal tumors. A comprehensive NF1 mutation screening was performed using NGS panels, including NF1 and several RAS pathway genes. The main features of the SNF subjects were a higher number of internal neurofibromas (p < 0.001), nerve root swelling (p < 0.001), and subcutaneous neurofibromas (p = 0.03), while hyperpigmentation signs were significantly less frequent compared with the classical NF1-affected cohorts (p = 0.012). Fifteen patients underwent neurosurgical intervention. The histological findings revealed neurofibromas in 13 patients and ganglioneuromas in 2 patients. Phenotypic variability within SNF families was observed. The proportion of missense mutations was higher in the SNF cases than in the classical NF1 group (21.40% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.007), conferring an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (CI = 1.33−10.78). Two unrelated familial SNF cases harbored in trans double NF1 mutations that seemed to have a subclinical worsening effect on the clinical phenotype. Our study, with the largest series of SNF patients reported to date, better defines the clinical and genetic features of SNF, which could improve the management and genetic counseling of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosina Paterra
- Molecular Neuroncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Bettinaglio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Segrate, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Borghi
- Molecular Neuroncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mangano
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB) National Research Center (CNR), ITB-CNR, Segrate, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Tritto
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Segrate, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Cesaretti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Woman-Child-Newborn Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Carla Schettino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Bordoni
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB) National Research Center (CNR), ITB-CNR, Segrate, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Neurofibromatosis Referral Center, Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, and Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Avignone
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Moscatelli
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Veronica Saletti
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Woman-Child-Newborn Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Riva
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Segrate, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.R.); (M.E.); Tel.: +39-02-503130462 (P.R.); +39-02-23942285 (M.E.)
| | - Marica Eoli
- Molecular Neuroncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20122 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.R.); (M.E.); Tel.: +39-02-503130462 (P.R.); +39-02-23942285 (M.E.)
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Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Fasano D, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Truncated Analogues of a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Targeting Mutant Huntingtin: Shorter Is Better! Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012412. [PMID: 36293267 PMCID: PMC9604342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two analogues of the MS3 aptamer, which was previously shown to have an exquisite capability to selectively bind and modulate the activity of mutant huntingtin (mHTT), have been here designed and evaluated in their physicochemical and biological properties. Featured by a distinctive propensity to form complex G-quadruplex structures, including large multimeric aggregates, the original 36-mer MS3 has been truncated to give a 33-mer (here named MS3-33) and a 17-mer (here named MS3-17). A combined use of different techniques (UV, CD, DSC, gel electrophoresis) allowed a detailed physicochemical characterization of these novel G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, tested in vitro on SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo on a Drosophila Huntington’s disease model, in which these shorter MS3-derived oligonucleotides proved to have improved bioactivity in comparison with the parent aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
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De Rosa L, Fasano D, Zerillo L, Valente V, Izzo A, Mollo N, Amodio G, Polishchuk E, Polishchuk R, Melone MAB, Criscuolo C, Conti A, Nitsch L, Remondelli P, Pierantoni GM, Paladino S. Down Syndrome Fetal Fibroblasts Display Alterations of Endosomal Trafficking Possibly due to SYNJ1 Overexpression. Front Genet 2022; 13:867989. [PMID: 35646085 PMCID: PMC9136301 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endosomal trafficking is essential for cellular homeostasis. At the crossroads of distinct intracellular pathways, the endolysosomal system is crucial to maintain critical functions and adapt to the environment. Alterations of endosomal compartments were observed in cells from adult individuals with Down syndrome (DS), suggesting that the dysfunction of the endosomal pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of DS. However, the nature and the degree of impairment, as well as the timing of onset, remain elusive. Here, by applying imaging and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that the structure and dynamics of early endosomes are altered in DS cells. Furthermore, we found that recycling trafficking is markedly compromised in these cells. Remarkably, our results in 18–20 week-old human fetal fibroblasts indicate that alterations in the endolysosomal pathway are already present early in development. In addition, we show that overexpression of the polyphosphoinositide phosphatase synaptojanin 1 (Synj1) recapitulates the alterations observed in DS cells, suggesting a role for this lipid phosphatase in the pathogenesis of DS, likely already early in disease development. Overall, these data strengthen the link between the endolysosomal pathway and DS, highlighting a dangerous liaison among Synj1, endosomal trafficking and DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Zerillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Mollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amodio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Criscuolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive, and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Conti
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Nitsch
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore,” National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Remondelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Paladino, ; Giovanna Maria Pierantoni,
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Paladino, ; Giovanna Maria Pierantoni,
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Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, Fasano D, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Fighting the Huntington's Disease with a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Specifically Binding to Mutant Huntingtin Protein: Biophysical Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4804. [PMID: 35563194 PMCID: PMC9101412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A set of guanine-rich aptamers able to preferentially recognize full-length huntingtin with an expanded polyglutamine tract has been recently identified, showing high efficacy in modulating the functions of the mutated protein in a variety of cell experiments. We here report a detailed biophysical characterization of the best aptamer in the series, named MS3, proved to adopt a stable, parallel G-quadruplex structure and show high nuclease resistance in serum. Confocal microscopy experiments on HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells, as models of non-neuronal and neuronal cells, respectively, showed a rapid, dose-dependent uptake of fluorescein-labelled MS3, demonstrating its effective internalization, even in the absence of transfecting agents, with no general cytotoxicity. Then, using a well-established Drosophila melanogaster model for Huntington's disease, which expresses the mutated form of human huntingtin, a significant improvement in the motor neuronal function in flies fed with MS3 was observed, proving the in vivo efficacy of this aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
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7
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Rossi S, Rubegni A, Riso V, Barghigiani M, Bassi MT, Battini R, Bertini E, Cereda C, Cioffi E, Criscuolo C, Dal Fabbro B, Dato C, D'Angelo MG, Di Muzio A, Diamanti L, Dotti MT, Filla A, Gioiosa V, Liguori R, Martinuzzi A, Massa R, Mignarri A, Moroni R, Musumeci O, Nicita F, Orologio I, Orsi L, Pegoraro E, Petrucci A, Plumari M, Ricca I, Rizzo G, Romano S, Rumore R, Sampaolo S, Scarlato M, Seri M, Stefan C, Straccia G, Tessa A, Travaglini L, Trovato R, Ulgheri L, Vazza G, Orlacchio A, Silvestri G, Santorelli FM, Melone MAB, Casali C. Clinical-Genetic Features Influencing Disability in Spastic Paraplegia Type 4. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e664. [PMID: 35372684 PMCID: PMC8969300 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and ObjectivesHereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of inherited rare neurologic disorders characterized by length-dependent degeneration of the corticospinal tracts and dorsal columns, whose prominent clinical feature is represented by spastic gait. Spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4, SPAST-HSP) is the most common form. We present both clinical and molecular findings of a large cohort of patients, with the aim of (1) defining the clinical spectrum of SPAST-HSP in Italy; (2) describing their molecular features; and (3) assessing genotype-phenotype correlations to identify features associated with worse disability.MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective study with molecular and clinical data collected in an anonymized database was performed.ResultsA total of 723 Italian patients with SPAST-HSP (58% men) from 316 families, with a median age at onset of 35 years, were included. Penetrance was 97.8%, with men showing higher Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) scores (19.67 ± 12.58 vs 16.15 ± 12.61, p = 0.009). In 26.6% of patients with SPAST-HSP, we observed a complicated phenotype, mainly including intellectual disability (8%), polyneuropathy (6.7%), and cognitive decline (6.5%). Late-onset cases seemed to progress more rapidly, and patients with a longer disease course displayed a more severe neurologic disability, with higher SPATAX (3.61 ± 1.46 vs 2.71 ± 1.20, p < 0.001) and SPRS scores (22.63 ± 11.81 vs 12.40 ± 8.83, p < 0.001). Overall, 186 different variants in the SPAST gene were recorded, of which 48 were novel. Patients with SPAST-HSP harboring missense variants displayed intellectual disability (14.5% vs 4.4%, p < 0.001) more frequently, whereas patients with truncating variants presented more commonly cognitive decline (9.7% vs 2.6%, p = 0.001), cerebral atrophy (11.2% vs 3.4%, p = 0.003), lower limb spasticity (61.5% vs 44.5%), urinary symptoms (50.0% vs 31.3%, p < 0.001), and sensorimotor polyneuropathy (11.1% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001). Increasing disease duration (DD) and abnormal motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also associated with increased likelihood of worse disability (SPATAX score>3).DiscussionThe SPAST-HSP phenotypic spectrum in Italian patients confirms a predominantly pure form of HSP with mild-to-moderate disability in 75% of cases, and slight prevalence of men, who appeared more severely affected. Early-onset cases with intellectual disability were more frequent among patients carrying missense SPAST variants, whereas patients with truncating variants showed a more complicated disease. Both longer DD and altered MEPs are associated with worse disability.
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Riccardi C, Napolitano F, Montesarchio D, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Nanoparticle-Guided Brain Drug Delivery: Expanding the Therapeutic Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1897. [PMID: 34834311 PMCID: PMC8623286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent a heterogeneous group of aging-related disorders featured by progressive impairment of motor and/or cognitive functions, often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. NDs are denoted as 'protein misfolding' diseases or proteinopathies, and are classified according to their known genetic mechanisms and/or the main protein involved in disease onset and progression. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are included under this nosographic umbrella, sharing histopathologically salient features, including deposition of insoluble proteins, activation of glial cells, loss of neuronal cells and synaptic connectivity. To date, there are no effective cures or disease-modifying therapies for these NDs. Several compounds have not shown efficacy in clinical trials, since they generally fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that greatly limits the brain internalization of endogenous substances. By engineering materials of a size usually within 1-100 nm, nanotechnology offers an alternative approach for promising and innovative therapeutic solutions in NDs. Nanoparticles can cross the BBB and release active molecules at target sites in the brain, minimizing side effects. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of nanoengineered delivery systems for brain targeting in the treatment of AD, PD and HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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Napolitano F, Dell'Aquila M, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Expression profiling of circulating miRNA in the Neurofibromatosis type 1 and related cancers in a large NF1 Italian cohort. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Napolitano F, Dell'Aquila M, Franzese G, Terracciano C, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Neurofibromatosis type 1: Molecular spectrum of the NF1 mutations in a large cohort of adult Italian patients. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118277] [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: 11/17/2022]
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Di Donato I, Gallo A, Ricca I, Fini N, Silvestri G, Gurrieri F, Cirillo M, Cerase A, Natale G, Matrone F, Riso V, Melone MAB, Tessa A, De Michele G, Federico A, Filla A, Dotti MT, Santorelli FM. POLR3A variants in hereditary spastic paraparesis and ataxia: clinical, genetic, and neuroradiological findings in a cohort of Italian patients. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:1071-1077. [PMID: 34296356 PMCID: PMC8789690 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05462-1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in POLR3A are characterized by high phenotypic heterogeneity, with manifestations ranging from severe childhood-onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophic syndromes to milder and later-onset gait disorders with central hypomyelination, with or without additional non-neurological signs. Recently, a milder phenotype consisting of late-onset spastic ataxia without hypomyelinating leukodystrophy has been suggested to be specific to the intronic c.1909 + 22G > A mutation in POLR3A. Here, we present 10 patients from 8 unrelated families with POLR3A-related late-onset spastic ataxia, all harboring the c.1909 + 22G > A variant. Most of them showed an ataxic-spastic picture, two a "pure" cerebellar phenotype, and one a "pure" spastic presentation. The non-neurological findings typically associated with POLR3A mutations were absent in all the patients. The main findings on brain MRI were bilateral hyperintensity along the superior cerebellar peduncles on FLAIR sequences, observed in most of the patients, and cerebellar and/or spinal cord atrophy, found in half of the patients. Only one patient exhibited central hypomyelination. The POLR3A mutations present in this cohort were the c.1909 + 22G > A splice site variant found in compound heterozygosity with six additional variants (three missense, two nonsense, one splice) and, in one patient, with a novel large deletion involving exons 14-18. Interestingly, this patient had the most "complex" presentation among those observed in our cohort; it included some neurological and non-neurological features, such as seizures, neurosensory deafness, and lipomas, that have not previously been reported in association with late-onset POLR3A-related disorders, and therefore further expand the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Di Donato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, viale Bracci, 16, 50055, Siena, Italy.
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ivana Ricca
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Fini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriella Silvestri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Cirillo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Cerase
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, viale Bracci, 16, 50055, Siena, Italy
| | - Gemma Natale
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Matrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio Riso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alessandra Tessa
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Federico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, viale Bracci, 16, 50055, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Filla
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dotti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, viale Bracci, 16, 50055, Siena, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine and Neurogenetics, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128, Pisa, Italy.
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De Blasiis P, Fullin A, Sansone M, Del Viscovo L, Napolitano F, Terracciano C, Lus G, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S. Quantitative Evaluation of Upright Posture by x-Ray and 3D Stereophotogrammetry with a New Marker Set Protocol in Late Onset Pompe Disease. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:979-988. [PMID: 34120910 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-210663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late Onset Pompe Disease(LOPD) is a rare myopathy characterized by prevailing weakness of trunk and pelvic girdle muscles that causes motor disabilities. Spinal deformities have been reported unclearly on clinical examination. No study quantitatively assessed upright posture defining specific alterations of LOPD various phenotype. OBJECTIVE Identify postural abnormalities in a homogeneous group of LOPD patients using 3D-Stereophotogrammetry(St) and x-Ray(xR). METHODS Seven LOPD siblings were recruited. They were assessed by clinical scales and, in upright posture, using xR and 3D-St with a new marker set protocol. Fourteen healthy individuals, age and sex-matched, were used as controls for St-parameters; normative xR-values were found in literature. RESULTS LOPD patients showed a significant weakness of trunk and tibialis anterior muscles. Statistical analysis of St-parameters showed a larger ankle, knee, elbow, dorsal, S2-C7, heel-S2-C7, heel-S2-nasion angles and a lower sagittal vertical axis(SVA) than controls.xR-analysis highlighted an absence of scoliosis and a lower occipito-cervical, C2-C7 cervical and Cobb dorsal angles, and a trend to lower lumbar lordosis and SVA compared to normal values. Significant correlation was found in dorsal and lumbar angles calculated using xR-markers placed on spiny apophysis, xR-centre of vertebral bodies, Cobb-method and St-markers. CONCLUSION This is the first quantitative study of postural abnormalities in LOPD patients using 3D-St and xR, highlighting sagittal standing alignment changes,difficult to assess to direct exam.Our new St-protocol showed a high reliability compared to xR. Further studies on larger population of LOPD might confirm the usefulness of these instrumental methods for monitoring disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo De Blasiis
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Allegra Fullin
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Sansone
- University "Federico II" of Naples, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Del Viscovo
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Precision Medicine, Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Terracciano
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lus
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Naples, Italy
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De Luca V, Tramontano G, Riccio L, Trama U, Buono P, Losasso M, Bracale UM, Annuzzi G, Zampetti R, Cacciatore F, Vallefuoco G, Lombardi A, Marro A, Melone MAB, Ponsiglione C, Chiusano ML, Bracale G, Cafiero G, Crudeli A, Vecchione C, Taglialatela M, Tramontano D, Iaccarino G, Triassi M, Roller-Wirnsberger R, Bousquet J, Illario M. "One Health" Approach for Health Innovation and Active Aging in Campania (Italy). Front Public Health 2021; 9:658959. [PMID: 34046390 PMCID: PMC8144456 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.658959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes how innovations are exploited in Campania (Italy) to improve health outcomes, quality of life, and sustainability of social and healthcare services. Campania's strategy for digitalization of health and care and for healthy aging is based on a person-centered, life-course, “One Health” approach, where demographic change is considered capable of stimulating a growth dynamic linked to the opportunities of combining the “Silver Economy” with local assets and the specific health needs of the population. The end-users (citizens, patients, and professionals) contribute to the co-creation of products and services, being involved in the identification of unmet needs and test-bed activity. The Campania Reference Site of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging is a flexible regional ecosystem to address the challenge of an aging population with a life-course approach. The good practices, developed in the context of research and innovation projects and innovative procurements by local stakeholders and collaborations with international networks, have been allowing the transfer of innovative solutions, knowledge, and skills to the stakeholders of such a multi-sectoral ecosystem for health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Luca
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II, " Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tramontano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Ricerca e Sviluppo, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Riccio
- Direzione Generale per la Tutela della Salute e il Coordinamento del Servizio Sanitario Regionale, Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Direzione Generale per la Tutela della Salute e il Coordinamento del Servizio Sanitario Regionale, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Buono
- Direzione Generale per la Tutela della Salute e il Coordinamento del Servizio Sanitario Regionale, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Losasso
- Dipartimento di Architettura, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Annuzzi
- Unità Operativa Semplice Microinfusori e tecnologie innovative, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Cacciatore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II, " Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Marro
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Avellino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Avanzate e Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Neuroscienze, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Ponsiglione
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Chiusano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Bracale
- Mediterranean Federation for Advancing Vascular Surgery, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Carmine Vecchione
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze e Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Tramontano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Guido Iaccarino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II," Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II, " Naples, Italy
| | | | - Jean Bousquet
- MACVIA-France, Fondation Partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, France
| | - Maddalena Illario
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II, " Naples, Italy
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Vaisfeld A, Bruno G, Petracca M, Bentivoglio AR, Servidei S, Vita MG, Bove F, Straccia G, Dato C, Di Iorio G, Sampaolo S, Peluso S, De Rosa A, De Michele G, Barghigiani M, Galatolo D, Tessa A, Santorelli F, Chiurazzi P, Melone MAB. Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes in an Italian Cohort: Clinical Spectrum, High Genetic Variability and Muscle Involvement. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030344. [PMID: 33652783 PMCID: PMC7996727 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroacanthocytosis (NA) syndromes are a group of genetically defined diseases characterized by the association of red blood cell acanthocytosis, progressive degeneration of the basal ganglia and neuromuscular features with characteristic persistent hyperCKemia. The main NA syndromes include autosomal recessive chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) and X-linked McLeod syndrome (MLS). A series of Italian patients selected through a multicenter study for these specific neurological phenotypes underwent DNA sequencing of the VPS13A and XK genes to search for causative mutations. Where it has been possible, muscle biopsies were obtained and thoroughly investigated with histochemical assays. A total of nine patients from five different families were diagnosed with ChAC and had mostly biallelic changes in the VPS13A gene (three nonsense, two frameshift, three splicing), while three patients from a single X-linked family were diagnosed with McLeod syndrome and had a deletion in the XK gene. Despite a very low incidence (only one thousand cases of ChAc and a few hundred MLS cases reported worldwide), none of the 8 VPS13A variants identified in our patients is shared by two families, suggesting the high genetic variability of ChAc in the Italian population. In our series, in line with epidemiological data, McLeod syndrome occurs less frequently than ChAc, although it can be easily suspected because of its X-linked mode of inheritance. Finally, histochemical studies strongly suggest that muscle pathology is not simply secondary to the axonal neuropathy, frequently seen in these patients, but primary myopathic alterations can be detected in both NA syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Vaisfeld
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Giorgia Bruno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
| | - Martina Petracca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Neurologia, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (A.R.B.); (M.G.V.); (F.B.)
| | - Anna Rita Bentivoglio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Neurologia, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (A.R.B.); (M.G.V.); (F.B.)
- Dipartimento Universitario di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Serenella Servidei
- Dipartimento Universitario di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Neurofisiopatologia, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Vita
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Neurologia, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (A.R.B.); (M.G.V.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Bove
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC di Neurologia, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.P.); (A.R.B.); (M.G.V.); (F.B.)
- Dipartimento Universitario di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giulia Straccia
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
| | - Clemente Dato
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
| | - Silvio Peluso
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (A.D.R.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Anna De Rosa
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (A.D.R.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Giuseppe De Michele
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II University, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.P.); (A.D.R.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Melissa Barghigiani
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (D.G.); (A.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Daniele Galatolo
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (D.G.); (A.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Alessandra Tessa
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (D.G.); (A.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Filippo Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.B.); (D.G.); (A.T.); (F.S.)
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Istituto di Medicina Genomica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, UOC Genetica Medica, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-338-8361006
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.S.); (C.D.); (G.D.I.); (S.S.); (M.A.B.M.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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Napolitano F, Terracciano C, Bruno G, De Blasiis P, Lombardi L, Gialluisi A, Gianfrancesco F, De Giovanni D, Tummolo A, Di Iorio G, Limongelli G, Esposito T, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S. Novel autophagic vacuolar myopathies: Phenotype and genotype features. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:664-678. [PMID: 33393119 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagic vacuolar myopathies (AVMs) are an emerging group of heterogeneous myopathies sharing histopathological features on muscle pathology, in which autophagic vacuoles are the pathognomonic morphologic hallmarks. Glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII) caused by lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency is the best-characterised AVM. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the mutational profiling of seven neuromuscular outpatients sharing clinical, myopathological and biochemical findings with AVMs. METHODS We applied a diagnostic protocol, recently published by our research group for suspected late-onset GSDII (LO-GSDII), including counting PAS-positive lymphocytes on blood smears, dried blood spot (DBS)-GAA, muscle biopsy histological and immunofluorescence studies, GAA activity assay and expression studies on muscle homogenate, GAA sequencing, GAA multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and whole exome sequencing (WES). RESULTS The patients had a limb girdle-like muscular pattern with persistent hyperCKaemia; vacuolated PAS-positive lymphocytes, glycogen accumulation and impaired autophagy at muscle biopsy. Decreased GAA activity was also measured. While GAA sequencing identified no pathogenic mutations, WES approach allowed us to identify for each patient an unexpected mutational pattern in genes cooperating in lysosomal-autophagic machinery, some of which have never been linked to human diseases. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that reduced GAA activity may occur in any condition of impaired autophagy and that WES approach is advisable in all genetically undefined cases of autophagic myopathy. Therefore, deficiency of GAA activity and PAS-positive lymphocytes should be considered as AVM markers together with LC3/p62-positive autophagic vacuoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Terracciano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bruno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo De Blasiis
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Lombardi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fernando Gianfrancesco
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella De Giovanni
- Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Albina Tummolo
- Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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De Blasiis P, Siani MF, Fullin A, Sansone M, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S, Signoriello E, Lus G. Short and long term effects of Nabiximols on balance and walking assessed by 3D-gait analysis in people with Multiple Sclerosis and spasticity. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 51:102805. [PMID: 33862313 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) is one of the most disabling symptoms on walking ability and balance. Among the systemic antispastic drugs, Nabiximols showed a good tolerability, safety profile and relevant efficacy. A few studies assessed long-term effects of this drug through clinical scales and instrumental tools, but no study investigated short-term effects. The aim of our study is to quantitatively evaluate the immediate effects of Nabiximols on walking and balance and their maintenance after 4 weeks in pwMS and spasticity. METHODS pwMS were enrolled and randomized in 2 treatment groups: Sativex (SG) and control (CG) group. All patients were assessed at T0 (before the first Sativex puff), T1(after 45 minutes) and T2 (after 4 weeks of treatment) using clinical scales and 3d-Gait Analysis . Then, the patients treated with Sativex, were divided into 5 subgroups according to Numeric Rating Scale for spasticity (NRSs) and Berg Balance Score (BBS) response: NRSs responder[1] and non-[2]; BBS responders[3] and non-[4]; NRSs-BBS responders[5]. RESULTS 32 pwMS (22 SG, 10 CG) were recruited. Significant improvements were found between T0 and T1 in SG compared to CG in a few clinical and kinematic parameters. Larger significant differences were found for NRSs and BBS responders' groups versus CG. Eventually, no significant differences were found comparing the results between T1 and T2, suggesting the persistence of the improvements emerged at T1. CONCLUSION These results quantitatively demonstrated a short time effect of Nabiximols on balance and walking of pwMS, which is mantained after 4 weeks. Patients identified as responder by combination of NRSs and BBS showed the best efficacy. These findings may suggest how to early select the real responders in order to improve the adherence and cost-effectiveness of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo De Blasiis
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy..
| | - Maria Francesca Siani
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Allegra Fullin
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Sansone
- University "Federico II" of Naples, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Signoriello
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lus
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Naples, Italy
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Dato C, Elefante A, Coppola C, Melone MAB, Lus G, Costagliola A, Bruno G, Puoti G. "Borderline" idiopathic CD4 + T-cell lymphocytopenia presenting with atypical progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 349:577420. [PMID: 33032014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic CD4+ lymphocytopenia (ICL) is a rare disorder characterized by low counts of CD4+ cells (<300/mm3) in absence of other known causes of immunosuppression. A few cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) were reported in association with ICL with variable outcome. We describe the case of a 40 year-old man diagnosed with PML, which showed a monophasic course. Causes of primary and secondary immunodeficiency were ruled out, only a "borderline" ICL was found. This case highlights that a severe immunodepression could not be an absolute prerequisite in developing PML and also points the attention on current definition of ICL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemente Dato
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Elefante
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Coppola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Lus
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonella Costagliola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bruno
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Puoti
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Second Division of Neurology - University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Riccardi C, Perrone L, Napolitano F, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Understanding the Biological Activities of Vitamin D in Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Design. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2965. [PMID: 33066259 PMCID: PMC7602022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone playing a pivotal role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis as well as in bone health. Vitamin D levels are not exclusively dependent on food intake. Indeed, the endogenous production-occurring in the skin and dependent on sun exposure-contributes to the majority amount of vitamin D present in the body. Since vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are ubiquitous and drive the expression of hundreds of genes, the interest in vitamin D has tremendously grown and its role in different diseases has been extensively studied. Several investigations indicated that vitamin D action extends far beyond bone health and calcium metabolism, showing broad effects on a variety of critical illnesses, including cancer, infections, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Epidemiological studies indicated that low circulating vitamin D levels inversely correlate with cutaneous manifestations and bone abnormalities, clinical hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome causing significant pain and morbidity, for which limited treatment options are available. In this context, vitamin D or its analogues have been used to treat both skin and bone lesions in NF1 patients, alone or combined with other therapeutic agents. Here we provide an overview of vitamin D, its characteristic nutritional properties relevant for health benefits and its role in NF1 disorder. We focus on preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrated the clinical correlation between vitamin D status and NF1 disease, thus providing important insights into disease pathogenesis and new opportunities for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Lorena Perrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, BioLife Building (015-00), 1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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Di Cristo F, Calarco A, Digilio FA, Sinicropi MS, Rosano C, Galderisi U, Melone MAB, Saturnino C, Peluso G. The Discovery of Highly Potent THP Derivatives as OCTN2 Inhibitors: From Structure-Based Virtual Screening to In Vivo Biological Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7431. [PMID: 33050117 PMCID: PMC7583931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A mismatch between β-oxidation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle flux in mitochondria produces an accumulation of lipid metabolic intermediates, resulting in both blunted metabolic flexibility and decreased glucose utilization in the affected cells. The ability of the cell to switch to glucose as an energy substrate can be restored by reducing the reliance of the cell on fatty acid oxidation. The inhibition of the carnitine system, limiting the carnitine shuttle to the oxidation of lipids in the mitochondria, allows cells to develop a high plasticity to metabolic rewiring with a decrease in fatty acid oxidation and a parallel increase in glucose oxidation. We found that 3-(2,2,2-trimethylhydrazine)propionate (THP), which is able to reduce cellular carnitine levels by blocking both carnitine biosynthesis and the cell membrane carnitine/organic cation transporter (OCTN2), was reported to improve mitochondrial dysfunction in several diseases, such as Huntington's disease (HD). Here, new THP-derived carnitine-lowering agents (TCL), characterized by a high affinity for the OCTN2 with a minimal effect on carnitine synthesis, were developed, and their biological activities were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo HD models. Certain compounds showed promising biological activities: reducing protein aggregates in HD cells, ameliorating motility defects, and increasing the lifespan of HD Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Calarco
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET)-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (F.A.D.)
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET)-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (F.A.D.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy;
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, Luigi Vanvitelli Campania University, Vico Luigi De Crecchio 1, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET)-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (F.A.D.)
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Perrone L, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in the Modulation of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Cancers: Facts and Misdeeds. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020454. [PMID: 32075265 PMCID: PMC7072310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficacious therapies are not available for the cure of both gliomas and glioneuronal tumors, which represent the most numerous and heterogeneous primary cancers of the central nervous system (CNS), and for neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which can be divided into benign tumors, mainly represented by schwannomas and neurofibromas, and malignant tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath (MPNST). Increased cellular oxidative stress and other metabolic aspects have been reported as potential etiologies in the nervous system tumors. Thus polyphenols have been tested as effective natural compounds likely useful for the prevention and therapy of this group of neoplasms, because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, polyphenols show poor intestinal absorption due to individual intestinal microbiota content, poor bioavailability, and difficulty in passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, polymeric nanoparticle-based polyphenol delivery improved their gastrointestinal absorption, their bioavailability, and entry into defined target organs. Herein, we summarize recent findings about the primary polyphenols employed for nervous system tumor prevention and treatment. We describe the limitations of their application in clinical practice and the new strategies aimed at enhancing their bioavailability and targeted delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Perrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (S.S.)
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University Grenoble Alpes, 38400 Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Sergio Pansini, 5 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, BioLife Building (015-00)1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
- Correspondence:
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Perrone L, Squillaro T, Napolitano F, Terracciano C, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. The Autophagy Signaling Pathway: A Potential Multifunctional Therapeutic Target of Curcumin in Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081881. [PMID: 31412596 PMCID: PMC6723827 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is the major intracellular machinery for degrading proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and organelles. This cellular process is essential for the maintenance of the correct cellular balance in both physiological and stress conditions. Because of its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, dysregulation of autophagy leads to various disease manifestations, such as inflammation, metabolic alterations, aging, and neurodegeneration. A common feature of many neurologic and neuromuscular diseases is the alteration of the autophagy-lysosomal pathways. For this reason, autophagy is considered a target for the prevention and/or cure of these diseases. Dietary intake of polyphenols has been demonstrated to prevent/ameliorate several of these diseases. Thus, natural products that can modulate the autophagy machinery are considered a promising therapeutic strategy. In particular, curcumin, a phenolic compound widely used as a dietary supplement, exerts an important effect in modulating autophagy. Herein, we report on the current knowledge concerning the role of curcumin in modulating the autophagy machinery in various neurological and neuromuscular diseases as well as its role in restoring the autophagy molecular mechanism in several cell types that have different effects on the progression of neurological and neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Perrone
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University Grenoble Alpes, 2231 Rue de la Piscine, 38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France
| | - Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Terracciano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, BioLife Building (015-00)1900 North 12th Street, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA.
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Giugliano T, Santoro C, Torella A, Del Vecchio Blanco F, Grandone A, Onore ME, Melone MAB, Straccia G, Melis D, Piccolo V, Limongelli G, Buono S, Perrotta S, Nigro V, Piluso G. Clinical and Genetic Findings in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, Legius Syndrome, and Other Related Neurocutaneous Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10080580. [PMID: 31370276 PMCID: PMC6722641 DOI: 10.3390/genes10080580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigmentary manifestations can represent an early clinical sign in children affected by Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Legius syndrome, and other neurocutaneous disorders. The differential molecular diagnosis of these pathologies is a challenge that can now be met by combining next generation sequencing of target genes with concurrent second-level tests, such as multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and RNA analysis. We clinically and genetically investigated 281 patients, almost all pediatric cases, presenting with either NF1 (n = 150), only pigmentary features (café au lait macules with or without freckling; (n = 95), or clinical suspicion of other RASopathies or neurocutaneous disorders (n = 36). The causative variant was identified in 239 out of the 281 patients analyzed (85.1%), while 42 patients remained undiagnosed (14.9%). The NF1 and SPRED1 genes were mutated in 73.3% and 2.8% of cases, respectively. The remaining 8.9% carried mutations in different genes associated with other disorders. We achieved a molecular diagnosis in 69.5% of cases with only pigmentary manifestations, allowing a more appropriate clinical management of these patients. Our findings, together with the increasing availability and sharing of clinical and genetic data, will help to identify further novel genotype–phenotype associations that may have a positive impact on patient follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Giugliano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Departement of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalaura Torella
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Vecchio Blanco
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Grandone
- Departement of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Onore
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medical Sciences and Advanced Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza L. Miraglia 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Straccia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Advanced Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza L. Miraglia 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Melis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Piccolo
- Dermatology Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Bianchi c/o Ospedale Monaldi, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Salvatore Buono
- Department of Neurosciences, "Santobono-Pausilipon" Pediatric Hospital, Via Fiore 6, 80129 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Departement of Women's and Children's Health and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nigro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Giulio Piluso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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Squillaro T, Alessio N, Capasso S, Di Bernardo G, Melone MAB, Peluso G, Galderisi U. Senescence Phenomena and Metabolic Alteration in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102508. [PMID: 31117273 PMCID: PMC6567034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifiers play a crucial role in maintaining cell identity through modulation of gene expression patterns. Their deregulation can have profound effects on cell fate and functions. Among epigenetic regulators, the MECP2 protein is particularly attractive. Mutations in the Mecp2 gene are responsible for more than 90% of cases of Rett syndrome (RTT), a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder. As a chromatin modulator, MECP2 can have a key role in the government of stem cell biology. Previously, we showed that deregulated MECP2 expression triggers senescence in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from (RTT) patients. Over the last few decades, it has emerged that senescent cells show alterations in the metabolic state. Metabolic changes related to stem cell senescence are particularly detrimental, since they contribute to the exhaustion of stem cell compartments, which in turn determine the falling in tissue renewal and functionality. Herein, we dissect the role of impaired MECP2 function in triggering senescence along with other senescence-related aspects, such as metabolism, in MSCs from a mouse model of RTT. We found that MECP2 deficiencies lead to senescence and impaired mitochondrial energy production. Our results support the idea that an alteration in mitochondria metabolic functions could play an important role in the pathogenesis of RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Nicola Alessio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Stefania Capasso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Di Bernardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, BioLife Building (015-00)1900 North 12th Street, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA.
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- USA Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Naples, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, BioLife Building (015-00)1900 North 12th Street, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA.
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Napolitano F, Di Iorio V, Di Iorio G, Melone MAB, Gianfrancesco F, Simonelli F, Esposito T, Testa F, Sampaolo S. Early posterior vitreous detachment is associated with LAMA5 dominant mutation. Ophthalmic Genet 2018; 40:39-42. [PMID: 30589377 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2018.1558261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular matrix molecular components, previously linked to multisystem syndromes include collagens, fibrillins and laminins. Recently, we described a novel multisystem syndrome caused by the c.9418G>A p.(V3140M) mutation in the laminin alpha-5 (LAMA5) gene, which affects connective tissues of all organs and apparatus in a three generation family. In the same family, we have also reported a myopic trait, which, however, was linked to the Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-2 (P4HA2) gene. Results of investigation on vitreous changes and their pathogenesis are reported in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen family individuals underwent complete ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, fundus photography, intraocular pressure measurement, axial length measurement using ocular biometry, Goldmann visual field examination, standard electroretinogram, SD-OCT. Segregation analysis of LAMA5 and P4HA2 mutations was performed in enrolled members. RESULTS The vitreous alterations fully segregated with LAMA5 mutation in both young and adult family members. Slight reduction of retinal thickness and peripheral retinal degeneration in only two patients were reported. CONCLUSIONS In this work we showed that PVD is a common trait of LAMA5 multisystem syndrome, therefore occurring as an age-unrelated trait. We hypothesize that the p.(V3140M) mutation results in a reduction of retinal inner limiting membrane (ILM) stability, leading to a derangement in the macromolecular structure of the vitreous gel, and PVD. Further investigations will be necessary to elucidate the role of wild type and mutated LAMA5 in the pathogenesis of PVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Napolitano
- a Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy.,b Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso" , National Research Council , Naples , Italy
| | - Valentina Di Iorio
- c Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- a Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- a Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy.,d Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology , Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Fernando Gianfrancesco
- b Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso" , National Research Council , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- c Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Teresa Esposito
- b Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso" , National Research Council , Naples , Italy.,e IRCCS INM Neuromed , Pozzilli , IS , Italy
| | - Francesco Testa
- c Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- a Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
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Terracciano C, Farina O, Esposito T, Lombardi L, Napolitano F, Blasiis PD, Ciccone G, Todisco V, Tuccillo F, Bernardini S, Di Iorio G, Melone MAB, Sampaolo S. Successful long-term therapy with flecainide in a family with paramyotonia congenita. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2018; 89:1232-1234. [PMID: 29487168 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-317615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Terracciano
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Division of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Olimpia Farina
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Teresa Esposito
- Molecular Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, Adriano Buzzati Traverso, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.,IRCCS, INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Luca Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Paolo De Blasiis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ciccone
- Division of Neurology, Local Health Unit of South Naples 3, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Todisco
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Francesco Tuccillo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Division of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Campania, Italy
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Di Cristo F, Finicelli M, Digilio FA, Paladino S, Valentino A, Scialò F, D'Apolito M, Saturnino C, Galderisi U, Giordano A, Melone MAB, Peluso G. Meldonium improves Huntington's disease mitochondrial dysfunction by restoring peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α expression. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:9233-9246. [PMID: 30362565 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction seems to play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD). We assessed possible neuroprotective actions of meldonium, a small molecule affecting mitochondrial fuel metabolism, in in vitro and in vivo HD models. We found that meldonium was able to prevent cytotoxicity induced by serum deprivation, to reduce the accumulation of mutated huntingtin (mHtt) aggregates, and to upregulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in mHTT-expressing cells. The PGC-1α increase was accompanied by the increment of mitochondrial mass and by the rebalancing of mitochondrial dynamics with a promotion of the mitochondrial fusion. Meldonium-induced PGC-1α significantly alleviated motor dysfunction and prolonged the survival of a transgenic HD Drosophila model in which mHtt expression in the nervous system led to progressive motor performance deficits. Our study strongly suggests that PGC-1α, as a master coregulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, energy homeostasis, and antioxidant defense, is a potential therapeutic target in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Cristo
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Finicelli
- Institute of Bioscience and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Institute of Bioscience and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Valentino
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Scialò
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Maria D'Apolito
- Institute of Bioscience and BioResources (IBBR), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Institute of Agro-environmental and Forest Biology (IBAF), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
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Finicelli M, Squillaro T, Di Cristo F, Di Salle A, Melone MAB, Galderisi U, Peluso G. Metabolic syndrome, Mediterranean diet, and polyphenols: Evidence and perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5807-5826. [PMID: 30317573 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as the co-occurrence of metabolic risk factors that includes insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and visceral obesity. The clinical significance of MetS consists of identifying a subgroup of patients sharing a common physiopathological state predisposing to chronic diseases. Clinical and scientific studies pinpoint lifestyle modification as an effective strategy aiming to reduce several features accountable for the risk of MetS onset. Among the healthy dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) emerges in terms of beneficial properties associated with longevity. Current evidence highlights the protective effect exerted by MedDiet on the different components of MetS. Interestingly, the effect exerted by polyphenols contained within the representative MedDiet components (i.e., olive oil, red wine, and nuts) seems to be accountable for the beneficial properties associated to this dietary pattern. In this review, we aim to summarize the principal evidence regarding the effectiveness of MedDiet-polyphenols in preventing or delaying the physiopathological components accountable for MetS onset. These findings may provide useful insights concerning the health properties of MedDiet-polyphenols as well as the novel targets destined to a tailored approach to MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Finicelli
- Institute of Agri-Environmental Biology and Forestry (IBAF), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Di Salle
- Institute of Agri-Environmental Biology and Forestry (IBAF), CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Institute of Agri-Environmental Biology and Forestry (IBAF), CNR, Naples, Italy
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28
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Saracino D, Allegorico L, Barbarulo AM, Pollo B, Giaccone G, D'Amico A, D'Incerti L, Bugiani O, Di Iorio G, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Neuro-Behçet's disease presenting as an isolated progressive cognitive and behavioral syndrome. Neurocase 2018; 24:238-241. [PMID: 30583716 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2018.1561898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Behçet's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder manifesting as a vasculitis that affects arteries and veins of any size. Up to 44% of cases may also present with neurological symptoms, thus defining Neuro-Behçet's disease. We describe a case of Neuro-Behçet's disease characterized by progressive behavioral and cognitive deterioration prevailing over other neurological symptoms, without evident systemic involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Saracino
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Lia Allegorico
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Anna Maria Barbarulo
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- b Division of Neurology V - Neuropathology , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- b Division of Neurology V - Neuropathology , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Amico
- c Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences , Neuroradiology, University "Federico II" , Naples , Italy
| | - Ludovico D'Incerti
- d Neuroradiology Unit , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Orso Bugiani
- b Division of Neurology V - Neuropathology , Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milan , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- a Second Division of Neurology , Center for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases & Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , Naples , Italy.,e Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology , Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University , Philadelphia , PA , USA
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29
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Signoriello E, Cirillo M, Puoti G, Signoriello G, Negro A, Koci E, Melone MAB, Rapacciuolo A, Maresca G, Lus G. Migraine as possible red flag of PFO presence in suspected demyelinating disease. J Neurol Sci 2018; 390:222-226. [PMID: 29801894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.04.042] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate a possible association between isolated white matter lesions suggestive of demyelinating disease in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) evidence in migraine patients, with or without aura. MATERIALS 31 migraine patients, 28 females and 3 males, with MRI evidence of white matter lesions suggestive of demyelinating disease according to the Barkhof Criteria. All patients underwent further diagnostics including lumbar puncture, autoimmunity panel and cardiological evaluation to detect the presence of PFO. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.46 years and MIPAV software was used to analyze MRI imaging. RESULTS 14 of the 31 patients (45%) had PFO. A significant association was found between PFO and migraine with visual aura (p < 0.001). No difference in lesion number, volume or area between patients with and without PFO was found, but the distribution was mainly occipital (p < 0.001) in patients with PFO. The follow-up showed a stationary lesion load in all PFO patients; no infratentorial or spinal cord lesion and no enhancement or corpus callosum lesion was ever detected. At the end of follow-up four patients developed multiple sclerosis: younger age at first MRI and oligoclonal bands were associated risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Migraine is often one of the main symptoms leading to MRI, and in many cases white matter lesions of unspecific significance are discovered, thus placing demyelinating diseases in the differential diagnosis. Our study underlines the potential pathogenetic role of PFO in generating white matter lesions in migraine patients (45%), particularly those with visual aura and occipital lesions. For this reason, we affirm that PFO represents a cardinal point in the differential diagnosis of suspected demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Signoriello
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, II Division of Neurology, Department of Surgical Medical Science, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, Interuniversity Center for research in Neurosciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
| | - M Cirillo
- Department of Surgical Medical Sciences, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, University of Campania L.Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - G Puoti
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, II Division of Neurology, Department of Surgical Medical Science, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, Interuniversity Center for research in Neurosciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - G Signoriello
- Department of Mental Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania, L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Negro
- Department of Surgical Medical Sciences, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, University of Campania L.Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - E Koci
- Department of Advanced, Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M A B Melone
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, II Division of Neurology, Department of Surgical Medical Science, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, Interuniversity Center for research in Neurosciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced, Biomedical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Maresca
- Cardiology Unit, San Leonardo Hospital, Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
| | - G Lus
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, II Division of Neurology, Department of Surgical Medical Science, Neurological, Metabolic and Aging, Interuniversity Center for research in Neurosciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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30
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Squillaro T, Cimini A, Peluso G, Giordano A, Melone MAB. Nano-delivery systems for encapsulation of dietary polyphenols: An experimental approach for neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 154:303-317. [PMID: 29803506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and brain tumors are severe, disabling, and incurable disorders that represent a critical problem regarding human suffering and the economic burden on the healthcare system. Because of the lack of effective therapies to treat NDs and brain tumors, the challenge for physicians is to discover new drugs to improve their patients' quality of life. In addition to risk factors such as genetics and environmental influences, increased cellular oxidative stress has been reported as one of the potential common etiologies in both disorders. Given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, dietary polyphenols are considered to be one of the most bioactive natural agents in chronic disease prevention and treatment. Despite the protective activity of polyphenols, their inefficient delivery systems and poor bioavailability strongly limit their use in medicine and functional food. A potential solution lies in polymeric nanoparticle-based polyphenol delivery systems that are able to enhance their absorption across the gastrointestinal tract, improve their bioavailability, and transport them to target organs. In the present manuscript, we provide an overview of the primary polyphenols used for ND and brain tumor prevention and treatment by focusing on recent findings, the principal factors limiting their application in clinical practice, and a promising delivery strategy to improve their bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Squillaro
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - A Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - G Peluso
- Institute of Agro-Environmental and Forest Biology, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - A Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience University of Siena, Italy.
| | - M A B Melone
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Abstract
Plexiform neurofibroma is pathognomonic of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). An NF1-associated peripheral neuropathy has been described in a small minority of NF1 patients but its histopathological features are poorly characterized. We report the case of a 46-year-old woman presenting with bilateral supraclavicular painful masses without other stigmata of NF1. MRI showed bilateral plexiform lesions extending from cervical roots to the elbows. Nerve conduction studies documented a sensory motor polyneuropathy. Morphometric analysis of sural nerve biopsy showed a preferential loss of large-caliber myelinated fibers with a g ratio of 0.515, and the presence of regeneration clusters. By electron microscopy, marked and diffuse endoneurial fibrosis with an altered relationship between Schwann cells (SC) and collagen fibrils was observed. Moreover both myelinating and non-myelinating SC were characterized by the presence of various cell degradation products. These changes suggest that, in neurofibromatous neuropathy, a widespread axonal atrophy and degeneration take place independently on the presence of tumoral infiltration, possibly due to an impairment in SC-axon cross talk. In this case, the coexistence of plexiform neurofibromas with a peripheral neuropathy strongly suggests a diagnosis of NF1 even without fulfillment of clinical criteria. We propose that in the presence of plexiform neurofibromas, electrophysiological studies should be performed also in asymptomatic patients, in order to detect the existence of a subclinical neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Terracciano
- a Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Systems Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Christa Pachatz
- b Neurophysiopathology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Emanuele Rastelli
- a Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Systems Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- d Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science, Reference Center for Neurological and Neuromuscular Rare Disease , University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," , Naples , Italy
| | - Roberto Massa
- a Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Systems Medicine , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
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Napolitano F, Di Iorio V, Testa F, Tirozzi A, Reccia MG, Lombardi L, Farina O, Simonelli F, Gianfrancesco F, Di Iorio G, Melone MAB, Esposito T, Sampaolo S. Autosomal-dominant myopia associated to a novel P4HA2 missense variant and defective collagen hydroxylation. Clin Genet 2018; 93:982-991. [PMID: 29364500 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We recently described a complex multisystem syndrome in which mild-moderate myopia segregated as an independent trait. A plethora of genes has been related to sporadic and familial myopia. More recently, in Chinese patients severe myopia (MYP25, OMIM:617238) has been linked to mutations in P4HA2 gene. Seven family members complaining of reduced distance vision especially at dusk underwent complete ophthalmological examination. Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify the gene responsible for myopia in the pedigree. Moderate myopia was diagnosed in the family which was associated to the novel missense variant c.1147A > G p.(Lys383Glu) in the prolyl 4-hydroxylase,alpha-polypeptide 2 (P4HA2) gene, which catalyzes the formation of 4-hydroxyproline residues in the collagen strands. In vitro studies demonstrated P4HA2 mRNA and protein reduced expression level as well as decreased collagen hydroxylation and deposition in mutated fibroblast primary cultures compared to healthy cell lines. This study suggests that P4HA2 mutations may lead to myopic axial elongation of eyeball as a consequence of quantitative and structural alterations of collagen. This is the first confirmatory study which associates a novel dominant missense variant in P4HA2 with myopia in Caucasian patients. Further studies in larger cohorts are advisable to fully clarify genotype-phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Napolitano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Iorio
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - F Testa
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Tirozzi
- IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | | | - L Lombardi
- Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - O Farina
- Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - F Simonelli
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - F Gianfrancesco
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - G Di Iorio
- Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - M A B Melone
- Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - T Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - S Sampaolo
- Neurology Clinic II, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Melone MAB, Valentino A, Margarucci S, Galderisi U, Giordano A, Peluso G. The carnitine system and cancer metabolic plasticity. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:228. [PMID: 29445084 PMCID: PMC5833840 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0313-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic flexibility describes the ability of cells to respond or adapt its metabolism to support and enable rapid proliferation, continuous growth, and survival in hostile conditions. This dynamic character of the cellular metabolic network appears enhanced in cancer cells, in order to increase the adaptive phenotype and to maintain both viability and uncontrolled proliferation. Cancer cells can reprogram their metabolism to satisfy the energy as well as the biosynthetic intermediate request and to preserve their integrity from the harsh and hypoxic environment. Although several studies now recognize these reprogrammed activities as hallmarks of cancer, it remains unclear which are the pathways involved in regulating metabolic plasticity. Recent findings have suggested that carnitine system (CS) could be considered as a gridlock to finely trigger the metabolic flexibility of cancer cells. Indeed, the components of this system are involved in the bi-directional transport of acyl moieties from cytosol to mitochondria and vice versa, thus playing a fundamental role in tuning the switch between the glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Therefore, the CS regulation, at both enzymatic and epigenetic levels, plays a pivotal role in tumors, suggesting new druggable pathways for prevention and treatment of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna Valentino
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Institute of Agro-Environmental and Forest Biology, National Research Council, IBAF-CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Institute of Agro-Environmental and Forest Biology, National Research Council, IBAF-CNR, Naples, Italy.
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Sampaolo S, Liguori G, Vittoria A, Napolitano F, Lombardi L, Figols J, Melone MAB, Esposito T, Di Iorio G. First study on the peptidergic innervation of the brain superior sagittal sinus in humans. Neuropeptides 2017; 65:45-55. [PMID: 28460791 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) of the mammalian brain is a pain-sensitive intracranial vessel thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine headaches. Here, we aimed to investigate the presence and the potential co-localization of some neurotransmitters in the human SSS. Immunohistochemical and double-labeling immunofluorescence analyses were applied to paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded, coronal sections of the SSS. Protein extraction and Western blotting technique were performed on the same material to confirm the morphological data. Our results showed nerve fibers clustered mainly in large bundles tracking parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sinus, close in proximity to the vascular endothelium. Smaller fascicles of fibers encircled the vascular lumen in a spiral fashion, extending through the subendothelial connective tissue. Isolated nerve fibers were observed around the openings of bridging veins in the sinus or around small vessels extending into the perisinusal dura. The neurotransmitters calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were found in parietal nerve structures, distributed all along the length of the SSS. Overall, CGRP- and TH-containing nerve fibers were the most abundant. Neurotransmitters co-localized in the same fibers in the following pairs: CGRP/SP, CGRP/NOS, CGRP/VIP, and TH/NPY. Western blotting analysis confirmed the presence of such neurosubstances in the SSS wall. Overall our data provide the first evidence of the presence and co-localization of critical neurotransmitters in the SSS of the human brain, thus contributing to a better understanding of the sinus functional role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Liguori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vittoria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Italy; Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Javier Figols
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Valdecilla, University of Cantabria Medical School, Santander, Spain
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council, Naples, Italy; URT-IGB IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic and Aging Science and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Second University of Naples, Italy.
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Santoro C, Giugliano T, Melone MAB, Cirillo M, Schettino C, Bernardo P, Cirillo G, Perrotta S, Piluso G. Multiple spinal nerve enlargement and SOS1 mutation: Further evidence of overlap between neurofibromatosis type 1 and Noonan phenotype. Clin Genet 2017; 93:138-143. [PMID: 28456002 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has long been considered a well-defined, recognizable monogenic disorder, with neurofibromas constituting a pathognomonic sign. This dogma has been challenged by recent descriptions of patients with enlarged nerves or paraspinal tumors, suggesting that neurogenic tumors and hypertrophic neuropathy may be a complication of Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML) or RASopathy phenotype. We describe a 15-year-old boy, whose mother previously received clinical diagnosis of NF1 due to presence of bilateral cervical and lumbar spinal lesions resembling plexiform neurofibromas and features suggestive of NS. NF1 molecular analysis was negative in the mother. The boy presented with Noonan features, multiple lentigines and pectus excavatum. Next-generation sequencing analysis of all RASopathy genes identified p.Ser548Arg missense mutation in SOS1 in the boy, confirmed in his mother. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging scans were negative in the boy. No heart involvement or deafness was observed in proband or mother. This is the first report of a SOS1 mutation associated with hypertrophic neuropathy resembling plexiform neurofibromas, a rare complication in Noonan phenotypes with mutations in RASopathy genes. Our results highlight the overlap between RASopathies, suggesting that NF1 diagnostic criteria need rethinking. Genetic analysis of RASopathy genes should be considered when diagnosis is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Santoro
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e della Chirurgia generale e specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - T Giugliano
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - M A B Melone
- Divisione di Neurologia, Dipartimento Medico-Chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale "F. Magrassi e A. Lanzara", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca in Neuroscienze (CIRN), Naples, Italy
| | - M Cirillo
- Prima Divisione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche, Neurologiche, Metaboliche e dell'Invecchiamento, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - C Schettino
- Divisione di Neurologia, Dipartimento Medico-Chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale "F. Magrassi e A. Lanzara", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - P Bernardo
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale, Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Clinica di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Cirillo
- Prima Divisione di Neurologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche, Neurologiche, Metaboliche e dell'Invecchiamento, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - S Perrotta
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e della Chirurgia generale e specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G Piluso
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Patologia Generale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Sampaolo S, Napolitano F, Tirozzi A, Reccia MG, Lombardi L, Farina O, Barra A, Cirillo F, Melone MAB, Gianfrancesco F, Iorio GD, Esposito T. Identification of the first dominant mutation of LAMA5 gene causing a complex multisystem syndrome due to dysfunction of the extracellular matrix. J Med Genet 2017; 54:710-720. [PMID: 28735299 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The laminin alpha 5 gene (LAMA5) plays a master role in the maintenance and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in mammalian tissues, which is critical in developmental patterning, stem cell niches, cancer and genetic diseases. Its mutations have never been reported in human disease so far. The aim of this study was to associate the first mutation in LAMA5 gene to a novel multisystem syndrome. METHODS A detailed characterisation of a three-generation family, including clinical, biochemical, instrumental and morphological analysis, together with genetics and expression (WES and RNAseq) studies, was performed. RESULTS The heterozygous LAMA5 mutation c.9418G>A (p.V3140M) was associated with skin anomalies, impaired scarring, night blindness, muscle weakness, osteoarthritis, joint and internal organs ligaments laxity, malabsorption syndrome and hypothyroidism. We demonstrated that the mutation alters the amount of LAMA5 peptides likely derived from protein cleavage and perturbs the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal signalling, producing an unbalanced expression of Sonic hedgehog and GLI1, which are upregulated in cells from affected individuals, and of ECM proteins (COL1A1, MMP1 and MMP3), which are strongly inhibited. Studies carried out using human skin biopsies showed alteration of dermal papilla with a reduction of the germinative layer and an early arrest of hair follicle downgrowth. The knock-in mouse model, generated in our laboratory, shows similar changes in the tissues studied so far. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a disease phenotype associated with LAMA5 mutation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sampaolo
- Neurology Clinic II and Reference Center for Rare Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Lombardi
- Neurology Clinic II and Reference Center for Rare Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Olimpia Farina
- Neurology Clinic II and Reference Center for Rare Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Barra
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Cirillo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Neurology Clinic II and Reference Center for Rare Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Fernando Gianfrancesco
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Iorio
- Neurology Clinic II and Reference Center for Rare Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and Geriatrics, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Esposito
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', National Research Council, Naples, Italy.,IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Squillaro T, Antonucci I, Alessio N, Esposito A, Cipollaro M, Melone MAB, Peluso G, Stuppia L, Galderisi U. Impact of lysosomal storage disorders on biology of mesenchymal stem cells: Evidences from in vitro silencing of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymes. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:3454-3467. [PMID: 28098348 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomal storage disorders (LDS) comprise a group of rare multisystemic diseases resulting from inherited gene mutations that impair lysosomal homeostasis. The most common LSDs, Gaucher disease (GD), and Fabry disease (FD) are caused by deficiencies in the lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymes, respectively. Given the systemic nature of enzyme deficiency, we hypothesized that the stem cell compartment of GD and FD patients might be also affected. Among stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a commonly investigated population given their role in hematopoiesis and the homeostatic maintenance of many organs and tissues. Since the impairment of MSC functions could pose profound consequences on body physiology, we evaluated whether GBA and GLA silencing could affect the biology of MSCs isolated from bone marrow and amniotic fluid. Those cell populations were chosen given the former's key role in organ physiology and the latter's intriguing potential as an alternative stem cell model for human genetic disease. Our results revealed that GBA and GLA deficiencies prompted cell cycle arrest along with the impairment of autophagic flux and an increase of apoptotic and senescent cell percentages. Moreover, an increase in ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated staining 1 hr after oxidative stress induction and a return to basal level at 48 hr, along with persistent gamma-H2AX staining, indicated that MSCs properly activated DNA repair signaling, though some damages remained unrepaired. Our data therefore suggest that MSCs with reduced GBA or GLA activity are prone to apoptosis and senescence due to impaired autophagy and DNA repair capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Institute of Bioscience and Bioresources, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivana Antonucci
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Nicola Alessio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Esposito
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Cipollaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging; Division of Neurology and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Peluso
- Institute of Bioscience and Bioresources, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Umberto Galderisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Squillaro T, Alessio N, Cipollaro M, Melone MAB, Hayek G, Renieri A, Giordano A, Galderisi U. Reduced expression of MECP2 affects cell commitment and maintenance in neurons by triggering senescence: new perspective for Rett syndrome. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:1435-45. [PMID: 22357617 PMCID: PMC3327309 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-09-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural differentiation process is studied in mesenchymal stem cells obtained from Rett patients and in neuroblastoma cells carrying a partially silenced MECP2 gene. The data suggest that neural cell fate and neuronal maintenance might be perturbed by senescence triggered by impaired MECP2 protein activity either before or after neural differentiation. MECP2 protein binds preferentially to methylated CpGs and regulates gene expression by causing changes in chromatin structure. The mechanism by which impaired MECP2 activity can induce pathological abnormalities in the nervous system of patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) is not clearly understood. To gain further insight into the role of MECP2 in human neurogenesis, we compared the neural differentiation process in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from a RTT patient and from healthy donors. We further analyzed neural differentiation in a human neuroblastoma cell line carrying a partially silenced MECP2 gene. Senescence and reduced expression of neural markers were observed in proliferating and differentiating MSCs from the RTT patient, which suggests that impaired activity of MECP2 protein may impair neural differentiation, as observed in RTT patients. Next, we used an inducible expression system to silence MECP2 in neuroblastoma cells before and after the induction of neural differentiation via retinoic acid treatment. This approach was used to test whether MECP2 inactivation affected the cell fate of neural progenitors and/or neuronal differentiation and maintenance. Overall, our data suggest that neural cell fate and neuronal maintenance may be perturbed by senescence triggered by impaired MECP2 activity either before or after neural differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Lama G, Esposito Salsano M, Grassia C, Calabrese E, Grassia MG, Bismuto R, Melone MAB, Russo S, Scuotto A. Neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway glioma. A long-term follow-up. Minerva Pediatr 2007; 59:13-21. [PMID: 17301720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) are the predominant intracranial tumours associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the outcome of OPG in 200 NF1 patients (122 males and 78 females, aged 1-25 years) followed up to 16 years (mean of 6 years). METHODS All children were evaluated by a detailed physical, neurological and ophthalmological examination. Fifteen out of 200 (7.5%) of these patients (7 males, 8 females) were identified with evidence of optic pathway tumours. RESULTS Nine children had symptoms such as endocranial hypertension, seizures, headache; 4 patients only showed anomalies at ophthalmological examination; 2 patients had no symptoms or signs. All children had evidence of optic pathway tumour on magnetic resonance imaging. Three had a prechiasmal tumour, 2 had a chiasmal tumour, 1 had prechiasmal/chiasmal tumour, 2 had a prechiasmal/chiasmal and postchiasmal tumour, 2 had a chiasmal and postchiasmal tumour, 4 had a massive involvement of the optic system, 1 child exhibited a bilateral involvement of the optic nerves with additional impairment of the chiasm. Four patients had partial and/or subtotal spontaneous regression. CONCLUSIONS Because optic pathway tumours arise in children younger than 6 years of age, all NF1 children should undergo yearly ophtalmologic examination and growth assessment to monitor signs of precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lama
- Department of Paediatrics, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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Giordano A, Calvani M, Petillo O, Grippo P, Tuccillo F, Melone MAB, Bonelli P, Calarco A, Peluso G. tBid induces alterations of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation flux by malonyl-CoA-independent inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. Cell Death Differ 2005; 12:603-13. [PMID: 15846373 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest a close relationship between cell metabolism and apoptosis. We have evaluated changes in lipid metabolism on permeabilized hepatocytes treated with truncated Bid (tBid) in the presence of caspase inhibitors and exogenous cytochrome c. The measurement of beta-oxidation flux by labeled palmitate demonstrates that tBid inhibits beta-oxidation, thereby resulting in the accumulation of palmitoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) and depletion of acetyl-carnitine and acylcarnitines, which is pathognomonic for inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). We also show that tBid decreases CPT-1 activity by a mechanism independent of both malonyl-CoA, the key inhibitory molecule of CPT-1, and Bak and/or Bax, but dependent on cardiolipin decrease. Overexpression of Bcl-2, which is able to interact with CPT-1, counteracts the effects exerted by tBid on beta-oxidation. The unexpected role of tBid in the regulation of lipid beta-oxidation suggests a model in which tBid-induced metabolic decline leads to the accumulation of toxic lipid metabolites such as palmitoyl-CoA, which might become participants in the apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giordano
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry--IBP, CNR, Naples, Italy
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Jori FP, Melone MAB, Napolitano MA, Cipollaro M, Cascino A, Giordano A, Galderisi U. RB and RB2/p130 genes demonstrate both specific and overlapping functions during the early steps of in vitro neural differentiation of marrow stromal stem cells. Cell Death Differ 2005; 12:65-77. [PMID: 15459751 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs) are stem-like cells that are currently being tested for their potential use in cell therapy for a number of human diseases. MSCs can differentiate into both mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal lineages. In fact, in addition to bone, cartilage and fat, it has been demonstrated that MSCs are capable of differentiating into neurons and astrocytes. RB and RB2/p130 genes are involved in the differentiation of several systems. For this reason, we evaluated the role of RB and RB2/p130 in the differentiation and apoptosis of MSCs under experimental conditions that allow for MSC differentiation toward the neuron-like phenotype. To this end, we ectopically expressed either RB or RB2/p130 and monitored proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in rat primary MSC cultures induced to differentiate toward the neuron-like phenotype. Both RB and RB2/P130 decreased cell proliferation rate. In pRb-overexpressing cells, the arrest of cell growth was also observed in the presence of the HDAC-inhibitor TSA, suggesting that its antiproliferative activity does not rely upon the HDAC pathway, while the addition of TSA to pRb2/p130-overexpressing cells relieved growth inhibition. TUNEL reactions and studies on the expression of genes belonging to the Bcl-2 family showed that while RB protected differentiating MSCs from apoptosis, RB2/p130 induced an increase of apoptosis compared to controls. The effects of both RB and RB2/p130 on programmed cell death appeared to be HDAC- independent. Molecular analysis of neural differentiation markers and immunocytochemistry revealed that RB2/p130 contributes mainly to the induction of generic neural properties and RB triggers cholinergic differentiation. Moreover, the differentiation potentials of RB2/p130 and RB appear to rely, at least in part, on the activity of HDACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Jori
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Peluso G, Petillo O, Margarucci S, Grippo P, Melone MAB, Tuccillo F, Calvani M. Differential carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase expression defines distinct metabolic signatures in skeletal muscle cells. J Cell Physiol 2005; 203:439-46. [PMID: 15515015 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Import of acylcarnitine into mitochondrial matrix through carnitine/acylcarnitine-translocase (CACT) is fundamental for lipid catabolism. To probe the effect of CACT down-expression on lipid metabolism in muscle, human myocytes were stably transfected with CACT-antisense construct. In presence of low concentration of palmitate, transfected cells showed decreased palmitate oxidation and acetyl-carnitine content, increased palmitoyl-carnitine level, and reduced insulin-dependent decrease of fatty acylcarnitine-to-fatty acyl-CoA ratio. The augmented palmitoyl-carnitine synthesis, also in the presence of insulin, could be related to an altered regulation of carnitine-palmitoyl-transferase 1 (CPT 1) by malonyl-CoA, whose synthesis is dependent by the availability of cytosolic acetyl-groups. Indeed, all the described effects were completely overcome by CACT neo-expression by recombinant adenovirus vector or by addition of acetyl-carnitine to cultures. Acetyl-carnitine effect was related to an increase of malonyl-CoA and was abolished by down-expression, via antisense RNA strategy, of acetyl-CoA carboxylase-beta, the mitochondrial membrane enzyme involved in the direct CPT 1 inhibition via malonyl-CoA synthesis. Thus, in our experimental model the modulation of CACT expression has consequences for CPT 1 activity, while the biologic effects of acetyl-carnitine are not associated with a generic supply of energy compounds but to the anaplerotic property of the molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Peluso
- National Cancer Institute-INT Fondazione G. Pascale, via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Lus G, Nelis E, Jordanova A, Löfgren A, Cavallaro T, Ammendola A, Melone MAB, Rizzuto N, Timmerman V, Cotrufo R, De Jonghe P. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease with giant axons: a clinicopathological and genetic entity. Neurology 2004; 61:988-90. [PMID: 14557576 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.61.7.988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report an Italian family with autosomal-dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) in which there were giant axons in the sural nerve biopsy. Linkage to the known CMT2 loci (CMT2A, CMT2B, CMT2D, CMT2F) and mutations in the known CMT2 genes (Cx32, MPZ, NEFL), GAN, NEFM, and CMT1A duplication/HNPP deletion were excluded. This family with CMT and giant axons has a pathologic and genetic entity distinct from classic CMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lus
- Department of Neurological Sciences, First Division of Clinical Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Second University of Naples and Interuniversity Center for Research in Neuroscience, Naples, Italy.
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Jori FP, Galderisi U, Piegari E, Cipollaro M, Cascino A, Peluso G, Cotrufo R, Giordano A, Melone MAB. EGF-responsive rat neural stem cells: molecular follow-up of neuron and astrocyte differentiation in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2003; 195:220-33. [PMID: 12652649 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.10249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) could be very useful for the "cell therapy" treatment of neurological disorders. For this reason basic studies aiming to well characterize the biology of NSCs are of great interest. We carried out a molecular and immunocytochemical analysis of EGF-responsive NSCs obtained from rat pups. After the initial growth of NSCs as floating neurospheres in EGF-containing medium, cells were plated on poly-L-ornithine-coated dishes either in the presence or absence of EGF. We followed cell differentiation and apoptosis for 21 days in vitro and analyzed the expression levels of some genes having a major role in these processes, such as pRB, pRB2/p130, p27, and p53. We observed that EGF impairs neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, in the absence of mitogens, apoptosis, which appeared to proceed through the "p53 network," was significantly lower than in the presence of EGF. The cyclin kinase inhibitor p27, while important for cell cycle exit, seemed dispensable for cell survival and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Jori
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Peluso G, Petillo O, Margarucci S, Mingrone G, Greco AV, Indiveri C, Palmieri F, Melone MAB, Reda E, Calvani M. Decreased mitochondrial carnitine translocase in skeletal muscles impairs utilization of fatty acids in insulin-resistant patients. Front Biosci 2002; 7:a109-16. [PMID: 11991847 DOI: 10.2741/a745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) and its health consequences (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity etc.) affect between 25 and 35% of Westernized populations. Decreased fatty acid (FA) oxidation in skeletal muscle is implicated in obesity-related IR. Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) transports long-chain FAs both into mitochondria (as carnitine esters for energy-generating processes) and out of mitochondria. To determine whether CACT activity correlates with decreased FA oxidation we measured CACT concentrations in cellular and mitochondrial extracts from the skeletal muscle of 19 obese IR individuals and of 19 lean controls. We also evaluated carnitine transport in skeletal muscle mitochondria in both groups. Mitochondrial CACT was decreased at translational and transductional level, and carnitine-carnitine and acylcarnitine-carnitine exchange rates were significantly lower in IR subjects. Aberrant acylcarnitine flux into mitochondria was not correlated with decreased activity of other components of the mitochondrial carnitine system (i.e., carnitine palmitoyl transferase-I and II). Our data suggest that by restraining entry of FA-coenzyme A into mitochondria, low CACT levels increase cytosolic FA levels and their incorporation into glycerolipids. The low level of CACT in IR muscle may contribute to the elevated muscle concentrations of triglycerides, diacylglycerol, and FA-coenzyme A characteristic of IR muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Peluso
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology, CNR, Naples, Italy.
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