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Rhouma MB, Venditti M, Haddadi A, Knani L, Chouchene L, Boughammoura S, Reiter RJ, Minucci S, Messaoudi I. Melatonin counteracts cadmium-induced rat testicular toxicity via the mechanistic target rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2024; 341:470-482. [PMID: 38433718 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2792] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The protective action of melatonin (MLT) against the harmful effects of cadmium (Cd) on testicular activity in rats has been documented previously; however, the involved molecular mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we investigate the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on the ability of MLT to counteract the damage induced by Cd on the rat testicular activity. Our study confirmed that Cd has harmful effects on the testes of rats and the protective action exerted by MLT. We reported, for the first time, that the addition of rapamycin (Rapa), a specific mTOR inhibitor, to animals co-treated with Cd and MLT completely abolished the beneficial effects exerted by MLT, indicating that the mTOR pathway partially modulates its helpful effects on Cd testicular toxicity. Interestingly, Rapa-alone treatment, provoking mTOR inhibition, produced altered morphological parameters, increased autophagy of germ and somatic cells, and reduced serum testosterone concentration. In addition, mTOR inhibition also reduced protein levels of markers of steroidogenesis (3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and blood-testis barrier integrity (occludin and connexin 43). Finally, Rapa altered sperm parameters as well as the ability of mature spermatozoa to perform a proper acrosome reaction. Although further investigation is needed to better clarify the molecular pathway involved in MLT action, we confirm that MLT alleviating Cd effects can be used as a supplement to enhance testicular function and improve male gamete quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem B Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Asma Haddadi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Latifa Knani
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Lina Chouchene
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sana Boughammoura
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Oliva A, Liguori L, Covino S, Petrucci F, Cogliati-Dezza F, Curtolo A, Savelloni G, Comi M, Sacco F, Ceccarelli G, Viscido A, Alessandri F, Raponi G, Pugliese F, Mastroianni CM, Venditti M. Clinical effectiveness of cefiderocol for the treatment of bloodstream infections due to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii during the COVID-19 era: a single center, observational study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024:10.1007/s10096-024-04833-8. [PMID: 38634975 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the clinical effectiveness of cefiderocol (CFDC) in comparison with colistin (COL) for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bloodstream infections (BSI). MATERIALS/METHODS Retrospective cohort study including adults with CRAB-BSI. Outcomes were mortality, clinical cure and adverse events during therapy. The average treatment effect of CFDC compared to COL was weighted with the inverse-probability treatment weight (IPTW). RESULTS Overall, 104 patients were included (50 CFDC, 54 COL), median age 66.5 years, median Charlson Comorbidity Index 5, septic shock in 33.6% of patients. Primary BSI accounted for 43.3% of cases, followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (26%), catheter-related BSI (20.2%) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) (9.6%). Although not significantly, mortality at all time points was lower for CFDC than COL, while clinical cure was higher in CFDC than COL (66% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.027). Adverse events were more frequent in COL than CFDC-group (38.8% vs. 10%, p < 0.0001), primarily attributed to acute kidney injury (AKI) in the COL group. Patients with bacteremic HAP/VAP treated with CFDC had a significant lower 30-d mortality and higher clinical cure than COL (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Increment of CCI (p = 0.005), ICU (p = 0.025), SARS-CoV2 (p = 0.006) and ECMO (p < 0.0001) were independently associated with 30-d mortality, while receiving CFDC was not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS CFDC could represent an effective and safe treatment option for CRAB BSI, especially in patients with bacteremic HAP/VAP and frail patients where the risk of acute renal failure during therapy should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.
| | - L Liguori
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - S Covino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - F Petrucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - F Cogliati-Dezza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - A Curtolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - G Savelloni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - M Comi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - F Sacco
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - A Viscido
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Alessandri
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Raponi
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Pugliese
- Department of General and Specialistic Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
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Latino D, Venditti M, Falvo S, Grillo G, Santillo A, Messaoudi I, Ben Rhouma M, Minucci S, Chieffi Baccari G, Di Fiore MM. Steroidogenesis Upregulation through Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes and Mitochondrial Dynamics in Rat Testes: The Role of D-Aspartate. Cells 2024; 13:523. [PMID: 38534366 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060523] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria-Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes (MAMs) mediate the communication between the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria, playing a fundamental role in steroidogenesis. This study aimed to understand how D-aspartate (D-Asp), a well-known stimulator of testosterone biosynthesis and spermatogenesis, affects the mechanism of steroidogenesis in rat testes. Our results suggested that D-Asp exerts this function through MAMs, affecting lipid trafficking, calcium signaling, ER stress, and mitochondrial dynamics. After 15 days of oral administration of D-Asp to rats, there was an increase in both antioxidant enzymes (SOD and Catalase) and in the protein expression levels of ATAD3A, FACL4, and SOAT1, which are markers of lipid transfer, as well as VDAC and GRP75, which are markers of calcium signaling. Additionally, there was a decrease in protein expression levels of GRP78, a marker of aging that counteracts ER stress. The effects of D-Asp on mitochondrial dynamics strongly suggested its active role as well. It induced the expression levels of proteins involved in fusion (MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1) and in biogenesis (NRF1 and TFAM), as well as in mitochondrial mass (TOMM20), and decreased the expression level of DRP1, a crucial mitochondrial fission marker. These findings suggested D-Asp involvement in the functional improvement of mitochondria during steroidogenesis. Immunofluorescent signals of ATAD3A, MFN1/2, TFAM, and TOMM20 confirmed their localization in Leydig cells showing an intensity upgrade in D-Asp-treated rat testes. Taken together, our results demonstrate the involvement of D-Asp in the steroidogenesis of rat testes, acting at multiple stages of both MAMs and mitochondrial dynamics, opening new opportunities for future investigation in other steroidogenic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Latino
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Grillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Romdhani I, Gallo A, Venditti M, Abelouah MR, Varchetta R, Najahi H, Boukadida K, Boni R, Alla AA, Minucci S, Banni M. Unveiling the impact of environmental microplastics on mussel spermatozoa: First evidence of prothymosin-α detection in invertebrate's male gametes. J Hazard Mater 2024; 461:132521. [PMID: 37717447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels, like many other marine invertebrates, employ external fertilization as a mating strategy, exposing their gametes to various contaminants upon release into seawater. Environmental microplastics (EMP) are prevalent marine pollutants that pose a significant threat to aquatic biota. In this regard, our study aimed to investigate the potential effects of exposing mussels' male gametes to increasing concentrations of EMP (1, 10, 50, and 100 μg/l) collected from a Mediterranean sandy beach. We focused on assessing gamete quality by analysing physiological parameters such as viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative status, and motility. Additionally, we evaluated DNA integrity and activation of apoptosis. Furthermore, our study aimed to detect the presence of the prothymosin-α (PTMA) protein, which has never been previously investigated in invertebrate spermatozoa. Our data revealed that exposure of mussel spermatozoa to EMPs altered their oxidative status and mitochondrial membrane potential, induced a decrease in motility, DNA integrity, and an increased apoptotic occurrence, leading to a decline in overall viability. The localization of PTMA into the head and flagellum of spermatozoa further supported its presence and susceptibility to the effects of microplastics. These findings raise concerns about the reproductive capacity of mussels under environmental microplastic pollution and highlight potential long-term threats to population sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilef Romdhani
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia; Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Rita Varchetta
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Hana Najahi
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Khouloud Boukadida
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy; Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano, 10, 85100 Potenza, PZ, Italy
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, ViaSanta Maria di Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, University of Sousse,Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Monastir, Tunisia.
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Romano MZ, Boccella S, Venditti M, Maione S, Minucci S. Morphological and molecular changes in the Harderian gland of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2023; 339:915-924. [PMID: 37522474 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2741] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Using a rat model of type 1 diabetes (T1D) obtained by treatment with streptozotocin, an antibiotic that destroys pancreatic β-cells, we evaluated the influence of subsequent hyperglycemia on the morphology and physiology of the Harderian gland (HG). HG is located in the medial corner of the orbit of many terrestrial vertebrates and, in rodents, is characterized by the presence of porphyrins, which being involved in the phototransduction, through photo-oxidation, produce reactive oxygen species activating the autophagy pathway. The study focused on the expression of some morphological markers involved in cell junction formation (occludin, connexin-43, and α-tubulin) and mast cell number (MCN), as well as autophagic and apoptotic pathways. The expression of enzymes involved in steroidogenesis [steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD)] and the level of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay were also evaluated. The results strongly indicate, for the first time, that T1D has a negative impact on the pathophysiology of rat HG, as evidenced by increased oxidative stress, morphological and biochemical alterations, hyperproduction and secretion of porphyrins, increased MCN, reduced protein levels of StAR and 3β-HSD, and, finally, induced autophagy and apoptosis. All the combined data support the use of the rat HG as a suitable experimental model to elucidate the molecular damage/survival pathways elicited by stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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Falvo S, Minucci S, Santillo A, Senese R, Chieffi Baccari G, Venditti M. A short-term high-fat diet alters rat testicular activity and blood-testis barrier integrity through the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1274035. [PMID: 38027181 PMCID: PMC10643185 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1274035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways. Methods Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Results Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6). Conclusions The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Napoli, Italy
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Venditti M, Santillo A, Latino D, Ben Rhouma M, Romano MZ, Haddadi A, Di Fiore MM, Minucci S, Messaoudi I, Chieffi Baccari G. Evidence of the protective role of D-Aspartate in counteracting/preventing cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 259:115067. [PMID: 37244200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115067] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), by producing oxidative stress and acting as an endocrine disruptor, is known to cause severe testicular injury, documented by histological and biomolecular alterations, such as decreased serum testosterone (T) level and impairment of spermatogenesis. This is the first report on the potential counteractive/preventive action of D-Aspartate (D-Asp), a well-known stimulator of T biosynthesis and spermatogenesis progression by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, in alleviating Cd effects in the rat testis. Our results confirmed that Cd affects testicular activity, as documented by the reduction of serum T concentration and of the protein levels of steroidogenesis (StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD) and spermatogenesis (PCNA, p-H3, and SYCP3) markers. Moreover, higher protein levels of cytochrome C and caspase 3, together with the number of cells positive to TUNEL assay, indicated the intensification of the apoptotic process. D-Asp administered either simultaneously to Cd, or for 15 days before the Cd-treatment, reduced the oxidative stress induced by the metal, alleviating the consequent harmful effects. Interestingly, the preventive action of D-Asp was more effective than its counteractive effect. A possible explanation is that giving D-Asp for 15 days induces its significant uptake in the testes, reaching the concentrations necessary for optimum function. In summary, this report highlights, for the first time, the beneficial role played by D-Asp in both counteracting/preventing the adverse Cd effects in the rat testis, strongly encouraging further investigations to consider the potential value of D-Asp also in improving human testicular health and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Debora Latino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Asma Haddadi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
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Oliva A, Al Ismail D, Arcari G, Miele MC, Casali E, Sacco F, Volpicelli L, De Angelis M, Mascellino MT, Cancelli F, Raponi G, Carattoli A, Venditti M. Ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant meropenem-susceptible KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: analysis of cases and evaluation of in-vitro activity of fosfomycin-containing combinations. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2023:S2213-7165(23)00058-9. [PMID: 37086891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known regarding outcomes and optimal therapeutic regimens of infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) and susceptible to meropenem (MEM). Although in-vitro susceptible to MEM, the possibility of developing MEM resistance overtime is a concern. We described the clinical characteristics of patients with colonization/infection due to KPC-variant with a focus on the in-vitro activity of fosfomycin (FOS)-containing combinations. MATERIALS/METHODS Patients with colonization/infection due to KPC-variant were included. FOS susceptibility was performed by agar dilution method. Synergistic activity of FOS-based combinations was evaluated by gradient strip-agar diffusion method. The emergence of in-vitro MEM resistance was also tested. RESULTS Eleven patients were included, 8 with infection [4 ventilator-associated pneumonia, 4 bloodstream infections], 3 with colonization. A previous therapy with CZA was administered to all the patients (mean cumulative duration 23 days). All subjects with infection received meropenem, in monotherapy (n=4) or with amikacin (n=2) or fosfomycin (n=2) and achieved clinical cure. A new CZA-susceptible and MEM-resistant KPC-Kp strain was subsequently isolated in 3 patients (27.3%). Meropenem/vaborbactam (MVB) showed high in-vitro activity, while FOS+MEM combination was synergistic in 40% of cases. In-vitro resistance to MEM was observed, with maintenance of CZA resistance. DISCUSSION Detection of KPC-variant may occur within the same patient, especially if CZA has been previously administered. Although clinical success has been obtained with carbapenems, the emergence of MEM resistance is a concern. Fosfomycin plus meropenem is synergistic and may represent a valuable combination option for KPC-variant, while MVB may be considered in monotherapy. IMPORTANCE The detection of KPC-variants in an endemic setting for KPC-Kp represents a worryingly emerging condition. The optimal therapeutic approach is still unknown and the development of meropenem resistance is a concern, which may finally lead to a therapeutic failure in the clinical practice. In these cases, the addition of fosfomycin to meropenem or a more potent antibiotic such as meropenem/vaborbactam may represent valuable therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - D Al Ismail
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Arcari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M C Miele
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Casali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Sacco
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - L Volpicelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Angelis
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Mascellino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cancelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Raponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - A Carattoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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9
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Hassine MBH, Venditti M, Rhouma MB, Minucci S, Messaoudi I. Combined effect of polystyrene microplastics and cadmium on rat blood-testis barrier integrity and sperm quality. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:56700-56712. [PMID: 36928700 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The harmful effects of microplastics and Cd on the testicular activity of sexually mature rats are here documented. Oral treatment with both substances caused testicular impairment that was evidenced by histological and biomolecular alterations, such as MP accumulation in the seminiferous epithelium, imbalance of oxidative status, and reduced sperm quality. Importantly, the cytoarchitecture of the blood-testis barrier was compromised, as revealed by the down-regulation of protein levels of structural occludin, Van Gogh-like protein 2, and connexin 43 and activation of regulative kinases proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase and focal adhesion kinase. Interestingly, for the first time, MPs are reported to activate the autophagy pathway in germ cells, to reduce damaged organelles and molecules, probably in an attempt to avoid apoptosis. Surprisingly, the results obtained with the simultaneous Cd + MPs treatment showed more harmful effects than those produced by MPs alone but less severe than with Cd alone. This might be due to the different ways of administration to rats (oral gavage for MPs and in drinking water for Cd), which might favor the adsorption, in the gastrointestinal tract, of Cd by MPs, which, by exploiting the Trojan horse effect, reduces the bioavailability of Cd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majida Ben Hadj Hassine
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana E Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana E Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi, Università Degli Studi Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138, Naples, NA, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité Et Valorisation Des Bio-Ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
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10
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Venditti M, Di Maio A, Chieffi Baccari G, Errico F, Usiello A, Minucci S, Di Fiore MM. D-Aspartate Depletion Perturbs Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040621. [PMID: 37189369 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) are present in vertebrate testis during post-natal development, coinciding with the onset of testosterone production, which suggests that this atypical amino acid might participate in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. To elucidate the unknown role of D-Asp on testicular function, we investigated steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in a one-month-old knockin mouse model with the constitutive depletion of D-Asp levels due to the targeted overexpression of D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), which catalyzes the deaminative oxidation of D-Asp to generate the corresponding α-keto acid, oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium ions. In the Ddo knockin mice, we found a dramatic reduction in testicular D-Asp levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular 17β-HSD, the enzyme involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Additionally, in the testes of these Ddo knockin mice, the expression of PCNA and SYCP3 proteins decreased, suggesting alterations in spermatogenesis-related processes, as well as an increase in the cytosolic cytochrome c protein levels and TUNEL-positive cell number, which indicate an increase in apoptosis. To further investigate the histological and morphometric testicular alterations in Ddo knockin mice, we analyzed the expression and localization of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) and disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), two proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization. Our results showed that the testicular levels of DAAM1 and PREP in Ddo knockin mice were different from those in wild-type animals, suggesting that the deficiency of D-Asp is associated with overall cytoskeletal disorganization. Our findings confirmed that physiological D-Asp influences testosterone biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in germ cell proliferation and differentiation, which are required for successful reproduction.
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11
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Venditti M, Ben Hadj Hassine M, Messaoudi I, Minucci S. The simultaneous administration of microplastics and cadmium alters rat testicular activity and changes the expression of PTMA, DAAM1 and PREP. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1145702. [PMID: 36968197 PMCID: PMC10033688 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1145702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper confirms the damaging effects produced by MP and Cd on testicular activity in the rat. Oral treatment with both chemicals resulted in testicular damage, documented by biomolecular and histological alterations, particularly by impaired morphometric parameters, increased apoptosis, reduced testosterone synthesis, and downregulation of the steroidogenic enzyme 3β-HSD. We also demonstrated, for the first time, that both MP and Cd can affect the protein level of PTMA, a small peptide that regulates germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Interestingly, the cytoarchitecture of testicular cells was also altered by the treatments, as evidenced by the impaired expression and localization of DAAM1 and PREP, two proteins involved in actin- and microtubule-associated processes, respectively, during germ cells differentiation into spermatozoa, impairing normal spermatogenesis. Finally, we showed that the effect of simultaneous treatment with MP and Cd were more severe than those produced by MP alone and less harmful than those of Cd alone. This could be due to the different ways of exposure of the two substances to rats (in drinking water for Cd and in oral gavage for MP), since being the first contact in the animals’ gastrointestinal tract, MP can adsorb Cd, reducing its bioavailability through the Trojan-horse effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Venditti, ; Sergio Minucci,
| | - Majida Ben Hadj Hassine
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Venditti, ; Sergio Minucci,
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Missawi O, Jeddou IB, Venditti M, Zitouni N, Zaouali MA, Abdennebi HB, Messaoudi I, Reiter RJ, Minucci S, Banni M. Environmental microplastic accumulation exacerbates liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat: Protective effects of melatonin. Sci Total Environ 2023; 860:160155. [PMID: 36436653 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable complication of liver transplantation and partial hepatectomy. Although the hazards of environmental microplastics (EMPs) have been well explored, data underlying their impact on IR-induced hepatotoxicity and how to alleviate these damages remain largely undefined. In this study, the involvement of melatonin (MT) in modulating EMPs toxicity in the liver undergoing ischemia-reperfusion injury was investigated. Male Wistar rats were exposed to MPs for 7 days and then subjected to 1 h of partial warm ischemia (70 %) followed by 24 h of reperfusion. We analyzed some parameters as the oxidative stress, the stability of cytoskeleton as well as inflammation, and autophagy. Our data suggested that EMPs elicited liver injury in ischemic animals. Data revealed several histological alterations caused by EMP and IRI, including cellular disorientation, cell necrosis, and microvacuolar steatosis, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration. EMPs increased blood transaminase (AST and ALT) and oxidative stress levels in the ischemic liver. In addition, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot analyses highlighted an increased expression of α-tubulin, IL-18, NFkB, and LC3. However, the ability of MT to reduce MPs and IRI toxicity was consistent with a significant decrease in the evaluated markers. The combined data not only document that melatonin is an effective agent to protect against hepatic IRI but also reduces cellular dysfunction caused by EMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Missawi
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, ISA Chott-Mariem, Sousse University, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ikram Ben Jeddou
- Laboratory of Human Genome and multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacie of Monastisr, Monastir University, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions "F. Bottazzi", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Nesrine Zitouni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, ISA Chott-Mariem, Sousse University, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Amin Zaouali
- Laboratory of Human Genome and multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacie of Monastisr, Monastir University, Tunisia
| | - Hassen Ben Abdennebi
- Laboratory of Human Genome and multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacie of Monastisr, Monastir University, Tunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41, Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions "F. Bottazzi", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology LR21AGR02, ISA Chott-Mariem, Sousse University, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology, Monastir University, Monastir, Tunisia.
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13
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Romano MZ, Ben Rhouma M, Messaoudi I, Aniello F, Minucci S, Venditti M. Expression of RSPH6A in the first wave of rat spermatogenesis and oxidative stress conditions: Attenuation by melatonin. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12542. [PMID: 37795044 PMCID: PMC10545975 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12542] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Here, we report, for the first time, the temporal expression and localization of axonemal radial spoke head homolog A (RSPH6A) protein during the first wave of rat spermatogenesis and in oxidative stress conditions. Methods For the developmental study, testes were collected from rats at different developmental stages (7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 60 postnatal days); for in vivo treatment, 24 rats were treated with cadmium and/or melatonin. From each sample, western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses for RSPH6A were performed. Results RSPH6A expression starts at 21 PND alongside the appearance of I spermatocytes (SPC) with a significant increase up to 60 PND. Data were confirmed by IF analysis, showing that RPSH6A expression is restricted to I and II SPC, spermatids, and mature sperm. In vivo experiments showed that the expression and localization of RSPH6A in the testis and epididymal spermatozoa of adult rats treated with cadmium were impaired. Interestingly, melatonin (an antioxidant), given together with Cd, can counteract its damaging effects. Conclusions All combined data confirm that RSPH6A contributes to the onset of fertility by acting on sperm motility, raising the possibility of using RSPH6A as a marker for normal fertility in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”NapoliItaly
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio‐RessourcésInstitut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio‐RessourcésInstitut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di BiologiaUniversità di Napoli “Federico II”NapoliItaly
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”NapoliItaly
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”NapoliItaly
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14
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Donizetti A, Venditti M, Arcaniolo D, Aliperti V, Carrese AM, De Sio M, Minucci S, Caraglia M, Aniello F. The long non-coding RNA transcript, LOC100130460 (CAND1.11) gene, encodes a novel protein highly expressed in cancer cells and tumor human testis tissues. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:343-353. [PMID: 37661873 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230160] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testis-specific genes encoding for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been detected in several cancers; many produce proteins with restricted or aberrant expression patterns in normal or cancer tissues. OBJECTIVE To characterize new lncRNA involved in normal and/or pathological differentiation of testicular cells. METHODS Using bioinformatics analysis, we found that lncRNA LOC100130460 (CAND1.11) is expressed in normal and tumor testis; its expression was assessed in several human cell lines by qRT-PCR. CAND1.11 protein, produced by a single nucleotide mutation, was studied by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis on normal, classic seminoma, and Leydig cell tumor testicular tissues. RESULTS CAND1.11 gene is primate-specific; its expression was low in SH-SY5Y cells and increased when differentiated with retinoic acid treatment. CAND1.11 expression in PC3 cells was higher than in PNT2 cells. CAND1.11 protein is present in the human testis and overexpressed in testicular cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS This report is one of the few providing evidence that a lncRNA produces a protein expressed in normal human tissues and overexpressed in several testicular cancers, suggesting its involvement in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Although further studies are needed to validate the results, our data indicate that CAND1.11 could be a potential new prognostic biomarker to use in proliferation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Donizetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Aliperti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Carrese
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
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Oliva A, Volpicelli L, Di Bari S, Curtolo A, Borrazzo C, Cogliati Dezza F, Cona A, Agrenzano S, Mularoni A, Trancassini M, Mengoni F, Stefani S, Raponi G, Venditti M. Effect of ceftazidime/avibactam plus fosfomycin combination on 30 day mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: results from a multicentre retrospective study. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac121. [PMID: 36506890 PMCID: PMC9728520 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the effect on 30 day mortality of the combination ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin in the treatment of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp). Materials and methods From October 2018 to March 2021, a retrospective, two-centre study was performed on patients with KPC-Kp BSI hospitalized at Sapienza University (Rome) and ISMETT-IRCCS (Palermo) and treated with ceftazidime/avibactam-containing regimens. A matched cohort (1:1) analysis was performed. Cases were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin and controls were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam alone or in combination with in vitro non-active drugs different from fosfomycin (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). Patients were matched for age, Charlson comorbidity index, ward of isolation (ICU or non-ICU), source of infection and severity of BSI, expressed as INCREMENT carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) score. Results Overall, 221 patients were included in the study. Following the 1:1 match, 122 subjects were retrieved: 61 cases (ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin) and 61 controls (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). No difference in overall mortality emerged between cases and controls, whereas controls had more non-BSI KPC-Kp infections and a higher number of deaths attributable to secondary infections. Almost half of ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin patients were prescribed fosfomycin without MIC fosfomycin availability. No difference in the outcome emerged after stratification for fosfomycin susceptibility availability and dosage. SARS-CoV-2 infection and ICS ≥ 8 independently predicted 30 day mortality, whereas an appropriate definitive therapy was protective. Conclusions Our data show that fosfomycin was used in the treatment of KPC-Kp BSI independently from having its susceptibility testing available. Although no difference was found in 30 day overall mortality, ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin was associated with a lower rate of subsequent KPC-Kp infections and secondary infections than other ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oliva
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | | | - S Di Bari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - A Curtolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - C Borrazzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - F Cogliati Dezza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - A Cona
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, ISMETT-IRCCS Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, Via E. Tricomi, 5, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - S Agrenzano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, ISMETT-IRCCS Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, Via E. Tricomi, 5, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - A Mularoni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, ISMETT-IRCCS Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, Via E. Tricomi, 5, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - M Trancassini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - F Mengoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - S Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences. Policlinico Hospital, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, Catania 95124, Italy
| | - G Raponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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16
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Latino D, Chieffi Baccari G, Di Fiore MM, Cioffi F, Venditti M, Giacco A, Santillo A. Autophagy and mitochondrial damage in the testis of high-fat diet fed rats. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 328:114104. [PMID: 35973585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114104] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) affects the physiology of reproduction in males, and many studies have investigated its detrimental effects. In this study, we investigated the cellular response induced by an HFD in the rat testis, focusing on the mitochondrial compartment. After five weeks of HFD, an increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and of reduced form of glutathione in the rat testis indicated an increase in lipid peroxidation. The results showed an increase in autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage in the testis of HFD rats. We found a decrease in the protein expression of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and SOD2. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a decrease in the immunofluorescent signal of SOD2, mainly in the spermatogonia and spermatocytes of HFD rats. HFD-induced mitochondrial damage caused a reduction in mitochondria, as evidenced by a decrease in the protein expression of TOM20, a mitochondrial outer membrane receptor. Consistently, HFD enhanced the levels of the PINK1 protein, a mitophagy marker, suggesting the removal of damaged mitochondria under these conditions. Induction of mtDNA damage and repair was stronger in the HFD rat testis. Finally, we found a decrease in the mtDNA copy number and expression of the POLG enzyme, which is involved in mtDNA replication. In conclusion, our results showed that autophagy and apoptosis are activated in the testis of HFD rats as a survival strategy to cope with oxidative stress. Furthermore, HFD-induced oxidative stress affects the mitochondria, inducing mtDNA damage and mtDNA copy number reduction. Mitophagy and mtDNA repair mechanisms might represent a mitochondrial adaptive response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Latino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Federica Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università degli studi del Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Giacco
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università degli studi del Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Venditti M, Arcaniolo D, De Sio M, Minucci S. First Evidence of the Expression and Localization of Prothymosin α in Human Testis and Its Involvement in Testicular Cancers. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091210. [PMID: 36139050 PMCID: PMC9496091 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091210] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prothymosin α (PTMA) is a phylogenetically conserved polypeptide in male gonads of Vertebrates. In Mammals, it is a ubiquitous protein, and, possessing a random-coil structure, it interacts with many other partners, in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. PTMA has been widely studied during cell progression in different types of cancer because of its anti-apoptotic and proliferative properties. Here, we provided the first evidence of PTMA expression and localization in human testis and in two testicular cancers (TC): classic seminoma (CS) and Leydig cell tumor (LCT). Data showed that its protein level, together with that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell cycle progression marker, increased in both CS and LCT samples, as compared to non-pathological (NP) tissue. Moreover, in the two-cancer tissue, a decreased apoptotic rate and an increased autophagic flux was also evidenced. Results confirmed the anti-apoptotic action of PTMA, also suggesting that it can act as a switcher from apoptosis to autophagy, to favor the survival of testicular cancer cells when they develop in adverse environments. Finally, the combined data, even if they need to be further validated, add new insight into the role of PTMA in human normal and pathological testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio, 02-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco De Sio
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio, 02-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
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18
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Romano MZ, Aniello F, Venditti M, Minucci S. Preliminary study of the ameliorative effects of melatonin on cadmium-induced morphological and biochemical alterations in the rat Harderian gland. J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol 2022; 337:729-738. [PMID: 35665502 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2609] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein is reported, for the first time in the rat Harderian gland (HG), the counteractive action of melatonin (Mlt), a well-known antioxidant radical scavenger, on the increased oxidative stress damages induced by a pro-oxidant substance, cadmium (Cd), an environmental pollutant also considered as endocrine disruptor. HG, an infraorbital gland present in almost all terrestrial vertebrates, produces a lipid secretion to lubricate the eyeball, as well as porphyrin/Mlt as light transducers. Moreover, HG is an extra-gonadal source of steroid sex hormones. Via ex vivo experiments lasting for 24 h, we verified the increased lipid peroxidation in Cd-treated glands, producing morphological alteration of the glandular epithelium, as well as an increased porphyrins accumulation. Moreover, Cd also induced a decreased protein level of the steroidogenic enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and 3βHSD, and an increased mast cell number. Results obtained with Mlt cotreatment demonstrated that it decreased the levels of Cd-induced oxidative damage, with reversal of all the observed modification. Furthermore, the TUNEL assay showed that the increased number of apoptotic cells in Cd-treated HG was counteracted by the contemporaneous Mlt administration. Results confirmed that Mlt treatment restored the levels of two autophagy markers, LC3 and p62, counteracting the autophagy Cd-induced. Interestingly, the positive effects of Mlt alone were highlighted by the decreased rate of lipid peroxidation as compared with the control, confirming its antioxidant action. Combined data further confirmed the antioxidant action of Mlt in counteracting the degeneration provoked by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat HG, a tissue extremely susceptible to oxidative stress condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli 'Federico II, Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, NA, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, NA, Italy
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19
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Oliva A, Curtolo A, Volpicelli L, Cancelli F, Borrazzo C, Cogliati Dezza F, Marcelli G, Gavaruzzi F, Di Bari S, Ricci P, Turriziani O, Mastroianni CM, Venditti M. Correction: Clinical course of Coronavirus Disease-19 in patients with haematological malignancies is characterized by a longer time to respiratory deterioration compared to non-haematological ones: results from a case-control study. Infection 2022; 50:1383. [PMID: 35900672 PMCID: PMC9330932 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01892-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Curtolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - L Volpicelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cancelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - C Borrazzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cogliati Dezza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - G Marcelli
- Unit of Emergency Radiology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Gavaruzzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - S Di Bari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - P Ricci
- Unit of Emergency Radiology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - O Turriziani
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 500185, Rome, Italy
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20
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Venditti M, Minucci S. Male Reproduction: Regulation, Differentiation and Epigenetics. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061001. [PMID: 35741763 PMCID: PMC9222395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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21
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Missawi O, Venditti M, Cappello T, Zitouni N, Marco GDE, Boughattas I, Bousserrhine N, Belbekhouche S, Minucci S, Maisano M, Banni M. Autophagic event and metabolomic disorders unveil cellular toxicity of environmental microplastics on marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor. Environ Pollut 2022; 302:119106. [PMID: 35248622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the hazards of microplastics (MPs) have been quite well explored, the aberrant metabolism and the involvement of the autophagy pathway as an adverse response to environmental MPs in benthic organisms are still unclear. The present work aims to assess the impact of different environmental MPs collected from the south coast of the Mediterranean Sea, composed by polyethylene (PE), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA) on the metabolome and proteome of the marine polychaete Hediste diversicolor. As a result, all the microplastic types were detected with Raman microspectroscopy in polychaetes tissues, causing cytoskeleton damage and induced autophagy pathway manifested by immunohistochemical labeling of specific targeted proteins, through Tubulin (Tub), Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), and p62 (also named Sequestosome 1). Metabolomics was conducted to further investigate the metabolic alterations induced by the environmental MPs-mixture in polychaetes. A total of 28 metabolites were differentially expressed between control and MPs-treated polychaetes, which showed elevated levels of amino acids, glucose, ATP/ADP, osmolytes, glutathione, choline and phosphocholine, and reduced concentration of aspartate. These novel findings extend our understanding given the toxicity of environmental microplastics and unravel their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Missawi
- University of Sousse, Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, Sousse, Tunisia.
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions "F. Bottazzi", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cappello
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Nesrine Zitouni
- University of Sousse, Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Giuseppe DE Marco
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Iteb Boughattas
- University of Sousse, Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, Sousse, Tunisia; Regional Field Crops Research Center of Beja, Tunisia
| | - Noureddine Bousserrhine
- University Paris-Est Creteil, Laboratory of Water, Environment and Urban Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, Creteil Cedex, France
| | - Sabrina Belbekhouche
- CNRS, University of Paris-Est Creteil, Institute of Chemistry and Materials Paris-Est ICMPE, UMR7182, 94320 Thiais, France
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section Human Physiology and Integrated Biological Functions "F. Bottazzi", University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Maisano
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Mohamed Banni
- University of Sousse, Laboratory of Agrobiodiversity and Ecotoxicology, Higher Institute of Agronomy, Sousse, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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22
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Minucci S, Venditti M. New Insight on the In Vitro Effects of Melatonin in Preserving Human Sperm Quality. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095128. [PMID: 35563519 PMCID: PMC9100642 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa (SPZ) are sensitive to stressful conditions, particularly oxidative stress, which alters their quality; thus, the use of protective molecules as an antioxidant is encouraged. Herein, we used melatonin (MLT) to investigate its in vitro effects on human sperm parameters under conditions of oxidative stress induced by cadmium (Cd). Fifteen human semen samples were divided into control, Cd-treated, MLT-treated, and Cd+MLT-treated groups and analyzed after 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h of exposure. Results showed a time-dependent decrease in SPZ motility, DNA integrity, and increased apoptosis induced by oxidative stress, and these effects were counteracted by MLT co-treatment. Based on these data, we further explored additional parameters just at 24 h. The induced oxidative stress, highlighted by the increased lipid peroxidation, reduced the percentage of SPZ able to undertake acrosome reaction and altered the levels and localization of some protein markers of motility (PREP, RSPH6A), morphology (DAAM1), and acrosome membrane (PTMA, IAM38); all these effects were counteracted by MLT co-treatment. Interestingly, MLT alone was able to ameliorate motility at 30 min of incubation compared to the control, while at 24 h, it prevented the physiological alteration in terms of motility, DNA integrity, and apoptosis. Collectively, the data encourage MLT use as an integrative molecule to ameliorate human gamete quality when compromised by stressful conditions.
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23
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Belgacem H, Venditti M, Ben Salah-Abbès J, Minucci S, Abbès S. Potential protective effect of lactic acid bacteria against zearalenone causing reprotoxicity in male mice. Toxicon 2022; 209:56-65. [PMID: 35181403 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a worldwide fusarotoxin that poses a threat to the consumer due to its chronic toxicity. Herein we examined the effects of ZEN on adult mouse testis, focusing on oxidative stress, biochemical and morphological parameters. In addition, since cytoskeletal remodeling is a key event for the production of good quality gametes, the expression and localization of two proteins, Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1) and Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), involved in cytoskeletal dynamics during spermatogenesis were evaluated. To ameliorate the testicular dysfunction induced by ZEN we tested the eventual protective effects of lactic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum MON03 (LP) on its reprotoxicity. Adult male mice were then treated daily for 2 wks by oral gavage with ZEN and/or LP. The results confirmed that ZEN altered sperm parameters, generated oxidative stress and provoked structural alteration, evidenced by the increased number of abnormal seminiferous tubules and of apoptotic cells, particularly Leydig cells. Interestingly, at molecular level we evaluated, for the first time, the ability of ZEN to alter DAAM1 and PREP protein level and localization. Moreover, the co-treatment with LP, thanks to its capacity to reduce ZEN bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, ameliorated all the considered parameters. These results suggest the use of this probiotic as food supplement to prevent/counteract ZEN-induced reprotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hela Belgacem
- Laboratory of Genetic, Biodiversity and Bio-resources Valorisation, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Jalila Ben Salah-Abbès
- Laboratory of Genetic, Biodiversity and Bio-resources Valorisation, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Samir Abbès
- Laboratory of Genetic, Biodiversity and Bio-resources Valorisation, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Béja, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia.
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24
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Venditti M, Ben Rhouma M, Romano MZ, Messaoudi I, Reiter RJ, Minucci S. Evidence of melatonin ameliorative effects on the blood-testis barrier and sperm quality alterations induced by cadmium in the rat testis. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 226:112878. [PMID: 34634736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we further document the protective action of melatonin (MLT) in mitigating cadmium (Cd) effects on adult rat testis. Cd treatment provoked testicular injury, that was documented by histological and biomolecular alterations, i.e., decrease of serum and testicular testosterone concentration and modified sperm parameters. Mainly, both the cytoarchitecture of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and germ cell morphology were perturbed, as highlighted by impairment in structural (OCN, VANGL, Cx43) and regulative (Src and FAK) protein levels and/or activation. The study focused on the involvement of the autophagy pathway, that was enhanced especially in the Sertoli cells, probably in response to the disorganization of the BTB. Results obtained with the MLT co-treatment demonstrated that its administration decreased the level of oxidative damage caused by Cd, with reversal of all the observed changes. Moreover, the beneficial effects of MLT alone were evidenced by an increase of sperm quality, in term of motility and DNA integrity. The combined results, obtained in rat, strongly encourage to consider a role for MLT in improving also human testicular health, not only in men exposed to Cd, but also in those having fertility disorders, to ameliorate sperm quality and, consequently, reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressourcés, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Rue Taher Haddad, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, NA, Italy.
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25
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Ceparano M, Baccolini V, Migliara G, Giannini D, Venditti M, Pugliese F, Tufi D, De Giusti M, Marzuillo C, Villari P. Molecular characterization of A. baumanni isolates causing co-infections in SARS-COV-2 patients. Eur J Public Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Respiratory viral infections, such as COVID-19, predispose patients to co-infections leading to increased morbidity and mortality. A. baumannii poses as a serious threat to hospital facilities because of its ability to persist in the environment and acquire multi-drug resistance. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of A. baumannii cross-infection and identify any gene clonality between isolates in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Methods
Bacterial isolates of A. baumannii found in patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the main Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Umberto I Teaching Hospital of Rome were collected between March 2020 and February 2021. Isolates were typed by pulsed-field electrophoresis to analyse their homology relationships.
Results
Overall, 196 SARS-CoV-2 patients were admitted to the ICU. They were mainly male (N = 138) and aged 63 years on average. Of these, 122 died, and 74 were discharged. A total of 157 strains of A. baumannii were isolated from 74 patients (38%), who had a higher mean hospital stay than patients in whom the bacterial strain had not been isolated (24.6 vs. 12.2 days). The genotypic analysis of 120 isolates revealed two main patterns (A and F) and a few subtypes, especially A8 (43%), A4 (29%), and A11 (10%). Clone A8 was found mainly between October 2020 and February 2021, clone A4 in April-December 2020 and January-February 2021, and A11 in December 2020 and January 2021. The strains were susceptible to colistin only, were isolated mostly from tracheobronchial aspirates (41%) or rectal swabs (35%) and accounted for 56 healthcare-associated infections (33% of which sustained by A4, 38% by A8, and 9% by A11).
Conclusions
The isolation of A. baumannii from patients with COVID-19 highlighted the importance of monitoring co-infections caused by this pathogen, which frequently shows a multi-drug resistant profile that may lengthen the hospital stay. It is essential to implement preventive measures to contain these infections.
Key messages
A. baumanni is a pathogen that needs to be monitored because it may lengthen the hospital stay of SARS-CoV-2 patients. In critically ill patients, the continued growth of multidrug-resistant organisms shows the importance of preventing these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ceparano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - D Giannini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - F Pugliese
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - D Tufi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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26
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Venditti M, Arcaniolo D, De Sio M, Minucci S. Preliminary Investigation on the Involvement of Cytoskeleton-Related Proteins, DAAM1 and PREP, in Human Testicular Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158094. [PMID: 34360857 PMCID: PMC8347498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158094] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, for the first time, the potential relationships between the cytoskeleton-associated proteins DAAM1 and PREP with different testicular disorders, such as classic seminoma (CS), Leydig cell tumor (LCT), and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SOS), were evaluated. Six CS, two LCT, and two SOS tissue samples were obtained during inguinal exploration in patients with a suspect testis tumor based on clinical examination and ultrasonography. DAAM1 and PREP protein levels and immunofluorescent localization were analyzed. An increased DAAM1 protein level in CS and SOS as compared to non-pathological (NP) tissue was observed, while LCT showed no significant differences. Conversely, PREP protein level increased in LCT, while it decreased in CS and SOS compared to NP tissue. These results were strongly supported by the immunofluorescence staining, revealing an altered localization and signal intensity of DAAM1 and PREP in the analyzed samples, highlighting a perturbed cytoarchitecture. Interestingly, in LCT spermatogonia, a specific DAAM1 nuclear localization was found, probably due to an enhanced testosterone production, as confirmed by the increased protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes. Finally, although further studies are needed to verify the involvement of other formins and microtubule-associated proteins, this report raised the opportunity to indicate DAAM1 and PREP as new potential markers, supporting the cytoskeleton dynamics changes occurring during normal and/or pathological cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez, Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Davide Arcaniolo
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (D.A.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Marco De Sio
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Luigi De Crecchio 2, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (D.A.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez, Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (S.M.)
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P. Martino
- Dipartimento di Biopatologia Umana, Università “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
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Cogliati Dezza F, Oliva A, Cancelli F, Savelloni G, Valeri S, Mauro V, Calabretto M, Russo G, Venditti M, Turriziani O, Mastroianni CM. Determinants of prolonged viral RNA shedding in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115347. [PMID: 33639375 PMCID: PMC7879029 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate determinants of prolonged viral RNA shedding in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal RT-PCR were included in a single-center, retrospective study. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the timing of viral clearance [≤14 days, "early clearance (EC)" and >14 days, "late clearance (LC)"]. RESULTS 179 patients were included in the study (101 EC, 78 LC), with median age 62 years. Median time of viral shedding was 14 days (EC/LC 10 and 19 days, respectively, P < 0.0001). Univariate analyses showed that age, male gender, receiving corticosteroids, receiving tocilizumab, ICU admission, low albumin and NLR ratio were associated with late viral clearance. In the multivariable analysis, older age (P = 0.016), albumin level (P = 0.048), corticosteroids (P = 0.021), and tocilizumab (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with late viral clearance. CONCLUSIONS Age, albumin, tocilizumab and corticosteroid treatment were independently associated with a prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cogliati Dezza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - F Cancelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Savelloni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Valeri
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Mauro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Calabretto
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Russo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - O Turriziani
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Kechiche S, Venditti M, Knani L, Jabłońska K, Dzięgiel P, Messaoudi I, Reiter RJ, Minucci S. First evidence of the protective role of melatonin in counteracting cadmium toxicity in the rat ovary via the mTOR pathway. Environ Pollut 2021; 270:116056. [PMID: 33199064 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Herein, the first evidence of the ability of melatonin (MLT) to counteract cadmium (Cd) toxic effects on the rat ovary is reported. Cd treatment, enhancing oxidative stress, provoked clear morphological, histological and biomolecular alterations, i.e. in the estrous cycle duration, in the ovarian and serum E2 concentration other than in the steroidogenic and folliculogenic genes expression. Results demonstrated that the use of MLT, in combination with Cd, avoided the changes, strongly suggesting that it is an efficient antioxidant for preventing oxidative stress in the rat ovary. Moreover, to explore the underlying mechanism involved, at molecular level, in the effects of Cd-MLT interaction, the study focused on the mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways. Interestingly, data showed that Cd influenced the phosphorylation status of mTOR, of its downstream effectors and of ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and apoptosis, while cotreatment with MLT nullified these changes. This work highlights the beneficial role exerted by MLT in preventing Cd-induced toxicity in the rat ovary, encouraging further studies to confirm its action on human ovarian health with the aim to use this indolamine to ameliorate oocyte quality in women with fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Kechiche
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Latifa Knani
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Karolina Jabłońska
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-ressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università Della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy.
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Galosi S, Martinelli S, Pannone L, Terrinoni A, Venditti M, Pizzi S, Ciolfi A, Chillemi G, Gigliotti F, Cesario S, Tartaglia M, Leuzzi V. Co-occurring SYNJ1 and SHANK3 variants in a girl with intellectual disability, early-onset parkinsonism and catatonic episodes. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 84:5-7. [PMID: 33515856 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Galosi
- Department of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Martinelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - L Pannone
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Terrinoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S Pizzi
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ciolfi
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Chillemi
- DIBAF, Università Della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - F Gigliotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Cesario
- Department of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - V Leuzzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Venditti M, Romano MZ, Aniello F, Minucci S. Preliminary Investigation on the Ameliorative Role Exerted by D-Aspartic Acid in Counteracting Ethane Dimethane Sulfonate (EDS) Toxicity in the Rat Testis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010133. [PMID: 33435542 PMCID: PMC7827869 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For proper fertility, the production of good-quality spermatozoa is essential. Nowadays, many environmental pollutants affect the spermatogenetic process, at different levels. For this reason, new approaches are needed to prevent/counteract these toxic effects. Here, we showed that the excitatory amino acid D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) prevents the deadly action of ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) on the testosterone-secreting Leydig cells in rat testis. We found that EDS, probably via the reduced testosterone level, alters the normal histology of the seminiferous epithelium, leading to germ cells death and to the decreased protein level of two Leydig cell “markers”: steroidogenic acute regulatory and prolyl endopeptidase. In addition, the same analysis performed on rats that were pre-treated with D-Asp revealed a protective role of this compound, since all the above parameters were quite normal. Moreover, we found that the protective mechanism of action involved in this scenario may be due to the ability of D-Asp to reduce the oxidative stress induced by EDS. Based on these findings, we could affirm that D-Asp may be an encouraging candidate to be used to alleviate the harmful action due to environmental pollutants exposure, in order to maintain appropriate fertility. Abstract Herein is reported the first evidence of the protective role of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) in preventing the toxic effect exerted by the alkylating agent ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) in the rat testis. We confirmed that EDS treatment specifically destroyed Leydig cells (LC), resulting in the drastic decrease of the serum testosterone level and producing morphological changes in the germinal tubules, i.e., altered organization of the epithelium, loss of cell contacts and the consequent presence of empty spaces between them, and a reduce number of spermatozoa. Moreover, an increase of TUNEL-positive germ cells, other than alteration in the protein level and localization of two LC “markers”, StAR and PREP, were observed. Interestingly, results obtained from rats pre-treated with D-Asp for 15 days before EDS-injection showed that all the considered parameters were quite normal. To explore the probable mechanism(s) involved in the protection exerted by D-Asp, we considered the increased oxidative stress induced by EDS and the D-Asp antioxidant effects. Thiobarbiturc acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels increased following EDS-injection, while no change was observed in the D-Asp + EDS treated rats. Our results showed that D-Asp may be used as a strategy to mitigate the toxic effects exerted by environmental pollutants, as endocrine disrupters, in order to preserve the reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II, Via Cinthia’, 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Oliva A, Siccardi G, Migliarini A, Cancelli F, Carnevalini M, D'Andria M, Attilia I, Danese VC, Cecchetti V, Romiti R, Ceccarelli G, Mastroianni CM, Palange P, Venditti M. Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with Chlamydia or Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a case series and review of the literature. Infection 2020; 48:871-877. [PMID: 32725598 PMCID: PMC7386385 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread all over the world causing a global pandemic and representing a great medical challenge. Nowadays, there is limited knowledge on the rate of co-infections with other respiratory pathogens, with viral co-infection being the most representative agents. Co-infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been described both in adults and pediatrics whereas only two cases of Chlamydia pneumoniae have been reported in a large US study so far. METHODS In the present report, we describe a series of seven patients where co-infection with C. pneumoniae (n = 5) or M. pneumoniae (n = 2) and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a large teaching hospital in Rome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION An extensive review of the updated literature regarding the co-infection between SARS-CoV-2 and these atypical pathogens is also performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Siccardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A Migliarini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cancelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Carnevalini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M D'Andria
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anestesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - I Attilia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V C Danese
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anestesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Cecchetti
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anestesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R Romiti
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anestesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - P Palange
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Venditti M, Donizetti A, Aniello F, Minucci S. EH domain binding protein 1-like 1 (EHBP1L1), a protein with calponin homology domain, is expressed in the rat testis. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:441-446. [PMID: 32795384 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, with the aim to find new genes involved in mammalian spermatogenesis, we isolated, for the first time in the rat testis, a partial cDNA clone that encoded EH domain binding protein 1-like 1 (Ehbp1l1), a protein that has a single calponin homology domain (CH). Bioinformatic analysis showed that EHBP1l1 contains three domains: the N-terminal C2-like, the CH and the C-terminal bivalent Mical/EHBP Rab binding (bMERB) domains, which are evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates. We found that Ehbp1l1 mRNA was expressed in several rat tissues, including the liver, intestine, kidney and also in the testis during its development, with a higher level in testis from 12-month-old animals. Interestingly, in situ hybridization experiments revealed that Ehbp1l1 is specifically expressed by types I and II spermatocytes, this result was validated by RT-PCR performed on total RNA obtained from enriched fractions of different testicular cell types. As EHBP1l1 has been described as linked to vesicular transport to the actin cytoskeleton and as an effector of the small GTPase Rab8, we hypothesized that it could participate both in cytoskeletal remodelling and in the regulation of vesicle sorting from the trans-Golgi network to the apical plasma membrane. Our findings provide a better understand of the molecular mechanisms of the differentiation process of spermatogenesis; Ehbp1l1 may also be used as a new marker of testicular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate 'F. Bottazzi', Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 - Napoli, Italy
| | - Aldo Donizetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli 'Federico II, via Cinthia', 21-80126 - Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli 'Federico II, via Cinthia', 21-80126 - Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate 'F. Bottazzi', Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 - Napoli, Italy
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Santillo A, Chieffi Baccari G, Minucci S, Falvo S, Venditti M, Di Matteo L. The Harderian gland: Endocrine function and hormonal control. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 297:113548. [PMID: 32679156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113548] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Harderian gland (HG) is an exocrine gland located within the eye socket in a variety of tetrapods. During the 1980s and 1990s the HG elicited great interest in the scientific community due to its morphological and functional complexity, and from a phylogenetic point of view. A comparative approach has contributed to a better understanding of its physiology. Whereas the chemical nature of its secretions (mucous, serous or lipids) varies between different groups of tetrapods, the lipids represent the more common component among different species. Indeed, besides being an accessory to lubricate the nictitating membrane, the lipids may have a pheromonal function. Porphyrins and melatonin secretion is a feature of the rodent HG. The porphyrins, being phototransducers, could modulate HG melatonin production. The melatonin synthesis suggests an involvement of the HG in the retinal-pineal axis. Finally, StAR protein and steroidogenic enzyme activities in the rat HG suggests that the gland contributes to steroid hormone synthesis. Over the past twenty years, much has become known on the hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) HG, unique among rodents in displaying a remarkable sexual dimorphism concerning the contents of porphyrins and melatonin. Mainly for this reason, the hamster HG has been used as a model to compare, under normal conditions, the physiological oxidative stress between females (strong) and males (moderate). Androgens are responsible for the sexual dimorphism in hamster and they are known to control the HG secretory activity in different species. Furthermore, HG is a target of pituitary, pineal and thyroid hormones. This review offers a comparative panorama of the endocrine activity of the HG as well as the hormonal control of its secretory activity, with a particular emphasis on the sex dimorphic aspects of the hamster HG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Di Matteo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
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Tucci G, Romanini E, Zanoli G, Pavan L, Fantoni M, Venditti M. Prevention of surgical site infections in orthopaedic surgery: a synthesis of current recommendations. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:224-239. [PMID: 30977890 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201904_17497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite adopted precautions, surgical site infection (SSI) rate in orthopaedic surgery and its consequences still remain a major problem. Worldwide, infection prevention and control in perioperative settings are considered of primary importance for every healthcare system. The management of perioperative infections carries a heavy psychological and financial burden, since patients who experience SSI have increased hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality rates, and higher hospital costs. As the treatment of such infections is particularly difficult in the presence of an implanted biomaterial, the prevention of SSI in orthopaedic surgery represents a challenging key issue, requiring the integration of a range of measures before, during and after surgery. In fact, over the years several aspects of SSI prevention have been studied in order to identify the best SSI prevention strategies and set out appropriate clinical practices. This article will review and summarize the recent international guidelines released on this subject together with other published relevant evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tucci
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ospedale S. Giuseppe, Albano Laziale, Rome, Italy.
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Migliara G, Di Paolo C, Barbato D, Baccolini V, Salerno C, Nardi A, Alessandri F, Giordano A, Tufi D, Marinelli L, Cottarelli A, De Giusti M, Marzuillo C, De Vito C, Antonelli G, Venditti M, Tellan G, Ranieri MV, Villari P. Multimodal surveillance of healthcare associated infections in an intensive care unit of a large teaching hospital. Ann Ig 2020; 31:399-413. [PMID: 31304521 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2019.2302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), or nosocomial infections, represent a significant burden in terms of mortality, morbidity, length of stay and costs for patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). Surveillance systems are recommended by national and international institutions to gather data on HAIs in order to develop and evaluate interventions that reduce the risk of HAIs. STUDY DESIGN Here we describe the methodology and the results of the surveillance system implemented in the ICU of the Policlinico Umberto I, a large teaching hospital in Rome, from April 2016 to October 2018. METHODS The multimodal infection surveillance system integrates four different approaches: i) active surveillance of inpatients; ii) environmental microbiological surveillance; iii) surveillance of isolated microorganisms; and iv) behavioral surveillance of healthcare personnel. Data were collected on catheter-related bloodstream infections, ventilation-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and primary bloodstream infections that developed in patients after 48 h in the ICU. For environmental surveillance 14 points were selected for sampling (i.e. bed edges, medication carts, PC keyboards, sink faucets). The system of active surveillance of HAIs also included surveillance of microorganisms, consisting of the molecular genotyping of bacterial isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). From 1 November 2016, monitoring of compliance with guidelines for hand hygiene (HH) and proper glove or gown use by healthcare personnel was included in the surveillance system. After the first six months (baseline phase), a multimodal intervention to improve adherence to guidelines by healthcare personnel was conducted with the ICU staff. RESULTS Overall, 773 patients were included in the active surveillance. The overall incidence rate of device-related HAIs was 14.1 (95% CI: 12.2-16.3) per 1000 patient-days. The monthly device-related HAI incident rate showed a decreasing trend over time, with peaks of incidence becoming progressively lower. The most common bacterial isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (17.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (5.4%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest proportion of isolates with a multidrug-resistant profile. A total of 819 environmental samples were collected, from which 305 bacterial isolates were retrieved. The most frequent bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii (27.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (11.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.7%). All Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae environmental isolates were at least multidrug-resistant. Genotyping showed a limited number of major PFGE patterns for both clinical and environmental isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Behavioral compliance rates significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention phase. CONCLUSIONS By integrating information gathered from active surveillance, environmental microbiological surveillance, surveillance of bacterial isolates and behavioral surveillance of healthcare personnel, the multimodal infection surveillance system returned a precise and detailed view of the infectious risk and microbial ecology of the ICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Di Paolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Barbato
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Salerno
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Nardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Alessandri
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Giordano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Tufi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Marinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cottarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Antonelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Tellan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M V Ranieri
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Santillo A, Venditti M, Minucci S, Chieffi Baccari G, Falvo S, Rosati L, Di Fiore MM. D-Asp upregulates PREP and GluA2/3 expressions and induces p-ERK1/2 and p-Akt in rat testis. Reproduction 2020; 158:357-367. [PMID: 31398714 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
D-Aspartate (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid that plays a central role in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) and functioning of the neuroendocrine system. In line with its functions, it is abundantly present in the CNS and reproductive systems of vertebrates and invertebrates. It has been implicated in the biosynthesis and/or secretion of hormones and factors that are involved in various reproductive functions, such as GnRH from the hypothalamus and testosterone from the testis. We conducted an in vivo study consisting of acute (i.p. injection of 2 µmol/g body weight) and chronic (15 days drinking solution) administration of D-Asp to adult rats to understand the signaling pathways elicited by D-Asp in the rat testis. We found that D-Asp upregulated the expression of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), a serine protease having a pivotal role in the regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed its overexpression in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and spermatogonia. Moreover, PREP was found to co-localize with GluA2/3, an AMPA receptor subunit, whose protein expression also increased after D-Asp treatments. Finally, we found a significant increase in ERK and Akt activities in the testis of rats treated with D-Asp. Since PREP is known to be involved in regulating GnRH levels and in germ cell differentiation, we hypothesize D-Asp to play a pivotal role in regulating hormone homeostasis and spermatogenesis through activation of PREP, AMPAR, ERK and Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Napoli, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Caserta, Italy
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Venditti M, Chemek M, Minucci S, Messaoudi I. Cadmium-induced toxicity increases prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) expression in the rat testis. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:565-573. [PMID: 32329151 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
During the differentiation of the male gamete, there is a massive remodeling in the shape and architecture of all the cells of the seminiferous epithelium. The cytoskeleton, as well as many associated proteins with it, plays a pivotal role in this process. The testis is particularly susceptible to environmental pollutant, which can lead to injury and impairment of normal spermatozoa production. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major chemical environmental toxicants in economically developed countries. Food and cigarettes are the main sources of exposure to this element. Here, the protective role of zinc (Zn) to prevent the testicular toxicity in male adult rats after prenatal and during lactation exposure to Cd has been assessed. Altered testicular histology at the interstitial and germinal levels was found, whereas Zn supply completely corrected Cd toxicity. Moreover, the effects of these metals on the testicular expression and localization of the protease prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) were evaluated. Interestingly, the results showed an increase of PREP messenger RNA and protein. Data were corroborated by immunofluorescence. This study raises the possibility of using PREP as a new fertility marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marouane Chemek
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Venditti M, Fasano C, Minucci S, Serino I, Sinisi AA, Dale B, Di Matteo L. DAAM1 and PREP are involved in human spermatogenesis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:484-494. [DOI: 10.1071/rd19172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During differentiation of the male gamete, there is a massive remodelling in the shape and architecture of all the cells in the seminiferous epithelium. The cytoskeleton, as well as many associated proteins, plays a pivotal role in this process. To better characterise the factors involved, we analysed two proteins: the formin, dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), which participates in the regulation of actin polymerisation, and the protease, prolyl endopeptidase (PREP), engaged in microtubule-associated processes. In our previous studies we demonstrated their involvement in cytoskeletal dynamics necessary for correct postnatal development of the rat testis. Here, we used samples of testicular tissue obtained from infertile men by testicular sperm extraction and the spermatozoa of asthenoteratozoospermic patients. By western blot and immunofluorescent analysis, we found that DAAM1 and PREP expression and localisation were impaired in both the testis and spermatozoa, and in particular in the midpiece as well as in the principal and end-pieces of the flagella, as compared with spermatozoa of normospermic men. Our results provide new knowledge of the dynamics of spermatogenesis, raising the possibility of using DAAM1 and PREP as new markers of normal fertility.
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Ergoli M, Venditti M, Picillo E, Minucci S, Politano L. Study of expression of genes potentially responsible for reduced fitness in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and identification of new biomarkers of testicular function. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:45-52. [PMID: 31840338 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disorder caused by trinucleotide CTG expansion in DMPK gene, often affecting the neighboring genes. Endocrine system is involved, resulting in hypogonadism and reproductive abnormalities, but molecular mechanisms underlying the reduced fertility observed in DM1 are very complex and partially unknown. To better characterize these mechanisms, an analysis of sperm parameters and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) values was performed in 20 DM1 patients. About 50% of them showed hypoposia and azoospermia; the remaining, despite an adequate volume of ejaculate, had oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. Interestingly, the lowest AMH levels better correlated with the main sperm alterations. The pattern of expression of DMPK, SIX5, and RSPH6A genes, evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, showed a substantial reduction of the expression in both peripheral blood and in seminal plasma of patients, compared to controls. An impairment of testis-specific RSPH6A protein expression and localization was observed in sperm protein extracts by WB analysis and in isolated spermatozoa by immunofluorescence. These results support the hypothesis that CTG expansion also affects the expression of neighboring genes and contributes to gonad defects observed in DM1, suggesting the possibility of using them as markers for normal fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ergoli
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Esther Picillo
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Politano
- Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Knani L, Venditti M, Kechiche S, Banni M, Messaoudi I, Minucci S. Melatonin protects bone against cadmium-induced toxicity via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Toxicol Mech Methods 2019; 30:237-245. [PMID: 31809235 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2019.1701595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Among heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic for health due to it accumulation in several tissues including bone. Since melatonin (MLT) favors new bone formation through several pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, here we assessed whether MLT has a protective role against Cd induced toxicity in the rat bone tissue. Adult male Wistar rats receiving 50 mg CdCl2/L and/or 3 mg/L MLT were used and were sacrificed 30 days after the treatment. Femurs and plasma were collected and analyzed by various biochemicals, molecular and histological investigation. The results showed that Cd exposure induced bone disorder characterized by histopathological alterations, a decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and plasmatic concentration of osteocalcin. Moreover, also the expression levels of some osteogenic-related genes (Runx2, Ocn and Alp) were down-regulated after Cd treatment. Since mechanistically Cd toxicity reduced the Kinase activity of GSK3β and protein levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin, we observed that MLT administration significantly ameliorated the toxic effects induced by the metal. Our findings provide clues about a potential protective effect of MLT against Cd-induced bone metabolism destruction and that the protection was partially mediated via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifa Knani
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Safa Kechiche
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Banni
- UR13AGR08: Biochimie et Ecotoxicologie, ISA Chott-Mariem, Université de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génétique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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D’Agostino S, Testa M, Aliperti V, Venditti M, Minucci S, Aniello F, Donizetti A. Expression pattern dysregulation of stress- and neuronal activity-related genes in response to prenatal stress paradigm in zebrafish larvae. Cell Stress Chaperones 2019; 24:1005-1012. [PMID: 31209726 PMCID: PMC6717227 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-019-01017-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy adversely affects developmental fetal programming. Glucocorticoid excess is one of those conditions that underlie the prenatal stress and can lead to many pathological disorders later in life. Beyond the obvious use of mammalian model organisms to uncover the different mechanisms at the basis of prenatal stress effects, zebrafish represents a complementary fruitful model for this research field. Here we demonstrated that the application of an experimental paradigm, which simulates prenatal stress by exposing embryos to cortisol excess, produced an alteration of gene expression pattern. In particular, the transcript level of hsd11b2, a gene involved in the cortisol catabolism, was affected in prenatally stressed larvae, even after many hours from the removal of cortisol excess. Interestingly, the expression pattern of c-fos, a marker gene of neural activity, was affected in prenatally stressed larvae even in response to a swirling and osmotic stress challenge. Our data corroborate the idea of zebrafish as a useful model organism to study prenatal stress effects on vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Martino Testa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Aliperti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Donizetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy
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Rosati L, Di Fiore MM, Prisco M, Di Giacomo Russo F, Venditti M, Andreuccetti P, Chieffi Baccari G, Santillo A. Seasonal expression and cellular distribution of star and steroidogenic enzymes in quail testis. J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol 2019; 332:198-209. [PMID: 31433565 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The quail Coturnix coturnix is a seasonal breeder with a physiological switch on/off of gonadic activity. Photoperiod and temperature are the major environmental factors regulating the spermatogenesis. To more thoroughly comprehend the steroidogenic pathways that govern the seasonal reproductive cycle, we have investigated the localization of StAR protein and steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red) as well as androgen and estrogen levels, in the testis of reproductive and nonreproductive quails. We demonstrated that StAR, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red were always present in the somatic (Leydig and Sertoli cells) and germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and spermatozoa). In addition, by western blot analysis, we demonstrated that 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red showed the highest expression levels during the reproductive testis compared with nonreproductive one. Accordingly, we also found that during the reproductive phase the highest titres of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone are recorded. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that in C. coturnix: (a) both somatic and germ cells are involved in the local synthesis of sex hormones; (b) 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red expressions, as well as testicular androgens and estrogens, increased in reproductive quail testis. This study strongly indicates that the steroidogenic process in quail testis exhibits seasonal changes with the promotion of both androgenic and estrogenic pathways in the reproductive period, suggesting their synergic mechanism in the spermatogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Marina Prisco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Piero Andreuccetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Di Liello R, Ciaramella V, Barra G, Venditti M, Della Corte CM, Papaccio F, Sparano F, Viscardi G, Iacovino ML, Minucci S, Fasano M, Ciardiello F, Morgillo F. Ex vivo lung cancer spheroids resemble treatment response of a patient with NSCLC to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: case report and translational study. ESMO Open 2019; 4:e000536. [PMID: 31555484 PMCID: PMC6735672 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2019-000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the era of precision medicine, research studies are aiming to design patient-tailored treatment strategies. In this work, we present a clinical case of a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accompanied by a translational study with the intent to assess the correspondence of drug sensitivity in ex vivo spheroidal tumour cultures and peripheral blood biomarkers with clinical outcome. Methods Primary tumour tissue, patient-derived tumour spheroids, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and circulating DNA were analysed to assess drug sensitivity and immunological profiling, and all these data were correlated with clinical and radiological evaluations. Results Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, next generation sequencing analysis and T-lymphocyte receptor repertoire assay results showed elevated concordance among primary tumour tissue, ex vivo three-dimensional tumour spheroid specimen and circulating DNA. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy and anti-programmed death 1 drug sensitivity assessed in spheroidal cultures were strictly consistent with patient clinical response to adjuvant chemotherapy and first-line immune therapy. Conclusion These results revealed that ex vivo drug sensitivity testing in three-dimensional spheroidal culture can reproduce clinical response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with the potential to use those culture models to predict patients‘ outcome from anticancer treatments and, therefore, the feasibility to select individualised therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Di Liello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giusi Barra
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Papaccio
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Sparano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viscardi
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lucia Iacovino
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Morena Fasano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Venditti M, Minucci S. Subcellular Localization of Prolyl Endopeptidase During the First Wave of Rat Spermatogenesis and in Rat and Human Sperm. J Histochem Cytochem 2018; 67:229-243. [PMID: 30380361 DOI: 10.1369/0022155418810064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is an enzyme which cleaves several peptide hormones and neuropeptides on the carboxyl side of proline residues and is involved in many biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, glucose metabolism, learning, memory, and cognitive disorders. PREP has also been identified as a binding partner of tubulin, suggesting the involvement of endopeptidase in microtubule-associate processes, independent of its peptidase activity. Furthermore, several reports have implied PREP participation in both male and female reproduction-associated mechanism. We herein assess a potential association of PREP to the morphogenesis of rat testis, profiling its localization versus tubulin, during the first wave of spermatogenesis and in the adult gonad (from 7 to 60 dpp). We show that, in mitotic phases, PREP shares its localization with tubulin in Sertoli cells, gonocytes, and spermatogonia. Later, during meiosis, both proteins are found in spermatocytes, and in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells protrusions, surrounding the germ cells, while, during spermiogenesis, they both localize in the cytoplasm of round and elongating spermatids. We also found that this enzyme has a peculiar nuclear localization, in the proliferating cells in all phases of analysis. Finally, they are expressed in the flagellum of mature gametes, as corroborated by additional immunolocalization analysis on both rat and human sperm. Our data support the hypothesis of the fundamental role of PREP in reproduction and in cytoskeletal organization during mammalian testis morphogenesis and gamete progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi," Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate "F. Bottazzi," Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Napoli, Italy
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46
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Rosati L, Agnese M, Verderame M, Aniello F, Venditti M, Mita DG, Andreuccetti P, Prisco M. Morphological and molecular responses in ovaries of Mytilus galloprovincialis
collected in two different sites of the Naples Bay. J Exp Zool 2018; 331:52-60. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Rosati
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - M. Agnese
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - M. Verderame
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - F. Aniello
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - M. Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez, Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate; Università degli studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”; Napoli Italy
| | - D. G. Mita
- Section of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics of CNR; Naples Italy
- Section of Molecular Oncology, National Laboratory on Endocrine Disruptors - Interuniversity Consortium INBB; Naples Italy
| | - P. Andreuccetti
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
| | - M. Prisco
- Department of Biology; University of Naples Federico II; Naples Italy
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47
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Russo A, Falcone M, Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez B, Calbo E, Almirante B, Viale PL, Oliver A, Ruiz-Garbajosa P, Gasch O, Gozalo M, Pitout J, Akova M, Peña C, Cisneros JM, Hernández-Torres A, Farcomeni A, Prim N, Origüen J, Bou G, Tacconelli E, Tumbarello M, Hamprecht A, Karaiskos I, de la Calle C, Pérez F, Schwaber MJ, Bermejo J, Lowman W, Hsueh PR, Mora-Rillo M, Rodriguez-Gomez J, Souli M, Bonomo RA, Paterson DL, Carmeli Y, Pascual A, Rodríguez-Baño J, Venditti M. Predictors of outcome in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2018; 52:577-585. [PMID: 29969692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are few data in the literature regarding sepsis or septic shock due to extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (E). The aim of this study was to assess predictors of outcome in septic patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by ESBL-E. METHODS Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and BSI due to ESBL-E were selected from the INCREMENT database. The primary endpoint of the study was the evaluation of predictors of outcome after 30 days from development of severe sepsis or septic shock due to ESBL-E infection. Three cohorts were created for analysis: global, empirical-therapy and targeted-therapy cohorts. RESULTS 367 septic patients were analysed. Overall mortality was 43.9% at 30 days. Escherichia coli (62.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.2%) were the most frequent isolates. β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BLBLI) combinations were the most empirically used drug (43.6%), followed by carbapenems (29.4%). Empirical therapy was active in vitro in 249 (67.8%) patients, and escalation of antibiotic therapy was reported in 287 (78.2%) patients. Cox regression analysis showed that age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, McCabe classification, Pitt bacteremia score, abdominal source of infection and escalation of antibiotic therapy were independently associated with 30-day mortality. No differences in survival were reported in patients treated with BLBLI combinations or carbapenems in empirical or definitive therapy. CONCLUSIONS BSI due to ESBL-E in patients who developed severe sepsis or septic shock was associated with high 30-day mortality. Comorbidities, severity scores, source of infection and antibiotic therapy escalation were important determinants of unfavorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Russo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - M Falcone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - B Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena / Universidad de Sevilla / Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - E Calbo
- Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Almirante
- Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P L Viale
- Teaching Hospital Policlinico S. Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Oliver
- Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Instituto de Investigación Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - O Gasch
- Corporacio Sanitaria Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Gozalo
- Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla - IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - J Pitout
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Akova
- Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - C Peña
- Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Cisneros
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, CSIC, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - A Farcomeni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - N Prim
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Origüen
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Bou
- Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - E Tacconelli
- Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M Tumbarello
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - A Hamprecht
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene Universitätsklinikum Köln, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - F Pérez
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - M J Schwaber
- Division of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, and National Center for Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - J Bermejo
- Hospital Español, Rosario, Argentina
| | - W Lowman
- Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - P-R Hsueh
- National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M Mora-Rillo
- Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Rodriguez-Gomez
- Intensive Care Unit. Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC)/ Reina Sofia University Hospital/University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M Souli
- University General Hospital Attikon, Chaidari, Greece
| | - R A Bonomo
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland Ohio, USA
| | - D L Paterson
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Y Carmeli
- Division of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, and National Center for Infection Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - A Pascual
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena / Universidad de Sevilla / Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - J Rodríguez-Baño
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena / Universidad de Sevilla / Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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48
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Falcone M, Tiseo G, Iraci F, Raponi G, Goldoni P, Delle Rose D, Santino I, Carfagna P, Murri R, Fantoni M, Fontana C, Sanguinetti M, Farcomeni A, Antonelli G, Aceti A, Mastroianni C, Andreoni M, Cauda R, Petrosillo N, Venditti M. Risk factors for recurrence in patients with Clostridium difficile infection due to 027 and non-027 ribotypes. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:474-480. [PMID: 29964230 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ and 027- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). METHODS Patients with CDI observed between January and December 2014 in six hospitals were consecutively included in the study. The 027 ribotype was deduced by the presence of tcdB, tcdB, cdt genes and the deletion Δ117 in tcdC (Xpert® C. difficile/Epi). Recurrence was defined as a positive laboratory test result for C. difficile more than 14 days but within 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis date with reappearance of symptoms. To identify factors associated with recurrence in 027+ and 027- CDI, a multivariate analysis was performed in each patient group. Subdistributional hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Overall, 238 patients with 027+ CDI and 267 with 027- CDI were analysed. On multivariate analysis metronidazole monotherapy (sHR 2.380, 95%CI 1.549-3.60, p <0.001) and immunosuppressive treatment (sHR 3.116, 95%CI 1.906-5.090, p <0.001) were factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ CDI. In this patient group, metronidazole monotherapy was independently associated with recurrence in both mild/moderate (sHR 1.894, 95%CI 1.051-3.410, p 0.033) and severe CDI (sHR 2.476, 95%CI 1.281-4.790, p 0.007). Conversely, non-severe disease (sHR 3.704, 95%CI 1.437-9.524, p 0.007) and absence of chronic renal failure (sHR 16.129, 95%CI 2.155-125.000, p 0.007) were associated with recurrence in 027- CDI. CONCLUSIONS Compared to vancomycin, metronidazole monotherapy appears less effective in curing CDI without relapse in the 027+ patient group, independently of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Falcone
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Tiseo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Iraci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Raponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Goldoni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Delle Rose
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - I Santino
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Carfagna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni, Rome, Italy
| | - R Murri
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Fantoni
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Fontana
- Microbiology Section, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Farcomeni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Aceti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Andreoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - R Cauda
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - N Petrosillo
- Clinical and Research Department for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy
| | - M Venditti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bartoletti M, Giannella M, Lewis R, Caraceni P, Tedeschi S, Paul M, Schramm C, Bruns T, Merli M, Cobos-Trigueros N, Seminari E, Retamar P, Muñoz P, Tumbarello M, Burra P, Torrani Cerenzia M, Barsic B, Calbo E, Maraolo A, Petrosillo N, Galan-Ladero M, D'Offizi G, Bar Sinai N, Rodríguez-Baño J, Verucchi G, Bernardi M, Viale P, Campoli C, Siccardi G, Ambretti S, Stallmach A, Venditti M, Lucidi C, Ludovisi S, De Cueto M, Navarro M, Lopez Cortes E, Bouza E, Valerio M, Eworo A, Losito R, Senzolo M, Nadal E, Ottobrelli A, Varguvic M, Badia C, Borgia G, Gentile I, Buonomo A, Boumis E, Beteta-Lopez A, Rianda A, Taliani G, Grieco S. A prospective multicentre study of the epidemiology and outcomes of bloodstream infection in cirrhotic patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:546.e1-546.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Alessio N, Squillaro T, Özcan S, Di Bernardo G, Venditti M, Melone M, Peluso G, Galderisi U. Stress and stem cells: adult Muse cells tolerate extensive genotoxic stimuli better than mesenchymal stromal cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19328-19341. [PMID: 29721206 PMCID: PMC5922400 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are not a homogenous population but comprehend several cell types, such as stem cells, progenitor cells, fibroblasts, and other types of cells. Among these is a population of pluripotent stem cells, which represent around 1–3% of MSCs. These cells, named multilineage-differentiating stress enduring (Muse) cells, are stress-tolerant cells. Stem cells may undergo several rounds of intrinsic and extrinsic stresses due to their long life and must have a robust and effective DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair mechanism, which, following a genotoxic episode, promote the complete recovery of cells rather than triggering senescence and/or apoptosis. We evaluated how Muse cells can cope with DNA damaging stress in comparison with MSCs. We found that Muse cells were resistant to chemical and physical genotoxic stresses better than non-Muse cells. Indeed, the level of senescence and apoptosis was lower in Muse cells. Our results proved that the DNA damage repair system (DDR) was properly activated following injury in Muse cells. While in non-Muse cells some anomalies may have occurred because, in some cases, the activation of the DDR persisted by 48 hr post damage, in others no activation took place. In Muse cells, the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) enzymatic activity increases compared to other cells, while single-strand repair activity (NER, BER) does not. In conclusion, the high ability of Muse cells to cope with genotoxic stress is related to their quick and efficient sensing of DNA damage and activation of DNA repair systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Alessio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Tiziana Squillaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Servet Özcan
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Giovanni Di Bernardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Melone
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases & InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences, and Aging, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Galderisi
- Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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