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Milano S, Saponara I, Gerbino A, Lapi D, Lela L, Carmosino M, Dal Monte M, Bagnoli P, Svelto M, Procino G. β3-Adrenoceptor as a new player in the sympathetic regulation of the renal acid-base homeostasis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1304375. [PMID: 38455846 PMCID: PMC10917900 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1304375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Efferent sympathetic nerve fibers regulate several renal functions activating norepinephrine receptors on tubular epithelial cells. Of the beta-adrenoceptors (β-ARs), we previously demonstrated the renal expression of β3-AR in the thick ascending limb (TAL), the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), and the collecting duct (CD), where it participates in salt and water reabsorption. Here, for the first time, we reported β3-AR expression in the CD intercalated cells (ICCs), where it regulates acid-base homeostasis. Co-localization of β3-AR with either proton pump H+-ATPase or Cl-/HCO3 - exchanger pendrin revealed β3-AR expression in type A, type B, non-A, and non-B ICCs in the mouse kidney. We aimed to unveil the possible regulatory role of β3-AR in renal acid-base homeostasis, in particular in modulating the expression, subcellular localization, and activity of the renal H+-ATPase, a key player in this process. The abundance of H+-ATPase was significantly decreased in the kidneys of β3-AR-/- compared with those of β3-AR+/+ mice. In particular, H+-ATPase reduction was observed not only in the CD but also in the TAL and DCT, which contribute to acid-base transport in the kidney. Interestingly, we found that in in vivo, the absence of β3-AR reduced the kidneys' ability to excrete excess proton in the urine during an acid challenge. Using ex vivo stimulation of mouse kidney slices, we proved that the β3-AR activation promoted H+-ATPase apical expression in the epithelial cells of β3-AR-expressing nephron segments, and this was prevented by β3-AR antagonism or PKA inhibition. Moreover, we assessed the effect of β3-AR stimulation on H+-ATPase activity by measuring the intracellular pH recovery after an acid load in β3-AR-expressing mouse renal cells. Importantly, β3-AR agonism induced a 2.5-fold increase in H+-ATPase activity, and this effect was effectively prevented by β3-AR antagonism or by inhibiting either H+-ATPase or PKA. Of note, in urine samples from patients treated with a β3-AR agonist, we found that β3-AR stimulation increased the urinary excretion of H+-ATPase, likely indicating its apical accumulation in tubular cells. These findings demonstrate that β3-AR activity positively regulates the expression, plasma membrane localization, and activity of H+-ATPase, elucidating a novel physiological role of β3-AR in the sympathetic control of renal acid-base homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Milano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilenia Saponara
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Dominga Lapi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ludovica Lela
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Pascarella F, Scaramuzzo RT, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Ciantelli M, Filippi L. Propranolol: a new pharmacologic approach to counter retinopathy of prematurity progression. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1322783. [PMID: 38292211 PMCID: PMC10824858 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1322783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the evident progress in neonatal medicine, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a serious threat to the vision of premature infants, due to a still partial understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of this disease and the lack of drugs capable of arresting its progression. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, retinal vascularization is strictly dependent on oxygen concentration. The exposition of the retina of a preterm newborn, still incompletely vascularized, to an atmosphere relatively hyperoxic, as the extrauterine environment, induces the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and therefore the interruption of vascularization (first ischemic phase of ROP). However, over the following weeks, the growing metabolic requirement of this ischemic retina produces a progressive hypoxia that specularly promotes the surge of proangiogenic factors, finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (second proliferative phase of ROP). The demonstration that the noradrenergic system is actively involved in the coupling between hypoxia and the induction of vasculogenesis paved the way for a pharmacologic intervention aimed at counteracting the interaction of noradrenaline with specific receptors and consequently the progression of ROP. A similar trend has been observed in infantile hemangiomas, the most common vascular lesion of childhood induced by pre-existing hypoxia, which shares similar characteristics with ROP. The fact that propranolol, an unselective antagonist of β1/2 adrenoceptors, counteracts the growth of infantile hemangiomas, suggested the idea of testing the efficacy of propranolol in infants with ROP. From preclinical studies, ongoing clinical trials demonstrated that topical administration of propranolol likely represents the optimal approach to reconcile its efficacy and maximum safety. Given the strict relationship between vessels and neurons, recovering retinal vascularization with propranolol may add further efficacy to prevent retinal dysfunction. In conclusion, the strategy of contrasting precociously the progression of the disease appears to be more advantageous than the current wait-and-see therapeutic approach, which instead is mainly focused on avoiding retinal detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Melecchi A, Amato R, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Restored retinal physiology after administration of niacin with citicoline in a mouse model of hypertensive glaucoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1230941. [PMID: 37731716 PMCID: PMC10508956 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1230941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Much interest has been addressed to antioxidant dietary supplements that are known to lower the risk of developing glaucoma or delay its progression. Among them, niacin and citicoline protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from degeneration by targeting mitochondria, though at different levels. A well-established mouse model of RGC degeneration induced by experimental intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was used to investigate whether a novel combination of niacin/citicoline has better efficacy over each single component in preserving RGC health in response to IOP increase. Methods Ocular hypertension was induced by an intracameral injection of methylcellulose that clogs the trabecular meshwork. Electroretinography and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate RGC function and density. Oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results The present results support an optimal efficacy of niacin with citicoline at their best dosage in preventing RGC loss. In fact, about 50% of RGCs were spared from death leading to improved electroretinographic responses to flash and pattern stimulation. Upregulated levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were also consistently reduced by almost 50% after niacin with citicoline thus providing a significant strength to the validity of their combination. Conclusion Niacin combined with citicoline is highly effective in restoring RGC physiology but its therapeutic potential needs to be further explored. In fact, the translation of the present compound to humans is limited by several factors including the mouse modeling, the higher doses of the supplements that are necessary to demonstrate their efficacy over a short follow up period and the scarce knowledge of their transport to the bloodstream and to the eventual target tissues in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Research Center, Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Scaramuzzo RT, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pini A, Ballini S, Bendinelli A, Desideri I, Ciantelli M, Filippi L. Treating infants with 0.2% propranolol eye micro-drops drastically reduced the progression of retinopathy of prematurity. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:1905-1906. [PMID: 37199226 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandy Ballini
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Bendinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ielizza Desideri
- Hospital Pharmacy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Filippi L, Pascarella F, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Morganti R, Innocenti F, Castagnini N, Melosi A, Scaramuzzo RT. Fetal Oxygenation from the 23rd to the 36th Week of Gestation Evaluated through the Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12487. [PMID: 37569862 PMCID: PMC10419490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo and fetus grow in a hypoxic environment. Intrauterine oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the pregnancy, allowing the oxygen to modulate apparently contradictory functions, such as the expansion of stemness but also differentiation. We have recently demonstrated that in the last weeks of pregnancy, oxygenation progressively increases, but the trend of oxygen levels during the previous weeks remains to be clarified. In the present retrospective study, umbilical venous and arterial oxygen levels, fetal oxygen extraction, oxygen content, CO2, and lactate were evaluated in a cohort of healthy newborns with gestational age < 37 weeks. A progressive decrease in pO2 levels associated with a concomitant increase in pCO2 and reduction in pH has been observed starting from the 23rd week until approximately the 33-34th week of gestation. Over this period, despite the increased hypoxemia, oxygen content remains stable thanks to increasing hemoglobin concentration, which allows the fetus to become more hypoxemic but not more hypoxic. Starting from the 33-34th week, fetal oxygenation increases and ideally continues following the trend recently described in term fetuses. The present study confirms that oxygenation during intrauterine life continues to vary even after placenta development, showing a clear biphasic trend. Fetuses, in fact, from mid-gestation to near-term, become progressively more hypoxemic. However, starting from the 33-34th week, oxygenation progressively increases until birth. In this regard, our data suggest that the placenta is the hub that ensures this variable oxygen availability to the fetus, and we speculate that this biphasic trend is functional for the promotion, in specific tissues and at specific times, of stemness and intrauterine differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Francesca Pascarella
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Riccardo Morganti
- Section of Statistics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Francesca Innocenti
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Nicola Castagnini
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Alice Melosi
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
| | - Rosa Teresa Scaramuzzo
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.P.); (F.I.); (N.C.); (A.M.); (R.T.S.)
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Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Pharmacotherapy and Nutritional Supplements for Neovascular Eye Diseases. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1334. [PMID: 37512145 PMCID: PMC10383223 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent findings about the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. The use of conventional drugs and nutraceuticals endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support conventional therapies will be considered, with the final aim of achieving risk reduction (prevention) and outcome improvement (cooperation between treatments) of such sight-threatening proliferative retinopathies. For this purpose, we consider a medicinal product one that contains well-defined compound(s) with proven pharmacological and therapeutic effects, usually given for the treatment of full-blown diseases. Rarely are prescription drugs given for preventive purposes. A dietary supplement refers to a compound (often an extract or a mixture) used in the prevention or co-adjuvant treatment of a given pathology. However, it must be kept in mind that drug-supplement interactions may exist and might affect the efficacy of certain drug treatments. Moreover, the distinction between medicinal products and dietary supplements is not always straightforward. For instance, melatonin is formulated as a medicinal product for the treatment of sleep and behavioral problems; at low doses (usually below 1 mg), it is considered a nutraceutical, while at higher doses, it is sold as a psychotropic drug. Despite their lower status with respect to drugs, increasing evidence supports the notion of the beneficial effects of dietary supplements on proliferative retinopathies, a major cause of vision loss in the elderly. Therefore, we believe that, on a patient-by-patient basis, the administration of nutraceuticals, either alone or in association, could benefit many patients, delaying the progression of their disease and likely improving the efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy
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Amato R, Cammalleri M, Melecchi A, Bagnoli P, Porciatti V. Natural History of Glaucoma Progression in the DBA/2J Model: Early Contribution of Müller Cell Gliosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091272. [PMID: 37174673 PMCID: PMC10177096 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and the resulting mechanical stress are classically considered the main causes of RGC death. However, RGC degeneration and ensuing vision loss often occur independent of IOP, indicating a multifactorial nature of glaucoma, with the likely contribution of glial and vascular function. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the time course of neuro-glial-vascular changes associated with glaucoma progression. We used DBA/2J mice in the age range of 2-15 months as a spontaneous model of glaucoma with progressive IOP elevation and RGC loss typical of human open-angle glaucoma. We found that the onset of RGC degeneration at 10 months of age coincided with that of IOP elevation and vascular changes such as decreased density, increased lacunarity and decreased tight-junction protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1, while hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were already significantly upregulated at 6 months of age together with the onset of Müller cell gliosis. Astrocytes, however, underwent significant gliosis at 10 months. These results indicate that Müller cell activation occurs well before IOP elevation, with probable inflammatory consequences, and represents an early event in the glaucomatous process. Early upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF is likely to contribute to blood retinal barrier failure, facilitating RGC loss. The different time courses of neuro-glial-vascular changes during glaucoma progression provide further insight into the nature of the disease and suggest potential targets for the development of efficient therapeutic intervention aside from IOP lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Cammalleri M, Amato R, Dal Monte M, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. The β3 adrenoceptor in proliferative retinopathies: "Cinderella" steps out of its family shadow. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106713. [PMID: 36863427 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106713] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
In the retina, hypoxic condition leads to overgrowing leaky vessels resulting in altered metabolic supply that may cause impaired visual function. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a central regulator of the retinal response to hypoxia by activating the transcription of numerous target genes, including vascular endothelium growth factor, which acts as a major player in retinal angiogenesis. In the present review, oxygen urge by the retina and its oxygen sensing systems including HIF-1 are discussed in respect to the role of the beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) and their pharmacologic manipulation in the vascular response to hypoxia. In the β-AR family, β1- and β2-AR have long been attracting attention because their pharmacology is intensely used for human health, while β3-AR, the third and last cloned receptor is no longer increasingly emerging as an attractive target for drug discovery. Here, β3-AR, a main character in several organs including the heart, the adipose tissue and the urinary bladder, but so far a supporting actor in the retina, has been thoroughly examined in respect to its function in retinal response to hypoxia. In particular, its oxygen dependence has been taken as a key indicator of β3-AR involvement in HIF-1-mediated responses to oxygen. Hence, the possibility of β3-AR transcription by HIF-1 has been discussed from early circumstantial evidence to the recent demonstration that β3-AR acts as a novel HIF-1 target gene by playing like a putative intermediary between oxygen levels and retinal vessel proliferation. Thus, targeting β3-AR may implement the therapeutic armamentarium against neovascular pathologies of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Filippi L, Scaramuzzo RT, Pascarella F, Pini A, Morganti R, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Ciantelli M. Fetal oxygenation in the last weeks of pregnancy evaluated through the umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1140021. [PMID: 37152310 PMCID: PMC10160648 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1140021] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Embryo and fetus grow and mature over the first trimester of pregnancy in a dynamic hypoxic environment, where placenta development assures an increased oxygen availability. However, it is unclear whether and how oxygenation changes in the later trimesters and, more specifically, in the last weeks of pregnancy. Methods Observational study that evaluated the gas analysis of the umbilical cord blood collected from a cohort of healthy newborns with gestational age ≥37 weeks. Umbilical venous and arterial oxygen levels as well as fetal oxygen extraction were calculated to establish whether oxygenation level changes over the last weeks of pregnancy. In addition, fetal lactate, and carbon dioxide production were analyzed to establish whether oxygen oscillations may induce metabolic effects in utero. Results This study demonstrates a progressive increase in fetal oxygenation levels from the 37th to the 41st weeks of gestation (mean venous PaO2 approximately from 20 to 25 mmHg; p < 0.001). This increase is largely attributable to growing umbilical venous PaO2, regardless of delivery modalities. In neonates born by vaginal delivery, the increased oxygen availability is associated with a modest increase in oxygen extraction, while in neonates born by cesarean section, it is associated with reduced lactate production. Independently from the type of delivery, carbon dioxide production moderately increased. These findings suggest a progressive shift from a prevalent anaerobic metabolism (Warburg effect) towards a growing aerobic metabolism. Conclusion This study confirms that fetuses grow in a hypoxic environment that becomes progressively less hypoxic in the last weeks of gestation. The increased oxygen availability seems to favor aerobic metabolic shift during the last weeks of intrauterine life; we hypothesize that this environmental change may have implications for fetal maturation during intrauterine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Neonatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: Luca Filippi
| | | | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Riccardo Morganti
- Section of Statistics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Melecchi A, Amato R, Lapi D, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Increased efficacy of dietary supplement containing wax ester-rich marine oil and xanthophylls in a mouse model of dry macular degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1038730. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1038730] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is nowadays considered among the retinal diseases whose clinical management lacks established treatment approaches, mainly for its atrophic (dry) form. In this respect, the use of dietary patterns enriched in omega-3 and antioxidant xanthophylls has emerged as a promising approach to counteract dry AMD progression although the prophylactic potential of omega-3 of fish origin has been discussed. Whether enriched availability of omega-3 and xanthophylls may increase the effectiveness of diet supplementation in preventing dry AMD remains to be fully established. The present study aims at comparing the efficacy of an existing orally administered formulation based on lutein and fish oil, as a source of omega-3, with a novel formulation providing the combination of lutein and astaxanthin with Calanus oil (COil), which contains omega-3 together with their precursors policosanols. Using a mouse model of dry AMD based on subretinal injection of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, we assessed the comparative efficacy of both formulations on PEG-induced major hallmarks including oxidative stress, inflammation, glial reactivity and outer retinal thickness. Dietary supplementation with both mixtures has been found to exert a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as reflected by the overall amelioration of the PEG-induced pathological hallmarks. Noteworthy, the formulation based on COil appeared to be more protective than the one based on fish oil, presumably because of the higher bioavailability of omega-3 in COil. These results support the use of dietary supplements combining omega-3 and xanthophylls in the prevention and treatment of AMD and suggest that the source of omega-3 might contribute to treatment efficacy.
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Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Gallar J, Galor A. Editorial: Eye Pain: Etiology and Therapeutic Approaches. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:914809. [PMID: 35571104 PMCID: PMC9092182 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.914809] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernandez-CSIC, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Anat Galor
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Canovai A, Amato R, Melecchi A, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P, Cammalleri M. Preventive Efficacy of an Antioxidant Compound on Blood Retinal Barrier Breakdown and Visual Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:811818. [PMID: 35046830 PMCID: PMC8762314 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.811818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy (DR), high blood glucose drives chronic oxidative stress and inflammation that trigger alterations of the neurovascular balance finally resulting in vascular abnormalities and retinal cell death, which converge towards altered electroretinogram (ERG). In the last years, a growing body of preclinical evidence has suggested that nutrients with anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties can be able to hamper DR progression since its very early stages. In the present study, we used a streptozotocin-induced rat model of DR, which mimics most aspects of the early stages of human DR, to test the preventive efficacy of a novel compound containing cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), verbascoside and zinc as nutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Western blot, immunofluorescence and electroretinographic analyses demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related mechanisms, with a significant counterpart in preventing molecular mechanisms leading to DR-associated vasculopathy and its related retinal damage. Preventive efficacy of the compound on dysfunctional a- and b-waves was also demonstrated by electroretinography. The present demonstration that natural compounds, possibly as a consequence of vascular rescue following ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation, may prevent the apoptotic cascade leading to ERG dysfunction, adds further relevance to the potential application of antioxidants as a preventive therapy to counteract DR progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Filippi L, Cammalleri M, Amato R, Ciantelli M, Pini A, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M. Decoupling Oxygen Tension From Retinal Vascularization as a New Perspective for Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity. New Opportunities From β-adrenoceptors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:835771. [PMID: 35126166 PMCID: PMC8814365 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.835771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an evolutive and potentially blinding eye disease that affects preterm newborns. Unfortunately, until now no conservative therapy of active ROP with proven efficacy is available. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, premature exposition to oxygen concentrations higher than those intrauterine, represents the initial pathogenetic trigger. The increase of oxygenation in a retina still incompletely vascularized promotes the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and finally the interruption of vascularization (ischemic phase). However, the increasing metabolic requirement of the ischemic retina induces, over the following weeks, a progressive hypoxia that specularly increases the levels of proangiogenic factors finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (proliferative phase). Considering non-modifiable the coupling between oxygen levels and vascularization, so far, neonatologists and ophthalmologists have “played defense”, meticulously searching the minimum necessary concentration of oxygen for individual newborns, refining their diagnostic ability, adopting a careful monitoring policy, ready to decisively intervene only in a very advanced stage of disease progression. However, recent advances have demonstrated the possibility to pharmacologically modulate the relationship between oxygen and vascularization, opening thus the perspective for new therapeutic or preventive opportunities. The perspective of a shift from a defensive towards an attack strategy is now at hand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Luca Filippi,
| | | | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Filippi L, Pini A, Cammalleri M, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M. β3-Adrenoceptor, a novel player in the round-trip from neonatal diseases to cancer: Suggestive clues from embryo. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:1179-1201. [PMID: 34967048 PMCID: PMC9303287 DOI: 10.1002/med.21874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The role of the β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) in hypoxia-driven diseases has gained visibility after the demonstration that propranolol promotes the regression of infantile hemangiomas and ameliorates the signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Besides the role of β2-ARs, preclinical studies in ROP have also revealed that β3-ARs are upregulated by hypoxia and that they are possibly involved in retinal angiogenesis. In a sort of figurative round trip, peculiarities typical of ROP, where hypoxia drives retinal neovascularization, have been then translated to cancer, a disease equally characterized by hypoxia-driven angiogenesis. In this step, investigating the role of β3-ARs has taken advantage of the assumption that cancer growth uses a set of strategies in common with embryo development. The possibility that hypoxic induction of β3-ARs may represent one of the mechanisms through which primarily embryo (and then cancer, as an astute imitator) adapts to grow in an otherwise hostile environment, has grown evidence. In both cancer and embryo, β3-ARs exert similar functions by exploiting a metabolic shift known as the Warburg effect, by acquiring resistance against xenobiotics, and by inducing a local immune tolerance. An additional potential role of β3-AR as a marker of stemness has been suggested by the finding that its antagonism induces cancer cell differentiation evoking that β3-ARs may help cancer to grow in a nonhospital environment, a strategy also exploited by embryos. From cancer, the round trip goes back to neonatal diseases for which new possible interpretative keys and potential pharmacological perspectives have been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care UnitUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General PhysiologyUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
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15
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Milano S, Carmosino M, Gerbino A, Saponara I, Lapi D, Dal Monte M, Bagnoli P, Svelto M, Procino G. Activation of the Thiazide-Sensitive Sodium-Chloride Cotransporter by Beta3-Adrenoreceptor in the Distal Convoluted Tubule. Front Physiol 2021; 12:695824. [PMID: 34483955 PMCID: PMC8414899 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.695824] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (BAR3) is expressed in most segments of the nephron where its agonism promotes a potent antidiuretic effect. We localized BAR3 in distal convoluted tubule (DCT) cells expressing the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC). Aim of this study is to investigate the possible functional role of BAR3 on NCC modulation in DCT cells. Here, we found that, in mice, the knockout of BAR3 was paralleled by a significant attenuation of NCC phosphorylation, paralleled by reduced expression and activation of STE-20/SPS1-related proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and WNKs the main kinases involved in NCC activation. Conversely, in BAR1/2 knockout mice, we found reduced NCC abundance with no changes in the phosphorylation state of NCC. Moreover, selective BAR3 agonism promotes both SPAK and NCC activation in wild-type mouse kidney slices. In conclusion, our findings suggest a novel role for BAR3 in the regulation of NCC in DCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Milano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilenia Saponara
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Dominga Lapi
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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16
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Cammalleri M, Amato R, Olivieri M, Pezzino S, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D. Effects of Topical Gabapentin on Ocular Pain and Tear Secretion. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671238. [PMID: 34163358 PMCID: PMC8216672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic ocular pain is a frequent occurrence in medium to severe dry eye disease (DED). Only palliative treatments, such as lubricants and anti-inflammatory drugs, are available to alleviate patients’ discomfort. Anesthetic drugs are not indicated, because they may interfere with the neural feedback between the cornea and the lacrimal gland, impairing tear production and lacrimation. Gabapentin (GBT) is a structural analog of gamma-amino butyric acid that has been used by systemic administration to provide pain relief in glaucomatous patients. We have already shown in a rabbit model system that its topic administration as eye drops has anti-inflammatory properties. We now present data on rabbits’ eyes showing that indeed GBT given topically as eye drops has analgesic but not anesthetic effects. Therefore, opposite to an anesthetic drug such as oxybuprocaine, GBT does not decrease lacrimation, but–unexpectedly–even stimulates it, apparently through the upregulation of acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and by induction of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in the lacrimal gland. Moreover, data obtained in vitro on a primary human corneal epithelial cell line also show direct induction of AQP5 by GBT. This suggests that corneal cells might also contribute to the lacrimal stimulation promoted by GBT and participate with lacrimal glands in the restoration of the tear film, thus reducing friction on the ocular surface, which is a known trigger of ocular pain. In conclusion, GBT is endowed with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and secretagogue properties, all useful to treat neuropathic pain of the ocular surface, especially in case of DED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosario Amato
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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17
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Dolar-Szczasny J, Toro MD, Dworzańska A, Wójtowicz T, Korona-Glowniak I, Sawicki R, Boguszewska A, Polz-Dacewicz M, Tomasiewicz K, Załuska W, Rejdak R, Bagnoli P, Rusciano D. Ocular Involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in a Polish Cohort of COVID-19-Positive Patients. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:2916. [PMID: 33809199 PMCID: PMC8001647 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the current human COVID-19 pandemic has shown tropism toward different organs with variable efficiency, eyes included. The purpose of this study has been to investigate the presence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 infection in ocular swabs in patients affected by COVID-19. A consecutive series of 74 COVID-19-positive patients (age 21-89) were enrolled at two Polish COVID-19 hospitals for 4 months and were characterized by PCR for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in nasopharyngeal (NP) and ocular swabs, while their respiratory and ocular symptoms were noted. Almost 50% of them presented with severe/critical respiratory involvement, and some degree of eye disease. No tight correlation was observed between the presence of ocular and respiratory symptoms. Three male patients presenting with severe/critical lung disease tested positive in ocular swab, however with mild/moderate ocular symptoms. In conclusion, our study lends further support to the view that overt ocular infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is not such a frequent occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dolar-Szczasny
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland; (J.D.-S.); (M.D.T.); (R.R.)
| | - Mario D. Toro
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland; (J.D.-S.); (M.D.T.); (R.R.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, 01-815 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Dworzańska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.D.); (K.T.)
| | - Tomasz Wójtowicz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Specialist Hospital of Radom, 26-610 Radom, Poland;
| | - Izabela Korona-Glowniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Rafał Sawicki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anastazja Boguszewska
- Department of Virology with SARS Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.); (M.P.-D.)
| | - Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz
- Department of Virology with SARS Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.B.); (M.P.-D.)
| | - Krzysztof Tomasiewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (A.D.); (K.T.)
| | - Wojciech Załuska
- Department of Nephrology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Robert Rejdak
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland; (J.D.-S.); (M.D.T.); (R.R.)
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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18
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Locri F, Pesce NA, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P, Kvanta A, Dal Monte M, André H. Gaining insight on mitigation of rubeosis iridis by UPARANT in a mouse model associated with proliferative retinopathy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1629-1638. [PMID: 32940719 PMCID: PMC7591405 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative retinopathies (PR) lead to an increase in neovascularization and inflammation factors, at times culminating in pathologic rubeosis iridis (RI). In mice, uveal puncture combined with injection of hypoxia-conditioned media mimics RI associated with proliferative retinopathies. Here, we investigated the effects of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) antagonist-UPARANT-on the angiogenic and inflammatory processes that are dysregulated in this model. In addition, the effects of UPARANT were compared with those of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies. Administration of UPARANT promptly decreased iris vasculature, while anti-VEGF effects were slower and less pronounced. Immunoblot and qPCR analysis suggested that UPARANT acts predominantly by reducing the upregulated inflammatory and extracellular matrix degradation responses. UPARANT appears to be more effective in comparison to anti-VEGF in the treatment of RI associated with PR in the murine model, by modulating multiple uPAR-associated signaling pathways. Furthermore, UPARANT effectiveness was maintained when systemically administered, which could open to novel improved therapies for proliferative ocular diseases, particularly those associated with PR. KEY MESSAGES: • Further evidence of UPARANT effectiveness in normalizing pathological iris neovascularization. • Both systemic and local administration of UPARANT reduce iris neovascularization in a model associated with proliferative retinopathies. • In the mouse models of rubeosis iridis associated with proliferative retinopathy, UPARANT displays stronger effects when compared with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noemi A Pesce
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Rusciano
- SOOFT Italia SpA, Research Department c/o Biologic Tower, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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20
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Locri F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Protective Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement Based on Forskolin, Homotaurine, Spearmint Extract, and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Optic Nerve Injury. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122931. [PMID: 31816880 PMCID: PMC6950150 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122931] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a multifactorial blinding disease with a major inflammatory component ultimately leading to apoptotic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pharmacological treatments lowering intraocular pressure can help slow or prevent vision loss although the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Recently, nutritional approaches have been evaluated for their efficacy in preventing degenerative events in the retina although mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a diet supplement consisting of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract, and vitamins of the B group in counteracting retinal dysfunction in a mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) used as an in vivo model of glaucoma. After demonstrating that ONC did not affect retinal vasculature by fluorescein angiography, we determined the effect of the diet supplement on the photopic negative response (PhNR) whose amplitude is strictly related to RGC integrity and is therefore drastically reduced in concomitance with RGC death. We found that the diet supplementation prevents the reduction of PhNR amplitude (p < 0.001) and concomitantly counteracts RGC death, as in supplemented mice, RGC number assessed immunohistochemically is significantly higher than that in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.01). Major determinants of the protective efficacy of the compound are due to a reduction of ONC-associated cytokine secretion leading to decreased levels of apoptotic markers that in supplemented mice are significantly lower than in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.001), ultimately causing RGC survival and ameliorated visual dysfunction. Overall, our data suggest that the above association of compounds plays a neuroprotective role in this mouse model of glaucoma thus offering a new perspective in inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases of the inner retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Italia SpA, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy;
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.M.); (P.B.); Tel.: +39-050-2211426 (M.D.M.)
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21
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Pecci V, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator system as drug target in retinitis pigmentosa: New pre-clinical evidence in the rd10 mouse model. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5176-5192. [PMID: 31251468 PMCID: PMC6653070 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is characterized by progressive loss of vision due to photoreceptor degeneration leading to secondary inflammation. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system contributes to retinal inflammation, but its role in RP is unknown. In the rd10 mouse model of RP, we addressed this question with the use of the peptide UPARANT designed to interact with the uPA system. UPARANT was systemically administered from post-natal day (PD) 10 to PD30 when its efficacy in RP rescue was investigated using electroretinographic recordings, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Temporal profile of protein expression in the uPA system was also investigated. UPARANT reduced both Müller cell gliosis and up-regulated levels of inflammatory markers and exerted major anti-apoptotic effects without influencing the autophagy cascade. Rescue from retinal cell degeneration was accompanied by improved retinal function. No scotopic phototransduction was rescued in the UPARANT-treated animals as determined by the kinetic analysis of rod-mediated a-waves and confirmed by rod photoreceptor markers. In contrast, the cone photopic b-wave was recovered and its rescue was confirmed in the whole mounts using cone arrestin antibody. Investigation of the uPA system regulation over RP progression revealed extremely low levels of uPA and its receptor uPAR both of which were recovered by HIF-1α stabilization indicating that HIF-1 regulates the expression of the uPA/uPAR gene in the retina. Ameliorative effects of UPARANT were likely to occur through an inhibitory action on up-regulated activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac1 pathway that was suggested as a novel target for the development of therapeutic approaches against RP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Locri F, Dal Monte M, Aronsson M, Cammalleri M, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Kvanta A, Bagnoli P, André H. UPARANT is an effective antiangiogenic agent in a mouse model of rubeosis iridis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:1273-1283. [PMID: 31243519 PMCID: PMC6713680 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Puncture-induced iris neovascularization (rubeosis iridis; RI) in mice is associated with upregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammatory factors. The anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of UPARANT in reducing RI was determined by noninvasive, in vivo iris vascular densitometry, and confirmed in vitro by quantitative vascular-specific immunostaining. Intravitreal administration of UPARANT successfully and rapidly reduced RI to non-induced control levels. Molecular analysis revealed that UPARANT inhibits formyl peptide receptors through a predominantly anti-inflammatory response, accompanied with a significant reduction in ECM degradation and inflammation markers. Similar results were observed with UPARANT administered systemically by subcutaneous injection. These data suggest that the tetrapeptide UPARANT is an effective anti-angiogenic agent for the treatment of RI, both by local and systemic administrations. The effectiveness of UPARANT in reducing RI in a model independent of the canonical vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proposes an alternative for patients that do not respond to anti-VEGF treatments, which could improve treatment in proliferative ocular diseases. Key messages UPARANT is effective in the treatment of rubeosis iridis, both by local and systemic administrations. UPARANT can reduce VEGF-independent neovascularization.
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00109-019-01794-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, 112 82, Stockholm, Sweden.
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23
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Calvani M, Bruno G, Dal Monte M, Nassini R, Fontani F, Casini A, Cavallini L, Becatti M, Bianchini F, De Logu F, Forni G, la Marca G, Calorini L, Bagnoli P, Chiarugi P, Pupi A, Azzari C, Geppetti P, Favre C, Filippi L. β 3 -Adrenoceptor as a potential immuno-suppressor agent in melanoma. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2509-2524. [PMID: 30874296 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stress-related catecholamines have a role in cancer and β-adrenoceptors; specifically, β2 -adrenoceptors have been identified as new targets in treating melanoma. Recently, β3 -adrenoceptors have shown a pleiotropic effect on melanoma micro-environment leading to cancer progression. However, the mechanisms by which β3 -adrenoceptors promote this progression remain poorly understood. Catecholamines affect the immune system by modulating several factors that can alter immune cell sub-population homeostasis. Understanding the mechanisms of cancer immune-tolerance is one of the most intriguing challenges in modern research. This study investigates the potential role of β3 -adrenoceptors in immune-tolerance regulation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A mouse model of melanoma in which syngeneic B16-F10 cells were injected in C57BL-6 mice was used to evaluate the effect of β-adrenoceptor blockade on the number and activity of immune cell sub-populations (Treg, NK, CD8, MDSC, macrophages, and neutrophils). Pharmacological and molecular approaches with β-blockers (propranolol and SR59230A) and specific β-adrenoceptor siRNAs targeting β2 - or β3 -adrenoceptors were used. KEY RESULTS Only β3 -, but not β2 -adrenoceptors, were up-regulated under hypoxia in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and selectively expressed in immune cell sub-populations including Treg, MDSC, and NK. SR59230A and β3 -adrenoceptor siRNAs increased NK and CD8 number and cytotoxicity, while they attenuated Treg and MDSC sub-populations in the tumour mass, blood, and spleen. SR59230A and β3 -adrenoceptor siRNAs increased the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and N1 granulocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that β3 -adrenoceptors are involved in immune-tolerance, which opens the way for new strategic therapies to overcome melanoma growth. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Calvani
- Oncohematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gennaro Bruno
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Fontani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Arianna Casini
- Division of Immunology, Section of Pediatrics, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cavallini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Forni
- Metabolic and Newborn Screening Clinical Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Meyer University Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Metabolic and Newborn Screening Clinical Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Meyer University Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Chiarugi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Pupi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Azzari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Favre
- Oncohematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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24
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Bonato M, Bagnoli P, Centelleghe C, Maric M, Brocca G, Mazzariol S, Cozzi B. Dynamics of blood circulation during diving in the bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus): the role of the retia mirabilia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.198457. [PMID: 30760548 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.198457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The retia mirabilia are vascular nets composed of small vessels dispersed among numerous veins, allowing blood storage, regulation of flow and pressure damping effects. Here, we investigated their potential role during the diving phase of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). To this effect, the whole vertebral retia mirabilia of a series of dolphins were removed during post-mortem analysis and examined to assess vessel diameters, and estimate vascular volume and flow rate. We formulated a new hemodynamic model to help clarify vascular dynamics throughout the diving phase, based on the total blood volume of a bottlenose dolphin, and using data available about the perfusion of the main organs and body systems. We computed the minimum blood perfusion necessary to the internal organs, and the stroke volume and cardiac output during the surface state. We then simulated breath-holding conditions and perfusion of the internal organs under the diving-induced bradycardia and reduction of stroke volume and cardiac output, using 10 beats min-1 as the limit for the heart rate for an extended dive of over 3 min. Within these simulated conditions, the retia mirabilia play a vital role as reservoirs of oxygenated blood that permit functional performances and survival of the heart and brain. Our theoretical model, based on the actual blood capacity of the retia mirabilia and available data on organ perfusion, considers the dynamic trend of vasoconstriction during the diving phase and may represent a baseline for future studies on the diving physiology of dolphins and especially for the blood supply to their brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonato
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35100 Padova (PD), Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Technology Transfer Office, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Centelleghe
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Mike Maric
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia (PV), Italy
| | - Ginevra Brocca
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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25
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Filippi L, Cavallaro G, Berti E, Padrini L, Araimo G, Regiroli G, Raffaeli G, Bozzetti V, Tagliabue P, Tomasini B, Mori A, Buonocore G, Agosti M, Bossi A, Chirico G, Aversa S, Fortunato P, Osnaghi S, Cavallotti B, Suzani M, Vanni M, Borsari G, Donati S, Nascimbeni G, Nardo D, Piermarocchi S, la Marca G, Forni G, Milani S, Cortinovis I, Calvani M, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Calvani AM, Pugi A, Villamor E, Donzelli G, Mosca F. Propranolol 0.2% Eye Micro-Drops for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Prospective Phase IIB Study. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:180. [PMID: 31134171 PMCID: PMC6514240 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oral propranolol reduces retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) progression, although not safely. Propranolol 0.1% eye micro-drops administered to newborns with stage 2 ROP are well-tolerated, but not sufficiently effective. Methods: A multi-center open-label trial was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of propranolol 0.2% eye micro-drops in newborns with stage 1 ROP. The progression of the disease was evaluated with serial ophthalmologic examinations. Hemodynamic, respiratory, biochemical parameters, and propranolol plasma levels were monitored. Demographic and perinatal characteristics, co-morbidities and co-intervention incidences, together with ROP progression, were compared with a historical control group in the same centers participating in the trial. Results: Ninety-eight newborns were enrolled and compared with the historical control group. Populations were not perfectly homogeneous (as demonstrated by the differences in the Apgar score and the different incidence rate in surfactant administration and oxygen exposure). The progression to ROP stage 2 or 3 plus was significantly lower than the incidence expected on the basis of historical data (Risk Ratio 0.521, 95% CI 0.297- 0.916). No adverse effects related to propranolol were observed and the mean propranolol plasma level was significantly lower than the safety cut-off of 20 ng/mL. Unexpectedly, three newborns treated with oral propranolol before the appearance of ROP, showed a ROP that was unresponsive to propranolol eye micro-drops and required laser photocoagulation treatment. Conclusion: Propranolol 0.2% eye micro-drops were well-tolerated and appeared to reduce the ROP progression expected on the basis of a comparison with a historical control group. Propranolol administered too early appears to favor a more aggressive ROP, suggesting that a β-adrenoreceptor blockade is only useful during the proliferative phase. Further randomized placebo-controlled trials are required to confirm the current results. Clinical Trial Registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier NCT02504944 and with EudraCT Number 2014-005472-29.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elettra Berti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Padrini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Araimo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Regiroli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Genny Raffaeli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bozzetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MBBM Foundation, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Tagliabue
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MBBM Foundation, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomasini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Mori
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Angela Bossi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Gaetano Chirico
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aversa
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pina Fortunato
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Osnaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Cavallotti
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Martina Suzani
- Department of Ophthalmology, ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vanni
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Borsari
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Donati
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nascimbeni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniel Nardo
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Forni
- Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvano Milani
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro," Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Cortinovis
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro," Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maura Calvani
- Oncohematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Calvani
- Department of Pharmacy, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pugi
- Clinical Trial Office, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gianpaolo Donzelli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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26
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Filippi L, Cavallaro G, Perciasepe L, Sandini E, Araimo G, Regiroli G, Raffaeli G, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Calvani M, Fortunato P, Osnaghi S, De Masi S, Mosca F. Refractive Outcome in Preterm Newborns With ROP After Propranolol Treatment. A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:479. [PMID: 31799228 PMCID: PMC6863805 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00479] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent explorative studies suggest that propranolol reduces retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) progression, but the short-term effects of propranolol treatment at 1 year of corrected age have not been extensively evaluated. Methods: A multi-center retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to assess the physical development and the refractive outcome of infants with prior ROP treated with propranolol. Forty-nine infants treated with propranolol were compared with an equal number of patients who did not receive any propranolol therapy and represent the control group, with comparable anthropometrical characteristics and stages of ROP. Results: The weight, length, and head circumference at 1 year of corrected age were similar between infants who had been treated, or not, with propranolol, without any statistically significant differences. Refractive evaluation at 1 year showed spherical equivalent values decreasing with the progression of ROP toward more severe stages of the disease, together with an increasing number of infants with severe myopia. On the contrary, no differences were observed between infants who had been treated with propranolol and those who had not. Conclusion: This study confirms that the progression of ROP induces an increase of refractive errors and suggests that propranolol itself does not affect the refractive outcome. Therefore, if the efficacy of propranolol in counteracting ROP progression is confirmed by further clinical trials, the conclusion will be that propranolol might indirectly improve the visual outcome, reducing the progression of ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Lavinia Perciasepe
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Sandini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Araimo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Regiroli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Genny Raffaeli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Unit of General Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maura Calvani
- Oncohematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Pina Fortunato
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Osnaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Masi
- Clinical Trial Office, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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27
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Dal Monte M, Calvani M, Cammalleri M, Favre C, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. β-Adrenoceptors as drug targets in melanoma: novel preclinical evidence for a role of β 3 -adrenoceptors. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 176:2496-2508. [PMID: 30471093 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14552] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress plays a role in tumourigenesis through catecholamines acting at β-adrenoceptors including β1 -, β2 - and β3 -adrenoceptors, and the use of β-adrenoceptor antagonists seems to counteract tumour growth and progression. Preclinical evidence and meta-analysis data demonstrate that melanoma shows a positive response to β-adrenoceptor blockers and in particular to propranolol acting mainly at β1 - and β2 -adrenoceptors. Although evidence suggesting that β3 -adrenoceptors may play a role as a therapeutic target in infantile haemangiomas has been recently reviewed, a comprehensive analysis of the data available from preclinical studies supporting a possible role of β3 -adrenoceptors in melanoma was not available. Here, we review data from the literature demonstrating that propranolol may be effective at counteracting melanoma growth, and we provide preclinical evidence that β3 -adrenoceptors may also play a role in the pathophysiology of melanoma, thus opening the door for further clinical assays trying to explore β3 -adrenoceptor blockers as novel alternatives for its treatment. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors-New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Calvani
- Onco-hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Favre
- Onco-hematology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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28
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Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Pecci V, Carmosino M, Procino G, Pini A, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Svelto M, Bagnoli P. Inhibiting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor system recovers STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1034-1049. [PMID: 30426662 PMCID: PMC6349167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) receptor (uPAR) participates to the mechanisms causing renal damage in response to hyperglycaemia. The main function of uPAR in podocytes (as well as soluble uPAR -(s)uPAR- from circulation) is to regulate podocyte function through αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1. We addressed the question of whether blocking the uPAR pathway with the small peptide UPARANT, which inhibits uPAR binding to the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) can improve kidney lesions in a rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The concentration of systemically administered UPARANT was measured in the plasma, in kidney and liver extracts and UPARANT effects on dysregulated uPAR pathway, αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 activity, renal fibrosis and kidney morphology were determined. UPARANT was found to revert STZ-induced up-regulation of uPA levels and activity, while uPAR on podocytes and (s)uPAR were unaffected. In glomeruli, UPARANT inhibited FPR2 expression suggesting that the drug may act downstream uPAR, and recovered the increased activity of the αvβ3 integrin/Rac-1 pathway indicating a major role of uPAR in regulating podocyte function. At the functional level, UPARANT was shown to ameliorate: (a) the standard renal parameters, (b) the vascular permeability, (c) the renal inflammation, (d) the renal fibrosis including dysregulated plasminogen-plasmin system, extracellular matrix accumulation and glomerular fibrotic areas and (e) morphological alterations of the glomerulus including diseased filtration barrier. These results provide the first demonstration that blocking the uPAR pathway can improve diabetic kidney lesion in the STZ model, thus suggesting the uPA/uPAR system as a promising target for the development of novel uPAR-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valeria Pecci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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29
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Locri F, Cammalleri M, Pini A, Dal Monte M, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Further Evidence on Efficacy of Diet Supplementation with Fatty Acids in Ocular Pathologies: Insights from the EAE Model of Optic Neuritis. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101447. [PMID: 30301197 PMCID: PMC6213612 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101447] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of optic neuritis, we recently demonstrated that diet supplementation with a balanced mixture of fatty acids (FAs), including omega 3 and omega 6, efficiently limited inflammatory events in the retina and prevented retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, although mechanisms underlying the efficacy of FAs were to be elucidated. Whether FAs effectiveness was accompanied by efficient rescue of demyelinating events in the optic nerve was also unresolved. Finally, the possibility that RGC rescue might result in ameliorated visual performance remained to be investigated. Here, the EAE model of optic neuritis was used to investigate mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of FAs, including their potential efficacy on macrophage polarization. In addition, we determined how FAs-induced rescue of RGC degeneration was related to optic nerve histopathology by performing ultrastructural morphometric analysis with transmission electron microscopy. Finally, RGC rescue was correlated with visual performance by recording photopic electroretinogram, an efficient methodology to unravel the role of RGCs in the generation of electroretinographic waves. We conclude that the ameliorative effects of FAs were dependent on a predominant anti-inflammatory action including a role on promoting the shift of macrophages from the inflammatory M1 phenotype towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This would finally result in restored optic nerve histopathology and ameliorated visual performance. These findings can now offer new perspectives for implementing our knowledge on the effectiveness of diet supplementation in counteracting optic neuritis and suggest the importance of FAs as possible adjuvants in therapies against inflammatory diseases of the eye.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Death
- Dietary Supplements
- Electroretinography
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/drug therapy
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3/pharmacology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3/therapeutic use
- Fatty Acids, Omega-6/pharmacology
- Fatty Acids, Omega-6/therapeutic use
- Female
- Inflammation/drug therapy
- Inflammation/etiology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/methods
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Optic Nerve/drug effects
- Optic Nerve/pathology
- Optic Neuritis/drug therapy
- Optic Neuritis/etiology
- Optic Neuritis/pathology
- Retinal Ganglion Cells/drug effects
- Retinal Ganglion Cells/pathology
- Visual Acuity
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood ''Nutraceuticals and Food for Health'', University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood ''Nutraceuticals and Food for Health'', University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Italia SpA, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy.
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Ballarin C, Bagnoli P, Peruffo A, Cozzi B. Vascularization of the trachea in the bottlenose dolphin: comparison with bovine and evidence for evolutionary adaptations to diving. R Soc Open Sci 2018; 5:171645. [PMID: 29765640 PMCID: PMC5936905 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.171645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The rigid structure of the mammalian trachea is functional to maintain constant patency and airflow during breathing, but no gas exchange takes place through its walls. The structure of the organ in dolphins shows increased rigidity of the tracheal cartilaginous rings and the presence of vascular lacunae in the submucosa. However, no actual comparison was ever made between the size and capacity of the vascular lacunae of the dolphin trachea and the potentially homologous structures of terrestrial mammals. In the present study, the extension of the lacunae has been compared between the bottlenose dolphin and the bovine, a closely related terrestrial Cetartiodactyla. Our results indicate that the extension of the blood spaces in the submucosa of dolphins is over 12 times larger than in the corresponding structure of the bovines. Furthermore, a microscopic analysis revealed the presence of valve-like structures in the walls of the cetacean lacunae. The huge difference in size suggests that the lacunae are not merely a product of individual physiological plasticity, but may constitute a true adaptive evolutionary character, functional to life in the aquatic environment. The presence of valve-like structures may be related to the regulation of blood flow, and curtail excessive compression under baric stress at depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ballarin
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Technology Transfer Office, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Peruffo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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Abstract
A new model lung (ML), designed to reproduce the tracheal pressure vs. fluid flow relationship in animals undergoing total liquid ventilation (TLV) trials, was developed to be used as a mock bench test for neonatal TLV circuits. The ML is based on a linear inertance-resistance-compliance (LRC) lumped-parameter model of the respiratory system with different resistance values for inspiration (Rinsp) or expiration (Rexp). The resistant element was set up using polypropylene hollow fibres packed inside a tube. A passive oneway valve was used to control the resistance cross-section area provided for the liquid to generate different values for Rinsp or Rexp, each adjustable by regulating the active length of the respective fibre pack. The compliant element consists of a cylindrical column reservoir, in which bars of different diameter were inserted to adjust compliance (C). The inertial phenomena occurring in the central airways during TLV were reproduced by specifically dimensioned conduits into which the endotracheal tube connecting the TLV circuit to the ML was inserted. A number of elements with different inertances (L) were used to simulate different sized airways. A linear pressure drop-to-flow rate relationship was obtained for flow rates up to 5 l/min. The measured C (0.8 to 1.3 mL cmH2O−1 kg−1), Rinsp (90 to 850 cmH2O s l−1), and Rexp (50 to 400 cmH2O s l −1) were in agreement with the literature concerning animals weighing from 1 to 12 kg. Moreover, features observed in data acquired during in vivo TLV sessions, such as pressure oscillations due to fluid inertia in the upper airways, were similarly obtained in vitro thanks to the inertial element in the ML.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bagnoli
- Department of Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy.
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Cammalleri M, Locri F, Catalani E, Filippi L, Cervia D, Dal Monte M, Bagnoli P. The Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blocker Propranolol Counteracts Retinal Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Oxygen Induced Retinopathy: Restoring the Balance between Apoptosis and Autophagy. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:395. [PMID: 29375312 PMCID: PMC5770647 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR), beta adrenergic receptor (BAR) blockade has been shown to recover hypoxia-associated retinal damages. Although the adrenergic signaling is an important regulator of apoptotic and autophagic processes, the role of BARs in retinal cell death remains to be elucidated. The present study was aimed at investigating whether ameliorative effects of BAR blockers may occur through their coordinated action on apoptosis and autophagy. To this aim, retinas from control and OIR mice untreated or treated with propranolol, a non-selective BAR1/2 blocker, were characterized in terms of expression and localization of apoptosis and autophagy markers. The effects of propranolol on autophagy signaling were also evaluated and specific autophagy modulators were used to get functional information on the autophagic effects of BAR antagonism. Finally, propranolol effects on neurodegenerative processes were associated to an electrophysiological investigation of retinal function by recording electroretinogram (ERG). We found that retinas of OIR mice are characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased autophagy, while propranolol reduces apoptosis and stimulates autophagy. In particular, propranolol triggers autophagosome formation in bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells that are committed to die by apoptosis in response to hypoxia. Also our data argue that propranolol, through the inhibition of the Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, activates autophagy which decreases retinal cell death. At the functional level, propranolol recovers dysfunctional ERG by recovering the amplitude of a- and b-waves, and oscillatory potentials, thus indicating an efficient restoring of retinal transduction. Overall, our results demonstrate that BAR1/2 are key regulators of retinal apoptosis/autophagy, and that BAR1/2 blockade leads to autophagy-mediated neuroprotection. Reinstating the balance between apoptotic and autophagic machines may therefore be viewed as a future goal in the treatment of retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Catalani
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Cervia
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro-Food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Lardner E, Kvanta A, Rusciano D, André H, Bagnoli P. Efficacy of a Fatty Acids Dietary Supplement in a Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101079. [PMID: 28961167 PMCID: PMC5691696 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge of the benefits of nutrition supplements for eye pathologies is based largely on the use of appropriate animal models, together with defined dietary supplementation. Here, C57BL6 mice were subretinally injected with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, an established model of retinal degeneration with a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like phenotype, an eye pathology that lacks treatment. In response to PEG-400, markers of the complement system, angiogenesis, inflammation, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were upregulated in both retinas and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroids, whereas dietary supplementation with a mixture based on fatty acids counteracted their upregulation. Major effects include a reduction of inflammation, in both retinas and RPE/choroids, and an inhibition of macrophage infiltration in the choroid, yet not in the retina, suggesting a targeted action through the choroidal vasculature. Histological analysis revealed a thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), together with dysregulation of the epithelium layer in response to PEG-400. In addition, immunohistofluorescence demonstrated Müller cell gliosis and macrophage infiltration into subretinal tissues supporting the molecular findings. Reduced ONL thickness, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were counteracted by the diet supplement. The present data suggest that fatty acids may represent a useful form of diet supplementation to prevent or limit the progression of dry AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Emma Lardner
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Fidia Pharma, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio (FM), Italy.
| | - Helder André
- Section of Eye and Vision, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, St Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Polhemsgatan 50, SE-112 82 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
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Pisani F, Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Mola MG, Nicchia GP, Frigeri A, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. Potential role of the methylation of VEGF gene promoter in response to hypoxia in oxygen-induced retinopathy: beneficial effect of the absence of AQP4. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:613-627. [PMID: 28940930 PMCID: PMC5742711 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia‐dependent accumulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in retinal diseases characterized by neovessel formation. In this study, we investigated whether the glial water channel Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is involved in the hypoxia‐dependent VEGF upregulation in the retina of a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR). The expression levels of VEGF, the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the production of nitric oxide (NO), the methylation status of the HIF‐1 binding site (HBS) in the VEGF gene promoter, the binding of HIF‐1α to the HBS, the retinal vascularization and function have been determined in the retina of wild‐type (WT) and AQP4 knock out (KO) mice under hypoxic (OIR) or normoxic conditions. In response to 5 days of hypoxia, WT mice were characterized by (i) AQP4 upregulation, (ii) increased levels of VEGF, HIF‐1α, iNOS and NO, (iii) pathological angiogenesis as determined by engorged retinal tufts and (iv) dysfunctional electroretinogram (ERG). AQP4 deletion prevents VEGF, iNOS and NO upregulation in response to hypoxia thus leading to reduced retinal damage although in the presence of high levels of HIF‐1α. In AQP4 KO mice, HBS demethylation in response to the beginning of hypoxia is lower than in WT mice reducing the binding of HIF‐1α to the VEGF gene promoter. We conclude that in the absence of AQP4, an impaired HBS demethylation prevents HIF‐1 binding to the VEGF gene promoter and the relative VEGF transactivation, reducing the VEGF‐induced retinal damage in response to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pisani
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Mola
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Frigeri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
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Filippi L, Cavallaro G, Berti E, Padrini L, Araimo G, Regiroli G, Bozzetti V, De Angelis C, Tagliabue P, Tomasini B, Buonocore G, Agosti M, Bossi A, Chirico G, Aversa S, Pasqualetti R, Fortunato P, Osnaghi S, Cavallotti B, Vanni M, Borsari G, Donati S, Nascimbeni G, la Marca G, Forni G, Milani S, Cortinovis I, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Calvani AM, Pugi A, Villamor E, Donzelli G, Mosca F. Study protocol: safety and efficacy of propranolol 0.2% eye drops in newborns with a precocious stage of retinopathy of prematurity (DROP-ROP-0.2%): a multicenter, open-label, single arm, phase II trial. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:165. [PMID: 28709412 PMCID: PMC5513165 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) still represents one of the leading causes of visual impairment in childhood. Systemic propranolol has proven to be effective in reducing ROP progression in preterm newborns, although safety was not sufficiently guaranteed. On the contrary, topical treatment with propranolol eye micro-drops at a concentration of 0.1% had an optimal safety profile in preterm newborns with ROP, but was not sufficiently effective in reducing the disease progression if administered at an advanced stage (during stage 2). The aim of the present protocol is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propranolol 0.2% eye micro-drops in preterm newborns at a more precocious stage of ROP (stage 1). METHODS A multicenter, open-label, phase II, clinical trial, planned according to the Simon optimal two-stage design, will be performed to analyze the safety and efficacy of propranolol 0.2% eye micro-drops in preterm newborns with stage 1 ROP. Preterm newborns with a gestational age of 23-32 weeks, with a stage 1 ROP will receive propranolol 0.2% eye micro-drops treatment until retinal vascularization has been completed, but for no longer than 90 days. Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters will be continuously monitored. Blood samplings checking metabolic, renal and liver functions, as well as electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, will be periodically performed to investigate treatment safety. Additionally, propranolol plasma levels will be measured at the steady state, on the 10th day of treatment. To assess the efficacy of topical treatment, the ROP progression from stage 1 ROP to stage 2 or 3 with plus will be evaluated by serial ophthalmologic examinations. DISCUSSION Propranolol eye micro-drops could represent an ideal strategy in counteracting ROP, because it is definitely safer than oral administration, inexpensive and an easily affordable treatment. Establishing the optimal dosage and treatment schedule is to date a crucial issue. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02504944, registered on July 19, 2015, updated July 12, 2016. EudraCT Number 2014-005472-29.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's' Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elettra Berti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's' Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Padrini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's' Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Araimo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Regiroli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bozzetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MBBM Foundation, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara De Angelis
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MBBM Foundation, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Tagliabue
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, MBBM Foundation, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomasini
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Buonocore
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Banchi di Sotto, 55, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Angela Bossi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Gaetano Chirico
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aversa
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberta Pasqualetti
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Pina Fortunato
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Osnaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Cavallotti
- Department of Ophthalomolgy, ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vanni
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Giulia Borsari
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Donati
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nascimbeni
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital "Spedali Civili" of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Forni
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvano Milani
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Cortinovis
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Calvani
- Department of Pharmacy, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pugi
- Clinical Trial Office, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gianpaolo Donzelli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, Meyer University Children's' Hospital, viale Pieraccini 24, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Locri F, Marsili S, Dal Monte M, Pisano C, Mancinelli A, Lista L, Rusciano D, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Bagnoli P. The Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT Recovers Dysfunctional Electroretinogram and Blood–Retinal Barrier Leakage in a Rat Model of Diabetes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Pisano
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Angelo Mancinelli
- Medicinal Investigational Research, Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Filippi L, Cavallaro G, Bagnoli P, Dal Monte M, Fiorini P, Berti E, Padrini L, Donzelli G, Araimo G, Cristofori G, Fumagalli M, la Marca G, Della Bona ML, Pasqualetti R, Fortunato P, Osnaghi S, Tomasini B, Vanni M, Calvani AM, Milani S, Cortinovis I, Pugi A, Agosti M, Mosca F. Propranolol 0.1% eye micro-drops in newborns with retinopathy of prematurity: a pilot clinical trial. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:307-314. [PMID: 27814346 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral propranolol reduces retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) progression, although not safely. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of propranolol eye micro-drops in preterm newborns with ROP. METHODS A multicenter open-label trial, planned according to the Simon optimal two-stage design, was performed to analyze safety and efficacy of propranolol micro-drops in newborns with stage 2 ROP. To this end, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were monitored, and blood samples were collected weekly, for 3 wk. Propranolol plasma levels were also monitored. The progression of the disease was evaluated with serial ophthalmologic examinations. RESULTS Twenty-three newborns were enrolled. Since the fourth of the first 19 newborns enrolled in the first stage of the study showed a progression to stage 2 or 3 with plus, the second stage was prematurely discontinued. Even though the objective to complete the second stage was not achieved, the percentage of ROP progression (26%) was similar to that obtained previously with oral propranolol administration. However, no adverse effects were observed and propranolol plasma levels were significantly lower than those measured after oral administration. CONCLUSION Propranolol 0.1% eye micro-drops are well tolerated, but not sufficiently effective. Further studies are required to identify the optimal dose and administration schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, Unit of General Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizio Fiorini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elettra Berti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Padrini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Donzelli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Araimo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Cristofori
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Della Bona
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Newborn Screening, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Laboratory, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Pasqualetti
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Pina Fortunato
- Pediatric Ophthalmology, A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Osnaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Polclinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Tomasini
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vanni
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Calvani
- Department of Pharmacy, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvano Milani
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Cortinovis
- Laboratory "G.A. Maccacro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pugi
- Clinical Trial Office, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Agosti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Marsili S, Lista L, De Rosa M, Pavone V, Rusciano D, Bagnoli P. Diabetic Retinopathy in the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Preventive Efficacy of Inhibiting the Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor System. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:2904150. [PMID: 29464181 PMCID: PMC5804371 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2904150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rat is of increasing preclinical interest because of its similarities to human type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR). The system formed by urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) is a player in blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in DR. Here, we investigated whether in SDT rats, preventive administration of UPARANT, an inhibitor of the uPAR pathway, counteracts the retinal impairment in response to chronic hyperglycemia. Electroretinogram (ERG) monitoring was followed over time. Fluorescein-dextran microscopy, CD31 immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, ELISA, Evans blue perfusion, and Western blot were also used. UPARANT prevented ERG dysfunction, upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-2, BRB leakage, gliosis, and retinal cell death. The mechanisms underlying UPARANT benefits were studied comparing them with the acute streptozotocin (STZ) model in which UPARANT is known to inhibit DR signs. In SDT rats, but not in the STZ model, UPARANT downregulated the expression of uPAR and its membrane partners. In both models, UPARANT reduced the levels of transcription factors coupled to inflammation or inflammatory factors themselves. These findings may help to establish the uPAR system as putative target for the development of novel drugs that may prevent type 2 DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cammalleri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Marsili
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, Edificio 7, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Dario Rusciano
- Sooft Fidia Pharma, Contrada Molino 17, 63833 Montegiorgio, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Procino G, Carmosino M, Milano S, Dal Monte M, Schena G, Mastrodonato M, Gerbino A, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. β3 adrenergic receptor in the kidney may be a new player in sympathetic regulation of renal function. Kidney Int 2016; 90:555-67. [PMID: 27206969 PMCID: PMC4996630 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To date, the study of the sympathetic regulation of renal function has been restricted to the important contribution of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs). Here we investigate the expression and the possible physiologic role of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) in mouse kidney. The β3-AR is expressed in most of the nephron segments that also express the type 2 vasopressin receptor (AVPR2), including the thick ascending limb and the cortical and outer medullary collecting duct. Ex vivo experiments in mouse kidney tubules showed that β3-AR stimulation with the selective agonist BRL37344 increased intracellular cAMP levels and promoted 2 key processes in the urine concentrating mechanism. These are accumulation of the water channel aquaporin 2 at the apical plasma membrane in the collecting duct and activation of the Na-K-2Cl symporter in the thick ascending limb. Both effects were prevented by the β3-AR antagonist L748,337 or by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89. Interestingly, genetic inactivation of β3-AR in mice was associated with significantly increased urine excretion of water, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Stimulation of β3-AR significantly reduced urine excretion of water and the same electrolytes. Moreover, BRL37344 promoted a potent antidiuretic effect in AVPR2-null mice. Thus, our findings are of potential physiologic importance as they uncover the antidiuretic effect of β3-AR stimulation in the kidney. Hence, β3-AR agonism might be useful to bypass AVPR2-inactivating mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Serena Milano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Schena
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, National Research Council, Bari, Italy; National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
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40
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Cammalleri M, Dal Monte M, Locri F, Lista L, Aronsson M, Kvanta A, Rusciano D, De Rosa M, Pavone V, André H, Bagnoli P. The Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT Mitigates Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Laser-Induced Choroidal Neovascularization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 57:2600–2611. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Lista
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Monica Aronsson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kvanta
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Mario De Rosa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Helder André
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Section of Ophthalmology and Vision, St. Erik Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Nicchia GP, Pisani F, Simone L, Cibelli A, Mola MG, Dal Monte M, Frigeri A, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. Glio-vascular modifications caused by Aquaporin-4 deletion in the mouse retina. Exp Eye Res 2016; 146:259-268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bonfanti M, Cammi A, Bagnoli P. Gas transfer model to design a ventilator for neonatal total liquid ventilation. Med Eng Phys 2015; 37:1133-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cutrì E, Serrani M, Bagnoli P, Fumero R, Costantino ML. The cardiac torsion as a sensitive index of heart pathology: A model study. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2015; 55:104-119. [PMID: 26580023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The torsional behaviour of the heart (i.e. the mutual rotation of the cardiac base and apex) was proved to be sensitive to alterations of some cardiovascular parameters, i.e. preload, afterload and contractility. Moreover, pathologies which affect the fibers architecture and cardiac geometry were proved to alter the cardiac torsion pattern. For these reasons, cardiac torsion represents a sensitive index of ventricular performance. The aim of this work is to provide further insight into physiological and pathological alterations of the cardiac torsion by means of computational analyses, combining a structural model of the two ventricles with simple lumped parameter models of both the systemic and the pulmonary circulations. Starting from diagnostic images, a 3D anatomy based geometry of the two ventricles was reconstructed. The myocytes orientation in the ventricles was assigned according to literature data and the myocardium was modelled as an anisotropic hyperelastic material. Both the active and the passive phases of the cardiac cycle were modelled, and different clinical conditions were simulated. The results in terms of alterations of the cardiac torsion in the presence of pathologies are in agreement with experimental literature data. The use of a computational approach allowed the investigation of the stresses and strains in the ventricular wall as well as of the global hemodynamic parameters in the presence of the considered pathologies. Furthermore, the model outcomes highlight how for specific pathological conditions, an altered torsional pattern of the ventricles can be present, encouraging the use of the ventricular torsion in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cutrì
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - M Serrani
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, UK.
| | - P Bagnoli
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - R Fumero
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - M L Costantino
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Dal Monte M, Rezzola S, Cammalleri M, Belleri M, Locri F, Morbidelli L, Corsini M, Paganini G, Semeraro F, Cancarini A, Rusciano D, Presta M, Bagnoli P. Antiangiogenic Effectiveness of the Urokinase Receptor-Derived Peptide UPARANT in a Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:2392-407. [PMID: 25766585 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pharmacologic control of neovascularization is a promising approach for the treatment of retinal angiogenesis. UPARANT, an inhibitor of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), inhibits VEGF-driven angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. This study investigates for the first time the effectiveness of UPARANT in counteracting pathologic neovascularization in the retina. METHODS Murine retinal fragments and a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) were used. In mice with OIR, UPARANT-treated retinas were analyzed for avascular area and neovascular tuft formation. Levels of transcription and proangiogenic factors were determined. UPARANT effects on the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), visual function, retinal cytoarchitecture, and inflammatory markers were also assessed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in which angiogenesis was induced by the vitreous fluid from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) were also used. RESULTS UPARANT reduced VEGF-induced angiogenesis in retinal fragments. In mice with OIR, UPARANT decreased neovascular response, VEGF, and VEGF receptor-2 activity. Transcription factors regulating VEGF expression were also reduced. UPARANT restored BRB integrity, recovered visual loss, and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. Restored electroretinogram does not involve any rescue in the retinal cytoarchitecture. Finally, UPARANT blocked PDR vitreous fluid-induced angiogenesis in HUVEC and CAM assays. CONCLUSIONS The finding that UPARANT is effective against neovascularization may help to establish uPAR as a target in the treatment of proliferative retinopathies. The potential application of UPARANT in retinal diseases is further supported by UPARANT capacity to counteract the angiogenic activity of PDR vitreous fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Locri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paganini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cancarini
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Rezzola S, Dal Monte M, Belleri M, Bugatti A, Chiodelli P, Corsini M, Cammalleri M, Cancarini A, Morbidelli L, Oreste P, Bagnoli P, Semeraro F, Presta M. Therapeutic Potential of Anti-Angiogenic Multitarget N,O-Sulfated E. Coli K5 Polysaccharide in Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetes 2015; 64:2581-92. [PMID: 25695948 DOI: 10.2337/db14-1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockers have been developed for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), the leading cause of visual impairments in the working-age population in the Western world. However, limitations to anti-VEGF therapies may exist because of the local production of other proangiogenic factors that may cause resistance to anti-VEGF interventions. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches targeting additional pathways are required. Here, we identified a sulfated derivative of the Escherichia coli polysaccharide K5 [K5-N,OS(H)] as a multitarget molecule highly effective in inhibiting VEGF-driven angiogenic responses in different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays, including a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Furthermore, K5-N,OS(H) binds a variety of heparin-binding angiogenic factors upregulated in PDR vitreous humor besides VEGF, thus inhibiting their biological activity. Finally, K5-N,OS(H) hampers the angiogenic activity exerted in vitro and in vivo by human vitreous fluid samples collected from patients with PDR. Together, the data provide compelling experimental evidence that K5-N,OS(H) represents an antiangiogenic multitarget molecule with potential implications for the therapy of pathologic neovessel formation in the retina of patients with PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mirella Belleri
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Chiodelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Corsini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cancarini
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Presta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Abstract
The potential of polymeric heart valves (PHV) prostheses is to combine the hemodynamic performances of biological valves with the durability of mechanical valves. The aim of this work is to design and develop a new tri-leaflet prosthetic heart valve (HV) made from styrenic block copolymers. A computational finite element model was implemented to optimize the thickness of the leaflets, to improve PHV mechanical and hydrodynamic performances. Based on the model outcomes, 8 prototypes of the designed valve were produced and tested in vitro under continuous and pulsatile flow conditions, as prescribed by ISO 5840 Standard. A specially designed pulse duplicator allowed testing the PHVs at different flow rates and frequency conditions. All the PHVs met the requirements specified in ISO 5840 Standard in terms of both regurgitation and effective orifice area (EOA), demonstrating their potential as HV prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Gaetano
- Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering
“Giulio Natta” Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32,
20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering
“Giulio Natta” Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32,
20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Zaffora
- Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering
“Giulio Natta” Politecnico di Milano Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32,
20133 Milan, Italy
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47
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Procino G, Milano S, Dal Monte M, Nicoletti M, Mastrodonato M, Li J, Wess J, Carmosino M, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. Sympathetic Stimulation In The Kidney: A Possible Antidiuretic Effect Of BAR3? FASEB J 2015. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.809.13] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Procino
- BiosciencesBiotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics University of BARIBariItaly
| | - Serena Milano
- BiosciencesBiotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics University of BARIBariItaly
| | | | - Maria Nicoletti
- BiosciencesBiotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics University of BARIBariItaly
| | | | - Jian Li
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesBethesdaMDUnited States
| | - Jurgen Wess
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesBethesdaMDUnited States
| | - Monica Carmosino
- BiosciencesBiotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics University of BARIBariItaly
| | | | - Maria Svelto
- BiosciencesBiotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics University of BARIBariItaly
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48
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Carmosino M, Dal Monte M, Schena G, Torretta S, Gerbino A, Procino G, Bagnoli P, Svelto M. Functional Cross‐talk in the Kidney between
ß
3
Adrenergic Receptors and NKCC2 in the Thick Ascending Limb of the Loop of Henle
. FASEB J 2015. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.809.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvia Torretta
- Biosciences, Biotechnologies and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Biosciences, Biotechnologies and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Biosciences, Biotechnologies and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | | | - Maria Svelto
- Biosciences, Biotechnologies and BiopharmaceuticsUniversity of BariBariItaly
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Filippi L, Dal Monte M, Casini G, Daniotti M, Sereni F, Bagnoli P. Infantile hemangiomas, retinopathy of prematurity and cancer: a common pathogenetic role of the β-adrenergic system. Med Res Rev 2014; 35:619-52. [PMID: 25523517 DOI: 10.1002/med.21336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The serendipitous demonstration that the nonselective β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) antagonist propranolol promotes the regression of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) aroused interest around the involvement of the β-adrenergic system in angiogenic processes. The efficacy of propranolol was related to the β2-AR blockade and the consequent inhibition of the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting the hypothesis that propranolol could also be effective in treating retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a retinal pathology characterized by VEGF-induced neoangiogenesis. Consequent to the encouraging animal studies, a pilot clinical trial showed that oral propranolol protects newborns from ROP progression, even though this treatment is not sufficiently safe. Further, animal studies clarified the role of β3-ARs in the development of ROP and, together with several preclinical studies demonstrating the key role of the β-adrenergic system in tumor progression, vascularization, and metastasis, prompted us to also investigate the participation of β3-ARs in tumor growth. The aim of this review is to gather the recent findings on the role of the β-adrenergic system in IHs, ROP, and cancer, highlighting the fact that these different pathologies, triggered by different pathogenic noxae, share common pathogenic mechanisms characterized by the presence of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, which may be contrasted by targeting the β-adrenergic system. The mechanisms characterizing the pathogenesis of IHs, ROP, and cancer may also be active during the fetal-neonatal development, and a great contribution to the knowledge on the role of β-ARs in diseases characterized by chronic hypoxia may come from research focusing on the fetal and neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Dal Monte M, Cammalleri M, Mattei E, Filippi L, Bagnoli P. Protective effects of β1/2 adrenergic receptor deletion in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 56:59-73. [PMID: 25503457 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) regulate angiogenesis in proliferative retinopathies. We studied the effects of β1/2-AR deletion in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) to confirm the role of β1- and/or β2-ARs in regulating angiogenesis and to get insights into the role of β3-ARs. METHODS Mice with β1/2-AR deletion (KO) were used. Levels of norepinephrine (NE), β3-ARs, transcription, and proangiogenic factors were evaluated. Retinas were analyzed for avascular area and neovascular tufts in the superficial plexus. Deep plexus and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) were also analyzed. Neovascularization, proangiogenic factors, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and nitrite production were assessed after BRL 37344, a β3-AR agonist. RESULTS Oxygen-induced retinopathy was characterized by NE upregulation with higher levels in wild type (WT) than in KO. Wild type and KO displayed comparable levels of β3-ARs, transcription, and proangiogenic factors, but differed in VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression with VEGFR-1 in WT lower than in KO and VEGFR-2 in WT higher than in KO. Blood-retinal barrier dysfunction did not differ between WT and KO. Vascular abnormalities in the superficial plexus were abolished by β1/2-AR deletion, which also helped the development of the deep plexus. In both WT and KO, β3-AR agonism, acting through the nitric oxide pathway, caused enhanced neovascular responses with increased levels of VEGF. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that β1- and β2-ARs play a pivotal role in retinal angiogenesis. In their presence, β3-ARs potentiate angiogenic responses, whereas, in their absence, β3-ARs sustain the angiogenic drive. These results suggest β-ARs as promising targets for therapies aimed to counteract proliferative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabetta Mattei
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Surgical Fetal-Neonatal Department, "A. Meyer" University Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bagnoli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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