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Piras M, Coni P, Piludu M, Coni S, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Cau F, Scano A, Orrù G, Murru R, Pichiri G. Human breast milk cells are positive for the pioneer transcription factor ISL1. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:8842-8849. [PMID: 37782193 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ISL1 is a pioneer transcription factor that plays important roles in cell lineage specification and differentiation, by programming the epigenome and recruiting additional regulatory factors. The aim of this study is to determine whether the human breastmilk contains ISL1-positive stem cells, and, if so, to describe the subcellular localization of ISL1. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast milk was obtained from fourteen healthy females during the first 2-6 months of lactation. Cell morphology was examined in the breast milk with the automatic ThinPrep® processor (Hologic® Inc.) in commercial Cytological ThinPrep® solution (Hologic® Inc.), followed by standard immunohistochemical staining of ISL1. RESULTS ISL1 had a granular diffuse cytoplasmic localization, with varying intensity of staining in both single and grouped cells. Nuclear staining was also present, as was staining of intracellular and extracellular vesicles with ISL1 antibody. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that ISL1 could distinguish a readily available source of putative stem cells in human breast milk. These stem cells may complete the network created between the mother and the newborn during gestation, thereby improving the efficiency of programming and reprogramming postnatal events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Gerosa C, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Aimola V, Cau F, Coni P, Piras M, Cau R, Balestrieri A, Scano A, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Fanni D, Saba L. The human carotid atherosclerotic plaque: an observational review of histological scoring systems. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27:3784-3792. [PMID: 37140327 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202304_32179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The atherosclerotic plaque is a complex dynamic pathological lesion of the arterial wall, characterized by multiple elementary lesions of different diagnostic and prognostic significance. Fibrous cap thickness, lipid necrotic core dimension, inflammation, intra-plaque hemorrhage (IPH), plaque neovascularization and endothelial dysfunction (erosions) are generally considered the most relevant morphological details of plaque morphology. In this review, the most relevant features able to discriminate between stable and vulnerable plaques at histological level are discussed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Retrospectively, we have evaluated the laboratory results from one hundred old histological samples from patients treated with carotid endarterectomy. These results were analyzed to assess elementary lesions that characterize stable and unstable plaques. RESULTS A thin fibrous cap (<65 micron), loss of smooth muscle cells, collagen depletion, a large lipid-rich necrotic core, infiltrating macrophages, IPH and intra-plaque vascularization are identified as the most important risk factors associated with plaque rupture. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin (smooth muscle cell marker) and for CD68 (marker of monocytes/macrophages) and glycophorin (marker of red blood cells) are suggested as useful tools for an in deep characterization of any carotid plaque and for distinguishing plaque phenotypes at histology. Since patients with a carotid vulnerable plaque are at higher risk of developing vulnerable plaques in other arteries as well, the definition of the vulnerability index is underlined, in order to stratify patients at higher risk for undergoing cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piludu M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Congiu T, Faa G, Lachowicz JI. Cell starvation increases uptake of extracellular Thymosin β4 and its complexes with calcium. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109743. [PMID: 36706591 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109743] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cell metastasis is the main cause of cancer mortality. Inhibiting early events during cell metastasis and invasion could significantly improve cancer prognosis, but the initial mechanisms of cell transition and migration are barely known. Calcium regulates cell migration, whilst Thymosin β4 is a G-actin and iron binding peptide associated with tumor metastasis and ferroptosis. Under normal cell growth conditions, intracellular free calcium ions and Thymosin β4 concentrations are strictly regulated, and are not influenced by extracellular supplementation. However, cell starvation decreases intracellular Thymosin β4 and increases extracellular peptide uptake above the normal range. Unexpectedly, cell starvation significantly increases internalization of extracellular Ca2+/Thymosin β4 complexes. Elucidating the role of Ca2+/Thymosin β4 in the early events of metastasis will likely be important in the future to develop therapies targeting metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Atzori L, Ferreli C, Agosta D, Mou M, Coni P, Lachowicz JI, Pilloni L. Generalized scleroderma-like induration associated with D-penicillamine elastosis perforans serpiginosa in Wilson's disease. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:246-249. [PMID: 35968714 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16376] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Atzori
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Caterina Ferreli
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniele Agosta
- Unit of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Pilloni
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Coni P, Piras M, Piludu M, Lachowicz JI, Matteddu A, Coni S, Reali A, Fanos V, Jaremko M, Faa G, Pichiri G. Exploring cell surface markers and cell-cell interactions of human breast milk stem cells. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036221150332. [PMID: 36712902 PMCID: PMC9880586 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221150332] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breakthrough studies have shown that pluripotent stem cells are present in human breast milk. The expression of pluripotency markers by breast milk cells is heterogeneous, relating to cellular hierarchy, from early-stage multi-lineage stem cells to fully differentiated mammary epithelial cells, as well as weeks of gestation and days of lactation. Design and methods Here, we qualitatively analyze cell marker expression in freshly isolated human breast milk cells, without any manipulation that could influence protein expression. Moreover, we use electron microscopy to investigate cell-cell networks in breast milk for the first time, providing evidence of active intercellular communication between cells expressing different cellular markers. Results The immunocytochemistry results of human breast milk cells showed positive staining in all samples for CD44, CD45, CD133, and Ki67 markers. Variable positivity was present with P63, Tβ4 and CK14 markers. No immunostaining was detected for Wt1, nestin, Nanog, OCT4, SOX2, CK5, and CD34 markers. Cells isolated from human breast milk form intercellular connections, which together create a cell-to-cell communication network. Conclusions Cells freshly isolated form human breast milk, without particular manipulations, show heterogeneous expression of stemness markers. The studied milk staminal cells show "pluripotency" at different stages of differentiation, and are present as single cells or grouped cells. The adjacent cell interactions are evidenced by electron microscopy, which showed the formation of intercellular connections, numerous contact regions, and thin pseudopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Joanna Izabela Lachowicz, Department of
Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella
Universitaria, Monserrato, Cagliari 09048, Italy.
| | - Anna Matteddu
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Reali
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di
Cagliari, Terapia Intesiva Neonatale (TIN), P.O. Duilio Casula di Monserrato,
Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red
Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environ-mental Sciences and
Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST),
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Piras M, Fanni D, Congiu T, Cau F, Piludu M, Coni S, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orgerie J, Scano A, Orrù G, Gerosa C, Faa G. CD44 is highly expressed in stem/progenitor cells originating the intervertebral discs in the human notochord. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:8502-8507. [PMID: 36459031 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202211_30385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The notochord acts as a patterning structure, playing a key role in the formation of the vertebral column, both indirectly by inducing sclerotome cell differentiation and directly by forming the nucleus pulposus of intervertebral discs. The abnormal development of the notochord results in an easy equation with a variety of birth defects. Therefore, we focused our attention on the analysis of the early stages of human notochord development by highlighting the role of progenitor stem cells involved in the origin of intervertebral discs (IVDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight human fetuses, ranging from 8 up to 21 weeks of gestational age, were obtained from spontaneous abortion or voluntary interruption of gestation. Samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed, and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-tick paraffin sections were obtained from each sample. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. Tissue samples were immunostained with a commercial anti-human CD44 rabbit monoclonal antibody at 1:100 dilution. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for CD44 was detected in six out of eight notochords examined in this study. Reactivity for CD44 was restricted to progenitor cells giving rise to the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the developing IVDs. Positive cells showed a membranous and/or cytoplasmic immunostaining, no reactivity was observed in the nuclear compartment. CD44 expression was always restricted to IVD precursor cells, whereas cartilage precursors were devoid of labelling. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows, for the first time, that the stem cell marker CD44 selectively marks intervertebral disc progenitor cells, paralleling their differentiation toward a discogenic phenotype. Therefore, our results suggest that CD44 plays a key role in IVD development, allowing its differentiation from surrounding undifferentiated notochordal cells toward a IVD phenotype. Given the role of CD44 in IVD development, we may hypothesize that low CD44 levels might be associated with changes in IVD development and with susceptibility to develop back pain later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Gerosa C, Congiu T, Cau F, Fanni D, Pichiri G, Coni P, Lachowicz JI, Schirru E, Congia M, Rossino R, Muntoni S, Jaremko M, Piludu M. Toward the renal vesicle: Ultrastructural investigation of the cap mesenchyme splitting process in the developing kidney. J Public Health Res 2022; 11:22799036221124076. [PMID: 36310827 PMCID: PMC9597041 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221124076] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A complex sequence of morphogenetic events leads to the development of the adult mouse kidney. In the present study, we investigated the morphological events that characterize the early stages of the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of cap mesenchymal cells, analyzing in depth the relationship between cap mesenchymal induction and ureteric bud (UB) branching. Design and methods Normal kidneys of newborn non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were excised and prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Results Nephrogenesis was evident in the outer portion of the renal cortex of all examined samples. This process was mainly due to the interaction of two primordial derivatives, the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme. Early renal developmental stages were initially characterized by the formation of a continuous layer of condensed mesenchymal cells around the tips of the ureteric buds. These caps of mesenchymal cells affected the epithelial cells of the underlying ureteric bud, possibly inducing their growth and branching. Conclusions The present study provides morphological evidence of the reciprocal induction between the ureteric bud and the metanephric mesenchyme showing that the ureteric buds convert mesenchyme to epithelium that in turn stimulates the growth and the branching of the ureteric bud.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy,Terenzio Congiu, Department of Medical
Sciences and Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale Cagliari,
Cagliari, Sardegna 09124, Italy.
| | - Flaviana Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Enrico Schirru
- CeSaSASt. Centro Servizi di Ateneo per
gli Stabulari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Mauro Congia
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology,
Microcitemico Hospital, Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Rossano Rossino
- Department of Medical Sciences and
Public Health, AOU, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Sandro Muntoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Biological and Environmental Sciences
& Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and
Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy,Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo
Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase (CSGI), Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Scano A, Casu C, Orrù G, Coni P. Editorial - Epigenetic mechanisms in oral cancer: new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:7318-7320. [PMID: 36314301 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202210_30000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Scano
- Oral Biotechnology Laboratory (OBL), Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cau F, Fanni D, Manchia M, Gerosa C, Piras M, Murru R, Paribello P, Congiu T, Coni P, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Van Eyken P, Gibo Y, La Nasa G, Orrù G, Scano A, Coghe F, Saba L, Castagnola M, Faa G. Expression of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) in extracellular vesicles in the human spinal cord during development. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:6273-6282. [PMID: 36111928 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a glycoprotein characterized by three components: an extracellular region, a transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic tail. L1CAM is expressed in multiple human cells, including neurons. The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 has been implicated in a variety of neurologic processes, including neuritogenesis and cerebellar cell migration. The presence of L1CAM on the surface of nerve cells allows the adhesion of neurons among them. Furthermore, when it is bound to itself or to other proteins, L1-CAM induces signals inside the cell. The aim of this work was to study L1CAM expression in the human spinal cord during development, at different gestational ages, through immunohistochemistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in five human spinal cord samples, including three embryos and two fetuses of different gestational ages, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. RESULTS L1CAM expression was detected in all 5 spinal cords examined in this study. The adhesion molecule was found in the vast majority of cells. The highest levels of immunoreactivity for L1CAM were detected at the periphery of the developing organs, in the spinal cord zones occupied by sensory and motor fibers. In the alar and basal columns, immunoreactivity for L1CAM was characterized by a reticular pattern, being mainly expressed in axons. Strong reactivity of L1CAM was also found in extracellular vesicles. This extracellular localization might indicate the ability of L1CAM to mediate the transduction of extracellular signals that support axon outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS The high reactivity of L1cam in the axons of developing neurons in the fetal spinal cord confirms previous studies on the ability of L1CAM to promote axon sprouting and branching in the developing nervous system. In this work, a new actor is reported to have a role in the complex field of human spinal cord development: L1CAM, whose expression is highly found in the developing neuronal and glial precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Cau F, Gerosa C, Murru R, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piras M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Coghe F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Fanni D, Faa G. Interindividual variability in L1CAM expression in the human kidney during development: are there implications for fetal programming of kidney diseases presenting in adulthood? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4346-4353. [PMID: 35776035 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202206_29073] [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] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. The present study investigated the expression of L1CAM during the development in the fetal human kidney at different gestational ages, to reach a better knowledge on the role of L1CAM in renal morphogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The immunohistochemical analysis for L1CAM was performed in 24 fetal kidneys of different gestational ages, ranging from 10 to 38 weeks. L1CAM expression was observed in all 24 kidneys examined. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for L1CAM was restricted to the collecting tubules, of the developing fetal kidneys. Moreover, L1CAM was detected in the ureteric bud tips, near the subcapsular metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. L1CAM was also expressed in the collecting tubules undergoing fusion with the distal tubules of the developing nephrons. L1CAM was mainly expressed along the cell membrane. In fetal kidneys in which the renal pelvis was observed, epithelial cells of the renal pelvis showed strong membranous reactivity for L1CAM. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that L1CAM is expressed in all stages of human kidney nephrogenesis, being restricted to the renal structures derived from the ureteric bud. The expression of L1CAM in the cells of the ureteric bud tips suggests a major role for this adhesion molecule in the induction of metanephric mesenchymal cells to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and differentiation into new nephrons. The interindividual variability in L1CAM expression observed in this study might be related to different levels of nephrogenesis, suggesting L1CAM involvement in the fetal programming of adult kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, AOU of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Coghe F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Ravarino A, Mureddu M, Cerrone G, Coni P, Pichiri G, Congiu T, Piras M, Cau F, Aimola V, Balestrieri A, Lai E, Manchia M, Scano A, Orrù G, La Nasa G, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Scartozzi M, Castagnola M, Faa G. The role of fetal programming in human carcinogenesis - May the Barker hypothesis explain interindividual variability in susceptibility to cancer insurgence and progression? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3585-3592. [PMID: 35647840 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing incidence of cancers is pushing oncologists to find out new explanations other than the somatic mutation theory, based on the accumulation of DNA mutations. In particular, the embryo-fetal exposure to an increasing number of environmental factors during gestation might represent a trigger able to influence the susceptibility of the newborn to develop cancer later in life. This idea agrees with the fetal programming theory, also known as the Barker hypothesis. Here the role of insulin-like growth factors, thymosin beta-4, and epigenome are discussed as mediators of cancer in prenatal human development. The role of epigenetic factors that during gestation increase the predisposition to develop cancer and the similarities in the gene expression (like MMP9, OPN, TP53 and CDKN2A) between embryonic development and cancer are key factors. Likewise, maternal obesity might be able to re-program embryo-fetal development with long-term changes, including an increased risk to develop neuroblastoma and acute leukemia. Birth weight alone and birth weight corrected for gestational age are proposed as important variables capable of predicting the vulnerability to develop cancers. According to the findings here reported, we hypothesize that cancer prevention should start during gestation by improving the quality of maternal diet. In conclusion, the Barker hypothesis should be applied to cancer as well. Therefore, the identification of the epigenetic factors of cancer appears mandatory, so that the cancer prevention might start in the womb before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Coghe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras M, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Coni P, Murru R, Denotti G, Orrù G, Scano A, Ledda F, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Faa G, Castagnola M. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is highly expressed in the developing human kidney. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:3301-3309. [PMID: 35587082 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202205_28749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), is a small phylogenetically conserved protein. This ancestral peptide is multifunctional, performing intracellular activities as ACBP protein or extracellular roles as DBI. Several studies showed its endless facets, including a relevant activity as appetite stimulator and as anabolic factor. High levels of ACBP have been described in erythrocytes, liver, kidney, and gut cells. The aim of this study was to analyze, at immunohistochemical level, the expression of ACBP in fetal human tissues during development, focusing on the developing kidney. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for ACBP was performed on 30 human fetal kidneys, from 15 fetuses of gestational age ranging from 13 to 19 weeks. At autopsy, all kidney samples were 10% formalin-fixed, routinely processed and paraffin-embedded. Five micron-thick paraffin sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and PAS stain for a morphological examination. RESULTS ACBP was detected in all 30 kidneys analyzed in this study. No significant changes in ACBP expression were observed at different gestational ages. Immunostaining for ACBP was restricted to the epithelium covering the renal pelvis, the papillae, the collecting tubules, and the proximal and distal tubules. On the other hand, medullary regions and in the metanephric mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells did not show any reactivity for ACBP. CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, ACBP should be considered as a new player in the complex field of human nephrogenesis, given that it was detected in all fetal kidneys immunostained. Its preferential localization in the renal structures derived from the Wolf duct, such as pelvis epithelium and collecting ducts, suggests a major role for ACBP in the induction of the metanephric mesenchymal cells toward the differentiation into glomerular structures. ACBP expression in proximal and distal tubules, two structures originating from the metanephric mesenchyme, indicates a further role of this protein in nephron development. In conclusion, ACBP should be added to the multiple molecules involved in human nephrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Lachowicz JI, Mateddu A, Coni P, Caltagirone C, Murgia S, Gibson D, Dalla Torre G, Lopez X, Meloni F, Pichiri G. Study of the DNA binding mechanism and in vitro activity against cancer cells of iron(III) and aluminium(III) kojic acid derivative complexes. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:6254-6263. [PMID: 35373808 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00111j] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metal ions have unique electrochemical and spectroscopical properties that cannot be attained by purely organic compounds. Most of the metal ions are toxic to humans, but paradoxically, metallodrugs are used in medicine as therapeutics and theranostics. Metallodrugs are eliminated in urine and faeces, and therefore release toxic metals and ligands into aquatic ecosystems, thereby raising concerns regarding environmental risks. The use of metallodrugs based on essential metal ions (i.e., iron, copper and zinc), instead of toxic ions, is a new alternative with minor hazards. Kojic acid is an Asperigillus oryzae metabolite of low toxicity used in the food and cosmetics industries. Its derivatives form stable complexes with iron(III) ions, which bind effectively to DNA and inhibit DNA polymerization. The iron(III)/S2 ligand complexes reduce in vitro colon carcinoma (Caco2) cell viability and significantly decrease the cell number. The kojic acid derivative complexes with iron(III) presented here are an alternative to the currently used platinum complexes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna I Lachowicz
- University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Anna Mateddu
- University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- University of Cagliari, Department of Chemical and Geological Science, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sergio Murgia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, Cagliari I-09124, Italy.,CSGI, Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Dan Gibson
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gabriele Dalla Torre
- Donostia International Physics Centre (DIPC), PK 1072, 20080 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain
| | - Xabier Lopez
- Donostia International Physics Centre (DIPC), PK 1072, 20080 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain
| | - Federico Meloni
- University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- University of Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
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14
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Lachowicz JI, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Fais S, Orrù G, Congiu T, Piras M, Faa G, Fanni D, Dalla Torre G, Lopez X, Chandra K, Szczepski K, Jaremko L, Ghosh M, Emwas AH, Castagnola M, Jaremko M, Hannappel E, Coni P. Thymosin β4 Is an Endogenous Iron Chelator and Molecular Switcher of Ferroptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:551. [PMID: 35008976 PMCID: PMC8745404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) was extracted forty years agofrom calf thymus. Since then, it has been identified as a G-actin binding protein involved in blood clotting, tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory processes. Tβ4 has also been implicated in tumor metastasis and neurodegeneration. However, the precise roles and mechanism(s) of action of Tβ4 in these processes remain largely unknown, with the binding of the G-actin protein being insufficient to explain these multi-actions. Here we identify for the first time the important role of Tβ4 mechanism in ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, which leads to neurodegeneration and somehow protects cancer cells against cell death. Specifically, we demonstrate four iron2+ and iron3+ binding regions along the peptide and show that the presence of Tβ4 in cell growing medium inhibits erastin and glutamate-induced ferroptosis in the macrophage cell line. Moreover, Tβ4 increases the expression of oxidative stress-related genes, namely BAX, hem oxygenase-1, heat shock protein 70 and thioredoxin reductase 1, which are downregulated during ferroptosis. We state the hypothesis that Tβ4 is an endogenous iron chelator and take part in iron homeostasis in the ferroptosis process. We discuss the literature data of parallel involvement of Tβ4 and ferroptosis in different human pathologies, mainly cancer and neurodegeneration. Our findings confronted with literature data show that controlled Tβ4 release could command on/off switching of ferroptosis and may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in cancer and tissue degeneration pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna I. Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Giusi Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sara Fais
- Department of Surgical Science, OBL Oral Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (S.F.); (G.O.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Science, OBL Oral Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (S.F.); (G.O.)
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
| | - Gabriele Dalla Torre
- Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), P.K. 1072 Donostia Euskadi, 20080 San Sebastian, Spain; (G.D.T.); (X.L.)
| | - Xabier Lopez
- Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), P.K. 1072 Donostia Euskadi, 20080 San Sebastian, Spain; (G.D.T.); (X.L.)
| | - Kousik Chandra
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (K.C.); (K.S.); (L.J.); (M.G.)
| | - Kacper Szczepski
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (K.C.); (K.S.); (L.J.); (M.G.)
| | - Lukasz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (K.C.); (K.S.); (L.J.); (M.G.)
| | - Mitra Ghosh
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (K.C.); (K.S.); (L.J.); (M.G.)
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core Labs, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; (K.C.); (K.S.); (L.J.); (M.G.)
| | - Ewald Hannappel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (J.I.L.); (T.C.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (D.F.); (P.C.)
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15
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Congiu T, Fanni D, Piras M, Gerosa C, Cau F, Barcellona D, D'Aloja E, Demontis R, Chighine A, Nioi M, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Aimola V, Botta C, Scano A, Orrù G, Coghe F, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Saba L, Suri JS, Faa G, Marongiu F. Ultrastructural findings of lung injury due to Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombo- cytopenia (VITT) following COVID-19 vaccination: a scanning electron microscopic study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:270-277. [PMID: 35049004 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202201_27777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare new syndrome occurring after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine immunization. Patients with VITT are characterized by a variable clinical presentation, likewise also the outcome of these patients is very variable. Here we report the lung ultrastructural findings in the course of VITT of a 58-year-old male patient. Alveoli were mainly dilated, irregular in shape, and occupied by a reticular network of fibrin, while interalveolar septa appeared thickened. The proliferation of small capillaries gave rise to plexiform structures and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis-like features. Near the alveoli occupied by a dense fibrin network, the medium-sized arteries showed a modified wall and an intraluminal thrombus. This scenario looks quite similar to that found during COVID-19, where the lungs suffer from the attack of the antigen-antibodies complexes and the virus respectively. In both diseases, the final outcome is a severe inflammation, activation of the haemostatic system and fibrinolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Congiu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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16
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Olianas A, Serrao S, Piras V, Manconi B, Contini C, Iavarone F, Pichiri G, Coni P, Zorcolo L, Orrù G, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M, Fanni D, Cabras T. Thymosin β4 and β10 are highly expressed at the deep infiltrative margins of colorectal cancer - A mass spectrometry analysis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:7285-7296. [PMID: 34919228 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complicated tumor, involving several oncogenic signaling pathways, and with a molecular mechanism not fully understood yet. The implication of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) with tumor insurgence and in migration of CRC cells was evidenced in the past with different methodologies, while Tβ10 connection with CRC has been sporadically investigated. This study focused on the implication of both types of thymosin in CRC progression and invasion by analyzing the changes in their levels according to different zones of the tumor, and to Dukes stage and budding index. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tβ4 and Tβ10 were analyzed in deep and superficial tumor samples, and normal mucosa from 18 patients. Concentrations of Tβ4 and Tβ10 have been measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray-ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS). MS data were compared by t-test and ANOVA statistical analysis. Identification of thymosin and their proteoforms has been performed by HPLC-high resolution-ESI-IT-MSMS. RESULTS Both Tβ4 and Tβ10, exhibited intra-tumoral quantitative differences, being upregulated in the deep part of the CRC. They exhibited, moreover, strong association with the Dukes stage and the budding grade, being more concentrated in patients at Dukes stage B and with budding index "2". CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present investigation encouraged the hypothesis that the two thymosin are involved in colorectal cancer progression, and in promoting cancer invasion. Thus, they are good candidates to be diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Olianas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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17
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Gerosa C, Faa G, Fanni D, Cerrone G, Suri JS, Barcellona D, Coni P, Congiu T, Lai ML, Piras M, Cau F, Coghe F, Balestrieri A, Cau R, Orru' G, Scano A, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Campagna M, Castagnola M, Gibo Y, Marongiu F, Saba L. Fetal programming of atherosclerosis: may the barker hypothesis explain the susceptibility of a subset of patients to develop stroke or cardiac infarct? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6633-6641. [PMID: 34787867 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202111_27107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The risk stratification of young adults between subjects who will develop a mild form of atherosclerosis and subjects who will undergo a severe disease remains inaccurate. In the eighties of the previous century, David JP Barker has demonstrated the relationship between fetal conditions and occurrence of pathologies in adulthood. In this paper, the multiple evidence that might explain the increased susceptibility to severe forms of atherosclerosis, including stroke and cardiac infarct, in subjects who underwent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) will be analyzed. Specifically, we will review those inter-connected data indicating an association between a low weight at birth and an adult phenotype which might favor a severe outcome of atherosclerosis. Young and adult subjects born too small (IUGR) or too early (pre-terms) might represent a subgroup of "at risk subjects", more susceptible toward severe forms of atherosclerosis. Given that low birth weight (LBW) may be considered a surrogate of IUGR, this phenotypic feature could be considered among those indispensable clinical data collected in every patient presenting with atherosclerosis, irrespectively of age. According to the hypothesis that structural arterial changes might represent the link between LBW and susceptibility to atherosclerosis later in life, we suggest that the prevention of atherosclerosis should begin at birth. Regenerative and physiological substances such as thymosin Beta-4 could be challenged for a new "arterial regenerative medicine" in the perinatal period. The goal of this new approach should be the reinforcement of the structure of the arterial wall, allowing LBW newborns to avoid the most severe complications of atherosclerosis later in life: a dream that our research could contribute to bringing to life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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18
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Coni P, Pichiri G, Lachowicz JI, Ravarino A, Ledda F, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Piras M, Coghe F, Gibo Y, Cau F, Castagnola M, Van Eyken P, Saba L, Piludu M, Faa G. Zinc as a Drug for Wilson's Disease, Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease and COVID-19-Related Liver Injury. Molecules 2021; 26:6614. [PMID: 34771023 PMCID: PMC8587580 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the human body, and it plays a fundamental role in human physiology, being an integral component of hundreds of enzymes and transcription factors. The discovery that zinc atoms may compete with copper for their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract let to introduce zinc in the therapy of Wilson's disease, a congenital disorder of copper metabolism characterized by a systemic copper storage. Nowadays, zinc salts are considered one of the best therapeutic approach in patients affected by Wilson's disease. On the basis of the similarities, at histological level, between Wilson's disease and non-alcoholic liver disease, zinc has been successfully introduced in the therapy of non-alcoholic liver disease, with positive effects both on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Recently, zinc deficiency has been indicated as a possible factor responsible for the susceptibility of elderly patients to undergo infection by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we present the data correlating zinc deficiency with the insurgence and progression of Covid-19 with low zinc levels associated with severe disease states. Finally, the relevance of zinc supplementation in aged people at risk for SARS-CoV-2 is underlined, with the aim that the zinc-based drug, classically used in the treatment of copper overload, might be recorded as one of the tools reducing the mortality of COVID-19, particularly in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Joanna Izabela Lachowicz
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Alberto Ravarino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Ledda
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Monica Piras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- Dipartimento Servizi di Diagnosi e Cura, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari (A.O.U.), University of Cagliari, 09024 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Yukio Gibo
- Hepatology Clinic, 1-34-20 Muraimachiminami, Matsumoto, Nagano 399-0036, Japan;
| | - Flaviana Cau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica e Metabonomica-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00013 Rome, Italy;
| | - Peter Van Eyken
- Department of Pathology, Genk Regional Ziekenhuis, 3600 Genk, Belgium;
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari—Polo di Monserrato s.s. 554, 09045 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (P.C.); (A.R.); (F.L.); (D.F.); (C.G.); (M.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.)
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, AOU Cagliari, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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Giampieri R, Lupi A, Ziranu P, Bittoni A, Pretta A, Pecci F, Persano M, Giglio E, Copparoni C, Crocetti S, Mandolesi A, Faa G, Coni P, Scartozzi M, Berardi R. Retrospective Comparative Analysis of KRAS G12C vs. Other KRAS Mutations in mCRC Patients Treated With First-Line Chemotherapy Doublet + Bevacizumab. Front Oncol 2021; 11:736104. [PMID: 34660299 PMCID: PMC8514824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.736104] [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: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) define a subset of tumors that have primary resistance to anti-EGFR-based therapy. Data concerning whether different KRAS mutations may also have a prognostic value are lacking. Furthermore, novel KRAS G12C inhibitors are currently in development. The aim of our analysis was to compare response rates in patients treated with first-line chemotherapy doublet + Bevacizumab among different KRAS variants. Secondary end-points were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods Patients with KRAS mutated mCRC treated with either FOLFIRI/FOLFOX/XELOX + Bevacizumab were eligible for enrollment. Patients whose tumor harbored NRAS mutations or that coexpressed also BRAF mutations were excluded from this retrospective analysis. Patients’ individual data were collected from patients’ records. Propensity score matching (nearest method, 1:2 ratio) was used to define the two different groups of patients for comparison (KRAS G12C mutated vs other KRAS variants). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS), sex, metastatic site of involvement, synchronous vs metachronous metastatic disease, tumor sidedness, mucinous histology, primary tumor surgery, more than two lines of treatment for metastatic disease, and radical surgery of metastases were used as matching factors. Response rate (RR) was calculated by RECIST 1.1 criteria. Both progression free-survival and overall survival were calculated by Kaplan–Meier method. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher exact test for binomial variables and by chi-square test for all other instances. The level of statistical significance p was set at 0.05 for all tests. Results A total of 120 patients were assessed in the final analysis. Out of the 120 patients, 15 (12%) were KRAS G12C mutated. In the whole cohort of patients, 59/120 (49%) had partial response (PR), 42/120 (35%) had stable disease (SD), and 19/120 (16%) had progressive disease (PD) as the best response. In KRAS G12C patients, 4/15 (27%) had PR, 6/15 (40%) had SD, and the remaining 5/15 (33%) had PD as the best response. In patients with other KRAS mutations, 55/105 (52%) had PR, 37/105 (35%) had SD, and the remaining 13/105 (12%) had PD as the best response. The difference in RR between the two groups of patients was statistically significant (p=0.017). On the other hand, no difference in PFS (p=0.76) and OS (p=0.56) was observed. After matching procedures, the difference in response rates between KRAS G12C mutated patients vs the matched cohort of patients with other KRAS mutations remained statistically significant (p=0.016). KRAS G12C mutations were not associated with differences in sites of metastatic involvement, sex, and ECOG PS. On the other hand, synchronous vs metachronous metastatic disease (p=0.039), age > 75 years (p=0.043), and mucinous histology (p=0.008) were more frequent in G12C mutated tumors. Conclusions In our cohort of patients, it was observed that KRAS G12C mutations are associated with worse response rates compared to other KRAS variants when treated with standard chemotherapy doublet + Bevacizumab. On the other hand, both PFS and OS were not significantly different. Based on these findings, we believe that new treatment options focused on KRAS G12C inhibition should be tested mainly in first-line setting and in addition to standard chemotherapy doublet + Bevacizumab for mCRC patients, as they might “fill the gap” in response rates that was seen in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Giampieri
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Clinica Oncologica-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessio Lupi
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Oncologia, Università ed Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bittoni
- Clinica Oncologica-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Oncologia, Università ed Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Oncologia Medica, Università "la Sapienza" di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Pecci
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mara Persano
- Oncologia, Università ed Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Giglio
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cecilia Copparoni
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sonia Crocetti
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandolesi
- Anatomia Patologica-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Anatomia Patologica-Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica-Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Anatomia Patologica-Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica-Università di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Oncologia, Università ed Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Clinica Oncologica-Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Clinica Oncologica-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
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20
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Fanni D, Cerrone G, Saba L, Demontis R, Congiu T, Piras M, Gerosa C, Suri J, Coni P, Caddori A, Piga M, Mancosu G, Barcellona D, Ravarino A, Chighine A, Cau F, Scano A, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orrù G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, D'Aloia E, Marongiu F, Faa G. Thrombotic sinusoiditis and local diffuse intrasinusoidal coagulation in the liver of subjects affected by COVID-19: the evidence from histology and scanning electron microscopy. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5904-5912. [PMID: 34661248 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver injury has been reported in patients with COVID-19. This condition is characterized by severe outcome and could be related with the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to activate cytotoxic T cells. The purpose of this study is to show the histological and scanning electron microscopy features of liver involvement in COVID-19 to characterize the liver changes caused by the activation of multiple molecular pathways following this infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Liver biopsies from 4 patients (3 post-mortems and 1 in vivo) with COVID-19 were analyzed with histology and by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The liver changes showed significant heterogeneity. The first case showed ground glass hepatocytes and scattered fibrin aggregates in the sinusoidal lumen. The second evidenced intra-sinusoidal thrombi. The third was characterized by sinusoidal dilatation, atrophy of hepatocytes, Disse's spaces dilatation and intra-sinusoidal aggregates of fibrin and red blood cells. The fourth case exhibited diffuse fibrin aggregates in the dilated Disse spaces and microthrombi in the sinusoidal lumen. CONCLUSIONS In COVID-19-related liver injury, a large spectrum of pathological changes was observed. The most peculiar features were very mild inflammation, intra-sinusoidal changes, including sinusoidal dilatation, thrombotic sinusoiditis and diffuse intra-sinusoidal fibrin deposition. These findings suggested that a thrombotic sinusoiditis followed by a local diffuse intra-vascular (intra-sinusoidal) coagulation could be the typical features of the SARS-CoV-2-related liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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21
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Gerosa C, Faa G, Fanni D, Manchia M, Suri JS, Ravarino A, Barcellona D, Pichiri G, Coni P, Congiu T, Piras M, Cerrone G, Cau F, Ledda F, Aimola V, Coghe F, Porcu M, Cau R, Orru' G, Van Eyken P, La Nasa G, Castagnola M, Marongiu F, Saba L. Fetal programming of COVID-19: may the barker hypothesis explain the susceptibility of a subset of young adults to develop severe disease? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5876-5884. [PMID: 34604981 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202109_26810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The risk stratification of young adults between subjects who will develop a mild form COVID-19 and subjects who will undergo a severe disease remains inaccurate. In this review, we propose that the Barker hypothesis might explain the increased susceptibility to severe forms of COVID-19 in subjects who underwent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In this paper evidence indicating an association between a low birth weight and an adult phenotype which might favor a severe outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection are presented: lower lung functional capacity; increased respiratory morbidity; changes in fibrinogen and Factor VII serum levels and dysregulation of the hemostasis and thrombosis system; acquisition of a pro-thrombotic phenotype; low nephron number, with decreased ability to sustain renal function and increased renal morbidity; heart remodeling, with a less efficient cardiac function; endothelial dysfunction, a risk factor for the insurgence of the multiple organ failure; remodeling of arteries, with changes in the elastic properties of the arterial wall, predisposing to the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis; dysfunction of the innate immune system, a risk factor for immune diseases in adulthood. These data suggest that young and adult subjects born too small (IUGR) or too early (pre-terms) might represent a subgroup of "at risk subjects", more susceptible toward severe forms of COVID-19. Given that LBW may be considered a surrogate of IUGR, this phenotypic marker should be included among the indispensable clinical data collected in every patient presenting with SARS-COV-2 infection, irrespectively of his/her age.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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22
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Gerosa C, Fanni D, Cau F, Ravarino A, Senes G, Demontis R, Coni P, Piras M, Orrù G, Coghe F, Congiu T, La Nasa G, D'Aloja E, Saba L, Faa G. Immunohistochemical findings in the lungs of COVID-19 subjects: evidence of surfactant dysregulation. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:4639-4643. [PMID: 34286505 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202107_26257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes in surfactant composition, leading to surfactant dysregulation with alveolar collapse and acute respiratory hypoxic failure. Recently, surfactant has been hypothesized to play a relevant role in COVID-19, representing a strong defender against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of our work was the study of immunohistochemical surfactant expression in the lungs of patients died following SARS-CoV-2 ARDS, in order to shed light on a possible therapeutic surfactant administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS We investigated four patients who died due to ARDS following SARS-COV-2 infection and four patients submitted to lung biopsy, in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In all 8 cases, lung specimens were immunostained with anti-surfactant protein A (SP-A) and B (SP-B). RESULTS In control subjects, reactivity for SP-B was restricted to type II alveolar cells. Immunostaining for SP-A was observed on the surface of alveolar spaces. In the COVID-19 positive lungs, immunoreactivity for SP-B was similar to that observed in control lungs; SP-A was strongly expressed along the alveolar wall. Moreover, dense aggregates of SP-A positive material were observed in the alveolar spaces. CONCLUSIONS Our immunohistochemical data show the dysregulation of surfactant production in COVID-19 patients, particularly regarding SP-A expression. The increased presence of SP-A in condensed masses inside alveolar spaces could invalidate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment with exogenous surfactant.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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23
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Faa G, Piras M, Mancuso L, Coni P, Pichiri G, Orrù G, Fanni D, Gerosa C, Cao G, Taibi R, Pavone P, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta-4 prenatal administration improves fetal development and halts side effects due to preterm delivery. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:431-437. [PMID: 33506933 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202101_24411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin beta 4 (TB4) is the most abundant member of the beta-thymosin family in humans. The main physiological role of TB4 is the regulation of actin polymerization. TB4 is also involved in angiogenesis, cell survival, cell migration and fetal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of TB4 as a fetal growth promoter when administered during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our protocols have been carried out in full conformity with the rules and guidelines expected for this kind of trial. 10 pregnant mice received the same injection regimen. Only 6 of these 10 are part of this experiment because they were pregnant. At 10:00 a.m. on day E14 and E17 of gestation mice were weighed and treated with an intraperitoneal injection of TB4 (Regene RX, Rockville, MD, USA; 6 mg/kg in PBS). RESULTS The mothers treated with TB4 for two days precisely E14 and E17, showed a higher cranio-caudal length when compared to control newborns. At histology, maternal TB4 treatment was associated with more advanced development of lungs, heart, kidney, cerebral cortex and notochord. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that TB4 administration during gestation may act as a powerful fetal growth promoter, by accelerating the development of newborn organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Faa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division Pathological Anatomy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Fanni D, Gerosa C, Nurchi VM, Suri JS, Nardi V, Congiu T, Coni P, Ravarino A, Cerrone G, Piras M, Cau F, Kounis NG, Balestrieri A, Gibo Y, Van Eyken P, Coghe F, Venanzi Rullo E, Taibi R, Orrù G, Faa G, Saba L. Trace elements and the carotid plaque: the GOOD (Mg, Zn, Se), the UGLY (Fe, Cu), and the BAD (P, Ca)? Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:3772-3790. [PMID: 34109586 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple epidemiological studies have suggested that industrialization and progressive urbanization should be considered one of the main factors responsible for the rising of atherosclerosis in the developing world. In this scenario, the role of trace metals in the insurgence and progression of atherosclerosis has not been clarified yet. In this paper, the specific role of selected trace elements (magnesium, zinc, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and calcium) is described by focusing on the atherosclerotic prevention and pathogenesis plaque. For each element, the following data are reported: daily intake, serum levels, intra/extracellular distribution, major roles in physiology, main effects of high and low levels, specific roles in atherosclerosis, possible interactions with other trace elements, and possible influences on plaque development. For each trace element, the correlations between its levels and clinical severity and outcome of COVID-19 are discussed. Moreover, the role of matrix metalloproteinases, a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, as a new medical therapeutical approach to atherosclerosis is discussed. Data suggest that trace element status may influence both atherosclerosis insurgence and plaque evolution toward a stable or an unstable status. However, significant variability in the action of these traces is evident: some - including magnesium, zinc, and selenium - may have a protective role, whereas others, including iron and copper, probably have a multi-faceted and more complex role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, calcium and phosphorus are implicated in the calcification of atherosclerotic plaques and in the progression of the plaque toward rupture and severe clinical complications. In particular, the role of calcium is debated. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemia, optimized magnesium and zinc levels are indicated as important protective tools against a severe clinical course of the disease, often related to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to cause a systemic inflammatory response, able to transform a stable plaque into an unstable one, with severe clinical complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Division of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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25
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Saba L, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Marongiu F, La Nasa G, Caocci G, Barcellona D, Balestrieri A, Coghe F, Orru G, Coni P, Piras M, Ledda F, Suri JS, Ronchi A, D'Andrea F, Cau R, Castagnola M, Faa G. Molecular pathways triggered by COVID-19 in different organs: ACE2 receptor-expressing cells under attack? A review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 24:12609-12622. [PMID: 33336781 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202012_24058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In human pathology, SARS-CoV-2 utilizes multiple molecular pathways to determine structural and biochemical changes within the different organs and cell types. The clinical picture of patients with COVID-19 is characterized by a very large spectrum. The reason for this variability has not been clarified yet, causing the inability to make a prognosis on the evolution of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed search was performed focusing on the role of ACE 2 receptors in allowing the viral entry into cells, the role of ACE 2 downregulation in triggering the tissue pathology or in accelerating previous disease states, the role of increased levels of Angiotensin II in determining endothelial dysfunction and the enhanced vascular permeability, the role of the dysregulation of the renin angiotensin system in COVID-19 and the role of cytokine storm. RESULTS The pathological changes induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the different organs, the correlations between the single cell types targeted by the virus in the different human organs and the clinical consequences, COVID-19 chronic pathologies in liver fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis and atrial arrhythmias, glomerulosclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis, due to the systemic fibroblast activation induced by angiotensin II are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The main pathways involved showed different pathological changes in multiple tissues and the different clinical presentations. Even if ACE2 is the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and the main entry point into cells for the virus, ACE2 expression does not always explain the observed marked inter-individual variability in clinical presentation and outcome, evidencing the complexity of this disorder. The proper interpretation of the growing data available might allow to better classifying COVID-19 in human pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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26
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Orrù G, Mameli A, Demontis C, Rossi P, Ratto D, Occhinegro A, Piras V, Kuqi L, Berretta M, Taibi R, Scano A, Coni P. Oral human papilloma virus infection: an overview of clinical-laboratory diagnosis and treatment. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:8148-8157. [PMID: 31599444 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201909_19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to describe the "hot points" of current clinical governance for oral HPV comprising the use of new diagnostic molecular procedures, namely, Pyrosequencing and Next Generation Sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data on oral HPV was collected through two levels of research. First for all, we used the canonical medical search engines, PubMed, and Medline, followed by the study of current commercial tools for HPV diagnosis, particularly within commercial companies involved in the molecular procedures for HPV detecting and genotyping. RESULTS Different medical procedures are now described and used throughout the world in HPV diagnosis and treatment. However, the laboratory methods are often validated and used for genital infections, and, in these cases, data are missing in the literature as regards the clinical approach for oral lesions. CONCLUSIONS Dental care units are often the front line for a clinical evaluation of a possible HPV lesion in the oral cavity, which means that correct clinical governance could avoid a viral neoplastic progression of this disease with great advantages for the patient. In this case, the problem is due to the difficulty in lesion recognition but also and more especially the absence of correct laboratory diagnosis and subsequent treatment in the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Molecular Biology Service (MBS), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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27
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Coni P, Piras M, Mateddu A, Piludu M, Orru G, Scano A, Cabras T, Piras V, Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Faa G, Castagnola M, Pichiri G. Thymosin β4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation as a new marker of cellular stress. A Caco2 case study. RSC Adv 2020; 10:12680-12688. [PMID: 35497634 PMCID: PMC9051466 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra10365a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment. Biomarkers that respond early to pharmacological treatment could improve therapy by tailoring the treatment to the needs of the patient. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) plays a significant role in many aspects of cellular metabolism because of its actin-sequestering properties. Other physiological functions of Tβ4 have been also reported. Among these, Tβ4 may play a crucial role during cellular stress. We addressed the relevance of Tβ4 in cellular stress conditions by using different treatments (serum starvation, DMSO, and butyrate administration) in a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (CaCo2), a cell line frequently used for in vitro experimental studies of Tβ4. In this study, different stress stimuli were analyzed and the obtained results were compared using immunocytochemistry, and molecular and biochemical methods. Taken together, the data clearly indicate that the Tβ4 peptide is involved in adaptive and defensive cellular mechanisms, and that different stress inducers lead to a similar Tβ4 cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation. The translocation of Tβ4 between the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the cell seems characteristic of a possible molecular response to cellular stress exerted by this peptide. Biomarkers of cell stress are important for proper diagnosis, and in studies of how cells respond to drug treatment.![]()
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Lachowicz JI, Jaremko M, Jaremko L, Pichiri G, Coni P, Piludu M. Metal coordination of thymosin β4: Chemistry and possible implications. Coord Chem Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Medas F, Coni P, Podda F, Salaris C, Cappellacci F, Faa G, Calò PG. Evaluation of accuracy of one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) in diagnosis of lymph node metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Diagnostic study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2019; 46:17-22. [PMID: 31485327 PMCID: PMC6717061 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is high, ranging from 20% to 90%. Prophylactic central lymph node compartment dissection (CLND), suggested from the latest guidelines for high-risk tumors, meets resistance due to the high incidence of postoperative complications. Recently, new molecular biologic techniques, such as One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA), have spread widely, allowing to quickly isolate, amplify and quantify mRNA encoding for proteins selectively present in neoplastic cells, as Cytokeratine-19. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of OSNA to intraoperative diagnosis of node metastases of PTC. Methods We included in the study patients with preoperative diagnosis of PTC; from each patient one or more lymph nodes were collected. To assess OSNA accuracy, each lymph node was divided into two halves: the first one was analysed with histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, whereas the second was studied with OSNA. Results Twenty-six lymph nodes from 13 patients were included in the study. Overall, OSNA sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity 94.4%, positive predictive value 87.5%, negative predictive value 94.4% and accuracy 92.8%. Discussion and conclusion OSNA is effective in detecting lymph node metastases of PTC. Considering the high risk of complications in CLND, and the uncertain prognostic value of lymph node metastases of PTC, OSNA seems to be a promising tool to identify intraoperatively patients who may benefit from CLND. Prophylactic central lymph node dissection in patients with differntiated thyroid carcinoma is not universally adopted due to high incidence of postoperative complications. One Step Nucleic Acid Amplification (OSNA) allows to quickly isolate, amplify and quantify mRNA encoding for proteins selectively present in neoplastic cells. OSNA is effective in diagnosis of lymph node metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Medas
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS554, Bivio Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesco Podda
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS554, Bivio Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Claudia Salaris
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS554, Bivio Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Federico Cappellacci
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS554, Bivio Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Division of Pathological, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pietro Giorgio Calò
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SS554, Bivio Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
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Lachowicz JI, Picci G, Coni P, Lippolis V, Mamusa M, Murgia S, Pichiri G, Caltagirone C. Fluorescent squaramide ligands for cellular imaging and their encapsulation in cubosomes. NEW J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj01548e] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Two new fluorescent squaramides bearing quinoline (L1) and naphthalene (L2) as fluorogenic fragments were synthesized and investigated as possible cellular imaging probes as free molecules and when loaded in monoolein-based cubosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna I. Lachowicz
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Giacomo Picci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Vito Lippolis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Marianna Mamusa
- CSGI
- Department of Chemistry Ugo Shiff
- University of Florence
- I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino
- Italy
| | - Sergio Murgia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche and CSGI
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
| | - Claudia Caltagirone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari
- Cittadella Universitaria
- I-09042 Monserrato
- Italy
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Lai E, Pretta A, Impera V, Mariani S, Giampieri R, Casula L, Pusceddu V, Coni P, Fanni D, Puzzoni M, Demurtas L, Ziranu P, Faa G, Scartozzi M. BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer, a different breed evolving. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:499-512. [DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1470928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentino Impera
- Medical Oncology, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giampieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Demurtas
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Lachowicz JI, Nurchi VM, Crisponi G, Cappai I, Cappai R, Busato M, Melchior A, Tolazzi M, Peana M, Garribba E, Zoroddu MA, Coni P, Pichiri G, Aaseth J. para-Aminosalicylic acid in the treatment of manganese toxicity. Complexation of Mn2+ with 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid and its N-acetylated metabolite. NEW J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c7nj04648k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Manganese excess can induce in humans neurological disorders known as manganism.
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Orrù G, Demontis C, Mameli A, Tuveri E, Coni P, Pichiri G, Coghe F, Rosa A, Rossi P, D'hallewin G. The Selective Interaction of Pistacia lentiscus Oil vs. Human Streptococci, an Old Functional Food Revisited with New Tools. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2067. [PMID: 29114245 PMCID: PMC5660700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pistacia lentiscus berry oil (LBO) represents a typical vegetal product of the Mediterranean basin that has been formally used in traditional cuisine for 100s of years. In addition to its interesting alimentary properties, this product could represent an interesting candidate in the field of research on the study of new anti-infective agents. In fact, in Mediterranean countries, lentisk oil still continues to be widely used in folk medicine for oral and skin affections, in particular, acute gingivitis, pediatric skin infections such as impetigo and foot plaques, and biofilm related infections often associated with Streptococcus spp. Following these observations, we have hypothesized a “lentisk oil-bacteria” interaction, placing particular emphasis on the different Streptococcal species involved in these oral and skin diseases. In accordance with this hypothesis, the use of standard antimicrobial-antibiofilm methods (MIC, MBC, MBIC) allowed the interesting behavior of these bacteria to be observed and, in this context, the response to lentisk oil appears to be correlated with the pathogenic profile of the considered microorganism. Two probiotic strains of S. salivarius K12/M18 appeared to be non-sensitive to this product, while a set of five different pathogenic strains (S. agalactiae, S. intermedius, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. pyogenes) showed a response that was correlated to the fatty acid metabolic pathway of the considered species. In fact, at different times of bacteria development, selective High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis of the growth medium containing LBO detected a significant increase in free unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in particular oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids, which are already known for their antibacterial activity. In this context, we have hypothesized that LBO could be able to modulate the pathogen/probiotic rate in a Streptococcal population using the fatty acid metabolic pathway to help the probiotic strain. This hypothesis was strengthened by performing antibacterial testing with oleic acid and an in silico evaluation of the Streptococcal MCRA protein, an enzyme involved in the production of saturated fatty acids from UFA. These results show that LBO may have been used in ancient times as a “natural microbial modulating extract” in the prevention of biofilm- associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Orrù
- Molecular Biology Service, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Demontis
- Molecular Biology Service, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonello Mameli
- Molecular Biology Service, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Tuveri
- Molecular Biology Service, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Coghe
- University Hospital Laboratory Services, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Rosa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Piludu M, Piras M, Pichiri G, Coni P, Orrù G, Cabras T, Messana I, Faa G, Castagnola M. Thymosin beta 4 may translocate from the cytoplasm in to the nucleus in HepG2 cells following serum starvation. An ultrastructural study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119642. [PMID: 25835495 PMCID: PMC4383617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its actin-sequestering properties, thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is considered to play a significant role in the cellular metabolism. Several physiological properties of Tβ4 have been reported;, however, many questions concerning its cellular function remain to be ascertained. To better understand the role of this small peptide we have analyzed by means of transmission immunoelectron microscopy techniques the ultrastructural localization of Tβ4 in HepG2 cells. Samples of HepG2 cells were fixed in a mixture of 3% formaldehyde and 0.1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M cacodylate buffer and processed for standard electron microscopic techniques. The samples were dehydrated in a cold graded methanol series and embedded in LR gold resin. Ultrathin sections were labeled with rabbit antibodies to Tβ4, followed by gold-labeled goat anti-rabbit, stained with uranyl acetate and bismuth subnitrate, observed and photographed in a JEOL 100S transmission electron microscope. High-resolution electron microscopy showed that Tβ4 was mainly restricted to the cytoplasm of HepG2 growing in complete medium. A strong Tβ4 reactivity was detected in the perinuclear region of the cytoplasmic compartment where gold particles appeared strictly associated to the nuclear membrane. In the nucleus specific Tβ4 labeling was observed in the nucleolus. The above electron microscopic results confirm and extend previous observations at light microscopic level, highlighting the subcellular distribution of Tβ4 in both cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of HepG2 cells. The meaning of Tβ4 presence in the nucleolus is not on the best of our knowledge clarified yet. It could account for the interaction of Tβ4 with nucleolar actin and according with this hypothesis, Tβ4 could contribute together with the other nucleolar acting binding proteins to modulate the transcription activity of the RNA polymerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piludu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Monica Piras
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- OBL, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Irene Messana
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Universitadi Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Istituto di Biochimica e di Biochimica Clinica, Universita`Cattolica, Roma, Italy
- Istituto per la Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, IstitutoScientifico, Internazionale (ISI) Paolo VI, Roma, Italy
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Demurtas P, Orrù G, Coni P, Minerba L, Corrias M, Sirigu P, Zucca I, Demurtas E, Maxia C, Piras F, Murtas D, Lai S, Perra MT. Association between the ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and pterygium in Sardinian patients: a population based case-control study. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e005627. [PMID: 25341451 PMCID: PMC4208047 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to examine whether the insertion (I) and/or deletion (D) polymorphism of ACE confers susceptibility to primary pterygium in Sardinian patients in a case-control study. METHODS AND RESULTS Polymorphism genotyping was performed by nested PCR using genomic DNA extracted from the whole peripheral blood of participants with (n=251) and without (n=260) pterygium. DD, ID and II genotype frequencies were: 48%, 39% and 13%, respectively, for patients with pterygium, and 15%, 40% and 44%, respectively, for the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the pterygium and control groups for the ACE I/D polymorphism (p<0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was found between the DD and II groups (p<0.01; OR=10.49; 95% CI 6.18 to 17.79), DD+ID versus II group (p<0.01; OR=5.23; 95% CI 3.37 to 8.13) and DD versus ID groups (p<0.01; OR=3.21; 95% CI 2.04 to 5.04). CONCLUSIONS Statistical analysis showed that the DD genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing pterygium, and with a good chance that the D allele may play an important role in the development of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Demurtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Minerba
- Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Corrias
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Sirigu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ignazio Zucca
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Maxia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Franca Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simone Lai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Medical School, Cagliari, Italy
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Pichiri G, Coni P, Nemolato S, Cabras T, Fanari MU, Sanna A, Di Felice E, Messana I, Castagnola M, Faa G. Cellular trafficking of thymosin beta-4 in HEPG2 cells following serum starvation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67999. [PMID: 23967050 PMCID: PMC3743897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is an ubiquitous multi-functional regenerative peptide, related to many critical biological processes, with a dynamic and flexible conformation which may influence its functions and its subcellular distribution. For these reasons, the intracellular localization and trafficking of Tβ4 is still not completely defined and is still under investigation in in vivo as well as in vitro studies. In the current study we used HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line; cells growing in normal conditions with fetal bovine serum expressed high levels of Tβ4, restricted to the cytoplasm until 72 h. At 84 h, a diffuse Tβ4 cytoplasmic immunostaining shifted to a focal perinuclear and nuclear reactivity. In the absence of serum, nuclear reactivity was localized in small granules, evenly dispersed throughout the entire nuclear envelop, and was observed as earlier as at 48 h. Cytoplasmic immunostaining for Tβ4 in HepG2 cells under starvation appeared significantly lower at 48 h and decreased progressively at 72 and at 84 h. At these time points, the decrease in cytoplasmic staining was associated with a progressive increase in nuclear reactivity, suggesting a possible translocation of the peptide from the cytoplasm to the nuclear membrane. The normal immunocytochemical pattern was restored when culture cells submitted to starvation for 84 h received a new complete medium for 48 h. Mass spectrometry analysis, performed on the nuclear and cytosolic fractions of HepG2 growing with and without serum, showed that Tβ4 was detectable only in the cytosolic and not in the intranuclear fraction. These data suggest that Tβ4 is able to translocate from different cytoplasmic domains to the nuclear membrane and back, based on different stress conditions within the cell. The punctuate pattern of nuclear Tβ4 immunostaining associated with Tβ4 absence in the nucleoplasm suggest that this peptide might be localized in the nuclear pores, where it could regulate the pore permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Pichiri
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Coghe F, Orrù G, Ferraguti P, Accossu S, Faa R, Erriu M, Coni P, Piras V, Denotti G, Pautasso M, Mussap M, Fanos V. C-reactive protein levels in the first days of life: a systematic statistical approach. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:47-50. [PMID: 23025768 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.717464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Microbial neonatal infections are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality and for this reason there is a growing interest for new approaches in the clinical government of this human affection. Using an integrated statistical model, this work investigated the role of the C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of sepsis and therapy assessment in newborns admitted in neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS 386 newborns admitted in neonatal intensive care unit were enrolled in this work. Different clinical-laboratory parameters, such as: CRP level, blood culture, complete blood cell count, urine and other blood tests were assessed for the first 7 days after birth. Several statistical methods have been used to estimate the correlation CRP-septicaemia, using Chi-squared, Pearson, analysis of the variance and Poisson distribution. RESULTS a statistical positive correlation (CRP value vs. septicaemia status) was observed to integrate the analysis of the variance and Poisson distribution methods, especially in the first days after birth. CONCLUSION A correct statistical evaluation of CRP values could be significant for risk prediction and subsequent prompt therapy in neonatal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Coghe
- Clinical Microbiology Lab Services AOU-Cagliari, Presidio San Giovanni di Dio, via Ospedale 46, Cagliari, Italy.
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Fanni D, Gerosa C, Nemolato S, Mocci C, Pichiri G, Coni P, Congiu T, Piludu M, Piras M, Fraschini M, Zaffanello M, Iacovidou N, Van Eyken P, Monga G, Faa G, Fanos V. “Physiological” renal regenerating medicine in VLBW preterm infants: could a dream come true? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25 Suppl 3:41-8. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.712339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Nemolato S, Restivo A, Cabras T, Coni P, Zorcolo L, Orrù G, Fanari M, Cau F, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Messana I, Castagnola M, Casula G, Faa G. Thymosin β 4 in colorectal cancer is localized predominantly at the invasion front in tumor cells undergoing epithelial mesenchymal transition. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 13:191-7. [PMID: 22233609 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.13.4.18691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin β 4 (Tβ(4)) is a ubiquitous peptide that plays pivotal roles in the cytoskeletal system and in cell differentiation during embryogenesis. Recently, a role for Tβ(4) has been proposed in experimental and human carcinogenesis. This study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between Tβ(4) immunoractivity and colorectal cancer, with particular attemption to tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. METHODS AND RESULTS 86 intestinal biopsies were retrospectively analyzed including 76 colorectal adenocarcinomas with evident features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and 10 samples of normal colorectal mucosa. Paraffin sections were immunostained for Tβ(4) and for E-cadherin. Total RNA was isolated from frozen specimens obtained, at surgery, from the normal colon mucosa, the deeper regions and the superficial tumor regions in four cases of colon cancer. Tβ(4) immunoreactivity was detected in the vast majority (59/76) of colon carcinomas, showing a patchy distribution, with well differentiated areas significantly more reactive than the less differentiated tumor zones. We also noted a zonal pattern in the majority of tumors, characterized by a progressive increase in immunostaining for Tβ(4) from the superficial toward the deepest tumor regions. The strongest expression for Tβ(4) was frequently detected in invading tumor cells with features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The increase in reactivity for Tβ(4) matched with a progressive decrease in E-cadherin expression in invading cancer cells. At mRNA level, the differences in Tβ(4) expression between the surrounding colon mucosa and the tumors samples were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that Tβ(4) is expressed in the majority of colon cancers, with preferential immunoreactivity in deep tumor regions. The preferential expression of the peptide and the increase in intensity of the immunostaining at the invasion front suggests a possible link between the peptide and the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition, suggesting a role for Tβ(4) in colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nemolato
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Coluccia E, Pichiri G, Nieddu M, Coni P, Manconi S, Deiana AM, Salvadori S, Mezzanotte R. Identification of two new repetitive elements and chromosomal mapping of repetitive DNA sequences in the fish Gymnothorax unicolor (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae). Eur J Histochem 2011; 55:e12. [PMID: 22193293 PMCID: PMC3284148 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2011.e12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Muraenidae is a species-rich family, with relationships among genera and species and taxonomy that have not been completely clarified. Few cytogenetic studies have been conducted on this family, and all of them showed the same diploid chromosome number (2n=42) but with conspicuous karyotypic variation among species. The Mediterranean moray eel Gymnothorax unicolor was previously cytogenetically studied using classical techniques that allowed the characterization of its karyotype structure and the constitutive heterochromatin and argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) distribution pattern. In the present study, we describe two new repetitive elements (called GuMboI and GuDdeI) obtained from restricted genomic DNA of G. unicolor that were characterized by Southern blot and physically localized by in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes. As they are highly repetitive DNA sequences, they map in heterochromatic regions. However, while GuDdeI was localized in the centromeric regions, the GuMboI fraction was distributed on some centromeres and was co-localized with the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). Comparative analysis with other Mediterranean species such as Muraena helena pointed out that these DNA fractions are species-specific and could potentially be used for species discrimination. As a new contribution to the karyotype of this species, we found that the major ribosomal genes are localized on acrocentric chromosome 9 and that the telomeres of each chromosome are composed of a tandem repeat derived from a poly-TTAGGG DNA sequence, as it occurs in most vertebrate species. The results obtained add new information useful in comparative genomics at the chromosomal level and contribute to the cytogenetic knowledge regarding this fish family, which has not been extensively studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Coluccia
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia, Università di Cagliari, via T. Fiorelli, 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy.
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Francalanci P, Santorelli FM, Saccani S, Bonetti MF, Medicina D, Coni P, Faa G, Callea F. Z and Mmalton-1-antitrypsin deficiency-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a genetic study. Liver Int 2009; 29:1593-6. [PMID: 19744266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02091.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The histological hallmark of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is the presence of periodic acid-Schiff diastase (PASD)-resistant positive globules in hepatocytes, with a heterogeneous distribution. It is noteworthy that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises specifically from the AAT-negative areas but the reason for this remains unclear. AIM To determine whether the different distribution of AAT globules within neoplastic and non-neoplastic hepatocytes is the result of a self-induced correction of the genetic defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two HCV-positive patients with AATD-associated HCC were studied. One patient harboured a compound heterozygous PiSZ genotype whereas the other showed the rarer PiMMmalton in heterozygosity. In both cases, neoplastic hepatocytes appeared globule devoid, while non-neoplastic hepatocytes showed intracytoplasmic accumulation of PASD-positive globules. Laser-assisted microdissection was used to assess a genotype/phenotype correlation in single liver cells from HCC and from non-neoplastic hepatocytes. RESULTS Direct sequencing of DNA purified from globule-devoid and globule-filled hepatocytes demonstrated that all liver cells carried the same mutant genetic background. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that (i) both variants of HCC arising in AAT deficiency (Z and Mmalton) do not accumulate the mutant protein and (ii) the different phenotypic appearance of hepatocytes is not the result of a retromutation during neoplastic transformation, but other mechanisms should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Francalanci
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
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Nemolato S, Ravarino A, Fanni D, Coni P, Di Felice E, Senes G, Faa G. Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 Immunoreactivity in Early Colon Carcinogenesis. Gastroenterology Res 2009; 2:277-281. [PMID: 27956971 PMCID: PMC5139774 DOI: 10.4021/gr2009.10.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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] [Accepted: 09/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between Hepatocyte paraffin 1 (Hep par 1) and colorectal cancer. Methods To this end, 50 intestinal biopsies were analyzed including 10 colorectal polyps with low grade dysplasia, 10 with high grade dysplasia, 10 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 10 specimens of normal ileum and 10 of normal colon mucosa. Tissue sections were immunostained for Hep par 1 utilizing a commercial antibody. Normal colonic mucosa did not express Hep par 1. Results Immunoreactivity for Hep par 1 was detected in 20% of polyps with low grade dysplasia, 50% of polyps with high grade dysplasia and 60% of colorectal carcinomas. Hep par 1 was frequently detected in the deepest areas of adenocarcinomas mainly in infiltrating tumour cells. Conclusions Our data show that Hep par 1 immunoreactivity in human colon carcinogenesis is correlated with progression from low grade to high grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. In clinical practice, our data show that caution should be taken in utilizing Hep par 1 as the sole tool in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from a liver metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma. Our data encourage further investigations into the potential role played by Hep par 1 in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nemolato
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Corrisponding Author: Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Universita di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124 Cagliari, Italy. ;
| | - Alberto Ravarino
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eliana Di Felice
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Senes
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Cytomorphlogy, Division of Pathology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Pilloni L, Bianco P, Manieli C, Senes G, Coni P, Atzori L, Aste N, Faa G. Immunoreactivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin characterizes a potentially aggressive subgroup of little basal cell carcinomas. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:113-6. [PMID: 19683985 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very common malignant skin tumor that rarely metastatizes, but is often locally aggressive. Several factors, like large size (more than 3 cm), exposure to ultraviolet rays, histological variants, level of infiltration and perineural or perivascular invasion, are associated with a more aggressive clinical course. These morphological features seem to be more determinant in mideface localized BCC, which frequently show a significantly higher recurrence rate. An immunohistochemical profile, characterized by reactivity of tumor cells for p53, Ki67 and alpha-SMA has been associated with a more aggressive behaviour in large BCCs. The aim of this study was to verify if also little (<3 cm) basal cell carcinomas can express immunohistochemical markers typical for an aggressive behaviour.
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Pilloni L, Bianco P, Manieli C, Senes G, Coni P, Atzori L, Aste N, Faa G. Immunoreactivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin characterizes a potentially aggressive subgroup of little basal cell carcinomas. Eur J Histochem 2009; 53:e14. [PMID: 30256877 PMCID: PMC3167285 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very common malignant skin tumor that rarely metastatizes, but is often locally aggressive. Several factors, like large size (more than 3 cm), exposure to ultraviolet rays, histological variants, level of infiltration and perineural or perivascular invasion, are associated with a more aggressive clinical course. These morphological features seem to be more determinant in mideface localized BCC, which frequently show a significantly higher recurrence rate. An immunohistochemical profile, characterized by reactivity of tumor cells for p53, Ki67 and alpha-SMA has been associated with a more aggressive behaviour in large BCCs. The aim of this study was to verify if also little (<3 cm) basal cell carcinomas can express immunohistochemical markers typical for an aggressive behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pilloni
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
| | - P Bianco
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
| | - C Manieli
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
| | - G Senes
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
| | - P Coni
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
| | - L Atzori
- Clinica Dermatologica Università degli studi di Cagliari, Italy
| | - N Aste
- Clinica Dermatologica Università degli studi di Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Faa
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, I Cattedra di Anatomia Patologica
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Frau DV, Lai ML, Caria P, Dettori T, Coni P, Faa G, Morandi L, Tallini G, Vanni R. Trisomy 17 as a marker for a subset of noninvasive thyroid nodules with focal features of papillary carcinoma: cytogenetic and molecular analysis of 62 cases and correlation with histological findings. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:177-81. [PMID: 17956956 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-0970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid are divided into follicular thyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), based on their propensity to invade and their cytological features [papillary carcinoma-type nuclear changes (PTC-NCs)]. PTC typically exhibits a diploid karyotype sometimes with inv10(q11.2q21.2), leading to rearranged RET gene. Follicular thyroid carcinomas are often aneuploid and may exhibit t(2;3)(q13;p25), resulting in PAX8-PPARgamma1 gene fusion. Isolated trisomy 17 has rarely been reported in thyroid lesions, and its significance is unknown. OBJECTIVE/DESIGN Our objective was to determine whether isolated trisomy 17 corresponds to a specific histological or molecular thyroid tumor subset. Nine cases with isolated trisomy 17 were critically reviewed and investigated for RAS and BRAF mutations and for RET and PAX8-PPARgamma1 rearrangements. RESULTS All nine cases were noninvasive, exhibited follicular growth pattern, and showed PTC-NCs focally defined within the nodule: four were PTCs follicular variant within larger tumors, and five were follicular-patterned nodules with incomplete cytological features of papillary carcinoma (variable proportion of cells with PTC-NCs scattered inside the lesion). RAS, BRAF V600E mutation, RET or PAX8-PPARgamma1 rearrangements were not identified. One case had BRAF K601E mutation. Only two of the 53 control cases showed focal PTC-NCs. CONCLUSIONS Isolated trisomy 17 is associated with focal papillary carcinoma changes in follicular-patterned thyroid nodules and may be a marker for this subset of thyroid lesions that are often difficult to classify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela V Frau
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato CA, Italy
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Ferrarotti I, Baccheschi J, Zorzetto M, Tinelli C, Corda L, Balbi B, Campo I, Pozzi E, Faa G, Coni P, Massi G, Stella G, Luisetti M. Prevalence and phenotype of subjects carrying rare variants in the Italian registry for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. J Med Genet 2006; 42:282-7. [PMID: 15744045 PMCID: PMC1736021 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2004.023903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Fanni D, Pilloni L, Orrù S, Coni P, Liguori C, Serra S, Lai ML, Uccheddu A, Contu L, Van Eyken P, Faa G. Expression of ATP7B in normal human liver. Eur J Histochem 2006; 49:371-8. [PMID: 16377579 DOI: 10.4081/965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP7B is a copper transporting P-type ATPase, also known as Wilson disease protein, which plays a key role in copper distribution inside cells. Recent experimental data in cell culture have shown that ATP7B putatively serves a dual function in hepatocytes: when localized to the Golgi apparatus, it has a biosynthetic role, delivering copper atoms to apoceruloplasmin; when the hepatocytes are under copper stress, ATP7B translocates to the biliary pole to transport excess copper out of the cell and into the bile canaliculus for subsequent excretion from the body via the bile. The above data on ATP7B localization have been mainly obtained in tumor cell systems in vitro. The aim of the present work was to assess the presence and localization of the Wilson disease protein in the human liver. We tested immunoreactivity for ATP7B in 10 human liver biopsies, in which no significant pathological lesion was found using a polyclonal antiserum specific for ATP7B. In the normal liver, immunoreactivity for ATP7B was observed in hepatocytes and in biliary cells. In the hepatocytes, immunoreactivity for ATP7B was observed close to the plasma membrane, both at the sinusoidal and at the biliary pole. In the biliary cells, ATP7B was localized close to the cell membrane, mainly concentrated at the basal pole of the cells. The data suggest that, in human liver, ATP7B is localized to the plasma membrane of both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanni
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Italy.
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Abstract
The gallbladder is an unusual location of pancreatic heterotopia, defined as the presence of pancreatic tissue lacking anatomical and vascular continuity with the main body of the gland. A 28-year-old man presented with anorexia, nausea and pain in the right upper abdomen. On physical examination, the abdomen was tender to palpation and Murphy sign was positive. The patient underwent a cholecystecomy. This case, in our opinion, is very interesting since it permits to consider a controversial issue in the pathology of the gallbladder. The histological appearance of ductal structure in pancreatic heterotopia resembles the histological picture of both Aschoff-Rokitansky (AR) sinuses and adenomyomas. This finding suggests that these lesions are linked by a common histogenetic origin. We suggest that the finding of an adenomyoma in the gallbladder should prompt an extensive sampling of the organ in order to verify the coexistence of pancreatic rests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pilloni
- Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Universitá degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, Cagliari 09124, Italy.
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Orrù G, Faa G, Pillai S, Pilloni L, Montaldo C, Pusceddu G, Piras V, Coni P. Rapid PCR Real-Time Genotyping of M-Malton ??1-Antitrypsin Deficiency Alleles by Molecular Beacons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 14:237-42. [PMID: 16319694 DOI: 10.1097/01.pas.0000178221.44474.b3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alpha1-Antitrypsin deficiency is an autosomal codominant inherited disorder, with increased risk of developing lung and liver disease. The large majority of subjects affected by alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency carry the PIZZ or PISZ genotypes, which can be easily detected using several molecular methods. Another pathologic allele, the M-Malton variant (also known as Mnichinan and Mcagliari), can mimic the Pi Z clinical phenotype, but this alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency variant is not easily recognizable and, therefore, seems to be more under-recognized than the Z or S alleles. We report the development of a rapid qualitative fluorescent real-time PCR assay designed for the detection of the M-Malton alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency alleles using 2 specific molecular beacons. The assay is able to detect in a single tube the homozygous as well the heterozygous genotypes. The procedure combines the great sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction, the specificity provided by allele-specific molecular beacons, and the throughput of a multi-color fluorescence detection procedure. This technique will be useful for research and molecular diagnostic laboratories involved in the study of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Orrù
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia e Scienze Odontostomatologiche Universita' degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari Italy
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Pilloni L, Coni P, Mancosu G, Lecca S, Serra S, Demelia L, Pilleri G, Spigà E, Ambu R, Faa G. [Late onset Wilson's disease]. Pathologica 2004; 96:105-10. [PMID: 15524050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilson's disease (W.D.) is a metabolic disorder that occurs predominantly in children, adolescents, young adults and, rarely, in patients over 35 years. AIMS In order to verify the prevalence of the clinical presentation of W.D. in adulthood, we analyzed a wide number of clinical presentation of W.D. with particular attention to the age of onset and to the evolutive stage of liver disease at presentation. PATIENTS Our study is relative to 11 Sardinian adult subjects, aged 36-57 years, 6 males and 5 females, selected from a series of 120 patients affected by W.D. The only criterion utilized to select the patients was their age at presentation, with a cut off of 35 years. METHODS Liver biopsies were routinely processed and stained with rhodanine, rubeanic acid, orcein and Timm's methods. On the basis of the histological picture, liver biopsies were subdivided into four evolutive stages: stage I = steatosis; stage II = interface hepatitis; stage III = bridging fibrosis; stage IV = cirrhosis. Molecular characterization of W.D. for gene mutations in the Sardinian population was performed in 7 out of 11 cases (-441/-427 del, 5' UTR and 3436 G > A Exon 16). RESULTS 3 patients showed histological features of the first evolutive stage, 2 of the second, 1 of the third, and 5 of the fourth stage. Histochemistry for copper resulted positive in 9 of 11 cases at least with one of the four employed methods. In the seven patients in whom molecular characterization was perfomed, the gene mutation of W.D. was the same observed more frequently in the Sardinian population (-441/-427 del, 5'UTR). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that: 1) W.D. with late onset is not rare in Sardinian population; 2) in spite of the late clinical presentation, W.D. may present in the first (3/10) and in the second evolutive stage (2/10) with mild to moderate changes of the liver architecture; 3) patients may show, at presentation, a severe liver disease, characterized by bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis; 4) from a practical point of view, we ask to consider the diagnosis the W.D. in all patients with chronic liver disease of unknown etiology, even if aged over 35 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pilloni
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Università di Cagliari, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Cagliari
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