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Basciani S, Porcaro G. Counteracting side effects of combined oral contraceptives through the administration of specific micronutrients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2022; 26:4846-4862. [PMID: 35856377 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202207_29210] [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 The occurrence of side effects related to the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) - or even the fear of them - often affects patients' compliance and their quality of life. Such adverse effects include both physical and psychological alterations. Therapies based on COCs are related to lower levels of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B, C and E, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. This review gathers scientific evidence about the effectiveness of the administration of specific micronutrients to address nutritional needs and recover adverse conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed literature searching through different databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar). We used different keywords, including micronutrients, COCs, side effects, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, selenium and Centella Asiatica. We narrowed the search down to English literature, including both preclinical and clinical studies. The outcome of database search was to highlight beneficial effects of specific micronutrients on the evaluated side reactions. RESULTS Based on the collected evidence, dietary supplementations of specific micronutrients, whose depletion occurs during COC treatments, have significant beneficial effects. By acting on different aspects and pathways, such supplementation prevents and counteracts discomforts and side effects related to COC treatments. CONCLUSIONS Considering the wide use of OCs, taking appropriate dietary supplements could be an effective approach in clinical practice, tailoring therapies and improving both safety and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Basciani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Pkhaladze L, Russo M, Unfer V, Nordio M, Basciani S, Khomasuridze A. Treatment of lean PCOS teenagers: a follow-up comparison between Myo-Inositol and oral contraceptives. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:7476-7485. [PMID: 34919250 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202112_27447] [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 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinological and metabolic disorder widely diffused and diagnosed in women of reproductive age. The pathology exhibits alteration of the reproductive functions, including conditions as hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle irregularity, type 2 diabetes. These conditions are visible in the patients through phenotypical manifestations as hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Even if the syndrome is characterized by common features among both adult and adolescent women, the diagnostic criteria are different for the two age categories and to date still controversial. We investigated different treatments in PCOS adolescents with non-severe metabolic conditions, to evaluate which could be the appropriate therapeutical approach for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled lean teenagers with PCOS, and we divided the patients in two age ranges: 13-16 years old and 17-19 years old. They were treated for 3 months either with oral contraceptive pills (OCP) drospirenone/ethinylestradiol (group A), myo-Inositol (myo-Ins) (group B), or OCP plus myo-Ins (group C). Data were analyzed with a descriptive statistics summarizing quantitative variables including median, 25th and 75th percentiles. RESULTS We pointed out that the group of 13-16 years old lean teenagers treated with myo-Ins exhibit a significant decrease of weight and body mass index (BMI), and an effective improvement the metabolic and hormonal parameters achieved with a non-pharmacological treatment. In the older teenagers aged 17-19 years, data highlights that myo-Ins treatment in combination with OCP prevents the increases of weight and BMI, improves the metabolic profile of the patients, and strongly ameliorates the hormonal parameters analyzed. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a different scenario in the two age ranges considered and interestingly suggest an important role of myo-Ins in the PCOS context. A therapy based on this natural compound alone or in combination with OCP seems effective to improve both metabolic and hormonal parameters of PCOS adolescents and thus could represent a novel and valid option to consider for the treatment of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pkhaladze
- Zhordania and Khomasuridze Institute of Reproductology, Tbilisi, Georgia.
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Nordio M, Basciani S, Camajani E. The 40:1 myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol plasma ratio is able to restore ovulation in PCOS patients: comparison with other ratios. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:5512-5521. [PMID: 31298405 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201906_18223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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 clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of seven different ratios between two inositols stereoisomers, myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI), in the therapy of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PATIENTS AND METHODS fifty-six PCOS patients (8 for each group) were treated by oral route using the following formulations: DCI alone, and 1:3.5; 2.5:1; 5:1; 20:1; 40:1, 80:1 MI/DCI ratio. They received 2 g of inositols twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome was ovulation, the secondary outcome included the improvement of FSH, LH, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), 17-beta-Estradiol (E2), free testosterone, basal and postprandial insulin levels, as well as HOMA index, BMI and menses. RESULTS We found that the 40:1 MI/DCI ratio is the best for PCOS therapy aimed at restoring ovulation and normalizing important parameters in these patients. The other formulations were less effective. In particular, a decreased activity was observed when the 40:1 ratio was modified in favour of DCI. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated that DCI activity is beneficial mainly at a specific ratio with MI, whereas the increase of DCI causes the loss of the beneficial effects at reproductive level. These results in humans validate a previous preclinical study with different MI/DCI ratios carried out in an experimental model of PCOS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nordio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy.
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Nordio M, Basciani S. Evaluation of thyroid nodule characteristics in subclinical hypothyroid patients under a myo-inositol plus selenium treatment. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 22:2153-2159. [PMID: 29687875 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201804_14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The anticancer effect of myo-inositol (MI) is catching researchers' attention worldwide. Thyroid nodules (TNs) have been detected by ultrasound (US) in up to 76% of the general population and, although most of them are benign, thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective, observational study was conducted in 642 patients with suspected hypothyroidism undergoing US. The analysis was addressed exclusively to patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels borderline associated to TNs classified as class I and II; 1 group (control, no. 16) no treatment was prescribed; the other group (treated, no. 18) underwent treatment with 1 tablet containing MI plus selenium (Se) every day, for six months. Clinical data were collected to evaluate the nodular size, number, and elasticity, as well as TSH levels. RESULTS Final data were analyzed from 34 patients: in 76% of mixed TNs was observed a significant reduction of their size and 56% of them significantly regressed nodule stiffness following oral supplementation with MI plus Se. The mean number of mixed nodules for patient shifted from 1.39 ± 0.16 to 1.05 ± 0.15 (p ≤ 0.05). TSH levels dropped from 4.2 ± 0.21 mIU/L at baseline to 2.1 ± 0.20 mIU/L post-treatment (p < 0.001). In the control group, 38% of TNs reduced their diameter but TSH levels significantly increased up to the threshold after six months (from 3.95 ± 0.18 mIU/L to 4.30 ± 0.22 mIU/L, p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In SCH patients undergoing treatment with MI plus Se, a reduction of the size, number and elasticity score of TNs as well as TSH levels was observed. Further studies are required, either in vitro and in vivo, to investigate the use of MI plus Se for the management of TNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nordio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Caprio M, Infante M, Moriconi E, Armani A, Fabbri A, Mantovani G, Mariani S, Lubrano C, Poggiogalle E, Migliaccio S, Donini LM, Basciani S, Cignarelli A, Conte E, Ceccarini G, Bogazzi F, Cimino L, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE, Gambineri A, Vignozzi L, Prodam F, Aimaretti G, Linsalata G, Buralli S, Monzani F, Aversa A, Vettor R, Santini F, Vitti P, Gnessi L, Pagotto U, Giorgino F, Colao A, Lenzi A. Very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) in the management of metabolic diseases: systematic review and consensus statement from the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE). J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:1365-1386. [PMID: 31111407 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight loss is a milestone in the prevention of chronic diseases associated with high morbility and mortality in industrialized countries. Very-low calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are increasingly used in clinical practice for weight loss and management of obesity-related comorbidities. Despite evidence on the clinical benefits of VLCKDs is rapidly emerging, some concern still exists about their potential risks and their use in the long-term, due to paucity of clinical studies. Notably, there is an important lack of guidelines on this topic, and the use and implementation of VLCKDs occurs vastly in the absence of clear evidence-based indications. PURPOSE We describe here the biochemistry, benefits and risks of VLCKDs, and provide recommendations on the correct use of this therapeutic approach for weight loss and management of metabolic diseases at different stages of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caprio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy.
| | - M Infante
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO A. Alesini Hospital, ASL Roma 2, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - E Moriconi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Armani
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - A Fabbri
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, CTO A. Alesini Hospital, ASL Roma 2, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G Mantovani
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Mariani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Lubrano
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - E Poggiogalle
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Migliaccio
- Section of Health Sciences, Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, "Foro Italico" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L M Donini
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Basciani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cignarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - E Conte
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - G Ceccarini
- Endocrinology Unit, Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bogazzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Cimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Gambineri
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - F Prodam
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - G Aimaretti
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - G Linsalata
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Buralli
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Monzani
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - R Vettor
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine 3, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - F Santini
- Endocrinology Unit, Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Vitti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Gnessi
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - U Pagotto
- Endocrinology Unit and Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Giorgino
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Nordio M, Basciani S. Myo-inositol plus selenium supplementation restores euthyroid state in Hashimoto's patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2017; 21:51-59. [PMID: 28724185] [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: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical evidence suggests that oral supplementation with myo-inositol (MI) and selenium (Se) is useful in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis. The purpose of this study was to highlight the positive response of Hashimoto's patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) treated with MI and Se (MI-Se) in restoring a normal thyroid function. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 168 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) having Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels between 3 and 6 µIU/ml were randomized into 2 groups: one receiving MI-Se and the other one Se alone. RESULTS TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) and anti-thyroglobulin (TgAb) levels were significantly decreased in patients treated with combined MI-Se after six months of treatment. Also, a significant free serum T4 increase was observed in MI-Se group, along with an amelioration of patients' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The administration of MI-Se is significantly effective in decreasing TSH, TPOAb and TgAb levels, as well as in enhancing thyroid hormones and personal wellbeing. Such treatment restored euthyroidism in patients diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nordio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
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Mariani S, Costantini D, Lubrano C, Basciani S, Caldaroni C, Barbaro G, Poggiogalle E, Donini LM, Lenzi A, Gnessi L. Circulating SIRT1 inversely correlates with epicardial fat thickness in patients with obesity. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2016; 26:1033-1038. [PMID: 27378396 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Obesity is increasing worldwide and is related to undesirable cardiovascular outcomes. Epicardial fat (EF), the heart visceral fat depot, increases with obesity and correlates with cardiovascular risk. SIRT1, an enzyme regulating metabolic circuits linked with obesity, has a cardioprotective effect and is a predictor of cardiovascular events. We aimed to assess the relationship of EF thickness (EFT) with circulating SIRT1 in patients with obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty-two patients affected by obesity and 23 lean controls were studied. Plasma SIRT1 concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). EFT was measured by echocardiography. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and laboratory findings (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, cholesterol, and triglycerides) were assessed. SIRT1 was significantly lower (P = 0.002) and EFT was higher (P < 0.0001) in patients with obesity compared with lean controls. SIRT1 showed a negative correlation with EFT and HR in the obesity group (ρ = -0.350, P = 0.005; ρ = -0.303, P = 0.008, respectively). After adjustment for obesity-correlated variables, multiple linear regression analysis showed that EFT remained the best correlate of SIRT1 (β = -0.352, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS Circulating SIRT1 correlates with the visceral fat content of the heart. Serum SIRT1 levels might provide additional information for risk assessment of coronary artery disease in patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mariani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - D Costantini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Lubrano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - S Basciani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - C Caldaroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - G Barbaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - E Poggiogalle
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L M Donini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - L Gnessi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology, Food Science and Endocrinology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Lubrano C, Masieri S, Costantini D, Francomano D, Watanabe M, Mariani S, Basciani S, Donini LM, Lenzi A, Gnessi L. Nickel sensitivity in Italian overweight-obese patients. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv175.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Stoppoloni D, Politi L, Leopizzi M, Gaetani S, Guazzo R, Basciani S, Moreschini O, De Santi M, Scandurra R, Scotto d'Abusco A. Effect of glucosamine and its peptidyl-derivative on the production of extracellular matrix components by human primary chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015; 23:103-13. [PMID: 25219669 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Glucosamine (GlcN) and its peptidyl-derivative, 2-(N-Acetyl)-L-phenylalanylamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucose (NAPA), on extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in human primary chondrocytes (HPCs). METHODS Dose-dependent effect of GlcN and NAPA on Glycosaminoglycan (GAG), Collagen type II (Col2) and Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans (SLRPs) was examined by incubating HPCs, cultured in micromasses (3D), with various amounts of two molecules, administered as either GlcN alone or NAPA alone or GlcN plus NAPA (G + N). Immunohystochemical and immunofluorescent staining and biochemical analysis were used to determine the impact of the two molecules on ECM production. Gene expression analysis was performed by TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS The lowest concentration to which GlcN and NAPA were able to affect ECM synthesis was 1 mM. Both molecules administered alone and as G + N stimulated GAGs and SLRPs synthesis at different extent, NAPA and mainly G + N stimulated Col2 production, whereas GlcN was not effective. Both molecules were able to induce Insulin Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and to stimulate SOX-9, whereas NAPA and G + N were able to up-regulate both Hyaluronic Acid Synthase-2 and Hyaluronic acid. Very interesting is the synergistic effect observed when chondrocyte micromasses were treated with G + N. CONCLUSIONS The observed anabolic effects and optimal concentrations of GlcN and NAPA, in addition to beneficial effects on other cellular pathways, previously reported, such as the inhibition of IKKα, could be useful to formulate new cartilage repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Stoppoloni
- Dept. of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - L Politi
- Dept. of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - M Leopizzi
- Dept. of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sapienza University, Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, Latina, Italy.
| | - S Gaetani
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Roma, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - R Guazzo
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Dept. of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Via delle Scotte, 6, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - S Basciani
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Roma, V.le Regina Elena, 324, 00161 Roma, Italy.
| | - O Moreschini
- Dept. of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - M De Santi
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Dept. of Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Via delle Scotte, 6, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - R Scandurra
- Dept. of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| | - A Scotto d'Abusco
- Dept. of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
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Nordio M, Basciani S. Efficacy of a food supplement in patients with hashimoto thyroiditis. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2015; 29:93-102. [PMID: 25864745] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid inflammation has been commonly seen in recent decades, due to a series of factors and is considered as the most frequent thyroid illness. It is characterized by some distinctive traits, which include morphological and hormonal modifications, often in association with an elevated anti-thyroid autoantibody title. The aim of the therapy is to improve symptoms as fast as possible, treating inflammation and subsequent hypothyroidism, when present. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of a Food Supplement (FS) containing enzymes which is commonly used in various inflammatory processes and is able to modulate immune reactions during inflammation in a very rapid and efficacious way. An open, controlled study was then designed and 45 patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis were enrolled and divided into 3 groups (FS alone; thyroid hormones alone; FS plus thyroid hormones). Blood, morphological and subjective parameters were considered. The results obtained indicate that the FS used in our study is efficacious and safe when used alone and/or in combination with thyroid hormones in the treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis, as documented by the improvement of the majority of the parameters considered. The efficacy was considered faster than thyroid hormones alone as far as subjective symptomatology is considered. In conclusion, the use of the food supplement evaluated herein during inflammation may be considered an additional tool in clinicians hands, when facing patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, especially in presence of subjective symptomatology, in order to rapidly alleviate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nordio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - S Basciani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Mariani S, Musumeci B, Basciani S, Fiore D, Francia P, Persichetti A, Volpe M, Autore C, Moretti C, Ulisse S, Gnessi L. Lack of Influence of the Androgen Receptor Gene CAG-Repeat Polymorphism on Clinical and Electrocardiographic Manifestations of the Brugada Syndrome in Man. Clin Med Insights Cardiol 2012; 6:145-52. [PMID: 23136466 PMCID: PMC3489086 DOI: 10.4137/cmc.s10553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Clinical studies suggest that testosterone (T) plays an important role in the male predominance of the clinical manifestations of the Brugada syndrome (BS). However, no statistically significant correlations have been observed between T levels and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in the BS patients. We investigated whether the hormonal pattern and the variation within CAG repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, affecting androgen sensitivity, are associated with the Brugada ECG phenotype in males. Methods and Results 16 male patients with BS (mean age 45.06 ± 11.3 years) were studied. 12-lead ECG was recorded. Blood levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, testosterone, free-T, dihydrotestosterone, 17-β-estradiol, estrone, 3-alpha-androstanediol-glucuronide, delta-4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were assayed. Genotyping of CAG repeats on DNA extracted from leukocytes was carried out. No relationship was found between hormone values and ECG parameters of BS. BS patients showed the CAG length normally recognized in the human polymorphism range and the number of CAG repeats did not correlate with the ECG pattern of BS. Conclusions The AR CAG repeat length does not correlate with the ECG features of the patients affected by BS. The search for genes downstream AR activation as possibly responsible for the increased risk of spontaneous arrhythmias in BS males after puberty is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mariani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Physiopathology and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Strollo F, Boitani C, Basciani S, Pecorelli L, Palumbo D, Borgia L, Masini MA, Morè M, Strollo G, Spera G, Uva BM, Riondino G. The pituitary-testicular axis in microgravity: analogies with the aging male syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2005; 28:78-83. [PMID: 16760631] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Extraterrestrial exploration has gone on for decades before reversible testicular failure was shown to be a consequence of space flight in humans and animals at the end of the XXth century. This phenomenon was initially thought to depend on the psycho-physical stress expected to derive from a decidedly unusual environment, but the lack of consistent data concerning cortisol increase and/or gonadotrophin suppression pointed to the possibility of a primary defect. This was indirectly confirmed by the observation that a continuum of testicular androgen secretion potential exists from microgravity to centrifuge-derived hypergravity. Further experiments using tissue slices and suspended cells confirmed a direct inhibitory effect of microgravity upon testicular androgen production. A parallel deterioration of major physiological parameters, such as bone density, muscle mass/force, red blood cell mass, hydration and cardiopulmonary performance, has been repeatedly described during space missions, which, luckily enough, fully recover within days to weeks after landing, the time lag depending on single organ/system adaptation rates. According to the Authors of the present review, when taking together all reported changes occurring in space, a picture emerges closely resembling the so-called aging male syndrome, which is currently the object of daily screening and clinical care in their endocrine unit, so that microgravity may become a tool for better understanding subtle mechanisms of testicular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Strollo
- Endocrine and Metabolic Department, INRCA-IRCCS, 00189 Rome, Italy.
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Aversa A, Basciani S, Visca P, Arizzi M, Gnessi L, Frajese G, Fabbri A. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptors in rat corpus cavernosum: changes in expression after transient in vivo hypoxia. J Endocrinol 2001; 170:395-402. [PMID: 11479135 DOI: 10.1677/joe.0.1700395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) overactivity has been implicated in atherosclerosis and several fibrotic conditions including lung and kidney fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and myelofibrosis. Low oxygen tension (hypoxia) is a known stimulus for transcriptional induction of PDGF ligand and receptor genes in different tissues. We studied the expression and localization of PDGF-A, PDGF-B, and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-alpha and -beta subunits in adult rat isolated corpus cavernosum (CC) under generalized transient hypoxia (pO(2) 10%) in comparison with normoxic conditions. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of mRNA extracted from rat penis showed higher amounts of PDGF-A, PDGF-B and PDGFR-beta mRNA transcripts in hypoxic versus normoxic animals. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that the localization of PDGF subunits and PDGFR-beta was confined to the cytoplasm of the perivascular smooth muscle cells, endothelium and trabecular fibroblasts. Our findings indicate that transient low oxygen tension induces PDGF overexpression in rat CC, which in the long term may lead to an increase of connective tissue production. We suggest that a local impairment of the PDGF/PDGFR system may contribute to CC fibrosis, which is an established cause of erectile dysfunction in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aversa
- AFaR-CRCCS, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli-Isola Tiberina, 00186 Rome, Italy.
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Gnessi L, Basciani S, Mariani S, Arizzi M, Spera G, Wang C, Bondjers C, Karlsson L, Betsholtz C. Leydig cell loss and spermatogenic arrest in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A-deficient mice. J Cell Biol 2000; 149:1019-26. [PMID: 10831606 PMCID: PMC2174827 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.149.5.1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)- A-deficient male mice were found to develop progressive reduction of testicular size, Leydig cells loss, and spermatogenic arrest. In normal mice, the PDGF-A and PDGF-Ralpha expression pattern showed positive cells in the seminiferous epithelium and in interstitial mesenchymal cells, respectively. The testicular defects seen in PDGF-A-/- mice, combined with the normal developmental expression of PDGF-A and PDGF-Ralpha, indicate that through an epithelial-mesenchymal signaling, the PDGF-A gene is essential for the development of the Leydig cell lineage. These findings suggest that PDGF-A may play a role in the cascade of genes involved in male gonad differentiation. The Leydig cell loss and the spermatogenic impairment in the mutant mice are reminiscent of cases of testicular failure in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Gnessi
- Department of Medical Pathophysiology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", 00161 Roma, Italy.
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