Retraction Note: Presence of viral spike protein and vaccinal spike protein in the blood serum of patients with long-COVID syndrome

The article "Presence of viral spike protein and vaccinal spike protein in the blood serum of patients with long-COVID syndrome", by K. Dhuli, M.C. Medori, C. Micheletti, K. Donato, F. Fioretti, A. Calzoni, A. Praderio, M.G. De Angelis, G. Arabia, S. Cristoni, S. Nodari, M. Bertelli, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2023; 27 (6 Suppl): 13-19-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202312_34685-PMID: 38112944 has been retracted by the Editor in Chief for the following reasons. Following some concerns raised on PubPeer, the Editor in Chief has started an investigation to assess the validity of the results. The outcome of the investigation revealed that the manuscript presented major flaws in the following: -       Unclear methodology and patient recruitment -       Discrepancies among data reported in the text and tables -       Unreliable results -       Undeclared conflict of interest Consequently, the Editor in Chief mistrusts the results presented and has decided to withdraw the article. The authors disagree with this retraction. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/34685.

Presence of viral spike protein and vaccinal spike protein in the blood serum of patients with long-COVID syndrome

OBJECTIVE

COVID-19 patients experience, in 10-20% of the cases, a prolonged long-COVID syndrome, defined as the persistence of symptoms for at least two months after the infection. The underlying biological mechanisms of this syndrome remain poorly understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed, among which are the potential autoimmunity resulting from molecular mimicry between viral spike protein and human proteins, the reservoir and viral reproduction hypothesis, and the viral integration hypothesis. Although official data state that vaccinal spike protein is harmless and remains at the site of infection, several studies proposed spike protein toxicity and found it in blood circulation several months after the vaccination. To search for the presence of viral and vaccine spike protein in a cohort of long-COVID patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we employed a proteomic-based approach utilizing mass spectrometry to analyze the serum of 81 patients with long-COVID syndrome. Moreover, viral integration in patients' leukocytes was assessed with a preliminary study, without further investigation.

RESULTS

We identified the presence of the viral spike protein in one patient after infection clearance and negativity of COVID-19 test and the vaccine spike protein in two patients two months after the vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, in agreement with other published investigations, demonstrates that both natural and vaccine spike protein may still be present in long-COVID patients, thus supporting the existence of a possible mechanism that causes the persistence of spike protein in the human body for much longer than predicted by early studies. According to these results, all patients with long-COVID syndrome should be analyzed for the presence of vaccinal and viral spike protein.

Metabolomic profiling of amino acid alterations in anorexia nervosa: implications for appetite regulation and therapeutic strategies

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia nervosa (AN), a severe psychiatric disorder primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, is characterized by extreme dietary restriction and distorted body image. While the psychological aspects of AN are well-documented, its intricate metabolic underpinnings remain less explored. We think that metabolomic analysis of hair samples emerges as a promising tool to unveil the complex physiological alterations in AN. This study aims to comprehensively profile amino acid concentrations in hair samples from AN patients and healthy controls. Additionally, it seeks to elucidate potential correlations between amino acid alterations and appetite dysregulation in AN, thereby shedding light on the physiological basis of this debilitating disorder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 25 AN patients and 25 age-matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. Hair samples were collected, and metabolites were extracted and analyzed using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Clinical data and biochemical markers were also gathered to characterize participants' demographic and clinical profiles.

RESULTS

Metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in amino acid concentrations in AN patients compared to healthy controls. Notably, deficiencies in essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) were observed, highlighting potential contributors to muscle wasting and appetite dysregulation. Further analysis identified specific amino acids as robust biomarkers capable of distinguishing AN patients with high sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study unveils the complex metabolic disturbances associated with AN and underscores the role of amino acid dysregulation in the disorder's pathophysiology. The identified biomarkers hold promise for diagnostic screening and potential therapeutic interventions, opening avenues for personalized approaches in AN treatment. Ultimately, this research contributes to our understanding of chronic disorders through the lens of metabolomics and the chemosensory underpinnings of appetite regulation.

Unraveling the complexity of anti-doping analysis: reassessing meldonium detection and doping verdicts in a case study

BACKGROUND

The precision and accuracy of mass spectrometry (MS) made it a fundamental tool in anti-doping analysis. High-resolution (HR) mass spectrometers significantly improved compound identification. This study systematically analyzes data from an athlete (Subject 1) who tested positive for meldonium and compares it with data from a healthy volunteer (Subject 2) to examine the correctness of the doping verdict.

CASE PRESENTATION

The documentation related to Subject 1 was thoroughly processed and analyzed. A study involving a volunteer (Subject 2) replicated Subject 1 regimen and urine sample collection for data alignment with anti-doping results, with Subject 2 reporting not using meldonium. The anti-doping agency's analysis of Subject 1 showed the presence of meldonium at a concentration close to the established cut-off level. However, a closer examination revealed that one specific ion, crucial for meldonium identification, was absent from the mass spectra. Analyzing Subject 2 data, using the same methodology, the absence of the specific ion was confirmed, even though the volunteer did not consume meldonium. The European directive and the method that was validated and cited by the anti-doping agency identified meldonium on at least four specific ions, whereas the anti-doping analysis used only three ions. This discrepancy compromises the specificity of meldonium identification.

CONCLUSIONS

To enhance the analytical methodology, two strategic interventions are suggested: adjusting the meldonium cut-off value and expanding the analysis to include meldonium metabolites. By addressing these avenues, the precision of meldonium detection and doping verdicts can be improved. In conclusion, this study challenges the anti-doping agency's verdict and prompts a reevaluation of meldonium detection methodologies in anti-doping measures.

MAGI-Dock: a PyMOL companion to Autodock Vina

Molecular docking simulation of small molecule drugs to macromolecules is valuable in structural biology and medicinal chemistry research. Its spread is supported by freely available software and databases. Like many resources in the free domain, docking software is command-line based, which comes to a limitation when defining the volume encompassing an active site, the so-called docking box. The box center and size, usually specified as cartesian coordinates, can be adjusted to correctly cover the active site only with a third-party molecular graphics program compatible with the docking input/output files, which reduces the choice to a few options. Moreover, the additional staff training may hamper the adoption of such software, e.g., in an enterprise environment. We exposed the functionality of Autodock and Autodock Vina into a graphical user interface extending upon that of PyMOL. Both the functionality of PyMOL and Autodock are merged, synergizing the capabilities of each program. To overcome such limitations, here we present MAGI-Dock. This graphical user interface combines the power of two of the most used free software for docking and graphics, Autodock Vina and PyMOL. MAGI-Dock is a free open-source software available under the GPL and can be downloaded from https://github.com/gjonwick/MAGI-Dock. The coupling of Autodock Vina with PyMOL through a graphical interface removes the molecular modeling limitations that come with Autodock. Therefore, MAGI-Dock could be conducive to lowering the learning curve for molecular docking simulation, with benefits for trainees in both academia and enterprise environments.

Serum proteomic profiling reveals potential inflammatory biomarkers in long-COVID patients: a comparative analysis with healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

The highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 was responsible for the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 mostly affects the respiratory system; however, this infection also affects several other organs. In addition, the sequelae of this disease affect patients for several months after recovery, resulting in long-COVID syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In order to characterize the differences between healthy control individuals and long-COVID patients, proteomic profiling of the serum of both groups was performed by mass spectrometry. The obtained data were analyzed with multivariate and univariate statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Initially, performing a partial latent square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) made it possible to identify thirty-three proteins of interest, which were then subjected to a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Four proteins were identified as potential stand-alone biomarkers: Sirtuin 1, Natriuretic Peptide B, Hemopexin, and Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase. Moreover, a multivariate ROC analysis identified a panel of biomarkers composed of Natriuretic Peptide B, Anterior Gradient 2 Protein, Adiponectin, Endothelin Converting Enzyme 1, Interferon Induced Transmembrane Protein 1, Mannose Binding Lectin 2, Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2, Pirin, Prostaglandin Reductase 1 and Cystatin C.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified biomarkers are associated with inflammatory processes, corroborating literature evidence that long-COVID patients develop an inflammatory state that damages many tissues. Nevertheless, these data should be validated in a larger cohort.

Exploring the Impact of Tobacco Usage on Microbiome Dysbiosis and Associated Health Risks: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advancements and Future Directions

Abstract

All over the world, tobacco usage is quickly expanding. Though it presents a major health risk and is anticipated to have long-lasting impacts on the public and economic health of the country, its consumers are increasing with every passing day. Tobacco is being used in a variety of ways, with cigarettes being the most popular. Smoking affects the healthy oral, intestinal, and pulmonary microbiomes, often altering the dynamic equilibrium of the diverse bacteria that make up the human microbiome, or "dysbiosis". Smoking-induced dysbiosis can lead to developing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pul-monary disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and periodontitis. The purpose of the following article is to provide a better and more comprehensive overview of the key areas that the tobacco industry needs to investigate, such as microbiome manipulation, to provide a complete picture of recent advancements in tobacco research while also keeping public safety in mind, and the various diseases linked to tobacco use.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to physical activity, response to chiropractic treatment, mood and sleep

Abstract

Nutrigenomics, a rapidly evolving field that bridges genetics and nutrition, explores the intricate interactions between an individual's genetic makeup and how they respond to nutrients. At its core, this discipline focuses on investigating Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common genetic variations, which significantly influence a person's physiological status, mood regulation, and sleep patterns, thus playing a pivotal role in a wide range of health out-comes. Through decoding their functional implications, researchers are able to uncover genetic factors that impact physical fitness, pain perception, and susceptibility to mood disorders and sleep disruptions. The integration of nutrigenomics into healthcare holds the promise of transformative interventions that cater to individual well-being. Notable studies shed light on the connection between SNPs and personalized responses to exercise, as well as vulnerability to mood disorders and sleep disturbances. Understanding the intricate interplay between genetics and nutrition informs targeted dietary approaches, molding individual health trajectories. As research advances, the convergence of genetics and nourishment is on the brink of reshaping healthcare, ushering in an era of personalized health management that enhances overall life quality. Nutrigenomics charts a path toward tailored nutritional strategies, fundamentally reshaping our approach to health preservation and preventive measures.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to minerals' deficiencies

Abstract

Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics are two interrelated fields that explore the influence of genetic diversity on nutrient responses and function. While nutrigenetics investigates the effects of hereditary ge-netic variations on micronutrient metabolism, nutrigenomics examines the intricate relationship between diet and the genome, studying how genetic variants impact nutrient intake and gene expression. These disciplines offer valuable insights into predicting and managing chronic diseases through personalized nutritional approaches. Nutrigenomics employs cutting-edge genomics technologies to study nutrient-genome interactions. Key principles involve genetic variability among ethnic groups, affecting nutrient bioavailability and metabolism, and the influence of dietary choices based on cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors. Polymorphisms, particularly single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), significantly influence gene activity and are associated with specific phenotypes that are related to micronutrient deficiencies. Minerals are inorganic elements, vital for various physiological functions. Understanding the SNPs associated with mineral deficien-cies is crucial for assessing disease risk and developing personalized treatment plans. This knowledge can inform public health interventions, targeted screening programs, educational campaigns, and fortified food products to address deficiencies effectively. Nutrigenomics research has the potential to revolutionize clinical and nutritional practices, providing personalized recommendations, enhancing illness risk assessment, and advancing public health initiatives. Despite the need for further research, harnessing nutrigenomics' potential can lead to more focused and efficient methods for preventing and treating mineral deficiencies.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs Correlated to Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism

Background

Nutrigenomics - the study of the interactions between genetics and nutrition - has emerged as a pivotal field in personalized nutrition. Among various genetic variations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been extensively studied for their probable relationship with metabolic traits.

Methods

Throughout this review, we have employed a targeted research approach, carefully handpicking the most representative and relevant articles on the subject. Our methodology involved a systematic review of the scientific literature to ensure a comprehensive and accurate overview of the available sources.

Results

SNPs have demonstrated a significant influence on lipid metabolism, by impacting genes that encode for enzymes involved in lipid synthesis, transport, and storage. Furthermore, they have the ability to affect enzymes in glycolysis and insulin signaling pathways: in a way, they can influence the risk of type 2 diabetes. Thanks to recent advances in genotyping technologies, we now know numerous SNPs linked to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The large-scale studies on this topic have unveiled the potential of personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic makeup. Personalized nutritional interventions hold promise to mitigate the risk of various chronic diseases; however, translating these scientific insights into actionable dietary guidelines is still challenging.

Conclusions

As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, collaborations between geneticists, nutritionists, and healthcare providers are essential to harness the power of genetic information for improving metabolic health. By unraveling the genetic basis of metabolic responses to diet, this field holds the potential to revolutionize how we approach dietary recommendations and preventive healthcare practices.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to Food Preferences and Susceptibilities

Background

Nutrigenomics explores the intricate interplay between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), food preferences, and susceptibilities.

Methods

This study delves into the influence of SNPs on food sensitivities, allergies, tyramine intolerance, and taste preferences. Genetic factors intricately shape physiological reactions to dietary elements, with polymorphisms contributing to diverse sensitivities and immune responses.

Results

Tyramine intolerance, arising from metabolic inefficiencies, unveils genetic markers exerting influence on enzyme function. SNPs transcend genetic diversity by exerting substantial impact on food sensitivities/allergies, with specific variants correlating to heightened susceptibilities. Genes accountable for digesting food components play pivotal roles. Given the rising prevalence of food sensitivities/allergies, understanding genetic foundations becomes paramount. In the realm of taste and food preferences, SNPs sculpt perception and choice, yielding variances in taste perception and preferences for sweetness, bitterness, and umami. This genetic medley extends its reach to encompass wider health implications.

Conclusions

In this review article, we have focused on how polymorphisms wield significant sway over physiological responses, sensitivities, and dietary inclinations. Unraveling these intricate relationships illuminates the path to personalized nutrition, potentially revolutionizing tailored recommendations and interventions.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is a complex disease, with a wide range of genetic alterations and clinical presentations. Understanding the natural and clinical history of the disease is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. Omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have emerged as powerful tools for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer and for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These approaches enable researchers to examine the entire genome, transcriptome, proteome, or metabolome of a cell or tissue, providing a comprehensive view of the biological processes involved in lung cancer development and progression. Targeted therapies that address specific genetic mutations and pathways hold promise for improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in kidney cancer

Abstract

In the last decade, renal carcinoma has become more prevalent in European and North American regions. Kidney tumors are usually categorized based on histological features, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common subtype in adults. Despite conventional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, a rise in cancer incidence and recurrence necessitates a fresh approach to diagnosing and treating kidney cancer. This review focuses on novel multi-omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, to better understand the molecular and clinical features of renal cell carcinoma. Studies integrating omics sciences have shown early promise in enhancing prognostic and therapeutic outcomes for various kidney cancer subtypes and providing insight into fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms occurring at different molecular levels. This review highlights the importance of utilizing omics sciences as a revolutionary concept in diagnostics and therapeutics and the clinical implications of renal cell carcinoma. Finally, the review presents the most recent findings from large-scale multi-omics studies on renal cell carcinoma and its associations with patient subtyping and drug development.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in sarcoma

Background

Sarcomas are a relatively rare but diverse group of cancers that typically develop in the mesenchymal cells of bones and soft tissues. Occurring in more than 70 subtypes, sarcomas have broad histological presentations, posing significant challenges of prognosis and treatment. Modern multi-omics studies, which include genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and micro-biomics, are vital to understand the underlying mechanisms of sarcoma development and progression, identify molecular biomarkers for early detection, develop personalized treatment plans, and discover drug resistance mechanisms in sarcomas to upsurge the survival rate.

Aim

This study aims to highlight the genetic risk factors responsible for sarcoma-genesis, and to present a comprehensive review of multi-omics studies about sarcoma.

Methods

Extensive literature research was undertaken using reliable and authentic medical journals, e-books, and online cancer research databases. Mendelian inheritance in man database (OMIM) was explored to study particular genes and their loci that are responsible to cause various sarcomas.

Result

This in-depth research led to the finding out that omics studies provide a more comprehensive understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms of sarcomas. Through genomics, we can reveal genetic alterations that predispose to sarcoma, like mutation in TP53, NF1, and so on. Pharmacogenomics enable us to find molecular targets for specific drugs. Whereas, proteomic and metabolomic studies provide insights into the biological pathways involved in sarcoma development and progression.

Conclusion

Future advancements in omics sciences for sarcoma are on the cutting-edge of defining precision treatment plans and improved resilience of sarcoma patients.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in thyroid cancer

Background

Thyroid cancer, a heterogeneous disease originating from the thyroid gland, stands as the predominant endocrine malignan-cy worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, some patients still experience recurrence and mortality, which highlights the need for more personalized approaches to treatment. Omics sciences, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, offer a high-throughput and impartial methodology for investigating the molecular signatures of thyroid cancer.

Methods

In the course of this review, we have adopted a focu-sed research strategy, meticulously selecting the most pertinent and emblematic articles related to the topic. Our methodology included a systematic examination of the scientific literature to guarantee a thorough and precise synthesis of the existing sources.

Results

These techniques enable the identification of molecular markers that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection. As an illustration, through genomics studies, numerous genetic alterations commonly discovered in thyroid cancer have been identified, such as mutations in the BRAF and RAS genes. Through transcriptomics studies, distinctively expressed genes in thyroid cancer have been uncovered, playing roles in diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. These genes can serve as potential targets for novel therapies. Proteomics studies have unveiled differentially expressed proteins intricately involved in thyroid cancer pathogenesis, presenting promising biomarkers for early detection and disease progression monitoring. Metabolomics studies have identified alterations in metabolic pathways linked to thyroid cancer, offering promising avenues for potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Precision medicine in thyroid cancer involves the integration of omics sciences with clinical data to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. Employing targeted therapies guided by molecular markers has exhibited promising outcomes in enhancing the prognosis of thyroid cancer patients. Notably, those with advanced hyroid cancer carrying BRAF mutations have displayed substantial responses to specific targeted therapies, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib.

Reduction of nitrosamines in cigarette smoke vapors through a filter functionalized with polyphenols from olive tree

Objective

In our study, we present the development of a novel cigarette filter enriched with polyphenols, with a particular focus on hydroxytyrosol extracted from olive sources. Our objective was to trap the presence of carcinogens in cigarette smoke by chemically modifying the filter surface.

Materials and methods

To evaluate the filtration efficiency of the newly developed filter, we employed an automated Stain Pattern technique, enabling non-intrusive measurement of behavioral vent blocking. The surface modification of cigarette filters was meticulously carried out to target the reduction of nitrosamines formed during combustion.

Results

Our extensive investigation underscores the potential of functionalizing cigarette filters using olive polyphenols, in particular hydroxytyrosol to mitigate the formation of harmful compounds, particularly nitrosamines, during smoking. Functionalized filters exhibited remarkable filtering efficiency, as evidenced by a capture factor (f=2.9×103) for two layers.

Conclusions

This innovative approach has the capacity to revolutionize the utilization of filters in commercial cigarettes, significantly reducing consumers' exposure to toxic chemicals. Our research demonstrates that hydroxytyrosol-functionalized cigarette filters can effectively remove noxious substances like nitrosamines, offering a promising avenue for enhancing public health. Further in-depth research is essential to assess the protective impact of hydroxytyrosol-functionalized filters cigarettes, ensuring their potential to safeguard consumers' health effectively.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to vitamins' deficiencies

Abstract

Nutrients can influence the physiological processes in the body by interacting with molecular systems. Including nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, nutritional genomics focuses on how bio-active food components interact with the genome. The purpose of this study is to clarify how nutrigenomics and vitamin dietary deficits relate to one another. Food tolerances among human sub-populations are known to vary due to genetic variation, which may also affect dietary needs. This raises the prospect of tailoring a person's nutritional intake for optimum health and illness prevention, based on their unique genome. To better understand the interplay between genes and nutrients and to plan tailored weight loss, nutrigenetic testing may soon become a key approach.

Omics sciences and precision medicine in Urothelial Carcinoma

Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the potential of omics sciences - such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics - in advancing the diagnosis and therapy of urothelial carcinoma (UC), a prevalent and heterogeneous cancer affecting the urinary tract. The article emphasizes the significant advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying UC development and progression, obtained through the application of omics approa-ches. Genomic studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in UC, while transcriptomic analyses have revealed distinct gene expression profiles associated with different UC subtypes. Proteomic investigations have recognized protein biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic potential, and metabolomic profiling has found metabolic alterations that are specific to UC. The integration of multi-omics data holds promises in refining UC subtyping, identifying therapeutic targets, and predicting treatment response. However, challenges like the standardization of omics technologies, validation of biomarkers, and ethical considerations need to be addressed to successfully translate these findings into clinical practice. Omics sciences offer tremendous potential in revolutionizing the diagnosis and therapy of UC, enabling more precise diagnostic methods, prognostic evaluations, and personalized treatment selection for UC patients. Future research efforts should focus on overcoming these challenges and translating omics discoveries into meaningful clinical applications to improve outcomes for UC patients.

Nutrigenomics: SNPs correlated to detoxification, antioxidant capacity and longevity

Abstract

Nutritional genomics, also known as nutrigenomics, is the study of how a person's diet and genes interact with each other. The field of nutrigenomics aims to explain how common nutrients, food additives and preservatives can change the body's genetic balance towards either health or sickness. This study reviews the effects of SNPs on detoxification, antioxidant capacity, and longevity. SNPs are mutations that only change one nucleotide at a specific site in the DNA. Specific SNPs have been associated to a variety of biological processes, including detoxification, antioxidant capacity, and longevity. This article mainly focuses on the following genes: SOD2, AS3MT, CYP1A2, and ADO-RA2A (detoxification); LEPR, TCF7L2, KCNJ11, AMY1, and UCP3 (antioxidant capacity); FOXO3 and BPIFB4 (longevity). This review underlines that many genes-among which FOXO3, TCF7L2, LEPR, CYP1A2, ADORA2A, and SOD2-have a unique effect on a person's health, susceptibility to disease, and general well-being. Due to their important roles in numerous biological processes and their implications for health, these genes have undergone intensive research. Examining the SNPs in these genes can provide insight into how genetic variants affect individuals' responses to their environment, their likelihood of developing certain diseases, and their general state of health.

Targeting Mast Cells: Sodium Cromoglycate as a Possible Treatment of Lipedema

Background

Mast cells are immune cells that mediate hypersensi-tivity and allergic reactions in the body, secreting histamine and other inflammatory molecules. They have been associated with different inflammatory conditions such as obesity and other adipose tissue di-sorders. Lipedema is a chronic disease characterized by an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue on the legs and arms, pain, and other symptoms. Mast cells may play a role in the pathology of lipedema.

Objective

Pilot study to determine levels of histamine and its metabolites in lipedema subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) biopsy samples, and to test sodium cromoglycate for the treatment of mast cells in women with lipedema.

Methods

Biopsies from lipedema and control SAT were collected and analyzed histologically for the presence of mast cells. Mass spec-trometry was used to measure the levels of histamine, a key marker of mast cells, and its metabolites in SAT in women with lipedema and controls, and after a group of women with lipedema were administered oral and topical doses of sodium cromoglycate for two weeks.

Results

Histological examination of biopsies from lipedema patients confirmed the presence of mast cells. Metabolomic analysis revealed high levels of histamine and its metabolites in samples from women with lipedema compared to controls. Following a two-week treatment period, lipedema tissue samples exhibited reduced levels of histamine, suggesting a reduction of mast cell activity.

Conclusion

Sodium cromoglycate has the ability to stabilize mast cells and reduce histamine levels in lipedema patients, which could be useful in lowering the symptoms of lipedema.

Secondary electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry: breath study on a control group

A series of fatty acids among other compounds have recently been detected in breath in real time by secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SESI-MS) (Martínez-Lozano P and Fernández de la Mora J 2008 Anal. Chem. 80 8210). Our main aim in this work was to (1) quantify their abundance in breath calibrating the system with standard vapors and (2) extend the study to a control group for several days, both under fasting conditions and after sucrose intake. For the quantitative study, we fed our system with controlled amounts (∼140-1440 ppt) of fatty acid vapors (i.e. propanoic, butanoic, pentanoic and hexanoic acids). As a result, we found sensitivities ranging between 1 and 2.2 cps/ppt. Estimated concentrations of these particular acids in the breath of a fasting subject were in the order of 100 ppt. These values were in reasonable agreement with those expected from reported typical plasma concentrations and Henry constants. A second set of experiments on three fasting individuals before and after ingesting 15 g of sucrose showed that the concentration of propionic and butanoic acids increased rapidly in breath for two subjects. This response was attributed to bacterial activity in mouth and pharynx. In contrast, a third subject showed no response to the administration of sucrose. In addition, we performed a survey among six fasting subjects comparing nasal and mouth exhalations during 11 days, 4 months apart. The signal intensity was comparable for mouth and nose breath. This observation, in conjunction with the quantitative study, suggests that these compounds are mostly systemic when measured under fasting conditions. We finally used the NIST MS search algorithm to evaluate the possibility of recognizing a breathing subject based on his/her breath signature. The global recognition score was 63% (41 out of 65), while the probability by chance alone was 6 × 10(-17). This indicates that (i) there are statistically recognizable differences in individual breath patterns and (ii) the breath pattern for a given subject is relatively stable in time. This is consistent with previous NMR-based studies indicating the existence of stable individual metabolic phenotypes.

LC-APCI-MS/MS analysis of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) is regarded as an important biomarker of oxidative DNA damage and it may be estimated by using different techniques in various biological matrices, most notably DNA and urine. In the case of DNA, artifactual oxidation may take place during the isolation of DNA, its hydrolysis and possible derivatization (as for GC-MS), invalidating the measurement of 8OHdG. Therefore, the direct analysis of 8OHdG excreted into urine was preferred. Interferences from the urine matrix were excluded by applying LC-APCI-MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The abundant fragment ion at m/z 168 arising from 8OHdG was monitored in the urine sample of volunteers supplemented with tomato concentrate for different times. The procedure allowed the detection of levels of 8OHdG as low as 1 ng/ml in urine sample.

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry in the characterization of stereoisomeric synthons of cyclopropane amino acids

The mass spectrometric behaviour of (1S,2R)-, (1R,2R)-, (1R,2S)- and (1S,2S)-2-[(S)-2,2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxolan-4-yl]-1-spiro-¿4'[2'-phenyl-5'(4'H)-oxazolone]¿ cyclopropane (2) and (1S,2R)-, (1R,2R)-, (1R,2S)- and (1S, 2S)-methyl-1-benzamido-2-[(S)-2,2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxolan-4-yl]cyclopropanecarboxylate (3) was studied under atmospheric pressure ionization conditions and by multi-stage mass spectrometric (MS(n)) experiments performed with an ion trap. Interestingly, by using methanol as solvent, compounds 2 lead to [M + H + CH(3)OH](+) ions which, as proved by collisional experiments, exhibit the same structure of the corresponding compound 3. MS/MS of [MH](+) ions allows a clear characterization of the different stereoisomers, which give rise to specific fragmentation pathways, rationalized with respect to the structure of the neutral molecules.

Electrospray ionization in the study of the polycondensation of Ti(O-i-C3H7)4 and Ti(O-n-C4H9)4

The polycondensation of Ti(O-i-C3H7)4 (1) and Ti(O-n-C4H9)4 (2), precursors widely employed in sol-gel processes, has been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. By analysis of 10(-6) M methanol solutions of compounds 1 and 2, the same ionic species are detected, proving that the first step in the polycondensation reaction is the i-propyl (or n-butyl) alcohol-methanol complete exchange. This reaction leads to the Ti(OCH3)4 (3) species, representing the synthon of the polycondensation. Various oligomers of 3 have been detected and characterized by MS/MS experiments, and the related mechanisms have been discussed. A minor oligomeric series due to hydroxyl-containing polycondensation products has also been characterized.